adidas-Salomon in the First Nine Months of 2003: Group earnings up 17%; Currency-neutral sales grow 7% HERZOGENAURACH, Germany, Nov. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- adidas-Salomon currency-neutral sales up 7% for the first nine months Currency-neutral sales for the Group in the third quarter grew 6%. On a reported basis, however, at euro 1.9 billion, third quarter sales were slightly lower than the level achieved in 2002. During the first nine months, sales increased 7% on a currency-neutral basis. This represents a decline of 2% in reported terms from euro 5.0 billion in 2002 to euro 4.9 billion in 2003. Herbert Hainer, Chairman and CEO of adidas-Salomon, stated: "We've faced a number of economic, political and market challenges in the first nine months of 2003, and overall have delivered excellent sales and earnings performances. Regionally, Europe and Asia have done particularly well, and we are quickly moving to refocus our efforts in North America. adidas-Salomon is an organization with flexibility, imagination and tenacity -- exactly the types of skills that it takes to win in our industry today." TaylorMade-adidas Golf the fastest growing segment in the first nine months Revenues at TaylorMade-adidas Golf in the first nine months increased 9% on a currency-neutral basis. This represents a decline of 6% in reported terms, from euro 516 million in 2002 to euro 487 million in 2003. Excluding the euro 21 million sales for Slazenger Golf in the first nine months of 2002 from a licensing arrangement that was not renewed in 2003, sales for TaylorMade-adidas Golf increased 14% in currency-neutral terms (-2% in euro terms), making TaylorMade-adidas Golf the Group's fastest growing segment. The underlying sales increase is attributable to growth in RAC irons as well as in adidas Golf footwear and apparel. At brand adidas, sales increased 8% on a currency-neutral basis in the first nine months. In reported terms, this represents a decline of 1% from euro 4.1 billion in 2002 to euro 4.0 billion in 2003. Drivers of this development were solid underlying growth in the Sport Performance running and training categories as well as in the Sport Heritage division. Salomon sales in the first nine months were down 2% on a currency- neutral basis. This represents a decline of 8% in reported terms from euro 424 million to euro 390 million. Solid growth in cycling components and soft goods was offset by lower sales in the alpine, snowboard and inline skate categories due to difficult retail conditions. 1st nine 1st nine Change y-o-y Change y-o-y months 2002 months 2003 in euro currency- euro in euro in terms neutral millions millions in % in % adidas 4,050 4,017 (1) 8 Salomon 424 390 (8) (2) TaylorMade-adidas Golf 516 487 (6) 9 Total 5,012 4,913 (2) 7 adidas-Salomon sales by brand in the first nine months of 2003, "Total" includes HQ/Consolidation Currency-neutral sales in Europe grow 8% Sales for adidas-Salomon in Europe increased 8% on a currency-neutral basis in the first nine months of 2003. In reported terms, this represents an increase of 5% from euro 2.5 billion in 2002 to euro 2.7 billion in 2003. The main drivers of this underlying increase were particularly strong developments in Italy, France and the UK as well as in the emerging markets. Group sales in Asia increased 10% on a currency-neutral basis in the first nine months of 2003. In reported terms, this represents a decrease of 3% to euro 817 million (2002: euro 841 million). Underlying growth was driven by vigorous increases in China, Japan and South Korea. In North America, sales for the Group in the first nine months of 2003 were stable in currency-neutral terms compared to the prior year's level. In reported terms, sales declined 16% to euro 1.2 billion versus euro 1.5 billion in the prior year. This reflects a weakness in demand for certain adidas product lines and the difficult market conditions there. In Latin America, sales were up 37% in the first nine months of 2003 on a currency-neutral basis, making it the fastest growing region within the Group. This represents an increase of 8% in reported terms to euro 130 million compared to euro 120 million in 2002. Higher sales in Argentina and Brazil were the main drivers of this improvement. 1st nine 1st nine Change y-o-y Change y-o-y months 2002 months 2003 in euro currency- euro in euro in terms neutral millions millions in % in % Europe 2,541 2,677 5 8 North America 1,483 1,249 (16) 0 Asia 841 817 (3) 10 Latin America 120 130 8 37 Total 5,012 4,913 (2) 7 adidas-Salomon sales by region in the first nine months of 2003, "Total" includes HQ/Consolidation adidas order backlog reflects mixed regional development Order backlog for brand adidas declined 2% on a currency-neutral basis (-8% in euro) at the end of the third quarter of 2003. This development reflects tough comparisons with the prior year and continued weakness in North America. Footwear backlogs declined 10% in currency-neutral terms (-16% in euro) driven by significantly lower orders in North America. Apparel orders increased 6% in currency-neutral terms, highlighting the brand's activities to grow sales in this product category. In reported terms, orders were stable compared to the prior year's levels. In Europe, orders increased 7% on a currency-neutral basis (+4% in euro) supported by strong growth in apparel, where backlogs were up 13% (+9% in euro). Footwear backlogs were up 1% currency-neutral (-2% in euro). In Asia, currency-neutral backlogs grew 11% (+2% in euro), with strong improvements coming from Japan and China. Footwear backlogs declined 1% currency-neutral (-8% in euro). On a currency-neutral basis, apparel orders increased 22% (+13% in euro). In North America, order backlogs were down 23% on a currency-neutral basis, which is in line with the guidance adidas-Salomon provided for the market at the Investor Day on September 30. This represents a decline of 35% in reported terms. Currency- neutral footwear backlogs declined 29% (-40% in euro). Currency-neutral apparel orders decreased 16% (-28% in euro). Footwear Apparel Total Change y-o-y in % in euro currency- in euro currency- in euro currency- neutral neutral neutral Europe (2) 1 9 13 4 7 North America (40) (29) (28) (16) (35) (23) Asia (8) (1) 13 22 2 11 Total (16) (10) 0 6 (8) (2) adidas order backlogs by product category and region as at September 30, 2003 Gross margin grows adidas-Salomon gross profit declined 1%, or euro 11 million, in the first nine months of 2003 to reach euro 2.2 billion versus euro 2.2 billion in 2002, reflecting the Group's decrease in reported sales. The gross margin, however, improved 0.7 percentage points to 44.1% (2002: 43.4%). Currency effects, which are also captured in the headquarter function as a result of the Group's centralized hedging strategy, positively impacted the Group's gross margin by around 1.0 percentage points. Operating profit up 9% Operating expenses, including selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) and depreciation and amortization (excluding goodwill), were reduced by 3% from euro 1.8 billion in the first nine months of 2002 to euro 1.7 billion in 2003. As a percentage of net sales this equates to 35.0%, which is 0.3 percentage points lower than the 2002 level of 35.2%. This reduction is evidence of the Group's focus on cost discipline. As a result, operating profit for the Group increased 9% from euro 410 million in 2002 to euro 448 million in 2003. The operating margin increased 0.9 percentage points from 8.2% in the first nine months of 2002 to 9.1% in 2003. Earnings up 17% Financial expenses declined 36% from euro 69 million in the first nine months of 2002 to euro 44 million in 2003. The main factor contributing to this development was the financial stabilization of emerging markets such as Argentina, Turkey and Brazil. As a result of operating improvements and the positive development of financial expenses, adidas-Salomon IBT in the first nine months increased 18% from euro 341 million in 2002 to euro 401 million in 2003. As a percentage of net sales, income before taxes improved by 1.4 percentage points from 6.8% in 2002 to 8.2% in 2003. Minority interests were up 15% to euro 13 million (2002: euro 11 million), mainly due to higher profits in Turkey. The Group tax rate increased 0.4 percentage points from 38.2% in the first nine months of 2002 to 38.6% in 2003. Net income for the Group increased 17% from euro 199 million in the first nine months of 2002 to euro 234 million in 2003. EPS was euro 5.14 in 2003 versus euro 4.40 in 2002. Strong working capital management and debt reduction continue Group inventories were reduced by 5% from euro 1.2 billion at the end of September 2002 to euro 1.1 billion in 2003. On a currency-neutral basis, inventories increased 1%, which is below currency-neutral sales growth expectations for the fourth quarter. Receivables decreased year-over-year by 2% to euro 1.5 billion in 2003 versus euro 1.5 billion in 2002. On a currency- neutral basis, receivables increased by 4%, which is below the Group's third quarter currency-neutral sales growth. These working capital improvements, together with strong operating results, led to a reduction of net borrowings at September 30, 2003 to euro 1.4 billion, down 23% or euro 420 million versus euro 1.8 billion in the prior year. Strong results in Q3 In the third quarter of 2003, Group net sales grew 6% on a currency- neutral basis. In reported terms, however, revenues declined 1% or euro 16 million from euro 1.9 billion in 2002 to euro 1.9 billion in 2003. Group gross margin increased 1.2 percentage points from 43.8% in 2002 to 45.0% in 2003. Operating expenses were down 2% from euro 576 million in the third quarter of 2002 to euro 564 million in 2003. As a percentage of sales, operating expenses were down 0.4 percentage points from 30.8% in 2002 to 30.5% in 2003. As a result, operating profit rose 11% to euro 270 million in the third quarter of 2003 (2002: euro 243 million). The operating margin was up 1.6 percentage points to 14.6% (2002: 13.0%). These developments in combination with a 29% improvement in financial expenses to euro 17 million (2002: euro 23 million) led to an increase in the Group's income before taxes by 15% to euro 254 million (2002: euro 220 million). The tax rate for the third quarter increased 0.7 percentage points to 37.9% (2002: 37.2%). As a result, net income increased 15% from euro 131 million in 2002 to euro 150 million in 2003. adidas-Salomon EPS was euro 3.31 for the third quarter of 2003 versus euro 2.89 in 2002. Full year sales and earnings targets confirmed As a result of the Group's performance during the first nine months of 2003 and business expectations for the remainder of the year, adidas-Salomon confirms the sales and earnings guidance as provided with the 2002 full year results. Group revenues are expected to increase by at least 5% on a currency- neutral basis. Group gross margin is likely to exceed the target of 42 to 43% and operating margin is expected to improve by approximately 50 basis points. As a result of these developments, Group earnings for the full year are expected to grow between 10 and 15%. Herbert Hainer stated: "We've delivered on our promised performances so far in 2003 and are set to make our sales, margin and earnings targets for the full year. Exciting new technologies, which we will showcase at some of the world's biggest sports events, will help us take the positive momentum into 2004." Please visit our corporate website: http://www.adidas-salomon.com/ adidas-Salomon CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT (IFRS) 3rd QUARTER 2003 EURO IN MILLIONS 2003 2002 Change 2003/2002 NET SALES 1,853 1,868 (0.8)% COST OF SALES 1,018 1,050 (3.0)% GROSS PROFIT 835 819 1.9% (% OF NET SALES) 45.0% 43.8% 1.2 PP SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 540 552 (2.3)% (% OF NET SALES) 29.1% 29.6% (0.4) PP DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION (EXCL. GOODWILL) 25 23 5.8% OPERATING PROFIT 270 243 11.2% (% OF NET SALES) 14.6% 13.0% 1.6 PP GOODWILL AMORTIZATION 11 12 (3.2)% ROYALTY AND COMMISSION INCOME 11 12 (5.8)% FINANCIAL EXPENSES, NET 17 23 (29.0)% INCOME BEFORE TAXES AND MINORITY INTERESTS 254 220 15.3% (% OF NET SALES) 13.7% 11.8% 1.9 PP INCOME TAXES 96 82 17.4% (% OF INCOME BEFORE TAXES AND MINORITY INTERESTS) 37.9% 37.2% 0.7 PP MINORITY INTERESTS (7) (7) 4.4% NET INCOME 150 131 14.5% (% OF NET SALES) 8.1% 7.0% 1.1 PP BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE (IN EUROS) 3.31 2.89 14.3% DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE (IN EUROS) 3.31 -- NET SALES EUROS IN MILLIONS 2003 2002 Change 2003/2002 adidas 1,475 1,496 (1.4)% Salomon 199 230 (13.6)% TaylorMade-adidas Golf 176 137 28.4% EUROPE 1,020 988 3.2% NORTH AMERICA 459 529 (13.3)% ASIA 308 302 1.9% LATIN AMERICA 52 43 22.6% ROUNDING DIFFERENCES MAY ARISE IN PERCENTAGES AND TOTALS FOR FIGURES PRESENTED IN MILLIONS AS CALCULATION IS ALWAYS BASED ON THE FIGURES STATED IN THOUSANDS. adidas-Salomon CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT (IFRS) NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 EUROS IN MILLIONS 2003 2002 Change 2003/2002 NET SALES 4,913 5,012 (2.0)% COST OF SALES 2,747 2,835 (3.1)% GROSS PROFIT 2,166 2,177 (0.5)% (% OF NET SALES) 44.1% 43.4% 0.7 PP SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 1,646 1,697 (3.0)% (% OF NET SALES) 33.5% 33.9% (0.4) PP DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION (EXCL. GOODWILL) 72 70 4.1% OPERATING PROFIT 448 410 9.2% (% OF NET SALES) 9.1% 8.2% 0.9 PP GOODWILL AMORTIZATION 34 34 (0.9)% ROYALTY AND COMMISSION INCOME 31 34 (8.0)% FINANCIAL EXPENSES, NET 44 69 (36.2)% INCOME BEFORE TAXES AND MINORITY INTERESTS 401 341 17.6% (% OF NET SALES) 8.2% 6.8% 1.4 PP INCOME TAXES 155 130 18.8% (% OF INCOME BEFORE TAXES AND MINORITY INTERESTS) 38.6% 38.2% 0.4 PP MINORITY INTERESTS (13) (11) 14.6% NET INCOME 234 199 17.1% (% OF NET SALES) 4.8% 4.0% 0.8 PP BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE (IN EUROS) 5.14 4.40 16.8% DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE (IN EUROS) 5.14 -- -- NET SALES EUROS IN MILLIONS 2003 2002 Change 2003/2002 adidas 4,017 4,050 (0.8)% Salomon 390 424 (8.0)% TaylorMade-adidas Golf 487 516 (5.7)% EUROPE 2,677 2,541 5.4% NORTH AMERICA 1,249 1,483 (15.7)% ASIA 817 841 (2.8)% LATIN AMERICA 130 120 8.3% ROUNDING DIFFERENCES MAY ARISE IN PERCENTAGE AND TOTALS FOR FIGURES PRESENTED IN MILLIONS AS CALCULATION IS ALWAYS BASED ON THE FIGURES STATED IN THOUSANDS. adidas-Salomon CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (IFRS) EUROS IN MILLIONS Sep. 30 Sep. 30 Change Dec. 31 2003 2002 2002 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 74 95 (22.5)% 76 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE 1,455 1,491 (2.4)% 1,293 INVENTORIES 1,088 1,151 (5.5)% 1,190 OTHER CURRENT ASSETS 292 283 3.0% 267 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 2,908 3,019 (3.7)% 2,826 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET 348 363 (4.3)% 366 GOODWILL, NET 604 633 (4.7)% 639 OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET 107 79 35.4% 115 DEFERRED TAX ASSETS 203 167 21.4% 170 OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS 188 179 4.7% 145 TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS 1,449 1,422 1.9% 1,435 TOTAL ASSETS 4,357 4,441 (1.9)% 4,261 SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS 0 35 (100.0)% 0 ACCOUNTS PAYABLE 456 477 (4.4)% 668 INCOME TAXES 193 129 49.1% 112 ACCRUED LIABILITIES AND PROVISIONS 512 405 26.6% 451 OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES 184 192 (3.9)% 149 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 1,345 1,237 8.7% 1,381 LONG-TERM BORROWINGS 1,497 1,903 (21.4)% 1,574 PENSIONS AND SIMILAR OBLIGATIONS 108 96 11.5% 99 DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES 61 55 11.7% 51 OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 38 16 134.0% 19 TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 1,703 2,070 (17.7)% 1,743 MINORITY INTERESTS 61 55 12.4% 56 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 1,247 1,079 15.6% 1,081 TOTAL LIABILITIES, MINORITY INTERESTS AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 4,357 4,441 (1.9)% 4,261 ADDITIONAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION OPERATING WORKING CAPITAL 2,087 2,164 (3.6)% 1,814 WORKING CAPITAL 1,563 1,782 (12.3)% 1,445 NET TOTAL BORROWINGS 1,423 1,843 (22.8)% 1,498 FINANCIAL LEVERAGE 114.1% 170.8% 138.5% ROUNDING DIFFERENCES MAY ARISE IN PERCENTAGE AND TOTALS FOR FIGURES PRESENTED IN MILLIONS AS CALCULATION IS ALWAYS BASED ON THE FIGURES STATED IN THOUSANDS. DATASOURCE: adidas-Salomon CONTACT: Media Relations - Jan Runau, Head of Corporate PR, +49-9132-84-3830, or Anne Putz, Corporate PR Manager, +49-9132-84-2964, or Investor Relations - Natalie M. Knight, Head of Investor Relations, +49-9132-84-3584, or Dr. Charlotte Brigitte Loos, Investor Relations Manager, +49-9132-84-3584, all of adidas-Salomon; or U.S. Media Relations - Doug Donsky of Edelman Financial, +1-212-704-4473, for adidas-Salomon Web site: http://www.adidas-salomon.com/

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