WW International
Annual Report 2017

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2017 ANNUAL REPORT UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K (cid:3) ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017. or (cid:4) 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. 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 (cid:4) No (cid:3) 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 (cid:3) No (cid:4) Yes (cid:3) No (cid:4) 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 (cid:3) No (cid:4) 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. (cid:3) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Non-accelerated filer (cid:4) (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Large accelerated filer (cid:3) Accelerated filer (cid:4) Smaller reporting company (cid:4) Emerging growth company (cid:4) If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for ff complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. (cid:4) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes (cid:4) No (cid:3) The aggregate market value of the registrant's common stock held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2017 (based upon the closing price of $33.42 per share of common stock as of June 30, 2017, the last business day of the registrant's second fiscal quarter of 2017, as quoted on the New York Stock Exchange) was $932,988,279. 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 30, 2017 would be deemed stock held by affiliates. The number of shares outstanding of common stock as of February 1, 2018 was 64,702,012. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2018 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 30, 2017. [THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] 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 ............................................................................................................... Item 2. Properties............................................................................................................................................. 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 ............................................................ Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data ................................................................................... 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.................................... Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services ............................................................................................. Part IV Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules....................................................................................... Item 16. Form 10-K Summary........................................................................................................................... Page 1 11 20 20 21 21 22 25 27 31 60 61 61 62 62 63 63 63 63 63 65 71 i 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,” the “Company” and “WWI” refer to Weight Watchers International, Inc. and all of its operations consolidated for purposes of its financial statements; “North America” refers to our North American Company-owned operations; “United Kingdom” refers to our United Kingdom Company-owned operations; “Continental Europe” refers to our Continental Europe Company-owned operations; and “Other” refers to Australia, New Zealand and emerging markets operations and franchise revenues and related costs. Each of North America, United Kingdom, Continental Europe and Other is also a reportable segment. 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); d “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; “fiscal 2014” refers to our fiscal year ended January 3, 2015 (included a 53rd week); d “fiscal 2015” refers to our fiscal year ended January 2, 2016; “fiscal 2016” refers to our fiscal year ended December 31, 2016; “fiscal 2017” refers to our fiscal year ended December 30, 2017; “fiscal 2018” refers to our fiscal year ended December 29, 2018; “fiscal 2019” refers to our fiscal year ended December 28, 2019; “fiscal 2020” refers to our fiscal year ended January 2, 2021 (includes a 53rd week); d “fiscal 2021” refers to our fiscal year ended January 1, 2022; “fiscal 2022” refers to our fiscal year ended December 31, 2022; “fiscal 2023” refers to our fiscal year ended December 30, 2023; “fiscal 2024” refers to our fiscal year ended December 28, 2024; and “fiscal 2025” refers to our fiscal year ended January 3, 2026 (includes a 53rd week). d The following terms used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are our trademarks: Weight Watchers®, PointsPlus®, ProPoints® SmartPoints®, Points®, WW FreestyleTM and the WW logo. ii Item 1. Business Overview PART I We are a global wellness company and the world’s leading commercial weight management program. We are focused on inspiring people to adopt healthy habits and helping people lead healthier, more active and more fulfilling lives. With over 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. We educate our members and provide them with guidance and a supportive community to enable them to develop healthy habits for real life. Weight Watchers-branded services and products include meetings conducted by us and our franchisees, digital offerings provided through our websites, mobile sites and apps, consumer products sold at meetings and through our websites, licensed and endorsed products sold in retail channels and magazine subscriptions and other publications. Our primary sources of revenue are subscriptions for our commitment plans for Weight Watchers meetings and Online subscriptions. Our “meetings” business refers to providing access to combined meetings and digital offerings to our commitment plan subscribers (including Total Access subscribers), as well as access to meetings to our “pay-as-you-go” members and other meetings members. “Online” refers to Weight Watchers Online, Weight Watchers OnlinePlus, Personal Coaching and other digital subscription products. We believe that the power of our communities increases accountability and provides our members with inspiration, human connection, and support, which inspires them and enables them to continue building healthier and more fulfilling food, activity and lifestyle habits. Our brands enjoy high awareness and credibility among all types of consumers—women and men, consumers online and offline, the support-inclined and the self-help-inclined. We believe that our program conveys an image of healthy, livable, sustainable and effective weight management in a supportive environment. The efficacy of our commercial weight management programs has been clinically proven in numerous studies and trials. As the number of overweight and obese people worldwide grows, the demand for an effective, scalable and consumer-friendly weight management program increases. We believe our global presence and brand awareness uniquely position us in the global weight management market. We continue to explore different channels to access this market. In the more than 50 years since our founding, we have built our business by helping millions of people around the world lose weight through a sensible, sustainable and livable approach to food, activity, behavior modification and group support. As of the end of fiscal 2017, we had a total of approximately 3.2 million subscribers. At that time, we had approximately 1.3 million meeting subscribers, who could attend approximately 31,000 Weight Watchers meetings each week around the world, which were run by approximately 8,600 leaders. We also believe we are the leading global provider of paid digital subscription weight management products. As of the end of fiscal 2017, we had approximately 2.0 million Online subscribers. Our strong brands, together with the effectiveness of our program, loyal customer base, unparalleled network of meetings and leaders, and strong digital offerings, enable us to attract new and returning customers. Business Organization and Global Operations We have four reportable segments based on an integrated geographical structure as follows: North America, United Kingdom, Continental Europe (CE) and Other. Each reportable segment provides similar services and products. Further information regarding our reportable segments and our geographic areas can be found in Part II, Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under Note 16 “Segment and Geographic Data” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 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. 1 We operate in numerous countries around the world. Our “North America” reportable segment consists of our United States and Canada Company-owned operations; our “United Kingdom” reportable segment consists of our United Kingdom Company-owned operations; our “Continental Europe” reportable segment consists of our Germany, Switzerland, France, Spain (operations ceased in the first quarter of fiscal 2017), Belgium, Netherlands and Sweden Company-owned operations; and our “Other” reportable segment consists of our Australia, New Zealand, Mexico (operations anticipated to cease in the first quarter of fiscal 2018), and Brazil Company-owned operations, as well as revenues and costs from our franchises in the United States and certain other countries. Revenues from our North America, United Kingdom, Continental Europe, and Other reportable segments contributed 69.7%, 7.6%, 18.3% and 4.4%, respectively, of our total revenues in fiscal 2017. Revenues from our North America, United Kingdom, Continental Europe, and Other reportable segments contributed 68.6%, 8.7%, 18.1% and 4.6%, respectively, of our total revenues in fiscal 2016. Finally, revenues from our North America, United Kingdom, Continental Europe, and Other reportable segments contributed 64.9%, 10.7%, 19.7% and 4.7%, respectively, of our total revenues in fiscal 2015. Our Services and Products Our Weight Management Program and Food Plan In each of our major markets, we offer services and products that are based on our new weight management program, known as WW FreestyleTM in North America. The program encompasses a holistic approach for your body and mind to help our members lead a healthier, more active, more fulfilling life, and provides flexibility to make significant changes towards that life. It is comprised of a range of nutritional, activity, behavioral and lifestyle tools and approaches that can be personalized for maximum livability. Our program also gives members science-based techniques that help them keep a positive mindset. Our food plan, known as SmartPoints, was developed from a combination of advancements in scientific research and consumer insights, including from customers who experienced prior Weight Watchers plans. With the SmartPoints system, each food has a SmartPoints value determined by the food’s calories, saturated fat, sugar and protein content. Customers following the SmartPoints system can eat any food as long as the SmartPoints value of their total food consumption stays within their personalized SmartPoints “budget”. Since nutritious foods generally have lower SmartPoints values, this approach guides customers toward healthier eating patterns. The WW Freestyle program expands the types and number of zero Points foods, making the program more flexible and livable. Based on a personalized assessment included in the program, members and subscribers get daily and weekly SmartPoints targets. Our new program, which launched in December 2017, updated our existing weight management program known as Beyond the Scale in North America. Prior to the launch of Beyond the Scale and SmartPoints in December 2015, we offered a weight management plan known as PointsPlus in North America, or ProPoints in certain of our other geographies. Our customers can participate in our program in two main ways: in-person group meetings and digitally. Within these two channels, we offer a variety of services and products to meet each customer’s preferences. Our leaders, when leading meetings and providing personal coaching, educate members and subscribers on our program and range of tools. In addition to providing support, our leaders also inspire members and subscribers to develop healthy habits using our methods. Our Meetings Business In our meetings business, we present our program in regular weekly meetings of 30 to 45 minutes in duration, conveniently scheduled throughout the day. 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. Leaders facilitate this support through interactive meetings that encourage learning through member-driven discussions and individual goal- setting. The primary payment structure for our meetings business globally is through commitment plans. Under these plans, members generally receive unlimited access to meetings at a discounted monthly price plus free access to certain Online and mobile tools and 24/7 Expert Chat, where available. Pursuant to these plans, a fee is typically charged automatically to the member’s credit card or debit card on a monthly basis until the member elects to cancel. As of the end of fiscal 2017, we had approximately 1.3 million meeting subscribers to our commitment plans. 2 In fiscal 2017, revenues from our franchisees represented less than 1% of our total revenues. 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. 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. In many of our markets, 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. Most franchise agreements are perpetual and can be terminated only upon a material breach or bankruptcy of the franchisee. Our Online Business In our Online business, we offer various digital subscription products, including Weight Watchers OnlinePlus and a weight management companion for Weight Watchers meetings members who want to digitally manage the day-to-day aspects of their weight management plan. These products provide interactive and personalized resources that allow users to follow our weight management program via our web-based and mobile app products. Our Online subscription products are based on the Weight Watchers approach to weight management and provide additional tools to our meetings members, as applicable. They help subscribers adopt a healthier and more active lifestyle and positive mindset, and adopt healthy habits, with a view toward long-term behavior modification—a key aspect of the Weight Watchers approach toward sustainable weight loss. These products provide subscribers with web and mobile app content, functionality and resources and interactive mobile and web- based weight management plans. We believe our personalized and interactive Online subscription products give subscribers an engaging weight management experience. Our online community, which can be accessed via the web and the Connect feature in our mobile app, gives our subscribers a way to stay virtually connected, and support and motivate each other. We believe that mobile weight management tools and resources are an important market opportunity for us. Our mobile phone (iPhone® and Android™) and iPad® apps provide commitment plan purchasers and Online subscribers with access to a suite of weight-loss tools, such as recipe and tracking tools, as well as other helpful content and the ability to scan the barcodes of food products for their SmartPoints values. We are continuing to upgrade the design, usability and features of, as well as improve the capabilities of, our digital products, including integrating with popular activity-tracking devices and wireless weight scales. As of the end of fiscal 2017, we had approximately 2.0 million Online subscribers. Our Consumer Product Sales We sell a range of consumer products, including bars, snacks, cookbooks, food and restaurant guides with SmartPoints values and Weight Watchers magazines, and certain third-party products. These products complement our weight management program 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 and offer benefits related to the Weight Watchers program. We sell our products through our meetings business, online and to our franchisees. Excluding sales to or by our franchisees, in fiscal 2017, sales of products in our meetings business and online represented approximately 13.2% of our revenues. We seek to optimize our product offerings by updating existing products, selectively introducing new products and sharing best practices across geographies. Additionally, non-members and non- subscribers can also purchase our products through our ecommerce platforms. 3 Licensing and Endorsements We license the Weight Watchers trademarks and our other intellectual property in certain categories of food, beverages and other relevant consumer products and services. We also endorse carefully selected branded consumer products and services. By partnering with carefully selected companies in categories relevant and helpful to weight- and health-conscious consumers, we have a high margin licensing business that gives us access to these consumers and also increases the awareness of our brands. 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 certain food categories. We believe that the strength of the Weight Watchers brands will create new long-term licensing and partnership opportunities for us. Publishing Weight Watchers magazines are published in most of our major markets. We also issue other publications, such as cookbooks and food and restaurant guides with SmartPoints values, which complement our weight management program. Health Solutions 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 market and help employers 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 workplace meetings, local community meetings and access to Weight Watchers Online. We believe the healthcare market represents an important channel to reach new consumers. We continue to explore different approaches to this market. Our Clinical Efficacy and Reputation in the Marketplace t Weight Watchers is one of the most clinically-studied commercial weight management programs, with dozens of peer-reviewed publications in the last 20 years. For example, in 2017, a randomized controlled trial conducted by research teams at the University of Cambridge, the University of Liverpool and the University of Oxford and partially funded by us was published in The Lancet and found that adults with obesity referred to Weight Watchers for one year lost significantly more weight and were able to keep it off for longer compared to those who either received brief advice and self-help materials, or who were referred to a 12-week Weight Watchers program. It also found that those adults on both the 12- and 52-week Weight Watchers program had greater blood sugar control and greater reductions in body fat than those on the brief intervention program. In 2016, a randomized controlled trial conducted by the Indiana University School of Medicine and funded by us was published in the American Journal of Public Health and found that adults with prediabetes following the Weight Watchers for Prediabetes program lost significantly more weight and experienced better blood sugar control than those following a self-initiated diabetes prevention program using supplemental counseling materials. Similarly, in 2016, a randomized controlled trial conducted by The Medical University of South Carolina and funded by us was published in Obesity and found that adults with Type 2 diabetes who followed the Weight Watchers for Diabetes program lost significantly more weight and experienced better blood sugar control than those in a standard diabetes care program. In 2017, a six-month clinical trial of the WW Freestyle program conducted by the University of North Carolina Weight Research Lab and funded by us found that participants on the program experienced an average weight loss of 7.9% after six months, and among those participants who reported trying to lose weight in the past, 82.2% of participants reported that the program is easier to do and 92.6% reported that it gives them more flexibility in their food choices compared to other times they have tried to lose weight in the past. Our efficacy and the value of our offerings are also well-acknowledged in the marketplace. For instance, in 2018, we again were recognized by U.S. News & World Report in the “2018 Best Diets” rankings, including ranking #1 for “Best Weight-Loss Diet” and “Best Commercial Diet Plan” and tying for #1 for “Best Fast Weight-Loss Diet.” 4 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 purchase our Online products. In October 2015, we entered into a Strategic Collaboration Agreement with Oprah Winfrey, pursuant to which, among other things, Ms. Winfrey provides us with services in her discretion to promote the Company and our programs, products and services, including in advertisements and promotions, and making personal appearances on our behalf. For example, in fiscal 2018, as part of our collaboration with Ms. Winfrey, she is appearing in our advertising campaign in the United States. Further information on this agreement and our partnership with Ms. Winfrey can be found below under “—History—Winfrey Transaction.” We advertise primarily in national media vehicles (television, digital, print, radio, etc.), which are selected based on their efficiency and effectiveness in reaching our target audience. We develop and maintain a high level of engagement with current and potential customers on various social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram 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 throughout the year. Also, we utilize brand ambassadors, spokespersons and social media influencers, including from time to time celebrities, as part of our advertising and marketing. In addition to the above advertising channels, we take advantage of other channels for which we are uniquely positioned given our long history and network of Weight Watchers leaders, members and subscribers. The word of mouth generated by our current and former customers, combined with our strong brand and known effectiveness, enable us to attract new and returning customers. We also 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. Additionally, Weight Watchers Magazine reinforces the value of our brand and serves as an important marketing tool to both current and potential customers. We also utilize mailing campaigns and the WeightWatchers.com website to attract new and returning customers and to engage current customers. Seasonality Our business is seasonal due to the importance of the winter 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. Competition We compete in the global weight management and wellness market. The weight management and wellness industries include commercial weight management programs; hardware and software-based mobile app and web- based weight management programs and approaches; surgical procedures; the pharmaceutical industry; self-help weight management regimens and other self-help weight management products, services and publications, such as books, magazines, websites and social media groups; dietary supplements and meal replacement products; healthy living services, products and publications; weight management services administered by doctors, nutritionists and dieticians; government agencies and non-profit groups that offer weight management services; fitness centers and national drug store chains. 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 not comparable to ours. For example, many of these competitors’ businesses are based on the sale of pre-packaged meals and meal replacements. In conjunction with a flexible food plan that allows customers the freedom to choose what they eat, our program uses group support and interactive, member-driven discussions to encourage learning and behavior modification to help our customers move towards a healthier, more active, more fulfilling life and adopt healthy habits. There are no significant group education-based competitors in any of our major markets, except in the United Kingdom. 5 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, services and publications, such as free mobile and other weight management apps. 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, trade secret and other intellectual property 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., or Artal Group, 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, Inc., by increasing our ownership interest from approximately 20% to approximately 53%. Subsequently, in December 2005, WeightWatchers.com, Inc. redeemed all shares owned by Artal in it, resulting in our current ownership of 100% of WeightWatchers.com, Inc. 6 Winfrey Transaction On October 18, 2015, we entered into a Strategic Collaboration Agreement with Ms. Winfrey, or the Strategic Collaboration Agreement, pursuant to which Ms. Winfrey granted us the right to use, subject to her approval, her name, image, likeness and endorsement for and in connection with the Company and its programs, products and services (including in advertising, promotion, materials and content), and we granted Ms. Winfrey the right to use our WEIGHT WATCHERS marks to collaborate with and promote the Company and its programs, products and services. The Strategic Collaboration Agreement has an initial term of five years, with additional successive one year renewal terms. During this period, Ms. Winfrey will consult with us and participate in developing, planning, executing and enhancing the Weight Watchers program and related initiatives, and provide us with services in her discretion to promote the Company and its programs, products and services, including in advertisements and promotions, and making personal appearances on our behalf. Ms. Winfrey will not grant anyone but the Company the right to use her name, image, likeness or endorsement for or in connection with any other weight loss or weight management programs during the term of the Strategic Collaboration Agreement, and she will not engage in any other weight loss or weight management business, program, products, or services during the term of the Strategic Collaboration Agreement and for one year thereafter. On that same date, we entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with Ms. Winfrey, or the Winfrey Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which we issued and sold to Ms. Winfrey an aggregate of 6,362,103 shares of our common stock for an aggregate cash purchase price of $43,198,679. The purchased shares are subject to certain transfer restrictions and a right of first offer and right of first refusal held by the Company. Under the Winfrey Purchase Agreement, Ms. Winfrey has certain demand registration rights and piggyback rights with respect to these purchased shares. The Winfrey Purchase Agreement also provides Ms. Winfrey with the right to be nominated as director of the Company for so long as she and certain permitted transferees own at least 3% of our issued and outstanding common stock. In consideration of Ms. Winfrey entering into the Strategic Collaboration Agreement and the performance of her obligations thereunder, on October 18, 2015, we granted Ms. Winfrey a fully vested option to purchase 3,513,468 shares of our common stock, or the Winfrey Option, which remains outstanding in full. The term sheet for the Winfrey Option, which includes the terms and conditions appended thereto, relating to the grant of the Winfrey Option is referred to herein as the Winfrey Option Agreement. The Winfrey Option is exercisable at a price of $6.97 per share, in whole or in part, at any time prior to October 18, 2025, subject to earlier termination under certain circumstances, including if (i) the Strategic Collaboration Agreement expires as a result of Ms. Winfrey’s decision not to renew the term of such agreement and (ii) a change in control (as defined in the Winfrey Option Agreement) of the Company occurs. The shares issuable upon exercise of the Winfrey Option are subject to certain transfer restrictions and a right of first offer and right of first refusal held by the Company. In connection with Ms. Winfrey’s purchase of our common stock and the grant of the Winfrey Option described above, Artal Luxembourg entered into a Voting Agreement with Ms. Winfrey on October 18, 2015, or the Voting Agreement, pursuant to which Ms. Winfrey agreed to vote all of her common stock or preferred stock of the Company and other securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for any common stock or preferred stock of the Company so as to elect as directors such nominees designated by Artal. The Voting Agreement terminates on the date that any of the following occurs: (i) Artal (and certain permitted transferees) and Ms. Winfrey (and certain permitted transferees) collectively own less than 50% of our issued and outstanding common stock, (ii) Ms. Winfrey then has the right to be nominated as a director and has met certain eligibility requirements under the Winfrey Purchase Agreement, but is not elected as a director of the Company, (iii) Ms. Winfrey (and certain permitted transferees) collectively own less than 1% of our issued and outstanding common stock, (iv) the voting and related arrangements in the Voting Agreement, in our reasonable determination, constitutes a “change of control” in any of our debt agreements or (v) the parties to the Voting Agreement terminate such agreement by written consent. As a result of entering into the Voting Agreement, Artal and Ms. Winfrey are acting as a “group” within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. As a result, we continue to qualify as a “controlled company” under the applicable rules of The New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE. 7 The transactions contemplated by the Strategic Collaboration Agreement, Winfrey Purchase Agreement and Winfrey Option Agreement are collectively referred to herein as the Winfrey Transaction. Regulation A number of laws and regulations govern our advertising and marketing, 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 U.S. Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, regulate and enforce such laws and regulations relating to advertising and marketing, promotions, packaging, privacy, consumer pricing and billing arrangements and other consumer protection matters. We are subject to many distinct employment, labor, commercial, benefits and tax laws and regulations in each country in which we operate, including regulations affecting our employment and wage and hour practices and our relations with our employees and service providers. Laws and regulations directly applicable to data protection and communications, operations or commerce over the Internet, such as those governing intellectual property, privacy and taxation, 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 required us to comply with certain procedures and disclosures in connection with our advertisements of services and products and expired by its terms in 2017. From time to time, we have been in discussions with the FTC regarding such matters. Employees and Service Providers As of December 30, 2017, we had approximately 18,000 employees, a majority of whom were part-time 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. 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), or the SEC. Moreover, we also make available at that site the Section 16 reports filed electronically by our officers, directors and 10 percent shareholders. Usually these reports are publicly accessible no later than the business day following the filing. We use our website at www.weightwatchersinternational.com and our corporate Facebook page (www.facebook.com/weightwatchers), Instagram account (Instagram.com/weightwatchers) and 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 Amended and Restated Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, or the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, and our Corporate Governance Guidelines are also available on our website at www.weightwatchersinternational.com. 8 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: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • competition from other weight management and wellness industry participants or the development of more effective or more favorably perceived weight management methods; our ability to continue to develop new, innovative services and products and enhance our existing services and products or the failure of our services, products or brands to continue to appeal to the market, or our ability to successfully expand into new channels of distribution or respond to consumer trends; the ability to successfully implement new strategic initiatives; the effectiveness of our advertising and marketing programs, including the strength of our social media presence; the impact on our reputation of actions taken by our franchisees, licensees, suppliers and other partners; the impact of our substantial amount of debt, and our debt service obligations and debt covenants; the inability to generate sufficient cash to service our debt and satisfy our other liquidity requirements; uncertainties regarding the satisfactory operation of our technology or systems; the impact of security breaches or privacy concerns; the recognition of asset impairment charges; the loss of key personnel, strategic partners or consultants or failure to effectively manage and motivate our workforce; the inability to renew certain of our licenses, or the inability to do so on terms that are favorable to us; the expiration or early termination by us of leases; risks and uncertainties associated with our international operations, including regulatory, economic, political and social risks and foreign currency risks; uncertainties related to a downturn in general economic conditions or consumer confidence; our ability to successfully make acquisitions or enter into joint ventures, including our ability to successfully integrate, operate or realize the anticipated benefits of such businesses; 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 outcomes of litigation or regulatory actions; the impact of existing and future laws and regulations; our failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting; 9 • • the possibility that the interests of Artal, who effectively controls us, 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. 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. 10 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 and wellness 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 and wellness marketplace is highly competitive. We compete against a wide range of providers of weight management services and products. Our competitors include: commercial weight management programs; hardware and software-based mobile app and web-based weight management programs and approaches; surgical procedures; the pharmaceutical industry; self-help weight management regimens and other self-help weight management products, services and publications, such as books, magazines, websites and social media groups; dietary supplements and meal replacement products; healthy living services, products and publications; weight management services administered by doctors, nutritionists and dieticians; government agencies and non-profit groups that offer weight management services; fitness centers and national drug store chains. Additional competitors may emerge as new or different weight management services, products or methods are developed and marketed. Furthermore, existing competitors may enter new markets or expand their offerings. 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 and healthy living consumers are highly subjective and can be influenced by many factors, such as brand image, marketing programs, cost, consumer trends and perception of the efficacy of the service and product offerings. Moreover, consumers can, and frequently do, change approaches easily and at little cost. For example, fad diets and weight loss trends, such as low-carbohydrate diets, have adversely affected our revenues from time to time. More recently, our revenue was adversely affected by the popularity of mobile technology, which has led to increased trial of free mobile and other weight management apps 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 new, innovative services and products or if our services, products or brands do not continue to appeal to the market, or if we are unable to successfully expand into new channels of distribution or respond to consumer trends, our business may suffer. The weight management and wellness marketplace is subject to changing consumer demands based, in large part, on the efficacy and popular appeal of weight management and healthy living programs. The popularity of weight management and healthy living programs is dependent, in part, on their ease of use, cost and channels of distribution as well as consumer trends. For example, consumers are increasingly focusing on more integrated lifestyle and fitness approaches and may associate our program with just food, nutrition and diet, which could adversely impact its popularity. 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 consumer demands, achieve market acceptance and keep pace with new nutritional, weight management, healthy living, 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. Additionally, new or enhanced services or products may not appeal to the market or the market’s perception of us. As we announce new articulations of our brands and we adopt new trademarks, the marketplace may not embrace or accept them and it may take time to build their reputation and goodwill, both with consumers and with our partners. Our future success also will depend, in part, on our ability to successfully distribute our services and products through appealing channels of distribution, such as mobile or social media. Our failure to develop new, innovative services and products and to enhance our existing services and products, the failure of our services, products or brands 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. 11 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 the weight management and healthy living marketplace 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 and healthy living marketplace and our position within that marketplace. For example, as the healthcare industry continues to evolve its response to the obesity epidemic so do the requirements, both regulatory and business, for providers. If we do not successfully meet these requirements, we may not be perceived as an appropriate partner for certain purposes. 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 consumer 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 or results of operations may be adversely affected. Our business depends on the effectiveness of our advertising and marketing programs, including the strength of our social media presence, 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 our Online products. Our ability to attract and retain members and subscribers depends significantly on the effectiveness of our advertising and marketing practices. From time-to-time, we use the success stories of our members and subscribers, and utilize brand ambassadors, spokespersons and social media influencers, including in some cases celebrities, in our advertising and marketing programs to communicate on a personal level with consumers. Actions taken by these individuals that harm their personal reputation or image, or include the cessation of using our services and products, could have an adverse impact on the advertising and marketing campaigns in which they are featured. We, and from time-to-time our brand ambassadors, spokespersons and social media influencers, 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 experiences, which could have an adverse impact on the effectiveness of our marketing in these channels. In addition, substantial negative commentary by others on social media platforms could have an adverse impact on our reputation and ability to attract and retain members and subscribers. If our advertising and marketing campaigns do not generate a sufficient number of members and subscribers, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be adversely affected. The Weight Watchers reputation could be impaired due to actions taken by our franchisees, licensees, suppliers and other partners. We believe that the Weight Watchers brands, including their widespread recognition and strong reputation and goodwill in the market, are one of our most valuable assets and they provide us with a competitive advantage. Our franchisees operate their businesses under our brands. In addition, we license the Weight Watchers trademarks 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 and services. We also sell through a variety of channels, including in our meeting rooms, food and non-food products manufactured by third-party suppliers. Our franchisees, licensees, suppliers and other partners are independent third parties with their own financial objectives, third-party relationships and brand associations. Actions taken by them, including violations of generally accepted ethical business practices or breaches of law or contractual obligations, such as not following our program or not maintaining our quality and safety standards, could harm our reputation. Also, Weight Watchers products may be subject to product recalls, brand confusion, litigation or other deficiencies, which could harm our brands. Any negative publicity associated with these actions or these third parties would adversely affect our reputation and may result in decreased recruitment, meeting attendance, Online product subscriptions and product sales and, as a result, lower revenues and profits. 12 Our substantial amount of debt and our debt service obligations could adversely affect our financial condition, and the restrictions of our debt covenants could impede our operations and flexibility. As of December 30, 2017, our total debt was $1,865.0 million. In addition, at December 30, 2017, we had $123.7 million available under our revolving credit facility. $1,565.0 million of our debt consists of variable-rate instruments so we are subject to the risk of higher interest rates. We seek to manage our exposure to interest rates through interest rate swaps. At the end of fiscal 2017, we had in effect an interest rate swap with a notional amount of $1.25 billion. Our high degree of debt leverage could have significant consequences, including the following: • • • • • • • • requiring a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness, therefore reducing our ability to use our cash flow to fund our operations, capital expenditures and future business opportunities; exposing us to the risk of increased interest rates because certain of our borrowings, including the borrowings under our credit facilities, are at variable rates of interest; making it more difficult for us to make payments and otherwise satisfy our obligations with respect to our indebtedness, and any failure to comply with the obligations of any of our debt instruments, including restrictive covenants and borrowing conditions, could result in an event of default; restricting our ability and flexibility to make strategic acquisitions and to take advantage of other strategic opportunities to grow our business funded by significant additional indebtedness or causing us to make non-strategic divestitures; limiting our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, product development, debt service requirements, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes; limiting our ability to adjust to changing market conditions and placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors who may be less leveraged or may have greater financial resources than us; increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions; and limiting, along with the financial and other restrictive covenants in our indebtedness, among other things, our ability to borrow additional funds on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. Our credit facilities and the indenture governing our notes permit us to incur additional indebtedness in the future. If we incur additional indebtedness, the risks we face as a result of our leverage could intensify. While there is no net debt to EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) leverage ratio maintenance requirement on the debt outstanding under our credit facilities, our credit facilities and the indenture governing our notes contain customary covenants for a non-investment grade company, including covenants that in certain circumstances restrict our ability to incur additional indebtedness and liens, pay dividends on and redeem capital stock, make investments, sell our assets and enter into acquisitions, mergers and transfers of all or substantially all of our assets, prepay subordinated debt and enter into transactions with affiliates, in each case subject to baskets, thresholds and other exceptions. Under the terms of our credit facilities, depending on our leverage ratio, we are obligated to offer to prepay our term loan facilities in an aggregate amount determined by our excess cash flow. In addition, our revolving credit facility includes a maintenance covenant that requires compliance with certain first lien secured net leverage ratios when the aggregate principal amount of all revolving loans plus available, undrawn letters of credit and unreimbursed letters of credit (subject to customary exceptions and thresholds) exceeds 33 1/3% of the amount of the lenders’ revolving commitments. Our failure to comply with these covenants could result in an acceleration of our debt, cause cross-defaults under our other debt, lead to the foreclosure on assets collateralizing secured debt (and the lenders of that secured debt would rank ahead of the holders of unsecured debt, including our notes, in the proceeds of those assets) and result in our lenders terminating all commitments to extend further credit. If our indebtedness is accelerated, we may not be able to repay our indebtedness, and we may not be able to borrow sufficient funds to refinance such indebtedness. Any such prepayment or refinancing could adversely affect our financial condition and liquidity. In addition, if we incur additional debt in the future, we may be subject to additional covenants, which may be more restrictive than those to which we are currently subject. 13 We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our debt and satisfy our other liquidity requirements. Our ability to make scheduled payments on or to refinance our debt obligations and to fund our planned capital expenditures and other ongoing liquidity needs 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. We have a term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $1,540.0 million due in November 2024, a revolving credit facility of $150.0 million due in November 2022 and $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of outstanding 8.625% senior notes due in December 2025. We expect to pay the principal and interest due on the term loan facility and our notes from a combination of our cash flows provided by operating activities and by opportunistically using other means to repay or refinance our obligations as we determine appropriate. There can be no assurance that we will maintain a level of cash flows provided by operating activities in an amount sufficient to permit us to pay the principal and interest on all of our outstanding debt. If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures, or to sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness. Our ability, if any, to restructure or refinance our debt will depend on the condition of the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. Any refinancing of our debt, if available on acceptable terms or at all, could be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations. The terms of existing or future debt instruments may restrict us from adopting some of these alternatives. In addition, any deterioration in our performance may result in a reduction of our credit rating, which could harm our ability to incur additional indebtedness or the ability to refinance our debt obligations on favorable terms or at all. 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, including cloud-based technology, that is either developed by us or licensed from or maintained by third parties to operate our websites, Online subscription product offerings and other services and products 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. The integrity of our technology may also be compromised as a result of third-party cyber-attacks, such as hacking, spear phishing campaigns and denial of service (DOS) attacks, which are increasingly negatively impacting companies. In addition, our operations depend on our ability to protect our information technology systems against damage from third-party cyber-attacks, fire, power loss, water, earthquakes, telecommunications failures and similar unexpected adverse events. Interruptions in our websites, services and products 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, interruptions or other problems, our services and products could be rendered unreliable or be perceived as unreliable by customers, which could result in harm to our reputation and brands. Any failure of our technology or systems could result in an adverse impact on our business. Our reputation and the appeal of our services and products may be harmed by security breaches or privacy concerns. Breaches of security, vandalism and other malicious acts, which are increasingly negatively impacting companies, could result in unauthorized access to proprietary or customer information or data, including credit card transaction data, or cause interruptions to our services and products. Such unauthorized access or interruptions could harm our reputation, expose us to liability claims and may result in the loss of existing or potential customers. We rely upon sophisticated information technology systems to operate our business. In the ordinary course of business, we collect, store and utilize confidential information (including, but not limited to, personal customer information and data), and it is critical that we do so in a secure manner to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of such confidential information as well as comply with applicable regulatory requirements and contractual obligations. 14 We also have outsourced significant elements of our information technology infrastructure and, as a result, we are managing many independent vendor relationships with third parties who may or could have access to our confidential information. The size and complexity of our information technology and information security systems, and those of our third-party vendors with whom we contract, make such systems potentially vulnerable to security breaches. While we have invested and developed systems and processes designed to protect such proprietary or customer information or data, there can be no assurance that our efforts will prevent service interruptions or security breaches. Many jurisdictions require that customers be notified if a security breach results in the disclosure of their personal financial account or other information, and additional jurisdictions 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. Prospective and existing customers and clients may have concerns regarding our use of private 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. These privacy concerns could keep customers and clients from using our websites or purchasing our services or products, and third parties from partnering with us. In addition, the transmission of computer viruses, or similar malware, could adversely affect our information technology 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. We may be required to recognize asset impairment charges for indefinite- and definite-lived assets. In accordance with GAAP (as defined hereafter), we perform impairment reviews of our indefinite-lived assets, which include franchise rights acquired and goodwill, on at least an annual basis or more often if events so require. We also continually evaluate whether current factors or indicators, such as the deterioration in relevant, country macroeconomic 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 (both at the global and local levels), might have a negative impact on the fair value of these assets. In fiscal 2017, we recorded a $13.3 million impairment charge for goodwill related to our Brazil reporting unit. We may incur additional impairment charges in the future, which would have an adverse impact on our results of operations. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies” in Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information. Additionally, we evaluate definite-lived assets, both tangible, which includes our physical plant and equipment, and intangible, which includes both internally developed and purchased software, for impairment by comparing the net realizable value of the asset to the carrying value of the capitalized cost. 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 definite-lived assets become impaired, there would also be an adverse impact on our results of operations. Loss of key personnel, strategic partners or consultants or failure to effectively manage and motivate our workforce could negatively impact our sales of services and products, business, financial condition and results of operations. We depend on senior management and other key personnel and consultants, and the loss of certain personnel or consultants could result in the loss of management continuity and institutional knowledge and negatively affect our brand image and goodwill. In October 2015, Ms. Winfrey and the Company entered into a long-term, strategic partnership, which included her making a substantial equity investment in the Company, joining our Board of Directors, providing certain consulting services and granting us the right to use her name and marks. Our ability to maintain our brand image and leverage the goodwill associated with Ms. Winfrey’s name may be damaged if we 15 were to lose her services or if the nature of our partnership changes. The loss of Ms. Winfrey’s services or partnership with us for any reason (including as a result of her death or disability), any negative market or industry perception with respect to her or her participation in the Company’s programs, or the failure by Ms. Winfrey to provide services in her discretion to promote the Company, our programs, services and products or to consult with us and participate in developing, planning, executing and enhancing our programs and related initiatives, all in accordance with our strategic partnership arrangements with her, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We also depend heavily upon our service providers to support our customers in their weight management efforts. If we fail to appropriately manage and motivate our service providers, we may not be able to adequately service our customers which could negatively impact our sales of services and products. Changes in factors such as overall unemployment levels, local competition for qualified personnel, prevailing wage rates and employment law, as well as rising employee benefits costs, including insurance in the areas in which we operate, could increase our labor costs and interfere with our ability to adequately retain qualified individuals to provide support to customers. Additionally, our inability to attract and retain qualified service providers could delay or hinder our successfully executing our strategic initiatives. The inability to renew certain of our licenses, or the inability to do so on terms that are favorable to us, could have a material adverse effect on our financial results. We have entered into licensing and endorsement relationships with numerous partners for the distribution and sale of certain products and services that are relevant and helpful to weight- and health-conscious consumers. These arrangements are typically for fixed terms, following which the parties decide whether to extend the term of the arrangement. There is no guarantee that we will reach mutually agreeable terms with our partners for extending an arrangement. Similarly, in those instances where a licensee enjoys the option to extend the term of a license as a result of having achieved certain conditions, there is no guarantee that the licensee will avail itself of such option. Our financial results could be materially adversely affected if we are unable to extend a licensing or endorsement arrangement, if we are unable to do so on terms favorable to us, or if we cannot locate a suitable alternative to an incumbent licensee who has decided not to renew its arrangement. Expiration or early termination by us of leases could have an adverse impact on our financial results. Our operations, including corporate headquarters and back-office and customer service operations, are located in leased office space and many of our meetings are held in leased space in retail centers. As leases expire, we may not be able to renew them on acceptable terms or secure suitable replacement locations. If we decide to relocate or close meeting locations before the expiration of the applicable lease term, we may incur payments to landlords to terminate or “buy out” the remaining term of the lease. Any of the above events could adversely impact our financial results. Our international operations expose us to regulatory, 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 U.S. and foreign 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 regulations may also restrict our ability to operate in some countries, acquire new businesses, recur bill our customers or repatriate cash from foreign subsidiaries back to the United States. If we expand our operations into additional foreign countries, we may be subject to additional risks, including the ability to successfully adapt to local culture and navigate regulatory, economic, political and social risks. 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. 16 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 U.S. 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 U.S. dollars and therefore, during times of a strengthening U.S. dollar, our reported international revenues and earnings will be reduced because the local currency will translate into fewer U.S. dollars. In addition, the assets and liabilities of our non-U.S. subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated into U.S. 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 and payables 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. For example, these changes had a negative impact on our fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2016 financial results. 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, Online product subscriptions and product sales. A downturn in general economic conditions or consumer confidence in any of our markets could result in people curtailing or reallocating their discretionary spending which, in turn, could reduce attendance at our meetings, Online product subscriptions and product sales. Any reduction in consumer spending may adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. 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 strategic initiatives, we may pursue selected acquisitions or joint ventures. We may not be able to effect these transactions on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Any future acquisitions or joint ventures may require access to additional capital, and we may not 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, technologies 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 an 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 an 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. 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 due to the seasonal nature of our business. Typically, the first quarter of the fiscal year, known as our winter season, is the most important quarter for recruitments. Given the subscription nature of our products, failure to realize recruitments during the winter season could negatively impact our performance for the remainder of the year. This 17 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. Any event that discourages or impedes people from gathering with others or accessing resources could adversely affect our business. Our business is subject to conditions beyond our control, including extreme weather, terrorism, health epidemics, loss of resources such as electricity and internet connections, national disasters and other extraordinary events, that may prevent or impede meeting attendance or accessing our Online products. The occurrence of any event that discourages people from gathering with others or impedes their ability to access our services and products could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. Third parties may infringe on our brands 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 brands. If we fail to successfully enforce our intellectual property rights, the value of our brands, 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 brands 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. These evolving legal standards may not 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. Outcomes of litigation or regulatory actions could adversely impact our financial condition. From time to time, we may be a party to lawsuits and regulatory actions relating to our business operations. For example, in the past, we have had disputes with our franchisees regarding operations and other contractual issues. Due to the inherent uncertainties of legal actions and regulatory proceedings, we cannot predict their outcomes with certainty. Therefore, it is possible that our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows could be adversely affected by the unfavorable resolution of one or more legal or regulatory actions. As we expand our wellness offerings, consumers may misconstrue our program as providing medical advice. As we clearly state in our consumer communications, most of our service providers do not have extensive training or certification in nutrition, diet or health fields beyond the training they receive from us. Despite our disclaimers, as more customers come to us seeking a healthy lifestyle, they may misperceive that our service providers are providing medical advice regarding weight loss and related topics. We may also be subject to claims that our service providers have provided inappropriate advice or have inappropriately referred or failed to refer customers to health care providers when needed. Regardless of the outcome of any legal action or regulatory proceeding, such actions and proceedings could result in substantial costs and may require that our management devote substantial time and resources to defend us. 18 For example, the previously disclosed adverse UK tax ruling relating to the self-employment status of our UK leaders resulted in an aggregate adverse charge of approximately $37.0 million. Our business is subject to legislative and regulatory restrictions. A number of laws and regulations govern our advertising and marketing, 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 and FDA, regulate and enforce such laws and regulations relating to advertising and marketing, promotions, packaging, 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 required us to comply with certain procedures and disclosures in connection with our advertisements of services and products and expired by its terms in 2017. We are subject to many distinct employment, labor, commercial, benefits and tax laws and regulations in each country in which we operate, including regulations affecting our employment and wage and hour practices and our relations with our employees and service providers. If we are required to comply with new laws or regulations or interpretations of existing laws and regulations that differ from our interpretations, 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 and taxation, continue to evolve. For example, a new general data protection regulation is expected to take effect in the European Union in 2018. If we are required to comply with new laws or regulations or interpretations of existing laws or regulations that differ from our interpretations, or if we are unable to comply with these laws, regulations or interpretations, our business and results of operations could be adversely affected. Future laws or regulations, including laws or regulations affecting our advertising and marketing 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. If we do not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, we could fail to report our financial results accurately. Effective internal control over financial reporting is necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports. In the past we have discovered, and in the future we may discover, areas of our internal control over financial reporting that need improvement. In the future, if we identify a control deficiency that rises to the level of a material weakness in our internal controls over financial reporting, this material weakness may adversely affect our ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information timely and accurately and, as a result, our financial statements may contain material misstatements or omissions. A material weakness is defined as a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. 19 Artal effectively controls us and may have conflicts of interest with other shareholders in the future. Artal effectively controls us and is effectively 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 reduce the value of an investment in our common stock. So long as Artal owns 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. In addition, Artal Luxembourg entered into a Voting Agreement with Ms. Winfrey on October 18, 2015, pursuant to which Ms. Winfrey has agreed to vote all of her shares of our common stock so as to elect such individuals designated as directors by Artal. 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. A group comprised of Artal and Ms. Winfrey 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 Board of Directors should have a nominating and corporate governance committee 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 meetings are typically held in third-party locations (usually meeting rooms in well-located civic or other community centers) or space leased in retail centers. 20 Our website and digital products and services are hosted on hardware and software co-located at a third-party facility in Massachusetts and by third-party cloud service providers with facilities in various locations around the United States. We also maintain a disaster recovery site with hardware and software co-located at a third-party facility in Arizona. Item 3. Legal Proceedings Raymond Roberts v. Weight Watchers International, Inc. On January 7, 2016, an OnlinePlus member filed a putative class action complaint against the Company in the Supreme Court of New York, New York County, asserting class claims for breach of contract and violations of the New York General Business Law. On February 5, 2016, the Company removed the case to the United States District Court, Southern District of New York. On March 18, 2016, the plaintiff filed an amended complaint, alleging that, as a result of the temporary glitches in the Company’s website and app in November and December 2015, the Company has: (1) breached its Subscription Agreement with its OnlinePlus members; and (2) engaged in deceptive acts and practices in violation of Section 350 of the New York General Business Law. The plaintiff is seeking unspecified actual, punitive and statutory damages, as well as his attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in connection with this action. The Company filed a motion to dismiss on May 6, 2016. The plaintiff filed his opposition papers on June 9, 2016 and the Company filed its reply papers on June 23, 2016. The Court granted the Company’s motion to dismiss on November 14, 2016. On November 16, 2016, the plaintiff filed a timely notice of appeal of the Court’s decision to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals and on January 31, 2017, the plaintiff filed his brief in support of appeal. The Company filed its opposition brief on April 5, 2017, and the plaintiff filed his reply brief on April 25, 2017. On October 25, 2017, the Second Circuit conducted oral arguments on the plaintiff’s appeal. On November 2, 2017, the Second Circuit issued its decision denying the plaintiff’s appeal and affirming the lower court’s dismissal of the case. The plaintiff had until November 16, 2017 to file a petition for a rehearing with the Second Circuit, or until January 31, 2018 to file a petition for appeal with the United States Supreme Court. The plaintiff failed to take either action, and the matter is now closed. Other Litigation Matters Due to the nature of the Company’s activities, it is also, at times, subject to pending and threatened legal actions, including patent and other intellectual property actions, that arise out of the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the disposition of any such matters is not expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. However, the results of legal actions cannot be predicted with certainty. Therefore, it is possible that the Company’s 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. 21 EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY Pursuant to General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K, certain of 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 30, 2017 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 Mindy Grossman ................................................................. Nicholas P. Hotchkin........................................................... Michael F. Colosi ................................................................ Stacey Mowbray.................................................................. Corinne Pollier(-Bousquet) ................................................. Raymond Debbane(1) ............................................................ Steven M. Altschuler, M.D.(1)(2)............................................ Philippe J. Amouyal(1) .......................................................... Cynthia Elkins(2)................................................................... Jonas M. Fajgenbaum.......................................................... Denis F. Kelly(2) ................................................................... Sacha Lainovic .................................................................... Thilo Semmelbauer ............................................................. Christopher J. Sobecki......................................................... Oprah Winfrey..................................................................... Age Position 60 President and Chief Executive Officer, Director 52 Chief Financial Officer 52 General Counsel and Secretary 55 President, Americas 53 President, International 62 Chairman of the Board of Directors 64 Director 59 Director 52 Director 45 Director 68 Director 61 Director 52 Director 59 Director 63 Director (1) Member of Compensation and Benefits Committee. (2) Member of Audit Committee. Mindy Grossman. Ms. Grossman has served as a director and our President and Chief Executive Officer since July 2017. Prior to joining us, she served as Chief Executive Officer of HSN, Inc., an interactive, multichannel retailer of fashion, household and lifestyle products, and a member of its Board of Directors from August 2008 to May 2017. Prior to joining HSN, she served as Chief Executive Officer of IAC Retailing, a business segment of HSN’s former parent company, IAC/InterActiveCorp, a media and internet company, from April 2006 to August 2008, and Global Vice President of Nike, Inc.’s apparel business from October 2000 to March 2006. Earlier in her career, Ms. Grossman held various other executive positions in the retail industry, including President and CEO of Polo Jeans Company, Vice President of New Business Development at Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation, President of Chaps Ralph Lauren, and Senior Vice President of Menswear for Warnaco, Inc. Ms. Grossman is a director of Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. and Fanatics, Inc. She also serves as Vice Chairman for UNICEF USA. Nicholas P. Hotchkin. Mr. Hotchkin has served as our Chief Financial Officer since August 2012. He served as a member of our Interim Office of the Chief Executive Officer from September 2016 to July 2017. 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. Michael F. Colosi. Mr. Colosi has served as our General Counsel and Secretary since May 2014. Prior to joining us, Mr. Colosi most recently served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc. (KCP), a multi-brand retail, wholesale and licensing company, from March 2007 to February 2014. His service as General Counsel and Secretary of KCP commenced in July 2000 and July 2004, respectively. He also served as Corporate Vice President of KCP from July 2000 to February 2007. Prior to joining 22 KCP, Mr. Colosi was Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary for The Warnaco Group, Inc., an international apparel company, from 1996 to 2000. Mr. Colosi received a B.A. in Economics and English from Cornell University and a J.D. from The University of Michigan Law School. Stacey Mowbray. Ms. Mowbray has served as our President, Americas since March 2016. Prior to that time, Ms. Mowbray served as President and General Manager of Weight Watchers Canada from November 2014 to March 2016. Prior to joining us, Ms. Mowbray was with Second Cup Ltd., a Canadian, publicly traded, specialty coffee business, where she served as Chief Executive Officer from May 2009 to February 2014 and President from February 2008 to May 2009. Prior to joining Second Cup Ltd., Ms. Mowbray was Chief Marketing Officer at Molson Coors Brewing Company and held various senior roles at Cara Operations Limited and PepsiCo Canada. Ms. Mowbray received a Bachelor of Business degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and an M.B.A. from the Schulich School of Business at York University. Corinne Pollier(-Bousquet). Ms. Pollier has served as our President, International since March 2016. Prior to that time, Ms. Pollier served as our President, Continental Europe & Australia-New Zealand from January 2014 to March 2016, our President, Continental Europe from May 2013 to January 2014, 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, from 1991 to 2003, 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 1991. Ms. Pollier holds a Masters in Management from the 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 Blue Buffalo Pet Products, Inc. He is also the Chief Executive Officer and a director of Artal Group S.A., and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of a number of private companies of which Artal or Invus, L.P. are shareholders. Mr. Debbane was previously a director of Ceres, Inc. Steven M. Altschuler, M.D. Dr. Altschuler has been a director since September 2012. Dr. Altschuler currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of Spark Therapeutics, Inc. He previously served as a consultant to the University of Miami Health Care System from September 2017 through December 2017, the Chief Executive Officer of University of Miami Health Care System and Executive Vice President for Healthcare at the University of Miami from January 2016 to September 2017, and the Chief Executive Officer of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) from April 2000 until June 2015. Prior to assuming the role of Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Altschuler held several positions at CHOP and the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, including Physician-in-Chief/ Chair of Pediatrics and chief of the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. Dr. Altschuler received a B.A. in mathematics and an M.D. from Case Western Reserve University. 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 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 Blue Buffalo Pet Products, Inc., as well as a number of private companies of which Artal or Invus, L.P. are shareholders. Cynthia Elkins. Ms. Elkins has been a director since March 2014. Since December 2017, Ms. Elkins has served as Chief Information Officer and Executive Vice President at Juno Therapeutics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company. Previously, Ms. Elkins served as Vice President of IT Americas from March 2011 through December 2016 and Senior Director of IT Enterprise Applications from December 2007 to February 2011 at Genentech, Inc., a biotechnology company and member of the Roche Group. Prior to joining Genentech, Ms. Elkins was Vice 23 President and General Manager of Supplier Solutions and Commerce Services at Ariba, Inc. and Vice President of Product Engineering at ATP Inc. Prior to that, she held various technology leadership positions at Aspect Telecommunications, VeriFone and Digital Equipment Corporation. Ms. Elkins received a B.S. in Applied Mathematics from the University of California, Los Angeles and an M.B.A. from Santa Clara University. 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. Denis F. Kelly. Mr. Kelly has been a director since May 2015. Mr. Kelly is affiliated with, and has served as a Managing Partner of, Scura Partners Securities LLC, a private investment banking firm which he co-founded, since 2001. From 1993 to 2001, he was a Managing Director of Prudential Securities Incorporated. Previously, he served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Denbrook Capital Corporation, a merchant banking firm, from 1991 to 1993. From 1980 to 1991, Mr. Kelly held various positions at Merrill Lynch, including Managing Director of Mergers and Acquisitions and Managing Director of Merchant Banking. Mr. Kelly began his investment banking career at Lehman Brothers in 1974. Mr. Kelly received a B.A. from Amherst College and an M.B.A. from the Wharton School of Business of the University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Kelly is also a director of MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc., where he serves as a member of the Audit Committee and the chairman of the Compensation Committee. Mr. Kelly previously served as a director of Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc., which is no longer a public company. 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. Thilo Semmelbauer. Mr. Semmelbauer has been a director since September 2016. He served as a member of our Interim Office of the Chief Executive Officer from September 2016 to July 2017. Since 2015, Mr. Semmelbauer has been a Venture Partner of Insight Venture Partners, a global private equity and venture capital firm. He has been involved in technology ventures for over 25 years. From 2010 to 2015, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Shutterstock, Inc., a global marketplace for licensing images, videos, and music to businesses worldwide. From 2009 to 2010, he served as Executive Vice President, Consumer Business, of TheLadders.com, a career management company. Mr. Semmelbauer was also Weight Watchers International, Inc.'s Global Chief Operating Officer from 2006 to 2008 and Chief Operating Officer for North America from 2004 to 2006, after serving as President and Chief Operating Officer of WeightWatchers.com from 2000 to 2004 when he was part of the founding team. He holds an A.B. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Dartmouth College and a dual M.S. in Management and Electrical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Christopher J. Sobecki. Mr. Sobecki has been a director since our acquisition by Artal Luxembourg on September 29, 1999. He served as a member of our Interim Office of the Chief Executive Officer from September 2016 to July 2017. Mr. Sobecki is a Managing Director of The Invus Group, LLC, which he joined in 1989. He received an M.B.A. from the 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. Oprah Winfrey. Ms. Winfrey has been a director since October 2015. Since January 2009, Ms. Winfrey has served as the Chairman of her cable network, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, taking on the role of Chief Executive Officer in July 2011. Previously, she founded Harpo, Inc. in 1986, under which she has launched numerous media and entertainment businesses, including O, The Oprah Magazine and Harpo Films, in addition to producing the award-winning talk show 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' for 25 years. Ms. Winfrey is a global media leader, philanthropist, producer and actress. She also has been serving as a member of the Smithsonian's advisory council since 2004. 24 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 2017 (Year ended December 30, 2017) First Quarter........................................................................................................ $ Second Quarter ................................................................................................... $ Third Quarter ...................................................................................................... $ Fourth Quarter .................................................................................................... $ 19.86 $ 34.22 $ 49.32 $ 54.47 $ High Low Fiscal 2016 (Year ended December 31, 2016) First Quarter........................................................................................................ $ Second Quarter ................................................................................................... $ Third Quarter ...................................................................................................... $ Fourth Quarter .................................................................................................... $ 23.42 $ 16.13 $ 12.58 $ 12.65 $ High Low 11.02 15.16 32.16 41.15 10.03 10.74 9.37 9.55 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 Sp. z o.o., Succursale de Luxembourg, or 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 2017. As of the end of fiscal 2017, $208.9 million remained available to purchase shares of our common stock under the repurchase program. Holders The approximate number of holders of record of our common stock as of February 1, 2018 was 220. This number does not include beneficial owners of our securities held in the name of nominees. Dividends We do not currently pay a dividend and we have no current plans to pay dividends in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to declare and pay dividends will be made at the sole discretion of our Board of Directors, after taking into account our financial condition and results of operations, capital requirements, contractual, legal, tax and regulatory restrictions, the provisions of Virginia law affecting the payment of distributions to shareholders and such other factors our Board of Directors may deem relevant. In addition, our ability to pay dividends may be limited by covenants in our existing indebtedness, including the New Credit Facilities (as defined below) and the indenture governing our notes, and may be limited by the agreements governing other indebtedness we or our subsidiaries incur in the future. 25 Stock Performance Graph The following graph sets forth the cumulative return on our common stock from December 28, 2012, the last trading day of our 2012 fiscal year, through December 29, 2017, the last trading day of our 2017 fiscal year, as compared to the cumulative return of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index, or the S&P 500 Index, and the cumulative return of the Standard & Poor’s MidCap 400 Index, or 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 generally comprised of issuers having a similar market capitalization with the Company at the times presented, 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 December 28, 2012 in each of (1) our common stock, (2) the S&P 500 Index and (3) the S&P MidCap 400 Index, and that all dividends were reinvested. $250.00 200.00 150.00 100.00 50.00 0.00 12.28.12 12.27.13 1.2.15 12.31.15 12.30.16 12.29.17 Weight Watchers International, Inc. S&P 500 Index S&P MidCap 400 Index Company/Index Weight Watchers International, Inc.................. S&P 500 Index.................................................. S&P MidCap 400 Index.................................... 12.28.12 100.00 100.00 100.00 12.27.13 65.10 134.11 134.98 1.2.15 42.84 153.03 148.78 12.31.15 45.37 155.18 145.65 12.30.16 22.78 173.74 175.86 12.29.17 88.10 211.67 204.42 Cumulative Total Return ($) 26 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 2017 (52 weeks) Revenues, net........................................................... $ 1,306.9 163.5 Net income attributable to the Company................. $ Working capital deficit (1) ....................................... $ (134.0) Total assets (1) .......................................................... $ 1,246.0 Long-term debt (1) .................................................... $ 1,740.6 Earnings per share: Fiscal 2016 (52 weeks) $ 1,164.9 67.7 $ $ (57.2) $ 1,271.0 $ 1,981.3 Fiscal 2015 (52 weeks) $ 1,164.4 $ 32.9 $ (151.7) $ 1,394.3 $ 1,996.4 Fiscal 2014 (53 weeks) $ 1,479.9 117.8 $ $ (29.7) $ 1,479.8 $ 2,244.9 Fiscal 2013 (52 weeks) $ 1,724.1 202.7 $ $ (54.6) $ 1,343.5 $ 2,318.4 Basic................................................................... $ Diluted................................................................ $ 2.54 2.40 $ $ 1.06 1.03 $ $ 0.56 0.56 $ $ 2.08 2.08 $ $ 3.61 3.60 Dividends declared per common share....................................................... $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 0.53 (1) Pursuant to the retrospective adoption in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 of the Financial Accounting Standards Board guidance on debt issuance costs and classification of deferred tax assets, the Company has reclassified unamortized debt issuance costs and deferred tax assets, respectively, in fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 from what had been previously reported. 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: Long-Term Debt During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, we incurred fees of $53.8 million in connection with the refinancing of $1,930.4 million of borrowings under our then-existing term loan facility. We wrote-off fees associated with this refinancing which resulted in the Company recording a charge of $10.5 million in early extinguishment of debt in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017. On April 1, 2016, we paid in full, with cash on hand, a principal amount of loans equal to $144.3 million, which constituted the entire remaining principal amount of loans outstanding under our then-existing tranche B-1 term facility due April 2, 2016. During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we wrote-off fees of $0.3 million, incurred fees of $0.6 million and recorded a gain on early extinguishment of debt of $4.7 million, inclusive of these fees, in connection with the prepayment of $65.6 million in aggregate principal amount of term loans outstanding under our then-existing tranche B-1 term facility. During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, we wrote-off fees of $0.3 million, incurred fees of $0.6 million and recorded a gain on early extinguishment of debt of $6.7 million, inclusive of these fees, in connection with our prepayment of $84.9 million in aggregate principal amount of term loans under our then- existing tranche B-1 term facility. During the third quarter of fiscal 2014, we wrote-off deferred financing fees of $1.6 million in connection with an amendment to our then-existing revolving credit facility. Concurrently with and in order to effect this amendment, we reduced the amount of our then-existing revolving credit facility from $250.0 million to $50.0 million. 27 During the second quarter of fiscal 2013, we incurred fees of $44.8 million in connection with the refinancing of $2,399.9 million of outstanding loans under our then-existing credit facilities. We wrote-off fees associated with this refinancing which resulted in our recording a charge of $21.7 million in early extinguishment of debt in the second quarter of fiscal 2013. For additional details on the New Credit Facilities entered into during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, 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. Early Extinguishment of Debt, Net Net income and earnings per fully diluted share, or EPS, for the full year of fiscal 2017 were impacted by a $10.5 million ($6.4 million after tax or $0.09 per fully diluted share) early extinguishment of debt charge recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 resulting from the write-off of fees in connection with our November 2017 debt refinancing, or the November 2017 debt refinancing. For additional details on this refinancing, 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. This charge was offset in part by a $1.6 million ($0.9 million after tax or $0.01 per fully diluted share) gain on early extinguishment of debt recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 in connection with the payment of an aggregate amount of cash proceeds totaling $73.0 million plus an amount sufficient to pay accrued and unpaid interest on the amount prepaid to prepay $75.5 million in aggregate principal amount of term loans under our then-existing tranche B-2 term facility. Net income and EPS for the full year of fiscal 2015 were impacted by an $11.4 million ($7.0 million after tax or $0.12 per fully diluted share) gain on early extinguishment of debt in connection with the payment of an aggregate amount of cash proceeds totaling $134.6 million plus an amount sufficient to pay accrued and unpaid interest on the amount prepaid to prepay $148.0 million in aggregate principal amount of term loans under our then- existing tranche B-1 term facility. Net income and 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 fiscal 2013 resulting from the write-off of fees in connection with our previously disclosed April 2013 debt refinancing. Net Tax Benefit In fiscal 2017, we recognized a $56.6 million, or $0.83 per fully diluted share, tax benefit due to the 2017 Tax Act (defined hereafter). We also recognized (i) an $11.6 million, or $0.17 per fully diluted share, tax benefit related to the cessation of operations of our Spanish subsidiary, (ii) a $3.7 million, or $0.05 per fully diluted share, tax benefit due to a change in estimate related to the availability of certain foreign tax credits and (iii) a $2.3 million, or $0.03 per fully diluted share, tax benefit related to the reversal of tax reserves resulting from an updated transfer pricing study. In fiscal 2016, we recognized (i) an $11.4 million, or $0.17 per fully diluted share, net tax benefit due to a research and development credit and a Section 199 deduction for the tax years 2012 through 2015 and (ii) a reversal of a $2.5 million, or $0.04 per fully diluted share, valuation allowance related to tax benefits for foreign losses that are now expected to be realized. These benefits were partially offset by a $2.0 million, or $0.03 per fully diluted share, tax expense for out-of-period adjustments in income taxes in the third quarter of fiscal 2016. In fiscal 2014, we recognized a $2.4 million, or $0.04 per fully diluted share, net tax benefit related to an intercompany loan write-off in connection with the closure of our China business, partially offset by the recognition of a valuation allowance related to tax benefits for foreign losses not expected to be realized. Impairment of Goodwill In fiscal 2017, we recorded a $13.3 million, or $0.20 per fully diluted share, impairment charge for goodwill related to our Brazil reporting unit. 28 Working Capital In fiscal 2017, the change in working capital was driven primarily by the November 2017 debt refinancing which resulted in higher debt repayments due in fiscal 2018 (increase in current portion of long-term debt). This, coupled with cash on hand used in connection with debt payments in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 and for such refinancing, increased our working capital deficit. In fiscal 2016, the change in working capital was driven primarily by the April 1, 2016 payment of a principal amount of loans equal to $144.3 million, which constituted the entire remaining principal amount of loans outstanding under our then-existing tranche B-1 term facility, and paying down in the aggregate the outstanding principal amount of $48.0 million on our then-existing revolving credit facility. In fiscal 2015, the change in working capital was driven in large part by the increase in short-term debt due within one year and the decline in cash resulting from the prepayment of debt during the fiscal year. The refinancing of our credit facilities in April 2013 resulted in much lower debt repayments in fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2014, which drove increases in cash in those years thereby lowering the working capital deficit. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Other comprehensive income, net of taxes, was $16.6 million in fiscal 2017 as compared to $10.6 million in fiscal 2016 primarily due to the positive mark to market of our interest rate swap and to a lesser extent the favorable impact of foreign currency translation adjustments. In fiscal 2017, due to hedge accounting, changes in other comprehensive income increased to $17.4 million ($10.6 million after tax) as compared to an increase of $11.8 million ($7.1 million after tax) in fiscal 2016. In addition, foreign currency translation adjustments favorably impacted results by $9.8 million ($6.0 million after tax) in fiscal 2017 as compared to a favorable impact of $5.6 million ($3.5 million after tax) in fiscal 2016 primarily due to the revaluation of intercompany receivables and payables. Other comprehensive income, net of taxes, was $10.6 million in fiscal 2016 as compared to other comprehensive loss, net of taxes, of $18.3 million in fiscal 2015 primarily due to the positive mark to market of our interest rate swap and to a lesser extent the favorable impact of foreign currency translation adjustments. In fiscal 2016, due to hedge accounting, changes in other comprehensive income increased to $11.8 million ($7.1 million after tax) as compared to a loss of $2.1 million ($1.3 million after tax) in fiscal 2015. In addition, foreign currency translation adjustments favorably impacted results by $5.6 million ($3.5 million after tax) in fiscal 2016 as compared to a loss of $27.8 million ($17.0 million after tax) in fiscal 2015 primarily due to the revaluation of intercompany receivables and payables. Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes, was $18.3 million in fiscal 2015 as compared to $28.9 million in fiscal 2014 primarily due to the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation adjustments and to a lesser extent the mark to market of our interest rate swap. In fiscal 2015, foreign currency translation adjustments unfavorably impacted results by $27.8 million ($17.0 million after tax) as compared to $19.2 million ($11.7 million after tax) in fiscal 2014 primarily due to the devaluation of the Euro, Canadian dollar, and the British Pound. In addition, due to hedge accounting, changes in other comprehensive loss decreased to $2.1 million ($1.3 million after tax) in fiscal 2015 as compared to $28.3 million ($17.3 million after tax) in fiscal 2014. Winfrey Transaction On October 19, 2015, pursuant to the Winfrey Purchase Agreement, we issued and sold to Ms. Winfrey an aggregate of 6.4 million shares of our common stock for an aggregate cash purchase price of $43.2 million. In consideration of Ms. Winfrey entering into the Strategic Collaboration Agreement and the performance of her obligations thereunder, on October 18, 2015, we granted Ms. Winfrey the Winfrey Option to purchase 3.5 million shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $6.97 per share, which remains outstanding in full. In fiscal 2015, net income and EPS were negatively impacted by expenses of $8.3 million after tax, or $0.14 per fully diluted share, in connection with the Winfrey Transaction. More specifically, we recorded compensation expense of $7.8 million after tax for the full value of the Winfrey Option in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 (based on the Black Scholes option pricing model), as well as $0.5 million after tax of expenses for legal, compliance and other fees in connection with the Winfrey Transaction. See “Item 1. Business—History—Winfrey Transaction” for additional details on the Winfrey Transaction. 29 Restructuring Charges In fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, we recorded $8.4 million ($5.1 million after tax or $0.09 per fully diluted share) and $11.8 million ($7.2 million after tax or $0.13 per fully diluted share) of charges, respectively, associated with the previously disclosed restructuring of our organization. Acquisition of Additional Equity Interest in Brazil and Gain on Brazil Acquisition Prior to March 12, 2014, the Company had owned 35% of Vigilantes do Peso Marketing Ltda., or VPM, a Brazilian limited liability partnership. On March 12, 2014, the Company acquired an additional 45% equity interest in VPM for a net purchase price of $14.2 million. VPM was converted into a joint-stock corporation prior to closing and subsequently operates as a subsidiary of the Company with rights to conduct typical business lines. As a result of the acquisition, the Company gained a direct controlling financial interest in VPM and began to consolidate this entity as of the date of acquisition. As a result of our Brazil acquisition, we adjusted our previously held equity interest to fair value of $11.0 million and recorded a charge of $0.5 million associated with the settlement of the royalty-free arrangement of the Brazilian partnership. The net effect of these items resulted in our recognizing a gain of $10.5 million ($6.4 million after tax or $0.11 per fully diluted share) in fiscal 2014. Acquisition of Wello On April 16, 2014, the Company acquired Knowplicity, Inc., d/b/a Wello, an online fitness and personal training company for a net purchase price of $9.0 million. Payment was in the form of common stock issued of $4.2 million and cash of $4.8 million. As a result of the acquisition, Wello became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and the Company began to consolidate the entity as of the date of acquisition. Acquisition of Weilos On March 11, 2015, the Company acquired for a purchase price of $6.7 million Weilos, Inc., or Weilos, a California-based startup with an online social platform. Payment was in the form of common stock issued of $2.8 million, restricted stock issued of $0.1 million and cash of $2.8 million plus cash in reserves of $1.0 million. As a result of the acquisition, Weilos became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and the Company began to consolidate the entity as of the date of acquisition. Franchisee Acquisitions The following are our acquisitions since the beginning of fiscal 2013: Acquisition of Miami Franchise. On June 27, 2016, we acquired substantially all of the assets of our franchisee for certain territories in South Florida, Weight Watchers of Greater Miami, Inc., for a purchase price of $3.3 million, or the Miami Acquisition. 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 $23.4 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. 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. 30 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 are a global wellness company and the world’s leading commercial weight management program. We are focused on inspiring people to adopt healthy habits and helping people lead healthier, more active and more fulfilling lives. With over 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. We educate our members and provide them with guidance and a supportive community to enable them to develop healthy habits for real life. Weight Watchers-branded services and products include meetings conducted by us and our franchisees, digital offerings provided through our websites, mobile sites and apps, consumer products sold at meetings and through our websites, licensed and endorsed products sold in retail channels and magazine subscriptions and other publications. Our primary sources of revenue are subscriptions for our commitment plans for Weight Watchers meetings and Online subscriptions. Our “meetings” business refers to providing access to combined meetings and digital offerings to our commitment plan subscribers (including Total Access subscribers), as well as access to meetings to our “pay-as-you-go” members and other meetings members. “Online” refers to Weight Watchers Online, Weight Watchers OnlinePlus, Personal Coaching and other digital subscription products. We operate in numerous countries around the world, including through our franchise operations. We have four reportable segments based on an integrated geographical structure as follows: North America, United Kingdom, Continental Europe (CE) and Other. See the section entitled “Business—Business Organization and Global Operations” in Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on these reportable segments and the countries in which we operate. U.S. Tax Reform On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “2017 Tax Act”) was enacted. The 2017 Tax Act made significant changes to the Federal tax code, including a reduction in the Federal corporate statutory rate from 35% to 21%. The 2017 Tax Act also made changes to the Federal taxation of foreign earnings, to the timing of recognition of certain revenue and expenses, and the deductibility of certain business expenses. During 2018, the Company will continue to gain a more thorough understanding of the 2017 Tax Act and additional regulatory guidance that may be issued. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, we recorded a net tax benefit of $56.6 million in connection with the 2017 Tax Act. This net tax benefit is principally due to the remeasurement of our net deferred tax liabilities. See Note 12 of our audited consolidated financial statements, contained in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on the financial statement impact of the 2017 Tax Act. K Components of our Results of Operations Revenues We derive our revenues principally from: • Service Revenues. Our “Service Revenues” consist of “Meeting Fees” and “Online Subscription Revenues”. “Meeting Fees” consist of the fees associated with our subscription plans for combined meetings and digital offerings and other payment arrangements for access to meetings. “Online Subscription Revenues” consist of the fees associated with subscriptions for our Online subscription products, including our Personal Coaching product. 31 • • In-meeting product sales. We sell a range of consumer products, including bars, snacks, cookbooks, food and restaurant guides with SmartPoints values and Weight Watchers magazines, and certain third- party products. Licensing, franchise royalties and other. We license the Weight Watchers trademarks and our other intellectual property in certain categories of food, beverages and other relevant consumer products and services. We also endorse carefully selected branded consumer products and services. 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 other revenues including revenues from sales of products to members online, magazine subscriptions, publishing and third-party advertising in our publications and on our website and sales from the By Mail product. The following table sets forth our revenues by category for the past three fiscal years. Revenue Sources (in millions) Fiscal 2015 937.4 Service Revenues......................................................... $ 1,081.7 $ 127.3 137.9 In-meeting product sales.............................................. Licensing, franchise royalties and other ...................... 99.7 87.3 Total............................................................................. $ 1,306.9 $ 1,164.9 $ 1,164.4 949.1 $ 125.5 90.3 Fiscal 2017 Fiscal 2016 Note: Totals may not sum due to rounding. From fiscal 2015 through fiscal 2017, our revenues increased at a compound annual rate of 5.9% driven primarily by an increase in Service Revenues. Additional revenue details are as follows: • • • Service Revenues. Service Revenues increased at a compound annual rate of 7.4% from fiscal 2015 through fiscal 2017 due to an increase in Total Paid Weeks. Total Paid Weeks increased as a result of year-over-year recruitment growth and a higher number of End of Period Subscribers, in each case on a year-over-year basis. Led by our North America business, recruitment growth in fiscal 2016 was driven by the successful launch of our Beyond the Scale program, coupled with the successful response to our advertising, including television advertising featuring Ms. Winfrey in certain key markets. In fiscal 2017, recruitment growth continued in North America and expanded to all of our other major markets. In addition, member retention improved across all our major markets. Recruitment and retention continue to be a key strategic focus. In-meeting product sales. In-meeting product sales increased at a compound annual rate of 4.1% from fiscal 2015 through fiscal 2017. This increase was driven primarily by an increase in the number of our meeting subscribers. Licensing, franchise royalties and other. All other revenues were down 6.4% on a compound annual rate from fiscal 2015 through fiscal 2017. This decline was driven primarily by licensing revenues which declined at a compound annual rate of 26.0% from fiscal 2015 through fiscal 2017. Our licensing business was negatively impacted by increased competition in the category. This decline was offset in part by an increase of 8.0% on a compound annual growth rate in revenues from our franchisees during this period, largely driven by market performance. 32 Cost of Revenues Total cost of revenues primarily consists of expenses to operate our meetings, costs to sell products in our meeting rooms and online and costs to operate our websites and Online products. Operating costs primarily consist of salary, commissions and expenses paid to our service providers, salary expense of field staff, meeting room rent, customer service costs (both in-house and third-party), program material expenses, depreciation and amortization associated with field automation, credit card and fulfillment fees and training and other expenses incurred to support our field organization. Operating costs also include costs associated with our 24/7 Expert Chat and Personal Coaching offerings. Cost to sell products includes costs of products purchased from our third-party suppliers, inventory reserves, royalties, and inbound and outbound shipping and related costs incurred in making our products available for sale or use. Costs to operate our websites include salaries and related benefits, depreciation and amortization of website development, credit card processing fees and other costs incurred in developing our digital offerings. Marketing Expenses Marketing expenses primarily consist of costs to produce advertising and marketing materials as well as media costs to advertise our brand and products on television, on the Internet, on the radio and in print, costs paid to third- party agencies who help us develop our marketing campaigns and strategy, expenses in support of market research, as well as costs incurred in connection with local marketing and promotions. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of compensation, benefits and other related costs, including stock-based compensation, third-party consulting, temp help, audit, legal and litigation expenses as well as facility costs and depreciation and amortization of systems in support of the business infrastructure and head offices globally. Selling, general and administrative expenses also include amortization expense of certain of our intangible assets and certain one-time transaction expenses. Gross Margin The following table sets forth our gross profit and gross margin for the past three fiscal years, as adjusted to exclude the impact of charges from our previously disclosed 2015 restructuring plan: (in millions except percentages) Gross Profit ..................................................... Gross Margin ............................................. $ 692.6 $ 53.0% 585.5 $ 50.3% 574.1 49.3% 2017 2016 2015 Adjustments to Reported Amounts (1) Restructuring charges........................... Gross Profit, as adjusted (1) ............................. $ — 692.6 $ — 585.5 $ 1.5 575.6 Gross Margin impact from above adjustments (1) .......................................... Gross Margin, as adjusted (1) ..................... 0.0% 53.0% 0.0% 50.3% (0.1%) 49.4% Note: Totals may not sum due to rounding. (1) The “As adjusted” measure is a non-GAAP financial measure that adjusts the consolidated statements of net income for fiscal 2015 to exclude the impact of the $1.5 million of restructuring charges associated with our previously disclosed 2015 restructuring plan. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for an explanation of our use of non-GAAP financial measures. In fiscal 2016, the gross margin increase from fiscal 2015 was driven primarily by declining operating expenses and increased leverage driven by higher revenues in the meetings business partially offset by a decline in licensing revenues. 33 In fiscal 2017, the gross margin increase from fiscal 2016 was driven primarily by improved operating leverage and a mix shift to the higher margin Online business. This expansion was partially offset by lower revenues in our high margin licensing business. Operating Income Margin The following table sets forth our Operating Income for the past three fiscal years, as adjusted to exclude the impairment charge for goodwill related to our Brazil reporting unit and the impact of our previously disclosed 2015 restructuring plan and the expenses associated with the Winfrey Transaction: (in millions except percentages) Operating Income............................................ Operating Income Margin.......................... $ 267.3 $ 20.5% 200.8 $ 17.2% 168.1 14.4% 2017 2016 2015 Adjustments to Reported Amounts (1) Goodwill impairment ........................... Restructuring charges........................... Winfrey Transaction Expenses ............ $ Operating Income, as adjusted (1).................... Operating Income Margin impact from above adjustments (1) ............................... Operating Income Margin, as adjusted (1) ........................................................................ 13.3 — — 280.6 $ — — — 200.8 $ — 8.4 13.6 190.1 (1.0%) 0.0% (1.9%) 21.5% 17.2% 16.3% Note: Totals may not sum due to rounding. (1) The “As adjusted” measure is a non-GAAP financial measure that adjusts the consolidated statements of net income as follows: (i) with respect to fiscal 2017, to exclude the $13.3 million goodwill impairment charge related to our Brazil reporting unit and (ii) with respect to fiscal 2015, to exclude the impact of the $8.4 million of restructuring charges associated with our previously disclosed fiscal 2015 restructuring plan and the $13.6 million of expenses associated with the Winfrey Transaction, which includes $12.8 million of stock compensation related to the Winfrey Option. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for an explanation of our use of non-GAAP financial measures. In fiscal 2016, the increase in operating income margin from fiscal 2015 was primarily the result of the decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue, higher gross margin, and a decrease in marketing expense as a percentage of revenue. Excluding expenses associated with the Winfrey Transaction in fiscal 2015 and the previously disclosed 2015 restructuring charges, selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue increased in fiscal 2016 versus the prior year primarily due to higher compensation and incentive related costs and higher professional fees partially offset by lower technology related expenses. In fiscal 2017, the increase in operating income margin from fiscal 2016 was driven by an increase in gross margin and a decrease in marketing expenses as a percentage of revenue, both as compared to the prior year. Material Trends Performance Indicators 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: • Revenues—Our “Service Revenues” consist of “Meeting Fees” and “Online Subscription Revenues”. “Meeting Fees” consist of the fees associated with our subscription plans for combined meetings and digital offerings and other payment arrangements for access to meetings. “Online Subscription Revenues” consist of the fees associated with subscriptions for our Online subscription products, including our Personal Coaching product. In addition, “product sales and other” consists of sales of products to members in meetings and online, revenues from licensing, magazine subscriptions, publishing and third-party advertising in publications and on our website and sales from the By Mail product, other revenues, and, in the case of the consolidated financial results and Other reportable segment, franchise fees with respect to commitment plans and commissions; 34 • • • • Paid Weeks—The “Paid Weeks” metric reports paid weeks by Weight Watchers customers in Company-owned operations for a given period as follows: (i) “Meeting Paid Weeks” is the sum of total paid commitment plan weeks (including Total Access) and total “pay-as-you-go” weeks; (ii) “Online Paid Weeks” is the total paid subscription weeks for our digital subscription products (including Personal Coaching); and (iii) “Total Paid Weeks” is the sum of Meeting Paid Weeks and Online Paid Weeks; Incoming Subscribers—“Subscribers” refer to meetings members and Online subscribers who participate in recurring billing programs. The “Incoming Subscribers” metric reports Weight Watchers subscribers in Company-owned operations at a given period start as follows: (i) “Incoming Meeting Subscribers” is the total number of Weight Watchers commitment plan subscribers (including Total Access); (ii) “Incoming Online Subscribers” is the total number of Weight Watchers Online, Weight Watchers OnlinePlus and Personal Coaching subscribers; and (iii) “Incoming Subscribers” is the sum of Incoming Meeting Subscribers and Incoming Online Subscribers. Recruitment and retention are key drivers for this metric; End of Period Subscribers—The “End of Period Subscribers” metric reports Weight Watchers subscribers in Company-owned operations at a given period end as follows: (i) “End of Period Meeting Subscribers” is the total number of Weight Watchers commitment plan subscribers (including Total Access); (ii) “End of Period Online Subscribers” is the total number of Weight Watchers Online, Weight Watchers OnlinePlus and Personal Coaching subscribers; and (iii) “End of Period Subscribers” is the sum of End of Period Meeting Subscribers and End of Period Online Subscribers. Recruitment and retention are key drivers for this metric; and Gross profit and operating expenses as a percentage of revenue. Market Trends We believe that our revenues and profitability can be sensitive to major trends in the wellness and weight management industries. In particular, we believe that our business could be adversely impacted by: • • • • • • • • increased competition from hardware and software-based mobile app and web-based programs and approaches; the development of more effective or more favorably perceived weight management methods, including pharmaceuticals; a failure to develop and market new, innovative services and products or to successfully expand into new channels of distribution or respond to consumer trends, including consumer focus on integrated lifestyle and fitness approaches; a failure to successfully implement new strategic initiatives; a decrease in the effectiveness of our marketing, advertising, and social media programs; an impairment of the Weight Watchers brands 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. North America Metrics and Business Trends In fiscal 2015, North America Total Paid Weeks declined 20.9%, driven by a decline in both Online Paid Weeks of 22.6% and Meeting Paid Weeks of 18.8%, versus the prior year. The decline in North America Total Paid Weeks primarily resulted from the lower number of Incoming Subscribers at the beginning of fiscal 2015 versus the beginning of fiscal 2014 as well as from lower recruitments in fiscal 2015 versus the prior year. In response to weakening recruitment trends in early fiscal 2015, North America introduced new advertising and promotions. Although recruitments remained lower year-over-year in fiscal 2015, the year-over-year recruitment trend in the second and third quarters of fiscal 2015 improved as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2015, benefitting from these actions. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, following the announcement of our partnership with Ms. Winfrey in October and our early December launch of our Beyond the Scale program through the end of the fiscal 2015, recruitments increased as compared to the same period in the prior year. 35 In fiscal 2016, North America Total Paid Weeks increased 9.2% versus the prior year. The increase in North America Total Paid Weeks primarily resulted from higher recruitments in each quarter of fiscal 2016 versus the comparable prior year quarter. This increase in recruitments was driven by the successful launch of our Beyond the Scale program, which included the launch of SmartPoints, in late fiscal 2015 and to a lesser extent increased promotional activities. This launch, coupled with the successful response to our strategic collaboration with Ms. Winfrey, drove momentum in our North America business. In fiscal 2017, North America Total Paid Weeks increased 18.4% versus the prior year. The increase in North America Total Paid Weeks was driven by both the higher number of Incoming Subscribers at the beginning of fiscal 2017 versus the beginning of fiscal 2016 and higher recruitments in fiscal 2017 versus the prior year. The higher recruitments were a continuation of the positive trend which began in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015. This recruitment increase was further accelerated by the successful launch of our WW Freestyle program in late fiscal 2017. United Kingdom Metrics and Business Trends In fiscal 2015, UK Total Paid Weeks declined 14.3% versus the prior year. Total Paid Weeks performance in fiscal 2015 was driven by the lower number of Incoming Subscribers at the beginning of fiscal 2015 versus the beginning of fiscal 2014 coupled with lower recruitments in fiscal 2015 as compared to the prior year. In fiscal 2016, UK Total Paid Weeks declined 5.0% versus the prior year. Total Paid Weeks performance in fiscal 2016 was driven by the lower number of Incoming Subscribers at the beginning of fiscal 2016 versus the beginning of fiscal 2015 coupled with lower recruitments, primarily in the meetings business in fiscal 2016 as compared to the prior year reflecting the impact of a direct competitor. In fiscal 2017, UK Total Paid Weeks increased 6.4% versus the prior year. Total Paid Weeks performance in fiscal 2017 was driven primarily by recruitment strength in our Online business. Continental Europe Metrics and Business Trends In fiscal 2015, Continental Europe Total Paid Weeks declined 8.0% versus the prior year. Although recruitments in fiscal 2015 remained lower year-over-year, the year-over-year recruitment trend in the second, third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2015 in Continental Europe improved as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2015 driven by the use of new promotional tactics and the Beyond the Scale program launch in early December 2015. In fiscal 2016, Continental Europe Total Paid Weeks declined 0.2% versus the prior year, driven by a decline in Meeting Paid Weeks of 5.1% partially offset by an increase in Online Paid Weeks of 2.4% versus the prior year. This decline in Meeting Paid Weeks was driven by the lower number of Incoming Meeting Subscribers at the start of fiscal 2016 versus the start of fiscal 2015 coupled with lower meeting recruitments in fiscal 2016 as compared to the prior year. The increase in Online Paid Weeks was driven by improved recruitments in the Online business in fiscal 2016 versus the prior year. In fiscal 2017, Continental Europe Total Paid Weeks increased 20.4% versus the prior year, driven by the higher number of Incoming Subscribers at the beginning of fiscal 2017 versus the beginning of fiscal 2016, improved retention in fiscal 2017 versus the prior year and recruitment strength in our Online business in fiscal 2017 versus the prior year. 36 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. Gross profit and gross profit margin, operating income and operating income margin, total cost of revenues, and selling, general and administrative expenses, 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), as applicable, as follows: (i) with respect to fiscal 2017 to exclude the impairment charge for our goodwill related to the Brazil reporting unit; and (ii) with respect to fiscal 2015 to exclude the impact of charges associated with our previously disclosed plan to restructure our organization and to exclude the impact of expenses associated with the Winfrey Transaction. We generally refer to such non-GAAP measures as excluding or adjusting for the impact of the goodwill impairment charge, expenses associated with the Winfrey Transaction and the restructuring charges. We also present within this Annual Report on Form 10-K the non-GAAP financial measures earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation (“EBITDAS”), earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation and goodwill impairment (“Adjusted EBITDAS”) and net debt. See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—EBITDAS and Adjusted EBITDAS” for the calculations. Our management believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful 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 non-GAAP 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 in certain cases 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 and are not meant to be considered in isolation. 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. 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. 37 Revenue Recognition We earn revenue by conducting meetings, for which we charge a fee, predominantly through commitment plans, prepayment plans or the “pay-as-you-go” arrangement. We also earn revenue from subscriptions for our Online products, selling products in our meetings, online and to our franchisees, collecting commissions from franchisees, collecting royalties related to licensing agreements, selling magazine subscriptions, publishing, selling advertising space on our websites and in copies of our publications, and By Mail product sales. Commitment plans, prepaid meeting fees and magazine subscription revenue is recorded to deferred revenue and amortized into revenue over the period earned. Online Subscription Revenues are recognized over the period that products are provided. One-time Online sign-up fees are deferred and recognized over the expected customer relationship period. Online Subscription Revenues that are paid in advance are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the subscription period. Revenue from “pay-as-you-go” meeting fees, product sales, By Mail, commissions and royalties is recognized when services are rendered, products are sold or shipped to customers and title and risk of loss pass to the customers, and commissions and royalties are earned, respectively. Revenue from advertising in magazines is recognized when advertisements are published. Revenue from magazine sales is recognized when the magazine is sent to the customer. In the meetings business, we generally charge non-refundable registration and starter fees in exchange for an introductory information session and materials we provide to new members. Revenue from these registration and starter fees is recognized when the service and products are provided, which is generally at the same time payment is received from the customer. For revenue transactions that involve multiple deliverables, the amount of revenue recognized is determined using the relative fair value of each element, which is generally based on each element’s stand-alone selling price. Discounts to customers, including free registration offers, are recorded as a deduction from gross revenue in the period such revenue was recognized. Revenue from advertising on our websites is recognized when the advertisement is viewed by the user. 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 over the same period. Goodwill and Franchise Rights Acquired Impairment Test In fiscal 2016, we changed the timing of our annual impairment review of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets to the first day of fiscal May. Previously, we had performed the test as of the last day of our fiscal year. We determined this accounting change was preferable because it allows us to consider the data from the winter season results from the first fiscal quarter. This quarter typically represents approximately 40% of the full year recruitments, and the accounting change allows us to incorporate this data into the current and future year performance estimates. We believe the resulting change in accounting principle related to changing the annual impairment testing date did not delay, accelerate, or avoid an impairment charge. We review goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, including franchise rights acquired with indefinite lives, for potential impairment on at least an annual basis or more often if events so require. We performed fair value impairment testing as of May 7, 2017 and May 8, 2016, each the first day of fiscal May, on our goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets. In performing our goodwill impairment analysis for our reporting units for fiscal 2017, fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 no impairment was identified as the respective fair values of each reporting unit exceeded its carrying value. Given the ongoing challenging economic environment in Brazil and the negative performance trends and our reduced expectations regarding the future impact of our business growth strategies in the country, a triggering event in the Brazil reporting unit was identified which required us to perform an interim goodwill impairment analysis. Based on this interim test, we determined that the carrying amount of this reporting unit exceeded its fair value and therefore recorded a $13.3 million impairment charge. In performing the impairment analysis for our franchise rights acquired with indefinite lives for fiscal 2017, fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, we determined that the carrying amounts of these units of account did not exceed their respective fair values and therefore no impairment existed. 38 With respect to our impairment analysis, a change in the underlying assumptions would cause a change in the results of the impairment assessments and, as such, could result in an impairment of those assets, 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 they are appropriate. In performing our annual impairment analysis, we also considered the trading value of both our equity and debt. If the trading values of both our equity and debt were to significantly decline from their current levels, we may have to take an impairment charge at the appropriate time, which could be material. For additional information on risks associated with our recognizing asset impairment charges, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors”. The following is a more detailed discussion of our goodwill and franchise rights acquired impairment analysis. Goodwill 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. The values of goodwill in the United States, Canada, Brazil and other countries at December 30, 2017 were $97.8 million, $42.6 million, $5.4 million and $10.5 million, respectively. Based on the results of our annual impairment test performed for all of our reporting units except for Brazil, as of December 30, 2017, we estimated that for reporting units that hold approximately 96.6% of our goodwill, those units had a fair value at least 50% higher than the respective reporting unit’s carrying amount. Based on the results of our interim impairment test performed on December 30, 2017 and after recording an impairment charge of $13.3 million, our Brazil reporting unit held 3.4% of our goodwill, and the fair value of this reporting unit was equivalent to its carrying value. For all of our reporting units except for Brazil (see below), we estimated future cash flows by utilizing the historical debt-free cash flows (cash flows provided by operating activities less capital expenditures) attributable to that country and then applied expected future operating income growth rates for such country. We utilized operating income as the basis for measuring our potential growth because we believe it is the best indicator of the performance of our business. We then discounted the estimated future cash flows utilizing a discount rate which was calculated using the average cost of capital, which included the cost of equity and the cost of debt. The cost of equity was determined by combining a risk-free rate of return and a market risk premium for the Company’s peer group. The risk-free rate of return was determined based on the average rate of long-term U.S. Treasury securities. The market risk premium was determined by reviewing external market data. The cost of debt was determined by estimating our current borrowing rate. The following are the more significant assumptions utilized in our annual impairment analysis (except for Brazil) for fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016: Debt-Free Cumulative Annual Cash Flow Growth Rate................................. Discount Rate........................................... 3.6% to 4.1% 3.1% to 4.9% 8.9% 9.4% July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 39 As it relates to our impairment analysis for Brazil, we estimated future debt free cash flows in contemplation of our growth strategies for that market. In developing these projections, we considered the historical impact of similar growth strategies in other markets as well as the current market conditions in Brazil. We then discounted the estimated future cash flows utilizing a discount rate which was calculated using the average cost of capital, which included the cost of equity and the cost of debt. The cost of equity was determined by combining a risk-free rate of return and a market risk premium for the Company’s peer group. The risk-free rate of return was determined based on the average rate of long-term U.S. Treasury securities. The market risk premium was determined by reviewing external market data including the current economic conditions in Brazil and the country specific risk thereon. A further risk premium was included to reflect the risk associated with the rate of growth projected in the analysis, except for the interim test at December 30, 2017, which projected significantly lower growth rates. The cost of debt was determined by estimating the Company’s current borrowing rate. The following are the more significant assumptions utilized in our interim and our annual impairment analysis for Brazil for fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016: Cumulative Annual Revenue Cash Flow Growth Rate .................................................................... Average Operating Income Margin ...................... Average Operating Income Margin Range ........... Discount Rate ........................................................ December 30, 2017 16.8% (0.4%) (16.3%) to 13.8% 17.0% July 1, 2017 July 2, 2016 19.4% 18.6% (10.8%) to 31.0% 16.9% 19.0% 20.0% (6.9%) to 31.0% 16.8% Franchise Rights Acquired Finite-lived franchise rights acquired are amortized over the remaining contractual period, which is generally less than one year. In performing the impairment analysis for our indefinite-lived 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 for our franchise rights related to our meetings business and a relief from royalty methodology for our franchise rights related to our Online business. The aggregate estimated fair value for these rights is then compared to the carrying value of the unit of account for those franchise rights. We have determined the appropriate unit of account for purposes of assessing impairment to be the combination of the rights in the meetings and Online businesses in the country in which the acquisitions have occurred. The values of these franchise rights in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand at December 30, 2017 were $671.9 million, $57.5 million, $12.7 million, $7.0 million, and $5.0 million, respectively. Based on the results of our fiscal 2017 annual impairment analysis, we estimated that approximately 100.0% of our franchise rights acquired had a fair value at least 40% higher than their carrying amount. In our hypothetical start-up approach analysis for fiscal 2017, we assumed that the year of maturity was reached after 7 years. Subsequent to the year of maturity, we estimated future cash flows for the meetings business in each country based on assumptions regarding revenue growth and operating income margins. The cash flows associated with the Online business were based on the expected Online revenue for such country and the application of a market-based royalty rate. The cash flows for the meetings and Online businesses were discounted utilizing rates consistent with those utilized in the goodwill impairment analysis. In performing this impairment analysis for fiscal 2017, for the year of maturity we assumed meeting room revenue (comprised of Meeting Fees and revenues from products sold to members in meetings) growth of 16.2% to 58.3% in the year of maturity from fiscal 2016, in each case, earned in the applicable country and assumed cumulative annual revenue growth rates for the years beyond the year of maturity of 1.9%. For the year of maturity and beyond, we assumed operating income margin rates of 7.1% to 22.5%. Information concerning significant accounting policies affecting us is set forth in note 2 of our audited consolidated financial statements, contained in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 40 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR FISCAL 2017 (52 weeks) COMPARED TO FISCAL 2016 (52 weeks) The table below sets forth selected financial information for fiscal 2017 from our consolidated statements of net income for fiscal 2017 versus selected financial information for fiscal 2016 from our consolidated statements of net income for fiscal 2016. Summary of Selected Financial Data (In millions, except per share amounts) Fiscal 2017 Fiscal 2016 Increase/ (Decrease) % Change % Change Constant Currency Revenues, net ................................................. $ Cost of revenues............................................. 1,306.9 614.3 $ 1,164.9 579.4 $ 142.0 34.9 12.2% 6.0% 12.1% 6.0% Gross profit............................................... Gross Margin % ....................................... 692.6 53.0% 585.5 50.3% 107.1 18.3% 18.1% Marketing expenses ....................................... Selling, general & administrative expenses ... Goodwill impairment ..................................... Operating income ..................................... Operating Income Margin % ................... 200.8 211.2 13.3 267.3 20.5% 194.4 190.3 — 200.8 17.2% 6.4 20.9 13.3 66.5 3.3% 11.0% 100.0% 33.1% 3.5% 10.8% 100.0% 32.5% Interest expense.............................................. Other expense, net.......................................... Early extinguishment of debt, net .................. Income before income taxes..................... 112.8 0.5 9.0 145.1 (Benefit from) provision for income taxes..... Net income ............................................... Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest......................................................... (18.2) 163.3 0.2 115.2 1.5 — 84.1 16.6 67.5 0.2 (2.4) (1.0) 9.0 61.0 (2.1%) 69.0% (2.1%) 69.0% 100.0% 100.0% 72.5% 70.9% (34.9) 95.8 (100.0%) (100.0%) 100.0% 100.0% 0.0 (4.5%) (13.3)% Net income attributable to Weight Watchers International, Inc. .................. $ 163.5 $ 67.7 $ 95.8 100.0% 100.0% Weighted average diluted shares outstanding.................................................. Diluted earnings per share ............................. $ Note: Totals may not sum due to rounding. 68.2 2.40 $ 65.9 1.03 $ 2.4 1.37 3.6% 3.6% 100.0% 100.0% 41 Certain results for fiscal 2017 are adjusted to exclude the $13.3 million impairment charge for goodwill related to our Brazil reporting unit. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” above. The table below sets forth a reconciliation of certain of those components of our selected financial data for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017 which have been adjusted. (in millions except percentages) Fiscal 2017 ......................................................................................................... $ Adjustments to Reported Amounts (1) Goodwill impairment .................................................................................... Total Adjustments (1)................................................................................ Fiscal 2017, as adjusted (1) ................................................................................ $ Operating Income Operating Income Margin 267.3 20.5% 13.3 13.3 280.6 21.5% Note: Totals may not sum due to rounding. (1) The “As adjusted” measure is a non-GAAP financial measure that adjusts the consolidated statements of net income for fiscal 2017 to exclude the $13.3 million impairment charge for goodwill related to our Brazil reporting unit. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” above for an explanation of our use of non-GAAP financial measures. Consolidated Results Revenues Revenues in fiscal 2017 were $1,306.9 million, an increase of $142.0 million, or 12.2%, versus fiscal 2016. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, which positively impacted our revenues for fiscal 2017 by $1.4 million, revenues in fiscal 2017 would have increased 12.1% versus the prior year. This increase was driven by revenue growth, on a constant currency basis, in all major markets. See “—Segment Results” for additional details on revenues. Cost of Revenues and Gross Profit Total cost of revenues in fiscal 2017 increased $34.9 million, or 6.0%, versus the prior year. Gross profit increased $107.1 million, or 18.3%, in fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016 primarily due to the increase in revenues. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, which positively impacted gross profit for fiscal 2017 by $1.3 million, gross profit in fiscal 2017 would have increased 18.1% versus the prior year. Gross margin in fiscal 2017 increased 2.7% to 53.0% versus 50.3% in fiscal 2016. Gross margin expansion was driven primarily by improved operating leverage and a mix shift to the higher margin Online business. This expansion was partially offset by lower revenues in our high margin licensing business. Marketing Marketing expenses for fiscal 2017 increased $6.4 million, or 3.3%, versus fiscal 2016. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, which decreased marketing expenses for fiscal 2017 by $0.4 million, marketing expenses in fiscal 2017 would have increased 3.5% versus fiscal 2016. Marketing expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased to 15.4% in fiscal 2017 as compared to 16.7% in the prior year. Selling, General and Administrative Selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal 2017 increased $20.9 million, or 11.0%, versus fiscal 2016. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, which increased selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal 2017 by $0.3 million, selling, general and administrative expenses in fiscal 2017 would have increased 10.8% versus the prior year. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses in fiscal 2017 was driven primarily by higher compensation and incentive related costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue for fiscal 2017 decreased to 16.2% from 16.3% for fiscal 2016. 42 Impairment we determined that, based on the In performing our interim impairment analysis for our Brazil reporting unit, we determined that, based on the fair values calculated, the carrying amount of goodwill related to our Brazil reporting unit exceeded our fair value and recorded an impairment charge of $13.3 million for fiscal 2017. Operating Income Operating income for fiscal 2017 increased $66.5 million, or 33.1%, versus fiscal 2016. Excluding the $13.3 million impairment charge for goodwill related to our Brazil reporting unit and the impact of foreign currency, which positively impacted operating income for fiscal 2017 by $1.3 million, operating income in fiscal 2017 would have increased 39.0% versus the prior year. This increase in operating income was driven by higher operating income in all major markets as compared to the prior year. Operating income margin increased 3.2% for fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016. This increase in operating income margin was driven primarily by an increase in gross margin and a decrease in marketing expenses as a percentage of revenue, both as compared to the prior year. Interest Expense Interest expense in fiscal 2017 decreased $2.4 million, or 2.1%, versus fiscal 2016. The decrease in interest expense was driven primarily by (i) the decrease in the notional amount of our interest rate swap from $1.5 billion to $1.25 billion and (ii) the decrease in our average debt outstanding under our then-existing tranche B-2 term facility which decreased to $2.0 billion in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 from $2.1 billion in fiscal 2016. The increase in LIBOR rates partially offset the benefits set forth in items (i) and (ii). These decreases were also offset by the higher interest expense arising from the interest rates under our New Term Loan Facility and on our Notes in connection with our November 2017 debt refinancing. The effective interest rate on our debt, based on interest incurred (which includes amortization of our deferred financing costs and debt discount) and our average borrowings during fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016 and excluding the impact of our interest rate swap, increased to 4.96% per annum at fiscal 2017 year end from 4.38% per annum at fiscal 2016 year end. Including the impact of our interest rate swap, our effective interest rate on our debt, based on interest incurred (which includes amortization of our deferred financing costs and debt discount) and our average borrowings during fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016, increased to 5.78% per annum at fiscal 2017 year end from 5.56% per annum at fiscal 2016 year end. See “— Liquidity and Capital Resources—Long-Term Debt” for additional details regarding our current and prior credit facilities and our notes, including interest rates on our debt outstanding, and on payments on our debt. For additional details on our interest rate swap, see “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” in Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Early Extinguishment of Debt, Net In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, we wrote-off $10.5 million of fees in connection with our November 2017 debt refinancing that we recorded as an early extinguishment of debt charge. In May 2017, we paid an aggregate amount of cash proceeds totaling $73.0 million plus an amount sufficient to pay accrued and unpaid interest on the amount prepaid to prepay $75.5 million in aggregate principal amount of term loans under our then-existing tranche B-2 term facility. As a result of this prepayment, in the second quarter of fiscal 2017, we wrote-off fees of $0.6 million, incurred fees of $0.3 million and recorded a gain on early extinguishment of debt of $1.6 million, inclusive of these fees. Other Expense, Net Other expense, net, which consists primarily of the impact of foreign currency on intercompany transactions, decreased by $1.0 million in fiscal 2017 to $0.5 million as compared to $1.5 million in the prior year. 43 Tax Our effective tax rate for fiscal 2017 was (12.6%) as compared to 19.8% for fiscal 2016. On December 22, 2017, the 2017 Tax Act was signed into law making significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code. For additional details on the 2017 Tax Act, see Note 12 of our consolidated financial statements, contained in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The 2017 Tax Act benefited our tax expense by $56.6 million for fiscal 2017, such benefit being comprised of the following items: (i) a $68.7 million tax benefit related to the revaluation of deferred tax liabilities to reflect the decrease in the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, (ii) a $9.0 million charge to record a valuation allowance against foreign tax credit carryforwards that as a result of the 2017 Tax Act are no longer expected to be realized and (iii) a net charge of $3.1 million related to other 2017 Tax Act items, which include the transition tax on foreign earnings. In addition, the effective tax rate for fiscal 2017 was impacted by the following one-time discrete items: (i) an $11.6 million tax benefit related to the cessation of operations of our Spanish subsidiary; (ii) a $3.7 million tax benefit due to a change in estimate related to the availability of certain foreign tax credits and (iii) a $2.3 million tax benefit related to the reversal of tax reserves resulting from an updated transfer pricing study. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2016 was impacted by: (i) an $11.4 million net tax benefit due to a research and development credit and a Section 199 deduction for tax years 2012 through 2015 and (ii) the reversal of a $2.5 million valuation allowance related to tax benefits for foreign losses that are now expected to be realized. These benefits were partially offset by $2.0 million of out-of-period adjustments in income taxes in fiscal 2016. Net Income Attributable to the Company and Earnings Per Share Net income attributable to the Company in fiscal 2017 increased $95.8 million, or 141.5%, from fiscal 2016. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, which positively impacted net income attributable to the Company in fiscal 2017 by $0.8 million, net income attributable to the Company in fiscal 2017 would have increased by 140.4% versus the prior year. EPS in fiscal 2017 was $2.40 compared to $1.03 in fiscal 2016. EPS for fiscal 2017 included an $0.83 tax benefit related to the 2017 Tax Act and the following additional significant items: (i) a tax benefit of $0.18 that was offset by $0.01 of expense, both related to the cessation of operations of our Spanish subsidiary; (ii) $0.05 tax benefit due to a change in estimate related to the availability of certain foreign tax credits and (iii) $0.03 tax benefit related to the reversal of tax reserves resulting from an updated transfer pricing study. EPS for fiscal 2017 also included the following one-time items: (i) $0.20 impairment charge for goodwill related to our Brazil reporting unit and (ii) $0.09 write-off due to our November 2017 debt refinancing that was offset by a $0.01 gain related to our previously disclosed debt prepayment in the second quarter of fiscal 2017. For fiscal 2016, our tax rate of 19.8% benefited from a (i) $0.17 net tax benefit in connection with a research and development credit and a Section 199 deduction for the tax years 2012 through 2015 and (ii) $0.04 benefit for the reversal of a valuation allowance related to tax benefits for foreign losses that are now expected to be realized, partially offset by a $0.03 expense for out-of- period tax adjustments. 44 Segment Results Metrics and Business Trends The following tables set forth key metrics by reportable segment for fiscal 2017 and the percentage change in those metrics versus the prior year: (in millions except percentages and as noted) GAAP Product Sales & Other Service Revenues Total Revenues Fiscal 2017 Constant Currency Product Sales & Other Service Revenues Total Paid Revenues Weeks Total Incoming Subscribers EOP Subscribers (in thousands) North America ...... $ 775.2 73.6 UK ................. CE.................. 195.8 Other (1).......... 37.0 Total .............. $1,081.7 $135.1 26.4 43.5 20.3 $225.2 $ 910.3 100.0 239.2 57.3 $1,306.9 $ 774.2 77.5 192.3 35.6 $1,079.5 $135.0 27.9 43.1 19.9 $225.9 $ 909.2 105.4 235.4 55.5 $1,305.5 119.7 17.5 39.4 5.0 181.5 1,719.2 265.1 564.7 72.2 2,621.1 2,116.4 296.1 723.2 78.3 3,213.9 % Change Fiscal 2017 vs. Fiscal 2016 North America ...... UK ................. CE.................. Other (1).......... Total .............. 14.6% 10.4% (4.4%) 0.5% (5.4%) 18.9% 2.3% 6.4% 4.4% 14.0% 14.0% (0.8%) 13.6% 4.9% 12.2% 14.5% 10.2% 1.4% 5.7% (6.2%) 16.8% 0.5% 2.3% 4.7% 13.7% 13.8% 18.4% 4.6% 6.4% 11.8% 20.4% 1.6% 3.9% 12.1% 17.1% 12.3% 0.8% 6.4% 12.2% 9.7% 23.1% 11.7% 28.1% 8.4% 22.6% Note: Totals may not sum due to rounding. (1) Represents Australia, New Zealand and emerging markets operations and franchise revenues. (in millions except percentages and as noted) Fiscal 2017 Meeting Fees Meeting Constant Paid Currency Weeks GAAP Incoming Meeting Subscribers EOP Meeting Subscribers (in thousands) Online Subscription Revenues Online Constant Paid Currency Weeks GAAP Incoming Online Subscribers EOP Online Subscribers (in thousands) North America.... $493.8 UK............... 52.2 CE ............... 93.7 Other (1) ....... 25.3 Total ............ $665.0 $ 493.1 55.0 92.3 24.2 $ 664.6 52.1 10.3 11.3 2.7 76.4 743.9 154.8 171.7 31.6 1,102.0 865.8 161.7 188.5 34.0 1,250.1 $ 281.4 21.5 102.0 11.8 $ 416.7 $ 281.1 22.5 100.0 11.4 $ 415.0 67.6 7.2 28.1 2.3 105.2 975.3 110.3 393.0 40.6 1,519.1 1,250.6 134.3 534.6 44.3 1,963.9 % Change Fiscal 2017 vs. Fiscal 2016 North America.... 12.9% (4.2%) UK............... 4.5% CE ............... Other (1) ....... 5.4% 9.9% Total ............ 12.8% 0.9% 2.9% 1.0% 9.8% 13.6% 0.6% 2.7% 5.6% 9.7% 15.3% 1.1% (0.4%) 16.2% 10.4% 16.4% 4.5% 9.8% 7.7% 13.4% 17.7% 14.4% 36.0% 8.5% 21.2% 17.5% 22.3% 19.9% 16.0% 33.3% 29.3% 5.0% 1.9% 20.7% 23.1% 10.0% 0.3% 9.7% 9.3% 9.2% 28.2% 21.8% 36.1% 9.0% 29.3% Note: Totals may not sum due to rounding. (1) Represents Australia, New Zealand and emerging markets operations and franchise revenues. 45 North America Performance The increase in North America revenues in fiscal 2017 versus the prior year was driven primarily by the increase in Service Revenues. The increase in North America Total Paid Weeks was driven by both the higher number of Incoming Subscribers at the beginning of fiscal 2017 versus the beginning of fiscal 2016 and higher recruitments and improved retention in fiscal 2017 versus the prior year. The increase in North America product sales and other in fiscal 2017 versus the prior year was driven primarily by an increase in product sales, partially offset by a decline in licensing revenue. United Kingdom Performance The decline in UK revenues in fiscal 2017 versus the prior year was driven by the negative impact of foreign currency. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, UK revenues would have increased, driven by an increase in Service Revenues on a constant currency basis. This increase in Service Revenues on a constant currency basis was the result of recruitment strength in our Online business in fiscal 2017 versus the prior year and improved retention in fiscal 2017 versus the prior year. The decrease in UK product sales and other in fiscal 2017 versus the prior year was driven by the negative impact of foreign currency. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, UK in-meeting and other products sales would have increased primarily due to an increase in product sales. This increase would have been almost entirely offset by the decline in licensing revenue. Continental Europe Performance The increase in Continental Europe revenues in fiscal 2017 versus the prior year was driven primarily by the increase in Service Revenues. This increase in Service Revenues in fiscal 2017 versus the prior year was driven primarily by the increase in Online Subscription Revenues. The increase in Continental Europe Total Paid Weeks was driven primarily by the higher number of Incoming Subscribers at the beginning of fiscal 2017 versus the beginning of fiscal 2016, improved retention in fiscal 2017 versus the prior year and recruitment strength in our Online business in fiscal 2017 versus the prior year. The increase in Continental Europe revenues was partially offset by the decline in Continental Europe product sales and other in fiscal 2017 versus the prior year. Other Performance The increase in Other revenues in fiscal 2017 versus the prior year was driven primarily by the increase in Service Revenues. The increase in Other Total Paid Weeks was driven primarily by the higher number of Incoming Subscribers at the beginning of fiscal 2017 versus the beginning of fiscal 2016. The increase in product sales and other in fiscal 2017 versus fiscal 2016 was driven primarily by an increase in in-meeting product sales and commissions from our franchisees partially offset by a decline in licensing revenue. 46 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR FISCAL 2016 (52 weeks) COMPARED TO FISCAL 2015 (52 weeks) The table below sets forth selected financial information for fiscal 2016 from our consolidated statements of net income for fiscal 2016 versus selected financial information for fiscal 2015 from our consolidated statements of net income for fiscal 2015. Summary of Selected Financial Data Revenues, net ..................................................... $ 1,164.9 579.4 Cost of revenues................................................. Fiscal 2016 Fiscal 2015 $ 1,164.4 590.3 Increase/ (Decrease) $ 0.5 (10.9) (In millions, except per share amounts) % Change % Change Constant Currency 0.0% (1.9)% 1.4% (0.3)% Gross profit ................................................... Gross Margin % ........................................... 585.5 50.3% 574.1 49.3% 11.4 2.0% 3.2% Marketing expenses............................................ Selling, general & administrative expenses ....... 194.4 190.3 201.0 205.0 (6.6) (14.7) (3.3%) (7.2%) (1.5)% (6.1%) Operating income ......................................... Operating Income Margin %........................ 200.8 17.2% 168.1 14.4% 32.8 19.5% 20.2% Interest expense.................................................. Other expense, net.............................................. Gain on early extinguishment of debt ................ Income before income taxes ......................... Provision for income taxes................................. Net income.................................................... Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest ............................................................. 115.2 1.5 — 84.1 16.6 67.5 121.8 2.0 (11.4) 55.6 22.8 32.8 (6.7) (0.5) 11.4 28.5 (6.2) 34.7 100.0% (5.5%) (24.8%) (100.0%) 51.3% (27.2%) (5.5%) (24.8%) (100.0%) 53.4% (26.1%) 100.0% 0.2 0.2 0.0 24.1% 25.1% Net income attributable to Weight Watchers International, Inc. ............................ $ 67.7 $ 32.9 $ 34.8 100.0% 100.0% Weighted average diluted shares outstanding .... Diluted earnings per share.................................. $ 65.9 1.03 $ 59.0 0.56 $ 6.9 0.47 11.8% 83.9% 11.8% 86.4% Note: Totals may not sum due to rounding. 47 Certain results for fiscal 2015 are adjusted to exclude the impact of the $8.4 million of restructuring charges associated with our previously disclosed 2015 restructuring plan and the $13.6 million of expenses associated with the Winfrey Transaction, which includes $12.8 million of stock compensation related to the Winfrey Option. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” above. The table below sets forth a reconciliation of certain of those components of our selected financial data for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2016 which have been adjusted. (in millions except percentages) Fiscal 2015................................................................. $ Adjustments to Reported Amounts (1) Restructuring charges ........................................... Winfrey Transaction Expenses ............................. Total Adjustments (1) ....................................... Fiscal 2015, as adjusted (1)........................................ $ Gross Profit Gross Profit Margin Operating Income Operating Income Margin 574.1 49.3% $ 168.1 14.4% 1.5 — 1.5 575.6 8.4 13.6 22.0 190.1 16.3% 49.4% $ Note: Totals may not sum due to rounding. (1) The “As adjusted” measure is a non-GAAP financial measure that adjusts the consolidated statements of net income for fiscal 2015 to exclude the impact of the $8.4 million of restructuring charges associated with our previously disclosed 2015 restructuring plan and the $13.6 million of expenses associated with the Winfrey Transaction, which includes $12.8 million of stock compensation related to the Winfrey Option. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” above for an explanation of our use of non-GAAP financial measures. Consolidated Results Revenues Revenues in fiscal 2016 were $1,164.9 million, an increase of $0.5 million versus fiscal 2015. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, which negatively impacted our revenues for fiscal 2016 by $15.9 million, revenues in fiscal 2016 would have increased 1.4% versus the prior year. This increase was driven primarily by revenue growth in North America which was offset by declines in Continental Europe and the United Kingdom. See “—Segment Results” for additional details on revenues. Cost of Revenues and Gross Profit Total cost of revenues in fiscal 2016 declined $10.9 million, or 1.9%, versus the prior year. Excluding the impact of the previously disclosed 2015 restructuring charges, which increased total cost of revenues by $1.5 million in fiscal 2015, total cost of revenues in fiscal 2016 would have declined $9.4 million, or 1.6%, versus the prior year. Gross profit increased $11.4 million, or 2.0%, in fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015 primarily due to the decrease in cost of revenues. Excluding the impact of the previously disclosed 2015 restructuring charges, gross profit for fiscal 2016 would have increased $9.9 million, or 1.7%, from fiscal 2015. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, which negatively impacted gross profit for fiscal 2016 by $7.1 million, gross profit in fiscal 2016 would have increased 3.2% versus the prior year. Gross margin in fiscal 2016 increased 1.0% to 50.3% versus 49.3% in fiscal 2015. Gross margin expansion was driven primarily by expansion in North America, partially offset by declines in both Continental Europe and the United Kingdom. The expansion in North America gross margin was driven primarily by operating efficiencies and lower costs to support 24/7 Expert Chat in the United States as well as improved meetings leverage from higher volumes in North America. Globally, gross margin was negatively impacted by promotional activity as well as the lower contribution from the high margin licensing business. Marketing Marketing expenses for fiscal 2016 decreased $6.6 million, or 3.3%, versus fiscal 2015. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, which decreased marketing expenses for fiscal 2016 by $3.6 million, marketing expenses in fiscal 2016 would have decreased 1.5% versus fiscal 2015. Marketing expenses as a percentage of revenue were 16.7% in fiscal 2016 as compared to 17.3% in the prior year. 48 Selling, General and Administrative Selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal 2016 decreased $14.7 million, or 7.2%, versus fiscal 2015. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, which decreased selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal 2016 by $2.3 million, selling, general and administrative expenses in fiscal 2016 would have declined 6.1% versus the prior year. Excluding the impact of the previously disclosed 2015 restructuring charges and the expenses associated with the Winfrey Transaction, which increased selling, general and administrative expenses in the aggregate by $20.5 million in fiscal 2015, selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal 2016 would have increased $5.8 million, or 3.1% (4.4% on a constant currency basis), versus the prior year. The increase in adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses in fiscal 2016 was driven primarily by higher compensation and incentive related costs and higher professional fees, partially offset by lower technology related expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue for fiscal 2016 decreased to 16.3% from 17.6% for fiscal 2015. Excluding the impact of the previously disclosed 2015 restructuring charges and the expenses associated with the Winfrey Transaction, selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue for fiscal 2016 would have increased to 16.3% from 15.8% for fiscal 2015. Operating Income Operating income for fiscal 2016 increased $32.8 million, or 19.5%, versus fiscal 2015. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, which negatively impacted operating income for fiscal 2016 by $1.2 million, operating income in fiscal 2016 would have increased 20.2% versus the prior year. Excluding the impact of the previously disclosed 2015 restructuring charges, the expenses associated with the Winfrey Transaction and the impact of foreign currency, our operating income for fiscal 2016 would have increased $11.9 million, or 6.3%, as compared to the prior year. This increase in operating income was driven primarily by higher operating income in North America partially offset by lower operating income in both Continental Europe and the United Kingdom in fiscal 2016 as compared to the prior year. Operating income margin increased 2.8% for fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015. Excluding the impact of the previously disclosed 2015 restructuring charges and the expenses associated with the Winfrey Transaction, our operating income margin in fiscal 2016 would have increased to 17.2%, or 17.1% on a constant currency basis, from 16.3% in fiscal 2015. This increase in operating income margin was driven by the increase in gross margin and a decrease in marketing expenses as a percentage of revenue as compared to the prior year partially offset by an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue as compared to the prior year. Interest Expense Interest expense in fiscal 2016 decreased $6.7 million, or 5.5%, versus fiscal 2015. The decrease in interest expense was driven primarily by the decrease in our average debt outstanding, which decreased to $2.1 billion in fiscal 2016 from $2.3 billion in fiscal 2015. This decrease was primarily due to the payment in full in April 2016 of the principal amount of loans outstanding under our then-existing tranche B-1 term facility and the previously disclosed debt prepayments in March and June of fiscal 2015. The effective interest rate on our debt, based on interest incurred (which includes amortization of our deferred financing costs) and our average borrowings during fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 and excluding the impact of our interest rate swap, increased to 4.38% per annum at fiscal 2016 year end compared to 4.34% per annum at fiscal 2015 year end. Including the impact of our interest rate swap, our effective interest rate on our debt, based on interest incurred (which includes amortization of our deferred financing costs) and our average borrowings during fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, increased to 5.56% per annum at fiscal 2016 year end from 5.45% per annum at fiscal 2015 year end. For additional details on our interest rate swap, see “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” in Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Early Extinguishment of Debt In March 2015, we paid an aggregate amount of cash proceeds totaling $57.4 million plus an amount sufficient to pay accrued and unpaid interest on the amount prepaid to prepay $63.1 million in aggregate principal amount of term loans under our then-existing tranche B-1 term facility. In June 2015, we paid an aggregate amount of cash proceeds totaling $77.2 million plus an amount sufficient to pay accrued and unpaid interest on the amount prepaid to prepay $84.9 million in aggregate principal amount of term loans under our then-existing tranche B-1 term facility. As a result of these prepayments, we wrote-off fees of $0.6 million, incurred fees of $1.2 million and recorded a gain on early extinguishment of debt of $11.4 million, inclusive of these fees, in fiscal 2015. 49 Other Expense, Net Other expense, net, which consists primarily of the impact of foreign currency on intercompany transactions, decreased by $0.5 million in fiscal 2016 compared to the prior year. Tax Our effective tax rate for fiscal 2016 was 19.8% as compared to 41.1% for fiscal 2015. This decrease was primarily due to the following discrete items occurring in fiscal 2016: (i) an $11.4 million net tax benefit due to a research and development credit and a Section 199 deduction for tax years 2012 through 2015 and (ii) the reversal of a $2.5 million valuation allowance related to tax benefits for foreign losses that are now expected to be realized. These benefits were partially offset by $2.0 million of out-of-period adjustments in income taxes in fiscal 2016. Net Income Attributable to the Company and Earnings Per Share Net income attributable to the Company in fiscal 2016 reflected a $34.8 million, or 105.5%, increase from fiscal 2015. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, which negatively impacted net income attributable to the Company in fiscal 2016 by $0.9 million, net income attributable to the Company in fiscal 2016 would have increased by 108.4% versus the prior year. Net income attributable to the Company in fiscal 2016 was impacted by the following items that affect year-over-year comparability: (i) an $11.4 million net tax benefit due to a research and development credit and a Section 199 deduction for the tax years 2012 through 2015 and (ii) a reversal of a $2.5 million valuation allowance related to tax benefits for foreign losses that are now expected to be realized, both offset by (iii) tax expenses of $2.0 million for out-of-period adjustments. Net income attributable to the Company in fiscal 2015 was impacted by the following items that affect year-over-year comparability: (i) $5.1 million of restructuring charges associated with our previously disclosed 2015 restructuring plan; (ii) $8.3 million of expenses associated with the Winfrey Transaction; and (iii) a $7.0 million gain on early extinguishment of debt. This increase in net income attributable to the Company was driven primarily by an increase in operating income, lower tax expense and a decline in interest expense in fiscal 2016 versus the prior year, partially offset by the gain on early extinguishment of debt in fiscal 2015. Earnings per fully diluted share, or EPS, in fiscal 2016 was $1.03 compared to $0.56 in fiscal 2015. The lower tax rate of 19.8% in fiscal 2016 compared to 41.1% in fiscal 2015 resulted in a net benefit to the Company. This benefit was primarily comprised of a (i) $0.17 net tax benefit in connection with a research and development credit and a Section 199 deduction for the tax years 2012 through 2015 and (ii) $0.04 benefit for the reversal of a valuation allowance related to tax benefits for foreign losses that are now expected to be realized, partially offset by a $0.03 expense for out-of-period tax adjustments. The higher share count in fiscal 2016, which was driven primarily by the Winfrey Transaction, diluted EPS by $0.12 in fiscal 2016. For fiscal 2015, EPS included a $0.09 charge in connection with the impact of the 2015 restructuring charges, a $0.14 charge associated with the Winfrey Transaction and a $0.12 benefit related to the gain on early extinguishment of debt. 50 Segment Results Metrics and Business Trends The following tables set forth key metrics by reportable segment for fiscal 2016 and the percentage change in those metrics versus the prior year: (in millions except percentages and as noted) Fiscal 2016 GAAP Product Sales & Other Service Revenues Total Revenues Constant Currency Product Sales & Other Total Revenues Service Revenues Total Paid Weeks Incoming Subscribers EOP Subscribers (in thousands) North America ... $ 676.4 UK ........... 73.3 CE............ 164.7 Other (1).... 34.8 Total ........ $ 949.1 $122.4 27.6 45.9 19.8 $215.8 $ 798.8 100.8 210.6 54.6 $1,164.9 $ 678.2 82.4 165.3 35.2 $ 961.1 $122.7 30.8 46.2 20.0 $219.7 $ 800.9 113.2 211.5 55.2 $1,180.8 101.1 16.5 32.7 4.8 155.1 1,531.5 263.1 530.7 64.3 2,389.6 1,719.2 265.1 564.7 72.2 2,621.1 % Change Fiscal 2016 vs. Fiscal 2015 North America .... UK ............ CE............. Other (1)..... Total ......... 5.8% 5.5% (16.4%) (25.9%) (6.5%) (13.4%) (4.6%) 1.5% 1.3% (5.0%) 5.7% (19.2%) (8.1%) (0.8%) 0.0% 6.1% 5.8% (5.9%) (17.1%) (6.2%) (12.9%) (4.0%) 2.7% (3.2%) 2.5% 6.0% 9.2% (9.3%) (5.0%) (7.7%) (0.2%) 0.2% 10.7% 1.4% 5.5% (5.3%) (5.3%) (3.8%) 3.7% (4.8%) 12.3% 0.8% 6.4% 12.2% 9.7% Note: Totals may not sum due to rounding. (1) Represents Australia, New Zealand and emerging markets operations and franchise revenues. (in millions except percentages and as noted) Fiscal 2016 Meeting Fees GAAP Constant Currency Meeting Paid Weeks Incoming Meeting Subscribers EOP Meeting Subscribers (in thousands) Online Subscription Revenues Online Constant Paid Currency Weeks GAAP Incoming Online Subscribers EOP Online Subscribers (in thousands) North America... $437.2 UK............. 54.5 CE ............. 89.6 Other (1) ..... 24.0 Total.......... $605.3 $ 438.4 61.2 90.0 24.3 $ 614.0 45.8 10.3 11.0 2.6 69.6 645.1 153.2 172.4 27.2 997.9 743.9 154.8 171.7 31.6 1,102.0 $239.1 18.8 75.0 10.9 $343.8 $ 239.8 21.2 75.2 10.9 $ 347.1 55.3 6.2 21.7 2.2 85.5 886.4 109.9 358.3 37.2 1,391.7 975.3 110.3 393.0 40.6 1,519.1 % Change Fiscal 2016 vs. Fiscal 2015 North America.... 9.4% UK.............. (16.4%) (9.8%) CE .............. Other (1) ...... 0.8% 3.0% Total ........... 9.7% 12.3% (4.4%) (6.0%) (5.1%) (9.4%) 6.2% 2.2% 6.2% 4.5% (6.9%) (3.1%) (3.3%) 2.7% (5.4%) 15.3% (0.3%) 1.1% (16.3%) (2.2%) (0.4%) 3.0% 16.2% (1.7%) 10.4% 0.0% 6.9% (5.6%) (5.8%) (2.0%) 2.4% 3.8% 16.4% (0.7%) 4.9% (4.2%) (8.2%) (4.1%) 4.4% (4.3%) 10.0% 0.3% 9.7% 9.3% 9.2% Note: Totals may not sum due to rounding. (1) Represents Australia, New Zealand and emerging markets operations and franchise revenues. 51 North America Performance The increase in North America revenues in fiscal 2016 versus the prior year was driven primarily by the increase in Service Revenues. The increase in Service Revenues was driven entirely by an increase in Meeting Fees. Although Online Paid Weeks increased in fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015, Online Subscription Revenues were negatively impacted by increased promotional activity. The increase in North America Total Paid Weeks primarily resulted from the higher recruitments in fiscal 2016 versus the prior year. This increase in recruitments was driven by the successful launch of our Beyond the Scale program, which included the launch of SmartPoints, in late fiscal 2015 and increased promotional activities. This launch, coupled with the successful response to our strategic collaboration with Ms. Winfrey, has driven momentum in our North America business. The increase in North America product sales and other in fiscal 2016 versus the prior year was driven primarily by an increase in in-meeting product sales and e-commerce, partially offset by a decline in licensing revenue and website advertising revenue. United Kingdom Performance The decline in UK revenues in fiscal 2016 versus the prior year was driven in part by the decline in Service Revenues. The decline in UK Total Paid Weeks was driven by the lower number of Incoming Subscribers at the beginning of fiscal 2016 versus the beginning of fiscal 2015 coupled with lower recruitments in fiscal 2016 as compared to the prior year reflecting the impact of a direct competitor. Additionally, the decline in UK revenues in fiscal 2016 was driven in part by the decline in UK product sales and other in fiscal 2016 versus the prior year, which was driven by the decline in in-meeting product sales and licensing revenue. Continental Europe Performance The decline in Continental Europe revenues in fiscal 2016 versus the prior year was driven in part by the decline in Service Revenues. The decrease in Service Revenues in fiscal 2016 versus the prior year was primarily the result of a decrease in Meeting Fees, as well as a decrease in Online Subscription Revenues. This decrease in Meeting Fees was driven by the lower number of Incoming Meeting Subscribers at the beginning of fiscal 2016 versus the beginning of fiscal 2015 coupled with lower recruitments in the meetings business in fiscal 2016 as compared to the prior year. The decrease in Online Subscription Revenues was driven by the lower number of Incoming Online Subscribers at the start of fiscal 2016 versus the start of fiscal 2015 partially offset by an increase in recruitments in the Online business for fiscal 2016 versus the prior year. In response to soft performance in our largest Continental Europe markets, in the first quarter of 2016, we changed our advertising creative and approach and we increased promotional activity. These factors led to improved recruitment trends in our largest markets during the remainder of fiscal 2016. Additionally, the decline in Continental Europe revenues was driven in part by the decline in Continental Europe product sales and other in fiscal 2016, which was driven primarily by a decline in in-meeting product sales. Other Performance The increase in Other revenues in fiscal 2016 versus the prior year was driven primarily by the increase in Service Revenues. The increase in Other Total Paid Weeks was driven primarily by higher recruitments in fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015 and also by the higher number of Incoming Subscribers at the beginning of fiscal 2016 versus the beginning of fiscal 2015. A change in promotional activities that negatively impacted the Service Revenues in both the meetings and Online businesses in fiscal 2016 was more than offset by the increase in Other Total Paid Weeks versus the prior year. The net impact of these items resulted in an increase in Other Service Revenues in fiscal 2016 versus the prior year. The decline in Other product sales and other in fiscal 2016 versus fiscal 2015 was driven by a decline in in- meeting product sales and a decline in Asia Pacific licensing and magazines revenues partially offset by an increase in revenue from our franchisees. 52 Liquidity and Capital Resources Cash flows provided by operating activities have historically supplied, and are expected to continue to supply, us with our primary source of liquidity. We use these cash flows, supplemented with long-term debt and short-term borrowings, to fund our operations and global initiatives, pay down debt and opportunistically engage in selective acquisitions. We believe that cash generated by operations during fiscal 2017, our cash on hand of approximately $83.1 million at December 30, 2017, our $123.7 million of availability under our New Revolving Credit Facility and our continued cost focus will provide us with sufficient liquidity to meet our obligations for the next twelve months. Balance Sheet Working Capital The following table sets forth certain relevant measures of our balance sheet working capital at: December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (in millions) Increase/ (Decrease) Total current assets...................................................... $ Total current liabilities ................................................ Working capital deficit................................................ Cash and cash equivalents........................................... Current portion of long-term debt ............................... Working capital deficit, excluding cash and cash equivalents and current portion of long-term debt ....$ 209.0 $ 343.0 (134.0) 83.1 82.8 235.2 $ 292.4 (57.2) 108.7 21.0 (26.2) 50.6 76.8 (25.6) 61.8 (134.3) $ (144.9) $ (10.6) The following table sets forth a summary of the primary factors contributing to the $10.6 million decrease in our working capital deficit: December 30, December 31, 2017 2016 Impact to Working Increase/ (Decrease) Capital Deficit Derivative payable ..................................................... $ Operational liabilities and other, net of assets ........... $ Deferred revenue........................................................ $ Other current assets.................................................... $ Accrued salaries and wages ....................................... $ Prepaid income taxes ................................................. $ Working capital deficit change .................................. 12.2 $ 55.8 $ 74.3 $ 26.8 $ 62.2 $ 43.4 $ (in millions) 32.0 $ 66.8 $ 62.9 $ 30.9 $ 49.6 $ 35.5 $ (19.8) $ (11.0) $ 11.4 $ (4.1) $ 12.6 $ 7.9 $ $ (19.8) (11.0) 11.4 4.1 12.6 (7.9) (10.6) The decrease in operational liabilities and other, net of assets, and prepaid income taxes was driven primarily by timing of payments. The increase in accrued salaries and wages and deferred revenue was driven by improved business performance. 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 for investing activities.......................... $ Net cash used for financing activities ......................... $ 222.3 $ (40.8) $ (211.5) $ 119.0 $ (37.5) $ (212.2) $ 54.8 (40.3) (68.6) December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (in millions) January 2, 2016 53 Operating Activities Fiscal 2017 Cash flows provided by operating activities of $222.3 million for fiscal 2017 reflected an increase of $103.3 million from $119.0 million of cash flows used for operating activities in fiscal 2016. The increase in cash provided by operating activities was primarily the result of $95.8 million of higher net income attributable to the Company in fiscal 2017 as compared to the prior year. Fiscal 2016 Cash flows provided by operating activities of $119.0 million for fiscal 2016 reflected an increase of $64.2 million from $54.8 million of cash flows provided by operating activities for fiscal 2015. The increase in cash provided by operating activities was primarily the result of $34.7 million of higher net income attributable to the Company in fiscal 2016 as compared to the prior year and the year-over-year working capital benefit of $41.2 million. Fiscal 2015 Cash flows provided by operating activities of $54.8 million for fiscal 2015 reflected a decrease of $176.8 million from $231.6 million of cash flows provided by operating activities for fiscal 2014. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities was primarily the result of $84.9 million of lower net income attributable to the Company in fiscal 2015 as compared to the prior year and the year-over-year working capital deficit decrease of $84.1 million. Investing Activities Fiscal 2017 Net cash used for investing activities totaled $40.8 million in fiscal 2017, an increase of $3.3 million as compared to fiscal 2016. This increase is primarily attributable to higher capital expenditures for technology in fiscal 2017, which were partially offset by the Miami Acquisition. For additional information on our acquisitions, see “Item 6. Selected Financial Data.” Fiscal 2016 Net cash used for investing activities totaled $37.5 million in fiscal 2016, a decrease of $2.8 million as compared to fiscal 2015. Due to the significant progress against our previously disclosed transformation plan in fiscal 2015, our expenditures on technology and operating infrastructure declined in fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015. Fiscal 2015 Net cash used for investing activities totaled $40.3 million in fiscal 2015, a decrease of $28.7 million as compared to fiscal 2014. This decrease was primarily attributable to the lower investment in acquisitions in fiscal 2015 versus the prior year. For additional information on our acquisitions, see “—Item 6. Selected Financial Data.” In addition, we invested $15.4 million less in our technology and operating infrastructure in fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014. 54 Financing Activities Fiscal 2017 Net cash used for financing activities totaled $211.5 million in fiscal 2017, primarily related to (i) in connection with the November 2017 debt refinancing, the payment in full of the $1,930.4 million of outstanding borrowings under our then-existing tranche B-2 term facility and the aggregate payment $53.8 million for financing costs and (ii) the previously disclosed debt prepayment and other scheduled debt repayments of an aggregate $88.4 million with respect to our then-existing tranche B-2 term facility during fiscal 2017. These payments were offset by the proceeds we received from the issuance of long-term debt totaling $1,840.0 million and the draw down on the New Revolving Credit Facility of $25.0 million in connection with the November 2017 debt refinancing. Fiscal 2016 Net cash used for financing activities totaled $212.2 million in fiscal 2016, primarily due to the April 1, 2016 payment of a principal amount of loans equal to $144.3 million, which constituted the entire remaining principal amount of loans outstanding under the then-existing tranche B-1 term facility, paying down in the aggregate the outstanding principal amount of $48.0 million on our then-existing revolving credit facility, and other scheduled debt repayments of $21.0 million in connection with our then-existing tranche B-2 term facility. These payments were offset by a tax benefit for restricted stock units vested and stock options exercised of $1.0 million in fiscal 2016. Fiscal 2015 Net cash used for financing activities totaled $68.6 million in fiscal 2015, primarily due to $137.1 million of debt prepayments in connection with the previously disclosed debt tender offers and our then-existing revolving credit facility debt repayments of $21.0 million offset by the proceeds of our revolver borrowing of $48.0 million under our then-existing revolving credit facility as well as the $43.2 million cash payment we received, offset by $1.7 million of related legal fees, from the sale of our common stock to Ms. Winfrey in fiscal 2015. 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. The following schedule sets forth our long-term debt obligations at December 30, 2017: Long-Term Debt At December 30, 2017 (Balances in millions) New Revolving Credit Facility due November 29, 2022....................................................... New Term Loan Facility due November 29, 2024....................................................... Notes due December 1, 2025 ........................................... Total ...................................................................... Less: Current Portion ....................................................... Unamortized Deferred Financing Costs ..................... Unamortized Debt Discount ....................................... Total Long-Term Debt .......................................... Balance $ 25.0 1,540.0 300.0 1,865.0 82.8 11.2 30.4 1,740.6 $ 55 On November 29, 2017, we refinanced our then-existing credit facilities consisting of $1,930.4 million of (collectively referred to herein as the New Credit Facilities), and $300.0 million in aggregate principal borrowings under a term loan facility and an undrawn $50.0 million revolving credit facility with $1,565.0 million of borrowings under our new credit facilities, consisting of a $1,540.0 million term loan facility and a $150.0 million revolving credit facility (of which $25.0 million was drawn upon at the time of the November 2017 debt drawn upon at the time of the November 2017 debt refinancing) amount of 8.625% Senior Notes due 2025, or the Notes. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, we incurred fees of During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, we incurred fees of $53.8 million (which included $30.8 million of a debt discount) in connection with the November 2017 debt t refinancing. In addition, we recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $10.5 million in connection thereto. This early extinguishment of debt write-off was comprised of $5.7 million of deferred financing fees paid in n connection with the November 2017 debt refinancing and $4.8 million of pre-existing deferred financing fees. Senior Secured Credit Facilities The New Credit Facilities were issued under a new credit agreement, dated November 29, 2017, or the Credit Agreement, among the Company, as borrower, the lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., or JPMorgan Chase, as administrative agent and an issuing bank, Bank of America, N.A., as an issuing bank, and Citibank, N.A., as an issuing bank. The New Credit Facilities consist of (1) $1,540.0 million in aggregate principal amount of senior secured tranche B term loans due in 2024, or the New Term Loan Facility and (2) a $150.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility (which includes borrowing capacity available for letters of credit) due in 2022, or the New Revolving Credit Facility. As of December 30, 2017, we had $1,565.0 million debt outstanding under the New Credit Facilities with $123.7 million of availability and $1.3 million in issued but undrawn letters of credit outstanding under the New Revolving Credit Facility. The outstanding balance under the New Revolving Credit Facility is included in the current portion of long-term debt on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 30, 2017 included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, due to our intent to repay the borrowings within the next twelve months. All obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by, subject to certain exceptions, each of the Company’s current and future wholly-owned material domestic restricted subsidiaries. All obligations under the Credit Agreement, and the guarantees of those obligations, are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and each guarantor, subject to customary exceptions, including: • a pledge of 100% of the equity interests directly held by the Company and each guarantor in any wholly- owned domestic material subsidiary of the Company or any guarantor (which pledge, in the case of any non-U.S. subsidiary of a U.S. subsidiary, will not include more than 65% of the voting stock of such first- tier non-U.S. subsidiary), subject to certain exceptions; and • a security interest in substantially all other tangible and intangible assets of the Company and each guarantor, subject to certain exceptions. Under the terms of the Credit Agreement, depending on our Consolidated Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement), on an annual basis on or about the time we are required to deliver our financial statements for any fiscal year, we are obligated to offer to prepay a portion of the outstanding principal amount of the New Term Loan Facility in an aggregate amount determined by a percentage of our annual excess cash flow (as defined in the Credit Agreement) (said payment referred to herein as a Cash Flow Sweep). 56 Borrowings under the New Term Loan Facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at our option, either (1) an applicable margin plus a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (a) 0.50% per annum plus the higher of (i) the Federal Funds Effective Rate and (ii) the Overnight Bank Funding Rate as determined by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, (b) the prime rate of JPMorgan Chase and (c) the LIBOR rate determined by reference to the cost of funds for U.S. dollar deposits for an interest period of one month adjusted for certain additional costs, plus 1.00%; provided that such rate is not lower than a floor of 1.75% or (2) an applicable margin plus a LIBOR rate determined by reference to the costs of funds for U.S. dollar deposits for the interest period relevant to such borrowing adjusted for certain additional costs, provided that LIBOR is not lower than a floor of 0.75%. Borrowings under the New Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to an applicable margin based upon a leverage-based pricing grid, plus, at our option, either (1) a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (a) 0.50% per annum plus the higher of (i) the Federal Funds Effective Rate and (ii) the Overnight Bank Funding Rate as determined by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, (b) the prime rate of JPMorgan Chase and (c) the LIBOR rate determined by reference to the cost of funds for U.S. dollar deposits for an interest period of one month adjusted for certain additional costs, plus 1.00% or (2) a LIBOR rate determined by reference to the costs of funds for U.S. dollar deposits for the interest period relevant to such borrowing adjusted for certain additional costs. As of December 30, 2017, the applicable margins for the LIBOR rate borrowings under the New Term Loan Facility and the New Revolving Credit Facility were 4.75% and 2.75%, respectively. On a quarterly basis, we pay a commitment fee to the lenders under the New Revolving Credit Facility in respect of unutilized commitments thereunder, which commitment fee fluctuates depending upon our Consolidated Leverage Ratio. Based on our Consolidated Leverage Ratio as of December 30, 2017, the commitment fee was 0.50% per annum. The Credit Agreement contains other customary terms, including (1) representations, warranties and affirmative covenants, (2) negative covenants, including limitations on indebtedness, liens, mergers, acquisitions, asset sales, investments, distributions, prepayments of subordinated debt, amendments of material agreements governing subordinated indebtedness, changes to lines of business and transactions with affiliates, in each case subject to baskets, thresholds and other exceptions, and (3) customary events of default. The availability of certain baskets and the ability to enter into certain transactions are also subject to compliance with certain financial ratios. In addition, the New Revolving Credit Facility includes a maintenance covenant that will require, in certain circumstances, compliance with certain first lien secured net leverage ratios. As of December 30, 2017, we were in compliance with all covenants in the Credit Agreement governing the New Credit Facilities. Senior Notes The Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated November 29, 2017, or the Indenture, among the Company, the guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee. The Indenture contains customary covenants, events of default and other provisions for an issuer of non-investment grade debt securities. These covenants include limitations on indebtedness, liens, mergers, acquisitions, asset sales, investments, distributions, prepayments of subordinated debt and transactions with affiliates, in each case subject to baskets, thresholds and other exceptions. The Notes accrue interest at a rate per annum equal to 8.625% and are due on December 1, 2025. Interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually on June 1 and December 1 of each year, beginning on June 1, 2018. On or after December 1, 2020, the Company may on any one or more occasions redeem some or all of the Notes at a purchase price equal to 104.313% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the redemption date, such optional redemption price decreasing to 102.156% on or after December 1, 2021 and to 100.000% on or after December 1, 2022. Prior to December 1, 2020, the Company may on any one or more occasions redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes with an amount not to exceed the net proceeds of certain equity offerings at 108.625% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the redemption date. Prior to December 1, 2020, the Company may redeem some or all of the Notes at a make-whole price plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the redemption date. If a change of control occurs, the Company must offer to purchase for cash the Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the purchase date. Following the sale of certain assets and subject to certain conditions, the Company must offer to purchase for cash the Notes at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the purchase date. The Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by the Company’s subsidiaries that guarantee the New Credit Facilities. 57 Outstanding Debt At December 30, 2017, we had $1,865.0 million outstanding under the New Credit Facilities consisting of the $1,865.0 million outstanding under the New Credit Facilities consisting of the New Term Loan Facility of $1,540.0 million and $25.0 million drawn down on the New Revolving Credit Facility New Term Loan Facility of $1,540.0 million and $25.0 million drawn down on the New Revolving Credit Facility, and $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of Notes issued and outstanding. At the end of fiscal 2017, our debt consisted of both fixed and variable-rate instruments. At the end of fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, our debt consisted entirely of variable-rate instruments. An interest rate swap was entered into to hedge a portion of the cash flow exposure associated with our variable-rate borrowings. Further information regarding our interest rate swap can be found in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under Note 18 “Derivative Instruments and Hedging” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The weighted average interest rate (which includes amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discount) on our outstanding debt, exclusive of the impact of the swap, was approximately 7.12%, 4.41% and 4.34% per annum at December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016, respectively, based on interest rates on the applicable dates. The weighted average interest rate (which includes amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discount) on our outstanding debt, including the impact of the swap, was approximately 7.34%, 5.32% and 5.45% per annum at December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016, respectively, based on interest rates on the applicable dates. Dividends We do not currently pay a dividend and we have no current plans to pay dividends in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to declare and pay dividends will be made at the sole discretion of our Board of Directors, after taking into account our financial condition and results of operations, capital requirements, contractual, legal, tax and regulatory restrictions, the provisions of Virginia law affecting the payment of distributions to shareholders and such other factors our Board of Directors may deem relevant. In addition, our ability to pay dividends may be limited by covenants in our existing indebtedness, including the New Credit Facilities and the indenture governing the Notes, and may be limited by the agreements governing other indebtedness we or our subsidiaries incur in the future. EBITDAS and Adjusted EBITDAS We define EBITDAS, a non-GAAP financial measure, as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation and Adjusted EBITDAS, a non-GAAP financial measure, as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation and goodwill impairment. The table below sets forth the calculations for EBITDAS and Adjusted EBITDAS for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016: (in millions) Fiscal 2017 Fiscal 2016 Fiscal 2015 Net Income .............................................................................. $ Interest ..................................................................................... Taxes........................................................................................ Depreciation and Amortization ............................................... Stock-based Compensation ..................................................... EBITDAS ................................................................................ Goodwill Impairment .............................................................. Adjusted EBITDAS................................................................. $ 163.5 $ 112.8 (18.2) 50.9 14.9 323.9 13.3 337.2 $ 67.7 $ 115.2 16.6 52.6 6.5 258.7 - 258.7 $ 32.9 121.8 22.8 53.2 24.8 255.6 - 255.6 Note: Totals may not sum due to rounding. Reducing leverage is a capital structure priority for the Company. As of December 30, 2017 our net debt/Adjusted EBITDAS ratio was 5.2x. 58 The table below sets forth the calculation for net debt, a non-GAAP financial measure: (in millions) Total debt......................................................................... $ Less: Unamortized deferred financing costs ................... Less: Unamortized debt discount .................................... Less: Cash on hand.......................................................... Net debt ........................................................................... $ December 30, 2017 1,865.0 11.2 30.4 83.1 1,740.3 Note: Totals may not sum due to rounding. We present EBITDAS, Adjusted EBITDAS and net debt/EBITDAS because we consider them to be useful supplemental measures of our performance. In addition, we believe EBITDAS, Adjusted EBITDAS and net debt/EBITDAS are useful to investors, analysts and rating agencies in measuring the ability of a company to meet its debt service obligations. See “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” herein for an explanation of our use of these non- GAAP financial measures. Contractual Obligations We are obligated under non-cancelable agreements primarily for office and rent facilities operating leases. Consolidated rent expense charged to operations under all our leases for fiscal 2017 was approximately $42.3 million. The following table summarizes our future contractual obligations as of the end of fiscal 2017: 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 ............................................................... $ 1,865.0 $ 770.6 Interest.................................................................. 217.0 Operating leases and non-cancelable agreements ..... Total (2) ................................................................. $ 2,852.6 $ 82.7 $ 122.2 45.6 250.5 $ 173.3 $ 230.9 57.9 462.1 $ 154.0 $ 1,455.0 208.4 209.1 81.8 31.7 394.8 $ 1,745.2 (1) (2) Due to the fact that a portion 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 2017 remains constant for all periods presented. The above does not include the impact of our interest rate swap which has a fair value of $12.2 million, or the $5.6 million of interest expense which is expected to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings in fiscal 2018. 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. m t 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 cash on hand, will provide sufficient liquidity for the next 12 months to fund currently anticipated capital expenditure and working capital requirements, as well as debt service requirements. 59 Acquisition of Weilos On March 11, 2015, we acquired Weilos, a California-based startup with an online social platform, for a purchase price of $6.7 million. Payment was in the form of common stock issued of $2.8 million, restricted stock issued of $0.1 million and cash of $2.8 million plus cash in reserves of $1.0 million. Winfrey Transaction On October 19, 2015, we issued and sold to Ms. Winfrey an aggregate of 6.4 million shares of our common stock for an aggregate cash purchase price of $43.2 million. For additional details on the Winfrey Transaction, see “Item 1. Business—History—Winfrey Transaction” in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Franchise Acquisition On June 27, 2016, we acquired substantially all of the assets of our franchisee for certain territories in South Florida, Weight Watchers of Greater Miami, Inc., for a purchase price of $3.3 million. Factors Affecting Future Liquidity Any future acquisitions, joint ventures or other similar transactions could require additional capital and we cannot be certain that any additional capital will be available on acceptable terms or at all. Our ability to fund our capital expenditure requirements, interest, principal and dividend payment obligations and working capital requirements 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 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence” in Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Seasonality Our business is seasonal due to the importance of the winter 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. 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. The Company’s exposure to market risk as of the end of fiscal 2017 is described below. 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 New Credit Facilities. 60 On July 26, 2013, in order to hedge a 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 was $1.5 billion. During the term of this swap, the notional amount decreased from $1.5 billion effective March 31, 2014 to $1.25 billion on April 3, 2017 and will decrease to $1.0 billion on April 1, 2019. This interest rate swap effectively fixes the variable interest rate on the notional amount of this swap at 2.41%. This swap qualifies for hedge accounting and, therefore, changes in the fair value of this swap have been recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. As of the end of fiscal 2017, we had $1,565.0 million of variable rate debt, of which $315.0 million remained unhedged. As of December 30, 2017, borrowings under the New Credit Facilities bore interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin of 4.75%. For the New Term Loan Facility, the minimum interest rate for LIBOR applicable to such facility pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement is set at 0.75%, referred to herein as the LIBOR Floor. In addition, as of December 30, 2017, our interest rate swap in effect had a notional amount of $1.25 billion. Accordingly, as of December 30, 2017, based on the amount of variable rate debt outstanding and the then-current LIBOR rate, after giving consideration to the impact of the interest rate swap and the LIBOR Floor, a hypothetical 70 basis point increase in interest rates would have increased annual interest expense by approximately $2.2 million and a hypothetical 70 basis point decrease in interest rates would have decreased annual interest expense by approximately $3.0 million. This increase is driven primarily by the interest rate applicable to our New Term Loan Facility. This decrease is driven primarily by the lower variable rate debt balance resulting from the November 2017 debt refinancing. There have been no material changes to the Company’s exposure to market risk from the end of fiscal 2016 as compared to the end of fiscal 2017. 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. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates, particularly with respect to the euro, canadian dollar 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 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- 41 and our financial statement schedule on page S-1, including the report thereon of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP on pages F-2 and F-3. Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure None. 61 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 our 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 our principal financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 30, 2017, the end of fiscal 2017. Based upon that evaluation and subject to the foregoing, our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer concluded that, as of the end of fiscal 2017, the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures were 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 our 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 (“GAAP”). Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2017, the end of fiscal 2017. 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 (2013). Based on this assessment, our management, under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, concluded that, as of December 30, 2017, our internal control over financial reporting was effective based on those criteria. k The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2017 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears on pages F-2 and F-3 to our consolidated financial statements. 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 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Item 9B. Other Information None. 62 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 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders pursuant to Regulation 14A, except that (i) certain of 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 Amended and Restated Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, or the 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 30, 2017: Equity Compensation Plan Information Plan category Equity compensation plans approved by security holders............................................... Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders............................................... Total................................................................... Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a) Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b) Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))(c) 7,010,156 (1)$ 10.98 (2) 4,360,146 (3) 500,000 (4)$ 7,510,156 $ 60.00 (5) 14.24 (6) — 4,360,146 (1) Consists of 1,870,452 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options awarded under our Second Amended and Restated 2014 Stock Incentive Plan, or 2014 Plan, our 2008 Stock Incentive Plan, or 2008 Plan, and our 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, or 2004 Plan; 3,513,468 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of the Winfrey Option granted pursuant to the Winfrey Option Agreement; 1,076,817 shares of our common stock issuable upon the vesting of restricted stock units, or RSUs, awarded under our 2014 Plan; and 549,419 shares of our common stock issuable upon the vesting of performance-based stock units, or PSUs, awarded under our 2014 Plan. The number of shares to be issued in respect of PSUs has been calculated based on the assumption that the maximum level of performance applicable to the PSUs will be achieved. The Winfrey Option was approved by the written consent of Artal Luxembourg which, as of the date thereof, controlled a majority of the voting power of our outstanding common stock. For additional details on the Winfrey Option and Winfrey Option Agreement, see “Item 1. Business—History—Winfrey Transaction” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. (2) Reflects the weighted average exercise price of outstanding stock options of $14.29, RSUs of $0, and PSUs of $0. 63 (3) Consists of shares of our common stock available for future issuance under our 2014 Plan, pursuant to various awards the Compensation and Benefits Committee may make, including non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, RSUs, restricted stock, performance-based awards and other equity- based awards. In connection with the initial approval of our 2014 Plan on May 6, 2014, our 2014 Plan replaced our 2008 Plan and 2004 Plan with respect to prospective equity grants. (4) Consists of 500,000 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of a stock option granted on July 5, 2017 to Ms. Grossman in connection with her appointment as our President and Chief Executive Officer. This stock option was granted in reliance on the employment inducement exemption provided under the NYSE Listed Company Manual Rule 303A.08. This stock option has a seven year term and proportionately vests annually over a four year period beginning with the first anniversary of Ms. Grossman’s July 5, 2017 employment commencement date. While the stock option was not awarded pursuant to our 2014 Plan, it is subject to the same terms and conditions of the 2014 Plan. (5) Reflects the weighted average exercise price of outstanding stock options of $60.00. (6) Reflects the weighted average exercise price of outstanding stock options of $18.17, RSUs of $0, and PSUs of $0. Code of Business Conduct and Ethics We have adopted the 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 the Corporate Governance – Governance Documents page of our corporate 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 within four business days of the date of such amendment or waiver on the Corporate Governance – Governance Documents and Corporate Governance – Corporate Actions pages, respectively, of our corporate website at www.weightwatchersinternational.com. In the case of a waiver, the name of the person to whom the waiver was granted will also be disclosed on our corporate website within four business days of the date of such waiver. 64 PART IV Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules (a) 1. Financial Statements 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. 65 [THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] 66 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 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 ................................................. Pages F-2 F-4 Consolidated Statements of Net Income for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016 ...................................................................................................... F-5 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016 ..................................................................................................... F-6 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Total Deficit for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016...................................................................................................... F-7 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016...................................................................................................... Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ...................................................................................................... F-8 F-9 Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016 ................................................................... 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. Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Weight Watchers International, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, and the related consolidated statements of net income, comprehensive income, changes in total deficit and cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 30, 2017, including the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 30,2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). k In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 30, 2017 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO. Basis for Opinions The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, 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 the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. 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. Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting 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 F-2 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, NY February 28, 2018 We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1999. F-3 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AT (IN THOUSANDS) ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents ................................................... $ Receivables (net of allowances: December 30, 2017 - $2,001 and December 31, 2016 - $2,973) ........................ Inventories ........................................................................... Prepaid income taxes ........................................................... Prepaid expenses and other current assets ........................... TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS........................................ Property and equipment, net ..................................................... Franchise rights acquired .......................................................... Goodwill.................................................................................... Other intangible assets, net ....................................................... Other noncurrent assets ............................................................. TOTAL ASSETS ........................................................... $ 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....................................................... Derivative payable............................................................... Deferred revenue ................................................................. TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES ............................... Long-term debt, net................................................................... Deferred income taxes .............................................................. Other.......................................................................................... TOTAL LIABILITIES................................................... Commitments and contingencies (Note 15) Redeemable noncontrolling interest.......................................... TOTAL DEFICIT Common stock, $0 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; 118,947 shares issued at December 30, 2017 and at December 31, 2016........................................................... Treasury stock, at cost, 54,258 shares at December 30, 2017 and 55,021 shares at December 31, 2016 ................ Retained earnings ................................................................ Accumulated other comprehensive loss .............................. TOTAL DEFICIT .......................................................... TOTAL LIABILITIES AND TOTAL DEFICIT........... $ December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 83,054 $ 108,656 23,913 31,728 43,488 26,805 208,988 47,978 754,040 156,281 46,536 32,177 1,246,000 $ 82,750 $ 24,356 62,179 18,154 10,834 58,251 12,171 74,332 343,027 1,740,612 143,591 30,289 2,257,519 27,518 32,629 35,528 30,880 235,211 49,574 748,619 166,138 58,612 12,822 1,270,976 21,000 40,639 49,638 18,067 16,939 51,251 31,974 62,880 292,388 1,981,299 175,115 25,048 2,473,850 4,467 4,699 0 0 (3,208,836) 2,203,317 (10,467) (1,015,986) 1,246,000 $ (3,237,346) 2,056,893 (27,120) (1,207,573) 1,270,976 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. F-4 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET INCOME FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) Service revenues, net .................................................................... . Product sales and other, net .......................................................... . . Revenues, net .......................................................................... Cost of services............................................................................. . Cost of product sales and other .................................................... . Cost of revenues...................................................................... . . Gross profit ............................................................................. Marketing expenses ...................................................................... . Selling, general and administrative expenses............................... . Goodwill impairment.................................................................... . . Operating income.................................................................... Interest expense ............................................................................ . Other expense, net ........................................................................ . Early extinguishment of debt, net................................................. . . Income before income taxes ................................................... (Benefit from) provision for income taxes ................................... . Net income .............................................................................. . Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest....................... . Net income attributable to Weight Watchers International, Inc......................................................................................... . Earnings Per Share attributable to Weight Watchers International, Inc. . Basic........................................................................................ . Diluted..................................................................................... Weighted average common shares outstanding December 30, 2017 $ 1,081,679 225,232 1,306,911 486,293 127,969 614,262 692,649 200,797 211,224 13,323 267,305 112,784 472 8,969 145,080 (18,237) 163,317 197 $ December 31, 2016 949,121 215,781 1,164,902 468,761 110,640 579,401 585,501 194,398 190,292 0 200,811 115,160 1,524 0 84,127 16,634 67,493 206 $ January 2, 2016 937,368 227,051 1,164,419 477,926 112,406 590,332 574,087 201,021 205,008 0 168,058 121,843 2,027 (11,426) 55,614 22,835 32,779 166 $ $ $ 163,514 $ 67,699 $ 32,945 2.54 2.40 $ $ 1.06 1.03 $ $ 0.56 0.56 Basic........................................................................................ . . Diluted..................................................................................... 64,329 68,248 63,742 65,897 58,369 58,966 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. F-5 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED (IN THOUSANDS) Net income ................................................................................... Other comprehensive gain (loss): Foreign currency translation gain (loss) ................................. Income tax (expense) benefit on foreign currency translation gain (loss)........................................................... Foreign currency translation gain (loss), net of taxes............. Gain (loss) on derivatives ....................................................... Income tax (expense) benefit on gain (loss) on derivatives.... Gain (loss) on derivatives, net of taxes................................... Total other comprehensive gain (loss) ......................................... Comprehensive income ................................................................ Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest................ Foreign currency translation loss (gain), net of taxes attributable to the noncontrolling interest............................ Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to the noncontrolling interest ....................................................................................... Comprehensive income attributable to Weight Watchers International, Inc. ...................................................................... December 30, 2017 163,317 $ December 31, 2016 January 2, 2016 $ 67,493 $ 32,779 9,848 5,556 (27,824) (3,840) 6,008 17,393 (6,783) 10,610 16,618 179,935 197 35 232 (2,089) 3,467 11,821 (4,688) 7,133 10,600 78,093 206 (455) (249) 10,851 (16,973) (2,096) 817 (1,279) (18,252) 14,527 166 937 1,103 $ 180,167 $ 77,844 $ 15,630 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. F-6 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN TOTAL DEFICIT (IN THOUSANDS) Redeemable Noncontrolling Common Stock Interest Shares Amount Shares Treasury Stock Amount Comprehensive Retained Earnings Loss Total Weight Watchers International, Inc. Accumulated Other Balance at January 3, 2015.................... $ Comprehensive (loss) income ............... Issuance of treasury stock under stock plans .......................................... Tax benefit of restricted stock units vested and stock options exercised..... Cash dividends ...................................... Compensation expense on share- based awards....................................... Sale of common stock ........................... Acquisition of Weilos............................ Balance at January 2, 2016.................... $ Comprehensive income ......................... Issuance of treasury stock under stock plans .......................................... Tax benefit of restricted stock units vested and stock options exercised..... Compensation expense on share- based awards....................................... Issuance of common stock pursuant to acquisition of Weilos...................... Balance at December 31, 2016.............. $ Comprehensive income ......................... Issuance of treasury stock under stock plans .......................................... Compensation expense on share- based awards....................................... Balance at December 30, 2017.............. $ 5,553 112,195 $ (1,103) 0 55,485 $(3,253,597) $ (19,950) $1,900,506 $(1,373,041) 15,630 32,945 (17,315) (184) 6,191 (7,179) (988) 6,362 298 4,450 118,855 $ 249 0 55,301 $(3,247,406) $ (932) 3 (932) 3 24,771 41,475 2,924 24,771 41,475 2,924 (37,265) $1,994,513 $(1,290,158) 77,844 67,699 10,145 (280) 10,060 (12,173) (2,113) 327 327 6,527 6,527 92 4,699 118,947 $ (232) 0 55,021 $(3,237,346) $ 0 0 (27,120) $2,056,893 $(1,207,573) 180,167 163,514 16,653 (763) 28,510 (32,039) (3,529) 4,467 118,947 $ 0 54,258 $(3,208,836) $ 14,949 14,949 (10,467) $2,203,317 $(1,015,986) The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. tt F-7 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED (IN THOUSANDS) December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 January 2, 2016 $ 163,317 $ 67,493 $ 32,779 Operating activities: Net income......................................................................................... Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization .................................................... Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discount....... Goodwill impairment................................................................... Impairment of intangible and long-lived assets........................... Write-off of net assets due to cessation of Spain operations ................................................................................. Share-based compensation expense ............................................ Deferred tax (benefit) provision .................................................. Allowance for doubtful accounts................................................. Reserve for inventory obsolescence ............................................ Foreign currency exchange rate loss ........................................... Early extinguishment of debt, net................................................ Changes in cash due to: Receivables.................................................................................. Inventories ................................................................................... Prepaid expenses ......................................................................... Accounts payable......................................................................... Accrued liabilities........................................................................ Deferred revenue ......................................................................... Other long term assets and liabilities, net.................................... Income taxes ................................................................................ Cash provided by operating activities ......................................... Investing activities: Capital expenditures .......................................................................... Capitalized software expenditures..................................................... Cash paid for acquisitions.................................................................. Other items, net.................................................................................. Cash used for investing activities ................................................ Financing activities: 50,880 6,112 13,323 682 70 14,949 (48,216) (587) 7,823 202 8,969 5,444 (4,504) (4,359) (14,507) 4,414 8,298 5,683 4,281 222,274 (13,732) (26,916) 0 (143) (40,791) Net borrowings (payments) on revolver............................................ Proceeds from new long term debt .................................................... Financing costs and debt discount ..................................................... Payments on long-term debt .............................................................. Proceeds from the sale of common stock, net of fees ....................... Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards ............. Excess tax benefit of share-based compensation............................... Proceeds from stock options exercised.............................................. Payment of dividends ........................................................................ Cash used for financing activities................................................ Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents ............... Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents .............................................. Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of fiscal year ............................... Cash and cash equivalents, end of fiscal year.......................................... 25,000 1,840,000 (53,636) (2,018,773) 0 (9,548) 0 5,475 0 (211,482) 4,397 (25,602) 108,656 83,054 $ $ 52,633 6,116 0 615 0 6,527 11,093 363 5,109 1,270 0 (37) (9,513) (14,755) 461 (8,823) 1,212 1,512 (2,232) 119,044 (5,556) (28,785) (2,898) (291) (37,530) (48,000) 0 0 (165,323) 0 0 973 139 (11) (212,222) (2,162) (132,870) 241,526 108,656 $ 53,171 6,886 0 2,455 0 24,771 12,098 (446) 7,593 1,526 (12,667) 1,571 (3,055) (18,284) (13,930) (32,418) 1,256 1,512 (10,003) 54,815 (3,952) (32,307) (3,112) (936) (40,307) 48,000 0 0 (158,113) 41,475 0 0 95 (42) (68,585) (5,609) (59,686) 301,212 241,526 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. F-8 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PER UNIT AMOUNTS) 1. Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Weight Watchers International, Inc. and all of its subsidiaries. The terms “Company” and “WWI” as used throughout these notes is used to indicate Weight Watchers International, Inc. and all of its operations consolidated for purposes of its financial statements. The Company’s “meetings” business refers to providing access to combined meetings and digital offerings to the Company’s commitment plan subscribers (including Total Access subscribers), as well as access to meetings to the Company’s “pay-as-you-go” members and other meetings members. “Online” refers to Weight Watchers Online, Weight Watchers OnlinePlus, Personal Coaching and other digital subscription products. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and include all of the Company’s majority-owned subsidiaries. All entities acquired, and any entity of which a majority interest was acquired, are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Out-of-Period Adjustments: In fiscal 2016, the Company identified and recorded out-of-period adjustments related to (i) income tax errors primarily related to reversing a foreign tax receivable originally recorded in fiscal 2008 that should have been reversed in fiscal 2009; (ii) errors in the prior period tax provision identified upon filing of the tax return and (iii) technology expenses that should have been capitalized in fiscal 2015. The impact of correcting these errors, which were immaterial to prior period financial statements and corrected in fiscal 2016, increased income before income taxes by $347, increased provision for income taxes by $2,138 and decreased net income attributable to the Company by $1,791. In fiscal 2015, the Company identified and recorded out-of-period adjustments that related to immaterial errors in prior period financial statements, which were corrected in fiscal 2015, that increased income before income taxes by $1,650, provision for income taxes by $1,970, and decreased net income attributable to the Company by $320. 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 t periods. Fiscal year 2017, fiscal year 2016 and fiscal year 2015 all contained 52 weeks. Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with GAAP, 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. F-9 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PER UNIT AMOUNTS) 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 loss. Foreign currency gains and losses arising from the translation of intercompany receivables and intercompany payables with the Company’s international subsidiaries are recorded as a component of other expense, net, unless the receivable or payable is considered long-term in nature, in which case the foreign currency gains and losses are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive 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 net realizable value 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. 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 2017, fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, the Company recorded impairment charges of $674, $484 and $2,028, respectively, related to internal-use computer software that was not expected to provide substantive service potential. In fiscal 2017, fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, the Company recorded impairment charges of $8, $131, and $427, respectively, related to property, plant and equipment that were expected to be disposed of before the end of their estimated useful lives. F-10 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PER UNIT AMOUNTS) Goodwill and Franchise Rights Acquired: The Company reviews goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, including franchise rights acquired with indefinite lives, 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 May 7, 2017 and May 8, 2016, each the first day of fiscal May, on its goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets. In performing its annual impairment analysis as of May 7, 2017, the Company determined that the carrying amounts of its goodwill reporting units and franchise rights acquired with indefinite lives units of account did not exceed their respective fair values and therefore, no impairment existed. For all reporting units, except for Brazil, there was significant headroom in the impairment analysis. Given the ongoing challenging economic environment in Brazil and the negative performance trends and the Company’s reduced expectations regarding the future impact of its business growth strategies in the country, a a triggering event in the Brazil reporting unit was identified which required the Company to perform an interim m goodwill impairment analysis. Based on this interim test, the Company determined that the carrying amount of this Based on the results reporting unit exceeded its fair value and therefore recorded an impairment charge of $13,323. Based on the results of the Company’s annual impairment test performed for all of its reporting units except for Brazil, as of December r 30, 2017, the Company estimated that for reporting units that hold approximately 96.6% of the Company’s goodwill, those units had a fair value at least 50% higher than the respective reporting unit’s carrying amount. on the results of the Company’s interim impairment test performed on December 30, 2017 and after recording an impairment charge of $13,323, its reporting unit Brazil held 3.4% of the Company’s goodwill, and the fair value of this reporting unit is now equivalent to its carrying value of $5,943. Based 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 would cause a change in the results of the tests and, as such, could cause fair value to be less than the carrying amounts and result in an impairment of those assets. In the event such a result 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 assumptions and believes that these assumptions are appropriate. The following is a discussion of the goodwill and franchise rights acquired impairment analysis. Goodwill 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 units. The Company has determined the appropriate reporting unit for purposes of assessing annual impairment to be the country for all reporting units. For all of the Company’s reporting units except for Brazil (see below), the Company estimated future cash flows by utilizing the historical debt-free cash flows (cash flows provided by operating activities less capital expenditures) attributable to that country and then applied expected future operating income growth rates for such country. The Company utilized operating income as the basis for measuring its potential growth because it believes it is the best indicator of the performance of its business. The Company then discounted the estimated future cash flows utilizing a discount rate which was calculated using the average cost of capital, which included the cost of equity and the cost of debt. The cost of equity was determined by combining a risk-free rate of return and a market risk premium for the Company’s peer group. The risk-free rate of return was determined based on the average rate of long-term U.S. Treasury securities. The market risk premium was determined by reviewing external market data. The cost of debt was determined by estimating the Company’s current borrowing rate. F-11 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PER UNIT AMOUNTS) As it relates to the impairment analysis for Brazil, the Company estimated future debt free cash flows in contemplation of its growth strategies for that market. In developing these projections, the Company considered the historical impact of similar growth strategies in other markets as well as the current market conditions in Brazil. The Company then discounted the estimated future cash flows utilizing a discount rate which was calculated using the average cost of capital, which included the cost of equity and the cost of debt. The cost of equity was determined by combining a risk-free rate of return and a market risk premium for the Company’s peer group. The risk-free rate of return was determined based on the average rate of long-term U.S. Treasury securities. The market risk premium was determined by reviewing external market data including the current economic conditions in Brazil and the country specific risk thereon. A further risk premium was included to reflect the risk associated with the rate of growth projected in the analysis, except for the interim test at December 30, 2017, which projected significantly lower growth rates. The cost of debt was determined by estimating the Company’s current borrowing rate. Franchise Rights Acquired Finite-lived franchise rights acquired are amortized over the remaining contractual period, which is generally less than one year. In performing the impairment analysis for indefinite-lived franchise rights acquired, the fair value for franchise rights acquired is estimated using a discounted cash flow approach referred to as the hypothetical start-up approach for franchise rights related to the Company’s meetings business and a relief from royalty methodology for franchise rights related to the Company’s Online business. The aggregate estimated fair value for these rights is then compared to the carrying value of the unit of account for those franchise rights. The Company has determined the appropriate unit of account for purposes of assessing impairment to be the combination of the rights in the meetings and Online businesses in the country in which the acquisitions have occurred. The book values of these franchise rights in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and other countries at December 30, 2017 were $671,914, $57,408, $12,680, $7,018, $5,020 and $0, respectively, totaling $754,040 and the values at December 31, 2016 were $671,914, $53,638, $11,694, $6,473, $4,900 and $0, respectively, totaling $748,619. In its hypothetical start-up approach analysis for fiscal 2017, the Company assumed that the year of maturity was reached after 7 years. Subsequent to the year of maturity, the Company estimated future cash flows for the meetings business in each country based on assumptions regarding revenue growth and operating income margins. The cash flows associated with the Online business were based on the expected Online revenue for such country and the application of a market-based royalty rate. The cash flows for the meetings and Online businesses were discounted utilizing rates consistent with those utilized in the goodwill impairment analysis. Other Intangible Assets: Other finite-lived intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives of 3 to 20 years. 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. F-12 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PER UNIT AMOUNTS) Revenue Recognition: WWI earns revenue by conducting meetings, for which it charges a fee, predominantly through commitment plans, prepayment plans or the “pay-as-you-go” arrangement. WWI also earns revenue from subscriptions for the Company’s Online products, selling products (including publications) in its meetings, online and to its franchisees, collecting commissions from franchisees, collecting royalties related to licensing agreements, selling magazine subscriptions, publishing, selling advertising space on its websites and in copies of its publications, and By Mail product sales. Commitment plans, prepaid meeting fees and magazine subscription revenue is recorded to deferred revenue and amortized into revenue over the period earned. Online subscription revenues are recognized over the period that products are provided. One-time Online sign-up fees are deferred and recognized over the expected customer relationship period. Online subscription revenues that are paid in advance are deferred and recognized on a straight- line basis over the subscription period. Revenue from “pay-as-you-go” meeting fees, product sales, By Mail, commissions and royalties is recognized when services are rendered, products are sold or shipped to customers and title and risk of loss pass to the customers, and commissions and royalties are earned, respectively. Revenue from advertising in magazines is recognized when advertisements are published. Revenue from magazine sales is recognized when the magazine is sent to the customer. In the meetings business, WWI generally charges non- refundable registration and starter fees in exchange for an introductory information session and materials it provides to new members. Revenue from these registration and starter fees is recognized when the service and products are provided, which is generally at the same time payment is received from the customer. For revenue transactions that involve multiple deliverables, the amount of revenue recognized is determined using the relative fair value of each element, which is generally based on each element’s stand-alone selling price. Discounts to customers, including free registration offers, are recorded as a deduction from gross revenue in the period such revenue was recognized. Revenue from advertising on its websites is recognized when the advertisement is viewed by the user. 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 over the same period. Advertising Costs: Advertising costs consist primarily of broadcast 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 30, 2017, December 31, 2016, and January 2, 2016 were $193,423, $186,614 and $191,060, respectively. 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 net 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. F-13 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PER UNIT AMOUNTS) 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. An interest rate swap was 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 the interest rate swap 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 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 swap is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss on its balance sheet. See Note 17 for a further discussion regarding the fair value of the Company’s interest rate swap. The net effect of the interest payable and receivable under the Company’s interest rate swap is included in interest expense on the consolidated statements of net income. 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 fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company incurred fees of $53,832 (which includes $30,800 of a debt discount) in connection with the November 2017 debt refinancing (as described in Note 8). In addition, the Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $10,524 in connection thereto. This early extinguishment of debt write-off was comprised of $5,716 of deferred financing fees paid in connection with the November 2017 debt refinancing and $4,808 of pre-existing deferred financing fees. During the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017 in connection with the prepayment of debt, the Company wrote-off deferred financing fees of $618, incurred fees of $305 and recorded a gain on early extinguishment of debt of $1,554, inclusive of these fees. During the fiscal year ended January 2, 2016, in connection with the prepayment of debt, the Company wrote-off deferred financing fees of $647, incurred additional fees of $1,241 and recorded a gain on early extinguishment of debt totaling $11,426. Amortization expense for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016 was $6,112, $6,116 and $6,886, respectively. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss: The Company’s accumulated other comprehensive loss includes changes in the fair value of derivative instruments and the effects of foreign currency translations. At December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016, the cumulative balance of changes in fair value of derivative instruments, net of taxes, was $5,392, $16,002 and $23,135, respectively. At December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016, the cumulative balance of the effects of foreign currency translations, net of taxes, was $5,075, $11,118 and $14,130, respectively. F-14 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PER UNIT AMOUNTS) 3. Accounting Standards Adopted in Current Year In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued updated guidance on stock compensation which is intended to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification of applicable income tax consequences on the statement of cash flows. This guidance requires recognition of excess tax benefits and shortfalls (resulting from an increase or decrease in the fair value of an award from grant date to the vesting date) in the provision for income taxes as a discrete item in the quarterly period in which they occur. In addition, these amounts will be classified as an operating activity in the consolidated statement of cash flows instead of as a financing activity. The amendments requiring recognition of excess tax benefits and tax shortfalls in the income statement must be applied prospectively (See Note 12), and entities may elect to apply the amendments related to the presentation of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows using either a prospective or The amendments also require the classification of tax withheld for employee awards retrospective transition method. The amendments also require the classification of tax withheld for employee awards exercised as cash flows from financing activities. I compensation which is intended to clarify when changes to the terms and conditions to a share-based payment transaction requires modification accounting. n May 2017, the FASB issued updated guidance on stock The company adopted this guidance during the first quarter of fiscal 2017. As required by the standard, the Company recognized prospectively any excess tax benefits in the consolidated statements of net income for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017 and applied the amendments relating to the presentation of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows and tax withheld for employee awards using the prospective method. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 the Company recorded $327 of excess tax benefits in equity and for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2016 the Company recorded $932 of tax shortfalls in equity. For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016, the Company paid taxes of $2,232 and $447, respectively, related to net share settlement of equity awards. As permitted under the guidance, the Company will continue to account for forfeitures in compensation cost by estimating the number of awards that are expected to vest. In August 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance on the statement of cash flows presentation of certain transactions where diversity in practice exists. The Company adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2017, which had no impact on the consolidated statement of cash flows. In January 2017, the FASB issued updated guidance to assist Companies with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The Company early adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2017. The adoption of this guidance had no impact on the consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued amended guidance to simplify the accounting for goodwill impairment. This guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. Under the amended guidance, a goodwill impairment charge will now be recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for any impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017. The Company adopted this guidance in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017. In August 2017, the FASB issued amended guidance to improve accounting for hedging activities. The amendments in this update better align an entity’s risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results. To meet that objective, the amendments expand and refine hedge accounting for both nonfinancial and financial risk components and align the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted as of the issuance date. The Company adopted this guidance the first day of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, which did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures of the Company. F-15 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PER UNIT AMOUNTS) 4. Winfrey Transaction On October 18, 2015 (the “Agreement Date”), the Company entered into the following agreements with Oprah Winfrey: the Strategic Collaboration Agreement, the Winfrey Purchase Agreement (defined below), and the Winfrey Option Agreement (defined below). The transactions contemplated by these agreements are collectively referred to herein as the “Winfrey Transaction”. Details of the Strategic Collaboration Agreement, Winfrey Purchase Agreement and Winfrey Option Agreement are below. See Note 21 for related party transactions with Ms. Winfrey. Strategic Collaboration Agreement The Company and Ms. Winfrey granted each other certain intellectual property rights under the Strategic Collaboration Agreement. The agreement has an initial term of five years, with additional successive one-year renewal terms. During the term of this agreement, Ms. Winfrey will consult with the Company and participate in developing, planning, executing and enhancing the Weight Watchers program and related initiatives, and provide it with services in her discretion to promote the Company and its programs, products and services. Winfrey Purchase Agreement On October 19, 2015, pursuant to the Share Purchase Agreement between the Company and Ms. Winfrey (the “Winfrey Purchase Agreement”), the Company issued and sold to Ms. Winfrey an aggregate of 6,362 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Purchased Shares”) at a price per share of $6.79 for an aggregate cash purchase price of $43,199. The Company recorded fees related to the issuance of the Purchased Shares totaling $2,315, of which $1,700 was recorded as a reduction of equity in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015. The Purchased Shares are subject to certain demand registration rights and piggyback rights held by Ms. Winfrey under the Winfrey Purchase Agreement. The Purchased Shares could not be transferred by Ms. Winfrey within the first two years of the Agreement Date, subject to certain limited exceptions. Thereafter, Ms. Winfrey may generally transfer up to 15% of the Purchased Shares prior to the third anniversary of the Agreement Date, up to 30% of the Purchased Shares prior to the fourth anniversary of the Agreement Date and up to 60% of the Purchased Shares prior to the fifth anniversary of the Agreement Date. On or after the fifth anniversary of the Agreement Date, Ms. Winfrey will be permitted to transfer all of the Purchased Shares. In the event that Ms. Winfrey proposes to transfer any Purchased Shares or Winfrey Option Shares (defined below), the Company will have (a) a right of first offer with respect to such shares if such transfer is (i) for 1% or more of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock and is proposed to be made pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended or (ii) proposed to be sold under a resale shelf registration statement or (b) a right of first refusal with respect to such shares if such transfer is (i) for 1% or more of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock and is proposed to be made to a competitor of the Company or (ii) for 5% or more of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock. Such transfer restrictions, right of first offer and right of first refusal terminate if Ms. Winfrey then has the right to be nominated as a director and has met certain eligibility requirements under the Winfrey Purchase Agreement, but is not elected as a director of the Company. If Ms. Winfrey is elected as a director of the Company, she shall receive compensation for her services as a director consistent with that of other non-executive directors of the Company. Such transfer restrictions also terminate if there is a change of control, including if another person (or group), other than Artal Luxembourg S.A. and Ms. Winfrey and their respective affiliates, acquires more than 50% of the total voting power of the Company. Winfrey Option Agreement In consideration of Ms. Winfrey entering into the Strategic Collaboration Agreement and the performance of her obligations thereunder, on the Agreement Date, the Company granted Ms. Winfrey a fully vested option (the “Winfrey Option”) to purchase 3,513 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $6.97 per share, which remains outstanding in full. The term sheet, and related terms and conditions, for the Winfrey Option are referred to herein as the “Winfrey Option Agreement”. Based on the Black Scholes option pricing method, the Company recorded $12,759 of compensation expense in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 for the Winfrey Option. At the date of the grant, the Company used a dividend yield of 0.0%, 63.88% volatility and a risk-free interest rate of 1.36%. Compensation expense is included as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses. F-16 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PER UNIT AMOUNTS) Subject to certain limited exceptions, shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Winfrey Option (the “Winfrey Option Shares”) generally could not be transferred by Ms. Winfrey within the first year of the Agreement Date. Ms. Winfrey generally could have transferred up to 20% of the Winfrey Option Shares prior to the second anniversary of the Agreement Date, and generally may transfer up to 40% of such shares prior to the third anniversary of the Agreement Date, up to 60% of such shares prior to the fourth anniversary of the Agreement Date and up to 80% of such shares prior to the fifth anniversary of the Agreement Date. On or after the fifth anniversary of the Agreement Date, Ms. Winfrey will be permitted to transfer all of the Winfrey Option Shares. Pursuant to the Winfrey Purchase Agreement, in the event that Ms. Winfrey proposes to transfer any Winfrey Option Shares, the Company will have a right of first offer or a right of first refusal with respect to such shares as described above. Such transfer restrictions terminate under the same director service and change of control circumstances that would result in the termination of the transfer restrictions relating to the Purchased Shares as described above. 5. Acquisitions Acquisition of Franchisee On June 27, 2016, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of its franchisee for certain territories in South Florida, Weight Watchers of Greater Miami, Inc., for a purchase price of $3,250 (the “Miami Acquisition”). Payment was in the form of cash ($2,898) plus cash in reserves ($300) and assumed net liabilities of ($52). The total purchase price has been allocated to franchise rights acquired ($114), goodwill ($2,945) and customer relationship value ($191). The acquisition of the franchisee has been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, earnings of the acquired franchisee have been included in the consolidated operating results of the Company since the date of acquisition. The goodwill will be deductible for tax purposes. Acquisition of Weilos On March 11, 2015, the Company acquired for a purchase price of $6,674 Weilos, Inc. (“Weilos”), a California-based startup with an online social platform. Payment was in the form of common stock issued ($2,810), restricted stock issued ($114) and cash ($2,775) plus cash in reserves ($975). The total purchase price of Weilos has been allocated to goodwill ($5,588), identifiable intangibles ($1,741) and other assets ($24) offset by deferred tax liabilities ($679). Restricted shares with a fair value at the date of grant ($908) were issued to key employees, contingent upon 18 months post-combination employment, and are accounted for as stock compensation cost in the post-combination financial statements. These restricted shares vested on September 11, 2016. As a result of the acquisition, Weilos became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and the Company began to consolidate the entity as of the date of acquisition. The acquisition resulted in goodwill related to, among other things, expected synergies in operations. The goodwill was not deductible for tax purposes. 6. Franchise Rights Acquired, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets The Company performed its annual impairment review of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016 on May 7 and May 8, respectively. Given the ongoing challenging economic environment in Brazil and the negative performance trends and the Company’s reduced expectations regarding the future impact of its business growth strategies in the country, a triggering event in the Brazil reporting unit was identified which required the Company to perform an interim goodwill impairment analysis. Based on this interim test, the Company determined that the carrying amount of this reporting unit exceeded its fair value and therefore recorded an impairment charge of $13,323. As a result of the 2016 review, no impairment charges were recorded for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016. Franchise rights acquired are due to acquisitions of the Company’s franchised territories as well as the acquisition of franchise promotion agreements and other factors associated with the acquired franchise territories. For the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017, the change in the carrying value of franchise rights acquired is due to the effect of exchange rate changes. F-17 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PER UNIT AMOUNTS) Goodwill primarily relates to the acquisition of the Company by H.J. Heinz Company in 1978, the acquisition of WeightWatchers.com, Inc. in 2005, the acquisitions of the Company’s franchised territories, the acquisitions of the majority interest in Vigilantes do Peso Marketing Ltda. (“VPM”) and of Knowplicity, Inc., d/b/a Wello, in fiscal 2014 and the acquisition of Weilos in fiscal 2015. See Note 5 for additional information about acquisitions by the Company. For the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017, the change in the carrying amount of goodwill is due to the impairment charge of its Brazil reporting unit and the effect of exchange rate changes as follows: Balance as of December 31, 2016........................... $ 137,543 Goodwill impairment .............................................. 0 2,846 Effect of exchange rate changes.............................. Balance as of December 30, 2017........................... $ 140,389 North America United Kingdom $ 1,145 0 108 1,253 $ Continental Europe $ $ 6,884 0 875 7,759 Other $ 20,566 (13,323) (363) 6,880 $ Total $ 166,138 (13,323) 3,466 $ 156,281 Finite-lived Intangible Assets In fiscal 2017, the Company corrected the prior year presentation of fully amortized assets that were no longer in service. Accordingly, the fiscal 2016 disclosures have been revised resulting in a reduction in the gross carrying amount and the accumulated amortization of capitalized software costs, website development costs and other by $23,375, $47,193 and $4,290, respectively. The below table reflects the carrying values of finite-lived intangible assets as of December 30, 2017 and the revised December 31, 2016 carrying values of finite-lived intangible assets: December 30, 2017 Gross December 31, 2016 Gross Capitalized software costs .................................................. $111,617 $ Website development costs................................................. 90,096 Trademarks ......................................................................... 11,231 3,793 Other ................................................................................... Carrying Accumulated Carrying Accumulated Amount Amortization Amount Amortization 77,941 40,543 10,647 3,144 Trademarks and other intangible assets ........................ $216,737 $ 170,201 $190,887 $ 132,275 4,551 Total finite-lived intangible assets ................................ $221,263 $ 174,727 $195,438 $ 136,826 94,697 $103,362 $ 61,125 72,778 10,833 11,092 3,655 3,546 Franchise rights acquired.................................................... 4,526 4,551 4,526 $35,752 and $34,719, for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016, respectively. The franchise rights acquired related to the VPM acquisition were amortized ratably over a 2 year period. The franchise rights acquired related to the Miami Acquisition were amortized ratably over a 3 month period. Estimated amortization expense of existing finite-lived intangible assets for the next five fiscal years and thereafter is as follows: Fiscal 2018..................................................................... $ Fiscal 2019..................................................................... $ Fiscal 2020..................................................................... $ Fiscal 2021..................................................................... $ Fiscal 2022 and thereafter ............................................. $ 25,237 14,273 5,949 1,051 26 F-18 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PER UNIT AMOUNTS) 7. Property and Equipment In fiscal 2017, the Company corrected the prior year presentation of fully depreciated assets that were no longer in service. Accordingly, the fiscal 2016 disclosures have been revised resulting in a reduction in the gross carrying amount and the accumulated depreciation and amortization of equipment and leasehold improvements by $61,357 and $10,831, respectively. The below table reflects the carrying values of property and equipment as of December 30, 2017 and the revised December 31, 2016 carrying values of property and equipment: Equipment................................................................. $ Leasehold improvements .......................................... December 30, 2017 70,126 71,469 141,595 $ December 31, 2016 63,597 68,959 132,556 Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization ........................................................... $ (93,617) 47,978 $ (82,982) 49,574 Depreciation and amortization expense of property and equipment for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016 was $14,840, $16,881 and $18,452, respectively. 8. Long-Term Debt The components of the Company’s long-term debt were as follows: December 30, 2017 Unamortized Deferred Financing Costs Unamortized Debt Discount Principal Balance 25,000 $ 0 0 $ 0 0 0 1,540,000 300,000 1,865,000 $ 9,783 1,422 11,205 $ 30,433 0 30,433 82,750 11,205 New Revolving Credit Facility due November 29, 2022.......... $ Former Tranche B-2 Term Facility due April 2, 2020....... New Term Loan Facility due November 29, 2024 ................ Notes due December 1, 2025..... Total ................................ Less: Current Portion................. Unamortized Deferred Financing Costs ................. Unamortized Debt Discount ............................ 30,433 Total Long-Term Debt.... $ 1,740,612 December 31, 2016 Effective Rate (1) Principal Balance Effective Rate (1) 0.00% 4.41% 0.00% 0.00% 4.38% %% 4.15%$ 0 4.76% 2,021,250 0 6.84% 8.82% 0 4.96% 2,021,250 21,000 18,951 0 $ 1,981,299 (1) Includes amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discount. For fiscal 2017, the effective interest rate for the tranche B-2 term facility of the Company’s then-existing term loan facility was computed based on interest expense incurred over the period for which borrowings were outstanding. For fiscal 2016, the effective interest rate for the Company’s then-existing revolving facility and tranche B- 1 term facility of the Company’s then-existing term loan facility was computed based on interest expense incurred over the period for which borrowings were outstanding. F-19 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PER UNIT AMOUNTS) On November 29, 2017, the Company refinanced its then-existing credit facilities (hereinafter referred to as “the November 2017 debt refinancing”) consisting of $1,930,386 of borrowings under a term loan facility and an undrawn $50,000 revolving credit facility with $1,565,000 of borrowings under its new credit facilities, consisting of a $1,540,000 term loan facility, and a $150,000 revolving credit facility (of which $25,000 was drawn upon at the time of the November 2017 debt refinancing) (collectively the “New Credit Facilities”), and $300,000 in aggregate principal amount of 8.625% Senior Notes due 2025 (the “Notes”). During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company incurred fees of $53,832 (which included $30,800 of a debt discount) in connection with the November 2017 debt refinancing. In addition, the Company recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $10,524 in connection thereto. This early extinguishment of debt write-off was comprised of $5,716 of deferred financing fees paid in connection with the November 2017 debt refinancing and $4,808 of pre-existing deferred financing fees. Senior Secured Credit Facilities The New Credit Facilities were issued under a new credit agreement, dated November 29, 2017 (the “Credit Agreement”) among the Company, as borrower, the lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“JPMorgan Chase”), as administrative agent and an issuing bank, Bank of America, N.A., as an issuing bank, and Citibank, N.A., as an issuing bank. The New Credit Facilities consist of (1) $1,540,000 in aggregate principal amount of senior secured tranche B term loans due in 2024 (the “New Term Loan Facility”) and (2) a $150,000 senior secured revolving credit facility (which includes borrowing capacity available for letters of credit) due in 2022 (the “New Revolving Credit Facility”). As of December 30, 2017, the Company had $1,565,000 of debt outstanding under the New Credit Facilities, with $123,735 of availability and $1,265 in issued but undrawn letters of credit outstanding under the New Revolving Credit Facility. The outstanding balance under the New Revolving Credit Facility is included in current portion of long-term debt on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 30, 2017 included in these consolidated financial statements. All obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by, subject to certain exceptions, each of the Company’s current and future wholly-owned material domestic restricted subsidiaries. All obligations under the Credit Agreement, and the guarantees of those obligations, are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and each guarantor, subject to customary exceptions, including: • • a pledge of 100% of the equity interests directly held by the Company and each guarantor in any wholly-owned domestic material subsidiary of the Company or any guarantor (which pledge, in the case of any non-U.S. subsidiary of a U.S. subsidiary, will not include more than 65% of the voting stock of such first-tier non-U.S. subsidiary), subject to certain exceptions; and a security interest in substantially all other tangible and intangible assets of the Company and each guarantor, subject to certain exceptions. Under the terms of the Credit Agreement, depending on the Company’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement), on an annual basis on or about the time the Company is required to deliver its financial statements for any fiscal year, the Company is obligated to offer to prepay a portion of the outstanding principal amount of the New Term Loan Facility in an aggregate amount determined by a percentage of its annual excess cash flow (as defined in the Credit Agreement) (said payment, a “Cash Flow Sweep”). F-20 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PER UNIT AMOUNTS) Borrowings under the New Term Loan Facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at the Company’s option, either (1) an applicable margin plus a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (a) 0.50% per annum plus the higher of (i) the Federal Funds Effective Rate and (ii) the Overnight Bank Funding Rate as determined by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, (b) the prime rate of JPMorgan Chase and (c) the LIBOR rate determined by reference to the cost of funds for U.S. dollar deposits for an interest period of one month adjusted for certain additional costs, plus 1.00%; provided that such rate is not lower than a floor of 1.75% or (2) an applicable margin plus a LIBOR rate determined by reference to the costs of funds for U.S. dollar deposits for the interest period relevant to such borrowing adjusted for certain additional costs, provided that LIBOR is not lower than a floor of 0.75%. Borrowings under the New Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to an applicable margin based upon a leverage-based pricing grid, plus, at the Company’s option, either (1) a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (a) 0.50% per annum plus the higher of (i) the Federal Funds Effective Rate and (ii) the Overnight Bank Funding Rate as determined by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, (b) the prime rate of JPMorgan Chase and (c) the LIBOR rate determined by reference to the cost of funds for U.S. dollar deposits for an interest period of one month adjusted for certain additional costs, plus 1.00% or (2) a LIBOR rate determined by reference to the costs of funds for U.S. dollar deposits for the interest period relevant to such borrowing adjusted for certain additional costs. As of December 30, 2017, the applicable margins for the LIBOR rate borrowings under the New Term Loan Facility and the New Revolving Credit Facility were 4.75% and 2.75%, respectively. On a quarterly basis, the Company pays a commitment fee to the lenders under the New Revolving Credit Facility in respect of unutilized commitments thereunder, which commitment fee fluctuates depending upon the Company’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio. Based on the Company’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio as of December 30, 2017, the commitment fee was 0.50% per annum. The Credit Agreement contains other customary terms, including (1) representations, warranties and affirmative covenants, (2) negative covenants, including limitations on indebtedness, liens, mergers, acquisitions, asset sales, investments, distributions, prepayments of subordinated debt, amendments of material agreements governing subordinated indebtedness, changes to lines of business and transactions with affiliates, in each case subject to baskets, thresholds and other exceptions, and (3) customary events of default. The availability of certain baskets and the ability to enter into certain transactions are also subject to compliance with certain financial ratios. In addition, the New Revolving Credit Facility includes a maintenance covenant that will require, in certain circumstances, compliance with certain first lien secured net leverage ratios. As of December 30, 2017, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants in the Credit Agreement governing the New Credit Facilities. Senior Notes The Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated November 29, 2017 (the “Indenture”), among the Company, the guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee. The Indenture contains customary covenants, events of default and other provisions for an issuer of non-investment grade debt securities. These covenants include limitations on indebtedness, liens, mergers, acquisitions, asset sales, investments, distributions, prepayments of subordinated debt and transactions with affiliates, in each case subject to baskets, thresholds and other exceptions. F-21 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PER UNIT AMOUNTS) The Notes accrue interest at a rate per annum equal to 8.625% and are due on December 1, 2025. Interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually on June 1 and December 1 of each year, beginning on June 1, 2018. On or after December 1, 2020, the Company may on any one or more occasions redeem some or all of the Notes at a purchase price equal to 104.313% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the redemption date, such optional redemption price decreasing to 102.156% on or after December 1, 2021 and to 100.000% on or after December 1, 2022. Prior to December 1, 2020, the Company may on any one or more occasions redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes with an amount not to exceed the net proceeds of certain equity offerings at 108.625% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the redemption date. Prior to December 1, 2020, the Company may redeem some or all of the Notes at a make-whole price plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the redemption date. If a change of control occurs, the Company must offer to purchase for cash the Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the purchase date. Following the sale of certain assets and subject to certain conditions, the Company must offer to purchase for cash the Notes at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the purchase date. The Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by the Company’s subsidiaries that guarantee the New Credit Facilities. Outstanding Debt At December 30, 2017, the Company had $1,865,000 outstanding under the New Credit Facilities, consisting of the New Term Loan Facility of $1,540,000 and $25,000 drawn down on the New Revolving Credit Facility, and $300,000 in aggregate principal amount of Notes issued and outstanding. At December 30, 2017, the Company’s debt consisted of both fixed and variable-rate instruments. At December 31, 2016, the Company’s debt consisted entirely of variable-rate instruments. An interest rate swap was entered into to hedge a portion of the cash flow exposure associated with the Company’s variable-rate borrowings. See Note 18 for information on the Company’s interest rate swap. The weighted average interest rate (which includes amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discount) on the Company’s outstanding debt, exclusive of the impact of the swap, was approximately 7.12% and 4.41% per annum based on interest rates at December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The weighted average interest rate (which includes amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discount) on the Company’s outstanding debt, including the impact of the swap, was approximately 7.34% and 5.32% per annum based on interest rates at December 30, 2017 and December 30, 2016, respectively. Maturities At December 30, 2017, the aggregate amounts of the Company’s existing long-term debt maturing in each of the next five fiscal years and thereafter were as follows: 2018 ................................................................................. $ 2019 ................................................................................. 2020 ................................................................................. 2021 ................................................................................. 2022 ................................................................................. 2023 and thereafter .......................................................... 82,750 77,000 96,250 77,000 77,000 1,455,000 $ 1,865,000 F-22 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PER UNIT AMOUNTS) 9. Treasury Stock 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 Sp. z o.o., Succursale de Luxembourg and its parents and subsidiaries under the program. The repurchase program currently has no expiration date. During the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016, the Company purchased no shares of its common stock in the open market under the repurchase program. As of the end of fiscal 2017, $208,933 remained available to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock under the repurchase program. 10. 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: Numerator: Net income attributable to Weight Watchers International, Inc................... $ 163,514 $ 67,699 $ 32,945 December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 January 2, 2016 Denominator: Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding...................................................... Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents .... Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding ................................................ Earnings per share attributable to Weight Watchers International, Inc. 64,329 3,919 63,742 2,155 58,369 597 68,248 65,897 58,966 Basic .................................................................. $ Diluted ............................................................... $ 2.54 2.40 $ $ 1.06 $ 1.03 $ 0.56 0.56 The number of anti-dilutive common stock equivalents excluded from the calculation of the weighted average number of common shares for diluted EPS was 1,427, 1,536 and 1,699 for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016, respectively. F-23 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PER UNIT AMOUNTS) 11. Stock Plans Incentive Compensation Plans, Inducement Option and Winfrey Option 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”). On May 6, 2014, the Company’s shareholders approved the 2014 Stock Incentive Plan (as amended and restated, the “2014 Plan”, and together with the 2004 Plan and the 2008 Plan, the “Stock Plans”), which replaced the 2008 Plan and 2004 Plan for all equity-based awards granted on or after May 6, 2014. The 2014 Plan is 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 2014 Plan. Under the 2014 Plan, grants may take the following forms at the Company’s Board of Directors’ Compensation and Benefit Committee’s (the “Compensation Committee”) discretion: non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), restricted stock and other stock- based awards. As of May 9, 2017, the maximum number of shares of common stock available for grant under the 2014 Plan was 8,500, subject to increase and adjustment as set forth in the 2014 Plan. Under the 2014 Plan, the Company also grants fully-vested shares of its common stock to certain members of its Board of Directors. Additionally, the Company granted such shares to director members of the Interim Office of the Chief Executive Officer. While these shares are fully vested, 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 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016, the Company granted to members of the Company’s Board of Directors an aggregate of 30, 36 and 50 fully-vested shares, respectively, and recognized compensation expense of $664, $451 and $507, respectively. During the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017, the Company granted to director members of the Interim Office of the Chief Executive Officer an aggregate of 40 fully vested shares and recognized compensation expense of $604. In fiscal 2017, as part of an initial equity award, the Company granted a stock option to purchase 500 shares of its common stock (the “Inducement Option”) to its new President and Chief Executive Officer upon commencement of her employment. The Inducement Option vests proportionately over four years on each anniversary of the grant date and expires on the seven-year anniversary of the grant date. While the Inducement Option was granted in reliance on an employment inducement exemption and not awarded pursuant to the 2014 Plan, it is subject to the same terms and conditions of the 2014 Plan. The Company’s long-term equity incentive compensation program has historically included time-vesting non- qualified stock option and/or restricted stock unit (including performance-based stock unit with both time- and performance-vesting criteria (“PSUs”)) awards. From time to time, the Company has granted fully-vested shares of its common stock to individuals in connection with special circumstances. In fiscal 2015, the Company granted an aggregate of 105 fully-vested shares of its common stock to individuals under such special circumstances. In fiscal 2015, the Company also granted special performance-based stock option awards. Under the Winfrey Option Agreement, in fiscal 2015, the Company granted Ms. Winfrey a fully-vested non- qualified stock option to purchase 3,513 shares of its common stock as more fully described in Note 4. F-24 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PER UNIT AMOUNTS) The Company issues common stock for share-based compensation awards from treasury stock. The total compensation cost that has been charged against income for share-based compensation awards was $14,949, $6,527, and $24,771 for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016, 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 awards was $3,580, $1,849 and $8,170 for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016, and January 2, 2016, respectively. The tax benefits realized from options exercised and RSUs and PSUs vested totaled $7,210, $2,114 and $274 for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016, respectively. No compensation costs were capitalized. As of December 30, 2017, there was $46,735 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to the Inducement Option and stock options, RSUs and PSUs granted under the Stock Plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.9 years. Stock Option Awards Under Stock Plans and Inducement Option Stock Option Awards with Time-Vesting Criteria Stock options with time-vesting criteria (“Time-Vesting Options”) are exercisable based on the terms and conditions outlined in the applicable agreement for each award. Time-Vesting Options outstanding at December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 vest over a period of three to five years and the expiration term is seven to ten years. Time-Vesting Options outstanding at December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 have an exercise price between $3.97 and $63.59 per share. 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 common stock. Since the Company’s option exercise history is limited, it has estimated the expected term of these options (other than the options with a seven-year term) to be the midpoint between the vesting period and the contractual term of each option. For options with a seven-year contractual term, the expected term is equal to 7 years. 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 the Company’s historic average dividend yield. Dividend yield..................................... Volatility ............................................. Risk-free interest rate .......................... Expected term (years) ......................... December 30, 2017 0.0% 51.3%-51.7% 2.17% 6.0-7.0 December 31, 2016 0.0% 49.6%-51.4% 1.24%-2.26% 6.0 January 2, 2016 0.0% 41.0% 1.84%-1.89% 6.0 Stock Option Awards with Time- and Performance-Vesting Criteria The Company had awarded stock options with both time- and performance-vesting criteria (“T&P Options”). As of the end of fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016, there were no outstanding T&P Options. The T&P Options were exercisable based on the terms outlined in the applicable agreements for each award. During fiscal 2015, the Company granted 37 T&P Options to certain employees that would have vested based on the achievement of both time- and performance-vesting criteria. The time-vesting criteria would have been 100% satisfied on the third anniversary of the date of the grant and the performance-vesting criteria was contingent upon meeting or exceeding certain stock price hurdles. With respect to the performance-vesting criteria, the stock options would have fully vested in 20% increments upon the first date that the average closing stock price for the 20 consecutive preceding trading days was equal to or greater than specified stock price hurdles. The fair value of the T&P 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 using a Monte Carlo simulation that used various assumptions that included expected volatility, a risk-free rate and an expected term. F-25 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PER UNIT AMOUNTS) Expected volatility was based on the historical volatility of the Company’s common 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 represented the period from the grant date to the end of the five year performance period. Compensation expense on T&P Options was recognized ratably over the three year required service period as this period was longer than the derived service period calculated by the Monte Carlo simulation. December 30, December 31, January 2, Dividend yield ....................................... Volatility................................................ Risk-free interest rate ............................ Expected term (years)............................ 2017 0% 0% 0.00% 0.0 2016 0% 0% 0.00% 0.0 2016 0% 40.5% 1.60% 5.0 On May 7, 2015, the Company’s shareholders approved an amendment to the 2014 Plan to permit a one-time stock option exchange program under which the Company would offer eligible employees the opportunity to exchange certain eligible T&P Options on a (a) two-for-one basis for new stock options for all eligible employees, other than the Company’s then-Chief Executive Officer (i.e., so that the new stock options would cover half as many shares as the corresponding surrendered options) and (b) 3.5- for-one basis for new stock options for the Company’s then-Chief Executive Officer (i.e., so that the new stock options would cover a number of shares equal to the quotient of the number of shares covered by the corresponding surrendered options divided by 3.5). The option exchange program was designed to create better incentives for employees to remain with the Company and contribute to the attainment of its business and financial objectives. On May 22, 2015, the Company launched a tender offer in connection with the option exchange program which expired on June 22, 2015. Pursuant to the offer, employees tendered options to purchase 1,700 shares of common stock (representing 99.6% of the total shares of common stock underlying the options eligible for exchange) with a weighted-average exercise price of $24.68 per share. The Company cancelled and replaced those options on June 22, 2015 with options to purchase 734 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $5.25 per share, which was the closing price per share of the Company’s common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on June 22, 2015. The replacement options vest over three years, with 25% vesting on each of the first and second anniversaries of the date of grant and 50% vesting on the third anniversary of the date of grant. The option exchange resulted in an incremental stock option expense of $1,599, which was determined by comparing the fair value of the T&P Option as calculated based on a Monte Carlo simulation, to the fair value of the replacement options, as calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, for the eligible options at the time of exchange. This incremental expense, along with the unamortized expense associated with the cancelled options, is being recognized ratably over the new vesting period of the replacement options, which is three years. F-26 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PER UNIT AMOUNTS) Option Activity A summary of all option activity under the Stock Plans and with respect to the Inducement Option and the Winfrey Option (see Note 4 for additional disclosure regarding the Winfrey Option) for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017 is presented below: Weighted- Average Exercise Price Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Yrs.) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Shares Outstanding at December 31, 2016 .......................... Granted................................................................ Exercised............................................................. Cancelled ............................................................ Outstanding at December 30, 2017 .......................... Exercisable at December 30, 2017 ........................... 5,113 $ 1,302 $ (275) $ (256) $ 5,884 $ 4,214 $ 11.76 45.95 13.94 35.86 18.17 10.60 7.3 $ 163,681 7.4 $ 144,138 The weighted-average grant-date fair value of all options granted was $15.21, $5.79 and $4.86, for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016, respectively. The total intrinsic value of Time-Vesting Options exercised was $5,930, $117 and $17 for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016, respectively. Cash received from Time-Vesting Options exercised during the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016 was $5,475, $139 and $95, respectively. Restricted Stock Unit Awards with Time-Vesting Criteria RSUs are exercisable based on the terms outlined in the applicable award agreements. The RSUs generally vest over a period of two to four 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 fiscal year ended December 30, 2017 is presented below: Outstanding at December 31, 2016 ................... Granted......................................................... Vested........................................................... Forfeited ....................................................... Outstanding at December 30, 2017 ................... Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value 14.15 31.58 15.21 15.74 24.22 Shares 1,138 $ 682 $ (671) $ (72) $ 1,077 $ The weighted-average grant-date fair value of RSUs granted was $31.58, $12.68 and $5.55 for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016, respectively. The total fair value of RSUs vested during the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016 was $10,211, $5,145 and $1,804, respectively. F-27 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PER UNIT AMOUNTS) Performance-Based Stock Unit Awards with Time- and Performance-Vesting Criteria In fiscal 2017, the Company granted 98.5 PSUs in May 2017 and 47.9 PSUs in July 2017, all having both time- and performance-vesting criteria. The time-vesting criteria for these PSUs will be satisfied on May 15, 2020. The performance-vesting criteria for these PSUs will be satisfied if the Company has achieved, in the case of the May 2017 awards, certain annual operating income objectives and, in the case of the July 2017 award, certain net income or operating income objectives, as applicable for each performance year, in each fiscal year over a three-year period (i.e., fiscal 2017 through fiscal 2019) (each, a “2017 Award Performance Year”). When the performance measure has been met for a particular 2017 Award Performance Year, that portion of units is “banked” for potential issuance following the satisfaction of the time-vesting criteria. Such portion of units to be “banked” shall be equal to (x) the target number of PSUs granted for the applicable 2017 Award Performance Year multiplied by (y) the applicable achievement percentage, rounded down to avoid the issuance of fractional shares. If all of these awards fully meet the time-vesting criteria and the minimum performance condition is attained in each 2017 Award Performance Year, depending on the Company’s performance achievement, the number of shares of the Company’s common stock issuable under these PSUs range from 113.9 to 244.0. The Company is currently accruing compensation expense to what it believes is the probable outcome upon vesting. Additionally, in fiscal 2016, the Company granted 289.9 PSUs having both time- and performance-vesting criteria. The time-vesting criteria for these PSUs will be satisfied on the third anniversary of the grant date (i.e., May 16, 2019). The performance-vesting criteria for these PSUs will be satisfied if the Company has achieved a Debt Ratio (as defined in the applicable term sheet for these PSU awards and based on a Debt to EBITDAS ratio (each, as defined therein)) at levels at or above a “threshold” level performance of 4.5x over the performance period from December 31, 2017 to December 29, 2018. Pursuant to these awards, the number of PSUs that become vested, if any, upon the satisfaction of both vesting criteria, shall be equal to (x) the target number of PSUs granted multiplied by (y) the applicable Debt Ratio achievement percentage, rounded down to avoid the issuance of fractional shares. If all of these awards fully meet the time-vesting criteria and the minimum performance condition is attained, depending on the Company’s Debt Ratio achievement, the number of shares of the Company’s common stock issuable under these PSUs range from 61.1 to 305.4. The Company is currently accruing compensation expense to what it believes is the probable outcome upon vesting. The fair value of PSUs is determined using the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. A summary of PSU activity under the 2014 Plan for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017 is presented below: Outstanding at December 31, 2016 ................... Granted......................................................... Vested........................................................... Forfeited ....................................................... Outstanding at December 30, 2017 ................... Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value Shares 198 $ 146 $ 0 $ (14) $ 330 $ 13.19 27.22 0 13.20 19.42 The weighted-average grant-date fair value of PSUs granted was $27.22 and $13.19 during the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The total fair value of PSUs vested during the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was $0 and $8, respectively. 12. Income Taxes On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “2017 Tax Act”) was enacted. The 2017 Tax Act includes a number of changes to existing U.S. tax laws that impact the Company, most notably a reduction of the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, the transition of U.S. international taxation from a worldwide tax system to a territorial tax system, a one-time transition tax on the F-28 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PER UNIT AMOUNTS) mandatory deemed repatriation of cumulative foreign earnings as of December 30, 2017 and the acceleration of depreciation for certain assets placed into service after September 27, 2017. The Company recognized the income tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act in its fiscal 2017 financial statements in accordance with the guidance issued by the staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which provides for the application of income taxes in the reporting period in which the 2017 Tax Act was signed into law. As such, the Company’s financial results reflect the income tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act for which the accounting under the guidance is complete and the provisional amounts for those specific income tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act for which the accounting under the guidance is not final but a reasonable estimate could be determined. The Company did not identify items for which the income tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act have not been completed and a reasonable estimate could not be determined as of December 30, 2017. The Company recorded a $56,560 tax benefit in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, its best estimate based on the Company’s understanding of the 2017 Tax Act and the guidance available as of the date of this filing. The tax benefit of $56,560 was comprised of the following items: Reduction of the U.S. Corporate Income Tax Rate The Company measures deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates that will apply in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or paid. Accordingly, the Company’s deferred tax liabilities were remeasured to reflect the reduction in the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, resulting in a $68,654 provisional income tax benefit for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017 and a corresponding $68,654 provisional decrease in net deferred tax liabilities as of December 30, 2017. The Company’s estimate is based upon its best interpretation of the 2017 Tax Act and may change as additional guidance becomes available and further analysis is performed. Valuation Allowance on Foreign Tax Credit Carryforwards As of December 30, 2017, the Company's federal foreign tax credit carryforwards for tax return purposes were $8,964. The federal foreign tax credit carryovers expire through 2026. However, as a result of the new tax law changing the U.S. from a worldwide system of taxation to a territorial system, the Company has determined there is not sufficient future foreign source income projected to utilize these credits. Accordingly, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company recorded a full valuation allowance against its foreign tax credit carryforward. The estimate of future foreign source income incorporates assumptions made based upon the best available interpretation of the 2017 Tax Act and may change as the Company receives additional clarification and implementation guidance. Other items In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 the Company also recorded a net charge of $3,130 from other items, including $742 related to the transition tax on foreign earnings. The provisional estimate of the transition tax requires further analysis regarding the amount and composition of the Company’s historical foreign earnings. F-29 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PER UNIT AMOUNTS) The following tables summarize the Company’s consolidated provision for U.S. federal, state and foreign taxes on income: Current: December 30, December 31, 2017 2016 January 2, 2016 U.S.federal............................................................. $ State....................................................................... Foreign .................................................................. $ 9,224 $ 1,993 18,762 29,979 $ (15,254) $ 604 20,191 5,541 $ Deferred: U.S. federal............................................................ $ State....................................................................... Foreign .................................................................. $ Total tax provision ................................................ $ (51,788) $ 481 3,091 (48,216) $ (18,237) $ 10,980 $ 1,877 (1,764) 11,093 $ 16,634 $ (6,862) 1,859 15,740 10,737 10,756 1,890 (548) 12,098 22,835 The components of the Company’s consolidated income before income taxes consist of the following: Domestic...................................................................... $ Foreign......................................................................... $ 2017 53,045 $ 92,035 145,080 $ 2016 26,367 $ 57,760 84,127 $ December 30, December 31, January 2, 2016 6,299 49,315 55,614 The effective tax rates for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016 were (12.6%), 19.8% and 41.1%, respectively. The difference between the U.S. federal statutory tax rate and the Company’s consolidated effective tax rate is as follows: The Company’s effective tax rate for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017 was impacted by The 2017 Tax Act which benefited its tax expense by $56,560 and was comprised of the following items: (i) a $68,654 tax benefit related to the revaluation of deferred tax liabilities to reflect the decrease in the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% (ii) a $8,964 charge to record a valuation allowance against foreign tax credit carryforwards that as a result of the 2017 Tax Act are no longer expected to be realized, and (iii) a net charge of $3,130 related to other 2017 Tax Act items, which includes the transition tax on foreign earnings. In addition, the effective tax rate for fiscal 2017 was impacted by the following one-time discrete items (i) an $11,633 tax benefit related to the cessation of operations of the Company’s Spanish subsidiary; (ii) a $3,735 tax benefit due to a change in estimate related to the availability of certain foreign tax credits and (iii) a $2,255 tax benefit related to the reversal of tax reserves resulting from an updated transfer pricing study. F-30 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PER UNIT AMOUNTS) The Company’s effective tax rate for fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 was affected by a net tax benefit arising from a research and development tax credit and a Section 199 deduction for the tax years 2012 through 2016 and the reversal of a valuation allowance related to tax benefits for foreign losses that are now expected to be realized. These benefits were partially offset by income tax expenses recorded for out-of-period adjustments. December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 January 2, 2016 U.S. federal statutory tax rate ................................. State income taxes (net of federal benefit) ............. Cessation of Spanish operations ............................. Research and development credit ........................... Tax (windfall) shortfall on share-based awards...... Reserves for uncertain tax positions ....................... Tax Rate Changes ................................................... Valuation adjustment related to foreign tax credits Increase in valuation allowance due to net operating loss ....................................................... Impairment.............................................................. Impact of Foreign Ops ............................................ Out-of-period adjustments ...................................... Other ....................................................................... Effective Tax Rate............................................. 35.0% 2.5% (8.0%) (1.3%) (1.1%) (0.2%) (49.6%) 3.5% 3.0% 3.2% (0.7%) 0.0% 1.1% (12.6%) 35.0% 2.0% 0.0% (19.5%) 0.0% 2.9% 0.0% (2.3%) 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 2.6% (0.9%) 19.8% 35.0% 3.8% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 3.5% 0.0% (2.2%) 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 4.5% (3.5%) 41.1% The deferred tax assets and liabilities recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets are as follows: December 30, December 31, 2017 2016 4,269 Provision for estimated expenses................................ $ 2,230 Depreciation................................................................ 24,560 Operating loss carryforwards...................................... 2,832 Salaries and wages ...................................................... 13,374 Share-based compensation.......................................... 4,075 Foreign tax credit carryforwards ................................ Other ........................................................................... 12,154 18,001 Other comprehensive income ..................................... Less: valuation allowance.......................................... (18,270) 63,225 Total deferred tax assets ............................................. $ Other ........................................................................... $ (1,209) Amortization ............................................................... (229,559) Total deferred tax liabilities........................................ $ (167,282) $ (230,768) Net deferred tax liabilities .......................................... $ (136,959) $ (167,543) 2,307 $ 1,005 17,424 1,579 8,016 8,964 8,991 4,797 (22,760) 30,323 $ (1,025) $ (166,257) 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 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, various foreign subsidiaries had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $69,359 and $98,546, respectively, most of which can be carried forward indefinitely. As a result of the 2017 Tax Act changing the U.S. to a territorial tax system, the Company will no longer assert that any of its undistributed foreign earnings are permanently reinvested. We have considered whether there would be any potential future costs of not asserting indefinite reinvestment and found none. F-31 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PER UNIT AMOUNTS) A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: December 30, December 31, 2017 2016 January 2, 2016 Balance at beginning of year....................................... $ Additions based on tax positions related to the current year .............................................................. Reductions for tax positions of prior years ................. Balance at end of year ................................................. $ 8,979 $ 7,698 $ 6,268 2,539 (2,877) 8,641 $ 4,580 (3,299) 8,979 $ 2,106 (676) 7,698 At December 30, 2017, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the Company’s effective tax rate is $8,675. As of December 30, 2017, 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 $515 and $452 of accrued interest and penalties at December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The Company recognized $63, $(777), and $(266) in interest and penalties during the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016, respectively. The Company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various state and foreign jurisdictions. At December 30, 2017, with few exceptions, the Company was no longer subject to U.S. federal, state or local income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2014, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2012. 13. Employee Benefit Plans The Company sponsors the Third 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 50% of the employee’s tax deferred contributions up to 6% of an employee’s eligible compensation for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 and 100% of the employee’s tax deferred contributions up to 3% of an employee’s eligible compensation for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2016. Expense related to these contributions for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016 was $2,676, $1,945 and $2,454, respectively. During fiscal 2014, 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 personnel above a determined compensation level). 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 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016 was $1,195, $1,027 and $733, respectively. F-32 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PER UNIT AMOUNTS) For certain US personnel above a determined compensation level, 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 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016 was $2,382, $1,915 and $1,950, respectively. 14. Cash Flow Information In fiscal 2017, the Company corrected the prior year presentation of the cash paid for interest expense. Accordingly, the fiscal 2016 disclosure has been revised resulting in an addition of $24,365 to cash paid for interest t expense to reflect the correct amount. Net cash paid during the year for: Interest expense...................................................... $ Income taxes .......................................................... $ 115,233 $ 27,282 $ 112,942 $ 117,602 25,566 25,516 $ December 30, December 31, 2017 2016 January 2, 2016 Noncash investing and financing activities were as follows: Fair value of net assets acquired in connection with acquisitions ................................................. $ Change in Capital expenditures and Capitalized software included in accounts payable and accrued expenses................................................. $ 0 $ 305 $ 1,439 (3,450) $ 2,098 $ (1,969) 15. Commitments and Contingencies Raymond Roberts v. Weight Watchers International, Inc. On January 7, 2016, an OnlinePlus member filed a putative class action complaint against the Company in the Supreme Court of New York, New York County, asserting class claims for breach of contract and violations of the New York General Business Law. On February 5, 2016, the Company removed the case to the United States District Court, Southern District of New York. On March 18, 2016, the plaintiff filed an amended complaint, alleging that, as a result of the temporary glitches in the Company’s website and app in November and December 2015, the Company has: (1) breached its Subscription Agreement with its OnlinePlus members; and (2) engaged in deceptive acts and practices in violation of Section 350 of the New York General Business Law. The plaintiff is seeking unspecified actual, punitive and statutory damages, as well as his attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in connection with this action. The Company filed a motion to dismiss on May 6, 2016. The plaintiff filed his opposition papers on June 9, 2016 and the Company filed its reply papers on June 23, 2016. The Court granted the Company’s motion to dismiss on November 14, 2016. On November 16, 2016, the plaintiff filed a timely notice of appeal of the Court’s decision to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals and on January 31, 2017, the plaintiff filed his brief in support of appeal. The Company filed its opposition brief on April 5, 2017, and the plaintiff filed his reply brief on April 25, 2017. On October 25, 2017, the Second Circuit conducted oral arguments on the plaintiff’s appeal. On November 2, 2017, the Second Circuit issued its decision denying the plaintiff’s appeal and affirming the lower court’s dismissal of the case. The plaintiff had until November 16, 2017 to file a petition for a rehearing with the Second Circuit, or until January 31, 2018 to file a petition for appeal with the United States Supreme Court. The plaintiff failed to take either action, and the matter is now closed. F-33 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PER UNIT AMOUNTS) 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, the disposition of any such matters is not expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. Commitments Minimum commitments under non-cancelable obligations, primarily for office and rental facilities operating leases at December 30, 2017, consist of the following: 2018 ................................................................................. $ 2019 ................................................................................. 2020 ................................................................................. 2021 ................................................................................. 2022 ................................................................................. 2023 and thereafter .......................................................... Total ........................................................................... $ 45,651 33,954 23,930 18,960 12,690 81,829 217,014 Total rent expense charged to operations under these operating leases for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016, and January 2, 2016 was $42,259, $40,927 and $42,133, respectively. 16. Segment and Geographic Data The Company has four reportable segments based on an integrated geographical structure as follows: North America, United Kingdom, Continental Europe (CE) and Other. Other consists of Australia, New Zealand and emerging markets operations and franchise revenues and related costs, all of which have been grouped together as if they were a single reportable segment because they do not meet any of the quantitative thresholds and are immaterial for separate disclosure. To be consistent with the information that is presented to the chief operating decision maker, the Company does not include intercompany activity in the segment results. Information about the Company’s reportable segments is as follows: Total Revenue for the Year Ended December 31, 2016 798,827 $ 755,396 North America .......................................................... $ 124,773 100,808 United Kingdom ....................................................... 229,147 210,590 Continental Europe ................................................... Other ......................................................................... 55,103 54,677 Total revenue ............................................................ $ 1,306,911 $ 1,164,902 $ 1,164,419 December 30, 2017 910,349 $ 99,989 239,223 57,350 January 2, 2016 F-34 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PER UNIT AMOUNTS) Net Income for the Year Ended December 31, 2016 December 30, 2017 January 2, 2016 Segment operating income: North America.......................................................... $ United Kingdom ....................................................... Continental Europe................................................... Other......................................................................... Total segment operating income .............................. General corporate expenses...................................... Interest expense ........................................................ Other expense, net .................................................... Early extinguishment of debt, net ............................ (Benefit from) provision for income taxes ............... Net income ............................................................... Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest ................................................................... Net income attributable to Weight Watchers International, Inc. .................................................. $ 247,587 $ 19,939 73,689 (4,358) 336,857 69,552 112,784 472 8,969 (18,237) 163,317 175,290 $ 140,579 24,310 62,364 8,007 235,260 67,202 121,843 2,027 (11,426) 22,835 32,779 14,199 51,096 8,813 249,398 48,587 115,160 1,524 0 16,634 67,493 197 206 166 163,514 $ 67,699 $ 32,945 North America .......................................................... $ United Kingdom ....................................................... Continental Europe ................................................... Other ......................................................................... Total segment depreciation and amortization........... General corporate depreciation and amortization..... Depreciation and amortization.................................. $ Depreciation and Amortization for the Year Ended December 31, 2016 41,718 $ 971 1,621 815 45,125 13,624 58,749 $ December 30, 2017 39,501 $ 1,205 1,203 626 42,535 14,457 56,992 $ January 2, 2016 47,128 766 1,861 1,473 51,228 8,829 60,057 The following tables present 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. Meeting Fees............................................................. $ 664,957 $ 416,722 Online Subscription Revenues.................................. 137,855 In-meeting product sales........................................... Licensing, franchise royalties and other ................... 87,377 January 2, 2016 December 30, 2017 Revenues for the Year Ended December 31, 2016 605,332 $ 587,801 349,567 343,789 127,291 125,508 99,760 90,273 $ 1,306,911 $ 1,164,902 $ 1,164,419 F-35 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PER UNIT AMOUNTS) United States............................................................. $ 846,249 $ 64,100 Canada ...................................................................... 99,989 United Kingdom ....................................................... 239,223 Continental Europe ................................................... 57,350 Other ......................................................................... January 2, 2016 December 30, 2017 Revenues for the Year Ended December 31, 2016 743,668 $ 700,972 55,159 54,277 124,773 100,808 229,147 210,590 55,250 54,677 $ 1,306,911 $ 1,164,902 $ 1,164,419 United States............................................................. $ Canada ...................................................................... United Kingdom ....................................................... Continental Europe ................................................... Other ......................................................................... $ December 30, 2017 Long-Lived Assets December 31, 2016 43,714 $ 2,730 1,899 716 515 49,574 $ 42,114 $ 2,563 1,920 642 739 47,978 $ January 2, 2016 51,103 2,757 2,938 614 774 58,186 17. 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 an interest rate swap agreement as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The fair value of the Company’s borrowings under the New Revolving Credit Facility approximated a carrying value of $25,000 at December 30, 2017 due to the nature of the debt (Level 2 input). The fair value of the Company’s New Credit Facilities is determined by utilizing average bid prices on or near the end of each fiscal quarter (Level 2 input). As of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was approximately $1,810,085 and $1,671,920, respectively, as compared to the carrying value (net of deferring financing costs and debt discount) of $1,798,362 and $2,002,299, respectively. F-36 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PER UNIT AMOUNTS) 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 18 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 30, 2017.................................................................. Interest rate swap liability at December 31, 2016.................................................................. $12,171 $ $31,974 $ 0 $ 0 $ 12,171 $ 31,974 $ 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 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. 18. Derivative Instruments and Hedging As of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had in effect an interest rate swap with a notional amount totaling $1,250,000 and $1,500,000, respectively. On July 26, 2013, in order to hedge a 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 was $1,500,000. During the term of this swap, the notional amount decreased from $1,500,000 effective March 31, 2014 to $1,250,000 on April 3, 2017, and will decrease 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 2.41%. This swap qualifies for hedge accounting and, therefore, changes in the fair value of this swap have been recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. As of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, cumulative unrealized losses for qualifying hedges were reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in the amounts of $5,392 ($8,839 before taxes) and $16,002 ($26,232 before taxes), respectively. The Company is hedging forecasted transactions for periods not exceeding the next three years. The Company expects approximately $4,171 ($5,591 before taxes) of derivative losses included in accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 30, 2017, based on current market rates, will be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months. F-37 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PER UNIT AMOUNTS) 19. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows: Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component(a) Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2017 Loss on Foreign Currency Translation Loss on Qualifying Hedges Total Beginning Balance at December 31, 2016 .................. $ (16,002) $ (11,118) $ (27,120) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, net of tax.................................. Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax(b)....................................... Net current period other comprehensive income including noncontrolling interest.............................. Less: net current period other comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest................................................................. Ending Balance at December 30, 2017 ....................... $ 883 5,221 6,104 9,727 787 10,514 10,610 6,008 16,618 0 (5,392) $ 35 35 (5,075) $ (10,467) (a) Amounts in parentheses indicate debits (b) See separate table below for details about these reclassifications Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2016 Loss on Foreign Currency Translation Loss on Qualifying Hedges Total Beginning Balance at January 2, 2016 ........................ $ (23,135) $ (14,130) $ (37,265) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, net of tax.................................. Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax(b) ......................... Net current period other comprehensive income including noncontrolling interest.............................. (7,730) 3,467 (4,263) 14,863 0 14,863 7,133 3,467 10,600 Less: net current period other comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest................................................................. (455) Ending Balance at December 31, 2016 ....................... $ (16,002) $ (11,118) $ (27,120) (455) 0 (a) Amounts in parentheses indicate debits (b) See separate table below for details about these reclassifications F-38 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PER UNIT AMOUNTS) Fiscal Year Ended January 2, 2016 Gain (loss) on Foreign Currency Translation Loss on Qualifying Hedges Total Beginning Balance at January 3, 2015 ........................ $ (21,856) $ 1,906 $ (19,950) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications, net of tax.................................. Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax(b) ......................... Net current period other comprehensive loss including noncontrolling interest.............................. (16,371) (16,973) (33,344) 15,092 0 15,092 (1,279) (16,973) (18,252) Less: net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest................................................................. 937 Ending Balance at January 2, 2016 ............................. $ (23,135) $ (14,130) $ (37,265) 937 0 (a) Amounts in parentheses indicate debits (b) See separate table below for details about these reclassifications Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss(a) Fiscal Year Ended December 30, December 31, January 2, 2017 2016 2016 Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income is Presented (15,946) $ (15,946) 6,219 (9,727) $ (787) $ (787) (24,366) $(24,741) Interest expense (24,366) (24,741) Income before income taxes (Benefit from) provision for income taxes 9,649 (14,863) $(15,092) Net income 9,503 0 $ 0 0 0 $ 0 Other expense, net 0 Income before income taxes (Benefit from) provision for income taxes 0 0 Net income Details about Other Comprehensive Loss Components Loss on Qualifying Hedges Interest rate contracts...................................... $ $ Loss on Foreign Currency Translation ................ $ (a) Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to profit / loss 0 (787) $ $ F-39 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PER UNIT AMOUNTS) 20. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In February 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance regarding leases, requiring lessees to recognize a right- of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with the exception of short-term leases. For lessees, leases will continue to be classified as either operating or finance leases in the income statement. Lessor accounting is similar to the current model but will be updated to align with certain changes to the lessee model. Lessors will continue to classify leases as operating, direct financing or sales-type leases. The effective date of the new guidance for public companies is for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The new guidance must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition and requires application of the new guidance at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented. The updated guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures of the Company. In March 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance on revenue from contracts with customers, which is intended to clarify the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. The amendments in this update do not change the core principle of the guidance, but are intended to improve the operability and understandability of the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations by including indicators to assist an entity in determining whether it controls a specified good or service before it is transferred to the customer. In April 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance on revenue from contracts with customers, which is intended to clarify guidance related to identifying performance obligations and licensing implementation guidance contained in the new revenue recognition standard. In May 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance on revenue from contracts with customers, which is intended to provide narrow scope guidance and practical expedients contained in the new revenue standard. In December 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance on revenue from contracts with customers for technical corrections and improvements on narrow aspects within the original and amended guidance. The amendments in these updates are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company plans on adopting this guidance on a modified retrospective basis and the new standard will not have a material impact on its revenue recognition accounting policy or its consolidated financial statements. 21. Related Party As more fully described in Note 4, on October 18, 2015, the Company entered into the Strategic Collaboration Agreement with Ms. Winfrey, under which she will consult with the Company and participate in developing, planning, executing and enhancing the Weight Watchers program and related initiatives, and provide it with services in her discretion to promote the Company and its programs, products and services. In addition to the Strategic Collaboration Agreement, Ms. Winfrey and her related entities provided services to the Company totaling $4,266, $3,453 and $647 for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016, respectively, which services included advertising, production and related fees. During fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016, the Company also purchased $84 and $627 of books, respectively, authored by Ms. Winfrey, for resale. The Company’s accounts payable to parties related to Ms. Winfrey at December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was $828 and $1,123, respectively. F-40 WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND PER UNIT AMOUNTS) 22. Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) The following is a summary of the unaudited quarterly consolidated results of operations for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. For the Fiscal Quarters Ended April 1, 2017 July 1, 2017 September 30, December 30, 2017 2017 Fiscal year ended December 30, 2017 Revenues, net ............................................................. $ 329,063 $ 341,673 $ Gross profit................................................................. $ 164,097 $ 189,013 $ 96,206 $ Operating income ....................................................... $ 45,173 $ Net income attributable to the Company.................... $ 0.70 $ Basic earnings per share ............................................. $ 0.67 $ Diluted earnings per share......................................... $ 30,233 $ 10,653 $ 0.17 $ 0.16 $ 323,687 $ 312,488 177,088 $ 162,451 49,488 91,378 $ 62,969 44,719 $ 0.97 0.69 $ 0.91 0.65 $ For the Fiscal Quarters Ended April 2, 2016 July 2, 2016 October 1, 2016 December 31, 2016 Fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 Revenues, net ............................................................. $ 306,910 $ 309,761 $ 280,819 $ Gross profit................................................................. $ 149,673 $ 161,048 $ 144,303 $ 66,792 $ Operating income ....................................................... $ 13,557 $ 34,658 $ Net (loss) income attributable to the Company.......... $ (10,753) $ 0.54 $ (0.17) $ Basic (loss) earnings per share ................................... $ 0.53 $ (0.17) $ Diluted (loss) earnings per share ................................ $ 73,731 $ 30,494 $ 0.48 $ 0.46 $ 267,412 130,477 46,730 13,300 0.21 0.20 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. As discussed in Note 2, the Company recorded an impairment charge for goodwill related to its Brazil reporting unit of $13,323, or $0.19 per fully diluted share, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017. As discussed in Note 8, the Company recorded a write-off of deferred financing costs in connection with the November 2017 debt refinancing of $10,524 ($0.09 per fully diluted share) in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017. As discussed in further detail in Note 12, the Company recorded a net tax benefit of $56,560 ($0.82 per fully diluted share) related to the 2017 Tax Act in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017. The Company also recorded a net tax benefit of $11,633 ($0.17 per fully diluted share) related to the cessation of operations of our Spanish subsidiary in the first quarter of fiscal 2017, a $2,255 ($0.03 per fully diluted share) tax benefit related to the reversal of tax reserves resulting from an updated transfer pricing study in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 and a $3,735 ($0.05 per fully diluted share) tax benefit due to a change in estimate related to the availability of certain foreign tax credits. As discussed in Note 1, in fiscal 2016, the Company identified and recorded out-of-period adjustments related to (i) income tax errors primarily related to reversing a foreign tax receivable originally recorded in fiscal 2008 that should have been reversed in fiscal 2009; (ii) errors in the prior period tax provision identified upon filing of the tax return and (iii) technology expenses that should have been capitalized in fiscal 2015. The impact of correcting these errors, to the extent applicable to the period, increased the provision for income taxes and decreased net income attributable to the Company by $2,684 ($0.04 per fully diluted share) in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 and increased operating income, decreased the provision for income taxes and increased net income attributable to the Company by $1,466, $110, and $1,576 ($0.02 per fully diluted share) in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. As discussed in further detail in Note 12, the Company recorded a net tax benefit arising from a research and development tax credit and a Section 199 deduction for the tax years 2012 through 2015 in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 of $11,438 ($0.17 per fully diluted share). F-41 SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES (IN THOUSANDS) Additions Balance at Beginning Charged to Costs and Charged to Other of Period Expenses Accounts Deductions (1) Balance at End of Period FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 30, 2017 (587) $ Allowance for doubtful accounts ..................... $ Inventory and other reserves ............................ $ 7,823 $ Tax valuation allowance................................... $ 18,277 $ 11,515 $ 2,973 $ 3,703 $ 0 $ 0 $ 1,079 $ 2,001 (385) $ (7,542) $ 3,984 (8,111) $ 22,760 FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 2,226 $ Allowance for doubtful accounts ..................... $ 4,065 $ Inventory and other reserves ............................ $ Tax valuation allowance................................... $ 28,280 $ 363 $ 5,109 $ 2,258 $ 384 $ 0 $ 2,973 0 $ 3,703 (5,471) $ (483) $ (11,778) $ 18,277 FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 2, 2016 3,287 $ Allowance for doubtful accounts ..................... $ Inventory and other reserves ............................ $ 7,107 $ Tax valuation allowance................................... $ 34,640 $ (446) $ 7,593 $ 1,056 $ (615) $ 0 $ 0 $ (10,635) $ 2,226 4,065 (4,785) $ 28,280 (2,631) $ (1) Primarily represents the utilization of established reserves, net of recoveries, where applicable. S-1 Exhibit Number Description EXHIBIT INDEX **3.1 **3.2 **3.3 **4.1 **4.2 **4.3 **10.1 **10.2 **10.3 †**10.4 †**10.5 †**10.6 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). Indenture, dated as of November 29, 2017, among Weight Watchers International, Inc., the guarantors party thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, relating to $300.0 million $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 8.625% Senior Notes due 2025 (“Note”) (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on November 30, 2017 (File No. 001- 16769), and incorporated herein by reference). Form of Note (included in Exhibit 4.2 above) 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). 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). 67 Exhibit Number **10.7 **10.8 **10.9 †**10.10 †**10.11 †**10.12 †**10.13 †**10.14 †**10.15 †**10.16 †**10.17 Description 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). 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 Financial Officer and General Counsel & Secretary) (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). Continuity Agreement, dated as of April 21, 2017, by and between Weight Watchers International, Inc. and Mindy Grossman (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on April 26, 2017 (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 (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 (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 Amended and Restated Restricted Stock Agreement for Weight Watchers International, Inc. non-employee directors and certain members of the former Interim Office of the Chief Executive Officer (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 28, 2014, as filed on August 7, 2014 (File No. 001-16769), and incorporated herein by reference). Second Amended and Restated Weight Watchers International, Inc. 2014 Stock Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on May 9, 2017 (File No. 001-16769), and incorporated herein by reference). 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). 68 Exhibit Number **10.18 **10.19 †**10.20 †**10.21 **10.22 †**10.23 †**10.24 †**10.25 †**10.26 †**10.27 **10.28 Description 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). 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). Credit Agreement, dated as of November 29, 2017, among Weight Watchers International, Inc., as borrower, the lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and an issuing bank, Bank of America, N.A., as an issuing bank, and Citibank, N.A., as an issuing bank (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on November 30, 2017 (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). Offer Letter, dated as of March 3, 2014, by and between Weight Watchers International, Inc. and Michael F. Colosi (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 4, 2015, as filed on May 14, 2015 (File No. 001-16769), and incorporated herein by reference). Employment Agreement, dated October 6, 2003, by and between Weight Watchers France S.A.R.L. and Corinne Pollier(-Bousquet) (the “Pollier Employment Agreement”) (filed as Exhibit 10.34 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2016, as filed on March 2, 2016 (File No. 001-16769), and incorporated herein by reference). Addendum to the Pollier Employment Agreement, dated May 1, 2013, by and between Weight Watchers France S.A.R.L. and Corinne Pollier(-Bousquet) (filed as Exhibit 10.35 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2016, as filed on March 2, 2016 (File No. 001-16769), and incorporated herein by reference). Letter Agreement, dated as of September 15, 2015, by and between Weight Watchers International, Inc. and Corinne Pollier(-Bousquet) (filed as Exhibit 10.36 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2016, as filed on March 2, 2016 (File No. 001-16769), and incorporated herein by reference). Share Purchase Agreement, dated October 18, 2015, between Weight Watchers International, Inc. and Oprah Winfrey (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on October 19, 2015 (File No. 001-16769), and incorporated herein by reference). 69 Exhibit Number †**10.29 **10.30 †**10.31 †**10.32 †**10.33 †**10.34 †**10.35 †**10.36 †**10.37 †**10.38 †**10.39 †**10.40 Description Option Agreement, dated October 18, 2015, between Weight Watchers International, Inc. and Oprah Winfrey (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on October 19, 2015 (File No. 001-16769), and incorporated herein by reference). Strategic Collaboration Agreement, dated October 18, 2015, between Weight Watchers International, Inc. and Oprah Winfrey (filed as Exhibit 10.39 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2016, as filed on March 2, 2016 (File No. 001- 16769), and incorporated herein by reference). Second Addendum to the Pollier Employment Agreement, effective March 2, 2016, by and between Weight Watchers France S.A.R.L. and Corinne Pollier(-Bousquet) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed on May 10, 2016 (File No. 001- 16769), and incorporated herein by reference). Form of Term Sheet for Employee Performance Stock Unit Awards and Form of Terms and Conditions for Employee Performance Stock Unit Awards (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed on November 8, 2016 (File No. 001-16769), and incorporated herein by reference). Second Letter Agreement, dated as of September 14, 2016, by and between Nicholas Hotchkin and Weight Watchers International, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed on November 8, 2016 (File No. 001-16769), and incorporated herein by reference). Letter Agreement, dated as of May 8, 2017, by and between Stacey Mowbray and Weight t Watchers International, Inc. (the “Mowbray Letter Agreement”) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed on May 10, 2017 (File No. 001-16769), and d incorporated herein by reference) . Employment Agreement, dated as of April 21, 2017, by and between Weight Watchers (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report International, Inc. and Mindy Grossman (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on April 26, 2017 (File No. 001-16769), and incorporated herein by reference) . Form of Term Sheet for Employee Stock Option Awards and Form of Terms and Conditions for Employee Stock Option Awards (Chief Executive Officer Initial Equity Award—Stock Incentive Plan Award) (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on April 26, 2017 (File No. 001-16769), and incorporated herein by reference) . Form of Term Sheet for Employee Stock Option Awards and Form of Terms and Conditions for Employee Stock Option Awards (Chief Executive Officer Initial Equity Award—Inducement Grant Award) (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on April 26, 2017 (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 (Chief Executive Officer Initial Equity Award) (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on April (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on April 26, 2017 (File No. 001-16769), and incorporated herein by reference) . 2017 Form of Term Sheet for Employee Performance Stock Unit Awards and 2017 Form of f Terms and Conditions for Employee Performance Stock Unit Awards (filed as Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed on August 8, 2017 (File No. 001-16769), and incorporated herein by reference) . 2017 Form of Term Sheet for Employee Restricted Stock Unit Awards and 2017 Form of Terms and Conditions for Employee Restricted Stock Unit Awards (filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed on August 8, 2017 (File No. 001-16769), and incorporated herein by reference) . 70 Exhibit Number †**10.41 †**10.42 †*10.43 *21.1 *23.1 *31.1 *31.2 *32.1 *Exhibit 101 Description 2017 Form of Term Sheet for Employee Performance Stock Unit Awards and 2017 Form of f Terms and Conditions for Employee Performance Stock Unit Awards (Chief Executive Officer r Annual Equity Award) (filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed on August 8, 2017 (File No. 001-16769), and incorporated herein by reference) . 2017 Form of Term Sheet for Employee Restricted Stock Unit Awards and 2017 Form of Terms and Conditions for Employee Restricted Stock Unit Awards (Chief Executive Officer Annual Equity Award) (filed as Exhibit 10.11 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed d on August 8, 2017 (File No. 001-16769), and incorporated herein by reference) . First Addendum to the Mowbray Letter Agreement, dated February 8, 2018, by and between Stacey Mowbray and Weight Watchers International, Inc . Subsidiaries of Weight Watchers International, Inc. Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. Rule 13a-14(a) Certification by Mindy Grossman, 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. *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. Item 16. Form 10-K Summary None. 71 [THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] SIGNATURE 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 28, 2018 By: /S/ MINDY GROSSMAN Mindy Grossman 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 28, 2018 Date: February 28, 2018 Date: February 28, 2018 Date: February 28, 2018 Date: February 28, 2018 Date: February 28, 2018 Date: February 28, 2018 Date: February 28, 2018 Date: February 28, 2018 Date: February 28, 2018 Date: February 28, 2018 Date: February 28, 2018 By: By: By: By: By: By: By: By: By: By: By: By: /S/ MINDY GROSSMAN Mindy Grossman 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 RR DEBBANE Raymond Debbane Director /S/ STEVEN M. ALTSCHULER Steven M. Altschuler Director /S/ PHILIPPE J. AMOUYAL Philippe J. Amouyal Director /S/ CYNTHIA ELKINS Cynthia Elkins Director /S/ JONAS M. FAJGENBAUM Jonas M. Fajgenbaum Director /S/ DENIS F. KELLY Denis F. Kelly Director /S/ SACHA LAINOVIC Sacha Lainovic Director /S/ THILO SEMMELBAUER Thilo Semmelbauer Director /S/ CHRISTOPHER J. S R OBECKI Christopher J. Sobecki Director /S/ OPRAH WINFREY Oprah Winfrey 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. 333-219779, 333-217835, 333-165637, 333-123642, 333-156185, 333-195800, and 333-208067) of Weight Watchers International, Inc. of our report dated February 28, 2018 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 28, 2018 CERTIFICATION EXHIBIT 31.1 I, Mindy Grossman, 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 28, 2018 Signature: /S/ MINDY GROSSMAN Mindy Grossman 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 28, 2018 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 30, 2017, 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 28, 2018 Signature: Signature: /S/ MINDY GROSSMAN Mindy Grossman President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) /S/ NICHOLAS P. HOTCHKIN Nicholas P. Hotchkin Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

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