The sudden change of company leadership at the beginning of August has been followed by a full re-evaluation of the timing of new product launches and the status of products currently in the marketplace. The previously announced quarterly and annual earnings guidance has been suspended. Some products previously considered for launch in 2004 will be delayed to 2005
Callaway Golf Company (NYSE:ELY) has announced that it is suspending previously announced quarterly and annual earnings guidance in an effort to review the business fully, given the appointment of new Chief Executive Officer William C. Baker. Specifically, the Company is re-evaluating the timing of new product launches and the status of products currently in the marketplace as part of a long-term strategic plan. As part of this analysis, it was determined that suspending guidance was the prudent course of action because of several unknowns, including re-order status for the balance of the year and the timing of new product launches, either of which could reduce sales and earnings in 2004 to levels significantly below those that were predicted earlier.
Callaway Golf Chief Executive Officer William C. Baker stated, “We are engaged in a full business review and based on our initial evaluation, we have concluded that guidance should be suspended. Given the fact that our evaluation period will likely last through the remainder of 2004, we believe that it is inappropriate to set short term expectations without all the facts.”
Baker continued, “We will, however, focus on strengthening the business for the long term and, consistent with that view, we will look to support our core brands and will take a measured and disciplined approach to the introduction of new products.”
Based on the aforementioned factors, the Company no longer expects to reach its earlier annual guidance estimates of between $975 and $990 million in net sales and between $0.15 and $0.25 fully diluted earnings per share, including estimated integration charges of approximately $0.25 per share. The Company also no longer expects to reach its previously issued guidance for the third quarter which includes net sales of approximately $150-$160 million with losses estimated at $0.37-$0.42 per diluted share.
“We intend to place our primary focus where it belongs — on doing what is best for our brands and our business long term,” said Mr. Baker. “For these reasons, we will schedule the timing of our new product launches to ensure that the Company is maximizing the sales potential of these new products and fostering strategic interests.”
Mr. Baker continued. “Applying these principles to today’s marketplace, this means that some products previously considered for launch in 2004 will be delayed to 2005 to permit a more powerful launch, with better developed marketing plans and stronger inventories.”
“We also will continue monitoring our inventory levels at retail through the remainder of this year,” Mr. Baker reported. “While it’s true that recent price reductions have stimulated sales, it is premature to predict the level of re-orders for the balance of the year. Retail inventories are still being affected by no-charge product being shipped to ‘net down‘ existing inventories. In addition, severe weather in parts of the U.S., including the areas hit by recent hurricanes, may negatively impact the clearing of inventory at retail. Again, we are taking a perspective that focuses on the kind of inventory management that will ultimately provide room at retail for new products when they are launched.”
Mr. Baker concluded, “We strongly believe in the Callaway Golf family of brands, our people, and our ability to emerge from this transition period a stronger, more focused company. To that end, our recent signing of Phil Mickelson, who joins Arnold Palmer, Annika Sorenstam and all of our other great staff professionals, is solid validation of our golf club and golf ball technology and a strong step in the right direction for the promotion of our brand. In fact, in just a few short days since joining the Callaway Golf family, Phil has generated tremendous enthusiasm among customers, consumers and employees, and his popularity and credibility with golf fans provides great visibility for our Company. We look to build on our relationship with Phil and our other professionals to translate our marketing into profitability for our shareholders, which is our singular long term goal.”
Mr. Baker was appointed to the position of CEO effective 2nd August 2004. He also serves as Chairman of the Board, and has been a director of Callaway Golf since 1994. Although he was appointed as “interim” CEO, Mr. Baker’s term in the office has not been specified by the Board, and no search process for a different CEO has been commenced, nor is one planned for the immediate future. Mr. Baker will host the Company’s regularly scheduled conference call to discuss third quarter financial results in October.
Callaway Golf Company www.callawaygolf.com