2013 annual report
I feel like I’m on
top
of
the world
and I didn’t need to be
perfect to get there.
Jessica Simpson
USA
Dear Shareholders,
As the global leading provider of commercial weight
management services, Weight Watchers is an
extraordinary company: a mission-based organization
that has consistently delivered results to millions
of people. We help our members live happier,
healthier lives. The Company delivers a proven
weight loss and management solution supported by
comprehensive scientific research. It is no wonder
that the Weight Watchers® brand remains the world’s
first choice for tackling the obesity crisis.
Over its 50-year history, Weight Watchers has
helped millions of members lose weight through
its effective, affordable and accessible program.
The Weight Watchers program is one of the most
clinically studied commercial weight management
programs in history, with more than 80 peer-reviewed
publications in the last 20 years demonstrating,
among other benefits, the consistently strong
efficacy of our program. A recent study conducted
by Baylor College of Medicine further
underscored this efficacy, concluding that
participants who joined Weight Watchers lost
more weight than people who were given
information about weight loss and then left
to figure out a path forward on their own.
Additionally, the study found that among
those participants who engaged with Weight
Watchers across multiple touch points – for
example, attending meetings and using online
and mobile tools – the success rate was even
higher. In short, the more touch points, the
better the result. Science continues to support
our belief that, for most people, the combination
of enabling tools and expert support is most
correlated with weight loss success.
While our combination of tools and support has
enabled Weight Watchers to retain its global
leadership position, we are feeling the effects
of a rapidly changing competitive environment.
Overall, consumer needs for our category
have not changed, but the way the consumer
perceives how these needs can be met is
evolving significantly, as fitness monitors and
free weight management tools have increased
their market penetration. We know we need to
adapt and innovate our offerings in order to be
more competitive. Looking back, 2013 was a
challenging year for the Company, with financial
results falling short of our expectations. While
our business remained profitable, generating
high cash flow and strong ROI, full-year revenue
declined six percent to $1.7 billion, and adjusted
EPS was $3.87 compared to $4.16 in 2012. We
do not find this performance acceptable, and in
late 2013 we began implementing change as
part of a multi-year transformation plan. We
are moving to revitalize top-line growth through
innovative and aggressive initiatives to close
the gap between our market potential and our
performance. While we have a lot of hard
work ahead, our powerful brand, dedicated
colleagues and significant resources give us the
confidence that we will return our Company
to sustainable growth. Our strong leadership
team, operating with a sense of urgency, has
defined four strategic pillars in our go-forward
transformation plan.
The first pillar is driving immediate performance
improvement – a near-term focus on top-line
improvement coupled with disciplined cost
management. Facing a challenging 2014,
we are taking quick and decisive actions
throughout our organization: making our
structure more nimble and improving our ability
to adapt to market changes. We have already
made good progress in flexing down our cost
structure, making it more variable and aligning
it better with our top-line performance. In fact,
we are well on our way to achieving a run rate
of $150 million in gross annualized savings by
the end of 2014. At the same time, we have
been optimizing our marketing strategies and
advertising creative to achieve the right balance
of effectiveness and efficiency.
The second strategic pillar is re-imagining our
consumer offering. To maintain our leadership
position and return to growth, we need to
Weight Watchers isn’t a
diet to me. It’s a way of
life!
Dustin
USA, lost 100 lbs*
Weight Watchers Mobile App
iOS & Android
* People following the Weight Watchers plan
can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week.
I love the Weight Watchers
community because we all
support each other.
Tracey
UK
Clockwise from top:
Tracey lost 172 lbs*
Tim lost 33 lbs*
Melissa lost 67 lbs*
Sophie lost 33 lbs*
*People following the Weight Watchers plan
can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week.
We were once again ranked #1 for Best
Weight Loss Diet, Easiest Diet to Follow
and Best Commercial Diet Plan by
U.S. News and World Report.
innovate in a changing market, leveraging a deep understanding of consumer
needs. We are moving away from a hard distinction between our meetings
business and Online business, and we are combining our assets to solve for the
consumer’s weight management needs on his or her terms. This will require
the creation of new fundamental capabilities in innovation and investments in
our insights and product development processes. Finally, this implies evolving
our brand positioning as well, building on the incredible brand awareness of
Weight Watchers to make our brand more inclusive and capable of playing a
broader role in consumer wellness to attract a wider range of consumer
segments. Our transformation plan calls for 2015 to be a year of significant
progress in re-imagining our marketplace offer.
Growing our healthcare business is our third strategic pillar. Weight Watchers is
uniquely suited to a more integrated place in the healthcare ecosystem, taking a
front line position in fighting the obesity epidemic. There is a growing emphasis
on obesity prevention driven by regulatory changes and an increasing focus on
corporate wellness. Obesity-related conditions, especially diabetes, come at a
significant cost for employers, health plans, providers and employees. Excess
weight drives 10% of healthcare costs1 and obesity raises annual medical costs
by over $2,700 per adult2. It is clear that fundamental lifestyle change will be
a key factor in long-term healthcare cost containment. Weight Watchers has
a significant opportunity to partner with large healthcare players, creating new
access to millions of lives who can benefit from our solutions. In turn, healthcare
organizations and employers can reap the rewards of healthier employees and
lower costs. Our team is building out our capabilities – many rooted in technology
– to meet the needs of the expanding healthcare market. Our powerful brand,
leading market presence, and proven effectiveness all make Weight Watchers a
compelling partner for employers, insurers, and healthcare providers pursuing
the benefits of improved weight management on a population level.
Our fourth and final strategic pillar is strengthening the organization. Weight
Watchers is united by a core belief in our mission of helping people lose weight to
live happier, healthier lives. In addition, we are committed to instilling the critical
1http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/obesity-prevention-source/obesity-consequences/economic/
Finkelstein EA, Trogdon JG, Cohen JW, Dietz W. Annual medical spending attributable to obesity: payer- and service-
specific estimates. Health Aff (Millwood) 2009; 28(5):w822–w831.
2Cawley. Medical Care Costs of Obesity. Jnl Health Economics 2012.
cultural forces of a more entrepreneurial organization, including agility, teamwork
and empowerment. We are entering 2014 with a re-energized executive team
focused on delivering our transformation and achieving our Company potential.
On the team are several new faces, including Lesya Lysyj, who recently joined
Weight Watchers as President of our North America business unit. Lesya
is a seasoned marketer and is already making valuable contributions to the
Company. Also recently joining the team is Dan Crowe, our new Chief Technology
Officer, who is leading the charge in making our technology stronger and more
flexible to enable a more efficient product development engine and attack the
healthcare opportunity. Across the organization, we are focused on investing in
capabilities that drive member success and we are continually looking for process
improvements and efficiencies in all supporting activities.
Before closing, I note with sadness the passing of John F. Bard, a member of
the Company’s Board of Directors and Chairman of its Audit Committee. For
over 10 years, John provided insight, support and guidance to the Company –
he will be missed.
We would like to thank all of our members, service providers, employees, directors
and shareholders for their contributions and support throughout the year. The
transformation of Weight Watchers will be a multi-year effort, and it certainly will
not be easy. While we have our work cut out for us, our strong brand, talented
team, and incredible members give us a solid foundation upon which to build.
I believe deeply in the opportunity ahead of us, the potential of our business and
the power of the Weight Watchers brand, and I am confident that we have the
strategic plan and team in place to transform the Company and position it for
growth over the long term.
Sincerely,
James R. Chambers
President & Chief Executive Officer
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
È ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 28, 2013.
or
‘ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from
to
.
Commission file number 001-16769
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Virginia
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
11-6040273
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
675 Avenue of the Americas, 6th Floor, New York, New York 10010
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
(212) 589-2700
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Common Stock, no par value
Name of each exchange on which registered
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
(Title of class)
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes È No ‘
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes ‘ No È
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 È No ‘
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any,
every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this
chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such
files).
Yes È No ‘
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this
chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or
information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. È
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a
smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting
company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer È Accelerated filer ‘
Non-accelerated filer ‘ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company ‘
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
Yes ‘ No È
The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates as of June 28, 2013 (based upon the
closing price of $46.00 per share of common stock as of June 28, 2013, the last business day of the registrant’s second fiscal
quarter of 2013, as quoted on the New York Stock Exchange) was $1,254,625,620. For purposes of this computation, it is
assumed that shares of common stock held by our directors, executive officers and our controlling shareholders as of June 28,
2013 would be deemed stock held by affiliates.
The number of shares outstanding of common stock as of January 31, 2014 was 56,426,741.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2014 annual meeting of shareholders are incorporated
herein by reference in Part III, Items 10-14. Such Proxy Statement will be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after the
registrant’s fiscal year ended December 28, 2013.
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Weight Watchers International, Inc.
Annual Report on Form 10-K
Table of Contents
Part I
Item 1.
Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 1A. Risk Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 2.
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Executive Officers and Directors of the Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Part II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of
Equity Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations . . . .
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 8.
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure . . . .
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 9B. Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Part III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 11. Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder
Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Principal Accountant Fees and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 14.
Part IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Weight Watchers International, Inc. is a Virginia corporation with its principal executive offices in New
York, New York. In this Annual Report on Form 10-K unless the context indicates otherwise: “we,” “us,” “our”
and the “Company” refer to Weight Watchers International, Inc. and all of its businesses consolidated for
purposes of its financial statements; “Weight Watchers International” and “WWI” refer to Weight Watchers
International, Inc. and all of the Company’s businesses other than WeightWatchers.com; “WeightWatchers.com”
refers to WeightWatchers.com, Inc. and all of the Company’s Internet-based businesses; and “NACO” refers to
our North American Company-owned meeting operations.
Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to December 31st and consists of either 52- or 53-week periods.
In this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
“fiscal 2008” refers to our fiscal year ended January 3, 2009 (included a 53rd week);
“fiscal 2009” refers to our fiscal year ended January 2, 2010;
“fiscal 2010” refers to our fiscal year ended January 1, 2011;
“fiscal 2011” refers to our fiscal year ended December 31, 2011;
“fiscal 2012” refers to our fiscal year ended December 29, 2012;
“fiscal 2013” refers to our fiscal year ended December 28, 2013; and
“fiscal 2014” refers to our fiscal year ended January 3, 2015 (includes a 53rd week).
The following terms used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are our trademarks: Weight Watchers®,
PointsPlus®, ProPoints ® and ActiveLink®.
ii
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Item 1.
Business
Overview
PART I
We are a leading, global-branded consumer company and the world’s leading provider of weight
management services, operating globally through a network of Company-owned and franchise operations. With
five decades of weight management experience, expertise and know-how, we have established Weight Watchers
as one of the most recognized and trusted brand names among weight-conscious consumers. In fiscal 2013,
consumers spent approximately $5 billion on Weight Watchers branded products and services, including
meetings conducted by us and our franchisees, Internet subscription products sold by WeightWatchers.com,
products sold at meetings, licensed products sold in retail channels and magazine subscriptions and other
publications.
The high awareness and credibility of our brand among all types of weight-conscious consumers—women
and men, consumers online and offline, the support-inclined and the self-help-inclined—provide us with a
significant competitive advantage and growth opportunity. As the number of overweight and obese people
worldwide grows, we believe our global presence and brand awareness uniquely position us to capture an
increasing share of the global weight management market through our core meetings business and our
WeightWatchers.com business.
In the 50 years since our founding, we have built our meetings business by helping millions of people
around the world lose weight through sensible and sustainable food plans, exercise, behavior modification and
group support. Each week, approximately a million members attend over 40,000 Weight Watchers meetings
around the world, which are run by more than 10,000 leaders—each of whom has lost weight on our program.
We are constantly improving our scientifically-based weight management approaches, and we are one of only a
few commercial weight management programs whose efficacy has been clinically proven. Our strong brand,
together with the effectiveness of our plans, loyal customer base and unparalleled network and infrastructure,
enable us to attract new and returning members efficiently. Our customer acquisition costs are relatively low due
to both word of mouth referrals and our efficient mass marketing programs.
Through WeightWatchers.com, we offer Internet subscription weight management products, which include
applications for mobile and tablet devices, to consumers and maintain an interactive presence on the Internet for
the Weight Watchers brand. We believe WeightWatchers.com is the leading global provider of weight
management Internet subscription products. Currently, we provide two Internet subscription offerings: Weight
Watchers Online and Weight Watchers eTools. Weight Watchers Online provides interactive and personalized
resources that allow users to follow our weight management plans via the Internet or on their mobile device.
Weight Watchers eTools is the Internet weight management companion for Weight Watchers meetings members
who want to interactively manage the day-to-day aspects of their weight management plans on the Internet or on
their mobile device. Weight Watchers eTools is offered for free as part of our Monthly Pass commitment plan, or
Monthly Pass, which provides our meetings members with unlimited access to meetings at a discounted monthly
rate. We currently offer our two Internet subscription products in eleven countries, including the United States,
Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany and Australia.
Change in Segment Reporting
Effective the first day of fiscal 2014 (i.e. December 29, 2013), we realigned our organizational structure to
better leverage our significant assets and align our innovation efforts, which resulted in new reporting segments
(North America, United Kingdom, Continental Europe, and Rest of World) for the purpose of making operational
and resource decisions and assessing financial performance. The segment information presented in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K does not reflect this change as the change was not effected internally until our first quarter
of fiscal 2014. We will begin reporting segment information based on these new segments in our Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the first quarter of fiscal 2014.
1
The Global Weight Management Market
We participate in the global weight management market. According to Marketdata Enterprises, the weight
management industry had revenue of approximately $62 billion in 2012 in the United States alone. The number
of overweight and obese people has steadily increased around the world over the past 20 years and is estimated to
reach approximately 3.0 billion by 2015, primarily driven by changing eating patterns and increasingly sedentary
lifestyles. Between 2009 and 2010, 69% of Americans at or over the age of 20 were considered overweight and
over a third of these were obese. Numerous diseases, including heart disease, high blood pressure and Type II
diabetes, are associated with being overweight or obese.
Our Services and Products
Our Weight Management Plans
In each of our markets, we offer services and products that are built upon our weight management program
which is comprised of a range of nutritional, exercise and behavioral tools and approaches. Beginning towards
the end of fiscal 2013, we launched globally a new, two-week starter plan, known as Simple Start in NACO, built
upon a foundation of Weight Watchers Power Foods, which are low in energy density. This starter plan provides
an on-ramp to our weight management plan, PointsPlus as it is known in NACO, or ProPoints as it is known in
certain of our other geographies. PointsPlus is an innovative weight loss system, developed from a combination
of advancements in scientific research and insights of customers who experienced prior Weight Watchers plans.
With the PointsPlus system, each food has a PointsPlus value determined by a unique and proprietary formula
based on the food’s protein, carbohydrates, fat and dietary fiber content. The formula takes into account how
these nutrients are processed by the body as well as their impact on satiety. Subject to certain nutritional
guidelines, customers following the PointsPlus system can eat any food as long as the PointsPlus value of their
total food consumption stays within their personalized PointsPlus “budget”. Since nutritious foods generally
have low PointsPlus values, this approach guides customers toward healthier eating habits. In 2013 we
introduced the Weight Watchers 360° plan, which also built upon the benefits of the PointsPlus system by
adding education and tools for customers to navigate environments in which they live day-to-day and behavioral
steps and strategies to develop routines to help enhance long-term weight management success. We continue to
offer the benefits of this education and these tools to our customers.
Our Clinical Efficacy
Our program is one of the most clinically-studied commercial weight management programs, with more
than 80 peer-reviewed publications in the last 20 years. For example, in fiscal 2012, a clinical trial funded by the
National Institutes of Health in the United States found that individuals following Weight Watchers lost more
weight, on average, over a 48-week period than those following a program administered by healthcare
professionals preceding a period of time of following Weight Watchers. Similarly, in 2013, a randomized
controlled trial conducted by the Baylor College of Medicine researchers and funded by us was published in The
American Journal of Medicine and found that overweight and obese adults following Weight Watchers lost
significantly more weight at six months than those who tried to lose weight on their own.
Our Meetings
We present our program in a series of weekly meetings of approximately one hour in duration. Meetings are
conveniently scheduled throughout the day. Typically, we hold meetings in either meeting rooms in well-located
civic or other community centers or space leased in retail centers.
Our group support system remains the cornerstone of our meetings. Members provide each other support by
sharing their experiences with, and by providing encouragement and empathy to, other people experiencing
similar weight management challenges. This group support provides the reassurance that no one must overcome
his or her weight management challenge alone. Group support assists members in building healthy routines that
2
support long-term weight management through changes in behavior, eating, and exercise. We facilitate this
support through interactive meetings that encourage learning through group activities and discussions and
individual goal-setting. In our meetings, our leaders present our program in a manner that combines group
support and education with a structured approach to food, activity and lifestyle modification developed by
credentialed weight management experts. Our more than 10,000 leaders worldwide run our meetings and educate
members on the Weight Watchers method of successful and sustained weight management. Our leaders also
provide inspiration and motivation for our members and are examples of our program’s effectiveness because
they have lost weight and maintained their weight loss on our program. For meetings, leaders are typically paid a
base rate (which varies based on geographic region), plus various types of commissions based on the number of
attendances and products sold. Leaders are also typically paid on an hourly basis (which varies based on the
nature of the task and their geographic region) for all of their non-meeting activities.
Meetings typically begin with registration and a confidential weigh-in to track each member’s progress.
Leaders and receptionists are trained to engage the members at the weigh-in to talk about their weight
management efforts during the previous week and to provide encouragement and advice. Part of the meeting is
educational, where the leader uses personal anecdotes, games or open questions to demonstrate some of our core
weight management strategies, such as self belief and self discipline. During the meeting, members are
encouraged to reflect on and share their learnings from the preceding week to get fresh ideas for addressing
challenges and be recognized for accomplishments both on the scale and behaviorally. The leader also facilitates
a group discussion about a pre-selected topic selected by us related to weight management, such as seasonal
eating triggers, emotional eating, planning, and self-monitoring. The leader encourages substantial participation
and discusses supporting products and digital tools as appropriate. At the end of each meeting, members
are encouraged to define a personal, short-term goal for the coming week. Immediately following each meeting,
new members are given an orientation to our current weight management plans.
Our leaders help set a member’s weight goal within a healthy range based on body mass index. When
members reach their weight goal and maintain it for six weeks, they achieve lifetime member status. This gives
them the privilege to attend our meetings free of charge as long as they maintain their weight within a certain
range. Successful members also become eligible to apply for positions as leaders. Field management and current
leaders constantly identify potential new leaders from members who have strong interpersonal skills.
The primary payment structure for our meetings business globally is through a monthly commitment plan,
referred to as Monthly Pass in NACO and many other geographies. With Monthly Pass, members receive
unlimited access to meetings at a discounted monthly price plus free access to Weight Watchers eTools, the
Internet weight management companion for Weight Watchers meetings members. We offer the Monthly Pass
commitment plan in eleven countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany and Australia. Monthly Pass is
generally offered at an approximate 20% to 34% discount to our traditional “pay-as-you-go” weekly fee
depending on the country. For example, in the United States, Monthly Pass is sold for $42.95 per month
(approximately $9.91 per week) as compared to the average “pay-as-you-go” weekly fee of $14.00. Under the
terms of Monthly Pass, a fee is charged automatically to the member’s credit or debit card on a monthly basis
until the member elects to cancel. Monthly Pass is available for purchase throughout the year.
The Company’s meetings business payment structure has shifted significantly in recent years toward
Monthly Pass. In fiscal 2013, on an aggregate basis across the markets where we offer Monthly Pass, well over
three quarters of our meeting paid weeks, and approximately three quarters of our member attendances, were
attributable to Monthly Pass. Our traditional payment structure in our meetings business is a “pay-as-you-go”
arrangement. Under this traditional method, a new member pays an initial registration fee and then a weekly fee
for each meeting attended, although free registration is offered as a promotion during certain times of the year.
We also offer prepayment plans consisting of pre-paid meeting vouchers and coupons in some countries.
As of the end of fiscal 2013, approximately 14% of our total worldwide attendance was represented by
franchised operations. We estimate that, in fiscal 2013, these franchised operations attracted attendance of
3
approximately seven million people. Franchisees typically pay us a fee equal to 10% of their meeting fee
revenues. We have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship with our franchisees over many years. In our early
years, we used an aggressive franchising strategy to quickly establish a meeting infrastructure to pre-empt
competition. Since then, we have acquired a large number of franchises and expect to continue to do so
opportunistically.
Our franchisees are responsible for operating classes in their franchise class territory using the program and
marketing guidelines we have developed. We provide a central support system for the program and our brand.
Franchisees purchase products from us at wholesale prices for resale directly to members. Franchisees are obligated
to adhere strictly to our program content guidelines, with the freedom to control pricing, class locations, operational
structure and local promotions. Franchisees provide local operational expertise, advertising and public relations.
Franchisees are required to keep accurate records that we audit from time to time. Most franchise agreements are
perpetual and can be terminated only upon a material breach or bankruptcy of the franchisee.
Our Product Sales
We sell a range of products, including bars, snacks, cookbooks, food and restaurant guides with PointsPlus
values, Weight Watchers magazines, PointsPlus calculators, fitness kits and ActiveLink, an activity monitor and
web experience that tracks activity throughout the day. These products complement our weight management
plans and help our customers in their weight management efforts. We have focused on selling products that drive
recurring purchases. Our products are designed to be high quality, offer benefits related to the Weight Watchers
plans and be easy to merchandise.
We sell our products primarily through our meeting operations and to our franchisees. Excluding sales to or
by our franchisees, in fiscal 2013, sales of proprietary products in our meeting operations represented
approximately 12% of our revenues. We seek to grow our product sales per attendee in our meeting operations by
continuing to optimize our product offerings by updating existing products, selectively introducing new products
and sharing best practices across geographies.
Revenues from our WWI reporting segment, including revenues from meetings and product sales,
contributed 69.4% of our total revenues in fiscal 2013, 72.2% of our total revenues in fiscal 2012 and 77.8% of
our total revenues in fiscal 2011.
Our WeightWatchers.com Offerings
Through WeightWatchers.com, we are well positioned to benefit from the large self-help weight
management market as well as several trends taking place in the global Internet marketplace, including an
increased willingness of consumers to access digital content and the growth of e-Commerce and digital
advertising. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. retail eCommerce sales as a percent of total U.S. retail
sales more than doubled between the third quarter of 2005 and the third quarter of 2013. We offer two Internet
subscription products—Weight Watchers Online and Weight Watchers eTools. We have offered these products
in the United States since 2001 and currently offer them in ten other countries, including the United Kingdom,
Canada, France, Germany and Australia. While these products have similar functionality across markets, each is
tailored specifically to the local market.
Revenues from our WeightWatchers.com reporting segment contributed 30.6% of our total revenues in
fiscal 2013, 27.8% of our total revenues in fiscal 2012 and 22.2% of our total revenues in fiscal 2011.
Subscription Products
Weight Watchers Online is a product based on the Weight Watchers approach to weight management and is
designed to attract self-help-inclined consumers. Weight Watchers Online helps consumers adopt a healthier
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lifestyle, with a view toward long-term behavior modification—a key aspect of the Weight Watchers approach
toward sustainable weight loss. Weight Watchers Online allows consumers to learn how to make healthier food
choices and lead a more active lifestyle by providing them with online and mobile content, functionality,
resources and interactive web-based weight management plans. As of the end of fiscal 2013,
WeightWatchers.com had over 1.7 million active Weight Watchers Online subscribers.
Weight Watchers eTools is an Internet weight management product available to consumers who are Weight
Watchers meetings members. Weight Watchers eTools allows users to interactively manage the day-to-day
aspects of their weight management plans online or via their mobile devices, discover different food options, stay
informed and motivated, and keep track of their weight management efforts.
As Weight Watchers Online and Weight Watchers eTools reflect different value propositions, the
subscription products are priced differently. Both subscription products currently offer an initial pre-paid
subscription term of one or three months, continuing thereafter on a pre-paid month-to-month basis until
canceled. In the United States, Weight Watchers Online costs $65.00 for the initial 3-month term or $48.90 for
the initial one-month term. The ongoing monthly fee for Weight Watchers Online is $18.95. In the United States,
Weight Watchers eTools costs $34.95 for the initial 3-month term or $14.95 for the initial one-month term. The
ongoing monthly fee for Weight Watchers eTools is $14.95. From time to time, we offer discounts on these
standard pricing terms. In addition, Weight Watchers eTools is included for free in purchases by consumers of
Monthly Pass.
Features of Subscription Products
We believe WeightWatchers.com’s personalized and interactive Internet subscription products provide
customers with an engaging weight management experience. Our Internet subscription products help customers
monitor their weight management efforts, encourage exercise and a more active lifestyle, and provide guidance
toward healthier eating habits by offering the following interactive resources:
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•
•
•
•
•
Simple Start application
PointsPlus Tracker
“Spaces” tool to help manage situations and the environment
“Routines” tool to help establish healthy routines
PointsPlus Calculators
Power Foods lists
• Weight Tracker and Progress Charts
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•
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Nutritional Guidelines
Hunger Tracker
Fitness Workouts and Videos
Recipe and Food Databases
Recipe Builder
• Meal Ideas
•
Restaurant Guides
Mobile Solutions and Other Market Opportunities
We believe that mobile weight management tools and resources are an important market opportunity for us.
Our mobile phone applications, the iPhone® application, which launched in fiscal 2009, and the Android™
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application, which launched in fiscal 2011, provide Monthly Pass purchasers and Weight Watchers Online
subscribers with access to a suite of weight-loss tools, such as recipe and tracking tools, as well as other helpful
content. In fiscal 2010, we launched our initial iPad®-optimized application, and a universal application was
launched in fiscal 2011. In fiscal 2011, we launched an iPhone® and Android™ barcode scanning application,
which scans the barcodes of food products and provides accurate PointsPlus values. We currently offer our
universal iPhone®, iPad® and Android™ applications in ten countries. We continue to explore opportunities to
enhance the mobility of our plans and products. We also believe we can expand our Internet revenues from
sources other than our Internet subscription products, including third-party advertising on our website.
In addition, we believe there are many other markets that will present opportunities for us, including men,
for whom we have a customized version of our Internet subscription products.
At-Work Meetings and Healthcare
As healthcare costs continue to be a significant concern on the minds of employers and their employees, we
believe that our broad range of services and products uniquely positions us to serve the corporate market and help
companies reduce their healthcare costs and improve the overall well-being of their employees. Our strategy is
focused on leveraging our organizational capability to serve companies of every size and type by offering
convenient and flexible weight-loss solutions that include meetings at the workplace, local community meetings
and access to Weight Watchers Online. In addition, we believe our information technology platform can be
leveraged to meet the needs of these companies and their employees. As a result of our strategy, we now have,
and plan to continue to invest in, the capability to sell, market, and service companies at the local level, the mid-
market level, and the national level of the corporate market.
We believe the healthcare market, from the doctor’s office to national and other health plan providers,
represents an important channel to reach new consumers. We continue to explore different approaches to this
market.
Licensing, Endorsements and Publishing
Licensing and Endorsements
Companies show continued interest in licensing our brand and other intellectual property as a platform to
build their businesses since the Weight Watchers brand brings high credibility and access to the weight-
conscious consumer. By partnering with carefully selected companies in categories relevant and helpful to
weight-conscious consumers, we have created a highly profitable licensing business as well as a powerful vehicle
to reinforce the Weight Watchers brand in the minds of our target consumers.
We license the Weight Watchers brand and our other intellectual property in certain categories of food and
other relevant consumer products. We also endorse carefully selected branded consumer products. We seek to
increase our licensing revenues by targeting sizeable or strategic product categories where the Weight Watchers
brand can add real value. In order to achieve this goal, our global licensing team focuses on strategically
increasing the number of categories and geographies of our licensed and endorsed products.
We typically partner in our licensing and endorsement arrangements with third parties that excel at new
product development and have strong marketing and sales expertise, manufacturing and distribution capabilities,
financial strength, prior performance in previous licensing and endorsement deals and senior management
committed to building the Weight Watchers brand. In connection with our acquisition from the H.J. Heinz
Company, or Heinz, in September 1999, Heinz received a perpetual royalty-free license to continue using our
brand in its core food categories. We plan to continue to choose our licensing and endorsement partners carefully
after identifying and prioritizing product categories that enhance the Weight Watchers brand and have long-term
growth potential.
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Select current licensees and endorsees include:
LICENSEES AND ENDORSEES
PRODUCTS/CATEGORIES
United States
Applebee’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Conair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dawn Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foster Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Mills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Kraft Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Russell Stover
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Schreiber Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wells Dairy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Select Applebee’s Menu Items
Scales
Sweet Baked Goods
Frozen Chicken
Green Giant Frozen Vegetables, Progresso
Light Soups and Yoplait Light Yogurt
Boca Frozen Meat Alternatives
Chocolate Candy
Cheese
Ice Cream Novelties
United Kingdom
Finsbury Food Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Greencore Prepared . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rivermill
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vimto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Walkers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warburtons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weetabix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Yoplait . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cakes
Ready to Eat Meals
Bakery Accompaniments
Fruit Drinks
Biscuits and Cookies
Bread
Breakfast Cereal
Yogurt
Continental Europe
Bischofszell Gastina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Campofrio Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meats
Kuhlmann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Marie LDC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parmalat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Milk
Yoplait . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chilled Meals
Salads, Spreads and Dressings
Chilled Meals
Yogurt and Chilled Desserts
Australia and New Zealand
Conair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fonterra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tasti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Scales
Yogurt, Chilled Desserts and Cheese
Breakfast Cereal and Cereal and Nut Bars
We ask each of our licensees to include on their packaging certain information about our services and our
products, such as our toll free numbers and a URL for WeightWatchers.com. This marketing and promotional
support reinforces the value of our brand.
Our licensing and endorsement arrangements give us access to weight-conscious consumers through
products sold at retail and increase the awareness of our brand. We continue to believe there are significant
opportunities both in the United States and internationally to take advantage of the strength of the Weight
Watchers brand and our other intellectual property through additional licensing and endorsement arrangements.
Weight Watchers Magazine
Weight Watchers magazines are published in most of our major markets. In the United States, Weight
Watchers Magazine is an important branded marketing platform that continues to show strong circulation and
advertiser acceptance. As of fall 2013, our US magazine had a readership of approximately nine million, according
to GfK Mediamark Research and Intelligence, LLC, an industry tracking service. In addition to generating revenues
from subscription sales and third-party advertising, Weight Watchers Magazine also reinforces the value of our
brand and serves as a powerful tool for marketing to both existing and potential customers.
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Marketing and Promotion
Our communications with consumers and other promotional efforts enhance our brand image and
awareness, and motivate both former and potential new customers to join Weight Watchers meetings or subscribe
to Weight Watchers Online.
Media Advertising
We advertise primarily in national media vehicles (television, digital, print, etc.), which are selected based
on their efficiency and effectiveness in reaching our target audience. Through WeightWatchers.com, we develop
and maintain a high level of engagement with new and potential customers on various social platforms like
Facebook and Twitter. While our traditional advertising schedule generally supports the three key marketing
campaigns of the year, winter, spring and fall, we communicate with consumers in the digital space in real time
throughout the year. Also, we utilize brand ambassadors, including from time to time celebrity spokespersons, as
part of our advertising.
Word of Mouth
The word of mouth generated by our current and former customers is an important source of new customers.
These referrals, combined with our strong brand and the effectiveness of our plans, enable us to efficiently attract
new and returning customers.
Public Relations
We carry out many of our key public relations initiatives through the efforts of current and former Weight
Watchers leaders, members and subscribers, including from time to time celebrities. These leaders, members and
subscribers engage in national and local promotions, information presentations and charity events to promote
Weight Watchers and demonstrate the program’s efficacy. In addition, some become media-trained ambassadors
and represent us in various national and local public relations activities. We currently have over 450 media-
trained ambassadors as part of our grass roots network.
In addition, we have a science-based public relations initiative to capitalize on Weight Watchers’ position as
one of only a few clinically proven commercial weight management programs. This has included an increased
investment in third-party scientific research, the inclusion of a science center on the WeightWatchers.com
website and increased efforts to share our consumer and program insights with leaders in the scientific and
medical communities as well as the general public.
Customer Relationship Management
We use direct mail and email to attract new and returning customers and to engage current customers. We
maintain databases of current and former customers in each country in which we operate, which we use to focus
our direct mailings and email. During fiscal 2013, NACO sent over 26 million pieces of direct mail. Most of
these mailings are timed to coincide with the start of our marketing campaigns and are intended to encourage
former meetings members to re-enroll. In addition, we continue to leverage WeightWatchers.com’s email
targeting capabilities. Its email promotional programs are an important customer acquisition vehicle for both our
Internet and meetings businesses.
Weight Watchers Magazine
In addition to generating revenues from subscription sales and third-party advertising, Weight Watchers
Magazine reinforces the value of our brand and serves as an important marketing tool to both existing and
potential customers. We offer Weight Watchers magazines in most of our major markets.
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WeightWatchers.com Website
The WeightWatchers.com website is an important global promotional channel for our brand, services and
products. The website is a vehicle for communicating our services and products in greater detail than could be
achieved in more traditional advertising vehicles. In addition to being a gateway for our Internet subscription
products, the website contributes value to our meetings business by promoting our brand, advertising Weight
Watchers meetings, assisting in locating meetings and keeping members involved with Weight Watchers outside
of meetings through useful offerings, such as healthy recipes, weight management articles, success stories and
social media functionality. In fiscal 2013, our Meeting Finder feature generated on average over 1.3 million
meeting searches per month globally. The Meeting Finder makes it easier than ever for our existing and potential
members to find a convenient meeting place and time.
Seasonality
Our business is seasonal, with revenues generally decreasing at year end and during the summer months.
Our operating income for the first half of the year is generally the strongest, and the first quarter of the fiscal year
typically results in the greatest revenue due to the importance of the winter diet season to our overall recruitment
environment. Our advertising schedule generally supports the three key recruitment-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 marketing campaign and occurs between
March 22 and April 25, may affect our results of operations and the year-to-year comparability of our results.
The introduction of Monthly Pass in the meetings business has resulted in less seasonality with regard to our
meeting fee revenues because its revenues are amortized over the related subscription period. While
WeightWatchers.com experiences seasonality similar to the meetings business in terms of new subscriber sign-
ups, its revenue tends to be less seasonal because it amortizes subscription revenue over the related subscription
period.
Entrepreneurial Management
We run our company in an entrepreneurial manner that allows us to develop and test new ideas on a local
basis and then implement the most successful ideas across our network. In addition, many of our meeting
products were developed locally and then introduced successfully in other countries. Local managers have strong
incentives to adopt and implement the best practices of other regions and to continue to develop innovative new
services and products.
While having strong local leadership has always been a cornerstone of our strategy, we have also been
investing in building our global corporate management team. Our management team plays a critical role in
driving and facilitating the global coordination necessary to optimize our international assets and share best
practices across geographies.
Competition
The weight management market includes self-help weight management regimens and other self-help weight
management products, services and publications, such as books, magazines and websites; commercial weight
management programs; Internet, mobile and other electronic weight management approaches; dietary
supplements and meal replacement products; weight management services administered by doctors, nutritionists
and dieticians; surgical procedures; the pharmaceutical industry; government agencies and non-profit groups that
offer weight management services; and fitness centers.
Competition among commercial weight management programs is largely based on program recognition and
reputation and the effectiveness, safety and price of the program. In the United States, we compete with several
other companies in the commercial weight management industry, although we believe that their businesses are
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not comparable to us. For example, many of these competitors’ businesses are based on the sale of pre-packaged
meals and meal replacements. Our meetings use group support, education and behavior modification to help our
members change their eating habits, in conjunction with flexible food plans that allow members the freedom to
choose what they eat. There are no significant group education-based competitors in any of our major markets,
except in the United Kingdom.
We believe that food manufacturers that produce meal replacement products are not comparable
competition because these businesses’ meal replacement products do not engender behavior modification through
education in conjunction with a flexible, healthy food plan.
We also compete with various self-help diets, products and publications, such as free mobile and other
weight management applications and activity monitors.
Trademarks, Patents and Other Proprietary Rights
We own numerous domestic and international trademarks, patents and other proprietary rights that are
valuable assets and are important to our business. Depending upon the jurisdiction, trademarks are valid as long
as they are used in the regular course of trade and/or their registrations are properly maintained. Patent protection
extends for varying periods according to the date of patent filing or grant and the legal term of patents in the
jurisdiction in which the patent is granted. The actual protection afforded by a patent may vary from country to
country depending upon the type of patent, the scope of its coverage and the availability of legal remedies in the
country. We believe the protection of our trademarks, copyrights, patents, domain names, trade dress and trade
secrets is important to our success. We aggressively protect our intellectual property rights by relying on a
combination of trademark, copyright, patent, trade dress and trade secret laws, and through domain name dispute
resolution systems.
History
Early Development
In 1961, Jean Nidetch, our founder, attended a New York City obesity clinic and took what she learned from
her personal experience at the obesity clinic and began weight-loss meetings with a group of her overweight
friends in the basement of a New York apartment building. Under Ms. Nidetch’s leadership, the group members
supported each other in their weight-loss efforts, and word of the group’s success quickly spread. Ms. Nidetch
and Al and Felice Lippert, who all successfully lost weight through these efforts, formally launched our business
in 1963. Weight Watchers International, Inc. was incorporated as a Virginia corporation in 1974 and succeeded
to the business started in New York in 1963. Heinz acquired us in 1978.
Artal Ownership
In September 1999, Artal Luxembourg, S.A., or Artal Luxembourg, acquired us from Heinz. Artal
Luxembourg is an indirect subsidiary of Artal Group, S.A., which together with its parents and its subsidiaries is
referred to in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as Artal. Currently, Artal Luxembourg is the record holder of all
our shares owned by Artal.
WeightWatchers.com Acquisition
In July 2005, we acquired control of our licensee and affiliate, WeightWatchers.com, by increasing our
ownership interest from approximately 20% to approximately 53%. Subsequently, in December 2005,
WeightWatchers.com redeemed all shares owned by Artal in it, resulting in our current ownership of 100% of
WeightWatchers.com.
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2012 Tender Offer and Share Repurchase
On February 23, 2012, we commenced a “modified Dutch auction” tender offer for up to $720.0 million in
value of our common stock at a purchase price not less than $72.00 and not greater than $83.00 per share, or the
Tender Offer. Prior to the Tender Offer, on February 14, 2012, we entered into an agreement, or the Purchase
Agreement, with Artal Holdings Sp. z o.o., Succursale de Luxembourg, or Artal Holdings (the then-current
record holder of all our shares owned by Artal), whereby Artal Holdings agreed to sell to us, at the same price as
was determined in the Tender Offer, such number of its shares of our common stock that, upon the closing of this
purchase after the completion of the Tender Offer, Artal Holdings’ percentage ownership in the outstanding
shares of our common stock would be substantially equal to its level prior to the Tender Offer. Artal Holdings
also agreed not to participate in the Tender Offer so that it would not affect the determination of the purchase
price of the shares in the Tender Offer. The Tender Offer expired at midnight, New York time, on March 22,
2012, and on March 28, 2012 we repurchased approximately 8.8 million shares at a purchase price of $82.00 per
share. On April 9, 2012, we repurchased approximately 9.5 million of Artal Holdings’ shares at a purchase price
of $82.00 per share pursuant to the Purchase Agreement. In March 2012, we amended and extended the WWI
Credit Facility to finance these repurchases.
Regulation
A number of laws and regulations govern our advertising, services, products, operations and relations with
consumers, employees and other service providers in the countries in which we operate. Certain federal, state and
foreign agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, regulate and enforce such laws relating to
advertising, disclosures to consumers, privacy, consumer pricing and billing arrangements and other consumer
protection matters. Since we operate our meetings business both in the United States and internationally, we are
subject to many distinct employment, labor, benefits and tax laws in each country in which we operate, including
regulations affecting our employment practices and our relations with our employees and service providers. Laws
and regulations directly applicable to communications, operations or commerce over the Internet such as those
governing intellectual property, privacy, libel and taxation, are more prevalent and continue to evolve. Our
operations are subject to these laws and regulations and we continue to monitor their development and our
compliance. In addition, we are subject to other laws and regulations in the United States and internationally.
During the mid-1990s, the FTC filed complaints against a number of commercial weight management
providers alleging violations of federal law in connection with the use of advertisements that featured
testimonials, claims for program success and program costs. In 1997, we entered into a consent order with the
FTC settling all contested issues raised in the complaint filed against us. The consent order requires us to comply
with certain procedures and disclosures in connection with our advertisements of services and products.
Employees and Service Providers
As of December 28, 2013, we had approximately 25,000 employees. In addition, in certain of our markets,
our service providers are self-employed and are not included in this total. We consider our relations with our
employees and service providers to be satisfactory.
Financial Information About Segments and Financial Information About Geographic Areas
Information concerning our reportable segments and our geographic areas is set forth in Note 14 of our
consolidated financial statements, contained in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Information concerning some of the risks to which we are exposed resulting from our international operations
and foreign currency exchange rates is set forth in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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Available Information
Corporate information and our press releases, Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments thereto, are available free of charge on our
website at www.weightwatchersinternational.com as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is
electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (i.e., generally the same day as
the filing). Moreover, we also make available at that site the Section 16 reports filed electronically by our
officers, directors and 10 percent shareholders. Usually these are publicly accessible no later than the business
day following the filing.
We use our website at www.weightwatchersinternational.com, our corporate Facebook page
(www.facebook.com/weightwatchers) and our corporate Twitter account (@WeightWatchers) as channels of
distribution of Company information. The information we post through these channels may be deemed
material. Accordingly, investors should monitor these channels, in addition to following our press releases, SEC
filings and public conference calls and webcasts. The contents of our website and social media channels shall not
be deemed to be incorporated herein by reference.
Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and our Corporate Governance Guidelines are also available on
our website at www.weightwatchersinternational.com.
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CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Except for historical information contained herein, this Annual Report on Form 10-K includes “forward-
looking statements,” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, including, in particular,
the statements about our plans, strategies and prospects under the headings “Business” and “Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” We have generally used the words
“may,” “will,” “could,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “plan,” “intend” and similar expressions in
this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the documents incorporated by reference herein 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 these forward-
looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions,
including, among other things:
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competition from other weight management industry participants or the development of more effective
or more favorably perceived weight management methods;
our ability to continue to develop innovative new services and products and enhance our existing
services and products or the failure of our services and products to continue to appeal to the market, or
our ability to successfully expand into new channels of distribution;
the ability to successfully implement new strategic initiatives;
the effectiveness of our marketing and advertising programs;
the impact on the Weight Watchers brand of actions taken by our franchisees, licensees and suppliers;
the impact of our debt service obligations and restrictive debt covenants;
uncertainties regarding the satisfactory operation of our information technology or systems;
the recognition of asset impairment charges;
risks and uncertainties associated with our international operations, including economic, political and
social risks and foreign currency risks;
our ability to successfully make acquisitions or enter into joint ventures, including our ability to
successfully integrate, operate or realize the projected benefits of such businesses;
uncertainties related to a downturn in general economic conditions or consumer confidence;
the seasonal nature of our business;
the impact of events that discourage or impede people from gathering with others or accessing
resources;
our ability to enforce our intellectual property rights both domestically and internationally, as well as
the impact of our involvement in any claims related to intellectual property rights;
the impact of security breaches or privacy concerns;
the impact of disputes with our franchise operators;
the impact of existing and future laws and regulations;
the possibility that the interests of our majority owner will conflict with other holders of our common
stock; and
other risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in our periodic reports filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. You should understand that many
important factors, including those discussed under the headings “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” could cause our results to differ materially from
those expressed or suggested in any forward-looking statement. Except as required by law, we do not undertake
any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements to reflect new information or events or
circumstances that occur after the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K or to reflect the occurrence of
unanticipated events or otherwise.
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Item 1A. Risk Factors
You should consider carefully, in addition to the other information contained in this Annual Report on
Form 10-K and the exhibits hereto, the following risk factors in evaluating our business. Our business, financial
condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks. The following
discussion of risks is not all inclusive but is designed to highlight what we believe are the most significant risks
that we face. Additional risks and uncertainties, not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial,
may also impair our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Competition from other weight management industry participants or the development of more effective or
more favorably perceived weight management methods could result in decreased demand for our services
and products.
The weight management industry is highly competitive. We compete against a wide range of providers of
weight management services and products. Our competitors include: self-help weight management regimens and
other self-help weight management products, services and publications, such as books, magazines and websites;
commercial weight management programs; Internet, free mobile and other weight management applications,
activity monitors and other electronic weight management approaches; dietary supplements and meal
replacement products; weight management services administered by doctors, nutritionists and dieticians; surgical
procedures; the pharmaceutical industry; government agencies and non-profit groups that offer weight
management services; and fitness centers. Additional competitors may emerge as new or different products or
methods of weight management are developed and marketed. More effective or more favorably perceived diet
and weight management methods, including pharmaceutical treatments, fat and sugar substitutes or other
technological and scientific advancements in weight management methods, also may be developed. This
competition may reduce demand for our services and products.
The purchasing decisions of weight management customers are highly subjective and can be influenced by
many factors, such as brand image, marketing programs, cost and perception of the efficacy of the service and
product offerings. Moreover, customers can, and frequently do, change weight management approaches easily
and at little cost. For example, our revenue was adversely affected by increased popularity and media exposure of
low-carbohydrate diets in 2003 and 2004, and more recently, by the popularity of mobile technology, which has
led to increased trial of free mobile and other weight management applications and activity monitors. Any
decrease in demand for our services and products may adversely affect our business, financial condition or
results of operations.
If we do not continue to develop innovative new services and products or if our services and products do
not continue to appeal to the market, or if we are unable to successfully expand into new channels of
distribution, our business may suffer.
The weight management industry is subject to changing customer demands based, in large part, on the
efficacy and popular appeal of weight management programs. The popularity of weight management programs is
dependent, in part, on their ease of use and channels of distribution. Our future success depends on our ability to
continue to develop and market new, innovative services and products and to enhance our existing services and
products, each on a timely basis to respond to new and evolving customer demands, achieve market acceptance
and keep pace with new nutritional, weight management, technological and other developments. We may not be
successful in developing, introducing on a timely basis or marketing any new or enhanced services and products,
and we cannot assure you that any new or enhanced services or products will appeal to the market. Our future
success also will depend, in part, on our ability to successfully distribute our products and services through
appealing channels of distribution, such as mobile. Our failure to develop new services and products and to
enhance our existing services and products, the failure of our services and products to continue to appeal to the
market or the failure to expand into appealing new channels of distribution, could have an adverse impact on our
ability to attract and retain members and subscribers and thus adversely affect our business, financial condition or
results of operations.
15
We may not be able to successfully implement new strategic initiatives, which could adversely impact our
business.
We are continuously evaluating changing consumer preferences and the competitive environment of our
industry and seeking out opportunities to improve our performance through the implementation of selected
strategic initiatives, such as our healthcare initiative. The goal of these efforts is to develop and implement a
comprehensive and competitive business strategy which addresses the continuing changes in the weight
management industry environment and our position within the industry. We may not be able to successfully
implement our strategic initiatives and realize the intended business opportunities, growth prospects, including
new business channels, and competitive advantages. Our efforts to capitalize on business opportunities may not
bring the intended results. Assumptions underlying expected financial results or customer demand may not be
met or economic conditions may deteriorate. We also may be unable to attract and retain highly qualified and
skilled personnel to implement our strategic initiatives. If these or other factors limit our ability to successfully
execute our strategic initiatives, our business activities, financial condition and results of operations may be
adversely affected.
Our business depends on the effectiveness of our marketing and advertising programs to attract and retain
members and subscribers.
Our business success depends on our ability to attract and retain members to our meetings and subscribers to
WeightWatchers.com. Our ability to attract and retain members and subscribers depends significantly on the
effectiveness of our marketing practices. From time to time, we use the success stories of our members and
subscribers, including in some cases celebrities, in our marketing and advertising programs to communicate on a
personal level with consumers. Actions taken by these members and subscribers that harm their personal
reputation, or include the cessation of using our services and products, could have an adverse impact on the
marketing and advertising campaigns in which they are featured. We also use social media channels as a means
of communicating with consumers. Unauthorized or inappropriate use of these channels could result in harmful
publicity or negative consumer experience which could have an adverse impact on the effectiveness of our
marketing in these channels. If our marketing and advertising campaigns do not generate a sufficient number of
members and subscribers, our results of operations will be adversely affected.
The Weight Watchers brand could be impaired due to actions taken by our franchisees, licensees and
suppliers.
We believe that the Weight Watchers brand, including its widespread recognition and strong reputation in
the market, is one of our most valuable assets and that it provides us with a competitive advantage. Our
franchisees operate their businesses under our brand. In addition, we license the Weight Watchers brand to third
parties for the manufacture and sale in retail stores by such parties of a variety of goods, including food products,
and also endorse third-party branded consumer products. We also sell in our meeting rooms food and non-food
products manufactured by third-party suppliers. Because our franchisees, licensees and suppliers are independent
third parties with their own financial objectives, actions taken by them, including breaches of their contractual
obligations, such as not following our program or not maintaining our quality and safety standards, could harm
our brand. Also, these Weight Watchers-branded products may be subject to product recalls, litigation or other
deficiencies. Any negative publicity associated with these actions would adversely affect our brand and may
result in decreased meeting attendance, Internet subscriptions and product sales and, as a result, lower revenues
and profits.
Our debt service obligations could adversely affect our financial condition, and the restrictions of our debt
covenants could impede our operations and flexibility.
Our financial performance could be affected by our level of debt. As of December 28, 2013, our total debt
was $2,388.0 million. In addition, at December 28, 2013, we had $248.4 million available under our revolving
credit facility. We expect to generate the cash necessary to pay our expenses and to pay the principal and interest
16
on all of our outstanding debt from our cash flows provided by operating activities and by opportunistically using
other means to repay or refinance our obligations as we determine appropriate. Although we seek to manage our
exposure to interest rates through interest rate swaps, our debt consists entirely of variable-rate instruments, so
we are subject to the risk of higher interest rates. Our ability to pay our expenses and meet our debt service
obligations depends on our future performance, which may be affected by financial, business, economic,
demographic and other factors, such as attitudes toward weight management and pressure from our competitors.
If we do not have enough money to pay our debt service obligations, we may be required to refinance all or part
of our existing debt, sell assets, borrow more money or raise equity. In such an event, we may not be able to
refinance our debt, sell assets, borrow more money or raise equity on terms acceptable to us or at all. Also, our
ability to carry out any of these activities on favorable terms, if at all, may be further impacted by any financial
or credit crisis which may limit access to the credit markets and increase the cost of capital.
While there is no net debt to EBITDAS (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and
stock-based compensation) leverage ratio maintenance requirement on our $2,388.0 million of debt outstanding,
our credit facilities contain customary covenants, including covenants that in certain circumstances restrict our
ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends on and redeem capital stock, make other payments,
including investments, sell our assets and enter into consolidations, mergers and transfers of all or substantially
all of our assets. Our Revolving Facility (as defined hereafter) also requires us, in certain circumstances, to not
exceed a specified financial ratio. Our ability to meet this financial ratio requirement can be affected by events
beyond our control and we cannot assure you that we will meet this financial ratio requirement in any future
period. A breach of any of these covenants or this ratio, if applicable, could result in an event of default under the
credit facilities. Compliance with this ratio may effectively limit our ability to borrow funds in excess of $50.0
million under our Revolving Facility. If an event of default exists under the credit facilities, the lenders could
elect to cease making loans and declare all amounts outstanding thereunder to be immediately due and payable. If
the lenders under the credit facilities accelerate the payment of the indebtedness, our assets may not be sufficient
to repay in full that indebtedness and our other indebtedness that would become due as a result of any such
acceleration.
Any failure of our technology or systems to perform satisfactorily could result in an adverse impact on our
business.
We rely on software, hardware, network systems and similar technology that is either developed by us or
licensed from or maintained by third parties to operate our websites, subscription offerings and other products
and services such as the recurring billing system associated with certain of our commitment plans, and to support
our business operations. As much of this technology is complex, there may be future errors, defects or
performance problems, including when we update our technology or integrate new technology to expand and
enhance our capabilities. Our technology may malfunction or suffer from defects that become apparent only after
extended use. In addition, our operations depend on our ability to protect our information technology systems
against damage from fire, power loss, water, earthquakes, telecommunications failures, vandalism and other
malicious acts and similar unexpected adverse events. Interruptions in our websites, products and services or
network systems could result from unknown technical defects, insufficient capacity or the failure of our third
party providers to provide continuous and uninterrupted service. While we maintain disaster recovery capabilities
to return to normal operation in a timely manner, we do not have a fully redundant system that includes an
instantaneous recovery capability.
As a result of such possible defects, failures or other problems, our products and services could be rendered
unreliable or be perceived as unreliable by customers, which could result in harm to our reputation and brand.
Any failure of our technology or systems could result in an adverse impact on our business.
We may be required to recognize asset impairment charges for franchise rights acquired, goodwill and
other indefinite-lived assets.
In accordance with GAAP (as defined hereafter), we perform an annual impairment review of our
indefinite-lived assets, which include franchise rights acquired and goodwill, during the fourth quarter of each
17
fiscal year. We also continually evaluate whether current factors or indicators, such as a deterioration in general
economic conditions, an increased competitive environment, a decline in our financial performance, and/or other
prevailing conditions in the capital markets, require the performance of an interim impairment assessment of
those assets. The process of testing franchise rights acquired, goodwill and other indefinite-lived assets for
impairment involves numerous judgments, assumptions and estimates made by management which inherently
reflect a high degree of uncertainty. Certain factors, including the future profitability of our businesses, the price
of our stock and macroeconomic conditions, might have a negative impact on the fair value of these assets. In
fiscal 2013, we recorded impairment charges in the aggregate of approximately $1.2 million related to franchise
rights acquired in connection with our Mexico and Hong Kong operations. We may incur additional impairment
charges in the future, which would have an adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
Additionally, we evaluate capitalized software costs for impairment by comparing the net realizable value of
the software product to the carrying value of the capitalized costs. If the value of those assets is not deemed to be
recoverable an assessment of the fair value of those assets is performed and to the extent the carrying value
exceeds the fair value an impairment charge is recognized. Should our investment in capitalized software
development costs become impaired, there would also be an adverse impact on our financial condition and
results of operations.
Our international operations expose us to economic, political and social risks in the countries in which we
operate.
The international nature of our operations involves a number of risks, including changes in US and foreign
government regulations, tariffs, taxes and exchange controls, economic downturns, inflation and political and
social instability in the countries in which we operate and our dependence on foreign personnel. Foreign
government regulations may also restrict our ability to operate in some countries, acquire new businesses or
repatriate dividends from foreign subsidiaries back to the United States. We cannot be certain that we will be
able to enter and successfully compete in additional foreign markets or that we will be able to continue to
compete in the foreign markets in which we currently operate.
We are exposed to foreign currency risks from our international operations that could adversely affect our
financial results.
A significant portion of our revenues and operating costs are denominated in foreign currencies. We are
therefore exposed to fluctuations in the exchange rates between the US dollar and the currencies in which our
foreign operations receive revenues and pay expenses. We do not currently hedge, and have not historically
hedged, our operational exposure to foreign currency fluctuations. Our consolidated financial results are
presented in US dollars and therefore, during times of a strengthening US dollar, our reported international
revenues and earnings will be reduced because the local currency will translate into fewer US dollars. In addition,
the assets and liabilities of our non-US subsidiaries are translated into US dollars at the exchange rates in effect
at the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated into US dollars at the average exchange rate for
the period. Translation adjustments arising from the use of differing exchange rates from period to period are
recorded in shareholders’ equity as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Translation adjustments
arising from intercompany receivables with our foreign subsidiaries are generally recorded as a component of
other expense (income). Accordingly, changes in currency exchange rates will cause our revenues, operating
costs, net income and shareholders’ equity to fluctuate.
We may not successfully make acquisitions or enter into joint ventures and we may not successfully
integrate, operate or realize the anticipated benefits of such businesses.
As part of our growth strategy, we may pursue selected acquisitions or joint ventures. We cannot assure you
that we will be able to effect these transactions on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Any future
18
acquisitions or joint ventures may require access to additional capital, and we cannot assure you that we will
have access to such capital on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Even if we enter into these transactions,
we may not realize the benefits we anticipate or we may experience difficulties in integrating any acquired
companies and products into our existing business or in providing our services and products in newly acquired
markets; attrition of key personnel from acquired businesses; significant charges or expenses; higher costs of
integration than we anticipated; or unforeseen operating difficulties that require significant financial and
managerial resources that would otherwise be available for the ongoing development or expansion of our existing
operations.
Our ability to influence the control of, or distributions from, our joint ventures may be limited by contract or
otherwise. If any of the other investors in one of our joint ventures fails to observe its commitments, or its
interests are different than ours, the joint venture may not be able to operate according to its business plan, we
may be required to increase our level of commitment, or such entities may take actions which are not in our best
interest. If we are unable to maintain our relationships with our joint venture partners, we could lose our ability to
operate in the geographies and/or markets in which they operate, which could have a material adverse effect on
our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Consummating these transactions could also result in the incurrence of additional debt and related interest
expense, as well as unforeseen contingent liabilities, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition or results of operations. We may also issue additional equity in connection with
these transactions, which would dilute our existing shareholders.
Our business may decline as a result of a downturn in general economic conditions or consumer
confidence.
Our business is highly dependent on meeting fees, Internet product subscriptions and product sales. A
downturn in general economic conditions or consumer confidence in any of our major markets could result in
people curtailing or reallocating their discretionary spending which, in turn, could reduce attendance at our
meetings, Internet product subscriptions and product sales. For example, the continuing, challenging global
economic environment has led to a decrease in discretionary spending by consumers and loss of consumer
confidence. Any reduction in consumer spending may adversely affect our business, financial condition or results
of operations.
The seasonal nature of our business could cause our operating results to fluctuate.
We have experienced and expect to continue to experience fluctuations in our quarterly results of
operations. Our business is seasonal with revenues generally decreasing at year end and during the summer
months. The first quarter of the fiscal year typically results in the greatest revenue due to the importance of the
winter diet season to our overall recruitment environment. This seasonality could cause our share price to
fluctuate as the results of an interim financial period may not be indicative of our full year results. Seasonality
also impacts relative revenue and profitability of each quarter of the year, both on a quarter-to-quarter and year-
over-year basis. The timing of certain holidays, particularly Easter, which precedes our spring marketing
campaign and occurs between March 22nd and April 25th, may affect our results of operations and the year-to-
year comparability of our quarterly results.
Any event that discourages or impedes people from gathering with others or accessing resources could
adversely affect our business.
Our meeting and Internet operations are subject to conditions beyond our control that may prevent or
impede current or prospective members from attending or joining meetings, or subscribers from accessing our
subscription products, including extreme weather, terrorism, health epidemics, loss of resources such as
electricity, national disasters and other extraordinary events. For example, our NACO attendance was adversely
19
affected in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 by the impact of Hurricane Sandy and its aftermath. The occurrence
of any event that discourages people from gathering with others or impedes their ability to access resources could
adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Third parties may infringe on our brand and other intellectual property rights, which may have an
adverse impact on our business.
We currently rely on a combination of trademark, copyright, trade dress, trade secret, patent and other
intellectual property laws and domain name dispute resolution systems to establish and protect our proprietary
rights, including our brand. If we fail to successfully enforce our intellectual property rights, the value of our
brand, services and products could be diminished and our business may suffer. Our precautions may not prevent
misappropriation of our intellectual property, particularly in foreign countries where laws or law enforcement
practices may not protect our proprietary rights as fully as in the United States. Any legal action that we may
bring to protect our brand and other intellectual property could be unsuccessful and expensive and could divert
management’s attention from other business concerns. In addition, legal standards relating to the validity,
enforceability and scope of protection of intellectual property, especially in Internet-related businesses, are
uncertain and evolving. We cannot assure you that these evolving legal standards will sufficiently protect our
intellectual property rights in the future.
We may be subject to intellectual property rights claims.
Third parties may make claims against us alleging infringement of their intellectual property rights. Any
intellectual property claims, regardless of merit, could be time-consuming and expensive to litigate or settle and
could significantly divert management’s attention from other business concerns. In addition, if we were unable to
successfully defend against such claims, we may have to pay damages, stop selling the service or product or stop
using the software, technology or content found to be in violation of a third party’s rights, seek a license for the
infringing service, product, software, technology or content or develop alternative non-infringing services,
products, software, technology or content. If we cannot license on reasonable terms, develop alternatives or stop
using the service, product, software, technology or content for any infringing aspects of our business, we may be
forced to limit our service and product offerings. Any of these results could reduce our revenues or our ability to
compete effectively, increase our costs or harm our business.
Our reputation and the appeal of our services and product offerings may be harmed by security breaches
or privacy concerns.
Breaches of security could result in unauthorized access to proprietary or customer information or data or
cause interruptions to our products and services. Such unauthorized access could harm our reputation, expose us
to liability claims and may result in the loss of existing or potential customers. In addition, the transmission of
computer viruses, or similar malware, could adversely affect our computer systems and harm our business
operations. As a result, it may become necessary to expend significant additional amounts of capital and other
resources to protect against, or to alleviate, problems caused by security breaches. These expenditures, however,
may not prove to be a sufficient remedy.
Most states require that customers be notified if a security breach results in the disclosure of their personal
financial account or other information, and additional states and governmental entities are considering such laws.
In addition, other public disclosure laws may require that material security breaches be reported. If we experience
a security breach and such notice or public disclosure is required in the future, our reputation and our business
may be harmed.
In the ordinary course of our business, we collect and utilize proprietary and customer information and data.
Privacy concerns among prospective and existing customers regarding our use of such information or data
collected on our websites or through our services and products, such as weight management information,
financial data, email addresses and home addresses, could keep them from using our websites or purchasing our
20
services or products. We are subject to certain legal obligations and public scrutiny regarding the manner in
which we treat such information and data. Industry-wide events or events with respect to our websites, including
misappropriation of third-party information, security breaches or changes in industry standards or regulations, or
increased enforcement of existing or new laws, could have an adverse effect on our business.
Disputes with our franchise operators could divert management’s attention from their ordinary
responsibilities.
In the past, we have had disputes with our franchisees regarding operations and other contractual issues. For
example, we have had disputes with some of our franchisees regarding the interpretation of franchisee rights as
they relate to the Internet and mail-order products. Any future disputes could divert the attention of management
from their ordinary responsibilities.
Our businesses are subject to legislative and regulatory restrictions.
A number of laws and regulations govern our advertising, services, products, operations and relations with
consumers, licensees, franchisees, employees and other service providers, and government authorities in the
countries in which we operate.
Certain federal, state and foreign agencies, such as the FTC, regulate and enforce such laws relating to
advertising, disclosures to consumers, privacy, consumer pricing and billing arrangements, and other consumer
protection matters. A determination by a federal, state or foreign agency, or a court in connection with a
governmental enforcement action or private litigation, that any of our practices do not meet existing or new laws
or regulations could result in liability, adverse publicity, and restrictions of our business operations. For example,
during the mid-1990s, the FTC filed complaints against a number of commercial weight management providers
alleging violations of federal law in connection with the use of advertisements that featured testimonials, claims
for program success and program costs. In 1997, we entered into a consent order with the FTC settling all
contested issues raised in the complaint filed against us. The consent order requires us to comply with certain
procedures and disclosures in connection with our advertisements of products and services.
Since we operate our meetings business both in the United States and internationally, we are subject to
many distinct employment, labor, benefits and tax laws in each country in which we operate, including
regulations affecting our employment practices and our relations with our employees and service providers. If we
are required to comply with new laws or regulations or new interpretations of existing laws and regulations, are
unable to comply with these laws, regulations or interpretations, or are subject to litigation with respect to these
laws, regulations or interpretations, our business and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Laws and regulations directly applicable to communications, operations or commerce over the Internet such
as those governing intellectual property, privacy, libel and taxation, are more prevalent and continue to evolve. If
we are required to comply with new laws or regulations or new interpretations of existing laws or regulations, or
if we are unable to comply with these laws, regulations or interpretations, our business could be adversely
affected.
Future laws or regulations, including laws or regulations affecting our marketing and advertising practices,
consumer pricing and billing arrangements, relations with consumers, employees, service providers, licensees or
franchisees, or our services and products, may have an adverse impact on us.
Artal controls us and may have conflicts of interest with other shareholders in the future.
Artal controls us and is able to control the election and removal of our directors and determine our corporate
and management policies, including potential mergers or acquisitions, payment of dividends, asset sales, the
amendment of our articles of incorporation or bylaws and other significant corporate transactions. This
concentration of our ownership may delay or deter possible changes in control of our company, which may
21
reduce the value of an investment in our common stock. Even if Artal beneficially owns less than 50% but 10%
or more of our common stock, Artal will have the right pursuant to an agreement with us to nominate directors to
our Board of Directors in proportion to its stock ownership. The interests of Artal may not coincide with the
interests of other holders of our common stock.
We are a “controlled company” within the meaning of the New York Stock Exchange rules and, as a
result, qualify for exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements.
Artal controls a majority of the voting power of our outstanding common stock. Under the New York Stock
Exchange, or the NYSE, rules, a listed company of which more than 50% of the voting power for the election of
directors is held by another person or group of persons acting together is a “controlled company” and such a
company may elect not to comply with certain NYSE corporate governance requirements, including (1) the
requirement that a majority of the Board of Directors consist of independent directors, (2) the requirement that
the nominating and corporate governance committee be composed entirely of independent directors with a
written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities, (3) the requirement that the
compensation committee be composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the
committee’s purpose and responsibilities, (4) that the compensation committee be required to consider certain
independence factors when engaging compensation consultants, legal counsel and other committee advisors and
(5) the requirement for an annual performance evaluation of the nominating and corporate governance and
compensation committees. We have elected to be treated as a “controlled company.” Accordingly, our
shareholders may not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all of
the NYSE corporate governance requirements.
Our articles of incorporation and bylaws and Virginia corporate law contain provisions that may
discourage a takeover attempt.
Provisions contained in our articles of incorporation and bylaws and the laws of Virginia, the state in which
we are incorporated, could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if doing so might be
beneficial to our shareholders. Provisions of our articles of incorporation and bylaws impose various procedural
and other requirements, which could make it more difficult for shareholders to effect certain corporate actions.
For example, our articles of incorporation authorize our Board of Directors to determine the rights, preferences,
privileges and restrictions of unissued series of preferred stock, without any vote or action by our shareholders.
Thus, our Board of Directors can authorize and issue shares of preferred stock with voting or conversion rights
that could adversely affect the voting or other rights of holders of our common stock. These rights may have the
effect of delaying or deterring a change of control of our company. In addition, a change of control of our
company may be delayed or deterred as a result of our having three classes of directors. These provisions could
limit the price that certain investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2.
Properties
We are currently headquartered in New York, New York in leased office space with our US back-office and
customer support operations located in leased office spaces elsewhere in the United States. Each of our foreign
country operations generally also has leased office space to support its operations. Our WWI reporting segment
typically holds its meetings in third-party locations (usually meeting rooms in well-located civic or other
community centers) or space leased in retail centers.
Our website, including our subscription products, is hosted on hardware and software co-located at a third-
party facility in New York. We also maintain a disaster recovery site with hardware and software co-located at a
third-party facility in Arizona.
22
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
Due to the nature of our activities, we are also, at times, subject to pending and threatened legal actions that
arise out of the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, based in part upon advice of legal
counsel, the disposition of any such matters is not expected to have a material effect on our results of operations,
financial condition or cash flows. However, the results of legal actions cannot be predicted with certainty.
Therefore, it is possible that our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows could be materially
adversely affected in any particular period by the unfavorable resolution of one or more legal actions.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
23
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY
Pursuant to General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K, the information regarding our directors and executive
officers required by Items 401(a), (b) and (e) of Regulation S-K is hereby included in Part I of this Annual Report
on Form 10-K.
Set forth below are the names, ages as of December 28, 2013 and current positions of our executive officers
and directors. Directors are elected at the annual meeting of shareholders. Executive officers are appointed by,
and hold office at, the discretion of our Board of Directors.
Name
Age
Position
James R. Chambers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Nicholas P. Hotchkin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jeanine Lemmens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lesya Lysyj
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corinne Pollier(-Bousquet) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Raymond Debbane(1)
Steven M. Altschuler(1)(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Philippe J. Amouyal(1)
Marsha Johnson Evans(2)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jonas M. Fajgenbaum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sacha Lainovic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Christopher J. Sobecki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(1) Member of Compensation Committee.
(2) Member of Audit Committee.
President and Chief Executive Officer, Director
56
48 Chief Financial Officer
President, United Kingdom
43
President, North America
50
49
President, Continental Europe
58 Chairman of the Board of Directors
60 Director
55 Director
66 Director
41 Director
57 Director
55 Director
James R. Chambers. Mr. Chambers has served as a director and our President and Chief Executive Officer
since July 30, 2013. He served as our President and Chief Operating Officer from January 4, 2013 to July 30,
2013. Prior to joining us, Mr. Chambers served as President of the U.S. Snacks and Confectionary business unit
and General Manager of the Immediate Consumption Channel of Kraft Foods Inc., a global food and beverage
company, from January 2010 to July 2011. Prior to joining Kraft, Mr. Chambers held various positions in the
North America business unit at Cadbury plc, a beverage and confectionary company, from September 2005 to
January 2010, most recently as the President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Chambers began his career at
Nabisco, Inc. and also held various executive positions with Rémy Cointreau USA, Paxonix Inc.,
NetGrocer.com, Inc. and Information Resources, Inc. Mr. Chambers received a Bachelor’s degree in Civil
Engineering from Princeton University and an M.B.A. from the Wharton School of Business of the University of
Pennsylvania. Mr. Chambers is a director of Big Lots, Inc. Mr. Chambers was previously a director of B&G
Foods, a food manufacturer.
Nicholas P. Hotchkin. Mr. Hotchkin has served as our Chief Financial Officer since August 20, 2012. Prior
to joining us, Mr. Hotchkin had spent several years at Staples, Inc., a global leader in the office supply industry.
Most recently, Mr. Hotchkin served as Senior Vice President of Finance for the U.S. Retail division of Staples
based in Massachusetts, a position he held from May 2010 to August 2012. Before assuming that position, he had
been Senior Vice President of Finance and Treasurer of Staples, a position he held from November 2006 to April
2010. Prior to joining Staples, Mr. Hotchkin held several corporate finance positions with Delphi Corporation
and General Motors Corporation including assignments in the United States, Asia and Europe. Mr. Hotchkin
received a B.A. in Economics from Harvard College and an M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School.
Jeanine Lemmens. Ms. Lemmens has served as our President, United Kingdom since May 2013. Prior to
that time, Ms. Lemmens served as our Managing Director, Benelux from July 2006 to May 2013. Prior to joining
us, beginning in December 1999, Ms. Lemmens held various senior management and strategic positions with
24
Center Parcs Europe, an operator of European short holiday break villages, including most recently serving as the
Director B2B Strategy / Marketing from November 2005 to July 2006. Prior to joining Center Parcs Europe,
Ms. Lemmens was working as an accountant in the audit practice with Ernst & Young LLP where she serviced a
range of clients including many commercial clients. Ms. Lemmens holds a Certified Public Accountant degree
from Erasmus University in the Netherlands, an M.S. in Business Administration from Nyenrode Business
University in the Netherlands and a Bachelors of Art degree in Hospitality Management from Hotel School, The
Hague, Hospitality Business School in the Netherlands.
Lesya Lysyj. Ms. Lysyj has served as the Company’s President, North America since November 25, 2013.
Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Lysyj served as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of
Heineken USA, a leading beer importer in the United States, from March 2011 to November 2013. Prior to
joining Heineken USA, Ms. Lysyj had worked as Vice President Marketing Confectionery for the United States
at Kraft Foods Inc., a global food and beverage company, from March 2010 to March 2011. Prior to joining
Kraft, Ms. Lysyj held various positions in the North America business unit at Cadbury plc, a beverage and
confectionary company, from 2000 to 2010, most recently as Executive Vice President Marketing, Cadbury
US/Canada from 2007 to 2010. Ms. Lysyj also held various marketing and product development positions with
Cadbury Schweppes Beverages. Ms. Lysyj received a Bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of
Western Ontario and an M.B.A from the University of Toronto.
Corinne Pollier(-Bousquet). Ms. Pollier has served as our President, Continental Europe since May 2013.
Prior to that time, Ms. Pollier served as our Senior Vice President of France and Switzerland from October 2008
to May 2013 and our General Manager of France from October 2003 to October 2008. Prior to joining us,
Ms. Pollier was with VIVARTE Group (France), a European retailer of footwear and apparel, where she held
various positions in the finance and planning analysis department from 1991 to 1995, various senior positions in
the organization and strategy department from 1995 to 2000 and as General Manager of Kookai from 2001 to
2003. Ms. Pollier also held various product management and project management positions for the central buying
office of Le Printemps department stores from 1987 to 2001. Ms. Pollier is a graduate of HEC Business School
Paris.
Raymond Debbane. Mr. Debbane has been the Chairman of our Board of Directors since our acquisition by
Artal Luxembourg on September 29, 1999. Mr. Debbane is a co-founder and the Chief Executive Officer of The
Invus Group, LLC. Prior to forming The Invus Group, LLC in 1985, Mr. Debbane was a manager and consultant
for The Boston Consulting Group in Paris, France. He holds an M.B.A. from Stanford Graduate School of
Business, an M.S. in Food Science and Technology from the University of California, Davis and a B.S. in
Agricultural Sciences and Agricultural Engineering from American University of Beirut. Mr. Debbane is the
Chairman of the Board of Directors of Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and a director of Ceres, Inc. He is also the
Chief Executive Officer and a director of Artal and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of a number of
private companies of which Artal or Invus, L.P. are shareholders.
Steven M. Altschuler. Dr. Altschuler has been a director since September 2012. Dr. Altschuler has served
and continues to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), one of
the leading children’s hospitals in the United States, since April 2000. Prior to assuming the role of Chief
Executive Officer, Dr. Altschuler held several positions at CHOP, including Physician-in-Chief and chief of the
Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. Prior to joining CHOP, Dr. Altschuler was faculty
member and chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of
Pennsylvania. Dr. Altschuler received a B.A. in mathematics and an M.D. from Case Western Reserve
University. Dr. Altschuler is a director of Mead Johnson Nutrition Company, serves on its Compensation and
Management Development Committee and is also Chair of its Nutrition Science and Technology Committee.
Philippe J. Amouyal. Mr. Amouyal has been a director since November 2002. Mr. Amouyal is a Managing
Director of The Invus Group, LLC, a position he has held since 1999. Previously, Mr. Amouyal was a Vice
President and director of The Boston Consulting Group in Boston, MA. He holds an M.S. in Engineering and a
25
DEA in Management from Ecole Centrale de Paris and was a Research Fellow at the Center for Policy
Alternatives of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Mr. Amouyal is a director and member of the
Compensation Committee of Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and a number of private companies of which Artal or
Invus, L.P. are shareholders.
Marsha Johnson Evans. Ms. Evans has been a director since February 2002. Ms. Evans served as President
and Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross, the preeminent humanitarian organization in the United
States, from August 2002 to December 2005, and previously served as the National Executive Director of Girl
Scouts of the U.S.A. from January 1998 to July 2002. A retired Rear Admiral in the United States Navy,
Ms. Evans served as superintendent of the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California from 1995 to 1998
and headed the Navy’s worldwide recruiting organization from 1993 to 1995. Ms. Evans also served as the
Acting Commissioner of the Ladies Professional Golf Association from July 2009 to January 2010. Ms. Evans
received a B.A. from Occidental College and a Master’s Degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy
at Tufts University. Ms. Evans is also a director of the North Highland Company and The First Tee. Ms. Evans
was previously a director of Huntsman Corporation, Office Depot, Inc. and the Estate of Lehman Brothers
Holdings, Inc.
Jonas M. Fajgenbaum. Mr. Fajgenbaum has been a director since our acquisition by Artal Luxembourg on
September 29, 1999. Mr. Fajgenbaum is a Managing Director of The Invus Group, LLC, which he joined in
1996. Prior to joining The Invus Group, LLC, Mr. Fajgenbaum was a consultant for McKinsey & Company in
New York from 1994 to 1996. He graduated with a B.S. in Economics with a concentration in Finance from The
Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a B.A. in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Fajgenbaum is a director of a number of private companies of which Artal or Invus, L.P. are shareholders.
Sacha Lainovic. Mr. Lainovic has been a director since our acquisition by Artal Luxembourg on
September 29, 1999. Since 2007, Mr. Lainovic has been Managing Partner of Invus Financial Advisors, LLC, a
New York-based investment firm, which he co-founded. From 1985 to 2006, Mr. Lainovic was Executive Vice
President of The Invus Group, LLC, which he co-founded. Prior to forming The Invus Group, LLC in 1985,
Mr. Lainovic was a manager and consultant for The Boston Consulting Group in Paris, France. He holds an
M.B.A. from Stanford Graduate School of Business and an M.S. in Engineering from Insa de Lyon in Lyon,
France.
Christopher J. Sobecki. Mr. Sobecki has been a director since our acquisition by Artal Luxembourg on
September 29, 1999. Mr. Sobecki is a Managing Director of The Invus Group, LLC, which he joined in 1989. He
received an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. He also obtained a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from
Purdue University. Mr. Sobecki is a director of Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and a number of private companies
of which Artal or Invus, L.P. are shareholders. Mr. Sobecki was previously a director of NitroMed Inc.
26
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of
Equity Securities
Our common stock is listed on the NYSE. Our common stock trades on the NYSE under the symbol
“WTW.”
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices per share for our
common stock as reported on the NYSE composite price history.
Fiscal 2013 (Year ended December 28, 2013)
First Quarter
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Second Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Third Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fourth Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fiscal 2012 (Year ended December 29, 2012)
First Quarter
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Second Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Third Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fourth Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High
Low
$60.30
$48.35
$48.63
$41.44
$40.00
$40.09
$35.58
$31.24
High
Low
$82.91
$79.99
$57.25
$57.88
$53.50
$49.10
$40.60
$46.65
On October 9, 2003, our Board of Directors authorized, and we announced, a program to repurchase up to
$250.0 million of our outstanding common stock. On each of June 13, 2005, May 25, 2006 and October 21, 2010,
our Board of Directors authorized, and we announced, adding $250.0 million 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 Holdings and its parents and subsidiaries under this
program. The repurchase program currently has no expiration date. We repurchased no shares of our common
stock during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013. As of the end of fiscal 2013, $208.9 million remained available to
purchase shares of our common stock under the repurchase program.
On February 23, 2012, we commenced a “modified Dutch auction” tender offer for up to $720.0 million in
value of our common stock at a purchase price not less than $72.00 and not greater than $83.00 per share, or the
Tender Offer. Prior to the Tender Offer, on February 14, 2012, we entered into an agreement, or the Purchase
Agreement, with Artal Holdings (the then-current record holder of our shares owned by Artal) whereby Artal
Holdings agreed to sell to us, at the same price as was determined in the Tender Offer, such number of its shares
of our common stock that, upon the closing of this purchase after the completion of the Tender Offer, Artal
Holdings’ percentage ownership in the outstanding shares of our common stock would be substantially equal to
its level prior to the Tender Offer. Artal Holdings also agreed not to participate in the Tender Offer so that it
would not affect the determination of the purchase price of the shares in the Tender Offer. The Tender Offer
expired at midnight, New York time, on March 22, 2012, and on March 28, 2012 we repurchased approximately
8.8 million shares at a purchase price of $82.00 per share. On April 9, 2012, we repurchased approximately
9.5 million of Artal Holdings’ shares at a purchase price of $82.00 per share pursuant to the Purchase Agreement.
In March 2012, we amended and extended the WWI Credit Facility to finance these repurchases. See “Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital
Resources—Long-Term Debt”. The repurchase of shares of common stock under the Tender Offer and from
Artal Holdings pursuant to the Purchase Agreement was not made pursuant to the Company’s existing repurchase
program.
27
Holders
The approximate number of holders of record of our common stock as of January 31, 2014 was 283. This
number does not include beneficial owners of our securities held in the name of nominees.
Dividends
On October 30, 2013, we announced that we suspended our quarterly cash dividend. As a result, no dividend
was issued for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013. We historically had issued a quarterly cash dividend of $0.175
per share of our common stock every quarter for the past several fiscal years. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012,
our Board of Directors declared such a quarterly cash dividend and accelerated its payment to December 2012
instead of having it paid in January 2013 as it had typically done for the fourth quarter dividend declaration. We
currently intend to use the annual cash savings from such dividend suspension to preserve financial flexibility
while funding our strategic growth initiatives and building cash for future debt repayments. Any future
determination to declare and pay dividends will be made at the discretion of our Board of Directors, after taking
into account our financial results, capital requirements and other factors it may deem relevant. The WWI Credit
Facility (as defined below) also contains restrictions on our ability to pay dividends on our common stock. See
“Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity
and Capital Resources—Long-Term Debt” in Part II, and “Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement
Schedules—Financial Statements—Note 6. Long-Term Debt”, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a
description of the WWI Credit Facility.
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
The following schedule sets forth our selected financial data for the last five fiscal years.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(in millions, except per share amounts)
Fiscal 2013
(52 weeks)
Fiscal 2012
(52 weeks)
Fiscal 2011
(52 weeks)
Fiscal 2010
(52 weeks)
Fiscal 2009
(52 weeks)
Revenues, net(1)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income attributable to the Company . . . . . . . . . . .
Working capital (deficit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long-term debt
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Earnings per share:
Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dividends declared per common share . . . . . . . . . . . .
$1,839.4
$ 257.4
$1,412.6
$1,832.5
$1,724.1
$ 204.7
$ 177.3
$ 304.9
$ (30.1) $ (229.9) $ (279.7) $ (348.7) $ (336.1)
$1,087.5
$1,121.6
$1,408.9
$1,238.0
$ 926.9
$2,358.0
$1,218.6
$2,291.7
$1,464.1
$ 194.2
$1,092.0
$1,167.6
$
$
$
3.65
3.63
0.53
$
$
$
4.27
4.23
0.70
$
$
$
4.16
4.11
0.70
$
$
$
2.57
2.56
0.70
$
$
$
2.30
2.30
0.70
(1)
The classification of certain brand marketing funds received from licensees has been revised to reflect them as revenue as opposed to
being recorded as an offset to expense. See “Critical Accounting Policies” below for additional information about this reclassification.
Items Affecting Comparability
Several events occurred during each of the last five fiscal years that affect the comparability of our financial
statements. The nature of these events and their impact on underlying business trends are as follows:
Early Extinguishment of Debt Charge
Net income and earnings per share, or EPS, for the full year of fiscal 2013 were impacted by a $21.7 million
($13.3 million after tax), or $0.24 per fully diluted share, early extinguishment of debt charge recorded in the second
quarter of fiscal 2013 resulting from the write-off of fees in connection with our April 2013 debt refinancing.
28
UK Self-Employment Matter
We received an adverse tax ruling in the United Kingdom that our UK leaders should have been classified
as employees for UK tax purposes and, as such, we should have withheld tax from our leaders pursuant to the
“Pay As You Earn” and national insurance contributions collection rules and remitted such amounts to Her
Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, or HMRC. In connection with this ruling, we recorded a charge of
approximately $36.7 million, of which approximately $4.2 million was with respect to fiscal 2009 and
approximately $32.5 million was with respect to fiscal years 2001 through 2008, to cost of revenues in the fourth
quarter of fiscal 2009. We subsequently recorded a charge of approximately $4.1 million and $3.0 million in
fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2011, respectively. In December 2012, we reached an agreement with HMRC to settle the
matter in its entirety for approximately $36.8 million. Based upon the settlement amount, we determined that
$14.5 million of the reserved amount represented an over-accrual and as such was reversed to cost of revenues.
As part of the settlement amount, the settlement agreement provided for an amount of interest to be paid which
resulted in a $7.1 million increase to interest expense. The net benefit associated with the settlement was an
increase of $7.4 million to income before income taxes. The reserve for this matter at the end of the fourth
quarter of fiscal 2012 equaled approximately $7.3 million in the aggregate based on the exchange rates at the end
of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012. In January 2013, $6.8 million was paid to HMRC, representing the balance
due over the approximately $30.0 million paid to HMRC in February 2012, and the balance of the reserve was
used to pay associated costs.
UK VAT Matter
In fiscal 2010, we determined that there was an over-accrual of $2.0 million, which was reversed to revenue,
with respect to the previously disclosed adverse ruling in the United Kingdom related to the imposition of UK
value added tax, or UK VAT, on meeting fees earned in the United Kingdom.
Restructuring Charges
In fiscal 2009, we recorded $5.5 million of restructuring charges associated with our cost savings initiatives
previously announced in the first quarter of fiscal 2009.
Long-Term Debt
On June 26, 2009, we amended our then-existing credit facilities, or collectively, the Prior WWI Credit
Facility, to allow us to make loan modification offers to all lenders of any tranche of term loans or revolving
loans to extend the maturity date of such loans and/or reduce or eliminate the scheduled amortization. Any such
loan modifications would be effective only with respect to such tranche of term loans or revolving loans and only
with respect to those lenders that accepted our offer. Loan modification offers could be accompanied by
increased pricing and/or fees payable to accepting lenders. This amendment also provided for up to an additional
$200.0 million of incremental term loan financing through the creation of a new tranche of term loans, provided
that the aggregate principal amount of such new term loans could not exceed the amount then outstanding under
our then-existing revolving credit facility. In addition, the proceeds from such new tranche of term loans could
only be used to repay certain outstanding revolving loans and to reduce the commitments of certain revolving
lenders. In connection with this amendment, we incurred fees of approximately $4.1 million during fiscal 2009.
On April 8, 2010, we amended the Prior WWI Credit Facility pursuant to a loan modification offer to all
lenders of all tranches of term loans and revolving loans to, among other things, extend the maturity date of such
loans. In connection with this amendment, certain lenders converted a total of $454.5 million of their outstanding
term loans under a tranche A loan ($151.8 million) and additional tranche A loan ($302.7 million) into term loans
under the new Term C Loan due 2015 (or 2013, upon the occurrence of certain events described in the Prior
WWI Credit Facility agreement), and a total of $241.9 million of their outstanding term loans under the Term B
Loan into term loans under the new Term D Loan due 2016 (each as defined hereafter). In addition, certain
lenders converted a total of $332.6 million of their outstanding Revolver A-1 commitments into commitments
29
under the new Revolver A-2 which would have terminated in 2014 (or 2013, upon the occurrence of certain
events described in the Prior WWI Credit Facility agreement) (each as defined hereafter), including a
proportionate amount of their outstanding Revolver A-1 loans into Revolver A-2 loans. Following these
conversions of a total of $1,029.0 million of loans and commitments, at April 8, 2010, we had the same amount
of debt outstanding under the Prior WWI Credit Facility and aggregate amount of availability under the Revolver
A-1 and Revolver A-2 as we had immediately prior to such conversions. In connection, with this loan
modification offer, we incurred fees of approximately $11.5 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2010.
On March 15, 2012, the composition of the Prior WWI Credit Facility changed as a result of our amending
and restating the Prior WWI Credit Facility to, among other things, extend the maturity of certain of our term
loan facilities and our revolving credit facility and to obtain new commitments for the borrowing of an additional
$1,449.4 million of term loans to finance the purchases of shares of our common stock in the Tender Offer and
from Artal Holdings pursuant to the Purchase Agreement. Following the amendment of the Prior WWI Credit
Facility, (i) $33.1 million in aggregate principal amount of the Term A-1 Loan and $301.8 million in aggregate
principal amount of the Term C Loan were converted into, and $849.4 million in aggregate principal amount of
commitments to borrow new term loans were provided under, the new Term E Loan (as defined hereafter),
(ii) $107.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the Term B Loan and $119.1 million in aggregate principal
amount of the Term D Loan were converted into, and $600.0 million in aggregate principal amount of
commitments to borrow new term loans were provided under, the new Term F Loan, and (iii) $262.0 million in
aggregate principal amount of commitments under the Revolver A-1 were converted into the new revolving
credit facility, Revolver A-2. The loans outstanding under each term loan facility existing prior to the amendment
of the Prior WWI Credit Facility and the loans and commitments outstanding under the Revolver A-1, in each
case that were not converted into the Term E Loan, the Term F Loan or the Revolver A-2, as applicable,
continued to remain outstanding under the WWI Credit Facility as the Term A-1 Loan, the Term B Loan, the
Term C Loan, the Term D Loan or the Revolver A-1, as applicable. In connection with this amendment, we
incurred fees of approximately $26.2 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2012.
On April 2, 2013, we refinanced our credit facilities pursuant to a Credit Agreement, or the New Credit
Agreement, among the Company, the lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent
and an issuing bank, The Bank of Nova Scotia, as revolving agent, swingline lender and an issuing bank, and the
other parties thereto. The New Credit Agreement provides for (a) a revolving credit facility (including swing line
loans and letters of credit) in an initial aggregate principal amount of $250.0 million that will mature on April 2,
2018, or the Revolving Facility, (b) an initial term B-1 loan credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of
$300.0 million that will mature on April 2, 2016, or Tranche B-1 Term Facility, and (c) an initial term B-2 loan
credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $2,100.0 million that will mature on April 2, 2020, or Tranche
B-2 Term Facility. We refer herein to the Tranche B-1 Term Facility together with the Tranche B-2 Term Facility
as the Term Facilities, and the Term Facilities and Revolving Facility collectively as the WWI Credit Facility. In
connection with this refinancing, we used the proceeds from borrowings under the Term Facilities to pay off a
total of $2,399.9 million of outstanding loans, consisting of $128.8 million of Term B Loans, $110.6 million of
Term C Loans, $117.6 million of Term D Loans, $1,125.0 million of Term E Loans, $817.9 million of Term F
Loans, $21.2 million of loans under the Revolver A-1 and $78.8 million of loans under the Revolver A-2.
Following the refinancing of a total of $2,399.9 million of loans, at April 2, 2013, we had $2,400.0 million debt
outstanding under the Term Facilities and $248.8 million of availability under the Revolving Facility. We
incurred fees of approximately $45.0 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2013 in connection with this
refinancing. In the second quarter of fiscal 2013, we wrote-off fees associated with this refinancing which
resulted in our recording a charge of $21.7 million in early extinguishment of debt.
For additional details on the WWI Credit Facility, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Long-Term Debt” in Part II
of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
30
Working Capital
The changes in the working capital deficit are primarily the result of year-over-year increases related to cash
in connection with operations and a decrease in the current portion of long-term debt related to the refinancing of
our credit facilities as well as the shift in timing of tax payments, accruals related to the UK self-employment
matter and other operational items.
Franchise Acquisitions
The following are our key acquisitions since the beginning of fiscal 2009:
Acquisitions of Alberta and Saskatchewan, West Virginia, Columbus, Reno, Manitoba and Franklin and St.
Lawrence Counties. On March 4, 2013, we acquired substantially all of the assets of our Alberta and
Saskatchewan, Canada franchisees, Weight Watchers of Alberta Ltd. and Weight Watchers of Saskatchewan
Ltd., for an aggregate purchase price of $35.0 million. On July 15, 2013, we acquired substantially all of the
assets of our West Virginia franchisee, Weight Watchers of West Virginia, Inc., for a net purchase price of $16.0
million. On July 22, 2013, we acquired substantially all of the assets of our Columbus, Ohio franchisee, Weight
Watchers of Columbus, Inc., for a net purchase price of $23.3 million and our Reno, Nevada franchisee, Weight
Watchers of Northern Nevada, Inc., for a net purchase price of $4.0 million. On October 28, 2013, we acquired
substantially all of the assets of our Manitoba, Canada franchisee, Weight Watchers of Manitoba Ltd., for a net
purchase price of $5.2 million and our Franklin and St. Lawrence Counties, New York franchisee, Weight
Watchers of Franklin and St. Lawrence Counties Inc., for a net purchase price of $0.3 million.
Acquisitions of Southeastern Ontario and Ottawa, Adirondacks and Memphis. On September 10, 2012, we
acquired substantially all of the assets of our Southeastern Ontario and Ottawa, Canada franchisee, Slengora
Limited, for a net purchase price of $16.8 million. On November 2, 2012, we acquired substantially all of the
assets of our Adirondacks franchisee, Weight Watchers of the Adirondacks, Inc., for a purchase price of $3.4
million. On December 20, 2012, we acquired substantially all of the assets of our Memphis, Tennessee
franchisee, Weight Watchers of the Mid-South, Inc., for a purchase price of $10.0 million.
These acquisitions were financed through cash from operations. These acquisitions have been accounted for
as purchases and financial results have been included in our consolidated operating results since their respective
dates of acquisition.
31
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
You should read the following discussion in conjunction with the “Selected Financial Data” included in
Item 6 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and our consolidated financial statements and related notes included
in Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve
risks and uncertainties, such as statements of our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. The cautionary
statements discussed in “Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and elsewhere in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K should be read as applying to all forward-looking statements wherever they appear
in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed here.
Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include, without limitation, those discussed in “Risk
Factors” included in Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Overview
We derive our revenues principally from:
• Meeting fees. Members pay us fees to attend our weekly meetings.
•
•
•
Internet revenues. We generate revenue from our Internet subscription products and from the sale of
third-party Internet advertising.
In-meeting product sales. We sell a range of products that complement our weight management plans,
such as bars, snacks, cookbooks, food and restaurant guides with PointsPlus values, Weight Watchers
magazines, PointsPlus calculators and ActiveLink activity monitors, to members in our meetings.
Licensing, franchise royalties and other. We license the Weight Watchers brand and our other
intellectual property in certain categories of foods and other relevant consumer products. We also
endorse carefully selected branded consumer products. In addition, our franchisees typically pay us a
royalty fee of 10% of their meeting fee revenues as well as purchase products for sale in their meetings.
We also generate revenues from subscriptions for our magazines and third-party advertising in our
publications.
Prior to fiscal 2014, we had two reporting segments: Weight Watchers International and
WeightWatchers.com. All sources of revenue, other than Internet revenues, are included in our Weight Watchers
International reporting segment. Over the past several years the mix of our revenues has shifted more toward our
WeightWatchers.com reporting segment and away from our Weight Watchers International reporting segment.
Revenues from our Weight Watchers International reporting segment contributed 69.4% of our total revenues in
fiscal 2013, 72.2% of our total revenues in fiscal 2012, and 77.8% of our total revenues in fiscal 2011. Revenues
from our WeightWatchers.com reporting segment contributed 30.6% of our total revenues in fiscal 2013, 27.8%
of our total revenues in fiscal 2012, and 22.2% of our total revenues in fiscal 2011.
Effective the first day of fiscal 2014 (i.e. December 29, 2013), we realigned our organizational structure to
better leverage our significant assets and align our innovation efforts, which resulted in new reporting segments
(North America, United Kingdom, Continental Europe, and Rest of World) for the purpose of making operational
and resource decisions and assessing financial performance. The segment information presented in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K does not reflect this change as the change was not effected internally until our first quarter
of fiscal 2014. We will begin reporting segment information based on these new segments in our Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the first quarter of fiscal 2014.
32
The following table sets forth our revenues by category for the past five fiscal years.
Revenue Sources
(in millions)
Meetings fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Internet revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In-meeting product sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Licensing, franchise royalties and other . . . . . . . . . . .
Fiscal 2013
Fiscal 2012
Fiscal 2011
Fiscal 2010
Fiscal 2009
(52 weeks)
$ 851.6
522.2
212.0
138.3
(52 weeks)
$ 934.9
504.3
253.2
147.0
(52 weeks)
$ 990.3
399.5
281.8
160.9
(52 weeks)
$ 819.6
238.8
260.5
145.2
(52 weeks)
$ 817.5
196.0
251.4
147.7
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$1,724.1
$1,839.4
$1,832.5
$1,464.1
$1,412.6
From fiscal 2009 through fiscal 2013, our revenues increased at a compound annual growth rate of 5.1%
primarily driven by paid weeks growth in the WeightWatchers.com business. Additional revenue details are as
follows:
• Meeting fees. From fiscal 2009 through fiscal 2013, meeting fees grew at a compound annual growth
rate of 1.0%, with growth in our NACO meetings business being partially offset by declines in our UK
and Continental European meetings businesses. This increase was driven by growth in our meeting
paid weeks, which grew on a global basis at a compound annual growth rate of 0.6%. Beginning in
NACO in the second quarter of fiscal 2010, year-over-year growth in recruitment trends, driven by
strong new marketing and further fueled by the soft launch in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 of
PointsPlus and ProPoints in our English-speaking markets, drove global meeting fees by the fourth
quarter of fiscal 2010 to increase versus the comparable prior year period. The momentum of the new
program launches in our English-speaking markets accelerated our recruitment trends in the first
quarter of fiscal 2011, and, supported by strong marketing and public relations, resulted in global
meeting fees that increased in every quarter of fiscal 2011 as compared to the respective prior year
period. Fiscal 2012 had the challenge of being compared against the high levels of recruitment growth
we experienced in fiscal 2011. Although we entered fiscal 2012 with a higher meeting membership
base than we had at the beginning of fiscal 2011, lower enrollments in all 2012 fiscal quarters resulted
in lower meeting fees for the year as compared to the prior year. Lower enrollments in the meetings
business in fiscal 2012 were primarily driven by a decline in the English-speaking markets as we
cycled against the momentum of their program innovations in the prior year. Despite the global
introduction of the new Weight Watchers 360º plan, enrollments continued to decline in each fiscal
2013 quarter as compared to the prior year period. This negative enrollment trend coupled with a lower
meetings active base at the beginning of fiscal 2013 versus the beginning of fiscal 2012 drove a further
decline in meeting paid weeks in fiscal 2013 as compared to the prior year.
•
Internet revenues. From fiscal 2009 through fiscal 2013, our Internet revenues grew at a compound
annual growth rate of 27.8%. The increase was primarily due to growth in the number of
WeightWatchers.com end of period active Online subscribers which grew by over 900,000 subscribers
from 762,660 at the end of fiscal 2009 to 1,746,182 at the end of fiscal 2013. This increase in Online
subscribers drove growth in our Online paid weeks, which grew at a compound annual growth rate of
27.7% during that period. This increase in Online subscribers and paid weeks, which accelerated in
fiscal 2011, was driven primarily by continued strong marketing campaigns which began in the second
quarter of fiscal 2010 in the United States and the United Kingdom, and further benefited from the new
program launches at the end of fiscal 2010. In addition, from fiscal 2009 through fiscal 2011, we had
three new country launches which further drove growth in our subscriber base. In fiscal 2012, first-time
dedicated television advertising coupled with effective marketing campaigns in Canada and
Continental Europe primarily drove strong Online paid weeks growth in the year. Although our active
Online subscriber base had a declining growth trend throughout fiscal 2012 which drove declining
33
Online paid weeks growth throughout that year, this subscriber base was higher at the beginning of
fiscal 2013 than at the beginning of fiscal 2012. In fiscal 2013, the Online paid weeks growth
deceleration continued throughout the year driven by declining sign-ups in the US business. By the end
of the first half of fiscal 2013, this decline in sign-ups led to our active Online subscriber base dropping
below the prior year period. This negative sign-up trend continued in the second half of fiscal 2013
driven primarily by the US business, as the commercial weight loss category continued to be impacted
by increasing consumer trial of activity monitors and free apps.
In-meeting product sales. Global product sales were down 4.2% on a compound annual growth rate
from fiscal 2009 through fiscal 2013. Our average product sales per attendee in our meetings business
grew from $4.63 to $4.94 at a compound annual growth rate of 1.6% during that period as a result of
successful new product and program launches. However, we experienced a decline in the number of
members attending meetings which drove a decline in our global product sales during that period.
Licensing revenues. Licensing revenues declined at a compound annual growth rate of 0.2% from fiscal
2009 through fiscal 2013. Despite our increased focus on expanding the number of Weight Watchers
branded and endorsed products worldwide, the decrease in consumer confidence and discretionary
spending from the global economic downturn negatively impacted this revenue category during that
period. In addition, during fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2013, the licensing business was further negatively
impacted by competition from lower priced store branded products.
•
•
Metrics and Business Trends
Performance Indicators and Market Trends
Our management reviews and analyzes several key performance indicators in order to manage our business
and assess the quality and potential variability of our cash flows and earnings. These key performance indicators
include:
•
•
•
•
•
net revenues;
paid weeks and attendance metrics;
meeting fees per paid week and in-meeting product sales per attendee;
the number of end of period Monthly Pass active subscribers and active Online subscribers; and
gross profit and operating expenses as a percentage of revenue.
We believe that our revenues and profitability can be sensitive to major trends in the weight management
industry. In particular, we believe that our business could be adversely impacted by:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
increased competition from Internet, free mobile and other weight management applications, activity
monitors and other electronic weight management approaches;
the development of more favorably perceived or more effective weight management methods,
including pharmaceuticals;
a failure to develop innovative new services and products or to successfully expand into new channels
of distribution;
a failure to successfully implement new strategic initiatives;
a decrease in the effectiveness of our marketing and advertising programs;
an impairment of the Weight Watchers brand and our other intellectual property;
a failure of our technology or systems to perform as designed; and
a downturn in general economic conditions or consumer confidence.
34
Global Operations
The following tables set forth our paid weeks and meeting attendance by geography for the past five fiscal
years:
Online Paid Weeks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Meeting Paid Weeks:
Paid Weeks in Company-Owned Operations
(in millions)
Fiscal 2013
Fiscal 2012
Fiscal 2011
Fiscal 2010
Fiscal 2009
(52 weeks)
113.4
(52 weeks)
111.5
(52 weeks)
88.0
(52 weeks)
52.5
(52 weeks)
42.7
North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
United Kingdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Continental Europe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other International
Total Meeting Paid Weeks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
59.7
13.7
13.2
2.5
89.1
66.0
16.9
13.4
2.9
99.2
Total Paid Weeks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
202.5
210.7
69.9
19.1
12.2
3.6
104.8
192.8
55.3
16.1
13.6
2.9
87.9
55.8
16.2
12.7
2.9
87.6
140.4
130.3
North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
United Kingdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Continental Europe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other International
Meeting Attendance in Company-Owned
Operations
(in millions)
Fiscal
2013
(52
weeks)
27.2
7.5
6.8
1.4
Fiscal
2012
(52
weeks)
31.9
9.7
7.4
1.7
Fiscal
2011
(52
weeks)
36.0
11.6
7.2
2.2
Fiscal
2010
(52
weeks)
30.3
10.2
8.5
2.0
Fiscal
2009
(52
weeks)
32.1
11.4
8.6
2.2
Total
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
42.9
50.7
57.0
51.0
54.3
The “paid week” metric reports total paid weeks by our customers in Company-owned operations for a
given period. For Weight Watchers Online, paid weeks is the total paid Weight Watchers Online subscriber
weeks for a given period. For meetings, paid weeks is the sum of total paid commitment plan weeks (e.g.,
Monthly Pass weeks) and total “pay-as-you-go” weeks for a given period. Before the launch of our commitment
plans in the meetings business, our members were largely on a “pay-as-you-go” basis, and accordingly, growth in
meeting attendance essentially approximated growth in meeting paid weeks. However, paid weeks and
attendance are no longer directly correlated as the percentage of meeting paid weeks attributable to commitment
plans far exceeds the percentage attributable to “pay-as-you-go”.
As shown in the table above, our total paid weeks grew from 130.3 million in fiscal 2009 to 202.5 million in
fiscal 2013, or 11.7% on a compound annual growth rate basis. Weight Watchers Online paid weeks grew from
42.7 million in fiscal 2009 to 113.4 million in fiscal 2013, or 27.7% on a compound annual growth rate basis.
Our total meeting paid weeks grew from 87.6 million in fiscal 2009 to 89.1 million in fiscal 2013, or 0.4% on a
compound annual growth rate basis. While franchise acquisitions had a de minimis impact on the compound
annual growth rate for total paid weeks, these acquisitions benefited the compound annual growth rate of meeting
paid weeks by 0.3%.
As shown in the table above, our annual meeting attendance in our Company-owned operations has declined
from 54.3 million for fiscal 2009 to 42.9 million for fiscal 2013, a decline of 5.7% on a compound annual growth
rate basis which includes a 0.5% benefit from franchise acquisitions. Our average meeting revenue per attendee,
however, increased over the same period, largely as a result of Monthly Pass’ growing penetration in NACO and
other markets and growth in product sales per attendee.
35
WeightWatchers.com Metrics and Business Trends
From fiscal 2009 to fiscal 2013, Internet revenues grew at a compound annual growth rate of 27.8%. This
growth was primarily driven by growth in Online subscription revenue of 29.1% on a compound annual growth
rate basis from fiscal 2009 to fiscal 2013. Subscription revenue growth was driven by an increase in Online paid
weeks from 42.7 million in fiscal 2009 to 113.4 million in fiscal 2013, a compound annual growth rate of 27.7%.
End of period active Online subscribers grew from 0.8 million at the end of fiscal 2009 to 1.7 million at the end
of fiscal 2013, a compound annual growth rate of 23.0%. This successful growth resulted primarily from a
combination of new subscribers in our major markets and launches of WeightWatchers.com subscription
products in three new markets. In addition, WeightWatchers.com, like the meetings business, benefited from the
new program launches of PointsPlus and ProPoints in fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2011 and the introduction of new
products, including applications for mobile devices such as the iPhone®, iPad® and Android™ devices.
Marketing, particularly first-time dedicated television advertising coupled with effective marketing campaigns in
Canada and Continental Europe in the case of fiscal 2012, continued to drive subscription growth from fiscal
2009 through the first three quarters of fiscal 2013. Although Online paid weeks still grew in fiscal 2013 as
compared to fiscal 2012, driven by a higher active Online subscriber base at the beginning of fiscal 2013 versus
fiscal 2012, the declining trend of Online paid weeks growth in fiscal 2012 continued into fiscal 2013. For the
first and second quarters of fiscal 2013, Online paid weeks grew 10.3% and 4.4% versus the prior year period,
respectively. Conversely, for the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2013, Online paid weeks declined 2.6% and
6.5% versus the prior year period, respectively. The decline was primarily driven by declining sign-ups in the US
business as the commercial weight loss category continued to be impacted by increasing consumer trial of
activity monitors and free apps. As a result, Online paid weeks in the second half of fiscal 2013 were below those
in the prior year period.
In addition to generating revenues from its subscription-based offerings, WeightWatchers.com also provides
a means for companies to advertise on our websites. This advertising revenue increased at a compound annual
growth rate of 4.4% from fiscal 2009 to fiscal 2013. This increase was driven primarily by advertising growth in
the United States followed by Germany.
North America Meeting Metrics and Business Trends
In 2009, the weak economy in the United States had a significant impact on our meetings business. The
economic recession, coupled with reduced credit availability, adversely impacted consumer spending. We saw the
impact most acutely in enrollments, particularly of new members who had never been to Weight Watchers. In fiscal
2009, meeting paid weeks declined by 8.4% versus fiscal 2008. Attendance also declined versus the prior year.
In fiscal 2010, NACO meeting paid weeks declined 1.0% and attendance declined 5.7% versus the prior
year as a result of performance weakness in the early part of the year. In the spring of fiscal 2010, NACO
launched a new marketing strategy and campaign focused on member experience, featuring Jennifer Hudson as
its new spokesperson. With this change, business performance began an improvement trend in the second quarter
of fiscal 2010 that continued through the rest of the year. In addition, NACO initiated other growth strategies
during fiscal 2010, including revamping the retail structure in select markets. These new strategies coupled with
the launch of the PointsPlus program in late November resulted in a positive end to fiscal 2010, with solid
growth in the fourth quarter in both meeting paid weeks and attendance, up 4.2% and 6.8%, respectively, versus
the fourth quarter of 2009.
In fiscal 2011, NACO meeting paid weeks increased 26.4% and attendances increased 18.8% versus the
prior year level. We entered fiscal 2011 with more active members than at the beginning of fiscal 2010 driven by
the momentum of the new program launch and supported by strong marketing and public relation activities. The
quarterly growth trend in meeting paid weeks and attendances in fiscal 2011 versus prior year quarters continued
to be strong, albeit at a slightly slower pace, as we began to cycle against the highly successful marketing
campaign in the second quarter of fiscal 2010 and the soft launch of our new program innovation in the fourth
36
quarter of fiscal 2010. For the first, second, third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2011, meeting paid weeks
increased 32.6%, 31.9%, 25.9% and 15.0% and attendances increased 33.1%, 19.8%, 13.6% and 5.5%,
respectively, as compared to the prior year periods.
In fiscal 2012, NACO meeting paid weeks decreased 5.6% and attendances decreased 11.4% versus the
prior year level. Although we entered fiscal 2012 with more active members than at the beginning of fiscal 2011,
we experienced lower enrollments in the first quarter of fiscal 2012 as we cycled against the historically high
levels of recruitment growth in the first quarter of fiscal 2011. The decline in enrollments in the first quarter of
fiscal 2012, caused in part by lack of new program news and execution challenges associated with introducing
Monthly Pass in the small accounts portion of its corporate business, drove a meeting paid weeks decline of 6.0%
and an attendance decline of 11.9%, and also resulted in entering the second quarter of fiscal 2012 with a lower
meeting membership base, as compared to the prior year period. The declining trend in meeting paid weeks and
attendance in fiscal 2012 continued through the remainder of the year. For the second, third and fourth quarters
of fiscal 2012, meeting paid weeks decreased 5.5%, 3.6% and 7.3% and attendances decreased 9.9%, 9.4% and
14.5%, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods.
In fiscal 2013, NACO meeting paid weeks decreased 9.4% and attendances decreased 14.7% versus the prior
year level. The decline in meeting paid weeks primarily resulted from the lower meetings active base at the
beginning of fiscal 2013 versus the beginning of fiscal 2012 as well as from lower enrollments in fiscal 2013 versus
the prior year, primarily in the United States, due to the difficulty in attracting members to our brand. Although we
introduced our new Weight Watchers 360° plan in December 2012, this new plan was not as effective in driving
consumer trial as our PointsPlus innovation. For the first, second, third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2013, meeting
paid weeks decreased 6.5%, 10.0%, 10.7% and 10.8% and attendances decreased 15.9%, 14.5%, 14.7% and 13.1%,
respectively, as compared to the prior year periods. The Company completed three franchise acquisitions in NACO
in the second half of fiscal 2012 as well as seven franchise acquisitions in fiscal 2013. These franchise acquisitions
benefitted NACO meeting paid weeks by 1.7% and attendances by 2.8% in fiscal 2013.
United Kingdom Meeting Metrics and Business Trends
Despite a weak economy in the United Kingdom in fiscal 2009, effective marketing and promotional
activity resulted in an increase in meeting paid weeks, up 8.1% in fiscal 2009 as compared to the prior year,
reflecting increased penetration of Monthly Pass in that market. Attendance in fiscal 2009 declined slightly,
down 1.5% versus the prior year.
In fiscal 2010, meeting paid weeks declined by 0.4%, and meeting attendance declined 10.5%, compared to
fiscal 2009. First quarter fiscal 2010 UK volumes were significantly impacted by weather and cycling against a
program innovation in the prior year. The United Kingdom continued to experience steep declines in attendance
in 2010 versus the prior year, down 8.5% in the second quarter and 9.4% in the third quarter. The United
Kingdom launched its new program, ProPoints, in early November 2010, and saw attendance growth as a result
of the launch. However, because of limited marketing prior to the new program launch and bad weather during
the launch period, fourth quarter 2010 attendance decreased 11.3% versus the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.
In fiscal 2011, meeting paid weeks grew 18.3% versus the prior year, benefiting from enrollment growth
concurrent with the launch of ProPoints late in fiscal 2010 and early fiscal 2011 and an increase in Monthly Pass
penetration. As with NACO, this growth in recruitment resulted in a larger customer base and as a result,
attendances also grew, up 13.7% versus the prior year. Despite the negative impact of the Royal Wedding and
Easter timing on second quarter fiscal 2011 attendance, meeting paid weeks and attendance grew in each fiscal
2011 quarter versus the prior year period.
In fiscal 2012, meeting paid weeks declined 11.3% and attendances decreased 16.5% versus the prior year
level. As with NACO, the United Kingdom entered fiscal 2012 with more active members as compared to the
beginning of fiscal 2011, but experienced lower enrollments in the first quarter of fiscal 2012 versus the prior
year period. These lower enrollments were driven by cycling against the historically high recruitment levels in
37
the first quarter of fiscal 2011 and resulted in a decline in meeting paid weeks. This declining trend continued
throughout the rest of fiscal 2012 and was negatively impacted by an advertising campaign that was ineffective at
driving enrollment growth and weak macro-economic trends.
In fiscal 2013, meeting paid weeks declined 19.2% and attendances decreased 22.7% versus the prior year
level. Meeting paid weeks negative performance in fiscal 2013 was driven by the lower meetings active base at
the beginning of fiscal 2013 versus the beginning of fiscal 2012 coupled with lower enrollments in the period as
compared to enrollment levels in the prior year. In fiscal 2013, local competition in the United Kingdom
significantly contributed to the decline in enrollments. For the first, second, third and fourth quarters of fiscal
2013, meeting paid weeks declined 17.8%, 19.0%, 21.1% and 19.4%, and attendances declined 25.8%, 20.3%,
22.7% and 20.5%, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods.
Continental Europe Meeting Metrics and Business Trends
In fiscal 2009, most of our Continental European markets were deeply affected by difficult recessionary
conditions. While Continental Europe experienced meeting paid weeks growth of 1.6% versus the prior year as
the market continued to benefit from increased Monthly Pass penetration, attendance declined 11.8% versus the
prior year. A major new innovative program, ProPoints, was launched in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.
In fiscal 2010, meeting paid weeks, benefiting from enrollment growth early in the year and an increase in
Monthly Pass penetration, grew 6.9% versus the prior year, while attendance in Continental Europe declined
1.6% versus the prior year. In the first half of fiscal 2010, the Continental European market experienced
attendance growth as a result of the ProPoints program launch in fiscal 2009, which drove an influx of returning
members to our meetings. The marketing of this new program, however, was not successful in capturing the
attention of new members and, as a result, attendance began to decline in the third quarter of fiscal 2010.
Entering fiscal 2011, Continental European performance continued its downward trend, with meeting paid
weeks down 9.8% versus the prior year and attendances down 15.4% versus the prior year. In the first half of
fiscal 2011, meeting paid weeks declined by 13.1% and attendance declined by 18.9% versus the prior year
period, as the business lapped the momentum of its program launch in the prior year. While still negative versus
the prior year period, the trend began to improve in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 with meeting paid weeks
down 6.0% and attendances down 15.1%. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, Continental Europe soft launched
its updated version of ProPoints in December, resulting in a less negative performance with meeting paid weeks
down 4.9% and attendances down 4.3% versus the prior year period.
In fiscal 2012, meeting paid weeks grew 9.2%, and attendances grew 3.3%, versus the prior year. This
growth was driven by entering fiscal 2012 with a higher active member base than the prior year and the benefit of
higher enrollment growth from the launch of the updated version of ProPoints in late fiscal 2011 and early fiscal
2012, effective new marketing strategies and an increase in Monthly Pass penetration. For the first, second, third
and fourth quarters of fiscal 2012, meeting paid weeks grew 5.4%, 11.0%, 12.1% and 9.0%, and attendances
grew 4.3%, 2.7%, 4.9% and 1.0%, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods.
In fiscal 2013, meeting paid weeks declined 1.5%, and attendances declined 8.1%, versus the prior year.
This decrease in meeting paid weeks was driven by lower enrollments in fiscal 2013 as compared to the prior
year. Lower enrollments were the result of cycling against the successful launch of the updated program and the
new advertising campaigns in the prior year period. However, the negative impact of enrollments on meeting
paid weeks was minimized by the higher meetings active base at the beginning of fiscal 2013 versus the
beginning of fiscal 2012. For the first, second, third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2013, meeting paid weeks
declined 1.0%, 1.6%, 1.7% and 1.7%, and attendances declined 10.9%, 6.7%, 8.2% and 5.7%, respectively, as
compared to the prior year periods.
38
Fiscal 2014: Anticipated Business Metrics, Trends and Other Events
Due to increasing competitive pressures, including the impact of the increasing consumer trial of activity
monitors and free apps in the commercial weight loss category, and less impactful marketing of our new two-
week starter plan, Simple Start, management anticipates negative recruitment trends to continue into 2014. Given
the lower starting active base at the beginning of fiscal 2014 versus the beginning of fiscal 2013 and the weak
recruitment environment continuing into 2014, management expects declines in paid weeks in fiscal 2014 to be
higher than the declines experienced in fiscal 2013. Management expects Online paid weeks in fiscal 2014 to
decline at a higher rate than that experienced in the second half of fiscal 2013. For NACO, the United Kingdom
and Continental Europe, management anticipates meeting paid weeks and attendances in fiscal 2014 to decline at
a higher rate than that experienced in fiscal 2013. Given these expected negative trends, management expects
revenues to decline at a higher rate in fiscal 2014 than that experienced in fiscal 2013.
To help offset this anticipated revenue decline, our strategy for fiscal 2014 includes investments in certain
key areas to support future growth and plans to reduce costs aggressively elsewhere. As part of this cost savings
initiative, the Company is undertaking a plan of termination which will result in the elimination of certain
positions and employees worldwide. In connection with this plan, the Company anticipates recording
restructuring charges in connection with employee termination benefit costs of approximately $10.0 million
(which is expected to be divided equally between general and administrative expenses and operating expenses
related to field restructuring) during the first and second quarters of fiscal 2014.
Margins
Gross Margin
The following table sets forth our gross profit and gross margin for the past five fiscal years, as adjusted to
exclude the impact of the UK VAT and the UK self-employment matters:
(in millions)
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
Gross Profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,001.1
$1,093.8
$1,058.5
$800.8
$740.8
Gross Margin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
58.1%
59.5%
57.8% 54.7% 52.4%
Adjustments to Reported Amounts
UK self-employment accrual(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
UK VAT ruling accrual(2)
—
—
(14.5)
—
—
—
—
(2.0)
32.5
—
Gross Profit, as adjusted(1)(2)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,001.1
$1,079.3
$1,058.5
$798.8
$773.3
Gross Margin impact from above adjustments(1)(2) . . . .
Gross Margin, as adjusted(1)(2)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
58.1%
0.8%
58.7%
—
0.0% (2.3%)
57.8% 54.6% 54.7%
Note: Totals may not sum due to rounding
(1) “As adjusted” is a non-GAAP financial measure that adjusts the consolidated statements of net income for fiscal 2012 to exclude the
impact of a $14.5 million decrease to cost of revenues related to the settlement of the UK self-employment matter and that adjusts the
consolidated statements of net income for fiscal 2009 to exclude $32.5 million in cost of revenues for the impact of the UK self-
employment matter.
(2) “As adjusted” is a non-GAAP financial measure that adjusts the consolidated statements of net income for fiscal 2010 to exclude the
benefit of a $2.0 million increase to revenues from the reversal of the previously disclosed over-accrual related to the adverse UK VAT
ruling.
See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for an explanation of our use of non-GAAP financial measures.
In the period from fiscal 2009 through fiscal 2013 our gross margin ranged from a high of 59.5% in fiscal
2012 to a low of 52.4% in fiscal 2009. Excluding the impact of the UK VAT and UK self-employment matters in
the period, our gross margin ranged from a high of 58.7% in fiscal 2012 to a low of 54.6% in fiscal 2010. As the
higher margin WeightWatchers.com business grew over the period and became a larger share of our revenue
mix, our adjusted gross margin expanded, most notably from fiscal 2010 through fiscal 2012. In addition, with its
fixed cost business model, growth within the WeightWatchers.com business resulted in margin expansion in that
39
business during the period. Conversely, in the meetings business, our meetings staff is usually paid on a
commission basis and space is rented as needed in most instances. When it becomes more cost effective to do so,
in various geographies (particularly North America), we rent centers at reasonable rates with relatively short
lease terms. Moreover, we adjust the number of meetings according to demand. This variable cost structure has
historically enabled us to maintain high margins even as we have experienced a decline in the number of
attendances per meeting. When attendances per meeting decline, our gross margins typically decline. In fiscal
2013, the decline in attendances per meeting outpaced our ability to reduce the meetings infrastructure resulting
in a decline in the adjusted gross margin versus the prior year.
Operating Margin
The following table sets forth our Operating Income for the past five fiscal years, as adjusted to exclude the
impact of the UK VAT and UK self-employment matters as well as the previously reported impact of
restructuring charges:
(in millions)
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
Operating Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Income Margin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$460.8
$510.8
$546.3
$390.3
$356.7
26.7% 27.8% 29.8% 26.7% 25.2%
Adjustments to Reported Amounts
UK Self-employment accrual(1)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
UK VAT ruling accrual(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restructuring charges(1)
—
—
—
(14.5) —
—
—
—
—
—
32.5
(2.0) —
5.5
—
Operating Income, as adjusted(1) (2)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$460.8
$496.3
$546.3
$388.3
$394.6
Operating Income Margin impact from above
adjustments(1)(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Income Margin, as adjusted(1) (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
0.0% (2.7%)
—
26.7% 27.0% 29.8% 26.5% 27.9%
0.8% —
Note: Totals may not sum due to rounding
(1) “As adjusted” is a non-GAAP financial measure that adjusts the consolidated statements of income for fiscal 2012 to exclude the impact
of a $14.5 million decrease to cost of revenues related to the settlement of the UK self-employment matter and that adjusts the
consolidated statements of income for fiscal 2009 to exclude $32.5 million in cost of revenues for the impact of the UK self-employment
matter and the $5.5 million impact of restructuring charges.
(2) “As adjusted” is a non-GAAP financial measure that adjusts the consolidated statements of net income for fiscal 2010 to exclude the
benefit of a $2.0 million increase to revenues from the reversal of the previously disclosed over-accrual related to the adverse UK VAT
ruling.
See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for an explanation of our use of non-GAAP financial measures.
In the period from fiscal 2009 through fiscal 2013 our operating income margin ranged from a high of
29.8% in fiscal 2011 to a low of 25.2% in fiscal 2009. Excluding the impact of the UK VAT and UK self-
employment matters and the impact of our previously reported restructuring charges in the period, our operating
income margin ranged from a high of 29.8% in fiscal 2011 to a low of 26.5% in fiscal 2010. In fiscal 2010, the
operating income margin of the Company was driven by significant investment for the preparation and launch of
the PointsPlus program in the United States and Canada and ProPoints program in the United Kingdom and
Australia, increased marketing for our WeightWatchers.com business, and a charge associated with the
settlement of a California labor litigation.
In fiscal 2011, the operating income margin of the Company was 29.8%, the highest in the five-year period.
This was despite the increased marketing in WeightWatchers.com stemming from the initiative focused on
building awareness and relevance of the Weight Watchers brand with the male demographic, as well as expenses
in support of growth initiatives, including technology for the development of our mobile platforms and additions
to staff in support of business development. These higher expenses were more than offset by the efficiencies we
gained from higher average attendance in our meetings and the impact of the higher margin
WeightWatchers.com business becoming a larger component of our revenue mix.
40
In fiscal 2012, excluding the impact of the UK self-employment matter, operating income margin declined
to 27.0% from 29.8% in the prior year. This decline in operating income margin was primarily driven by costs
related to first time Online TV marketing campaigns in several of our international markets and our significant
investment in marketing the Weight Watchers Online product to men in the United States, as well as, selling,
general and administrative expenses in support of our growth initiatives.
In fiscal 2013, operating income margin further declined to 26.7% from an adjusted operating income
margin of 27.0% in the prior year. This decrease in operating income margin was primarily the result of lower
gross margin largely offset by lower marketing expense. Lower marketing expense was driven primarily from the
elimination of inefficient digital advertising and the lack of a men’s campaign in the United States, in fiscal 2013
versus the prior year.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement our consolidated results presented in accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States, or GAAP, we have disclosed non-GAAP financial measures of operating results
that exclude or adjust certain items. Net income and earnings per fully diluted share are discussed in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K both as reported (on a GAAP basis) and as adjusted (on a non-GAAP basis) to exclude the
impact from the early extinguishment of debt charge recorded in connection with our previously announced
April 2, 2013 refinancing of our long-term debt. Net revenues, cost of revenues, gross profit and gross margin,
operating income and operating income margin, net income, earnings per fully diluted share, and effective tax
rate, including components thereof, are discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K both as reported (on a
GAAP basis) and as adjusted (on a non-GAAP basis) to exclude from fiscal 2012, in connection with the
settlement of the UK self-employment matter, the benefit of a partial accrual reversal of a charge originally
recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, and from fiscal 2010 the revenue benefit of a partial accrual reversal
of a charge originally recorded in connection with the previously disclosed adverse UK VAT ruling; and to adjust
fiscal 2009 results for both the impact of the UK self-employment matter and the impact of restructuring charges
associated with our previously disclosed cost savings initiatives. We generally refer to such non-GAAP measures
as excluding or adjusting for the impact of the early extinguishment of debt charge, the settlement, accrual
reversal, these rulings, these matters and/or these restructuring charges. Our management believes these non-
GAAP financial measures provide supplemental information to investors regarding the performance of our
business and are useful for period-over-period comparisons of the performance of our business. While we believe
that these financial measures are useful in evaluating our business, this information should be considered as
supplemental in nature and is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the related financial
information prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures may not be the
same as similarly entitled measures reported by other companies.
Use of Constant Currency
As exchange rates are an important factor in understanding period-to-period comparisons, we believe the
presentation of results on a constant currency basis in addition to reported results helps improve investors’ ability
to understand our operating results and evaluate our performance in comparison to prior periods. Constant
currency information compares results between periods as if exchange rates had remained constant period-over-
period. We use results on a constant currency basis as one measure to evaluate our performance. In this Annual
Report on Form 10-K, we calculate constant currency by calculating current-year results using prior-year foreign
currency exchange rates. We generally refer to such amounts calculated on a constant currency basis as excluding
or adjusting for the impact of foreign currency or being on a constant currency basis. These results should be
considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, results reported in accordance with GAAP. Results on a constant
currency basis, as we present them, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies
and are not measures of performance presented in accordance with GAAP.
41
Critical Accounting Policies
“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” is based upon
our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of
these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets,
liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis,
we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those related to inventories, the impairment analysis for
goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, share-based compensation, income taxes, tax contingencies
and litigation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other factors and assumptions that
we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments
about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results
may differ from these estimates.
We believe the following accounting policies are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition
and results of operations and require our most significant judgments and estimates.
Revenue Recognition
WWI earns revenue by conducting meetings, selling products in its meetings and to its franchisees,
collecting commissions from franchisees, collecting royalties related to licensing agreements and selling
advertising space in and copies of its magazines. Monthly Pass, prepaid meeting fees and magazine subscription
revenue is recorded to deferred revenue and amortized into revenue over the period earned. Revenue from “pay-
as-you-go” meeting fees, product sales, commissions and royalties is recognized when services are rendered,
products are shipped to customers and title and risk of loss pass to the customers, and commissions and royalties
are earned, respectively. Advertising revenue is recognized when advertisements are published. Revenue from
magazine sales is recognized when the magazine is sent to the customer. We charge non-refundable registration
fees in exchange for an introductory information session and materials we provide to new members in our
meetings business. Revenue from these registration fees is recognized when the service and products are
provided, which is generally at the same time payment is received from the customer. Discounts to customers,
including free registration offers, are recorded as a deduction from gross revenue in the period such revenue was
recognized.
The classification of certain brand marketing funds received from licensees has been revised to reflect them
as revenue as opposed to being recorded as an offset to expense, increasing first nine months of fiscal 2013,
fiscal 2012, fiscal 2011, fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009 Product sales and other, net, Cost of meetings, products and
other, Gross profit, Marketing expenses and Selling, general and administrative expenses as follows:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Product sales and other, net
Cost of meetings, products and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Marketing expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selling, general and administrative expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$12.1
$ 1.1
$11.0
$10.3
$ 0.7
$12.6
$ 1.6
$11.0
$10.2
$ 0.9
2013
2012
Fiscal
2011
$13.3
$ 2.0
$11.4
$10.6
$ 0.8
2010
2009
$12.0
$ 1.9
$10.2
$ 9.4
$ 0.8
$13.7
$ 0.9
$12.8
$12.3
$ 0.6
WeightWatchers.com primarily generates revenue from monthly subscriptions for our Internet subscription
products as well as Online advertising. Subscription fee revenues are recognized over the period that products are
provided. One-time sign-up fees are deferred and recognized over the expected customer relationship period.
Subscription fee revenues that are paid in advance are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the
subscription period. Online advertising revenue is recognized when the advertisement is viewed by the user of
the website.
We grant refunds in aggregate amounts that historically have not been material. Because the period of
payment of the refund generally approximates the period revenue was originally recognized, refunds are recorded
as a reduction of revenue when paid.
42
Franchise Rights Acquired, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives
of 3 to 20 years. We review goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, including franchise rights
acquired, for potential impairment on at least an annual basis or more often if events so require. We performed
fair value impairment testing as of the end of fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 on our goodwill and other indefinite-
lived intangible assets.
In performing the impairment analysis for goodwill, the fair value for our reporting units is estimated using
a discounted cash flow approach. This approach involves projecting future cash flows attributable to the
reporting unit and discounting those estimated cash flows using an appropriate discount rate. The estimated fair
value is then compared to the carrying value of the reporting unit. We have determined the appropriate reporting
unit for purposes of assessing annual impairment to be the country for all reporting units aside from
WeightWatchers.com, for which the reporting unit has been aggregated into one unit. The values of goodwill for
the WWI reporting units in the United States, Canada and other countries at December 28, 2013 were $32.7
million, $5.1 million and $3.7 million, respectively, totaling $41.5 million. The value of goodwill for the
WeightWatchers.com reporting unit at December 28, 2013 was $37.8 million.
In performing the impairment analysis for franchise rights acquired, the fair value for our franchise rights
acquired is estimated using a discounted cash flow approach referred to as the hypothetical start-up approach.
The estimated fair value is then compared to the carrying value of the unit of accounting for those franchise
rights. We have determined the appropriate unit of account for purposes of assessing annual impairment to be the
country in which the acquisitions have occurred. The values of these franchise rights in the United States,
Canada, United Kingdom, Australia/New Zealand and other countries at December 28, 2013 were $697.3
million, $110.4 million, $14.4 million, $13.7 million and $1.0 million, respectively, totaling $836.8 million.
When determining fair value, we utilize various assumptions, including projections of future cash flows,
growth rates and discount rates. A change in these underlying assumptions will cause a change in the results of
the tests and, as such, could cause fair value to be less than the carrying amounts. In the event such a decrease
occurred, we would be required to record a corresponding charge, which would impact earnings. We would also
be required to reduce the carrying amounts of the related assets on our balance sheet. We continue to evaluate
these estimates and assumptions and believe that these assumptions are appropriate.
In performing the impairment analysis for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2013, we determined that,
based on the fair values calculated, the carrying amounts of the franchise rights acquired related to our Mexico
and Hong Kong operations exceeded their respective fair values as of the end of fiscal 2013 and recorded
impairment charges of $935 and $231, respectively. We determined that the carrying amounts of our other
remaining assets did not exceed their respective fair values, and therefore, no other impairment existed.
We estimate future cash flows for each unit of accounting by utilizing the historical cash flows attributable
to the rights in that country and then applying a growth rate using a blend of the historical operating income
growth rates for such country and expected future operating income growth rates for such country. We utilize
operating income as the basis for measuring our potential growth because we believe it is the best indicator of the
performance of our business. For fiscal 2013, the compound annual growth rates used in our discounted cash
flow analysis ranged from a decline of approximately 5% to growth of approximately 12%. In applying the
hypothetical start-up approach in fiscal 2013, we generally assume the year of maturity is reached after 7 years.
Subsequent to the year of maturity we have assumed growth rates ranging from a decline of approximately 2% to
growth of approximately 8%. For fiscal 2012, the blended growth rates used in our discounted cash flow analysis
ranged from a decline of approximately 3% to growth of approximately 50%. We then discount the estimated
future cash flows utilizing a discount rate which is calculated using the average cost of capital, which includes
the cost of equity and the cost of debt. The cost of equity is determined by combining a risk-free rate of return
and a market risk premium. The risk-free rate of return is generally determined based on the average rate of long-
43
term U.S. Treasury securities. The market risk premium is generally determined by reviewing external market
data. When appropriate, we further adjust the resulting combined rate to account for certain entity-specific
factors such as maturity of the market in order to determine the utilized discount rate. The cost of debt is our
average borrowing rate for the period. The discount rates used in our fiscal 2013 year-end impairment test and
our fiscal 2012 year-end impairment test averaged approximately 9.1% and 9.2%, respectively.
At the end of fiscal 2013, we estimated that approximately 99% of our goodwill and 87% of our franchise
rights acquired had a fair value at least 50% higher than their respective carrying amounts. In the United States,
the region which held approximately 41% of the goodwill and 83% of the franchise rights acquired, the aggregate
fair value of both our reporting units and franchise rights acquired was at least 50% higher than the aggregate
carrying value of the reporting units and franchise rights acquired, respectively. Given that there is a significant
difference between the fair value and carrying value of our franchise rights acquired, we believe there are
currently no reasonably likely changes in assumptions that would cause a material impairment charge.
Information concerning significant accounting policies affecting us is set forth in Note 2 of our consolidated
financial statements, contained in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR FISCAL 2013 (52 weeks) COMPARED TO FISCAL 2012 (52 weeks)
OVERVIEW
Fiscal 2012 was a year of modest revenue growth of 0.4%, with growth in the Online business almost fully
offset by declines in the meetings business. In fiscal 2012, total paid weeks continued to grow at a decelerating
rate in each fiscal quarter versus the prior year period due to a challenging recruitment environment, particularly
from our global meetings business.
This challenging recruitment environment continued for both the Online and meetings businesses into fiscal
2013, with increased competitive pressure in the Online business from the increasing consumer trial of activity
monitors and free apps. As we entered fiscal 2013, our meetings business active base was lower than the
beginning of fiscal 2012. Conversely, though our active Online subscriber base had a declining growth trend
throughout fiscal 2012, this subscriber base was higher at the beginning of fiscal 2013 than at the beginning of
fiscal 2012. The difficult recruitment environment in fiscal 2013 had the impact of further reducing the active
bases in both our meetings and Online businesses as we progressed through fiscal 2013.
Each fiscal 2013 quarter had consistently weak and deteriorating recruitment performance, which further
drove declining active bases, as compared to the prior year period resulting in paid weeks and revenue trends that
became progressively worse throughout the year with the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 having the weakest
performance. In the first quarter of fiscal 2013, total paid weeks were still above the prior year period by
1.4%. However, in the second, third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2013, driven by this negative recruitment trend,
total paid weeks declined 2.5%, 6.6% and 8.5%, respectively, as compared to the prior year period. Online paid
weeks in the third quarter of fiscal 2013 declined 2.6% versus the prior year period. This was the first time in our
history that Online paid weeks declined on a year-over-year basis.
Driven by the decline in paid weeks, total revenue for fiscal 2013 declined 6.3% as compared to the prior
year. This revenue decrease was driven primarily by the meetings business where revenue declined in all four
quarters versus the respective prior year periods, with a full year decline of 10.1% versus the prior year.
Conversely, Online revenues grew in the first three quarters, but at decelerating rates, such that by the fourth
quarter of fiscal 2013, our Online business had its first-ever quarter of declining revenue versus the prior year
period, down 5.2%. However, for the full year of fiscal 2013, Online revenues increased 3.5% versus the prior
year.
44
During fiscal 2013, cost savings initiatives, driven primarily by significant marketing and other cost savings
initiatives, partially offset declines in revenues throughout the year. However, despite these initiatives, operating
income declined 9.8%, which included the benefit related to the settlement of the previously disclosed UK self-
employment matter.
The table below sets forth selected financial information for fiscal 2013 from our consolidated statements of
income for fiscal 2013 versus selected financial information for fiscal 2012 from our consolidated statements of
income for fiscal 2012, on both a reported basis and an adjusted basis. Results for fiscal 2012 are adjusted to
exclude the $4.1 million (after-tax) benefit related to the settlement of the previously disclosed UK self-
employment matter. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” above.
Summary of Selected Financial Data as Reported and Adjusted
(In millions, except per share amounts)
Fiscal
2013
Fiscal
2012
Increase/
(Decrease)
%
Change
Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cost of revenues (as adjusted)(1)
UK Self-employment settlement(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$1,724.1
723.0
—
$1,839.4
760.2
(14.5)
$(115.3)
(37.1)
14.5
Cost of revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
723.0
745.6
Gross Profit
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Margin % . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Marketing expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selling, general & administrative expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Income Margin % . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense (as adjusted)(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
UK Self-employment settlement(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other expense, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Early extinguishment of debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Provision for income taxes (as adjusted)(1)
Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
UK Self-employment settlement(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Provision for income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,001.1
1,093.8
58.1%
295.6
244.7
460.8
26.7%
103.1
—
103.1
0.6
21.7
335.4
130.6
—
130.6
59.5%
353.7
229.3
510.8
27.8%
83.4
7.1
90.5
2.0
1.3
417.0
156.2
3.3
159.5
(22.6)
(92.7)
(58.0)
15.4
(50.0)
19.7
(7.1)
12.6
(1.4)
20.4
(81.6)
(25.6)
(3.3)
(28.9)
Net income
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 204.7
$ 257.4
$ (52.7)
(6.3%)
(4.9%)
(3.0%)
(8.5%)
(16.4%)
6.7%
(9.8%)
23.6%
(100.0%)
13.9%
(69.7%)
(19.6%)
(16.4%)
(18.1%)
(20.5%)
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
56.4
60.9
(4.5)
(7.4%)
Diluted EPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
3.63
$
4.23
$ (0.60)
(14.1%)
Note: Totals may not sum due to rounding
(1) “As adjusted” is a non-GAAP financial measure that adjusts the consolidated statements of income for fiscal 2012 to exclude the impact
of a $14.5 million decrease to cost of revenues and $7.1 million increase to interest expense related to the settlement of the UK Self-
employment matter. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” above for an explanation of our use of non-GAAP financial measures.
45
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of certain selected financial data for fiscal 2013:
(in millions, except per share amounts)
Income
Before
Taxes
Provision
for Income
Taxes
Net
Income
Diluted
EPS
Fiscal 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $335.4
Adjustments to Reported Amounts(1)
$130.6
$204.7 $3.63
Early extinguishment of debt charge(1)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21.7
21.7
8.4
8.4
13.3
13.3
0.24
0.24
Fiscal 2013, as adjusted(1)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $357.0
$139.0
$218.0 $3.87
Note: Totals may not sum due to rounding
(1) “As adjusted” is a non-GAAP financial measure that adjusts certain selected financial data for fiscal 2013.
See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” above for an explanation of our use of non-GAAP financial measures.
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of certain selected financial data for fiscal 2012:
(in millions, except per share amounts)
Gross
Profit
Gross
Profit
Margin
Operating
Income
Operating
Income
Margin
Interest
Expense
Net
Income
Diluted
EPS
Fiscal 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,093.8
Adjustments to Reported Amounts(1)
59.5% $510.8
27.8% $90.5
$257.4 $ 4.23
UK self-employment accrual reversal(1)
. .
Total Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(14.5)
(14.5)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,079.3
Fiscal 2012, as adjusted(1)
(14.5)
(14.5)
(7.1)
(7.1)
(4.1)
(0.07)
(4.1)
(0.07)
58.7% $496.3
27.0% $83.4
$253.3 $ 4.16
Note: Totals may not sum due to rounding
(1)
“As adjusted” is a non-GAAP financial measure that adjusts the consolidated statements of net income for fiscal 2012 to exclude the
impact of a $14.5 million decrease to cost of revenues and the $7.1 million increase to interest expense related to the settlement of the
UK self-employment matter .
See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” above for an explanation of our use of non-GAAP financial measures.
Consolidated Results
Revenues
Net revenues were $1,724.1 million in fiscal 2013, as compared to $1,839.4 million in fiscal 2012.
Excluding the impact of foreign currency, which negatively impacted our revenues for fiscal 2013 by $1.0
million, net revenues in fiscal 2013 declined 6.2% versus the prior year. This revenue decline in fiscal 2013 was
driven by revenue declines in the meetings business globally, most notably in the NACO and the UK meetings
businesses. The revenue decline in the NACO and UK meetings businesses was driven in large part by a lower
incoming active base at the start of fiscal 2013 as compared to the start of fiscal 2012, as well as enrollment
declines in fiscal 2013 caused by an inability to attract new members into the brand and, in the case of the United
Kingdom, competitive pressure from another meetings business. Our Continental European meetings business,
which benefitted from a higher incoming active base at the start of fiscal 2013 as compared to the start of fiscal
2012, was also negatively impacted by lower enrollments as we cycled against a new program launch and new
advertising campaigns in the prior year. As a result of these factors, meeting revenues declined modestly on a
constant currency basis as compared to the prior year. The revenue decline in the meetings business was partially
offset by revenue growth in WeightWatchers.com which benefited from a higher active Online subscriber base at
the start of fiscal 2013 as compared to the start of fiscal 2012 that offset in part the impact of declining sign-ups
particularly in the United States. However, WeightWatchers.com experienced decelerating revenue growth for
fiscal 2013 and in the fourth quarter experienced a decline versus the prior year period. End of period active
Online subscribers decreased by 6.7% to 1.7 million at the end of fiscal 2013 as compared to the end fiscal 2012
driven by sign-up weakness, particularly in the United States.
46
The combination of declining recruitments and the lower incoming active base at the start of fiscal 2013 in
the meetings business led to a decline in global meeting paid weeks in fiscal 2013 versus the prior year. With the
benefit of starting fiscal 2013 with a higher active Online subscriber base, WeightWatchers.com experienced
growth of 1.7% in Online paid weeks versus the prior fiscal year. The increase in Online paid weeks did not fully
offset the decline in meeting paid weeks, resulting in a 3.9% decrease in global paid weeks in fiscal 2013 versus
the prior year. Global attendance in fiscal 2013 declined 15.5% in comparison to fiscal 2012.
Gross Profit and Operating Income
Gross profit for fiscal 2013 of $1,001.1 million decreased $92.7 million, or 8.5%, from $1,093.8 million in
fiscal 2012. Excluding the impact of the settlement in fiscal 2012 of the UK self-employment matter noted in the
above table, and of foreign currency which negatively impacted gross profit for fiscal 2013 by $0.3 million, gross
profit in fiscal 2013 decreased by $77.9 million, or 7.2%, versus the prior year. Operating income for fiscal 2013
was $460.8 million, a decrease of $50.0 million, or 9.8%, from $510.8 million in fiscal 2012. Excluding the
impact of the settlement in fiscal 2012 of the UK self-employment matter and of foreign currency which
negatively impacted operating income for fiscal 2013 by $0.5 million, operating income in fiscal 2013 decreased
by $35.0 million, or 7.0%, versus the prior year. This decrease in operating income was primarily the result of
lower meeting revenues in fiscal 2013 versus the prior year that were partially offset by lower marketing
expense, primarily from the elimination of inefficient digital advertising and the lack of a men’s campaign in the
United States, in fiscal 2013. As adjusted for the settlement in fiscal 2012, our gross margin in fiscal 2013
decreased to 58.1% from 58.7% in fiscal 2012, and operating income margin in fiscal 2013 decreased to 26.7%
from 27.0% in fiscal 2012. See “—Components of Expenses and Margins” for additional details.
Net Income and Earnings Per Share
Net income in fiscal 2013 declined 20.5% from $257.4 million in fiscal 2012 to $204.7 million. This decline
in net income was driven by the decrease in operating income in fiscal 2013 versus the prior year as well as a
charge of $21.7 million in early extinguishment of debt and higher interest expense resulting from our long-term
debt refinancing in the second quarter of fiscal 2013. Excluding this early extinguishment of debt charge (after
tax), net income would have been $218.0 million in fiscal 2013.
Earnings per fully diluted share in fiscal 2013 were $3.63, a decrease of $0.60 from $4.23 in fiscal 2012.
Excluding the early extinguishment of debt charge, EPS would have been $3.87 in fiscal 2013. EPS in fiscal
2013 benefited from our repurchase of shares in the Tender Offer and the related share repurchase from Artal
Holdings as the number of our weighted average diluted shares outstanding for fiscal 2013 decreased to
56.4 million from 60.9 million in the prior year. See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Stock Transactions”
for a description of the Tender Offer and related share repurchase from Artal Holdings.
Components of Revenue and Volumes
We derive our revenues principally from meeting fees, Internet revenues, products sold in meetings, and
licensed products sold in retail channels. In addition, we generate other revenue from royalties paid to us by our
franchisees, subscriptions to our branded magazines, and advertising in our publications.
Meeting Fees
Global meeting fees for fiscal 2013 were $851.6 million, a decrease of $83.3 million, or 8.9%, from $934.9
million in the prior year. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, which decreased our global meeting fees for
fiscal 2013 by $0.7 million, global meeting fees in fiscal 2013 decreased by 8.8% versus the prior year. The
decline in meeting fees was driven by a 10.1% decline in global meeting paid weeks in fiscal 2013 to
89.1 million from 99.2 million in the prior year. The decline in meeting paid weeks was driven by a lower
meetings active base at the beginning of fiscal 2013 versus the beginning of fiscal 2012 as well as by the lower
47
enrollments in fiscal 2013 as compared to the prior year. The meetings active base is primarily comprised of
Monthly Pass active subscribers which declined 10.8% to 1.2 million at the end of fiscal 2013 from 1.4 million at
the end of fiscal 2012. Global attendance decreased 15.5% to 42.9 million in fiscal 2013 from 50.7 million in
fiscal 2012.
In NACO, meeting fees in fiscal 2013 were $595.1 million, a decrease of $58.3 million, or 8.9%, from $653.4
million in fiscal 2012. The decline in meeting fees was driven primarily by a 9.4% decline in NACO meeting paid
weeks from 66.0 million in fiscal 2012 to 59.7 million in fiscal 2013. The decline in meeting paid weeks primarily
resulted from the lower meetings active base at the beginning of fiscal 2013 versus the beginning of fiscal 2012 as well
as by lower enrollments in fiscal 2013 versus the prior year. Lower enrollments in the United States in fiscal 2013 were
driven by difficulty in attracting members into our brand. Although we introduced our new Weight Watchers 360° plan
in December 2012, this new program was not as effective in driving consumer trial as our PointsPlus innovation.
Partially offsetting the decline in NACO meeting fees was a 0.6% increase in meeting fees per paid week in fiscal 2013
as compared to the prior year. This increase in meeting fees per paid week was driven in part by a 2011 US price
increase for new members, the impact of which was more significant in fiscal 2013 due to the cycling of new members
paying this higher price throughout 2012. In addition, this increase in meeting fees per paid week was driven by a
discounted offer in the United States in the Spring of fiscal 2012 that was not repeated until the Fall of fiscal 2013, and
was less impactful in fiscal 2013. In fiscal 2013, NACO attendance decreased 14.7% to 27.2 million from 31.9 million
in fiscal 2012. The Company completed seven franchise acquisitions in NACO in fiscal 2013 as compared to three
franchise acquisitions in the second half of fiscal 2012. Franchise acquisitions benefited NACO meeting fees by 2.2%
and NACO meeting paid weeks by 1.7% in fiscal 2013, but had a de minimis impact on NACO meeting fees and
volumes in fiscal 2012.
International meeting fees in fiscal 2013 were $256.5 million, a decrease of $25.0 million, or 8.9%, from
$281.5 million in the prior year. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, which increased international meeting
fees for fiscal 2013 by $0.8 million, international meeting fees declined by 9.2% in fiscal 2013 versus the prior
year. In fiscal 2013, the decline in meeting fees was driven by an 11.5% decline in international meeting paid
weeks in the year versus the prior year. Meeting paid weeks performance in fiscal 2013 was driven by declines in
enrollments in most of our international markets in the year versus the prior year. Partially offsetting the decline
in international meeting fees was a 2.9% increase in meeting fees per paid week. This increase in meeting fees
per paid week was primarily driven by the shift of volumes from the UK meetings business toward the
Continental Europe meetings business where a meeting fee per paid week is priced higher. In addition, a UK
price increase in the third quarter of fiscal 2012 for all members also contributed to the increase in meeting fees
per paid week in fiscal 2013. International attendance decreased by 16.8% in fiscal 2013 versus the prior year.
In fiscal 2013, UK meeting fees decreased by 18.4% to $85.2 million from $104.4 million in fiscal 2012.
Excluding the impact of foreign currency, which decreased UK meeting fees for fiscal 2013 by $1.3 million, UK
meeting fees declined by 17.1% in fiscal 2013 versus the prior year. Fiscal 2013 meeting fees were driven lower
primarily by a decline of 19.2% in UK meeting paid weeks versus the prior year. Meeting paid weeks
performance in fiscal 2013 was driven by the lower meetings active base at the beginning of fiscal 2013 versus
the beginning of fiscal 2012 coupled with lower enrollments as compared to enrollment levels in the prior year.
In fiscal 2013, local competition in the United Kingdom primarily drove the decline in enrollments. Partially
offsetting the decline in UK meeting fees was an increase in meeting fees per paid week of 1.0%, or 2.6% on a
constant currency basis, versus the prior year. This increase in meeting fees per paid week was driven primarily
by a UK price increase in the third quarter of fiscal 2012 for all members. UK attendance decreased by 22.7% in
fiscal 2013 versus the prior year.
Meeting fees in Continental Europe in fiscal 2013 were $137.3 million, an increase of $1.3 million, or 1.0%,
from $136.0 million in the prior year. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, which increased Continental
48
European meeting fees in fiscal 2013 by $3.9 million, Continental European meeting fees decreased by 1.8% in
fiscal 2013 as compared to the prior year. The decrease in meeting fees on a constant currency basis was driven
by a decrease of 1.5% in Continental European meeting paid weeks in fiscal 2013 versus the prior year. The
decrease in meeting paid weeks was driven by lower enrollments in fiscal 2013 as compared to the prior year.
These lower enrollments were the result of cycling against the successful launch of the new program and the new
advertising campaigns in the prior year. However, the impact of enrollments on meeting paid weeks was
minimized by the higher meetings active base at the beginning of fiscal 2013 versus the beginning of fiscal 2012.
In Continental Europe, attendance decreased by 8.1% in fiscal 2013 versus the prior year.
In-Meeting Product Sales
Global in-meeting product sales for fiscal 2013 were $212.0 million, a decrease of $41.3 million, or 16.3%,
from $253.2 million in fiscal 2012. This decrease resulted primarily from a 15.5% decline in global meeting
attendance in fiscal 2013 versus the prior year. Additionally, product sales per attendee decreased 1.0% in fiscal
2013 versus the prior year. This decrease in global in-meeting product sales per attendee in fiscal 2013 was
driven by declines in NACO, which were only partially offset by strong per attendee sales of consumables across
Continental Europe.
In NACO, fiscal 2013 in-meeting product sales of $119.1 million decreased by $26.8 million, or 18.4%,
versus the prior year. This decrease resulted primarily from a 14.7% attendance decline in fiscal 2013 as
compared to the prior year. In-meeting product sales per attendee decreased by 4.3% in fiscal 2013 versus the
prior year as sales declines in consumables, enrollment products and electronics more than offset strong sales of
the new ActiveLink product, which was first introduced in the third quarter of fiscal 2012. Enrollment weakness
in NACO in fiscal 2013 contributed to these sales declines.
International in-meeting product sales were $92.9 million in fiscal 2013, a decrease of 13.5%, or 13.7% on a
constant currency basis, versus the prior year. This decrease was driven primarily by an attendance decline of
16.8% in fiscal 2013 as compared to fiscal 2012, which was largely driven by the United Kingdom. In-meeting
product sales per attendee in fiscal 2013 increased by 4.0%, or 3.7% on a constant currency basis, as compared to
the prior year. This increase was the result of strong sales of consumables in Continental Europe driven in part by
new product introductions and successful promotions.
Internet Revenues
Internet revenues, which include subscription revenues from sales of our Weight Watchers Online and
Weight Watchers eTools products as well as Internet advertising revenues, increased $17.9 million, or 3.5%, to
$522.2 million in fiscal 2013 from $504.3 million in fiscal 2012. Excluding the impact of foreign currency,
which increased Internet revenues for fiscal 2013 by $0.3 million, Internet revenues grew by 3.5% in fiscal 2013
versus the prior year. This increase was driven primarily by the benefit of an increase in pricing for Online in
many of our markets and, to a lesser extent, the higher active Online subscriber base at the beginning of fiscal
2013, up 18.0%, versus the beginning of fiscal 2012, and Online paid weeks growth of 1.7% in fiscal 2013 versus
the prior year. This growth in Online paid weeks was driven by effective marketing campaigns in Continental
Europe in fiscal 2013. However, the trend of Online paid weeks growth slowed in fiscal 2013. This deceleration
was driven largely by declining sign-ups, particularly in the United States, as the commercial weight loss
category continued to be impacted by increasing consumer trial of activity monitors and free apps. End of period
active Online subscribers decreased by 6.7% to 1.7 million at the end of fiscal 2013 as compared to the end of
fiscal 2012.
Other Revenues
Other revenues, comprised primarily of licensing revenues, franchise royalties, revenues from the sale of
products by mail and to our franchisees, and revenues from our publications, were $138.3 million for fiscal 2013,
49
a decrease of $8.6 million, or 5.9%, from $146.9 million for fiscal 2012. Excluding the impact of foreign
currency, which decreased other revenues for fiscal 2013 by $0.5 million, other revenues were 5.5% lower in
fiscal 2013 compared to the prior year. Franchise commissions and sales of products to our franchisees declined
in the aggregate by 35.1%, or 34.8% on a constant currency basis, in fiscal 2013 versus the prior year. This
decline in franchise commissions and sales of products to our franchisees was driven in part by our recent
franchise acquisitions. Our by mail product sales and revenues from our publications also declined in the
aggregate by 3.2%, or 2.6% on a constant currency basis, in fiscal 2013 versus the prior year. Global licensing
revenues increased by 2.1%, or 2.4% on a constant currency basis, in fiscal 2013 versus the prior year. Included
in global licensing revenues in fiscal 2012 was a $2.0 million one-time termination fee which benefited that
period. Excluding this one-time termination fee, global licensing revenues in fiscal 2013 increased 4.9%, or 5.2%
on a constant currency basis versus the prior year.
Components of Expenses and Margins
Cost of Revenues and Gross Margin
Total cost of revenues in fiscal 2013 was $723.0 million, a decline of $22.6 million from $745.6 million in
the prior year. Excluding the impact of the settlement of the UK self-employment matter, total cost of revenues in
fiscal 2013 would have declined $37.1 million, or 4.9%, from $760.2 million in the prior year. As adjusted for
this 2012 settlement, gross profit in fiscal 2013 of $1,001.1 million decreased $78.2 million, or 7.2%, from
$1,079.3 million in 2012. Gross margin in fiscal 2013 was 58.1%, as compared to adjusted gross margin of
58.7% in fiscal 2012. Gross margin compression was driven by operating cost deleverage in both the meetings
and Weight Watchers.com businesses. This margin compression was partially offset by the shift of revenue
towards the higher margin WeightWatchers.com business. The decline in the meetings business gross margin
was driven by the lower average number of members per meeting, the impact of the US service provider
compensation changes, an increase in product discounting globally as well as higher product and freight costs in
NACO. Price increases taken in some of our markets and reduced cost of meeting materials in NACO were
partially offsetting. The WeightWatchers.com business gross margin also declined in fiscal 2013 driven partially
by the change in cost allocations for call center and technology expenses as well as operating cost deleverage.
Marketing
Marketing expenses for fiscal 2013 were $295.6 million, a decrease of $58.0 million, or 16.4%, versus fiscal
2012. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, which increased marketing expenses for fiscal 2013 by $0.5
million, marketing expenses were 16.5% lower in fiscal 2013 compared to the prior year. The decline was
primarily driven by the absence of a Weight Watchers Online US men’s specific marketing campaign, achieving
lower and more efficient digital marketing spend in the United States in fiscal 2013 and lower TV advertising
and production costs globally. Marketing expenses as a percentage of revenue were 17.1% in fiscal 2013 as
compared to 19.2% in the prior year.
Selling, General and Administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $244.7 million for fiscal 2013 versus $229.3 million for
fiscal 2012, an increase of $15.4 million, or 6.7%. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, which decreased
selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal 2013 by $0.2 million, fiscal 2013 selling, general and
administrative expenses increased by 6.8% versus fiscal 2012. The increase in expenses was primarily related to
higher bonus expenses, investments in technology for the development of our mobile, field systems and customer
relationship management platforms in support of our healthcare initiatives, one-time costs associated with the
impairment of intangible and long-lived assets, severance, China shutdown costs and costs related to our
acquisitions partially offset by lower stock compensation expense in fiscal 2013. Selling, general and
administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue for fiscal 2013 increased to 14.2% from 12.5% for fiscal
2012.
50
Operating Income Margin
Excluding the impact of the settlement of the UK self-employment matter, our operating income margin in
fiscal 2013 decreased to 26.7% from 27.0% in fiscal 2012. This decline in operating income margin was
primarily driven by the decline in gross margin and higher selling, general and administrative expenses, which
were partially offset by the absence of a Weight Watchers Online US men’s specific marketing campaign,
achieving lower and more efficient digital marketing spend in the United States in fiscal 2013 and lower TV
advertising and production costs globally versus fiscal 2012. In fiscal 2013, marketing expenses decreased as a
percentage of revenue, but this decrease was slightly offset by the increase in selling, general and administrative
expenses as a percentage of revenue, as compared to the prior year.
Interest Expense
Interest expense was $103.1 million for fiscal 2013, an increase of $12.6 million, or 13.9%, from $90.5
million in fiscal 2012. Excluding the impact of the 2012 settlement of the UK self-employment matter, interest
expense increased $19.7 million or 23.6% versus the prior year. The increase was primarily driven by an increase
in our average debt outstanding and higher interest rates on our debt. Our average debt outstanding increased by
$294.4 million to $2,397.3 million in fiscal 2013 from $2,102.9 million in fiscal 2012. The increase in average
debt outstanding was driven by the additional borrowings under our then existing credit facilities in March and
April 2012 in connection with our repurchase of shares in the Tender Offer and the related share repurchase from
Artal Holdings (see “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Stock Transactions”). The effective interest rate on our
debt increased by 0.58% to 3.49% in fiscal 2013 from 2.91% in fiscal 2012 as a result of our April 2, 2013 debt
refinancing. Interest expense was partially offset by a decrease in the notional value of our interest rate swap,
which resulted in a higher effective interest rate of 3.92% in fiscal 2013, as compared to 3.60% in fiscal 2012.
Other Expense
The Company incurred $0.6 million of other expense in fiscal 2013 as compared to $2.0 million of other
expense in the prior year. While both years include the impact of foreign currency on intercompany transactions,
the prior year also includes $2.4 million of expense resulting from a write-off associated with an investment.
Early Extinguishment of Debt
In the second quarter of fiscal 2013, we wrote-off $21.7 million of fees in connection with the April 2013
refinancing of our debt that we recorded as an early extinguishment of debt charge. In the first quarter of fiscal
2012, we wrote-off $1.3 million of fees in connection with the March 2012 refinancing of our debt that we
recorded as an early extinguishment of debt charge.
Tax
Our effective tax rate was 39.0% for fiscal 2013 as compared to 38.3% for fiscal 2012. For fiscal 2012, the
UK self-employment matter impacted our effective tax rate. Excluding the impact of the settlement of the UK
self-employment matter, our effective tax rate for fiscal 2012 would have been 38.1%. The difference in period-
over-period effective tax rates is primarily the result of the lack of a tax benefit recorded for certain non-
deductible impairments charges recorded in fiscal 2013 as well as the impact of a non-recurring tax benefit
recorded in fiscal 2012 associated with a reduction in certain international tax rates.
51
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR FISCAL 2012 (52 weeks) COMPARED TO FISCAL 2011 (52 weeks)
OVERVIEW
Fiscal 2011 was a year of revenue and volume growth in all fiscal quarters as compared to the prior year
periods. We experienced accelerated period-over-period volume growth in our North American and UK meetings
and Weight Watchers.com businesses throughout the year. The momentum of our new program launches,
PointsPlus in North America and ProPoints in our other English-speaking markets, and strong marketing and
public relations efforts drove this accelerated growth and historically high volumes in fiscal 2011.
Fiscal 2012 had the challenge of being compared against the high levels of recruitment growth and related
results of fiscal 2011. Fiscal 2012 versus the prior year had similar performance trends as each of the individual
fiscal 2012 quarters. Net revenues were $1,839.4 million in fiscal 2012, as compared to $1,832.5 million in fiscal
2011. Growth in Internet revenues in fiscal 2012 versus the prior year was almost fully offset by revenue declines
in the meetings business. Gross margin for fiscal 2012 grew to 59.5%, including an 80 basis point benefit from
the accrual reversal associated with the settlement of the UK self-employment matter, from 57.8% in fiscal 2011.
Both marketing expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses increased as a percentage of revenue
in fiscal 2012 versus the prior year due to our investments in growth initiatives. As a result, operating income
margin for fiscal 2012, which, like gross margin, also benefited by 80 basis points related to the accrual reversal
associated with the settlement of the UK self-employment matter, declined 2.0% to 27.8% from 29.8% in fiscal
2011. Consequently, and as a result of higher interest expense and a higher tax rate, net income attributable to the
Company in fiscal 2012 declined 15.6% versus the prior year to $257.4 million.
52
The table below sets forth selected financial information for fiscal 2012 from our consolidated statements of
income for fiscal 2012 versus selected financial information for fiscal 2011 from our consolidated statements of
income for fiscal 2011, on both a reported basis and an adjusted basis. Results for fiscal 2012 are adjusted to
exclude the $4.1 million (after-tax) benefit related to the settlement of the previously disclosed UK
self-employment matter. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” above.
Summary of Selected Financial Data as Reported and Adjusted
(In millions, except per share amounts)
Fiscal
2012
Fiscal
2011
Increase/
(Decrease)
%
Change
Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cost of revenues (as adjusted)(1)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
UK Self-employment settlement(1)
$1,839.4
760.2
(14.5)
$1,832.5
774.0
—
Cost of revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
745.6
774.0
Gross Profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Margin % . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Marketing expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selling, general & administrative expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Income Margin % . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense (as adjusted)(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
UK Self-employment settlement(1)
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other expense, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Early extinguishment of debt
Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Provision for income taxes (as adjusted)(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
UK Self-employment settlement(1)
Provision for income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,093.8
1,058.5
59.5%
353.7
229.3
510.8
27.8%
83.4
7.1
90.5
2.0
1.3
417.0
156.2
3.3
159.5
257.4
—
57.8%
302.9
209.3
546.3
29.8%
59.9
—
59.9
3.4
—
483.1
178.7
—
178.7
304.3
0.5
$ 6.9
(13.8)
(14.5)
(28.4)
35.3
50.8
20.1
(35.5)
23.6
7.1
30.7
(1.4)
1.3
(66.1)
(22.5)
3.3
(19.2)
(46.9)
(0.5)
0.4%
(1.8%)
(3.7%)
3.3%
16.8%
9.6%
(6.5%)
39.4%
51.3%
(41.6%)
(13.7%)
(12.6%)
(10.7%)
(15.4%)
Net income attributable to the Company . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 257.4
$ 304.9
$(47.4)
(15.6%)
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
60.9
74.1
(13.2)
(17.8%)
Diluted EPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
4.23
$
4.11
$ 0.11
2.7%
Note: Totals may not sum due to rounding
(1) “As adjusted” is a non-GAAP financial measure that adjusts the consolidated statements of income for fiscal 2012 to exclude the impact
of a $14.5 million decrease to cost of revenues and $7.1 million increase to interest expense related to the settlement of the UK Self-
employment matter. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” above for an explanation of our use of non-GAAP financial measures.
53
The following table sets forth a reconciliation for fiscal 2012 of certain selected financial data:
(in millions, except per share amounts)
Fiscal 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustments to Reported Amounts(1)
UK self-employment accrual
reversal(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Adjustments . . . . . . . . .
Gross
Profit
Gross
Profit
Margin
Operating
Income
Operating
Income
Margin
Interest
Expense Net Income
Diluted
EPS
$1,093.8
59.5% $510.8
27.8% $90.5
$257.4
$ 4.23
(14.5)
(14.5)
(14.5)
(14.5)
(7.1)
(7.1)
(4.1)
(4.1)
(0.07)
(0.07)
Fiscal 2012, as adjusted(1)
. . . . . . . . . .
$1,079.3
58.7% $496.3
27.0% $83.4
$253.3
$ 4.16
Note: Totals may not sum due to rounding
(1) “As adjusted” is a non-GAAP financial measure that adjusts the consolidated statements of net income for fiscal 2012 to exclude the
impact of a $14.5 million decrease to cost of revenues and the $7.1 million increase to interest expense related to the settlement of the
UK self-employment matter .
See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” above for an explanation of our use of non-GAAP financial measures.
Consolidated Results
Revenues
Net revenues were $1,839.4 million in fiscal 2012, as compared to $1,832.5 million in fiscal 2011.
Excluding the impact of foreign currency, which negatively impacted our revenues for fiscal 2012 by $24.1
million, net revenues in fiscal 2012 grew 1.7% versus the prior year. Revenue growth in fiscal 2012 was driven
primarily by WeightWatchers.com which benefited from a higher active Online subscriber base at the start of
fiscal 2012 as compared to fiscal 2011 and effective marketing in fiscal 2012. Our Continental European
meetings business, which benefited from new marketing strategies, also contributed to revenue growth on a
constant currency basis. This revenue growth in our Continental European meetings business was more than
offset by revenue declines in the NACO and UK meetings businesses as they cycled against the momentum of
their new program innovations and stronger and more effective marketing and public relations efforts in fiscal
2011. In addition, in fiscal 2012, meeting revenues were negatively impacted by the execution challenges
associated with introducing the Monthly Pass commitment plan to NACO’s small accounts portion of its
corporate business in the first half of fiscal 2012, as well as by macro-economic factors, particularly consumer
confidence, in NACO and the United Kingdom.
The combination of the above factors also led to a 5.4% decline in global meeting paid weeks in fiscal 2012
versus the prior year. However, with the benefits of starting the fiscal year with a higher active Online subscriber
base and effective marketing, WeightWatchers.com experienced growth of 26.7% in Online paid weeks, as well
as an 18.0% increase in end of period active Online subscribers, in fiscal 2012 versus the prior year. The increase
in Online paid weeks more than offset the decline in meeting paid weeks, which resulted in a 9.3% increase in
global paid weeks in fiscal 2012 versus the prior year. Global attendance in fiscal 2012 declined 11.0% in
comparison to fiscal 2011.
Gross Profit and Operating Income
Gross profit for fiscal 2012 of $1,093.8 million increased $35.3 million, or 3.3%, from $1,058.5 million in
fiscal 2011. Excluding the impact of the settlement of the UK self-employment matter noted in the above table,
and of foreign currency which negatively impacted gross profit for fiscal 2012 by $13.8 million, gross profit in
fiscal 2012 increased by $34.6 million, or 3.3%, versus the prior year. Operating income for fiscal 2012 was
$510.8 million, a decrease of $35.5 million, or 6.5%, from $546.3 million in fiscal 2011. Excluding the impact of
the settlement of the UK self-employment matter, and of foreign currency which negatively impacted operating
income for fiscal 2012 by $7.2 million, operating income in fiscal 2012 decreased by $42.9 million, or 7.9%,
54
versus the prior year. This decline was primarily the result of an increase in marketing investments and selling,
general and administrative expenses in fiscal 2012 versus the prior year. As adjusted for the settlement, our gross
margin in fiscal 2012 increased to 58.7% from 57.8% in fiscal 2011, but operating income margin in fiscal 2012
declined to 27.0% from 29.8% in fiscal 2011. See “—Components of Expenses and Margins” for additional
details.
Net Income and Earnings Per Share
Net income attributable to the Company in fiscal 2012 declined 15.6% from $304.9 million in fiscal 2011 to
$257.4 million. Excluding the impact of the settlement of the UK self-employment matter noted in the table
above, net income attributable to the Company would have been $253.3 million in fiscal 2012, a decline of
16.9%. In addition to the decline in operating income, higher interest expense resulting from our financing of our
repurchase of shares in the Tender Offer and related share repurchase from Artal Holdings and a higher tax rate
further reduced net income in fiscal 2012. See “—Components of Expenses and Margins—Tax” for additional
details on our higher tax rate in fiscal 2012.
Earnings per fully diluted share in fiscal 2012 were $4.23, an increase of $0.11 from $4.11 in fiscal 2011.
Excluding the impact of the UK self-employment matter noted in the table above, earnings per fully diluted share
would have been $4.16, an increase of $0.05 or 1.1%. Earnings per fully diluted share in fiscal 2012, except for
the first quarter of fiscal 2012, benefited from our repurchase of shares in the Tender Offer and the related share
repurchase from Artal Holdings as our weighted average diluted shares outstanding for fiscal 2012 decreased to
60.9 million from 74.1 million in the prior year. See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Stock Transactions”
for a description of the Tender Offer and related share repurchase from Artal Holdings.
Components of Revenue and Volumes
We derive our revenues principally from meeting fees, Internet revenues, products sold in meetings, and
licensed products sold in retail channels. In addition, we generate other revenue from royalties paid to us by our
franchisees, subscriptions to our branded magazines, and advertising in our publications.
Meeting Fees
Global meeting fees for fiscal 2012 were $934.9 million, a decrease of $55.4 million, or 5.6%, from $990.3
million in the prior year. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, which decreased our global meeting fees for
fiscal 2012 by $12.2 million, global meeting fees in fiscal 2012 decreased by 4.4% versus the prior year. The
decline in meeting fees was driven by a 5.4% decline in global meeting paid weeks in fiscal 2012 to 99.2 million
from 104.8 million in the prior year. The decline in meeting paid weeks was driven by lower enrollments in fiscal
2012 as compared to the high enrollment levels in the prior year. However, the impact of enrollments on meeting
paid weeks was minimized by the higher meeting membership base at the beginning of fiscal 2012 versus the
beginning of fiscal 2011. Global attendance decreased 11.0% to 50.7 million in fiscal 2012 from 57.0 million in
fiscal 2011.
In NACO, meeting fees in fiscal 2012 were $653.4 million, a decrease of $33.4 million, or 4.9%, from
$686.8 million in fiscal 2011. The decline in meeting fees was driven primarily by a 5.6% decline in NACO
meeting paid weeks from 69.9 million in fiscal 2011 to 66.0 million in fiscal 2012. The decline in meeting paid
weeks primarily resulted from lower enrollments in fiscal 2012 as compared to the high enrollment levels in the
prior year. Lower enrollments in fiscal 2012 were driven in part by the execution challenges associated with
introducing Monthly Pass to the small accounts portion of NACO’s corporate business. However, the impact of
enrollments on meeting paid weeks was minimized by the higher meeting membership base at the beginning of
fiscal 2012 versus the beginning of fiscal 2011. In fiscal 2012, NACO attendance decreased 11.4% to
31.9 million from 36.0 million in fiscal 2011. Franchise acquisitions had a de minimis impact on NACO meeting
fees and metrics in fiscal 2012.
55
International meeting fees in fiscal 2012 were $281.5 million, a decrease of $22.0 million, or 7.2%, from $303.5
million in the prior year. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, which decreased international meeting fees for
fiscal 2012 by $11.6 million, international meeting fees declined by 3.4% in fiscal 2012 versus the prior year. In fiscal
2012, the decline in meeting fees was driven by a 4.9% decline in international meeting paid weeks in the year versus
the prior year. Meeting paid weeks performance in fiscal 2012 was driven by declines in enrollments in our
international English-speaking markets in the year versus the prior year, which were partially offset by enrollment
growth in Continental Europe. International attendance decreased by 10.5% in fiscal 2012 versus the prior year.
In fiscal 2012, UK meeting fees decreased by 11.7% to $104.4 million from $118.3 million in fiscal 2011.
Excluding the impact of foreign currency, which decreased UK meeting fees for fiscal 2012 by $1.5 million, UK
meeting fees declined by 10.5% in fiscal 2012 versus the prior year. Fiscal 2012 meeting fees were driven lower
primarily by a decline of 11.3% in UK meeting paid weeks versus the prior year. Meeting paid weeks
performance in fiscal 2012 was driven by lower enrollments in the period as compared to the high enrollment
levels in the prior year. In addition, in fiscal 2012, the United Kingdom introduced an advertising campaign that
was ineffective in driving enrollment growth. Weak macro-economic trends in the United Kingdom also
contributed to the decline in enrollments. However, the impact of enrollments on meeting paid weeks was
minimized by the higher meeting membership base at the beginning of fiscal 2012 versus the beginning of fiscal
2011. UK attendance decreased by 16.5% in fiscal 2012 versus the prior year.
Meeting fees in Continental Europe were $136.0 million in both fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011. Excluding the impact
of foreign currency, which decreased Continental European meeting fees in fiscal 2012 by $10.4 million, Continental
European meeting fees increased by 7.6% in fiscal 2012 as compared to the prior year. The increase in meeting fees on
a constant currency basis was driven by an increase of 9.2% in Continental European meeting paid weeks in fiscal
2012 versus the prior year. The increase in meeting paid weeks was driven by higher enrollments in fiscal 2012 as
compared to the prior year. These higher enrollments were the result of effective new marketing strategies in this
region. In Continental Europe, attendance increased by 3.3% in fiscal 2012 versus the prior year.
In-Meeting Product Sales
Global in-meeting product sales for fiscal 2012 were $253.2 million, a decrease of $28.6 million, or 10.1%,
from $281.8 million in fiscal 2011. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, which decreased in-meeting
product sales for fiscal 2012 by $4.4 million, global in-meeting product sales in fiscal 2012 declined 8.6% versus
the prior year. This decrease resulted primarily from an 11.0% decline in global meeting attendance in fiscal
2012 versus the prior year. Slightly offsetting this decline was an increase in product sales per attendee in fiscal
2012 versus the prior year. On a per attendee basis, in fiscal 2012 global in-meeting product sales increased
1.0%, or 2.8% on a constant currency basis, versus the prior year. This increase in in-meeting product sales per
attendee in fiscal 2012 was driven by very strong per attendee sales of consumables and new products, including
ActiveLink, in NACO and consumables in the United Kingdom in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, which more
than offset a weak 2012 first nine months. This weakness was primarily the result of cycling against abnormally
strong first quarter fiscal 2011 sales of enrollment products in connection with the launch of the new programs in
our English-speaking markets in late fiscal 2010.
In NACO, fiscal 2012 in-meeting product sales of $145.9 million decreased by $12.0 million, or 7.6%,
versus the prior year. This decrease resulted primarily from an 11.4% attendance decline in fiscal 2012 as
compared to the prior year. In-meeting product sales per attendee increased by 4.2% in fiscal 2012 versus the
prior year as strong fourth quarter fiscal 2012 sales of consumables and new products, including ActiveLink,
offset the decline in sales of enrollment products earlier in the year.
International in-meeting product sales were $107.3 million in fiscal 2012, a decrease of 13.4%, or 9.9% on a
constant currency basis, versus the prior year. This decrease was driven primarily by an attendance decline of
10.5% in fiscal 2012 as compared to fiscal 2011, which was largely driven by the United Kingdom. In-meeting
product sales per attendee in fiscal 2012 declined by 3.2%, but increased by 0.6% on a constant currency basis, as
compared to the prior year.
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Internet Revenues
Internet revenues, which include subscription revenues from sales of our Weight Watchers Online and
Weight Watchers eTools products as well as Internet advertising revenues, increased $104.8 million, or 26.2%, to
$504.3 million in fiscal 2012 from $399.5 million in fiscal 2011. Excluding the impact of foreign currency,
which decreased Internet revenues for fiscal 2012 by $5.9 million, Internet revenues grew by 27.7% in fiscal
2012 versus the prior year. The combination of a higher active Online subscriber base at the start of fiscal 2012,
up 50.5%, versus the beginning of fiscal 2011, and effective marketing campaigns in North America and
Continental Europe contributed to Online paid weeks growth of 26.7% in fiscal 2012 versus the prior year.
Additionally, end of period active Online subscribers increased by 18.0% to 1.9 million at the end of fiscal 2012
as compared to 1.6 million at the end of fiscal 2011.
Other Revenues
Other revenues, comprised primarily of licensing revenues, franchise royalties, revenues from the sale of
products by mail and to our franchisees, and revenues from our publications, were $146.9 million for fiscal 2012,
a decrease of $14.0 million, or 8.7%, from $160.9 million for fiscal 2011. Excluding the impact of foreign
currency, which decreased other revenues for fiscal 2012 by $1.5 million, other revenues were 7.7% lower in
fiscal 2012 compared to the prior year. Franchise commissions and sales of products to our franchisees declined
in the aggregate by 22.4%, or 21.9% on a constant currency basis, in fiscal 2012 versus the prior year. Our by
mail product sales and revenues from our publications also declined in the aggregate by 14.3%, or 12.9% on a
constant currency basis, in fiscal 2012 versus the prior year. These declines were primarily the result of
comparing against the prior year which had the benefit of the new program launches in our English-speaking
markets in late fiscal 2010. Global licensing revenues increased by 1.5%, or 2.2% on a constant currency basis, in
fiscal 2012 versus the prior year. A one-time termination fee in the second quarter of fiscal 2012 which was
included in licensing revenues primarily accounted for the increase. Excluding this one-time termination fee of
$2.0 million from licensing revenues, global licensing revenues in fiscal 2012 decreased 0.5% on a constant
currency basis versus the prior year.
Components of Expenses and Margins
Cost of Revenues and Gross Margin
Excluding the impact of the settlement of the UK self-employment matter, cost of revenues in fiscal 2012
would have been $760.2 million, a decline of $13.8 million, or 1.8%, from $774.0 million in the prior year. Cost
of revenues declined due to the shift of revenue towards the higher margin WeightWatchers.com business. As
adjusted for the settlement, gross profit in fiscal 2012 of $1,079.3 million increased $20.8 million, or 2.0%, from
$1,058.5 million in fiscal 2011. Adjusted gross margin in fiscal 2012 was 58.7%, as compared to 57.8% in fiscal
2011. Gross margin expansion was primarily the result of the shift of revenue towards the higher margin
WeightWatchers.com business. This margin expansion was partially offset by a decline in the meetings business
gross margin. This decline in the meetings business gross margin was primarily driven by the impact of higher
costs associated with our future growth initiatives and lower average number of members per meeting.
Marketing
Marketing expenses for fiscal 2012 were $353.7 million, an increase of $50.8 million, or 16.8%, versus
fiscal 2011. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, which decreased marketing expenses for fiscal 2012 by
$4.2 million, marketing expenses were 18.1% higher in fiscal 2012 compared to the prior year. Included in our
fiscal 2012 marketing expenses were investments in two initiatives: first time Online TV marketing campaigns in
several of our international markets and marketing the Weight Watchers Online product to men in the United
States. In addition, we invested in TV advertising for Continental Europe’s meetings business, which also
contributed to the increase in marketing expenses in fiscal 2012. The increase in marketing expenses also
reflected the impact of higher volumes on online advertising costs. Marketing expenses as a percentage of
revenue were 19.2% in fiscal 2012 as compared to 16.5% in the prior year.
57
Selling, General and Administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $229.3 million for fiscal 2012 versus $209.3 million for
fiscal 2011, an increase of $20.1 million, or 9.6%. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, which decreased
selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal 2012 by $2.5 million, fiscal 2012 selling, general and
administrative expenses increased by 10.8% versus fiscal 2011. The increase in expenses was primarily related to
investments in growth initiatives, including NACO’s corporate business, technology for the development of our
mobile and customer relationship management platforms and additions to staff in support of these initiatives.
Lower bonus expense globally related to business performance partially offset this increase. Selling, general and
administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue for fiscal 2012 increased to 12.5% from 11.4% for fiscal
2011.
Operating Income Margin
Excluding the impact of the settlement of the UK self-employment matter, our operating income margin in
fiscal 2012 decreased to 27.0% from 29.8% in fiscal 2011. This decline in operating income margin was
primarily driven by costs related to first time Online TV marketing campaigns in several of our international
markets and our significant investment in marketing the Weight Watchers Online product to men in the United
States. Both marketing expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses increased as a percentage of
revenue in fiscal 2012 as compared to the prior year.
Interest Expense and Other
Interest expense was $90.5 million for fiscal 2012, an increase of $30.7 million, or 51.3%, from $59.9
million in fiscal 2011. Excluding the impact of the settlement of the UK self-employment matter noted in the
table above, interest expense was $83.4 million, an increase of $23.6 million or 39.4% versus the prior year. The
increase was primarily driven by an increase in our average debt outstanding and higher interest rates on our
debt. The effective interest rate on our debt increased by 0.76% to 2.91% in fiscal 2012 from 2.15% in fiscal
2011. Our average debt outstanding increased by $920.0 million to $2,102.9 million in fiscal 2012 from $1,182.9
million in fiscal 2011. The increase in average debt outstanding was driven by the additional borrowings under
the WWI Credit Facility (defined below) in connection with our repurchase of shares in the Tender Offer and the
related share repurchase from Artal Holdings (see “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Stock
Transactions”). Interest expense was partially offset by a decrease in the notional value and interest rates of our
interest rate swaps, which resulted in a lower effective interest rate of 3.60% in fiscal 2012, as compared to
4.62% in fiscal 2011. In the first quarter of fiscal 2012, we wrote-off $1.3 million of fees in connection with the
refinancing of our debt, which we recorded as an early extinguishment of debt charge.
The Company incurred $2.0 million of other expense in fiscal 2012 as compared to $3.4 million of other
expense in the prior year, both years include the write-off associated with an investment and the impact of
foreign currency on intercompany transactions.
Tax
Our effective tax rate was 38.3% for fiscal 2012 as compared to 37.0% for fiscal 2011. For fiscal 2012, the
UK self-employment matter impacted our effective tax rate. Excluding the impact of the settlement of the UK
self-employment matter, our effective tax rate for fiscal 2012 would have been 38.1%. The difference in period-
over-period effective tax rates is primarily the result of a tax benefit recorded in fiscal 2012 associated with a
reduction in certain international tax rates. This was offset by tax benefits recorded in fiscal 2011 associated with
the closure of our Finland business and reversing certain tax reserves upon expiration of the applicable statutes of
limitations.
58
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash flows provided by operating activities have historically supplied us with a significant source of
liquidity. We use these cash flows, supplemented with long-term debt and short-term borrowings, to fund our
operations and global initiatives, repurchase stock, pay down debt and opportunistically engage in franchise and
other acquisitions. On October 30, 2013, we announced that we suspended our quarterly cash dividend, as
described below (see “—Dividends”). We believe that cash flows from operating activities, together with
borrowings available under our revolving credit facility, will be sufficient for the next 12 months to fund
currently anticipated capital expenditure requirements, debt service requirements and working capital
requirements.
Balance Sheet Working Capital
The following table sets forth certain relevant measures of the Company’s balance sheet working capital for
the fiscal years ended:
December 28,
2013
December 29,
2012
Increase/
(Decrease)
Total current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 315.7
345.8
Working capital deficit
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current portion of long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Working capital deficit, excluding change in cash and cash
(30.1)
174.6
30.0
(in millions)
$ 218.0
447.9
(229.9)
70.2
114.7
$ 97.7
(102.1)
(199.8)
104.4
(84.7)
equivalents and current portion of long-term debt
. . . . . .
$(174.7)
$(185.4)
$ (10.7)
We generally operate with negative working capital. This is driven in part by our commitment plans which
are our primary payment method. These plans require members and subscribers to pay us for meetings and
subscription products, respectively, before we pay for our obligations in the normal course of business. These
prepayments are recorded as a current liability on our balance sheet which results in negative working capital.
Our working capital deficit decreased $199.8 million, to $30.1 million at December 28, 2013 from $229.9 million
at December 29, 2012. Of this decline, the debt refinancing we undertook in April 2013, as well as scheduled
debt repayments of $88.4 million which were offset by revolver borrowings of $70.0 million, lowered the current
portion of our long-term debt by $84.7 million versus the end of fiscal 2012 as described below (see “—Long-
Term Debt”).
Excluding the changes in cash and cash equivalents and current portion of long-term debt from both periods,
the working capital deficit at December 28, 2013 decreased by $10.7 million to $174.7 million from $185.4
million at December 29, 2012. The primary factors contributing to this decrease in our working capital deficit
were a timing related increase of $7.0 million in income tax liabilities, a $5.9 million reduction in inventory, a
$1.1 million decrease in accounts receivable and a $24.7 million net decrease to the working capital deficit
resulting from other operational items.
These other operational items that resulted in the net decrease of $24.7 million to the working capital deficit
included a $9.8 million decrease in deferred revenue from declines in our Online and Monthly Pass active bases,
a $6.3 million decrease in the derivative payable, a $1.3 million increase in other accrued liabilities and a $7.3
million reduction in the previously reported UK self-employment liability related to a $6.8 million payment to
HMRC in January 2013 with the balance of professional fees paid shortly thereafter.
59
Cash Flows
The following table sets forth a summary of the Company’s cash flows for the fiscal years ended:
Net cash provided by operating activities . . . . .
Net cash used in investing activities . . . . . . . . .
Net cash used in financing activities . . . . . . . . .
$ 323.5
$(145.3)
$ (74.4)
(in millions)
$ 336.7
$(109.5)
$(211.1)
$ 407.0
$ (45.2)
$(352.0)
December 28,
2013
December 29,
2012
December 31,
2011
Operating Activities
Fiscal 2013
Cash flows provided by operating activities of $323.5 million for fiscal 2013 decreased by $13.2 million
from $336.7 million in fiscal 2012. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities was primarily the result
of lower net income in fiscal 2013 as compared to the prior year offset by the non-cash early extinguishment of
debt charge and the intangible and long-lived asset impairment charges in fiscal 2013 as well as a payment to
HMRC in fiscal 2012 in connection with the previously reported UK self-employment liability.
The $323.5 million of cash flows provided by operating activities for fiscal 2013 exceeded the period’s net
income by $118.8 million. The excess of cash flows provided by operating activities over net income arose
primarily from changes in our working capital as described above (see “—Balance Sheet Working Capital”),
non-cash expenses and differences between book and cash taxes.
Fiscal 2012
Cash flows provided by operating activities of $336.7 million in fiscal 2012 decreased by $70.3 million
from $407.0 million in fiscal 2011. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities was primarily the result
of lower net income in fiscal 2012 versus the prior year, a payment of $30.0 million to HMRC, as well as a $7.4
million accrual reversal based on the settlement of the UK self-employment matter.
The $336.7 million of cash flows provided by operating activities for fiscal 2012 exceeded the period’s net
income attributable to the Company by $79.3 million. The excess of cash flows provided by operating activities
over net income arose primarily from changes in our working capital as described above (see “—Balance Sheet
Working Capital”), non-cash expenses and differences between book and cash taxes.
Investing Activities
Fiscal 2013
Net cash used for investing activities totaled $145.3 million in fiscal 2013, an increase of $35.9 million as
compared to fiscal 2012. This increase was primarily attributable to the $83.8 million aggregate purchase price
paid for franchise acquisitions completed in 2013. In fiscal 2013, we acquired substantially all of the assets of the
following franchisees: Weight Watchers of Alberta Ltd. and Weight Watchers of Saskatchewan Ltd. for an
aggregate purchase price of $35.0 million, Weight Watchers of West Virginia, Inc. for a net purchase price of
$16.0 million, Weight Watchers of Columbus, Inc. for a net purchase price of $23.3 million, Weight Watchers of
Northern Nevada, Inc. for a net purchase price of $4.0 million, Weight Watchers of Manitoba Ltd. for a net
purchase price of $5.2 million, and Weight Watchers of Franklin and St. Lawrence Counties Inc. for a net
purchase price of $0.3 million. In addition, we incurred capital expenditures in connection with the move of our
headquarters, our retail initiative and capitalized software expenditures to support our customer relationship
management platform and other global systems initiatives.
60
Fiscal 2012
Net cash used for investing activities totaled $109.5 million in fiscal 2012, an increase of $64.3 million as
compared to fiscal 2011. This increase was primarily attributable to additional capital expenditures in connection
with our retail initiative and capitalized software expenditures to support global systems initiatives, as well as the
$30.4 million paid in connection with our acquisitions of substantially all of the assets of our following
franchisees: Slengora Limited, Weight Watchers of the Adirondacks, Inc. and Weight Watchers of the Mid-
South, Inc.
Financing Activities
Fiscal 2013
Net cash used for financing activities totaled $74.4 million in fiscal 2013 and included $44.8 million of
deferred financing fees in connection with our April 2013 debt refinancing. Additionally, term loan payments
under our then existing credit facility of $2.41 billion were offset by new borrowings of $2.40 billion in
connection with our April 2013 debt refinancing. In addition, we paid $29.6 million of dividends to our
shareholders which offset $18.3 million in proceeds from stock options exercised and the tax benefit thereon in
fiscal 2013.
Fiscal 2012
Net cash used for financing activities totaled $211.1 million in fiscal 2012 and included proceeds from new
term loans under our then existing credit facilities of $1.45 billion and additional revolver borrowings of $30.0
million which were used to finance stock repurchases of $1.5 billion and deferred financing costs of $26.2
million in connection with the Tender Offer and related Artal Holdings share repurchase. See “—Stock
Transactions” for a description of the Tender Offer and the related Artal Holdings share repurchase. In addition,
we paid $52.0 million of dividends to our shareholders and received $12.7 million in proceeds from stock options
exercised in fiscal 2012.
Fiscal 2011
Net cash used for financing activities totaled $352.0 million in fiscal 2011 and consisted primarily of
payments on our then existing revolving credit facility of $174.0 million and long-term debt repayments of
$139.3 million, as well as stock repurchases of $34.9 million and dividend payments to our shareholders of $51.6
million. Offsetting these payments were proceeds from stock options exercised of $42.0 million in fiscal 2011.
Long-Term Debt
We currently plan to meet our long-term debt obligations by using cash flows provided by operating
activities and opportunistically using other means to repay or refinance our obligations as we determine
appropriate.
61
The following schedule sets forth our long-term debt obligations (and interest rates, exclusive of the impact
of swaps) at December 28, 2013:
Long-Term Debt
At December 28, 2013
(Balances in millions)
Revolving Facility due April 2, 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tranche B-1 Term Facility due April 2, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tranche B-2 Term Facility due April 2, 2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less Current Portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance
$ —
298.5
2,089.5
2,388.0
30.0
Total Long-Term Debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$2,358.0
Alternative
Base Rate
or LIBOR
0.000%
0.170%
0.750%
Applicable
Margin
Interest
Rate
0.000% 0.000%
2.750% 2.920%
3.000% 3.750%
On April 2, 2013, we refinanced our credit facilities pursuant to a Credit Agreement, or the New Credit
Agreement, among the Company, the lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative
agent, and an issuing bank, The Bank of Nova Scotia, as revolving agent swingline lender and an issuing bank,
and the other parties thereto. The New Credit Agreement provides for (a) a revolving credit facility (including
swing line loans and letters of credit) in an initial aggregate principal amount of $250.0 million that will mature
on April 2, 2018, or the Revolving Facility, (b) an initial term B-1 loan credit facility in an aggregate principal
amount of $300.0 million that will mature on April 2, 2016, or Tranche B-1 Term Facility, and (c) an initial term
B-2 loan credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $2,100.0 million that will mature on April 2, 2020, or
Tranche B-2 Term Facility. We refer herein to the Tranche B-1 Term Facility together with the Tranche B-2
Term Facility as the Term Facilities, and the Term Facilities and Revolving Facility collectively as the WWI
Credit Facility. In connection with this refinancing, we used the proceeds from borrowings under the Term
Facilities to pay off a total of $2,399.9 million of outstanding loans, consisting of $128.8 million of Term B
Loans, $110.6 million of Term C Loans, $117.6 million of Term D Loans, $1,125.0 million of Term E Loans,
$817.9 million of Term F Loans, $21.2 million of loans under the Revolver A-1 and $78.8 million of loans under
the Revolver A-2. Following the refinancing of a total of $2,399.9 million of loans, at April 2, 2013, we had
$2,400.0 million debt outstanding under the Term Facilities and $248.8 million of availability under the
Revolving Facility. We incurred fees of approximately $45.0 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2013 in
connection with this refinancing. In the second quarter of fiscal 2013, we wrote-off fees associated with this
refinancing which resulted in our recording a charge of $21.7 million in early extinguishment of debt.
At December 28, 2013, we had $2,388.0 million outstanding under the WWI Credit Facility, consisting
entirely of term loans and there were no loans outstanding under the Revolving Facility. In addition, at
December 28, 2013, the Revolving Facility had $1.6 million in issued but undrawn letters of credit outstanding
thereunder and $248.4 million in available unused commitments thereunder. The proceeds from borrowings
under the Revolving Facility (including swing line loans and letters of credit) will be used for working capital
and general corporate purposes.
At the end of fiscal 2013, fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011, our debt consisted entirely of variable-rate
instruments. Interest rate swaps were entered into to hedge a portion of the cash flow exposure associated with
our variable-rate borrowings. The average interest rate on our debt, exclusive of the impact of swaps, was
approximately 3.6%, 3.0% and 2.4% per annum at the end of fiscal 2013, fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011,
respectively. The average interest rate on our debt, including the impact of swaps, was approximately 4.1%, 3.5%
and 4.5% per annum at the end of fiscal 2013, fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011, respectively.
Borrowings under the New Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to, at our option, LIBOR plus an
applicable margin or a base rate plus an applicable margin. LIBOR under the Tranche B-2 Term Facility is
62
subject to a minimum interest rate of 0.75% and the base rate under the Tranche B-2 Term Facility is subject to a
minimum interest rate of 1.75%. The applicable margin relating to both of the Term Facilities will increase by 25
basis points in the event that we receive a corporate rating of BB- (or lower) from S&P and a corporate rating of
Ba3 (or lower) from Moody’s. The applicable margin relating to the Revolving Facility will fluctuate depending
upon our Consolidated Leverage Ratio (as defined in the New Credit Agreement). At December 28, 2013,
borrowings under the Tranche B-1 Term Facility bore interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin of 2.75% and
borrowings under the Tranche B-2 Term Facility bore interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin of 3.00%. At
our Consolidated Leverage Ratio as of December 28, 2013, had there been any borrowings under the Revolving
Facility, it would have borne interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin of 2.25% or base rate plus an
applicable margin of 1.25%. On February 21, 2014, both S&P and Moody’s issued revised corporate ratings of
the Company of B+ and B1, respectively. As a result, effective February 21, 2104, the applicable margin on
borrowings under the Tranche B-1 Term Facility went from 2.75% to 3.00% and on borrowings under the
Tranche B-2 Term Facility went from 3.00% to 3.25%.
On a quarterly basis, we will pay a commitment fee to the lenders under the Revolving Facility in respect of
unutilized commitments thereunder, which commitment fee will fluctuate, but in no event exceed 0.50% per
annum, depending upon our Consolidated Leverage Ratio. At our Consolidated Leverage Ratio as of
December 28, 2013, the commitment fee was 0.40% per annum. We also will pay customary letter of credit fees
and fronting fees under the Revolving Facility.
The New Credit Agreement 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 payments, including investments, sell our assets and enter into consolidations, mergers and transfers
of all or substantially all of our assets. The Revolving Facility requires us to not exceed a specified Consolidated
Leverage Ratio, but only if borrowings under the Revolving Facility exceed 20.0% of revolving commitments as
of the end of such fiscal quarter. As of December 28, 2013, the maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio was
5.00:1.00 and borrowings in excess of $50 million would require us to not exceed such ratio. As of December 28,
2013, our actual Consolidated Leverage Ratio was 4.21:1.00 and there were no borrowings under our Revolving
Facility and total letters of credit issued were $1.6 million. The requirement to not exceed the Consolidated
Leverage Ratio may effectively limit our ability to borrow funds in excess of $50.0 million under the Revolving
Facility. The Term Facilities do not require us to maintain any financial ratios. The WWI Credit Facility is
guaranteed by certain of our existing and future subsidiaries. Substantially all of our assets secure the WWI
Credit Facility.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2012, the composition of our then existing WWI Credit Facility changed as
a result of our amending and restating our then existing WWI Credit Facility to, among other things, extend the
maturity of certain of our term loan facilities and our revolving credit facility and to obtain new commitments for
the borrowing of an additional $1,449.4 million of term loans to finance the purchases of shares of our common
stock in the Tender Offer and from Artal Holdings pursuant to the Purchase Agreement.
Immediately prior to the amendment of our then existing WWI Credit Facility, the term loan facilities
consisted of a tranche A-1 loan, or Term A-1 Loan, a tranche B loan, or Term B Loan, a tranche C loan, or
Term C Loan, and a tranche D loan, or Term D Loan, and a revolving credit facility, or Revolver A-1. The
aggregate principal amount then outstanding under (i) the Term A-1 Loan was $128.6 million, (ii) the Term B
Loan was $237.5 million, (iii) the Term C Loan was $420.4 million and (iv) the Term D Loan was $238.2
million. Immediately prior to the amendment of our then existing WWI Credit Facility, the Revolver A-1 had no
loans outstanding under it, $1.0 million of issued but undrawn letters of credit and $331.6 million in available
unused commitments thereunder.
Following the amendment of our then existing WWI Credit Facility on March 15, 2012, (i) $33.1 million in
aggregate principal amount of the Term A-1 Loan and $301.8 million in aggregate principal amount of the
Term C Loan were converted into, and $849.4 million in aggregate principal amount of commitments to borrow
new term loans were provided under, a new tranche E loan, or Term E Loan, (ii) $107.0 million in aggregate
63
principal amount of the Term B Loan and $119.1 million in aggregate principal amount of the Term D Loan were
converted into, and $600.0 million in aggregate principal amount of commitments to borrow new term loans
were provided under, a new tranche F loan, or Term F Loan, and (iii) $262.0 million in aggregate principal
amount of commitments under the Revolver A-1 were converted into a new revolving credit facility, or Revolver
A-2. The loans outstanding under each term loan facility existing prior to the amendment of the our then existing
WWI Credit Facility and the loans and commitments outstanding under the Revolver A-1, in each case that were
not converted into the Term E Loan, the Term F Loan or the Revolver A-2, as applicable, continued to remain
outstanding under our then existing WWI Credit Facility as the Term A-1 Loan, the Term B Loan, the Term C
Loan, the Term D Loan or the Revolver A-1, as applicable. In connection with this amendment, we incurred fees
of approximately $26.2 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. On March 27, 2012, we borrowed an aggregate
of $726.0 million under the Term E Loan and the Term F Loan to finance the purchase of shares in the Tender
Offer and to pay a portion of the related fees and expenses. On April 9, 2012, we borrowed an aggregate of
approximately $723.4 million under the Term E Loan to finance the purchase of shares from Artal Holdings.
Dividends
On October 30, 2013, we announced that we suspended our quarterly cash dividend. As a result, no dividend
was issued for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013. We historically had issued a quarterly cash dividend of $0.175
per share of our common stock every quarter for the past several fiscal years. We currently intend to use the
annual cash savings from such dividend suspension to preserve financial flexibility while funding our strategic
growth initiatives and building cash for future debt repayments. Any future determination to declare and pay
dividends will be made at the discretion of our Board of Directors, after taking into account our financial results,
capital requirements and other factors it may deem relevant. The WWI Credit Facility also contains restrictions
on our ability to pay dividends on our common stock.
The WWI Credit Facility provides that we are permitted to pay dividends and extraordinary dividends, as
well as repurchase shares of our common stock, so long as we are not in default under the WWI Credit Facility
agreement. However, payment of extraordinary dividends and stock repurchases shall not exceed $100.0 million
in the aggregate in any fiscal year if the Consolidated Leverage Ratio is greater than 3.25:1. As of December 28,
2013, our Consolidated Leverage Ratio was greater than 3.25:1 and we expect that it will remain above 3.25:1 for
the foreseeable future.
Contractual Obligations
We are obligated under non-cancelable operating leases primarily for office and rent facilities. Consolidated
rent expense charged to operations under all our leases for fiscal 2013 was approximately $46.3 million.
The following table summarizes our future contractual obligations as of the end of fiscal 2013:
Total
Less than
1 Year
Payment Due by Period
1-3 Years
3-5 Years
(in millions)
More than
5 Years
Long-Term Debt(1)
Principal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating leases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other long-term obligations(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$2,388.0
521.3
265.4
10.6
$ 30.0
108.4
41.1
0.1
$331.5
166.6
67.3
1.1
$ 42.0
133.3
39.0
0.2
$1,984.5
113.0
118.0
9.2
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$3,185.3
$179.6
$566.5
$214.5
$2,224.7
(1) Due to the fact that all of our debt is variable rate based, we have assumed for purposes of this table that the interest rate on all of our
debt as of the end of fiscal 2013 remains constant for all periods presented.
(2) “Other long-term obligations” primarily consist of deferred rent costs. The provision for income tax contingencies included in other long-
term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet is not included in the table above due to the fact that the Company is unable to estimate
the timing of payment for this liability.
64
We currently plan to meet our long-term debt obligations by using cash flows provided by operating
activities and opportunistically using other means to repay or refinance our obligations as we determine
appropriate. 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.
Franchise Acquisitions
We did not acquire any franchises in fiscal 2011. In fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2013, we made the following
franchise acquisitions:
In September 2012, we acquired substantially all of the assets of our Southeastern Ontario and Ottawa,
Canada franchisee, Slengora Limited, for a net purchase price of $16.8 million.
In November 2012, we acquired substantially all of the assets of our Adirondacks franchisee, Weight
Watchers of the Adirondacks, Inc., for a purchase price of $3.4 million.
In December 2012, we acquired substantially all of the assets of our Memphis, Tennessee franchisee,
Weight Watchers of the Mid-South, Inc., for a purchase price of $10.0 million.
In March 2013, we acquired substantially all of the assets of our Alberta and Saskatchewan, Canada
franchisees, Weight Watchers of Alberta Ltd. and Weight Watchers of Saskatchewan Ltd., for an aggregate
purchase price of $35.0 million.
In July 2013, we acquired substantially all of the assets of our West Virginia franchisee, Weight Watchers
of West Virginia, Inc., for a net purchase price of $16.0 million, our Columbus, Ohio franchisee, Weight
Watchers of Columbus, Inc., for a net purchase price of $23.3 million and our Reno, Nevada franchisee, Weight
Watchers of Northern Nevada, Inc., for a net purchase price of $4.0 million.
In October 2013, we acquired substantially all of the assets of our Manitoba, Canada franchisee, Weight
Watchers of Manitoba Ltd., for a net purchase price of $5.2 million and our Franklin and St. Lawrence Counties,
New York franchisee, Weight Watchers of Franklin and St. Lawrence Counties Inc., for a net purchase price of
$0.3 million.
Stock Transactions
On October 9, 2003, our Board of Directors authorized and we announced a program to repurchase up to
$250.0 million of our outstanding common stock. On each of June 13, 2005, May 25, 2006 and October 21, 2010,
our Board of Directors authorized and we announced adding $250.0 million 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 Holdings and its parents and subsidiaries under this
program. The repurchase program currently has no expiration date. During the twelve months ended
December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, the Company repurchased no shares of its common stock in the
open market under this program. The repurchase of shares of common stock under the Tender Offer and from
Artal Holdings pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, as discussed further below, was not made pursuant to the
repurchase program. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, the Company repurchased in its first
quarter 0.8 million shares of its common stock in the open market under this program for a total cost of $31.6
million, and in its second, third and fourth quarters no shares of its common stock under this program.
On February 23, 2012, we commenced a “modified Dutch auction” tender offer for up to $720.0 million in
value of our common stock at a purchase price not less than $72.00 and not greater than $83.00 per share, or the
Tender Offer. Prior to the Tender Offer, on February 14, 2012, we entered into an agreement, or the Purchase
65
Agreement, with Artal Holdings whereby Artal Holdings agreed to sell to us, at the same price as was determined
in the Tender Offer, such number of its shares of our common stock that, upon the closing of this purchase after
the completion of the Tender Offer, Artal Holdings’ percentage ownership in the outstanding shares of our
common stock would be substantially equal to its level prior to the Tender Offer. Artal Holdings also agreed not
to participate in the Tender Offer so that it would not affect the determination of the purchase price of the shares
in the Tender Offer.
The Tender Offer expired at midnight, New York time, on March 22, 2012, and on March 28, 2012 we
repurchased approximately 8.8 million shares at a purchase price of $82.00 per share. On April 9, 2012, we
repurchased approximately 9.5 million of Artal Holdings’ shares at a purchase price of $82.00 per share pursuant
to the Purchase Agreement. In March 2012, we amended and extended our then existing credit facilities to
finance these repurchases. See “—Long-Term Debt”.
The WWI Credit Facility provides that we are permitted to pay dividends and extraordinary dividends, as
well as repurchase shares of our common stock, so long as we are not in default under the WWI Credit Facility
agreement. However, payment of extraordinary dividends and stock repurchases shall not exceed $100.0 million
in the aggregate in any fiscal year if the Consolidated Leverage Ratio is greater than 3.25:1. As of December 28,
2013, our Consolidated Leverage Ratio was greater than 3.25:1 and we expect that it will remain above 3.25:1 for
the foreseeable future.
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.
Related Parties
For a discussion of related party transactions affecting us, see “Item 12. Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions, and Director Independence” in Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Seasonality
Our business is seasonal, with revenues generally decreasing at year end and during the summer months.
Our operating income for the first half of the year is generally the strongest, and the first quarter of the fiscal year
typically results in the greatest revenue due to the importance of the winter diet season to our overall recruitment
environment. Our advertising schedule generally supports the three key recruitment-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 marketing campaign and occurs between
March 22 and April 25, may affect our results of operations and the year-to-year comparability of our results.
The introduction of Monthly Pass in the meetings business has resulted in less seasonality with regard to our
meeting fee revenues because its revenues are amortized over the related subscription period. While
66
WeightWatchers.com experiences seasonality similar to the meetings business in terms of new subscriber sign-
ups, its revenue tends to be less seasonal because it amortizes subscription revenue over the related subscription
period.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
We are exposed to market risks relating to interest rate changes and foreign currency fluctuations. All of our
market risk sensitive instruments were entered into for purposes other than trading. As of the end of fiscal 2013,
there have been no material changes to the Company’s exposure to market risk since the end of fiscal 2012.
Interest Rate Risk
Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates to interest expense of variable rate debt, in
particular changes in LIBOR or the base rates which are used to determine the applicable interest rates for
borrowings under the WWI Credit Facility. As of the end of fiscal 2013, borrowings under the Tranche B-1 Term
Facility bore interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin of 2.75% and borrowings under the Tranche B-2 Term
Facility bore interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin of 3.00%, and we had no borrowings under the Revolving
Facility. As of the end of fiscal 2013, we had in effect an interest rate swap with a notional amount totaling $466.2
million to hedge a portion of our variable rate debt. As of such date, we had $2,388.0 million of variable rate debt,
of which $1,921.8 million remained unhedged. This interest rate swap that went effective on January 4, 2010 and
terminated on January 27, 2014 had an initial notional amount of $425.0 million, which amount fluctuated during
the remainder of its term to a maximum of $466.2 million. From December 29, 2012 through April 1, 2013, this
swap had qualified for hedge accounting, and therefore changes in the fair value of this derivative were recorded in
accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Effective April 2, 2013, due to our debt refinancing, we ceased the
application of hedge accounting for this swap. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of this swap were recorded in
earnings subsequent to April 2, 2013 and were immaterial for fiscal 2013.
On July 26, 2013, in order to hedge an additional portion of our variable rate debt, we entered into a
forward-starting interest rate swap with an effective date of March 31, 2014 and a termination date of April 2,
2020. The initial notional amount of this swap is $1.5 billion. During the term of this swap, the notional amount
will decrease from $ 1.5 billion effective March 31, 2014 to $ 1.25 billion on April 3, 2017 with a further
reduction to $ 1.0 billion on April 1, 2019. This interest rate swap in effect converts the variable interest rate on a
portion of our debt equal to the notional amount of this swap to a fixed rate of 2.38125%. This swap qualifies for
hedge accounting and, therefore, changes in the fair value of this swap have been recorded in accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss).
As of the end of fiscal 2013, based on the amount of our variable rate debt and the interest rate swap
agreement at that time, a hypothetical 50 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates on our variable rate
debt would increase or decrease our annual interest expense by approximately $9.6 million. This change in
market risk exposure from the end of fiscal 2012 was primarily driven by the reduction of the notional amount of
our interest rate swap from $583.2 million at the end of fiscal 2012 to $466.2 million at the end of fiscal 2013.
Foreign Currency Risk
Other than inter-company transactions between our domestic and foreign entities, we generally do not have
significant transactions that are denominated in a currency other than the functional currency applicable to each
entity. As a result, substantially all of our revenues and expenses in each jurisdiction in which we operate are in
the same functional currency. In general, we are a net receiver of currencies other than the US dollar.
Accordingly, changes in exchange rates may negatively affect our revenues and gross margins as expressed in
US dollars. In the future, we may enter into forward and swap contracts to hedge transactions denominated in
foreign currencies to reduce the currency risk associated with fluctuating exchange rates. Realized and unrealized
gains and losses from any of these transactions may be included in net income for the period.
67
Fluctuations in currency exchange rates, particularly with respect to the euro and pound sterling, may
impact our shareholders’ equity. The assets and liabilities of our non-US subsidiaries are translated into
US dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated into
US dollars at the average exchange rate for the period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded in
shareholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). In addition, exchange
rate fluctuations will cause the US dollar translated amounts to change in comparison to prior periods.
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
This information is incorporated by reference to our consolidated financial statements on pages F-1 through
F-33 and our financial statement schedule on page S-1, including the report thereon of PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP on page F-2.
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure 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 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 principal executive officer and principal
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 principal executive officer and
principal 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 principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the design and operation
of our disclosure controls and procedures are effective at the reasonable assurance level.
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial
reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision and with the
participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to
provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial
statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of America.
Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of
December 28, 2013, the end of fiscal 2013. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth
by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-
Integrated Framework (1992). Based on this assessment, our management, under the supervision and with the
participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, concluded that, as of December 28,
2013, our internal control over financial reporting was effective based on those criteria.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 28, 2013 has been audited
by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report
which appears on page F-2 to our consolidated financial statements.
68
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our most recent
fiscal quarter (the fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is
reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B. Other Information
On February 13, 2014, in connection with its cost saving initiative, the Company committed to a plan of
termination which will result in the elimination of certain positions and employees worldwide. The Company
determined that it will notify affected employees following the commitment date. In connection with this plan,
the Company anticipates recording restructuring charges in connection with employee termination benefit costs
of approximately $10.0 million (which is expected to be divided equally between general and administrative
expenses and operating expenses related to field restructuring) during the first and second quarters of fiscal 2014.
Substantially all of these costs are expected to result in cash expenditures related to separation payments and
other employee termination expenses. The Company expects the plan to be fully executed by the end of fiscal
2014.
69
PART III
Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance; Executive
Compensation; Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management and Related Shareholder Matters; Certain Relationships and
Related Transactions, and Director Independence; Principal Accountant Fees
and Services
Information called for by Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is
incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with our 2014 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders pursuant to Regulation 14A, except that (i) the information regarding our directors and
executive officers called for by Items 401(a), (b) and (e) of Regulation S-K has been included in Part I of this
Annual Report on Form 10-K; (ii) the information regarding certain Company equity compensation plans called
for by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K is set forth below and (iii) the information regarding our Code of Business
Conduct and Ethics called for by Item 406 of Regulation S-K is set forth below.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table summarizes our equity compensation plan information as of December 28, 2013:
Equity Compensation Plan Information
Number of securities
to be issued upon exercise
of outstanding options,
warrants and rights(1)
(a)
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights(2)
(b)
Number of securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a))(3)
(c)
Plan category
Equity compensation plans approved by
security holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2,466,045
Equity compensation plans not approved
by security holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
Total
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2,466,045
$35.09
—
$35.09
1,445,780
—
1,445,780
(1) Consists of 2,213,356 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options and 252,689 shares of our common
stock issuable upon the vesting of restricted stock units awarded under our 2008 Stock Incentive Plan, or 2008 Plan, our 2004 Stock
Incentive Plan, or 2004 Plan, and our 1999 Stock Purchase and Option Plan, or 1999 Plan.
Includes weighted-average exercise price of stock options outstanding of $39.09 and restricted stock units of $0.
(2)
(3) Consists of shares of our common stock issuable under our 2008 Plan and 2004 Plan pursuant to various awards the Compensation and
Benefits Committee may make, including non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock
units, restricted stock and other equity-based awards. Our 1999 Plan terminated on December 16, 2009 pursuant to its terms and in
connection with such termination no additional securities can be issued under the plan. Pursuant to the terms of our 2008 Plan, the
number of shares of our common stock available for issuance under the 2008 Plan was increased by 550,272 shares, the remaining
number of shares of our common stock with respect to which awards could be granted under the 1999 Plan upon its termination.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for our officers, including our principal executive
officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, and our employees and directors.
Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available on our website at www.weightwatchersinternational.com.
In addition to any disclosures required under the Exchange Act, the date and nature of any substantive
amendment of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics or waiver thereof applicable to any of our principal
executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller or persons performing similar
functions, and that relates to any element of the code of ethics definition enumerated in Item 406(b) of Regulation
S-K of the Exchange Act, will be disclosed on our website at www.weightwatchersinternational.com within four
business days of the date of such amendment or waiver. In the case of a waiver, the name of the person to whom the
waiver was granted will also be disclosed on our website within four business days of the date of such waiver.
70
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
1.
Financial Statements
PART IV
The financial statements listed in the Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedule on
page F-1 are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
2.
Financial Statement Schedule
The financial statement schedule listed in the Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement
Schedule on page F-1 is filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
3.
Exhibits
The exhibits listed in the Exhibit Index are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
71
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WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE COVERED BY
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Items 15(a) (1) & (2)
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pages
F-2
F-3
Consolidated Statements of Income for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012
and December 31, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F-4
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2013,
December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F-5
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Total Deficit for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2013,
December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2013, December 29,
2012 and December 31, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F-7
F-8
Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves for the fiscal years ended December 28,
2013, December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S-1
All other schedules are omitted for the reason that they are either not required, not applicable, not material
or the information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Weight Watchers International, Inc.:
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index appearing on
page F-1 present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Weight Watchers International, Inc. and
its subsidiaries (the “Company”) at December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 28, 2013 in conformity
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the
financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index on page F-1 presents fairly, in all material
respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial
statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over
financial reporting as of December 28, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated
Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) (1992).
The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for
maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of
internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over
Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial
statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting
based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether
effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the
financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the
financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management,
and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting
included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material
weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on
the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the
circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting
includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail,
accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable
assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made
only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the
company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect
misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that
controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the
policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
February 26, 2014
F-2
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AT
(IN THOUSANDS)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Receivables (net of allowances: December 28, 2013—$3,477 and
December 29, 2012—$3,447)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prepaid expenses and other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property and equipment, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Franchise rights acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trademarks and other intangible assets, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred financing costs, net
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other noncurrent assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 28,
2013
December 29,
2012
$
174,557
$
70,215
36,248
40,939
24,457
39,524
315,725
87,052
836,835
79,294
45,297
42,046
2,682
37,363
46,846
21,757
41,786
217,967
71,768
783,695
62,726
52,480
26,571
3,400
TOTAL ASSETS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 1,408,931
$ 1,218,607
LIABILITIES AND TOTAL DEFICIT
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Portion of long-term debt due within one year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Salaries and wages payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued marketing and advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued interest
Other accrued liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
$
30,000
45,496
65,810
15,509
22,776
89,899
76,330
114,695
49,349
56,490
27,437
13,552
100,171
86,161
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
345,820
2,358,000
164,064
15,669
447,855
2,291,669
129,431
15,111
TOTAL LIABILITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2,883,553
2,884,066
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
TOTAL DEFICIT
Common stock, $0 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; 111,988 shares
issued . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Treasury stock, at cost, 55,562 shares at December 28, 2013 and 56,234 shares
at December 29, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retained earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated other comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
0
0
(3,256,406)
1,773,267
8,517
(3,281,831)
1,603,513
12,859
TOTAL DEFICIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(1,474,622)
(1,665,459)
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND TOTAL DEFICIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 1,408,931
$ 1,218,607
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-3
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
Meeting fees, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Product sales and other, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Internet revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 28,
2013
December 29,
2012
December 31,
2011
(52 weeks)
$ 851,626
350,271
522,226
(52 weeks)
$ 934,933
400,161
504,338
(52 weeks)
$ 990,296
442,703
399,495
Revenues, net
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,724,123
1,839,432
1,832,494
Cost of meetings, products and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cost of Internet revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cost of revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Marketing expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selling, general and administrative expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other expense, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Early extinguishment of debt
Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Provision for income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
652,283
70,728
723,011
1,001,112
295,628
244,727
460,757
103,108
599
21,685
335,365
130,640
204,725
0
681,972
63,642
745,614
1,093,818
353,673
229,340
510,805
90,537
1,979
1,328
416,961
159,535
257,426
0
718,284
55,705
773,989
1,058,505
302,923
209,254
546,328
59,850
3,386
0
483,092
178,748
304,344
523
Net income attributable to Weight Watchers International, Inc.
. .
$ 204,725
$ 257,426
$ 304,867
Earnings Per Share attributable to Weight Watchers International, Inc.
Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
$
3.65
3.63
$
$
4.27
4.23
$
$
4.16
4.11
56,144
56,394
60,294
60,923
73,344
74,131
Dividends declared per common share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
0.53
$
0.70
$
0.70
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-4
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(IN THOUSANDS)
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other comprehensive income:
December 28,
2013
December 29,
2012
December 31,
2011
(52 weeks)
$204,725
(52 weeks)
$257,426
(52 weeks)
$304,344
Foreign currency translation adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax effect on foreign currency translation adjustments . . .
(10,363)
4,022
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes . . . . . . . . . .
Changes in fair value of derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax effect on changes in fair value of derivatives . . . . . . . .
Changes in fair value of derivatives, net of taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total other comprehensive (loss) income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(6,341)
3,277
(1,278)
1,999
(4,342)
763
(225)
538
11,016
(4,296)
6,720
7,258
(1,111)
433
(678)
17,698
(6,902)
10,796
10,118
Comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . .
Comprehensive loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest
200,383
0
264,684
0
314,462
523
Comprehensive income attributable to Weight Watchers International,
Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$200,383
$264,684
$314,985
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-5
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN TOTAL DEFICIT
(IN THOUSANDS)
Weight Watchers International, Inc.
Common Stock
Treasury Stock
Shares Amount Shares Amount
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Retained
Earnings
Noncontrolling
Interest
Total
Balance at January 1, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111,988
Purchase of noncontrolling interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comprehensive Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Issuance of treasury stock under stock plans . . . . . . .
Tax benefit of restricted stock units vested and stock
options exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash dividends declared . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchase of treasury stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compensation expense on share-based awards . . . . .
$0
38,618 $(1,794,066)
$ (4,517)
(1,042)
31,633
10,118
$1,103,817
(953)
304,867
8,337
$ 4,042
(3,519)
(523)
814
(31,550)
5,093
(51,612)
9,067
Balance at December 31, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111,988
$0
38,390 $(1,793,983)
$ 5,601
$1,378,616
$
Comprehensive Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Issuance of treasury stock under stock plans . . . . . . .
Tax benefit of restricted stock units vested and stock
options exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash dividends declared . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchase of treasury stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tender Offer fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compensation expense on share-based awards . . . . .
(435)
16,341
7,258
18,279
(1,498,902)
(5,287)
257,426
(5,678)
3,408
(39,104)
8,845
Balance at December 29, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111,988
$0
56,234 $(3,281,831)
$12,859
$1,603,513
$
Comprehensive Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Issuance of treasury stock under stock plans . . . . . . .
Tax benefit of restricted stock units vested and stock
options exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash dividends declared . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compensation expense on share-based awards . . . . .
(672)
25,425
(4,342)
204,725
(10,304)
537
(29,459)
4,255
0
0
0
0
$ (690,724)
(4,472)
314,462
39,970
5,093
(51,612)
(31,550)
9,067
$ (409,766)
264,684
10,663
3,408
(39,104)
(1,498,902)
(5,287)
8,845
$(1,665,459)
200,383
15,121
537
(29,459)
4,255
Balance at December 28, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111,988
$0
55,562 $(3,256,406)
$ 8,517
$1,773,267
$
0
$(1,474,622)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-6
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED
(IN THOUSANDS)
December 28,
2013
December 29,
2012
December 31,
2011
(52 Weeks)
(52 Weeks)
(52 Weeks)
Operating activities:
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating
$
204,725
$
257,426
$ 304,344
activities:
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of deferred financing costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment of intangible and long-lived assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Share-based compensation expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred tax provision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Allowance for doubtful accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reserve for inventory obsolescence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign currency exchange rate loss/(gain) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss on disposal of assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss on investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Early extinguishment of debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other items, net
Changes in cash due to:
Receivables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prepaid expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
UK self-employment liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
44,904
7,672
5,426
4,255
35,380
596
9,580
659
1,417
0
21,685
0
345
(2,226)
1,037
(3,607)
(7,272)
4,988
(10,521)
4,473
36,640
7,070
0
8,845
26,765
(1,067)
10,491
(722)
590
2,697
1,328
0
5,870
(1,341)
(639)
(11,794)
(37,441)
28,042
1,539
2,408
30,995
4,825
0
9,067
25,291
1,441
13,203
(80)
500
3,585
0
105
(563)
(24,456)
2,531
17,495
2,931
2,348
10,555
2,922
Cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
323,516
336,707
407,039
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capitalized software expenditures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash paid for acquisitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other items, net
(40,657)
(21,277)
(83,825)
411
(48,807)
(29,926)
(30,400)
(323)
Cash used for investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(145,348)
(109,456)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from new term loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net borrowings/(payments) on revolver
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payments on long-term debt
Payment of dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payments to acquire treasury stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred financing costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from stock options exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tax benefit of restricted stock units vested and stock options exercised . . .
2,400,000
70,000
(2,488,364)
(29,571)
0
(44,817)
16,187
2,132
1,449,397
30,000
(124,833)
(51,961)
(1,504,189)
(26,248)
12,688
4,026
(21,750)
(23,086)
0
(374)
(45,210)
0
(174,000)
(139,285)
(51,624)
(34,924)
0
42,040
5,831
Cash used for financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(74,433)
(211,120)
(351,962)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents and other . . . . . .
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of fiscal year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
607
104,342
70,215
Cash and cash equivalents, end of fiscal year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
174,557
$
885
17,016
53,199
70,215
(13)
9,854
43,345
$ 53,199
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-7
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO 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 all of its subsidiaries. The term “Company” as used throughout these notes is used to indicate Weight
Watchers International, Inc. and all of its businesses consolidated for purposes of its financial statements. The
term “WWI” as used throughout these notes is used to indicate Weight Watchers International, Inc. and all of the
Company’s businesses other than WW.com. The term “WW.com” as used throughout these notes is used to
indicate WeightWatchers.com, Inc. and all of the Company’s Internet-based businesses.
As further discussed in Note 3, effective with its formation in February 2008, the Company consolidated the
financial statements of Weight Watchers China Limited.
Revisions:
The Company identified a correction in the statements of cash flows for the year ended 2012 and 2011 as it
relates to foreign currency activity, resulting in a reclassification between accrued liabilities and effect of
exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents and other. The effects of this revision on the previously
reported amounts are as follows:
December 29,
2012
December 31,
2011
Cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents . . . .
$(12,684)
$ 12,684
$ 2,231
$(2,231)
In addition, the classification of certain brand marketing funds received from licensees has been revised to
reflect them as revenue as opposed to being recorded as an offset to expense, increasing the first nine months of
fiscal 2013, full year fiscal 2012 and full year fiscal 2011 Product sales and other, net, Cost of meetings, products
and other, Gross profit, Marketing expenses and Selling, general and administrative expenses as follows:
December 28,
2013
December 29,
2012
December 31,
2011
Product sales and other, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cost of meetings, products and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Marketing expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selling, general and administrative expenses . . . . . . . . . .
$12,058
$ 1,078
$10,979
$10,279
701
$
$12,620
$ 1,589
$11,031
$10,158
873
$
$13,338
$ 1,974
$11,364
$10,572
792
$
These adjustments were not considered to be material, individually or in the aggregate, to previously issued
financial statements. However, because of the significance of these adjustments, the Company revised its fiscal
2012 and fiscal 2011 consolidated statements of cash flows and its first nine months of fiscal 2013, fiscal 2012
and fiscal 2011 consolidated statements of income. These revisions had no impact on the consolidated balance
sheets, consolidated statements of comprehensive income or consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’
equity included in these financial statements.
2.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Fiscal Year:
The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to December 31st and consists of either 52 or 53-
week periods. Fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011 each contained 52 weeks. WW.com’s fiscal year ends on
December 31st of each year. This difference in fiscal years does not have a material effect on the consolidated
financial statements.
F-8
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
Use of Estimates:
The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis,
the Company evaluates its estimates and judgments, including those related to inventories, the impairment
analysis for goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, share-based compensation, income taxes, tax
contingencies and litigation. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other
factors and assumptions that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the
basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from
other sources. Actual amounts could differ from these estimates.
Translation of Foreign Currencies:
For all foreign operations, the functional currency is the local currency. Assets and liabilities of these
operations are translated into US dollars using the exchange rate in effect at the end of each reporting period.
Income statement accounts are translated at the average rate of exchange prevailing during each reporting period.
Translation adjustments arising from the use of differing exchange rates from period to period are included in
accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
Foreign currency gains and losses arising from the translation of intercompany receivables with the
Company’s international subsidiaries are recorded as a component of other expense (income), net, unless the
receivable is considered long-term in nature, in which case the foreign currency gains and losses are recorded as
a component of comprehensive income (loss).
Cash Equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents are defined as highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months
or less. Cash balances may, at times, exceed insurable amounts. The Company believes it mitigates this risk by
investing in or through major financial institutions. Cash includes balances due from third-party credit card
companies.
Inventories:
Inventories, which consist of finished goods, are stated at the lower of cost or market on a first-in, first-out
basis, net of reserves for obsolescence and shrinkage.
Property and Equipment:
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. For financial reporting purposes, equipment is depreciated on
the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets (3 to 10 years). Leasehold improvements are
amortized on the straight-line method over the shorter of the term of the lease or the useful life of the related
assets. Expenditures for new facilities and improvements that substantially extend the useful life of an asset are
capitalized. Ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. When assets are retired or otherwise
disposed of, the cost and related depreciation are removed from the accounts and any related gains or losses are
included in income.
F-9
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
Impairment of Long Lived Assets:
The Company reviews long-lived assets, including amortizable intangible assets, for impairment whenever
events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully
recoverable.
In fiscal 2013, the Company commenced the shutdown of its China operations and, as a result, recorded an
impairment charge of $1,607 related to property, plant and equipment ($372) and amortizable intangible assets
($1,235). The Company also recorded an impairment charge of $2,653 in fiscal 2013 related to internal-use
computer software that was not expected to provide substantive service potential.
Franchise Rights Acquired, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:
Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives
of 3 to 20 years. The Company reviews goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, including franchise
rights acquired, for potential impairment on at least an annual basis or more often if events so require. The
Company performed fair value impairment testing as of the end of fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 on its goodwill
and other indefinite-lived intangible assets.
In performing the impairment analysis for goodwill, the fair value for the Company’s reporting units is
estimated using a discounted cash flow approach. This approach involves projecting future cash flows
attributable to the reporting unit and discounting those estimated cash flows using an appropriate discount rate.
The estimated fair value is then compared to the carrying value of the reporting unit. The Company has
determined the appropriate reporting unit for purposes of assessing annual impairment to be the country for all
reporting units aside from WW.com, for which the reporting unit has been aggregated into one unit. The values
of goodwill for the WWI reporting units in the United States, Canada and other countries at December 28, 2013
were $32,668, $5,124 and $3,677, respectively, totaling $41,469. The value of goodwill for the WW.com
reporting unit at December 28, 2013 was $37,825.
In performing the impairment analysis for franchise rights acquired, the fair value for the Company’s
franchise rights acquired is estimated using a discounted cash flow approach referred to as the hypothetical start-
up approach. The estimated fair value is then compared to the carrying value of the unit of accounting for those
franchise rights. The Company has determined the appropriate unit of account for purposes of assessing annual
impairment to be the country in which the acquisitions have occurred. The values of these franchise rights in the
United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia/New Zealand and other countries at December 28, 2013 were
$697,334, $110,346, $14,401, $13,740 and $1,014, respectively, totaling $836,835.
When determining fair value, the Company utilizes various assumptions, including projections of future
cash flows, growth rates and discount rates. A change in these underlying assumptions will cause a change in the
results of the tests and, as such, could cause fair value to be less than the carrying amounts. In the event such a
decrease occurred, the Company would be required to record a corresponding charge, which would impact
earnings. The Company would also be required to reduce the carrying amounts of the related assets on its balance
sheet. The Company continues to evaluate these estimates and assumptions and believes that these assumptions
are appropriate.
In performing the impairment analysis for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2013, the Company
determined that, based on the fair values calculated, the carrying amounts of the franchise rights acquired related
to its Mexico and Hong Kong operations exceeded their respective fair values as of the end of fiscal 2013 and
F-10
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
recorded impairment charges of $935 and $231, respectively, for such rights. The Company determined that the
carrying amounts of the remainder of these assets did not exceed their respective fair values, and therefore, no
other impairment existed.
The Company expenses all software costs (including website development costs) incurred during the
preliminary project stage and capitalizes all internal and external direct costs of materials and services consumed
in developing software (including website development costs), once the development has reached the application
development stage. Application development stage costs generally include software configuration, coding,
installation to hardware and testing. These costs are amortized over their estimated useful life of 3 years for
website development costs and from 3 to 5 years for all other software costs. All costs incurred for upgrades,
maintenance and enhancements, including the cost of website content, which do not result in additional
functionality, are expensed as incurred.
Revenue Recognition:
WWI earns revenue by conducting meetings, selling products in its meetings and to its franchisees,
collecting commissions from franchisees, collecting royalties related to licensing agreements and selling
advertising space in and copies of its magazines. Monthly Pass, prepaid meeting fees and magazine subscription
revenue is recorded to deferred revenue and amortized into revenue over the period earned. Revenue from “pay-
as-you-go” meeting fees, product sales, commissions and royalties is recognized when services are rendered,
products are shipped to customers and title and risk of loss pass to the customers, and commissions and royalties
are earned, respectively. Advertising revenue is recognized when advertisements are published. Revenue from
magazine sales is recognized when the magazine is sent to the customer. WWI charges non-refundable
registration fees in exchange for an introductory information session and materials it provides to new members in
its meetings business. Revenue from these registration fees is recognized when the service and products are
provided, which is generally at the same time payment is received from the customer. Discounts to customers,
including free registration offers, are recorded as a deduction from gross revenue in the period such revenue was
recognized.
WW.com primarily generates revenue from monthly subscriptions for its Internet subscription products as
well as Online advertising. Subscription fee revenues are recognized over the period that products are provided.
One-time sign-up fees are deferred and recognized over the expected customer relationship period. Subscription
fee revenues that are paid in advance are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the subscription
period. Online advertising revenue is recognized when the advertisement is viewed by the user of the website.
The Company grants refunds in aggregate amounts that historically have not been material. Because the
period of payment of the refund generally approximates the period revenue was originally recognized, refunds
are recorded as a reduction of revenue when paid.
Advertising Costs:
Advertising costs consist primarily of television and digital media. All costs related to advertising are
expensed in the period incurred, except for media production related costs, which are expensed the first time the
advertising takes place. Total advertising expenses for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2013, December 29,
2012 and December 31, 2011 were $274,160, $334,422 and $283,674, respectively.
F-11
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
Income Taxes:
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities result primarily from temporary differences between the financial
statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities, using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which differences
are expected to reverse. If it is more likely than not that some portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized,
a valuation allowance is recognized. The Company considers historic levels of income, estimates of future
taxable income and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for a tax valuation allowance.
The Company recognizes a benefit for uncertain tax positions when a tax position taken or expected to be
taken in a tax return is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The amount
recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon
ultimate settlement. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax
positions as part of the provision for income taxes on its consolidated statements of income.
In addition, assets and liabilities acquired in purchase business combinations are assigned their fair values
and deferred taxes are provided for lower or higher tax bases.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging:
The Company is exposed to certain risks related to its ongoing business operations, primarily interest rate
risk and foreign currency risk. The primary risk managed by using derivative instruments is interest rate risk.
Interest rate swaps are entered into to hedge a portion of the cash flow exposure associated with the Company’s
variable-rate borrowings. The Company does not use any derivative instruments for trading or speculative
purposes.
The Company recognizes the fair value of all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities on the
balance sheet. The Company has designated and accounted for interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges of its
variable-rate borrowings. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the
effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified into earnings in the periods during which the hedged transactions
affect earnings. Gains and losses on the derivative representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components
excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in current earnings.
The fair value of the Company’s interest rate swaps is reported in derivative payable and prepaid expenses
and other current assets on its balance sheet. See Note 15 for a further discussion regarding the fair value of the
Company’s interest rate swaps. The net effect of the interest payable and receivable under the Company’s
interest rate swaps is included in interest expense on the statement of income.
Investments:
The Company uses the cost method to account for investments in which it holds 20% or less of the
investee’s voting stock and over which it does not have significant influence.
Deferred Financing Costs:
Deferred financing costs consist of fees paid by the Company as part of the establishment, exchange and/or
modification of the Company’s long-term debt. During the fiscal year ended December 28, 2013, the Company
incurred fees of $44,817 associated with the refinancing of the WWI Credit Facility (as defined in Note 6). The
Company wrote-off fees in connection with this refinancing which resulted in the Company recording a charge of
$21,685 in early extinguishment of debt. During the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012, the Company
F-12
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
incurred deferred financing costs of $26,248 associated with the Tender Offer (as defined in Note 7). The
Company wrote-off fees in connection with the Tender Offer which resulted in the Company recording a charge
of $1,328 in early extinguishment of debt. During the fiscal year ended January 1, 2011, the Company incurred
deferred financing costs of $11,483 associated with the refinancing of the Company’s then existing credit
facilities. Such costs are being amortized using the straight-line method over the term of the related debt.
Amortization expense for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011
was $7,672, $7,070 and $4,825, respectively.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income:
The Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income includes net income, changes in the fair value of
derivative instruments and the effects of foreign currency translations. At December 28, 2013 and December 29,
2012, the cumulative balance of changes in fair value of derivative instruments, net of taxes, was $(4,603) and
$(6,602), respectively. At December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, the cumulative balance of the effects of
foreign currency translations, net of taxes, was $13,120 and $19,461, respectively.
Reclassification:
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
3. Acquisitions of Franchisees and Minority Equity Interest in China Joint Venture
Acquisitions of Franchisees
The acquisitions of franchisees have been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and,
accordingly, earnings of acquired franchisees have been included in the consolidated operating results of the
Company since the applicable date of acquisition. During fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, the Company acquired
certain assets of its franchisees as outlined below. There were no key franchise acquisitions in fiscal 2011.
On September 10, 2012, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of its Southeastern Ontario and
Ottawa, Canada franchisee, Slengora Limited, for a net purchase price of $16,755 plus assumed liabilities of
$245. The total purchase price has been allocated to franchise rights acquired ($9,871), goodwill ($6,779),
customer relationship value ($180), fixed assets ($81), inventory ($66) and prepaid expenses ($23).
On November 2, 2012, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of its Adirondacks franchisee,
Weight Watchers of the Adirondacks, Inc., for a purchase price of $3,400. The total purchase price has been
allocated to franchise rights acquired ($2,216), goodwill ($1,156), customer relationship value ($37), inventory
($29) and prepaid expenses ($10) offset by deferred revenue of $48.
On December 20, 2012, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of its Memphis, Tennessee
franchisee, Weight Watchers of the Mid-South, Inc., for a purchase price of $10,000. The total purchase price has
been allocated to franchise rights acquired ($8,396), goodwill ($1,461), customer relationship value ($209),
inventory ($35), receivables ($9) and fixed assets ($4) offset by deferred revenue of $114.
On March 4, 2013, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of its Alberta and Saskatchewan,
Canada franchisees, Weight Watchers of Alberta Ltd. and Weight Watchers of Saskatchewan Ltd., for an
aggregate purchase price of $35,000. The total purchase price has been allocated to franchise rights acquired
($30,633), goodwill ($4,626), customer relationship value ($473), inventory ($218), fixed assets ($182) and
prepaid expenses ($3) offset by deferred revenue of $1,135.
F-13
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
On July 15, 2013, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of its West Virginia franchisee,
Weight Watchers of West Virginia, Inc., for a net purchase price of $16,028 less assumed assets, plus assumed
liabilities, net of $28. The total purchase price has been allocated to franchise rights acquired ($10,131), goodwill
($5,212), customer relationship value ($448) and fixed assets ($209).
On July 22, 2013, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of its Columbus, Ohio franchisee,
Weight Watchers of Columbus, Inc., for a net purchase price of $23,357 plus assumed liabilities of $143 and its
Reno, Nevada franchisee, Weight Watchers of Northern Nevada, Inc., for a net purchase price of $3,969 plus
assumed liabilities of $31. The aggregate total purchase price has been allocated to franchise rights acquired
($19,643), goodwill ($7,220), customer relationship value ($494), fixed assets ($116) and inventory ($27).
On October 28, 2013, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of its Manitoba, Canada
franchisee, Weight Watchers of Manitoba Ltd., for a net purchase price of $5,197 plus assumed liabilities of $28
and its Franklin and St. Lawrence Counties, New York franchisee, Weight Watchers of Franklin and St.
Lawrence Counties Inc., for a net purchase price of $274 plus assumed liabilities of $1. The total purchase price
of the Manitoba, Canada franchisee has been preliminarily allocated to franchise rights acquired ($4,525),
goodwill ($449), customer relationship value ($249), inventory ($1) and prepaid expenses ($1). The total
purchase price of the Franklin and St. Lawrence Counties, New York franchisee has been preliminarily allocated
to franchise rights acquired ($238), goodwill ($23), customer relationship value ($13) and prepaid expenses ($1).
The weighted-average amortization period of the customer relationships acquired in the above acquisitions
was approximately 15 weeks. Due to the short-term nature of this asset, its estimated fair value has been recorded
as a component of prepaid expenses and other current assets. The acquisitions resulted in goodwill related to,
among other things, expected synergies in operations. The goodwill recorded in connection with these
acquisitions represents the intangible assets that did not qualify for separate recognition in the financial
statements. The Company expects that $16,953 of the total $17,530 of goodwill recorded in connection with the
above acquisitions will be deductible for tax purposes. The effect of these franchise acquisitions was not material
to the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or operating cash flows in the periods
presented.
Acquisition of Minority Equity Interest in China Joint Venture
On February 5, 2008, Weight Watchers Asia Holdings Ltd. (“Weight Watchers Asia”), a direct, wholly-
owned subsidiary of the Company, and Danone Dairy Asia (“Danone Asia”), an indirect, wholly-owned
subsidiary of Groupe DANONE S.A., entered into a joint venture agreement to establish a weight management
business in the People’s Republic of China. Pursuant to the terms of the joint venture agreement, Weight
Watchers Asia and Danone Asia owned 51% and 49%, respectively, of the joint venture entity, Weight Watchers
China Limited (together with all of its businesses, the “China Joint Venture”). Because the Company had a direct
controlling financial interest in the China Joint Venture, it consolidated the entity from the first quarter of fiscal
2008.
On April 27, 2011, Weight Watchers Asia entered into a share purchase agreement with Danone Asia,
pursuant to which Weight Watchers Asia acquired Danone Asia’s 49% minority equity interest in the China Joint
Venture as of that date for consideration of $1. Effective April 27, 2011, the date of the acquisition of Danone
Asia’s minority equity interest by Weight Watchers Asia, the Company owns 100% of the China Joint Venture
and no longer accounts for a non-controlling interest in the China Joint Venture. The noncontrolling interest that
had been reflected on the Company’s balance sheet was reclassified to retained earnings.
F-14
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
On December 12, 2013, the Company made a strategic decision to shut down its China operations. As a
result of this decision, the Company incurred a charge of $2,500 related to severance and the impairment of
property, plant and equipment and amortizable intangible assets.
4.
Franchise Rights Acquired, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The Company performed its annual impairment review of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible
assets as of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012. As a result of this review, the Company recorded a
$1,166 franchise rights acquired impairment charge related to its Mexico and Hong Kong operations in fiscal
2013 and determined that no impairment existed in fiscal 2012. Franchise rights acquired are due to acquisitions
of the Company’s franchised territories. The franchise rights acquired allocated to the WW.com reporting
segment relate to the acquisition of franchise promotion agreements and other factors associated with the
acquired franchise territories. For the year ended December 28, 2013, the change in the carrying value of
franchise rights acquired is due to the Company’s acquisitions of certain of its franchisees during fiscal 2013, as
described in Note 3, the impairment charge noted above and the effect of exchange rate changes as follows:
Balance as of December 29, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Franchise rights acquired during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effect of exchange rate changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WWI
Segment
$774,514
34,501
(1,166)
(9,703)
WW.com
Segment
$ 9,181
30,669
0
(1,161)
Total
$783,695
65,170
(1,166)
(10,864)
Balance as of December 28, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$798,146
$38,689
$836,835
Goodwill is due to the acquisition of the Company by H.J. Heinz Company (“Heinz”) in 1978, the
acquisition of WW.com in 2005 and the acquisitions of the Company’s franchised territories. For the year ended
December 28, 2013, the change in the carrying amount of goodwill is due to the Company’s acquisitions of
certain of its franchisees during fiscal 2013, as described in Note 3, and the effect of exchange rate changes as
follows:
Balance as of December 29, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill acquired during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effect of exchange rate changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$32,033
9,998
(562)
$30,693
7,532
(400)
WWI
Segment
WW.com
Segment
Total
$62,726
17,530
(962)
Balance as of December 28, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$41,469
$37,825
$79,294
Aggregate amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets was recorded in the amounts of $24,562,
$17,796, and $16,545 for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011,
respectively.
F-15
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
The carrying amount of finite-lived intangible assets as of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 was
as follows:
Capitalized software costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Website development costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 28, 2013
December 29, 2012
Gross
Carrying
Amount
$ 85,095
10,691
69,660
7,021
Accumulated
Amortization
$ 62,418
9,955
48,060
6,737
Gross
Carrying
Amount
$ 86,857
10,342
57,042
7,034
Accumulated
Amortization
$ 54,134
9,615
38,357
6,689
$172,467
$127,170
$161,275
$108,795
As described in Note 2, in fiscal 2013, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $1,235 for
amortizable intangible assets related to the shutdown of its China operations and an impairment charge of $2,653
related to internal-use computer software that was not expected to provide substantive service potential.
Estimated amortization expense of existing finite-lived intangible assets for the next five fiscal years is as
follows:
2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2018 and thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$20,841
$14,997
$ 7,593
$ 1,765
101
$
5.
Property and Equipment
The components of property and equipment were:
Equipment
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leasehold improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 123,210
77,771
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
200,981
(113,929)
$ 113,301
70,229
183,530
(111,762)
$ 87,052
$ 71,768
December 28,
2013
December 29,
2012
As described in Note 2, in fiscal 2013, the Company commenced the shutdown of its China operations and,
as a result, recorded an impairment charge of $372 related to property, plant and equipment.
Depreciation and amortization expense of property and equipment for the fiscal years ended December 28,
2013, December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was $20,342, $18,844 and $14,450, respectively.
F-16
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
6. Long-Term Debt
The components of the Company’s long-term debt were as follows:
Revolving Facility due April 2, 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tranche B-1 Term Facility due April 2, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tranche B-2 Term Facility due April 2, 2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Revolver A-1 due June 30, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Revolver A-2 due March 15, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Term A-1 Loan due January 26, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Term B Loan due January 26, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Term C Loan due June 30, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Term D Loan due June 30, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Term E Loan due March 15, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Term F Loan due March 15, 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less Current Portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 28,
2013
December 29,
2012
$
Balance
0
298,500
2,089,500
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2,388,000
30,000
Effective
Rate
Balance
Effective
Rate
0
0.00% $
0
2.97%
0
3.75%
6,374
0.00%
23,626
0.00%
38,226
0.00%
129,445
0.00%
113,808
0.00%
0.00%
118,217
0.00% 1,154,651
822,017
0.00%
3.49% 2,406,364
114,695
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
3.12%
2.56%
1.53%
1.90%
2.72%
2.77%
2.53%
3.92%
2.91%
Total Long-Term Debt
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$2,358,000
$2,291,669
The Company’s credit facilities at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2013 consisted of the following term
loan facilities and revolving credit facilities: a tranche A-1 loan (“Term A-1 Loan”), a tranche B loan (“Term B
Loan”), a tranche C loan (“Term C Loan”), a tranche D loan (“Term D Loan”), a tranche E loan (“Term E
Loan”), a tranche F loan (“Term F Loan”), revolving credit facility A-1 (“Revolver A-1” ) and revolving credit
facility A-2 (“Revolver A-2”).
On April 2, 2013, the Company refinanced its credit facilities pursuant to a Credit Agreement (the “New
Credit Agreement”) among the Company, the lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as
administrative agent and an issuing bank, The Bank of Nova Scotia, as revolving agent, swingline lender and an
issuing bank, and the other parties thereto. The New Credit Agreement provides for (a) a revolving credit facility
(including swing line loans and letters of credit) in an initial aggregate principal amount of $250,000 that will
mature on April 2, 2018 (the “Revolving Facility”), (b) an initial term B-1 loan credit facility in an aggregate
principal amount of $300,000 that will mature on April 2, 2016 (the “Tranche B-1 Term Facility”) and (c) an
initial term B-2 loan credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $2,100,000 that will mature on April 2,
2020 (the “Tranche B-2 Term Facility”, and together with the Tranche B-1 Term Facility, the “Term Facilities”;
the Term Facilities and Revolving Facility collectively, the “WWI Credit Facility”). In connection with this
refinancing, the Company used the proceeds from borrowings under the Term Facilities to pay off a total of
$2,399,904 of outstanding loans, consisting of $128,759 of Term B Loans, $110,602 of Term C Loans, $117,612
of Term D Loans, $1,125,044 of Term E Loans, $817,887 of Term F Loans, $21,247 of loans under the Revolver
A-1 and $78,753 of loans under the Revolver A-2. Following the refinancing of a total of $2,399,904 of loans, at
April 2, 2013, the Company had $2,400,000 debt outstanding under the Term Facilities and $248,848 of
availability under the Revolving Facility. The Company incurred fees of $44,817 during the second quarter of
fiscal 2013 in connection with this refinancing. In the second quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company wrote-off fees
associated with this refinancing which resulted in the Company recording a charge of $21,685 in early
extinguishment of debt.
F-17
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
At December 28, 2013, the Company had $2,388,000 outstanding under the WWI Credit Facility, consisting
entirely of term loans and there were no loans outstanding under the Revolving Facility. In addition, at
December 28, 2013, the Revolving Facility had $1,554 in issued but undrawn letters of credit outstanding
thereunder and $248,446 in available unused commitments thereunder. The proceeds from borrowings under the
Revolving Facility (including swing line loans and letters of credit) will be used for working capital and general
corporate purposes.
Borrowings under the New Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to, at the Company’s option,
LIBOR plus an applicable margin or a base rate plus an applicable margin. LIBOR under the Tranche B-2 Term
Facility is subject to a minimum interest rate of 0.75% and the base rate under the Tranche B-2 Term Facility is
subject to a minimum interest rate of 1.75%. The applicable margin relating to both of the Term Facilities will
increase by 25 basis points in the event that the Company receives a corporate rating of BB- (or lower) from S&P
and a corporate rating of Ba3 (or lower) from Moody’s. The applicable margin relating to the Revolving Facility
will fluctuate depending upon the Company’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio (as defined in the New Credit
Agreement). At December 28, 2013, borrowings under the Tranche B-1 Term Facility bore interest at LIBOR
plus an applicable margin of 2.75% and borrowings under the Tranche B-2 Term Facility bore interest at LIBOR
plus an applicable margin of 3.00%. At the Company’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio as of December 28, 2013,
had there been any borrowings under the Revolving Facility, it would have borne interest at LIBOR plus an
applicable margin of 2.25% or base rate plus an applicable margin of 1.25%. On a quarterly basis, the Company
will pay a commitment fee to the lenders under the Revolving Facility in respect of unutilized commitments
thereunder, which commitment fee will fluctuate depending upon the Company’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio.
At the Company’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio as of December 28, 2013, the commitment fee was 0.40% per
annum. The Company also will pay customary letter of credit fees and fronting fees under the Revolving Facility.
The New Credit Agreement contains customary covenants including covenants that, in certain
circumstances, restrict the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends on and redeem
capital stock, make other payments, including investments, sell its assets and enter into consolidations, mergers
and transfers of all or substantially all of its assets. The Revolving Facility requires the Company to not exceed a
specified Consolidated Leverage Ratio, but only if borrowings under the Revolving Facility exceed 20.0% of
revolving commitments as of the end of such fiscal quarter. As of December 28, 2013, borrowings in excess of
$50,000 would require us to not exceed such ratio. As of December 28, 2013, there were no borrowings under
our Revolving Facility and total letters of credit issued were $1,554. The Term Facilities do not require the
Company to maintain any financial ratios. The WWI Credit Facility is guaranteed by certain of the Company’s
existing and future subsidiaries. Substantially all of the Company’s assets secure the WWI Credit Facility.
At December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, the Company’s debt consisted entirely of variable-rate
instruments. Interest rate swaps were entered into to hedge a portion of the cash flow exposure associated with
the Company’s variable-rate borrowings. The average interest rate on the Company’s debt, exclusive of the
impact of swaps, was approximately 3.65% and 2.99% per annum at December 28, 2013 and December 29,
2012, respectively. The average interest rate on our debt, including the impact of swaps, was approximately
4.08% and 3.50% per annum at December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, respectively.
F-18
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
Maturities
At December 28, 2013, the aggregate amounts of the Company’s existing long-term debt maturing in each
of the next five fiscal years and thereafter are as follows:
2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thereafter
$
30,000
24,000
307,500
21,000
21,000
1,984,500
$2,388,000
7. Treasury Stock
On February 23, 2012, the Company commenced a “modified Dutch auction” tender offer for up to
$720,000 in value of its common stock at a purchase price not less than $72.00 and not greater than $83.00 per
share (the “Tender Offer”). Prior to the Tender Offer, on February 14, 2012, the Company entered into an
agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Artal Holdings Sp. z o.o., Succursale de Luxembourg (“Artal
Holdings”) (the then-current record holder of all of the Company’s shares owned by Artal Group, S.A. and its
affiliates) whereby Artal Holdings agreed to sell to the Company, at the same price as was determined in the
Tender Offer, such number of its shares of the Company’s common stock that, upon the closing of this purchase
after the completion of the Tender Offer, Artal Holdings’ percentage ownership in the outstanding shares of the
Company’s common stock would be substantially equal to its level prior to the Tender Offer. Artal Holdings also
agreed not to participate in the Tender Offer so that it would not affect the determination of the purchase price of
the shares in the Tender Offer.
The Tender Offer expired at midnight, New York time, on March 22, 2012, and on March 28, 2012 the
Company repurchased 8,780 shares at a purchase price of $82.00 per share. On April 9, 2012, the Company
repurchased 9,499 of Artal Holdings’ shares at a purchase price of $82.00 per share pursuant to the Purchase
Agreement. In March 2012, the Company amended and extended the WWI Credit Facility to finance these
repurchases. See Note 6.
On October 9, 2003, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized and the Company announced a program
to repurchase up to $250,000 of the Company’s outstanding common stock. On each of June 13, 2005, May 25,
2006 and October 21, 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized and the Company announced adding
$250,000 to the 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 Holdings and
its parents and subsidiaries under the program. The repurchase program currently has no expiration date.
During the fiscal years ended December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, the Company purchased no
shares of its common stock in the open market under the repurchase program. During the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2011, the Company purchased 814 shares of its common stock in the open market under the
repurchase program for a total cost of $31,550. The repurchase of shares of common stock under the Tender
Offer and from Artal Holdings pursuant to the Purchase Agreement was not made pursuant to the Company’s
existing repurchase program.
F-19
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
8. Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) 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 during the periods presented adjusted for the effect of dilutive common stock
equivalents.
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted EPS for the fiscal years ended:
December 28,
2013
December 29,
2012
December 31,
2011
Numerator:
Net income attributable to Weight Watchers International, Inc.
. .
$204,725
$257,426
$304,867
Denominator:
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding . . . . . . . .
Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding . . . . . . . . .
56,144
250
56,394
60,294
629
60,923
73,344
787
74,131
EPS attributable to Weight Watchers International, Inc.
Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
$
3.65
3.63
$
$
4.27
4.23
$
$
4.16
4.11
The number of anti-dilutive common stock equivalents excluded from the calculation of the weighted
average number of common shares for diluted EPS was 1,285, 536 and 188 for the years ended December 28,
2013, December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.
9.
Stock Plans
Incentive Compensation Plans
On May 6, 2008 and May 12, 2004, respectively, the Company’s shareholders approved the 2008 Stock
Incentive Plan (the “2008 Plan”) and the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2004 Plan” and together with the 2008
Plan, the “Stock Plans”). These plans are designed to promote the long-term financial interests and growth of the
Company by attracting, motivating and retaining employees with the ability to contribute to the success of the
business and to align compensation for the Company’s employees over a multi-year period directly with the
interests of the shareholders of the Company. The Company’s Board of Directors or a committee thereof
administers the Stock Plans.
Under the 2008 Plan, grants may take the following forms at the Compensation and Benefit Committee’s
discretion: non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units
(“RSUs”), restricted stock and other share-based awards. As of its effective date, the maximum number of shares
of common stock available for grant under the 2008 Plan was 3,000, subject to increase and adjustment as set
forth in the 2008 Plan. Pursuant to the terms of the 2008 Plan, the number of shares of our common stock
available for issuance under the 2008 Plan was increased by 550, the remaining number of shares of our common
stock with respect to which awards could be granted under the Company’s 1999 Stock Purchase and Option Plan
upon its termination.
F-20
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
Under the 2004 Plan, grants may take the following forms at the Company’s Board of Directors or its
committee’s sole discretion: non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights,
RSUs, restricted stock and other share-based awards. As of its effective date, the maximum number of shares of
common stock available for grant under the 2004 Plan was 2,500.
Under the Stock Plans, the Company also grants fully-vested shares of its common stock to certain members
of its Board of Directors. While these shares are fully vested, beginning with stock grants made in the fourth
quarter of 2006, the directors are restricted from selling these shares while they are still serving on the
Company’s Board of Directors. During the fiscal years ended December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012 and
December 31, 2011, the Company granted 14, 13, and 13 fully-vested shares, respectively, and recognized
compensation expense of $524, $707 and $772, respectively.
The Company issues common stock for share-based compensation awards from treasury stock. The total
compensation cost that has been charged against income for these plans was $4,255, $8,845 and $9,067 for the
years ended December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. Such amounts have
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 $1,174, $2,742 and
$2,895 for the years ended December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The
tax benefits realized from options exercised and RSUs vested totaled $4,217, $5,847 and $11,309 for the years
ended December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. No compensation costs
were capitalized. As of December 28, 2013, there was $24,881 of total unrecognized compensation cost related
to stock options and RSUs granted under the Stock Plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a
weighted-average period of approximately 2.5 years.
While the Stock Plans permit various types of awards, other than the aforementioned shares issued to
directors, grants under the plans have historically been either non-qualified stock options or RSUs. In fiscal 2013,
the Company also granted special performance-based stock option awards. The following describes some further
details of these awards.
Stock Option Awards
Option Awards with Time Vesting Criteria
Pursuant to the option components of the Stock Plans, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the
Company to enter into agreements under which certain employees received stock options with time vesting
criteria (“Time Vesting Options”). The options are exercisable based on the terms outlined in the agreements.
Time Vesting Options outstanding at December 28, 2013 vest over a period of three to five years and the
expiration term is ten years. Time Vesting Options outstanding at December 28, 2013 have an exercise price
between $19.74 and $79.55 per share.
F-21
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
The fair value of each of these option awards 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. Since the Company’s option exercise history is limited,
it has estimated the expected term of these option grants to be the midpoint between the vesting period and the
contractual term of each award. The risk free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect on
the date of grant which most closely corresponds to the expected term of the Time Vesting Options. The dividend
yield is based on our historic average dividend yield. For Time Vesting Options granted in the fourth quarter of
fiscal 2013, the dividend yield is zero because there is no longer a dividend.
Dividend yield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Volatility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Risk-free interest rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expected term (years) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Option Awards with Time and Performance Vesting Criteria
December 28,
2013
December 29,
2012
December 31,
2011
0.8%
36.5%
1.6%
35.5%
1.8%
33.6%
1.3% - 2.2% 1.0% - 1.4% 1.5% - 2.8%
6.5
6.5
6.5
Pursuant to the option components of the Stock Plans, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the
Company to enter into agreements under which certain employees received stock options with both time and
performance vesting criteria (“T&P Vesting Options”). The options are exercisable based on the terms outlined
in the agreements. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company granted 686,549 T&P Vesting Options
to certain employees that will vest based on the achievement of both time and performance vesting criteria. The
time-vesting criteria will be 100% satisfied on the third anniversary of the date of the grant and the performance
criteria is contingent upon meeting or exceeding certain stock price hurdles. With respect to the performance-
vesting criteria, the stock options will fully vest in 20% increments upon the first date that the average closing
stock price for the 20 consecutive preceding trading days is equal to or greater than specified stock price
hurdles. The fair value of the T&P Vesting Options was estimated on the date of grant and was based on the
likelihood of the Company achieving the performance conditions. The Company estimated the fair value of the
T&P Vesting Options to be $8.46. The Company estimated this fair value using a Monte Carlo simulation that
used various assumptions that included expected volatility of 36.48%, a risk free rate of 1.55% and an expected
term of 3.0 years. Expected volatility was based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The risk-free
interest rate was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect on the date of grant which most closely
corresponds to the performance measurement period. The expected term represents the period from the grant date
to the end of the five year performance period. Compensation expense on T&P Vesting Options is recognized
ratably over the three year required service period as this period is longer than the derived service period
calculated by the Monte Carlo simulation.
A summary of all option activity under the Stock Plans for the year ended December 28, 2013 is presented
below:
Outstanding at December 29, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canceled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outstanding at December 28, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
$42.75
$36.35
$26.09
$51.62
$39.09
Shares
2,239
1,551
(620)
(957)
2,213
Exercisable at December 28, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
362
$32.03
F-22
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Yrs.)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
7.2
5.5
$2,372
$2,166
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
The weighted-average grant-date fair value of all options granted was $11.37, $16.60 and $20.44 for the
years ended December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The total intrinsic
value of Time Vesting Options exercised was $9,858, $12,734 and $27,808 for the years ended December 28,
2013, December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.
Cash received from Time Vesting Options exercised during the years ended December 28,
2013, December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was $16,187, $12,688 and $42,040, respectively.
Restricted Stock Units
Pursuant to the restricted stock components of the Stock Plans, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized
the Company to enter into agreements under which certain employees received RSUs. The RSUs are exercisable
based on the terms outlined in the agreements. The RSUs vest over a period of three to five years. The fair value of
RSUs is determined using the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. A
summary of RSU activity under the Stock Plans for the year ended December 28, 2013 is presented below:
Outstanding at December 29, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outstanding at December 28, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weighted-Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
$50.67
$38.40
$27.08
$56.23
$47.11
Shares
246
155
(63)
(85)
253
The weighted-average grant-date fair value of RSUs granted was $38.40, $55.54 and $64.32 for the years
ended December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The total fair value of
RSUs vested during the years ended December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was
$1,705, $5,536 and $3,657, respectively.
10. Income Taxes
The following tables summarize the Company’s consolidated provision for US federal, state and foreign
taxes on income:
Current:
December 28,
2013
December 29,
2012
December 31,
2011
US federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 60,556
9,583
25,121
$ 99,437
12,719
20,614
$121,860
18,298
13,299
$ 95,260
$132,770
$153,457
Deferred:
US federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 31,801
3,634
(55)
$ 23,002
2,629
1,134
$ 23,410
2,675
(794)
Total tax provision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$130,640
$159,535
$178,748
$ 35,380
$ 26,765
$ 25,291
F-23
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
The components of the Company’s consolidated income before income taxes consist of the following:
Domestic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$255,183
80,182
$337,321
79,640
$400,310
82,782
$335,365
$416,961
$483,092
December 28,
2013
December 29,
2012
December 31,
2011
The difference between the US federal statutory tax rate and the Company’s consolidated effective tax rate
are as follows:
December 28,
2013
December 29,
2012
December 31,
2011
US federal statutory rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Federal and state tax reserve provision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
States income taxes (net of federal benefit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Increase in valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss on closure of Finland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effective tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
35.0%
(0.1)
2.7
0.3
0.9
0.0
0.2
39.0%
35.0%
0.2
2.6
(0.3)
0.7
0.0
0.1
38.3%
35.0%
(0.6)
3.0
(0.4)
0.5
(0.8)
0.3
37.0%
The deferred tax assets and liabilities recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets are as
follows:
Provision for estimated expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating loss carryforwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Salaries and wages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Share-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 28,
2013
December 29,
2012
$
8,593
40,587
6,238
4,705
6,562
(36,372)
$
8,561
34,714
4,522
6,958
6,336
(31,015)
Total deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 30,313
$ 30,076
Depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other
Amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
(6,381)
(5,446)
(1,046)
(157,047)
$
(2,844)
(8,180)
0
(126,726)
Total deferred tax liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$(169,920)
$(137,750)
Net deferred tax liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$(139,607)
$(107,674)
Certain foreign operations of the Company have generated net operating loss carryforwards. If it has been
determined that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets associated with these net operating loss
carryforwards will not be utilized, a valuation allowance has been recorded. As of December 28, 2013 and
December 29, 2012, various foreign subsidiaries had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $148,107
and $126,219, respectively, most of which can be carried forward indefinitely.
F-24
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
The Company’s undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries are not considered to be reinvested
permanently. Accordingly, the Company has recorded all taxes, after taking into account foreign tax credits, on
the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
December 28,
2013
December 29,
2012
December 31,
2011
Balance at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
. . . .
Additions based on tax positions of prior years . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reductions for tax positions of prior years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Settlements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$5,319
1,428
0
(963)
0
$ 5,040
1,647
0
(1,219)
(149)
$ 15,794
1,537
0
(11,901)
(390)
Balance at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$5,784
$ 5,319
$ 5,040
At December 28, 2013, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect our
effective tax rate is $4,824. As of December 28, 2013, given the nature of the Company’s uncertain tax positions,
it is reasonably possible that there will not be a significant change in the Company’s uncertain tax benefits within
the next twelve months.
The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.
The Company had $2,217 and $3,405 of accrued interest and penalties at December 28, 2013 and December 29,
2012, respectively. The Company recognized $(1,188), $823 and $(256) in interest and penalties during the fiscal
years ended December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.
The Company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the US federal jurisdiction, and various
state and foreign jurisdictions. At December 28, 2013, with few exceptions, the Company was no longer subject
to US federal, state or local income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2010, or non-US
income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2004.
11. Employee Benefit Plans
The Company sponsors the Second Amended and Restated Weight Watchers Savings Plan (the “Savings
Plan”) for salaried and certain hourly US employees of the Company. The Savings Plan is a defined contribution
plan that provides for employer matching contributions of 100% of the employee’s tax deferred contributions up
to 3% of an employee’s eligible compensation. Expense related to these contributions for the fiscal years ended
December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was $2,888, $2,730 and $2,466, respectively.
During fiscal 2011, the Company received a favorable determination letter from the IRS that qualifies the
Savings Plan under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Pursuant to the Savings Plan, the Company also makes profit sharing contributions for all full-time salaried
US employees who are eligible to participate in the Savings Plan (except for certain management personnel). The
profit sharing contribution is a guaranteed monthly employer contribution on behalf of each participant based on
the participant’s age and a percentage of the participant’s eligible compensation. The Savings Plan also has a
discretionary supplemental profit sharing employer contribution component that is determined annually by the
Compensation and Benefits Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. Expense related to these
contributions for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was
$1,658, $2,779 and $3,704, respectively.
F-25
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
For certain US management personnel, the Company sponsors the Second Amended and Restated Weight
Watchers Executive Profit Sharing Plan (“EPSP”). Under the IRS definition, the EPSP is considered a
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan. There is a promise of payment by the Company made on the
employees’ behalf instead of an individual account with a cash balance. The EPSP provides for a guaranteed
employer contribution on behalf of each participant based on the participant’s age and a percentage of the
participant’s eligible compensation. The EPSP has a discretionary supplemental employer contribution
component that is determined annually by the Compensation and Benefits Committee of the Company’s Board of
Directors. The account is valued at the end of each fiscal month, based on an annualized interest rate of prime
plus 2%, with an annualized cap of 15%. Expense related to this commitment for the fiscal years ended
December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was $2,651, $2,954 and $2,369, respectively.
12. Cash Flow Information
Net cash paid during the year for:
December 28,
2013
December 29,
2012
December 31,
2011
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$88,860
$87,071
$ 68,808
$133,131
$ 52,591
$144,925
Noncash investing and financing activities were as follows:
Fair value of net assets/(liabilities) acquired in connection with
acquisitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dividends declared but not yet paid at year-end . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
$
175
177
$
$
0
$
0
289
$ 13,145
13. Commitments and Contingencies
UK Self-Employment Matter
In July 2007, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (“HMRC”) issued to the Company notices of
determination and decisions that, for the period April 2001 to April 2007, its leaders and certain other service
providers in the United Kingdom should have been classified as employees for tax purposes and, as such, it
should have withheld tax from the leaders and certain other service providers pursuant to the “Pay As You Earn”
(“PAYE”) and national insurance contributions (“NIC”) collection rules and remitted such amounts to HMRC.
HMRC also issued a claim to the Company in October 2008 in respect of NIC which corresponds to the prior
notices of assessment with respect to PAYE previously raised by HMRC.
In September 2007, the Company appealed to the UK First Tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber) (formerly known as
the UK VAT and Duties Tribunal and hereinafter referred to as the “First Tier Tribunal”) against HMRC’s notices
as to these classifications and against any amount of PAYE and NIC liability claimed to be owed by the Company.
In February 2010, the First Tier Tribunal issued a ruling that the Company’s UK leaders should have been classified
as employees for UK tax purposes and, as such, the Company should have withheld tax from its leaders pursuant to
the PAYE and NIC collection rules for the period from April 2001 to April 2007 with respect to services performed
by the leaders for the Company. The Company appealed the First Tier Tribunal’s adverse ruling to the UK Upper
Tribunal (Tax and Chancery Chamber) (the “Upper Tribunal”), and in October 2011, the Upper Tribunal issued a
ruling dismissing the Company’s appeal. In January 2012, the Company sought permission from the UK Court of
Appeal to appeal the Upper Tribunal’s ruling, which the UK Court of Appeal refused in March 2012. In March
2012, the Company applied to the UK Court of Appeal for an oral hearing to seek permission to appeal to the
UK Court of Appeal against the Upper Tribunal’s ruling. At the hearing in June 2012, the UK Court of Appeal
granted the Company permission to appeal. A hearing date for the appeal was set for January 2013.
F-26
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
In December 2011, HMRC’s claim in respect of NIC was amended to increase the claimed amount for the
period April 2002 to April 2007 and include the interest accrued thereon through December 2011. In addition, in
February 2012, HMRC asserted a claim in respect of PAYE for the period April 2007 to April 2011 similar to
what it had claimed for the period April 2001 to April 2007. The Company was granted permission to appeal this
PAYE claim with the First Tier Tribunal and the First Tier Tribunal directed that the appeal be stayed until
following the decision of the UK Court of Appeal with respect to the Company’s appeal of the Upper Tribunal’s
ruling.
In light of the First Tier Tribunal’s adverse ruling and in accordance with accounting guidance for
contingencies, the Company recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 a reserve for the period from April 2001
through the end of fiscal 2009, inclusive of estimated accrued interest. On a quarterly basis, beginning in the first
quarter of fiscal 2010 and through the second quarter of fiscal 2011, the Company recorded a reserve for UK
withholding taxes with respect to its UK leaders consistent with this ruling. The reserve at the end of the second
quarter of fiscal 2011 equaled approximately $43,671 in the aggregate based on the exchange rates at the end of
fiscal 2011. As of the beginning of the third quarter of fiscal 2011, the Company began employing its UK leaders
and therefore has ceased recording any further reserves for this matter. In February 2012, the Company paid
HMRC, on a without prejudice basis, a portion of the amount previously reserved equal to approximately
$30,018 based on the exchange rates at the payment date for estimated amounts claimed to be owed by the
Company with respect to PAYE and interest thereon for the period April 2001 to July 2011. In December 2012,
the Company reached an agreement with HMRC to settle the matter in its entirety for approximately $36,770. In
January 2013, $6,752 was paid to HMRC, representing the balance due over the amount previously paid to
HMRC in February 2012. In January 2013, the UK Court of Appeal dismissed the case and the First Tier
Tribunal confirmed withdrawal of the Company’s appeal against HMRC.
Other Litigation Matters
Due to the nature of the Company’s activities, it is also, at times, subject to pending and threatened legal
actions that arise out of the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, based in part upon advice
of legal counsel, the disposition of any such matters is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s
results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Lease Commitments
Minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable operating leases, primarily for office and rental
facilities, at December 28, 2013, consist of the following:
2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2019 and thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 41,095
36,642
30,704
22,076
16,898
118,001
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$265,416
Total rent expense charged to operations under these leases for the fiscal years ended December 28,
2013, December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was $46,300, $40,485 and $36,572, respectively.
F-27
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
14. Segment and Geographic Data
The Company has two reportable segments: WWI and WW.com. WWI has multiple operating segments
which have been aggregated into one reportable segment. WWI and WW.com 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.
Information about the Company’s reportable operating segments is as follows:
Total revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$1,197,375
$526,748
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
41,468
$ 11,108
Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 154,745
$306,012
$
$
$
0
0
0
Year Ended December 28, 2013
WWI
WW.com
Intercompany
Eliminations
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other expense, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Early extinguishment of debt
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Provision for taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated
$1,724,123
$
52,576
$ 460,757
103,108
599
21,685
130,640
$ 204,725
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$1,733,464
$776,515
$(1,101,048) $1,408,931
Total revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$1,331,916
$507,516
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
34,073
$
9,637
Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 250,335
$260,470
$
$
$
0
0
0
Year Ended December 29, 2012
WWI
WW.com
Intercompany
Eliminations
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other expense, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Early extinguishment of debt
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Provision for taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated
$1,839,432
$
43,710
$ 510,805
90,537
1,979
1,328
159,535
$ 257,426
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$1,539,434
$567,478
$(888,305)
$1,218,607
F-28
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
Year Ended December 31, 2011
WWI
WW.com
Intercompany
Eliminations
Total revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$1,428,690
$403,804
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
25,744
$ 10,076
Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 339,963
$206,365
$
$
$
0
0
0
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other income, net
Provision for taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated
$1,832,494
$
35,820
$ 546,328
59,850
3,386
178,748
$ 304,344
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$1,413,109
$392,381
$(683,862)
$1,121,628
The following table presents information about the Company’s sources of revenue and other information by
geographic area. There were no material amounts of sales or transfers among geographic areas and no material
amounts of US export sales.
Revenues for the Year Ended
December 28,
2013
December 29,
2012
December 31,
2011
NACO meeting fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
International Company-owned meeting fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Product sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Franchise royalties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Internet revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 595,097
256,529
245,319
9,035
522,226
95,917
$ 653,396
281,537
294,758
12,732
504,338
92,671
$ 686,758
303,538
334,303
14,461
399,495
93,939
$1,724,123
$1,839,432
$1,832,494
Revenues for the Year Ended
December 28,
2013
December 29,
2012
December 31,
2011
North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
United Kingdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Continental Europe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Australia, New Zealand and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$1,181,696
172,783
299,403
70,241
$1,283,232
204,506
270,701
80,993
$1,266,005
227,238
247,003
92,248
North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
United Kingdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Continental Europe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Australia, New Zealand and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F-29
$1,724,123
$1,839,432
$1,832,494
Long-Lived Assets
December 28,
2013
December 29,
2012
December 31,
2011
$82,518
1,192
2,083
1,259
$87,052
$65,708
1,645
2,431
1,984
$71,768
$35,196
1,508
2,208
2,160
$41,072
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
Effective the first day of fiscal 2014 (i.e. December 29, 2013), the Company realigned its organizational
structure to better leverage its significant assets and align its innovation efforts, which resulted in new reporting
segments (North America, United Kingdom, Continental Europe, and Rest of World) for the purpose of making
operational and resource decisions and assessing financial performance. The segment information presented in
these financial statements does not reflect this change as the change was not effected internally until the
Company’s first quarter of fiscal 2014. The Company will begin reporting segment information based on these
new segments in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the first quarter of fiscal 2014.
15. Fair Value Measurements
Accounting guidance on fair value measurements for certain financial assets and liabilities requires that
assets and liabilities carried at fair value be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
• Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
• Level 2—Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or
liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be
corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
• Level 3—Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant
to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
When measuring fair value, the Company is required to maximize the use of observable inputs and
minimize the use of unobservable inputs.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company’s significant financial instruments include long-term debt and interest rate swap agreements.
The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is determined by utilizing average bid prices on or near the
end of each fiscal quarter (Level 2 input). As of December 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, the fair value of
the Company’s long-term debt was approximately $2,169,908 and $2,410,724, respectively.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The fair values for the Company’s derivative financial instruments are determined using observable current
market information such as the prevailing LIBOR interest rate and LIBOR yield curve rates and include
consideration of counterparty credit risk. See Note 16 for disclosures related to derivative financial instruments.
The following table presents the aggregate fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments:
Fair Value Measurements Using:
Total
Fair
Value
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Interest rate swap liability at December 28, 2013 . . . . $ 7,578
Interest rate swap liability at December 29, 2012 . . . . $13,871
$0
$0
$ 7,578
$13,871
$0
$0
The Company did not have any transfers into or out of Levels 1 and 2, and did not maintain any assets or
liabilities classified as Level 3, during the fiscal years ended December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012.
F-30
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
16. Derivative Instruments and Hedging
As of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, the Company had in effect an interest rate swap with a
notional amount totaling $466,250 and $583,250, respectively. In January 2009, the Company entered into this
forward-starting interest rate swap with an effective date of January 4, 2010 and a termination date of January 27,
2014. During the term of this forward-starting interest rate swap, the notional amount fluctuated, but was no
higher than the amount outstanding as of the end of fiscal 2013. The initial notional amount was $425,000 and
the highest notional amount was $755,000. Effective April 2, 2013, due to the Company’s debt refinancing, the
Company ceased the application of hedge accounting for this swap. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of this
swap have been recorded in earnings subsequent to April 2, 2013 and were immaterial for the fiscal year ended
December 28, 2013.
On July 26, 2013, in order to hedge an additional portion of its variable rate debt, the Company entered into
a forward-starting interest rate swap with an effective date of March 31, 2014 and a termination date of April 2,
2020. The initial notional amount of this swap is $1,500,000. During the term of this swap, the notional amount
will decrease from $1,500,000 effective March 31, 2014 to $1,250,000 on April 3, 2017 with a further reduction
to $1,000,000 on April 1, 2019. This interest rate swap effectively fixes the variable interest rate on the notional
amount of this swap at 2.38%. This swap qualifies for hedge accounting and, therefore, changes in the fair value
of this swap have been recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
As of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, cumulative unrealized losses for qualifying hedges were
reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the amounts of $4,603 ($7,546
before taxes) and $6,602 ($10,824 before taxes), respectively.
The Company is hedging forecasted transactions for periods not exceeding the next seven years. The
Company expects approximately $12,017 ($19,700 before taxes) of derivative losses included in accumulated
other comprehensive income (loss) at December 28, 2013, based on current market rates, will be reclassified into
earnings within the next 12 months.
17. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows:
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component(a)
Fiscal year ended December 28, 2013
Loss on
Qualifying
Hedges
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
Total
Beginning Balance at December 29, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$(6,602)
$19,461
$ 12,859
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications, net of tax . . . . . . . . .
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income,
net of tax(b)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(4,124)
(6,341)
(10,465)
6,123
1,999
0
6,123
(6,341)
(4,342)
Ending Balance at December 28, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$(4,603)
$13,120
$ 8,517
(a) Amounts in parentheses indicate debits
(b) See separate table below for details about these reclassifications
F-31
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income(a)
Amounts Reclassified
from Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income
Details about Other
Comprehensive Income
Components
Fiscal Year
Ended
December 28, 2013
Affected Line Item in the
Statement Where Net Income is
Presented
Loss on Qualifying Hedges
Interest rate contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$(10,037)
(10,037)
3,914
$ (6,123)
Interest expense
Income before income taxes
Provision for income taxes
Net income
(a) Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to profit / loss
18. Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
The following is a summary of the unaudited quarterly consolidated results of operations for the fiscal years
ended December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012.
Fiscal year ended December 28, 2013
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Revenues, net
Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Basic EPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted EPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
For the Fiscal Quarters Ended
March 30,
2013
June 29,
2013
September 28,
2013
December 28,
2013
$490,790
283,637
103,119
48,753
0.87
0.87
$
$
$470,888
283,715
153,976
64,916
1.16
1.15
$
$
$396,334
231,980
124,520
60,258
1.07
1.07
$
$
$366,111
201,780
79,142
30,798
0.55
0.54
$
$
For the Fiscal Quarters Ended
March 31,
2012
June 30,
2012
September 29,
2012
December 29,
2012
Fiscal year ended December 29, 2012
Revenues, net
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Basic EPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted EPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$506,786
291,171
102,774
54,605
0.74
0.74
$
$
$488,610
297,032
153,508
77,462
1.37
1.36
$
$
$432,903
257,651
131,984
67,364
1.21
1.20
$
$
$411,133
247,964
122,539
57,995
1.04
1.03
$
$
Basic and diluted EPS are computed independently for each of the periods presented. Accordingly, the sum
of the quarterly EPS amounts may not agree to the total for the year.
In the second quarter of fiscal 2013, net income and EPS were impacted by a $21,685 ($13,336 after tax), or
$0.24 per fully diluted share, early extinguishment of debt charge resulting from the write-off of fees associated
with the Company’s April 2013 debt refinancing. In the first quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company
F-32
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
wrote-off $1,328 of fees in connection with the March 2012 refinancing of its debt that the Company recorded as
an early extinguishment of debt charge.
As discussed in further detail in Note 13, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company recognized a
$4,099 net benefit ($7,423 pre-tax), or $0.07 per fully diluted share, from an accrual reversal associated with the
settlement in the quarter of the previously reported UK self-employment tax litigation. The $7,423 pre-tax net
benefit associated with the settlement consisted of an over-accrual reversal to cost of revenues of $14,544
partially offset by an additional interest accrual of $7,130.
As discussed in further detail in Note 1, the classification of certain brand marketing funds received from
licensees has been revised to reflect them as revenue as opposed to being recorded as an offset to expense,
increasing revenues and gross profit the first nine months of fiscal 2013 and all four quarters of fiscal 2012.
F-33
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SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES
(IN THOUSANDS)
Additions
Balance at
Beginning
of Period
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses
Charged
to Other
Accounts Deductions(1)
Balance at
End
of Period
FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 28, 2013
Allowance for doubtful accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventory and other reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tax valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 3,447
$ 6,942
$31,015
596
$
$ 9,580
$ 3,821
0
$
$
0
$2,429
(566)
$
$(10,663)
(893)
$
$ 3,477
$ 5,859
$36,372
FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 29, 2012
Allowance for doubtful accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventory and other reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tax valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 5,315
$ 7,397
$25,781
$ (1,067)
$10,491
$ 3,387
26
$
$
0
$2,322
$
(827)
$(10,946)
(475)
$
$ 3,447
$ 6,942
$31,015
FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011
Allowance for doubtful accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventory and other reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tax valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 5,191
$ 3,948
$24,989
$ 1,441
$13,203
$ 2,512
0
$
$
0
$ 970
$ (1,317)
$ (9,754)
$ (2,690)
$ 5,315
$ 7,397
$25,781
(1) Primarily represents the utilization of established reserves, net of recoveries, where applicable.
S-1
[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
Exhibit
Number
**3.1
**3.2
**3.3
**4.1
**10.1
**10.2
**10.3
†**10.4
†**10.5
†**10.6
†**10.7
**10.8
EXHIBIT INDEX
Description
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Weight Watchers International, Inc. (filed as
Exhibit 3.1 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A as filed on
January 6, 2012 (File No. 001-16769), and incorporated herein by reference).
Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, as Amended and Restated, of Weight
Watchers International, Inc. to Create a New Series of Preferred Stock Designated as Series B
Junior Participating Preferred Stock, adopted as of November 14, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to
Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A, as filed on January 6,
2012 (File No. 001-16769), and incorporated herein by reference).
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Weight Watchers International, Inc., as of November 14, 2013
(filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on November 18, 2013
(File No. 001-16769), and incorporated herein by reference).
Specimen of stock certificate representing Weight Watchers International, Inc.’s common stock, no
par value (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on
Form 8-A, as filed on January 6, 2012 (File No. 001-16769), and incorporated herein by reference).
License Agreement, dated as of September 29, 1999, between WW Foods, LLC and Weight
Watchers International, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Registration Statement on
Form S-4, as filed on December 2, 1999 (File No. 333-92005), and incorporated herein by
reference).
LLC Agreement, dated as of September 29, 1999, between H.J. Heinz Company and Weight
Watchers International, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Registration Statement on
Form S-4, as filed on December 2, 1999 (File No. 333-92005), and incorporated herein by
reference).
Operating Agreement, dated as of September 29, 1999, between Weight Watchers International, Inc.
and H.J. Heinz Company (filed as Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Registration Statement on
Form S-4, as filed on December 2, 1999 (File No. 333-92005), and incorporated herein by
reference).
1999 Stock Purchase and Option Plan of Weight Watchers International, Inc. and Subsidiaries (filed
as Exhibit 10.19 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 29,
2000, as filed on July 28, 2000 (File No. 000-03389), and incorporated herein by reference).
Weight Watchers International, Inc. 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (filed as Appendix A of the
Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on April 8, 2004
(File No. 001-16769), and incorporated herein by reference).
Amendment to Weight Watchers International, Inc. 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.5
to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 2, 2005, as filed
on August 11, 2005 (File No. 001-16769), and incorporated herein by reference).
Weight Watchers International, Inc. 2008 Stock Incentive Plan (filed as Appendix A of the
Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on March 31, 2008
(File No. 001-16769), and incorporated herein by reference).
Corporate Agreement, dated as of November 5, 2001, between Weight Watchers International, Inc.
and Artal Luxembourg S.A. (filed as Exhibit 10.36 to Amendment No. 2 to the Company’s
Registration Statement on Form S-1, as filed on November 9, 2001 (File No. 333-69362), and
incorporated herein by reference).
Exhibit
Number
**10.9
**10.10
†**10.11
†**10.12
**10.13
†**10.14
†**10.15
†**10.16
†**10.17
†**10.18
Description
Amendment, dated as of July 1, 2005, to the Corporate Agreement, dated as of November 5, 2001,
by and between Weight Watchers International, Inc. and Artal Luxembourg S.A. (filed as
Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 2,
2005, as filed on August 11, 2005 (File No. 001-16769), and incorporated herein by reference).
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of September 29, 1999, among Weight Watchers
International, Inc., H.J. Heinz Company and Artal Luxembourg S.A. (filed as Exhibit 10.38 to
Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as filed on October 29,
2001 (File No. 333-69362), and incorporated herein by reference).
Form of Amended and Restated Continuity Agreement, between Weight Watchers International,
Inc. and certain key executives (Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial
Officer and General Counsel) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 2, 2011, as filed on August 11, 2011 (File No. 001-16769),
and incorporated herein by reference).
Form of Amended and Restated Continuity Agreement, between Weight Watchers International,
Inc. and certain key executives (certain executive officers) (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 2, 2011, as filed on August 11,
2011 (File No. 001-16769), and incorporated herein by reference).
Principal Stockholders Agreement among Weight Watchers International, Inc.,
WeightWatchers.com, Inc. and Artal Luxembourg S.A. dated as of June 13, 2005 (filed as
Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 2,
2005, as filed on August 11, 2005 (File No. 001-16769), and incorporated herein by reference).
Form of Term Sheet for Employee Stock Awards and Form of Terms and Conditions for Employee
Stock Awards for the 1999 Stock Purchase and Option Plan of Weight Watchers International, Inc.
and Subsidiaries, the Weight Watchers International, Inc. 2004 Stock Incentive Plan and the
Weight Watchers International, Inc. 2008 Stock Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.34 to the
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, as filed on
February 27, 2006 (File No. 001-16769), and incorporated herein by reference).
Form of Term Sheet for Employee Restricted Stock Unit Awards and Form of Terms and
Conditions for Employee Restricted Stock Unit Awards for the 1999 Stock Purchase and Option
Plan of Weight Watchers International, Inc. and Subsidiaries, the Weight Watchers International,
Inc. 2004 Stock Incentive Plan and the Weight Watchers International, Inc. 2008 Stock Incentive
Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.35 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2005, as filed on February 27, 2006 (File No. 001-16769), and incorporated
herein by reference).
Form of Directors Restricted Stock Agreement for Weight Watchers International, Inc. non-
employee director restricted stock issued under the Weight Watchers International, Inc. 2004 Stock
Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2006, as filed on November 9, 2006 (File No. 001-16769), and
incorporated herein by reference).
Summary of Non-Employee Director Compensation (filed as Exhibit 10 to the Company’s Current
Report on Form 8-K, as filed on July 18, 2006 (File No. 001-16769), and incorporated herein by
reference).
Statement of Amendments to the 1999 Stock Purchase and Option Plan (filed as Exhibit 99.3 to the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on December 15, 2006 (File No. 001-16769),
and incorporated herein by reference).
Exhibit
Number
†**10.19
**10.20
**10.21
**10.22
**10.23
†**10.24
†**10.25
†**10.26
†**10.27
†**10.28
†**10.29
Description
Statement of Amendments to the Weight Watchers International, Inc. 2004 Stock Incentive Plan
(filed as Exhibit 99.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on December 15,
2006 (File No. 001-16769), and incorporated herein by reference).
Amendment to Agreements, dated as of October 1, 2002, by and between Weight Watchers
International, Inc., WW Foods, LLC and H.J. Heinz Company (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended October 3, 2009, as filed
on November 12, 2009 (File No. 001-16769), and incorporated herein by reference).
Amendment to Operating Agreement, dated August 4, 2009, by and between Weight Watchers
International, Inc. and H.J. Heinz Company (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended October 3, 2009, as filed on November 12, 2009
(File No. 001-16769), and incorporated herein by reference).
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 14, 2012, by and between Weight Watchers
International, Inc. and Artal Holdings Sp. z o.o., Succursale de Luxembourg (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to
the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on February 16, 2012 (File No. 001-16769),
and incorporated herein by reference).
Amendment Agreement, dated as of March 15, 2012, among Weight Watchers International, Inc.,
the guarantors party thereto, the lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Credit
Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, as syndication agents, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Credit Suisse
Securities (USA) LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and The Bank of Nova
Scotia, as joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as an issuer,
and The Bank of Nova Scotia, as administrative agent for the lenders, as swing line lender and as
an issuer, relating to the Seventh Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of March 15,
2012, attached as Annex A thereto (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2012, as filed on May 10, 2012
(File No. 001-16769), and incorporated herein by reference).
Second Amended and Restated Weight Watchers Executive Profit Sharing Plan, August 1, 2012
(filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter
ended September 29, 2012, as filed on November 8, 2012 (File No. 001-16769), and incorporated
herein by reference).
Offer Letter, dated as of July 2, 2012, by and between Weight Watchers International, Inc. and
Nicholas P. Hotchkin (filed as Exhibit 10.31 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012, as filed on February 27, 2013 (File No. 001-16769), and
incorporated herein by reference).
Offer Letter, dated as of November 8, 2011, by and between Weight Watchers International, Inc.
and Bruce Rosengarten (filed as Exhibit 10.32 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012, as filed on February 27, 2013 (File No. 001-16769), and
incorporated herein by reference).
Letter Agreement, dated January 25, 2012, between Fortuity Pty Ltd. and Bruce Rosengarten (filed
as Exhibit 10.33 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 29, 2012, as filed on February 27, 2013 (File No. 001-16769), and incorporated herein
by reference).
Offer Letter, dated as of December 6, 2012, by and between Weight Watchers International, Inc.
and James Chambers (filed as Exhibit 10.34 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012, as filed on February 27, 2013 (File No. 001-16769), and
incorporated herein by reference).
Letter Agreement, dated as of February 12, 2013, by and between Weight Watchers International,
Inc. and Michael Basone (filed as Exhibit 10.35 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012, as filed on February 27, 2013 (File No. 001-16769),
and incorporated herein by reference).
Exhibit
Number
**10.30
†**10.31
†**10.32
†**10.33
†**10.34
†*10.35
†*10.36
*21.1
*23.1
*31.1
*31.2
*32.1
Description
Credit Agreement, dated as of April 2, 2013, among Weight Watchers International, Inc., as
the borrower, the lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as the administrative
agent and an issuing bank, and The Bank of Nova Scotia, as the revolving agent, a swingline
lender and an issuing bank (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 30, 2013, as filed on May 9, 2013 (File No. 001-
16769), and incorporated herein by reference).
Separation Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2013, by and between Weight Watchers
International, Inc. and David Kirchhoff (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current
Report on Form 8-K, as filed on August 1, 2013 (File No. 001-16769), and incorporated
herein by reference).
Severance Amendment, dated as of July 30, 2013, by and between Weight Watchers
International, Inc. and James Chambers (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current
Report on Form 8-K, as filed on August 1, 2013 (File No. 001-16769), and incorporated
herein by reference).
Letter Agreement, dated as of May 8, 2013, by and between Weight Watchers International,
Inc. and Nicholas Hotchkin (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 29, 2013, as filed on August 8, 2013 (File No.
001-16769), and incorporated herein by reference).
Letter Agreement, dated as of May 8, 2013, by and between Weight Watchers International,
Inc. and James Chambers (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 29, 2013, as filed on August 8, 2013 (File No. 001-
16769), and incorporated herein by reference).
Form of Term Sheet for Employee Performance Stock Option Awards and Form of Terms
and Conditions for Employee Performance Stock Option Awards for the Weight Watchers
International, Inc. 2008 Stock Incentive Plan (for certain executive officers party to
continuity agreements).
Form of Term Sheet for Employee Performance Stock Option Awards and Form of Terms
and Conditions for Employee Performance Stock Option Awards for the Weight Watchers
International, Inc. 2008 Stock Incentive Plan.
Subsidiaries of Weight Watchers International, Inc.
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification by James Chambers, Chief Executive Officer.
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification by Nicholas P. Hotchkin, Chief Financial Officer.
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*Exhibit 101
*EX-101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
*EX-101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
*EX-101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
*EX-101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
*EX-101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
*EX-101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
Filed herewith.
*
** Previously filed.
†
Represents a management arrangement or compensatory plan.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant
has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Date: February 26, 2014
By:
/S/
JAMES CHAMBERS
James Chambers
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by
the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SIGNATURES
Date: February 26, 2014
Date: February 26, 2014
Date: February 26, 2014
Date: February 26, 2014
Date: February 26, 2014
Date: February 26, 2014
Date: February 26, 2014
Date: February 26, 2014
Date: February 26, 2014
By:
By:
By:
By:
By:
By:
By:
By:
By:
/S/
JAMES CHAMBERS
James Chambers
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
/S/ NICHOLAS P. HOTCHKIN
Nicholas P. Hotchkin
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
/S/ RAYMOND DEBBANE
Raymond Debbane
Director
/S/ STEVEN M. ALTSCHULER
Steven M. Altschuler
Director
/S/ PHILIPPE J. AMOUYAL
Philippe J. Amouyal
Director
/S/ MARSHA JOHNSON EVANS
Marsha Johnson Evans
Director
/S/
JONAS M. FAJGENBAUM
Jonas M. Fajgenbaum
Director
/S/ SACHA LAINOVIC
Sacha Lainovic
Director
/S/ CHRISTOPHER J. SOBECKI
Christopher J. Sobecki
Director
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8
(Nos. 333-123642, 333-74066, 333-156185 and 333-165637) of Weight Watchers International, Inc. of our
report dated February 26, 2014 relating to the financial statements, financial statement schedule and the
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K.
EXHIBIT 23.1
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
February 26, 2014
[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
CERTIFICATION
EXHIBIT 31.1
I, James Chambers, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Weight Watchers International, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report,
fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant
as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure
controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over
financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and
procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the
registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities,
particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over
financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in
this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of
the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that
occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of
an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s
internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of
internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the Audit Committee of the registrant’s
Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control
over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record,
process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a
significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: February 26, 2014
Signature:
/S/
JAMES CHAMBERS
James Chambers
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
CERTIFICATION
EXHIBIT 31.2
I, Nicholas P. Hotchkin, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Weight Watchers International, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report,
fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant
as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure
controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over
financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and
procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the
registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities,
particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over
financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in
this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of
the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that
occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of
an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s
internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of
internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the Audit Committee of the registrant’s
Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control
over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record,
process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a
significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: February 26, 2014
Signature:
/S/ NICHOLAS P. HOTCHKIN
Nicholas P. Hotchkin
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
EXHIBIT 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY
ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Weight Watchers International, Inc. (the
“Company”) for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2013, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on the date hereof (the “Report”), we, the undersigned officers of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial
condition and results of operations of the Company.
Date: February 26, 2014
Signature:
/S/
JAMES CHAMBERS
James Chambers
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
Signature:
/S/ NICHOLAS P. HOTCHKIN
Nicholas P. Hotchkin
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
Stock Performance Graph
The following graph sets forth the cumulative return on Weight Watchers International common stock from
January 2, 2009, the last trading day of the Company’s 2008 fiscal year, through December 27, 2013, the last
trading day of the Company’s 2013 fiscal year, as compared to the cumulative return of the Standard & Poor’s
500 Index (the “S&P 500 Index”) and the cumulative return of the Standard & Poor’s MidCap 400 Index (the “S&P
MidCap 400 Index”). We selected the S&P 500 Index because it is a broad index of equity markets. We selected
the S&P MidCap 400 Index, which is comprised of issuers having a similar market capitalization with the Company,
because we believe that there are no other lines of business or published industry indices or peer groups that
provide a more meaningful comparison of the cumulative return of our stock. The graph assumes that $100 was
invested on January 2, 2009 in each of (1) the Company’s common stock, (2) the S&P 500 Index and (3) the
S&P MidCap 400 Index, and that all dividends were reinvested.
$300.00
250.00
200.00
150.00
100.00
50.00
0.00
01.02.09
12.31.09
12.31.10
12.30.11
12.28.12
12.27.13
Weight Watchers International, Inc.
S&P 500 Index
S&P MidCap 400 Index
Cumulative Total Return ($)
Company/Index
01.02.09
12.31.09
12.31.10
12.30.11
12.28.12
12.27.13
Weight Watchers International, Inc.
100.00
103.07
135.70
201.38
188.87
122.96
S&P 500 Index
100.00
126.46
145.51
148.58
169.49
227.30
S&P MidCap 400 Index
100.00
137.38
173.98
170.94
198.32
267.70
0.0050.00100.00150.00200.00250.00300.0001.02.0912.31.0912.31.1012.30.1112.28.1212.27.13Comparison of 5 Year Cumulative Total ReturnAssumes Initial Investment of $100December 2013Weight Watchers International, Inc.S&P 500 IndexS&P MidCap 400 Index0.0050.00100.00150.00200.00250.00300.0001.02.0912.31.0912.31.1012.30.1112.28.1212.27.13Comparison of 5 Year Cumulative Total ReturnAssumes Initial Investment of $100December 2013Weight Watchers International, Inc.S&P 500 IndexS&P MidCap 400 Index0.0050.00100.00150.00200.00250.00300.0001.02.0912.31.0912.31.1012.30.1112.28.1212.27.13Comparison of 5 Year Cumulative Total ReturnAssumes Initial Investment of $100December 2013Weight Watchers International, Inc.S&P 500 IndexS&P MidCap 400 Index0.0050.00100.00150.00200.00250.00300.0001.02.0912.31.0912.31.1012.30.1112.28.1212.27.13Comparison of 5 Year Cumulative Total ReturnAssumes Initial Investment of $100December 2013Weight Watchers International, Inc.S&P 500 IndexS&P MidCap 400 Index0.0050.00100.00150.00200.00250.00300.0001.02.0912.31.0912.31.1012.30.1112.28.1212.27.13Comparison of 5 Year Cumulative Total ReturnAssumes Initial Investment of $100December 2013Weight Watchers International, Inc.S&P 500 IndexS&P MidCap 400 Index
Corporate and Shareholder Information
The 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of
Weight Watchers International, Inc.
LOCATION
Weight Watchers International, Inc.
675 Avenue of the Americas, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10010
DATE
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
675 Avenue of the Americas, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10010
www.weightwatchersinternational.com
COMMON STOCK
New York Stock Exchange Symbol: WTW
SHAREHOLDER RELATIONS
Debra Cotter, Corporate Secretary
(212) 589-2700
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
Questions regarding stock holdings, certificate
replacement/transfer, and address changes
should be directed to:
Computershare
250 Royall Street
Canton, MA 02021
(781) 575-2879
www.computershare.com
AUDITOR
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
INVESTOR RELATIONS
Brainerd Communicators, Inc.
1370 Broadway
New York, NY 10018
(212) 986-6667
WEIGHT WATCHERS is the registered trademark
of Weight Watchers International, Inc.
©2014 Weight Watchers International, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Front cover, standing:
Carole lost 49 lbs*
Elodie lost 44 lbs*
Agathe lost 26 lbs*
Morgane lost 35 lbs*
Front cover, sitting:
Aline lost 49 lbs*
Séverine lost 60 lbs*
Leïla lost 40 lbs*
Sophie lost 33 lbs*
Anne Marie lost 66 lbs*
Franck lost 86 lbs*
*People following
the Weight Watchers
plan can expect to lose
1-2 pounds per week.