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Brown Forman Corp ˇ 10-K ˇ For 4/30/02

Filed On 7/26/02 3:58pm ET   ˇ   SEC File 2-26821   ˇ   Accession Number 14693-2-16

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  As Of               Filer                 Filing     As/For/On Docs:Pgs

 7/26/02  Brown Forman Corp                 10-K        4/30/02    1:43

Annual Report   ˇ   Form 10-K
Filing Table of Contents

Document/Exhibit                   Description                      Pages   Size 

 1: 10-K        Annual Report                                         43    249K 


Document Table of Contents

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11st Page
6Item 2. Properties
8Item 3. Legal Proceedings
"Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
"Executive Officers of the Registrant
9Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
10Item 6. Selected Financial Data
11Item 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 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
"Item 11. Executive Compensation
"Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
12Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
"Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K
18Highlights
"Quarterly Financial Information
21Management's Discussion and Analysis
27Market Risks
"Environmental Matters
41Important Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
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United States Securities and Exchange Commission Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended April 30, 2002 Commission file number 1-123 BROWN-FORMAN CORPORATION (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 61-0143150 (State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 850 Dixie Highway 40210 Louisville, Kentucky (Zip Code) (Address of principal executive offices) Registrant's telephone number, including area code (502) 585-1100 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Name of Each Exchange Title of Each Class on Which Registered ------------------- ---------------------- Class A Common Stock (voting) $0.15 par value New York Stock Exchange Class B Common Stock (nonvoting) $0.15 par value New York Stock Exchange Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes |X| No Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K 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. [X] The aggregate market value, at April 30, 2002, of the voting and nonvoting equity held by nonaffiliates of the registrant was approximately $2,700,000,000. The number of shares outstanding for each of the registrant's classes of Common Stock on June 30, 2002 was: Class A Common Stock (voting) 28,891,260 Class B Common Stock (nonvoting) 39,498,469 DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Portions of the Registrant's 2002 Annual Report to Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Parts I, II, and IV of this report. Portions of the Proxy Statement of Registrant for use in connection with the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held July 25, 2002 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.
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PART I Item 1. Business (a) General development of business: Brown-Forman Corporation ("we," "us," or "our" below) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in 1933, successor to a business founded in 1870 as a partnership and subsequently incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 1901. Our principal executive offices are located at 850 Dixie Highway, Louisville, Kentucky 40210 (mailing address: P.O. Box 1080, Louisville, Kentucky 40201-1080). (b) Financial information about industry segments: Information regarding net sales, operating income, and total assets of each of our business segments is in Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on page 35 of our 2002 Annual Report to Stockholders, which information is incorporated into this report by reference in response to Item 8. (c) Narrative description of business: The following is a description of our operations. Wine and Spirits Segment ------------------------ Wine and Spirits operations include manufacturing, bottling, importing, exporting, and marketing a wide variety of alcoholic beverage brands. This Segment also manufactures and markets new and used oak barrels. The Segment's brands consist of the following: Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey Southern Comfort Canadian Mist Canadian Whisky Early Times Kentucky Whisky Finlandia Vodkas* Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt Scotch Whiskies* Jack Daniel's Country Cocktails Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Fetzer Vineyards California Wines Korbel California Champagnes, Wines and Brandy* Bolla Italian Wines Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay Wines Bonterra Vineyards California Wines Jekel Vineyards California Wines Fontana Candida Italian Wines Don Eduardo Tequilas* Ardberg Single Islay Malt Scotch Whisky* Usher's Scotch Whisky* McPherson Australian Wines* 2
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Mariah California Wines Chateau Tahbilk Australian Wines Tuaca Liqueur* Pepe Lopez Tequilas Bel Arbor California Wines Glen Moray Single Speyside Malt Scotch Whisky* Michel Picard French Wines* Owen's Estate Australian Wines* Geoff Merrill Reserve Australian Wines* Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum* Amarula Cream Liqueur* * Brands represented in the U.S and other select markets by Brown-Forman Statistics based on case sales, published annually by a leading trade publication, rank Jack Daniel's as the largest selling bourbon or Tennessee whiskey in the United States, Canadian Mist as the second-largest selling Canadian whisky in the United States, and Southern Comfort as the third-largest selling cordial in the United States. A leading industry trade publication reported Korbel California Champagnes as the largest selling premium champagne in the United States. This trade publication also reported that Fetzer was ranked seventeenth among all domestic table wines, and second in the $7 to $10 price segment. Among numerous imported wines, Bolla Italian Wine is the leading premium Italian table wine in the United States, and ranks fourth among imported wines in the $7 to $10 segment. We believe the statistics used to rank these products are reasonably accurate. Our strategy with respect to the Wine and Spirits Segment is to market high quality products that satisfy the preferences of consumers of legal drinking age and to support those products with extensive international, national, and regional marketing programs. These programs are intended to extend consumer brand recognition and brand loyalty. Sales managers and representatives or brokers represent the Segment in all states. The Segment distributes its spirits products domestically either through state agencies or through wholesale distributors. The contracts that we have with many of our distributors have formulas which determine reimbursement to distributors if we terminate them; the amount of reimbursement is based primarily on the distributor's length of service and a percentage of its purchases over time. Some states have statutes which limit our ability to terminate distributor contracts. Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey, Southern Comfort, and Fetzer Vineyards California Wines are the principal products exported by the Segment. These brands are sold through contracts with brokers and distributors in most countries. The principal raw materials used in manufacturing and packaging distilled spirits are corn, rye, malted barley, glass, cartons, and wood for new white oak barrels, which are used for storage of bourbon and Tennessee whiskey. None of these raw materials is in short supply, and there are adequate sources from which they may be obtained. 3
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The principal raw materials used in the production of wines are grapes and packaging materials. Grapes are primarily purchased under contracts with independent growers and, from time to time, are adversely affected by weather and other forces which may limit production. We believe that our relationships with our growers are good. Due to aging requirements, production of whiskeys is scheduled to meet demand three to five years in the future. Accordingly, inventories are larger in relation to sales and total assets than would be normal for most other businesses. The industry is highly competitive and there are many brands sold in the consumer market. Trade information indicates that we are one of the largest wine and spirit suppliers in the United States in terms of revenues. The wine and spirits industry is regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms of the United States Treasury Department with respect to production, blending, bottling, sales, advertising, and transportation of its products. Also, each state regulates advertising, promotion, transportation, sale, and distribution of such products. Under federal regulations, whiskey must be aged for at least two years to be designated "straight whiskey." The Segment ages its straight whiskeys for a minimum of three to five years. Federal regulations also require that "Canadian" whisky must be manufactured in Canada in compliance with Canadian laws and must be aged in Canada for at least three years. Consumer Durables Segment ------------------------- The Consumer Durables Segment includes the manufacturing and/or marketing of the following: Fine China Dinnerware Casual Dinnerware and Glassware Crystal Stemware and Barware China and Crystal Giftware Collectibles, Home Decor and Jewelry Sterling Silver, Silver-Plated and Metal Giftware Sterling Silver and Stainless Steel Flatware Contemporary Tabletop, Houseware and Giftware Luggage Business Cases Personal Leather Accessories Segment products are sold directly to consumers through company-owned stores, direct mail, catalog, and the Internet. Also, products are sold in the wholesale channel by segment-employed sales representatives under various compensation arrangements, and where appropriate to the class of trade, by specialized independent commissioned sales representatives and independent distributors. The Segment's products are marketed domestically through authorized retail stores consisting of department stores specialty stores, and jewelry shops and through retail stores operated by the Segment. Products are also distributed domestically through the institutional, incentive, premium, business gift and military exchange classes of trade, and internationally through authorized retailers, duty free stores and/or distributors in select foreign markets. Specially created collectible jewelry and home decor products are distributed both domestically and in the United Kingdom through the direct response channel, including mail-order, catalogs and the Internet. 4
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Fine china dinnerware, crystal stemware, barware and giftware, stainless flatware, and silver-plated and metal giftware are marketed under both the Lenox and Gorham trademarks. Contemporary tabletop, houseware and giftware products are marketed under the Dansk trademark. Premium casual dinnerware and fine china giftware are marketed under the Lenox trademark. Sterling silver flatware and sterling giftware are marketed under the Gorham and Kirk Stieff trademarks. Luggage, business cases, and personal leather accessories are marketed under the Hartmann and Wings trademarks. The direct response sales in the United States of specially designed collectible jewelry and home decor products are marketed under the Lenox trademark, while such sales abroad are marketed primarily under the Brooks & Bentley trademark. The Lenox, Gorham, and Hartmann brand names hold significant positions in their industries. The Segment has granted licenses for the use of the Lenox trademark on fine table linens and lamps and other electrical lighting products, subject to the terms of licensing agreements. We believe the Segment is the largest domestic manufacturer and marketer of fine china dinnerware and the only significant domestic manufacturer of fine quality china giftware. The Segment is also a leading manufacturer and distributor of fine quality luggage, business cases, and personal leather accessories. The Segment competes with a number of other suppliers and is subject to intense foreign competition in the distribution of its fine china, contemporary and casual dinnerware, crystal stemware and giftware, stainless flatware, and luggage products in the wholesale channel. In the retail channel, the Segment also faces intense competition from lifestyle and home specialty stores that market their own brands. In the Segment's china and stainless businesses, competition is based primarily on quality, design, brand, style, product appeal, consumer satisfaction, and price. In its luggage, business case and personal leather accessories business, competition is based primarily on brand awareness, quality, design, style, and price. In its direct response/mail-order business, the most important competitive factors are the brand, product appeal, design, sales/marketing program, service, and price. In its crystal, sterling silver, silver-plated, and metal giftware businesses, competition is based primarily on price, with quality, design, brand, style, product appeal, and consumer satisfaction also being factors. Clay and feldspar are the principal raw materials used to manufacture china products. Gold and platinum are significant raw materials used to decorate china products. Fine silver is the principal raw material used to manufacture sterling silver giftware and flatware products. Leather and nylon, tweed and wool fabric are the principal raw materials used to manufacture luggage, business cases and personal leather accessories. It is anticipated that raw materials used by the Segment will be in adequate supply. However, the acquisition price of gold, platinum, and fine silver is influenced significantly by worldwide economic events and commodity trading. Segment revenues are traditionally greater in the second and third quarters of the fiscal year, primarily because of seasonal holiday buying. 5
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Other Information ----------------- As of April 30, 2002, we employ approximately 7,000 persons, including 1,600 employed on a part-time or temporary basis. We are an equal opportunity employer and we recruit and place employees without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, gender, age, religion, veteran status, sexual preference, or disability. We believe our employee relations are good. For information on the effects of compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations, refer to Note 14, "Environmental Matters," on page 35 of our 2002 Annual Report to Stockholders, which information is incorporated into this report by reference in response to Item 8. Item 2. Properties The corporate offices consist of office buildings, including renovated historic structures, all located in Louisville, Kentucky. Significant properties by business segments are as follows: Wine and Spirits Segment ------------------------ The facilities of the Wine and Spirits Segment are shown below. The owned facilities are held in fee simple. Owned facilities: - Production facilities: - Lynchburg, Tennessee - Louisville, Kentucky - Collingwood, Ontario - Shively, Kentucky - Woodford County, Kentucky - Frederiksted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands - Mendocino County, California - Monterey County, California - Sonoma County, California - Pedemonte, Italy - Soave, Italy - Warehousing facilities: - Lynchburg, Tennessee - Louisville, Kentucky - Collingwood, Ontario - Shively, Kentucky - Woodford County, Kentucky - Mendocino County, California - Monterey County, California - Sonoma County, California - Pedemonte, Italy - Soave, Italy 6
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Leased facilities: - Production and bottling facility in Dublin, Ireland - Wine production and warehousing facility in Mendocino County, California - Vineyards in Mendocino, Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties, California We believe that the productive capacities of the Wine and Spirits Segment are adequate for the business, and that the facilities are maintained in a good state of repair. Consumer Durables Segment ------------------------- The facilities of the Consumer Durables Segment are shown below. The owned facilities are held in fee simple. Owned facilities: - Office facilities: - Lenox corporate - Lawrenceville, New Jersey - Headquarters for Lenox Direct Response/Collectibles Division (includes retail store and warehouse) - Langhorne, Pennsylvania - Production and office facilities (each of which includes a retail store): - Lenox - Pomona, New Jersey; Oxford, North Carolina; and Kinston, North Carolina - Lenox/Gorham - Smithfield, Rhode Island - Hartmann - Lebanon, Tennessee - Warehousing facilities: - Lenox/Dansk/Gorham - Williamsport, Maryland Leased facilities: - Office facilities: - Dansk headquarters - White Plains, New York - Norfolk and DID, Inc. headquarters - Wilmington, Delaware - Brooks & Bentley headquarters - Kent, England - Hartmann (includes showroom) - New York, New York - Warehousing facilities: - Lenox - South Brunswick, New Jersey (includes retail store); Oxford, North Carolina; and Kinston, North Carolina - Lenox/Dansk/Gorham - Williamsport, Maryland - Lenox Direct Response/Collectibles - Bristol Twp., Pennsylvania - Hartmann - Lebanon, Tennessee - Retail stores: - The Segment operates 54 Lenox stores in 28 states and 55 Dansk stores in 28 states. In addition, the Segment operates 5 Hartmann luggage outlet stores in 5 states. - Showrooms: - Lenox/Dansk/Gorham - New York, New York; Dallas, Texas; Atlanta, Georgia; The lease terms expire at various dates and are generally renewable. We believe that the Segment's facilities are in good condition and are adequate for the business. 7
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Item 3. Legal Proceedings None. Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders None. Executive Officers of the Registrant Principal Occupation and Name Age Business Experience ---- --- --------------------------------- Owsley Brown II 59 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the company since 1995. William M. Street 63 President of the company since November 2000. Vice Chairman from 1987 to 2000. President and Chief Executive Officer of Brown-Forman Beverages Worldwide (a division of Brown-Forman) since 1994. Phoebe A. Wood 49 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the company since February 2001. Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Propel, Inc. (a subsidiary of Motorola) from August 2000 to February 2001. Vice President, Finance, Planning and Control for ARCO Alaska, Inc. from 1996 to 2000. Michael B. Crutcher 58 Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary since 1989. Donald C. Berg 47 Senior Vice President and Director of Corporate Development and Strategy since May 2001. President of the company's Advancing Markets Group (AMG) from August 1999 to May 2001. Senior Vice President and Managing Director of AMG from August 1997 to August 1999. Lois A. Mateus 55 Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications and Corporate Services since 1988. James S. Welch, Jr. 43 Senior Vice President and Executive Director of Human Resources since March 1999. Vice President of Human Resources for Brown-Forman Beverages Worldwide from January 1998 to March 1999. Vice President of the company's Business Consulting Group from 1995 to January 1998. Stanley E. Krangel 51 President of Lenox, Incorporated (a subsidiary of Brown-Forman) since June 1998. President of Lenox Collections from 1995 to June 1998. 8
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PART II Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters Except as presented below, for the information required by this item refer to the section entitled "Quarterly Financial Information" appearing on the "Highlights" page of the 2002 Annual Report to Stockholders, which information is incorporated into this report by reference. Holders of record of Common Stock at April 30, 2002: Class A Common Stock (Voting) 3,734 Class B Common Stock (Nonvoting) 4,453 The principal market for Brown-Forman common shares is the New York Stock Exchange. 9
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Equity Compensation Plan Information The company maintains two plans that may grant equity compensation: the shareholder-approved Brown-Forman Omnibus Compensation Plan (described in the proxy statement) and the Non-Employee Directors' Compensation Plan (described below). Both of these plans require the company to fund all equity awards with stock purchased on the open market, so the equity of existing shareholders is not diluted. [Enlarge/Download Table] Number of securities to Weighted-average Number of securities be issued upon exercise of exercise price of remaining available for outstanding options, outstanding options, future issuance under Plan Category warrants and rights warrants and rights(Note 1) equity compensation plans Equity compensation plans approved by security holders 2,010,442 $68.428 1,282,424 Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders 60,332 $59.012 *(Note 2) Total 2,070,774 $68.154 N/A <FN> Note 1: The difference in weighted-average exercise price between plans is primarily due to a premium-priced, broad-based grant made to employees under the shareholder-approved plan. In most cases, grant dates and grant prices are the same under both plans. Note 2: This plan, which provides equity compensation for non-employee directors, does not specify a specific maximum number of option shares that may be awarded. However, the company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement covering the issuance of 150,000 shares under this plan. </FN> In order to align the interests of the company's directors with those of its shareholders, the company may grant stock options and other stock-based incentive awards to non-employee directors pursuant to the Brown-Forman Non-Employee Directors' Compensation Plan (the Plan). The Plan requires the company to buy all shares needed to satisfy the options and awards granted under the Plan, so there is no dilution of the equity of existing shareholders. Stock options are granted at an exercise price of not less than the fair market value of the underlying stock on the date of the grant. The Plan administrator determines the dates on which the options may be exercised and other terms and restrictions, which may vary by award. The Plan administrator also sets the expiration date, which cannot be more than ten years from the grant date. All options currently outstanding under the Plan are exercisable and expire ten years after they were granted. No other stock-based awards have been granted under the Plan. In fiscal 2002, each director who was not an employee received options for $25,000 worth of Class B common stock (1,292 options with a per share exercise price of $68.33 each). In addition, directors were allowed to elect in advance of their one-year term to receive their retainer in the form of an equivalent value of stock options issued at the start of their terms. Item 6. Selected Financial Data For the information required by this item, refer to the section entitled "Selected Financial Data" appearing on page 17 of the 2002 Annual Report to Stockholders, which information is incorporated into this report by reference. 10
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Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations For the information required by this item, refer to the section entitled "Management's Discussion and Analysis" appearing on pages 18 through 24 of the 2002 Annual Report to Stockholders, and the section entitled "Important Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" appearing on page 38 of the 2002 Annual Report to Stockholders, which information is incorporated into this report by reference. Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk For the information required by this item, refer to the section entitled "Market Risks" appearing on page 24 of the 2002 Annual Report to Stockholders, which information is incorporated into this report by reference. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data For the information required by this item, refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Report of Independent Accountants, and Report of Management appearing on pages 25 through 37 of the 2002 Annual Report to Stockholders, which information is incorporated into this report by reference. For selected quarterly financial information, refer to the section entitled "Quarterly Financial Information" appearing on the "Highlights" page of the 2002 Annual Report to Stockholders, which information is incorporated into this report by reference. Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure None. PART III Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant For the information required by this item, refer to the following sections of our definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held July 25, 2002, which information is incorporated into this report by reference: (a) "Election of Directors" on page 4 through the fourth paragraph on page 5 (for information on directors); and (b) the last paragraph on page 7 (for information on delinquent Section 16 filings). Also, see the information with respect to "Executive Officers of the Registrant" under Part I of this report, which information is incorporated herein by reference. Item 11. Executive Compensation For the information required by this item, refer to the following sections of our definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held July 25, 2002, which information is incorporated into this report by reference: (a) "Executive Compensation" on pages 10 through 13; (b) "Retirement Plan Descriptions" on page 14; and (c) "Director Compensation" on page 15. Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management For the information required by this item, refer to the section entitled "Stock Ownership" appearing on pages 6 through 7 of our definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held July 25, 2002, which information is incorporated into this report by reference. 11
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Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions For the information required by this item, refer to the section entitled "Transactions with Management" appearing on page 17 of our definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held July 25, 2002, which information is incorporated into this report by reference. PART IV Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K (a) 1 and 2 - Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedule: [Enlarge/Download Table] Reference Annual Form 10-K Report to Annual Report Stockholders Page Page(s) Incorporated by reference to our Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended April 30, 2002: Consolidated Statement of Income for the years ended April 30, 2000, 2001, and 2002* -- 25 Consolidated Balance Sheet at April 30, 2000, 2001, and 2002* -- 26 - 27 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended April 30, 2000, 2001, and 2002* -- 28 Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended April 30, 2000, 2001, and 2002* -- 29 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements* -- 30 - 36 Report of Management* -- 37 Report of Independent Accountants* -- 37 Important Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements -- 38 Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule: Report of Independent Accountants on Financial Statement Schedule S-1 -- II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts S-2 -- All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission have been omitted either because they are not required under the related instructions, because the information required is included in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, or because they are inapplicable. * Incorporated by reference to Item 8 in this report. (a) 3 - Exhibits: Filed with this report: Exhibit Index ------------- 13 Brown-Forman Corporation's Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended April 30, 2002, but only to the extent set forth in Items 1, 5, 6, 7, 7A and 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2002. 21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant. 23 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP independent accountants. 12
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Previously Filed: Exhibit Index ------------- 3(a) Restated Certificate of Incorporation of registrant, which is incorporated into this report by reference to Brown-Forman Corporation's Form 10-K filed on July 19, 1994. 3(b) Certificate of Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation of registrant, which is incorporated into this report by reference to Brown-Forman Corporation's Form 10-K filed on July 19, 1994. 3(c) Certificate of Ownership and Merger of Brown-Forman Corporation into Brown-Forman, Inc., which is incorporated into this report by reference to Brown-Forman Corporation's Form 10-K filed on July 19, 1994. 3(d) Certificate of Amendment to Restated and Amended Certificate of Incorporation of Brown-Forman Corporation, which is incorporated into this report by reference to Brown-Forman Corporation's Form 10-K filed on July 19, 1994. 3(e) The by-laws of registrant, as amended on May 25, 2000, which is incorporated into this report by reference to Brown-Forman Corporation's Form 8-K filed on May 31, 2000. 4 The Form of Indenture dated as of March 1, 1994 between Brown-Forman Corporation and The First National Bank of Chicago, as Trustee, which is incorporated into this report by reference to Brown-Forman Corporation's Form S-3 (Registration No. 33-52551) filed on March 8, 1994. 10(a) A description of the Brown-Forman Omnibus Compensation Plan, which is incorporated into this report by reference to the Appendix of the registrant's definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on July 27, 1995. 10(b) Brown-Forman Corporation Restricted Stock Plan, which is incorporated into this report by reference to Brown-Forman Corporation's Form 10-K filed on July 19, 1994. 10(c) Brown-Forman Corporation Supplemental Excess Retirement Plan, which is incorporated into this report by reference to Brown-Forman Corporation's Form 10-K filed on July 23, 1990. 10(d) Brown-Forman Corporation Stock Appreciation Rights Plan, which is incorporated into this report by reference to Brown-Forman Corporation's Form 10-K filed on July 23, 1990. 13
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10(e) A description of the Brown-Forman Savings Plan, which is incorporated into this report by reference to page 10 of the registrant's definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on July 25, 1996. 10(f) A description of the Brown-Forman Flexible Reimbursement Plan, which is incorporated into this report by reference to page 10 of the registrant's definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on July 25, 1996. 10(g) A description of the Brown-Forman Non-Employee Director Compensation Plan, which is incorporated into this report by reference to Brown-Forman Corporation's Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-38649) filed on October 24, 1997. 10(h) Credit Agreement dated as of October 29, 1997, among Brown-Forman Corporation and a group of United States and international banks, which is incorporated into this report by reference to Amendment No. 1 to Brown-Forman Corporation's Form 10-Q filed on December 15, 1997. (b) Reports on Form 8-K: On July 19, 2001, the Registrant filed a report on Form 8-K announcing its purchase of 96,831 shares of its Class A Common Stock and 93,085 shares of its Class B Common Stock in a private transaction. 14
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SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. BROWN-FORMAN CORPORATION (Registrant) /s/ OWSLEY BROWN II ------------------------------------ Date: July 25, 2002 By: Owsley Brown II Chairman of the Board and Chief 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 on July 25, 2002 as indicated: [Enlarge/Download Table] /s/ JERRY E. ABRAMSON /s/ RICHARD P. MAYER /s/ OWSLEY BROWN II --------------------------------------- --------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- By: Jerry E. Abramson By: Richard P. Mayer By: Owsley Brown II Director Director Director, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer /s/ BARRY D. BRAMLEY /s/ STEPHEN E. O'NEIL --------------------------------------- --------------------------------- By: Barry D. Bramley By: Stephen E. O'Neil Director Director /s/ GEO. GARVIN BROWN III /s/ DACE BROWN STUBBS /s/ OWSLEY BROWN FRAZIER --------------------------------------- --------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- By: Geo. Garvin Brown III By: Dace Brown Stubbs By: Owsley Brown Frazier Director Director Director, Former Vice Chairman of the Board /s/ DONALD G. CALDER --------------------------------------- By: Donald G. Calder Director /s/ LAWRENCE K. PROBUS /s/ PHOEBE A. WOOD /s/ WILLIAM M. STREET --------------------------------------- --------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- By: Lawrence K. Probus By: Phoebe A. Wood By: William M. Street Senior Vice President Executive Vice President and Director, President (Principal Accounting Officer) Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) 15
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE To the Board of Directors of Brown-Forman Corporation Our audits of the consolidated financial statements referred to in our report dated May 23, 2002 appearing in the 2002 Annual Report to Shareholders of Brown-Forman Corporation and Subsidiaries (which report and consolidated financial statements are incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K) also included an audit of the financial statement schedule listed in Item 14(a)(2) of this Form 10-K. In our opinion, this financial statement schedule presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. /s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Louisville, Kentucky May 23, 2002 S-1
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BROWN-FORMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS For the Years Ended April 30, 2000, 2001, and 2002 (Expressed in thousands) [Enlarge/Download Table] Col. A Col. B Col. C Col. D Col. E ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Additions Balance at Charged to Balance at Beginning Costs End Description of Period and Expenses Deductions of Period ----------- ---------- ------------ ---------- ---------- 2000 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts $11,159 $ 5,833 $ 5,346(1) $11,646 2001 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts $11,646 $ 6,083 $ 5,469(1) $12,260 2002 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts $12,260 $ 8,677 $ 5,316(1) $15,621 Accrued Restructuring Costs -- 16,800 3,762(2) 13,038 (1) Doubtful accounts written off, net of recoveries. (2) Employee termination benefit payments S-2
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Exhibit 13 HIGHLIGHTS (Expressed in millions, except per share amounts and ratios) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Year Ended April 30, 2001 2002 % Change -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Sales $2,180 $2,208 1% Gross Profit $1,153 $1,133 (2%) Operating Income $ 374 $ 353 (6%) Net Income $ 233 $ 228 (2%) Earnings Per Share - Basic and Diluted $ 3.40 $ 3.33 (2%) Cash Dividends Paid Per Common Share $ 1.28 $ 1.36 6% EBITDA $ 438 $ 407 (7%) Business Value Added $ 108 $ 94 (13%) Return on Average Invested Capital 17.9% 15.9% Return on Average Common Stockholders' Equity 21.0% 18.5% Gross Margin 52.9% 51.3% Operating Margin 17.1% 16.0% QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Expressed in millions, except per share amounts) [Enlarge/Download Table] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Earnings Per Share- Cash Dividends Market Price (High-Low) Net Gross Net Basic and Paid Per Per Common Share Sales Profit Income Diluted Common Share Class A Class B ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fiscal 2002 $2,208 $1,133 $ 228 $3.33 $ 1.36 $78.45 - $60.25 $79.14 - $58.90 Quarters First 470 248 39 0.57 0.33 69.50 - 61.21 69.50 - 60.70 Second 644 329 80 1.17 0.33 68.60 - 60.25 68.56 - 59.08 Third 570 282 58 0.84 0.35 67.40 - 60.26 66.46 - 58.90 Fourth 524 274 51 0.75 0.35 78.45 - 65.50 79.14 - 64.76 Fiscal 2001 $2,180 $1,153 $ 233 $3.40 $ 1.28 $71.00 - $49.00 $72.00 - $50.00 Quarters First 466 255 43 0.62 0.31 57.50 - 49.00 60.94 - 50.00 Second 647 340 80 1.17 0.31 60.75 - 49.75 61.19 - 50.44 Third 559 290 56 0.82 0.33 68.75 - 59.00 69.25 - 58.75 Fourth 508 268 54 0.79 0.33 71.00 - 58.00 72.00 - 57.65
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FINANCIAL TABLE OF CONTENTS 17 Selected Financial Data 18 Management's Discussion and Analysis 25 Consolidated Statement of Income 26 Consolidated Balance Sheet 28 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 29 Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity 30 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 37 Report of Management 37 Report of Independent Accountants
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SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA Year Ended April 30, (Expressed in millions, except per share amounts and ratios) [Enlarge/Download Table] Operations 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 ---------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Net Sales $1,644 1,606 1,672 1,793 1,824 1,906 2,009 2,134 2,180 2,208 Gross Profit $ 777 768 815 864 885 956 1,019 1,103 1,153 1,133 Operating Income $ 255 240 268 274 287 307 322 348 374 353 Net Income $ 156 129 149 160 169 185 202 218 233 228 Weighted Average Shares used to calculate Earnings Per Share - Basic 82.7 78.7 69.0 69.0 69.0 68.9 68.6 68.5 68.5 68.3 - Diluted 82.7 78.7 69.0 69.0 69.0 69.0 68.7 68.6 68.6 68.5 Earnings Per Share - Basic and Diluted $ 1.88 1.63 2.15 2.31 2.45 2.67 2.93 3.18 3.40 3.33 Cash Dividends Paid Per Common Share $ 0.86 0.93 0.97 1.02 1.06 1.10 1.15 1.21 1.28 1.36 Invested Capital ---------------- Average Invested Capital $ 925 900 835 875 929 948 1,049 1,238 1,357 1,470 Average Common Stockholders' Equity $ 765 629 493 578 671 756 854 974 1,110 1,235 Total Assets $1,311 1,234 1,286 1,381 1,428 1,494 1,735 1,802 1,939 2,016 Long-Term Debt $ 154 299 247 211 63 50 53 41 40 40 Other Key Measures ------------------ Cash Flows from Operations $ 193 221 197 167 176 220 213 241 231 250 EBITDA $ 299 286 311 320 337 358 377 410 438 407 Gross Margin 47.3% 47.8% 48.8% 48.2% 48.5% 50.2% 50.7% 51.7% 52.9% 51.3% Operating Margin 15.5% 15.0% 16.0% 15.3% 15.8% 16.1% 16.0% 16.3% 17.1% 16.0% Effective Tax Rate 35.6% 37.4% 39.8% 37.8% 38.0% 37.6% 36.5% 36.5% 36.3% 34.5% Return on Average Invested Capital 18.0% 15.4% 19.5% 19.7% 19.4% 20.4% 19.8% 18.4% 17.9% 15.9% Return on Average Common Stockholders' Equity 20.4% 20.4% 30.1% 27.5% 25.2% 24.3% 23.6% 22.4% 21.0% 18.5% Total Debt to Total Capital 16.4% 43.6% 35.7% 29.6% 23.6% 16.7% 24.5% 20.3% 17.1% 13.7% Total Cash Dividends Paid to Net Income 45.8% 57.5% 45.3% 44.2% 43.3% 41.2% 39.3% 38.1% 37.7% 40.8% Notes: 1. Includes the operations of Fetzer Vineyards and Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards since their acquisitions in August 1992 and April 1999, respectively. 2. Fiscal 1994 net income and earnings per share were reduced by $32 million and $0.41, respectively, from the cumulative effect of accounting changes. 3. In October 1993, we sold Brown-Forman Enterprises, a credit card processing operation, resulting in an after-tax gain of $18 million. 4. Weighted average shares, earnings per share, and cash dividends paid per common share have been adjusted for a 3-for-1 common stock split in fiscal 1994. 5. We define EBITDA as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, representing a measure of our cash flow. It should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, other measures of financial performance that are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. 6. We define Return on Average Invested Capital as the sum of net income (excluding extraordinary items) and after-tax interest expense, divided by average invested capital. Invested capital is the sum of all interest- bearing debt and preferred and common equity. 7. We define Return on Average Common Stockholders' Equity as income applicable to common stock divided by average common stockholders' equity. 8. We define Total Debt to Total Capital as total debt divided by the sum of total debt and equity. 17
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MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS In the discussion below, and in the Chairman's letter, we review Brown-Forman's consolidated financial condition and results of operations for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2000, 2001, and 2002. We also make statements relating to our anticipated financial performance and other forward-looking statements and discuss factors that may affect the company's future financial condition and performance. We have prepared a non-exclusive list of risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our anticipated results, which is on page 38. Please read this Management's Discussion and Analysis section in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements for the year ended April 30, 2002 and the related notes, and the important information regarding forward-looking statements on page 38. We have summarized our significant accounting policies in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements. We believe that our consistent application of these policies results in financial statements that provide useful and reliable information about our operating results and financial condition. In applying these accounting policies, we must make estimates and judgments about the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain. Areas in which uncertainties exist include allowances for uncollectible receivables, impairment and amortization of long-lived assets, advertising and promotion accruals, self-insurance reserves, pension and postretirement benefit obligations, income tax accruals, and litigation. Our actual results could differ from our estimates. Despite these inherent limitations, we believe that the following discussion and the accompanying financial statements provide a meaningful and fair perspective. CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY OF OPERATING PERFORMANCE Fiscal 2002 Compared to 2001 Net sales reached record levels in fiscal 2002, growing 1% or $28 million. Sales of beverages increased 3%, due largely to higher volumes and price increases for Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey, Southern Comfort and Finlandia Vodka. Sales of our Consumer Durables segment fell 3%, however, resulting from a recessionary U.S. economy, exacerbated by the events of September 11. International sales of $391 million were up 6% in fiscal 2002 despite unfavorable currency trends. Sales in the United States, representing 80% of our revenues, grew slightly. A slowing U.S. economy softened sales trends during the year, particularly in the traditional department store channel of our Consumer Durables segment. Gross profit is a key performance measure for us. A more competitive pricing environment for wines and consumer durable products, cost pressures resulting from lower production levels for spirits and china products, and unfavorable currency trends combined to lower our gross profit in fiscal 2002. Gross margin dropped from 52.9% in fiscal 2001 to 51.3% in fiscal 2002, resulting from price and cost pressures previously mentioned. Our gross margin remains very strong, however, having grown steadily over the past ten years. This trend has been a particularly impressive achievement given the weakening of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar over the past several years, which depressed our results as reported in U.S. dollars. Fiscal Gross Year Margin ------ ------ 1992 47.9% 1993 47.3% 1994 47.8% 1995 48.8% 1996 48.2% 1997 48.5% 1998 50.2% 1999 50.7% 2000 51.7% 2001 52.9% 2002 51.3% Operating income for fiscal 2002 fell $21 million, or 6%. A $30 million decrease for the Consumer Durables segment caused by the recessionary U.S. economy and costs to implement the Business Improvement Initiatives (discussed below) more than offset a $9 million improvement for Wine and Spirits. Operating Income Dollars in Millions 2000 2001 2002 ---- ---- ---- Wine and Spirits $304 $327 $336 Consumer Durables 44 47 17 ---- ---- ---- Total $348 $374 $353 ==== ==== ==== Total change +8% +7% -6% BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVES AND ADOPTION OF FAS 142. Two non-recurring items had a net effect of lowering fiscal 2002 operating income by $10 million, or $0.03 per share. As a result of adopting Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (FAS) 142 on May 1, 2001, we no longer amortize goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives. This helped both operating income and net income by $12 million ($0.18 per share), reflecting the fact that amortization was not deductible for tax purposes. We also undertook a series of Business Improvement Initiatives in fiscal 2002 designed to rationalize capacity, streamline procurement and production practices, and improve connections with our customers. We incurred costs of $22 million, or $0.21 per share, related to these initiatives in fiscal 2002, primarily to close three manufacturing facilities in our Consumer Durables business. Remaining initiatives being contemplated could lower fiscal 2003 earnings an additional $0.08 per share. We expect these initiatives to produce benefits in the future that will significantly strengthen our long-term cash flow and earnings. 18
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Earnings per share fell 2% to $3.33 per share. Continued growth in our Wine and Spirits business was more than offset by an unfavorable currency environment and a significant earnings decline for the Consumer Durables segment. On a constant exchange basis, and adjusting for Business Improvement Initiatives and the adoption of FAS 142, earnings per share increased 2% over fiscal 2001, to $3.48 per share: Fiscal 2002 % EPS Change ------ ------ Reported EPS $ 3.33 -2% Benefit from FAS 142 (0.18) Cost of Business Improvement Initiatives 0.21 Constant currency adjustment 0.12 ------ Adjusted EPS $ 3.48 +2% ====== BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE. We have a stock option plan described in Note 15 of our financial statements. Our plan requires that we purchase shares on the open market to satisfy stock option requirements, thereby avoiding future dilution of earnings that would occur from issuing additional shares. We acquire treasury shares from time to time in anticipation of these requirements. The extent to which diluted shares exceed the number of basic shares is determined by how much our stock price has appreciated since options were granted, irrespective of how many treasury shares we have acquired. To ensure that earnings are not diluted by the stock option plan, our intention is to hold enough treasury stock so that the number of diluted shares is always less than the original 69.0 million that was outstanding at inception of the plan (as adjusted for any share repurchases or issuances unrelated to our stock option plan). Fiscal 2001 Compared to 2000 Net sales grew 2%, or $46 million. Sales of our Wine and Spirits increased 2%, as solid growth of Jack Daniel's was tempered by lower shipments of Korbel Champagne following the Millennium boom. Revenues from the consumer durables segment improved 3%, fueled by gains in catalog, direct mail, and Internet channels. Gross profit growth of 5% outpaced the rate of sales gains, reflecting a shift toward higher-margin products, benefits from selected price increases, and stable costs. Operating income for fiscal 2001 improved 7%, or $26 million. A $23 million increase in profits from Wine and Spirits was driven primarily by growth of Jack Daniel's. Operating income for the Consumer Durables segment increased $3 million, largely attributable to successful new products sold directly to consumers. In addition to the negative impact of weakening foreign currencies, earnings growth was tempered by lower profits from Korbel Champagne, sales of used barrels, and Hartmann luggage. Earnings per share reached a record $3.40, up 7% over fiscal 2000. A slower growth rate in 2001 principally reflected an industry-wide contraction in sales of sparkling wine and used barrels, as well as weakening foreign currencies and a softer U.S. economy. OTHER KEY PERFORMANCE MEASURES Our central goal is to increase the value of our shareholders' investment. Long-term growth in the market value of our stock is a good indication of our success in delivering an attractive return to shareholders. Total Shareholder Return (including dividend reinvestment) Fiscal B-F S&P 500 Year (Class B) Index ------ ------- ------- 1992 $100 $100 1993 110 109 1994 126 115 1995 144 135 1996 177 176 1997 232 220 1998 266 310 1999 352 378 2000 266 416 2001 303 362 2002 399 317 10-Year Annual Growth +15% +12% TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN. A $100 investment in our Class B stock ten years ago would have grown to $399 by the end of fiscal 2002, assuming reinvestment of all dividends and ignoring personal taxes and transaction costs. This represents an annualized return of 15% over the ten-year period. During fiscal 2002, the market value of an investment in Brown-Forman rose 32% compared to a 13% decline by the S&P 500 for the same period. 19
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Business Value Added Dollars in Millions 2000 2001 2002 ---- ---- ---- As defined $111 $108 $ 94 Adjusted for deferred taxes; investments in Sonoma-Cutrer and Finlandia; benefit of FAS 142; cost of Business Improvement Initiatives $124 $133 $125 BUSINESS VALUE ADDED. We also apply a measure we call Business Value Added (BVA) to evaluate our financial performance. We define BVA as our after-tax operating income less a capital charge for net operating assets employed. This measure takes into account not only the profits generated, but also capital costs required to produce those profits. BVA grew 4% in fiscal 2000, declining 2% in fiscal 2001 and 13% in fiscal 2002. While favorable interest rates benefited our cost of capital this past year, BVA results have been lowered by a change in U.S. tax regulations requiring us to repay approximately $200 million of deferred tax liability over a five-year period ending in fiscal 2003. And though we expect investments in Sonoma-Cutrer and Finlandia will enhance BVA over the long term, they are also diluting current BVA results. Adjusted for these items as well as the non-recurring benefit of FAS 142 and cost of Business Improvement Initiatives, BVA increased 14% in fiscal 2000 and 8% in fiscal 2001, while declining 5% in fiscal 2002. Returns on average invested capital and stockholders' equity were similarly influenced by these factors. As a result, our returns have trended lower, but remain very healthy in the context of current capital market conditions. 2000 2001 2002 ---- ---- ---- Return on Average Invested Capital 18.4% 17.9% 15.9% Return on Average Common Stockholders' Equity 22.4% 21.0% 18.5% COMPANY OUTLOOK We believe Brown-Forman's growth prospects remain very positive. Long term demographic trends in the U.S., our largest market, suggest a growing market for our premium Wine and Spirits brands. Although growth for Jack Daniel's moderated in the U.S. market this past year, it remains an extremely powerful brand with a solid U.S. consumer base and excellent prospects overseas. In addition, we have continued to add premium brands to our portfolio over the past several years, including Finlandia, Sonoma-Cutrer, Glenmorangie, Tuaca, Amarula and Appleton rums. We believe that these brands, together with internally developed products such as Woodford Reserve bourbon and Bonterra wines, will be important factors in the long-term growth of our Wine and Spirits business. We are introducing Jack Daniel's Original Hard Cola in the U.S. market this summer and could benefit if the brand is a success. Brands that we own, such as Woodford Reserve, and brands for which we have international distribution rights, such as Finlandia and Glenmorangie, will help grow our global business together with our established international brands, Jack Daniel's, Southern Comfort, and Fetzer. Earnings growth from overseas markets has been tempered because of the strong dollar; to the extent the dollar weakens against major international currencies, our international earnings will benefit. We have recently made several meaningful distribution improvements, including a cost-sharing agreement with Bacardi in the U.K. and the appointment of Allied Domecq as our distributor in Turkey. We expect these distribution changes to increase focus on our brands and spur their growth and, in the U.K., to increase our profit margins. The outlook is also positive for our Consumer Durables business. Lenox remains the leader in the U.S. market for fine china dinnerware. A softening economy and effects of September 11 had a very negative impact on orders from department stores, a major channel of distribution for us. Growth of this business depends upon our ability to develop new distribution channels, including selling directly to the consumer. Consumer Durables should benefit from a lower cost structure, as a result of recent decisions to close plants, and a significantly lower inventory position than last year. We believe the segment is in a better position for future growth and should rebound as fiscal 2003 progresses. Based on a recovery of the U.S. economy and benefits from Business Improvement Initiatives implemented in 2002, we anticipate earnings per share growth of 9% to 12% in fiscal 2003. This includes an estimated $0.08 per share in expenses to complete our Business Improvement Initiatives, as well as providing for full investment behind our brands. WINE AND SPIRITS SEGMENT Summary of Operating Performance (Dollars in millions) 2000 2001 2002 ------ ------ ------ Net Sales $1,543 $1,573 $1,620 % Change 7% 2% 3% Gross Profit $ 812 $ 849 $ 851 % Change 9% 5% 0% Advertising Expenses $ 206 $ 214 $ 214 % Change 8% 4% 0% SG&A Expenses $ 298 $ 302 $ 301 % Change 14% 2% 0% Amortization $ 5 $ 7 $ -- Operating Income $ 304 $ 327 $ 336 % Change 7% 8% 3% EBITDA $ 341 $ 367 $ 372 % Change 8% 8% 2% Gross Margin 52.6% 54.0% 52.5% Operating Margin 19.7% 20.8% 20.7% 20
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Our Wine and Spirits segment includes strong brands representing a wide range of wine varietals, champagne, and distilled spirits such as whiskey, bourbon, vodka, brandy, tequila, rum, and liqueur. This segment's largest market is the United States, which generally prohibits wine and spirits manufacturers from selling their products directly to consumers. Instead, we sell our products to wholesale distributors, who then sell the products to retailers, who in turn sell to consumers. We also use a similar tiered distribution model in most markets outside the United States. Distributors and retailers normally keep some of our products on hand as inventory, making it possible for retailers to sell more (or less) of our products to the consumer than distributors buy from us during any given time period. Because we record revenues when we ship our products to distributors, our sales volumes do not necessarily reflect actual consumer demand during any particular period. Ultimately, of course, consumer demand determines our financial results. Thus, it is important to consider that demand in assessing our performance. Our best approximation of consumer demand is based on case sales from wholesalers to retailers, called "depletions." We and our trade partners have been actively implementing supply chain systems that have allowed us to reduce inventories over the past few years. We believe trade inventory levels for most of our products at the end of fiscal 2002 were at the lowest levels in recent history. Fiscal 2002 Compared to 2001 Net sales grew 3%, or $47 million. On a constant exchange basis, revenues for the segment increased 4%. Jack Daniel's registered growth for the tenth consecutive year. Worldwide depletions increased 2%, with particular strength in Western Europe. Jack Daniels' depletions were essentially flat in the U.S., largely reflecting a slowdown in on-premise sales. A continued reduction in wholesale and retail inventories also tempered shipments during the year. Annual depletions for Southern Comfort were up 2% in the U.S., with gross profits improving at a double-digit rate for the second consecutive year. Volume and profit trends for Finlandia continued to improve. Volume trends for our major wine brands were strong, led by Fetzer, Bolla, and Korbel. Here are worldwide depletions figures for our major brands during fiscal 2002: Nine-Liter Change From Cases Fiscal 2001 ---------- ----------- Spirits: Jack Daniel's 6,520,000 +2% Canadian Mist 2,375,000 0% Southern Comfort 2,130,000 +1% Finlandia 1,190,000 * Early Times 1,065,000 -5% Wine: Fetzer 3,130,000 +11% Bolla 1,670,000 +8% Korbel Champagnes 1,065,000 +8% *Annual percentage change is not comparable; previous period was a partial year. Gross profit was flat compared to fiscal 2001, despite the growth in sales, as a result of a more competitive pricing environment for our wines, unfavorable foreign exchange rates, and costs incurred for our Business Improvement Initiatives. These same factors, which we do not expect to continue in the long term, caused gross margin to decline to 52.5% from 54.0% in fiscal 2001. On a constant currency basis, however, gross margin was 52.9%. Advertising expenses approximated fiscal 2001 expenditures, as we decided not to increase spending levels given unfavorable on-premise market conditions and a generally soft U.S. economy in the aftermath of September 11. Assuming an economic recovery in fiscal 2003, we intend to increase advertising at a growth rate more consistent with historical levels. Selling, general, and administrative expenses declined slightly, reflecting tight cost controls and reduced travel. Operating income for the segment improved 3%, primarily reflecting reduced operating expenses and the benefit from adopting FAS 142. On a constant exchange basis, excluding the benefit of adopting FAS 142 as well as costs associated with Business Improvement Initiatives, the segment's operating income improved 6%. Fiscal 2001 Compared to 2000 Net sales improved $30 million, or 2%, driven by strong results for the Jack Daniel's family of brands. Jack Daniel's Black Label experienced excellent consumer demand around the world, with worldwide depletions up 6%. Depletions improved 3% in the United States, the brand's biggest market. Volumes grew at a double-digit rate in Western Europe and other important overseas markets. We expanded our distribution rights to Finlandia during fiscal 2001, which also contributed to higher beverage sales. While unit volumes for Fetzer and Bolla declined modestly, higher prices yielded increased revenue for both brands. Shipments of Korbel Champagnes declined significantly in fiscal 2001, reflecting an industry-wide contraction in sales of sparkling wines. Gross profit expanded 5%, or $37 million. Gross margin increased from 52.6% to 54.0%, continuing a long-term trend of steady improvement. Advertising expenses grew 4% as measured in U.S. dollars, up 7% on a local currency basis. Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased only 2%, reflecting continued productivity gains from process and technology improvements. Operating income improved 8% in fiscal 2001. Strong results for the Jack Daniel's family of brands were tempered by two adverse industry-wide events. Although Korbel Champagne gained market share during the year, a sharp decline in the U.S. sparkling wine category following the Millennium boom resulted in lower volumes for the brand. In addition, a slowdown in Scotch production led to a significant decline in sales of used barrels to Scotch whisky distillers. Excluding Korbel and the used barrel business, segment operating income improved 13%. 21
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Business Environment for Wine and Spirits GOVERNMENT POLICIES, PUBLIC ATTITUDES: Our ability to market and sell our beverage alcohol products depends heavily on government policy towards those products and the attitude of society in general toward drinking them. This is true both in the United States, our largest market, and around the world. A small minority of drinkers abuse beverage alcohol, giving rise to public issues of great significance. We strongly oppose abusive drinking and contribute significant resources to programs aimed at understanding and curbing alcohol abuse - especially drunk driving and underage drinking. We also support and abide by voluntary industry marketing and advertising guidelines. We and other beverage alcohol producers take a prominent role in encouraging responsible consumption of our products and in warning against alcohol abuse. We support social awareness organizations that fight alcohol abuse and provide education about beverage alcohol, often in partnership with public health officials. As a society, we are more likely to curb alcohol abuse through better education about beverage alcohol and moderate drinking than with restrictions on alcohol advertising and sales or punitive taxation. Especially in the U.S., distilled spirits are at a marked disadvantage to beer and wine in taxation, advertising, and the number and type of sales outlets. Along with other distillers, a major goal of ours is to achieve greater cultural acceptance of our products and parity with beer and wine in access to consumers. LEVELING THE PLAYING FIELD: Among the objectives we seek are: - greater access to television advertising for liquor (we were disappointed by