Herbalife(HLF) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, net sales reached $1.3 billion, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 6.3% [6][18] - For the full year, net sales increased nearly 1% to just over $5 billion, with an adjusted EBITDA of $658 million and a margin of 13.1% [8][18] - The total leverage ratio improved to 2.8x, down from 3.9x at the end of 2023, indicating stronger financial health [5][33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America experienced a 19% increase in new distributors in Q4, marking its second consecutive quarter of double-digit growth [9] - Latin America achieved its seventh consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth, with reported net sales up 18% [26] - The Asia Pacific region saw a 5% increase in reported net sales, driven by approximately 9% volume growth [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - India delivered its highest quarterly net sales in Q4, with a 15% year-over-year increase, attributed to a reduction in the goods and services tax [19][27] - North America sales declined by less than 1% year-over-year, consistent with prior expectations [27] - China reported a 4% decline in net sales year-over-year, primarily due to an 11% decrease in volume [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be the world's premier health and wellness platform, focusing on innovation and digital engagement [5][11] - Plans include launching personalized nutritional supplements and enhancing the distributor experience through digital tools [12][15] - The partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to elevate brand visibility and expand market reach [16][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's strategy and ability to execute, highlighting a strong foundation for future growth [17][38] - The company anticipates net sales growth in all regions except China for 2026, with a focus on leveraging the GST benefits in India [43][46] - Adjusted EBITDA guidance for Q1 2026 is set between $155 million to $175 million, with full-year expectations of $670 million to $710 million [35] Other Important Information - The company has repaid $283 million of debt in 2025, contributing to a stronger balance sheet [8][33] - A presentation change was made to better align distributor-related compensation reporting, with no impact on prior period results [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance on sales for different geographic segments in 2026 - Management expects net sales growth in every region except China, which is anticipated to improve in 2027 [42][43] Question: Expectations for Pro2col sales contribution - Minimal top-line contribution is built into guidance, with more upside potential as the program is in beta phase [44][45] Question: Growth in energy, sports, and fitness product categories - This category has historically outpaced overall performance, with successful launches contributing to growth [51] Question: Expansion of nutrition club infrastructure - The Breakfast Budget Clubs model is gaining traction in the UK and is being introduced in other markets [53][54] Question: Distributor retention rates and training programs - Improved retention is attributed to various support programs, enhancing distributor education and strategy [55][56] Question: Contribution of new products to sales growth - Successful product launches, including MultiBurn and HL Skin, have significantly contributed to sales [61] Question: Plans for distributor events in 2026 - The company plans to increase the number of events, with costs expected to rise slightly more than sales [62][64] Question: Strategy for evolving product offerings and customer base - The company aims to attract a more sophisticated customer base while deepening engagement with existing customers [71][73] Question: Impact of GST changes in India on sales - The reduced GST is expected to provide a tailwind until it laps in late September 2026 [77][78] Question: Relationship between distributor growth and member growth - Both distributor and preferred member growth are important, with adjustments made to focus on preferred customers [83][86]