sv3
Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 14, 2005
Registration No. 333-          
 
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
 
Form S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
HERBALIFE LTD.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
         
Cayman Islands   5122   98-0377871
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
  (Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code No.)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
 
P.O. Box 309GT
Ugland House, South Church Street
George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
(310) 410-9600
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)
 
Brett R. Chapman, Esq.
General Counsel
Herbalife Ltd.
P.O. Box 309GT
Ugland House, South Church Street
George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
(310) 410-9600
(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)
 
Copies to:
     
Jonathan K. Layne
  Gregg A. Noel
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
  Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
2029 Century Park East
  300 South Grand Ave, Suite 3400
Los Angeles, CA 90067
  Los Angeles, CA 90071
(310) 552-8500
  (213) 687-5000
 
     Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after this registration statement becomes effective.
     If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box:    o
     If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box:    o
     If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o
     If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o
     If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, please check the following box.    o
 
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
                         
                         
                         
            Proposed Maximum     Proposed Maximum      
Title of Each Class of     Amount to Be     Offering Price     Aggregate     Amount of
Securities to Be Registered     Registered(1)     per Share(2)     Offering Price     Registration Fee(3)
                         
Common Shares, $.002 par value
    11,500,000     $30.13     $346,495,000     $40,782.47
                         
                         
(1)  Includes 1,500,000 common shares issuable upon exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional common shares to cover over-allotments, if any.
 
(2)  Calculated pursuant to Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act based on the average of the high and low prices of a common share on the New York Stock Exchange on November 11, 2005, which was $30.13.
 
(3)  Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act.
 
     The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
 
 


Table of Contents

The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Subject to Completion
Preliminary Prospectus dated November      , 2005
PROSPECTUS
10,000,000 Shares
(HERBALIFE LOGO)
Common Shares
 
        Herbalife Ltd. shareholders are selling all of the shares.
      The shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “HLF.” On November 11, 2005, the last sale price of the shares as reported on the New York Stock Exchange was $30.15 per share.
      Investing in our common shares involves risks that are described in the “Risk Factors” section beginning on page 7 of this prospectus.
 
                         
        Underwriting   Proceeds to
        Discounts and   Selling
    Price to Public   Commissions   Shareholders
             
Per Share
    $       $       $  
Total
    $       $       $  
      The underwriters may also purchase up to an additional 1,500,000 shares from the selling shareholders, at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount, within 30 days from the date of this prospectus to cover over-allotments.
      Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
      The shares will be ready for delivery on or about                     , 2005.
 
Merrill Lynch & Co. Morgan Stanley
 
Banc of America Securities LLC
  Credit Suisse First Boston
              Adams Harkness
  Citigroup
 
                    , 2005.


Table of Contents

Outside Front Cover


Table of Contents

Inside Front Cover


Table of Contents

Inside Front Cover


TABLE OF CONTENTS
         
    1  
    7  
    21  
    22  
    22  
Price Range of Our Common Shares
    23  
    23  
    24  
    25  
    28  
    55  
    78  
    83  
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
    86  
    91  
    96  
    97  
    99  
    100  
    103  
    103  
    103  
    104  
    F-1  
 Exhibit 5.1
 Exhibit 23.1
 Exhibit 23.2
 
      You should rely only on the information contained in this document or to which we have referred you. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different. This document may only be used where it is legal to sell these securities. The information in this document may only be accurate on the date of this document.

i


Table of Contents

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
      The following summary should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by, the more detailed information and financial statements (including the accompanying notes) appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. We amended our Memorandum and Articles of Association to change our name from WH Holdings (Cayman Islands) Ltd. to Herbalife Ltd. Unless otherwise noted, the terms “we,” “our,” “us,” “Company” and “Successor” refer to Herbalife Ltd. (“Herbalife”) and its subsidiaries, including WH Capital Corporation (“WH Capital Corp.”) and Herbalife International, Inc. (“Herbalife International”) and its subsidiaries for periods subsequent to Herbalife International’s acquisition on July 31, 2002, by an investment group led by Whitney & Co., LLC and Golden Gate Private Equity, Inc. (the “Acquisition”), and the terms “we,” “our,” “us,” “Company” and “Predecessor” refer to Herbalife International before the Acquisition for periods through July 31, 2002. Herbalife is a holding company, with substantially all of its assets consisting of the capital stock of its indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary, Herbalife International. See “— Corporate Structure and Information.” You should carefully consider the information set forth under “Risk Factors.” In addition, certain statements in this prospectus are forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties. See “Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”
HERBALIFE
      We are a global network marketing company that sells weight management, nutritional supplement and personal care products. We pursue our mission of “changing people’s lives” by providing a financially rewarding business opportunity to distributors and quality products to distributors and customers who seek a healthy lifestyle. We are one of the largest network marketing companies in the world with net sales of approximately $1.3 billion for the year ended December 31, 2004. We sell our products in 60 countries through a network of over one million independent distributors. We believe the quality of our products and the effectiveness of our distribution network, coupled with geographic expansion, have been the primary reasons for our success throughout our 25-year operating history.
      We offer products in three principal categories: weight management, nutritional supplements which we refer to as “inner nutrition” and personal care which we refer to as “Outer Nutrition®.” Our products are often sold in programs, which are comprised of a series of related products designed to simplify weight management, nutrition and personal care for our consumers and maximize our distributors’ cross-selling opportunities. We also sell literature and promotional materials designed to support our distributors’ business. The following table illustrates our principal product categories:
         
Product Category   Description   Representative Products
         
Weight Management
(42.8% of 2004 Net Sales)
  Meal replacements, weight-loss accelerators and a variety of healthy snacks   Formula 1
Personalized Protein Powder
Total Control®
High Protein Bars and Snacks
Inner Nutrition
(42.9% of 2004 Net Sales)
  Dietary and nutritional supplements containing herbs, vitamins, minerals and other natural ingredients   Niteworkstm
Garden 7 tm
Aloe Concentrate
Liftoff tm
Outer Nutrition®
(9.4% of 2004 Net Sales)
  Skin cleansers, moisturizers, lotions, shampoos and conditioners   Skin Activator® Cream
Radiant C tm Body Lotion
Herbal Aloe Everyday Shampoo
NouriFusiontm
      We are committed to providing products with scientific substantiation. We have significantly increased our emphasis on scientific research in the fields of weight management and nutrition over the past three years. We believe that our focus on nutrition science will continue to result in meaningful product enhancements that differentiate our products in the marketplace. Our research and development organization combines the

1


Table of Contents

experience of product development scientists within our company with an external team including world-renowned scientists. Additionally, we contributed to the establishment of the Mark Hughes Cellular and Molecular Nutritional Lab at UCLA (the “UCLA Lab”), which is an independent lab devoted to the advancement of nutrition science. In 2003, we also introduced Niteworkstm, a cardiovascular product developed in conjunction with Louis Ignarro, Ph.D., a Nobel Laureate in Medicine and, in March 2004, we introduced ShapeWorkstm, a comprehensive weight management program based on the clinical experience and the 16 years of meal replacement research of David Heber, M.D., Ph.D., professor, and Director of the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition.
      We have a 16-member Scientific Advisory Board, comprised of world-renowned scientists, and a Medical Advisory Board consisting of leading medical doctors. We consult with members of our Scientific Advisory Board on the advancements in the field of nutrition science, while our Medical Advisory Board provides training on product usage and gives health-news updates through Herbalife literature, the internet and live training events around the world. The boards, both chaired by Dr. David Heber, support our internal product development team by providing expertise on obesity and human nutrition, conducting product research and advising on product concepts.
      We believe that the direct selling channel is ideally suited to marketing our products. Through education, ongoing personalized customer care and first-hand testimonials of product effectiveness, distributors can motivate their customers to begin and maintain their wellness and weight management programs. We are focused on building and maintaining our distributor network by offering financially rewarding and flexible career opportunities through sales of quality, innovative products to health conscious consumers. We believe the income opportunity provided by our network marketing program appeals to a broad cross-section of people throughout the world, particularly those seeking to supplement family income, start a home business or pursue entrepreneurial, full and part-time employment opportunities. Our distributors, who are all independent contractors, can profit from selling our products and can also earn royalties and bonuses on sales made by the distributors whom they recruit to join their sales organizations. We actively support our distributors through a broad array of motivational, educational, technical and support services, including individual recognition, reward programs and promotions, and participation in local, national and international Company-sponsored World Team School events and Extravaganzas.
Our Competitive Strengths
      We believe that our success stems from our ability to motivate our distributor network with a range of quality, innovative and efficacious products that appeal to consumer preferences for healthy living. We have been able to achieve sustained and profitable growth by capitalizing on the following competitive strengths:
  •  our large and highly motivated distributor base;
 
  •  our diverse and well-established product portfolio;
 
  •  our nutrition science-based product development approach;
 
  •  our scalable business model;
 
  •  our geographic diversification; and
 
  •  our experienced management team.

2


Table of Contents

Our Business Strategy
      We believe that our network marketing model is the most effective way to sell our products. Our objective is to increase the recruitment, retention, retailing and productivity of our distributor base by pursuing the following strategic initiatives:
  •  Distributor Strategy: to invest in events, promotions, systems and tools and Company branding initiatives, as well as globalize successful programs to help distributors build their businesses;
 
  •  Direct to Consumer Strategy: to provide a platform for consumers to purchase directly from us via the Internet while maintaining their relationships with distributors;
 
  •  Product Strategy: to continue introducing science-based products that help our distributors increase product retailing and recruit and retain distributors;
 
  •  China Strategy: to expand our business in China under the newly issued Direct Selling Regulations; and
 
  •  Infrastructure Strategy: to improve and strengthen our technology infrastructure and distribution network and invest in our employees through an organizational development program.
Our Sponsors
      We acquired Herbalife International on July 31, 2002, which we refer to herein as the “Acquisition.” We were formed by and on behalf of an investment group led by Whitney & Co., LLC (“Whitney”) and Golden Gate Private Equity, Inc. (“Golden Gate Capital”), which we refer to collectively herein as the “Equity Sponsors,” to consummate the Acquisition.
      Whitney was established in 1946 by John Hay Whitney as one of the first U.S. firms involved in the development of the private equity industry. Today, Whitney remains a private firm owned by investing professionals and its main activities are to provide private equity and debt capital for middle market growth companies. Whitney manages approximately $5 billion of assets for endowments, foundations and pension plans and is currently investing its fifth outside equity fund, Whitney V, L.P., a fund with committed capital of $1.1 billion.
      Golden Gate Capital is a San Francisco-based private equity investment firm with $2.6 billion of capital under management from leading endowments and a number of Fortune 500 CEOs. The firm’s charter is to partner with world-class management teams to invest in change-intensive, growth businesses. The principals of Golden Gate Capital have a long and successful history of investing with management partners across a wide range of industries and transaction types, including leveraged buyouts and recapitalizations, corporate divestitures and spin-offs, build-ups and venture stage investing. Additionally, the principals of Golden Gate Capital draw on their strong consulting heritage at Bain & Company in their investment approach.
Corporate Structure and Information
      We were incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands in April 2002 and have a foreign holding and operating company structure. Our first and second tier subsidiaries are organized either in the United States, Luxembourg or the Cayman Islands. We believe that this foreign holding and operating company structure provides us with an effective platform to organize our international business activities and to take advantage of favorable environments to implement our international business, operating and financial strategies. International activities are an important part of our business. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, approximately 81% of our net sales were generated outside the U.S.
      Our principal executive offices are located c/o Herbalife International at 1800 Century Park East, Los Angeles, California, 90067, and our telephone number is c/o Herbalife International at (310) 410-9600. Our website address is www.herbalife.com. The information on our website is not a part of this prospectus. We have included our website address in this document as an inactive textual reference only.

3


Table of Contents

THE OFFERING
Common shares offered by the selling shareholders 10,000,000 shares
 
Common shares outstanding after this offering 69,400,666 shares
 
Use of proceeds The selling shareholders will receive all net proceeds from the sale of common shares to be sold in this offering. Accordingly, we will not receive any proceeds from the sale of common shares by the selling shareholders.
 
Risk factors See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 7 of this prospectus for a discussion of factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in our common shares.
 
New York Stock Exchange symbol HLF
 
Over-allotment option Affiliates of the Equity Sponsors have granted the underwriters an option to purchase up to an additional 1,500,000 common shares to cover over-allotments, if any.
      Unless we specifically state otherwise, all information in this prospectus:
  •  assumes no exercise of the over-allotment option granted by the selling shareholders in favor of the underwriters;
 
  •  is based upon 69,400,666 shares outstanding as of November 3, 2005;
 
  •  assumes no exercise of options and warrants to purchase 11.4 million of our common shares outstanding as of November 3, 2005 with a weighted average exercise price of $12.00 per share; and
 
  •  assumes no issuance of additional options to purchase our common shares under our existing stock incentive plans.

4


Table of Contents

SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
      The following table sets forth certain of our historical financial data for the periods and as of the dates indicated. We derived the summary consolidated financial data for the seven month period ended July 31, 2002, the five month period ended December 31, 2002, and the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2004, from our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. We have derived the summary consolidated financial data as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2005, from the unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. The summary financial data set forth below are not necessarily indicative of the results of future operations.
      The summary financial data should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements, the selected consolidated historical financial data and the unaudited financial statements, and, in each case, the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus, in addition to the discussion under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” All common share and earnings per share data for the Company gives effect to a 1:2 reverse stock split of our common shares, which took effect December 1, 2004.
                                                   
    Predecessor   Company
         
            Year Ended   Nine Months Ended
    January 1 to   August 1 to   December 31,   September 30,
    July 31,   December 31,        
    2002   2002   2003   2004   2004   2005
                         
    (In thousands, except per share amounts)
Statement of Income Data:
                                               
Net sales
  $ 644,188     $ 449,524     $ 1,159,433     $ 1,309,663     $ 968,021     $ 1,157,724  
Gross profit
    503,635       354,523       923,648       1,039,750       769,197       925,132  
Operating income(1)
    14,304       52,889       107,036       138,719       111,020       164,827  
Net income (loss)
    9,212       14,005       36,847       (14,311 )     23,094       63,187  
Earnings (loss) per share
                                               
 
Basic
  $ 0.28     $     $     $ (0.27 )   $ 0.44     $ 0.92  
 
Diluted
  $ 0.27     $ 0.27     $ 0.69     $ (0.27 )   $ 0.42     $ 0.87  
Weighted average shares outstanding
                                               
 
Basic
    32,387                   52,911       52,121       68,800  
 
Diluted
    33,800       51,021       53,446       52,911       55,246       72,373  
Other Financial Data:
                                               
Retail sales (unaudited) (2)
    1,047,690       731,505       1,894,384       2,146,241       1,584,011       1,904,560  
Acquisition transaction expenses
    54,708       6,183                          
Depreciation and amortization
    11,722       11,424       55,605       43,896       34,287       27,749  
Capital expenditures(3)
    6,799       3,599       20,435       30,279       20,681       22,301  

5


Table of Contents

         
    As of
    September 30,
    2005
     
    (In thousands)
Balance Sheet Data:
       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 105,180  
Total working capital(4)
    9,398  
Total assets
    827,402  
Total debt
    288,328  
Other long-term liabilities
    144,038  
Shareholders’ equity
    130,816  
 
(1)  Operating income for the seven months ended July 31, 2002, and the five months ended December 31, 2002, includes pre-tax charges of $54.7 million and $6.2 million, respectively, relating to fees and expenses in connection with the Acquisition and, for the year ended 2003, includes a $5.1 million charge for legal and related costs associated with litigation resulting from the Acquisition.
 
(2)  In previous years, we reported retail sales on the face of our income statement in addition to the required disclosure of net sales. Retail sales represent the gross sales amount reflected on our invoices to our distributors. We do not receive the retail sales amount. “Product sales” represent the actual product purchase price paid to us by our distributors, after giving effect to distributor discounts referred to as “distributor allowances,” which total approximately 50% of suggested retail sales prices. Distributor allowances as a percentage of sales may vary by country depending upon regulatory restrictions that limit or otherwise restrict distributor allowances. “Net sales” represent product sales and including handling and freight income.
  Retail sales data is referred to in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Our use of retail sales reflect the fundamental role of “retail sales” in our accounting systems, internal controls and operations, including the basis upon which our distributors are paid. In addition, information in daily and monthly reports reviewed by our management relies on retail sales data.
 
  The following represents the reconciliation of retail sales to net sales for each of the periods set forth above:
                                                 
    Predecessor   Company
         
            Year Ended   Nine Months Ended
    January 1 to   August 1 to   December 31,   September 30,
    July 31,   December 31,        
    2002   2002   2003   2004   2004   2005
                         
    (In thousands)
Retail sales (unaudited)
  $ 1,047,690     $ 731,505     $ 1,894,384     $ 2,146,241     $ 1,584,011     $ 1,904,560  
Distributor allowance (unaudited)
    (492,997 )     (345,145 )     (899,264 )     (1,021,196 )     (752,682 )     (907,176 )
                                     
Product sales
    554,693       386,360       995,120       1,125,045       831,329       997,384  
Handling and freight income
    89,495       63,164       164,313       184,618       136,692       160,340  
                                     
Net sales
  $ 644,188     $ 449,524     $ 1,159,433     $ 1,309,663     $ 968,021     $ 1,157,724  
                                     
(3)  Includes acquisitions of property through capitalized leases of $2.1 million for the seven months ended July 31, 2002, $1.4 million for the five months ended December 31, 2002, $6.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, $7.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2004, $3.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and $0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.
 
(4)  Includes cash and cash equivalents.

6


Table of Contents

RISK FACTORS
Our failure to establish and maintain distributor relationships for any reason could negatively impact sales of our products and harm our financial condition and operating results.
      We distribute our products exclusively through approximately one million independent distributors, and we depend upon them directly for substantially all of our sales. To increase our revenue, we must increase the number of, or the productivity of, our distributors. Accordingly, our success depends in significant part upon our ability to recruit, retain and motivate a large base of distributors. There is a high rate of turnover among our distributors, a characteristic of the network marketing business. The loss of a significant number of distributors for any reason could negatively impact sales of our products and could impair our ability to attract new distributors. In our efforts to attract and retain distributors, we compete with other network marketing organizations, including those in the weight management product, dietary and nutritional supplement and personal care and cosmetic product industries. Our operating results could be harmed if our existing and new business opportunities and products do not generate sufficient interest to retain existing distributors and attract new distributors.
      In light of the high year-over-year rate of turnover in our distributor base, we have our supervisors and non-supervisor distributors requalify annually in order to help us maintain a more accurate count of their numbers. For the latest twelve month re-qualification period ending January 2005, 60% of our supervisors did not re-qualify and more than 90% of our distributors that are not supervisors turned over. Distributors who purchase our product for personal consumption or for short-term income goals may stay with us for several months to one year. Supervisors who have committed time and effort to build a sales organization will generally stay for longer periods. Distributors have highly variable levels of training, skills and capabilities. The turnover rate of our distributors, and our operating results, can be adversely impacted if we and our senior distributor leadership do not provide the necessary mentoring, training and business support tools for new distributors to become successful sales people in a short period of time.
      We estimate that, of our over one million independent distributors, we had approximately 201,000 supervisors after requalifications in February 2005. These supervisors, together with their downline sales organizations, account for substantially all of our revenues. Our distributors, including our supervisors, may voluntarily terminate their distributor agreements with us at any time. The loss of a group of leading supervisors, together with their downline sales organizations, or the loss of a significant number of distributors for any reason, could negatively impact sales of our products, impair our ability to attract new distributors and harm our financial condition and operating results.
Since we cannot exert the same level of influence or control over our independent distributors as we could were they our own employees, our distributors could fail to comply with our distributor policies and procedures, which could result in claims against us that could harm our financial condition and operating results.
      Our distributors are independent contractors and, accordingly, we are not in a position to directly provide the same direction, motivation and oversight as we would if distributors were our own employees. As a result, there can be no assurance that our distributors will participate in our marketing strategies or plans, accept our introduction of new products, or comply with our distributor policies and procedures.
      Extensive federal, state and local laws regulate our business, our products and our network marketing program. Because we have expanded into foreign countries, our policies and procedures for our independent distributors differ due to the different legal requirements of each country in which we do business. While we have implemented distributor policies and procedures designed to govern distributor conduct and to protect the goodwill associated with Herbalife trademarks and tradenames, it can be difficult to enforce these policies and procedures because of the large number of distributors and their independent status. Violations by our distributors of applicable law or of our policies and procedures in dealing with customers could reflect negatively on our products and operations, and harm our business reputation. In addition, it is possible that a court could hold us civilly or criminally accountable based on vicarious liability because of the actions of our

7


Table of Contents

independent distributors. If any of these events occur, the value of an investment in our common shares could be impaired.
Adverse publicity associated with our products, ingredients or network marketing program, or those of similar companies, could harm our financial condition and operating results.
      The size of our distribution force and the results of our operations may be significantly affected by the public’s perception of our Company and similar companies. This perception is dependent upon opinions concerning:
  •  the safety and quality of our products and ingredients;
 
  •  the safety and quality of similar products and ingredients distributed by other companies;
 
  •  our distributors;
 
  •  our network marketing program; and
 
  •  the direct selling business generally.
      Adverse publicity concerning any actual or purported failure of our Company or our distributors to comply with applicable laws and regulations regarding product claims and advertising, good manufacturing practices, the regulation of our network marketing program, the licensing of our products for sale in our target markets or other aspects of our business, whether or not resulting in enforcement actions or the imposition of penalties, could have an adverse affect on the goodwill of our Company and could negatively affect our ability to attract, motivate and retain distributors, which would negatively impact our ability to generate revenue. We cannot ensure that all distributors will comply with applicable legal requirements relating to the advertising, labeling, licensing or distribution of our products.
      In addition, our distributors’ and consumers’ perception of the safety and quality of our products and ingredients as well as similar products and ingredients distributed by other companies can be significantly influenced by national media attention, publicized scientific research or findings, widespread product liability claims and other publicity concerning our products or ingredients or similar products and ingredients distributed by other companies. Adverse publicity, whether or not accurate or resulting from consumers’ use or misuse of our products, that associates consumption of our products or ingredients or any similar products or ingredients with illness or other adverse effects, questions the benefits of our or similar products or claims that any such products are ineffective, inappropriately labeled or have inaccurate instructions as to their use, could negatively impact our reputation or the market demand for our products.
      Adverse publicity relating to us, our products or our operations, including our network marketing program or the attractiveness or viability of the financial opportunities provided thereby, has had, and could again have, a negative effect on our ability to attract, motivate and retain distributors. In the mid-1980’s, our products and marketing program became the subject of regulatory scrutiny in the United States, resulting in large part from claims and representations made about our products by our distributors, including impermissible therapeutic claims. The resulting adverse publicity caused a rapid, substantial loss of distributors in the United States and a corresponding reduction in sales beginning in 1985. We expect that negative publicity will, from time to time, continue to negatively impact our business in particular markets.
Our failure to appropriately respond to changing consumer preferences and demand for new products or product enhancements could significantly harm our distributor and customer relationships and product sales and harm our financial condition and operating results and cause the loss or reduction in the value of your investment in our common shares.
      Our business is subject to changing consumer trends and preferences, especially with respect to weight management products. Our continued success depends in part on our ability to anticipate and respond to these changes, and we may not respond in a timely or commercially appropriate manner to such changes. Furthermore, the nutritional supplement industry is characterized by rapid and frequent changes in demand for products and new product introductions and enhancements. Our failure to accurately predict these trends

8


Table of Contents

could negatively impact consumer opinion of our products, which in turn could harm our customer and distributor relationships and cause the loss of sales. The success of our new product offerings and enhancements depends upon a number of factors, including our ability to:
  •  accurately anticipate customer needs;
 
  •  innovate and develop new products or product enhancements that meet these needs;
 
  •  successfully commercialize new products or product enhancements in a timely manner;
 
  •  price our products competitively;
 
  •  manufacture and deliver our products in sufficient volumes and in a timely manner; and
 
  •  differentiate our product offerings from those of our competitors.
      If we do not introduce new products or make enhancements to meet the changing needs of our customers in a timely manner, some of our products could be rendered obsolete, which could negatively impact our revenues, financial condition and operating results.
Due to the high level of competition in our industry, we might fail to retain our customers and distributors, which would harm our financial condition and operating results.
      The business of marketing weight management and nutrition products is highly competitive and sensitive to the introduction of new products or weight management plans, including various prescription drugs, which may rapidly capture a significant share of the market. These market segments include numerous manufacturers, distributors, marketers, retailers and physicians that actively compete for the business of consumers both in the United States and abroad. In addition, we anticipate that we will be subject to increasing competition in the future from sellers that utilize electronic commerce. Some of these competitors have longer operating histories, significantly greater financial, technical, product development, marketing and sales resources, greater name recognition, larger established customer bases and better-developed distribution channels than we do. Our present or future competitors may be able to develop products that are comparable or superior to those we offer, adapt more quickly than we do to new technologies, evolving industry trends and standards or customer requirements, or devote greater resources to the development, promotion and sale of their products than we do. For example, if our competitors develop other diet or weight loss treatments that prove to be more effective than our products, demand for our products could be reduced. Accordingly, we may not be able to compete effectively in our markets and competition may intensify.
      We are also subject to significant competition for the recruitment of distributors from other network marketing organizations, including those that market weight management products, dietary and nutritional supplements and personal care products as well as other types of products. We compete for global customers and distributors with regard to weight management, nutritional supplement and personal care products. Our competitors include both direct selling companies such as NuSkin Enterprises, Nature’s Sunshine, Alticor/ Amway, Melaleuca, Avon Products, Oriflame, and Mary Kay, as well as retail establishments such as Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, General Nutrition Centers, Wal-Mart and retail pharmacies. In addition, because the industry in which we operate is not particularly capital intensive or otherwise subject to high barriers to entry, it is relatively easy for new competitors to emerge who will compete with us for our distributors and customers. In addition, the fact that our distributors may easily enter and exit our network marketing program contributes to the level of competition that we face. For example, a distributor can enter or exit our network marketing system with relative ease at any time without facing a significant investment or loss of capital because (1) we have a low upfront financial cost (generally $50 to $75) to become a Herbalife distributor, (2) we do not require any specific amount of time to work as a distributor, (3) we do not insist on any special training to be a distributor and (4) we do not prohibit a new distributor from working with another company. Our ability to remain competitive therefore depends, in significant part, on our success in recruiting and retaining distributors through an attractive compensation plan, the maintenance of an attractive product portfolio and other incentives. We cannot ensure that our programs for recruitment and retention of distributors will be successful, and if they are not, our financial condition and operating results would be harmed.

9


Table of Contents

We are affected by extensive laws, governmental regulations, administrative determinations, court decisions and similar constraints both domestically and abroad and our failure or our distributors’ failure to comply with these restraints could lead to the imposition of significant penalties or claims, which could harm our financial condition and operating results.
      In both domestic and foreign markets, the formulation, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, distribution, importation, exportation, licensing, sale and storage of our products are affected by extensive laws, governmental regulations, administrative determinations, court decisions and similar constraints. Such laws, regulations and other constraints may exist at the federal, state or local levels in the United States and at all levels of government in foreign jurisdictions. There can be no assurance that we or our distributors are in compliance with all of these regulations. Our failure or our distributors’ failure to comply with these regulations or new regulations could lead to the imposition of significant penalties or claims and could negatively impact our business. In addition, the adoption of new regulations or changes in the interpretations of existing regulations may result in significant compliance costs or discontinuation of product sales and may negatively impact the marketing of our products, resulting in significant loss of sales revenues. For example, the Food and Drug Administration, or the FDA, has announced plans to issue new guidance or regulations relating to low carbohydrate claims for foods, which could negatively impact our sales of such products.
      Governmental regulations in countries where we plan to commence or expand operations may prevent or delay entry into those markets. In addition, our ability to sustain satisfactory levels of sales in our markets is dependent in significant part on our ability to introduce additional products into such markets. However, governmental regulations in our markets, both domestic and international, can delay or prevent the introduction, or require the reformulation or withdrawal, of certain of our products. For example, during the third quarter of 1995, we received inquiries from certain governmental agencies within Germany and Portugal regarding our product, Thermojetics® Instant Herbal Beverage, relating to the caffeine content of the product and the status of the product as an “instant tea,” which was disfavored by regulators, versus a “beverage.” Although we initially suspended the product sale in Germany and Portugal at the request of the regulators, we successfully reintroduced it once regulatory issues were satisfactorily resolved. Further, any such regulatory action, whether or not it results in a final determination adverse to us, could create negative publicity, with detrimental effects on the motivation and recruitment of distributors and, consequently, on sales.
      On March 7, 2003, the FDA proposed a new regulation to require current good manufacturing practices affecting the manufacture, packing, and holding of dietary supplements. The proposed regulation would establish standards to ensure that dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are not adulterated with contaminants or impurities, and are labeled to accurately reflect the active ingredients and other ingredients in the products. It also includes proposed requirements for designing and constructing physical plants, establishing quality control procedures, and testing manufactured dietary ingredients and dietary supplements, as well as proposed requirements for maintaining records and for handling consumer complaints related to cGMPs. We are evaluating this proposal with respect to its potential impact upon the various contract manufacturers that we use to manufacturer our products some of whom might not meet the new standards. It is important to note that the proposed regulation, in an effort to limit disruption, includes a three-year phase-in for small businesses of any final regulation that is issued. This will mean that some of our contract manufacturers will not be fully impacted by the proposed regulation until at least 2008. However, the proposed regulation can be expected to result in additional costs and possibly the need to seek alternate suppliers.
Our network marketing program could be found to be not in compliance with current or newly adopted laws or regulations in one or more markets, which could prevent us from conducting our business in these markets and harm our financial condition and operating results.
      Our network marketing program is subject to a number of federal and state regulations administered by the Federal Trade Commission and various state agencies in the United States as well as regulations on direct selling in foreign markets administered by foreign agencies. We are subject to the risk that, in one or more markets, our network marketing program could be found not to be in compliance with applicable law or regulations. Regulations applicable to network marketing organizations generally are directed at preventing fraudulent or deceptive schemes, often referred to as “pyramid” or “chain sales” schemes, by ensuring that

10


Table of Contents

product sales ultimately are made to consumers and that advancement within an organization is based on sales of the organization’s products rather than investments in the organization or other non-retail sales-related criteria. The regulatory requirements concerning network marketing programs do not include “bright line” rules and are inherently fact-based, and thus, even in jurisdictions where we believe that our network marketing program is in full compliance with applicable laws or regulations governing network marketing systems, we are subject to the risk that these laws or regulations or the enforcement or interpretation of these laws and regulations by governmental agencies or courts can change. The failure of our network marketing program to comply with current or newly adopted regulations could negatively impact our business in a particular market or in general.
      We are also subject to the risk of private party challenges to the legality of our network marketing program. The multi-level marketing programs of other companies have been successfully challenged in the past, and in a current lawsuit, allegations have been made challenging the legality of our network marketing program in Belgium. Test Ankoop-Test Achat, a Belgian consumer protection organization, sued Herbalife International Belgium, S.V., or HIB, on August 26, 2004, alleging that HIB violated Article 84 of the Belgian Fair Trade Practices Act by engaging in pyramid selling, i.e., establishing a network of professional or non-professional sales people who hope to make a profit more through the expansion of that network rather than through the sale of products to end-consumers. The plaintiff is seeking a payment of 25,000 (equal to approximately $31,000 as of September 30, 2005) per purported violation as well as costs of the trial. For the year ended December 31, 2004, our net sales in Belgium were approximately $19.7 million. Currently, the lawsuit is in the pleading stage. The plaintiffs filed their initial brief on September 27, 2005. An adverse judicial determination with respect to our network marketing program, or in proceedings not involving us directly but which challenge the legality of multi-level marketing systems, in Belgium or in any other market in which we operate, could negatively impact our business.
A substantial portion of our business is conducted in foreign markets, exposing us to the risks of trade or foreign exchange restrictions, increased tariffs, foreign currency fluctuations and similar risks associated with foreign operations.
      Approximately 81% of our net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, were generated outside the United States, exposing our business to risks associated with foreign operations. For example, a foreign government may impose trade or foreign exchange restrictions or increased tariffs, which could negatively impact our operations. We are also exposed to risks associated with foreign currency fluctuations. For instance, purchases from suppliers are generally made in U.S. dollars while sales to distributors are generally made in local currencies. Accordingly, strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus a foreign currency could have a negative impact on us. Although we engage in transactions to protect against risks associated with foreign currency fluctuations, we cannot be certain any hedging activity will effectively reduce our exchange rate exposure. Our operations in some markets also may be adversely affected by political, economic and social instability in foreign countries. As we continue to focus on expanding our existing international operations, these and other risks associated with international operations may increase, which could harm our financial condition and operating results.
Our expansion in China is subject to general, as well as industry-specific, economic, political and legal developments in China, and requires that we utilize a different business model from that we use elsewhere in the world.
      Our expansion of operations into China is subject to risk and uncertainties related to general economic, political and legal developments in China, among other things. The Chinese government exercises significant control over the Chinese economy, including but not limited to controlling capital investments, allocating resources, setting monetary policy, controlling foreign exchange and monitoring foreign exchange rates, implementing and overseeing tax regulations and providing preferential treatment to certain industry segments or companies. Accordingly, any adverse change in the Chinese economy, the Chinese legal system or Chinese governmental economic or other policies could have a material adverse effect on our business in China.

11


Table of Contents

      In August 2005, China published regulations governing direct selling (effective December 1, 2005) and prohibiting pyramid promotional schemes (effective November 1, 2005) and a number of administrative methods and proclamations were issued in proposal form in September 2005. When final, effective and applicable to us, these regulations will require us to use a business model different from that which we offer in other markets. To allow us to operate in advance of the effectiveness of these new regulations, as well as to operate once those regulations are implemented, we have created and introduced a model specifically for China. In China, we have Company-operated retail stores that sell through employed sales management personnel to customers and preferred customers. We provide training and certification procedures for sales personnel in China. Once the regulations are effective, we also expect to sell through independent direct sellers. These features are not common to the business model we employ elsewhere in the world. The direct selling regulations require us to apply for approval to conduct a direct selling enterprise in China. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain that license. Additionally, although certain regulations have been published, others are pending, and there is uncertainty regarding the interpretation and enforcement of such regulations. The regulatory environment in China is evolving, and officials in the Chinese government often exercise discretion in deciding how to interpret and apply regulations. As such, we have worked closely with governmental agencies and advisors in interpreting both the existing regulations and the new regulations. However, we cannot be certain that our business model will be deemed by national or local Chinese regulatory authorities to be compliant with these or other more general regulations. In the past, the Chinese government has rigorously monitored the direct selling market in China, and has taken serious action against companies that the government believed were engaging in activities they regarded to be in violation of applicable law, including shutting down their businesses and imposing substantial fines. As a result, there can be no guarantee that the Chinese government’s interpretation and application of the existing and new regulations will not negatively impact our business in China, result in regulatory investigations or lead to fines or penalties.
      Chinese regulations prevent persons who are not Chinese nationals from engaging in direct selling in China. We cannot guarantee that any of our distributors living outside of China or any of our independent sales representatives or employed sales management personnel in China will not engage in activities that violate our policies in this market and therefore result in regulatory action and adverse publicity.
      As we expand operations in China, we anticipate that certain distributors will switch their focus from their home markets to that of China. As a result, we may see reduced distributor focus in Hong Kong, Taiwan and possibly other of our markets as Chinese nationals that are distributors shift their attention to China and a resultant reduction in distributor growth, leadership and revenue in these other countries.
      If our operations in China are successful, we may experience rapid growth in China, and there can be no assurances that we will be able to successfully manage rapid expansion of manufacturing operations and a rapidly growing and dynamic sales force. There also can be no assurances that we will not experience difficulties in dealing with or taking employment related actions (such as hiring, terminations and salary administration, including social benefit payments) with respect to our employed sales representatives, particularly given the highly regulated nature of the employment relationship in China. If we are unable to effectively manage such growth and expansion of our retail stores, manufacturing operations or our employees, our government relations may be compromised and our operations in China may be harmed.
      Our China business model, particularly with regard to sales management responsibilities and remuneration, differs from our traditional business model. There is a risk that such changes and transitions may not be understood by our distributors or employees, may be viewed negatively by our distributors or employees, or may not be correctly utilized by our distributors or employees. If that is the case, our business could be negatively impacted.
If we fail to further penetrate existing markets or successfully expand our business into new markets then the growth in sales of our products, along with our operating results, could be negatively impacted and investors could lose all or part of their investment.
      The success of our business is to a large extent contingent on our ability to continue to grow by entering new markets and further penetrating existing markets. Our ability to further penetrate existing markets in

12


Table of Contents

which we compete or to successfully expand our business into additional countries in Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, South America or elsewhere, to the extent we believe that we have identified attractive geographic expansion opportunities in the future, is subject to numerous factors, many of which are out of our control.
      In addition, government regulations in both our domestic and international markets can delay or prevent the introduction, or require the reformulation or withdrawal, of some of our products, which could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. Also, our ability to increase market penetration in certain countries may be limited by the finite number of persons in a given country inclined to pursue a direct selling business opportunity. Moreover, our growth will depend upon improved training and other activities that enhance distributor retention in our markets. We cannot assure you that our efforts to increase our market penetration and distributor retention in existing markets will be successful. Thus, if we are unable to continue to expand into new markets or further penetrate existing markets, our operating results would suffer and the market value of our common shares could decline.
Our contractual obligation to sell our products only through our Herbalife distributor network and to refrain from changing certain aspects of our marketing plan may limit our growth.
      In connection with the Acquisition we entered into an agreement with our distributors that provided assurances that the change in ownership of our Company would not negatively affect certain aspects of their business. Through this agreement, we have committed to our distributors that we will not sell Herbalife products through any distribution channel other than our network of independent Herbalife distributors. Thus, we are contractually prohibited from expanding our business by selling Herbalife products through other distribution channels that may be available to our competitors, such as over the internet, through wholesale sales, by establishing retail stores or through mail order systems. Since this is an ongoing or open-ended commitment, there can be no assurance that we will be able to take advantage of innovative new distribution channels that are developed in the future.
      In addition, our agreement with our distributors provides that we will not change certain aspects of our marketing plan without the consent of a specified percentage of our distributors. For example, our agreement with our distributors provides that we may increase, but not decrease, the discount percentages available to our distributors for the purchase of products or the applicable royalty override percentages, including roll-ups, and production and other bonus percentages available to our distributors at various qualification levels within our distributor hierarchy. We may not modify the eligibility or qualification criteria for these discounts, royalty overrides and production and other bonuses unless we do so in a manner to make eligibility and/or qualification easier than under the applicable criteria in effect as of the date of the agreement. Our agreement with our distributors further provides that we may not vary the criteria for qualification for each distributor tier within our distributor hierarchy, unless we do so in such a way so as to make qualification easier.
      Although we reserved the right to make these changes to our marketing plan without the consent of our distributors in the event that changes are required by applicable law or are necessary in our reasonable business judgment to account for specific local market or currency conditions to achieve a reasonable profit on operations, there can be no assurance that our agreement with our distributors will not restrict our ability to adapt our marketing plan to the evolving requirements of the markets in which we operate. As a result, our growth, and the potential of growth in the value of your investment, may be limited.
We depend on the integrity and reliability of our information technology infrastructure, and any related inadequacies may result in substantial interruptions to our business.
      Our ability to timely provide products to our distributors and their customers, and services to our distributors, depends on the integrity of our information technology system, which we are in the process of upgrading, including the reliability of software and services supplied by our vendors. As part of this upgrade, we have invested approximately $38.4 million as of September 30, 2005. We intend to invest an additional $25.0 million through December 31, 2006. We are implementing an Oracle enterprise-wide technology solution, a scalable and stable open architecture platform, to enhance our and our distributors’ efficiency and

13


Table of Contents

productivity. In addition, we are upgrading our internet-based marketing and distributor services platform, MyHerbalife.com. We expect these initiatives to be substantially complete by 2007.
      The most important aspect of our information technology infrastructure is the system through which we record and track distributor sales, volume points, royalty overrides, bonuses and other incentives. We have encountered, and may encounter in the future, errors in our software or our enterprise network, or inadequacies in the software and services supplied by our vendors, although to date none of these errors or inadequacies has had a meaningful negative impact on our business. Any such errors or inadequacies that we may encounter in the future may result in substantial interruptions to our services and may damage our relationships with, or cause us to lose, our distributors if the errors or inadequacies impair our ability to track sales and pay royalty overrides, bonuses and other incentives, which would harm our financial condition and operating results. Such errors may be expensive or difficult to correct in a timely manner, and we may have little or no control over whether any inadequacies in software or services supplied to us by third parties are corrected, if at all.
Since we rely on independent third parties for the manufacture and supply of our products, if these third parties fail to reliably supply products to us at required levels of quality, then our financial condition and operating results would be harmed.
      All of our products are manufactured by outside companies, except for a small amount of products manufactured in our own manufacturing facility in China. We cannot assure you that our outside manufacturers will continue to reliably supply products to us at the levels of quality, or the quantities, we require, especially after the FDA imposes cGMPs regulations.
      Our supply contracts generally have a two-year term. Except for force majeure events, such as natural disasters and other acts of God, and non-performance by Herbalife, our manufacturers generally cannot unilaterally terminate these contracts. These contracts can generally be extended by us at the end of the relevant time period and we have exercised this right in the past. Globally we have over 40 suppliers of our products. For our major products, we have both primary and secondary suppliers. Our major suppliers include Nature’s Bounty for protein powders, Fine Foods (Italy) for protein powders and nutritional supplements, PharmaChem Labs for teas and Niteworkstm and JB Labs for fiber. In the event any of our third-party manufacturers were to become unable or unwilling to continue to provide us with products in required volumes and at suitable quality levels, we would be required to identify and obtain acceptable replacement manufacturing sources. There is no assurance that we would be able to obtain alternative manufacturing sources on a timely basis. An extended interruption in the supply of products would result in the loss of sales. In addition, any actual or perceived degradation of product quality as a result of reliance on third party manufacturers may have an adverse effect on sales or result in increased product returns and buybacks.
If we fail to protect our trademarks and tradenames, then our ability to compete could be negatively affected, which would harm our financial condition and operating results.
      The market for our products depends to a significant extent upon the goodwill associated with our trademark and tradenames. We own, or have licenses to use, the material trademark and tradename rights used in connection with the packaging, marketing and distribution of our products in the markets where those products are sold. Therefore, trademark and tradename protection is important to our business. Although most of our trademarks are registered in the United States and in certain foreign countries in which we operate, we may not be successful in asserting trademark or tradename protection. In addition, the laws of certain foreign countries may not protect our intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. The loss or infringement of our trademarks or tradenames could impair the goodwill associated with our brands and harm our reputation, which would harm our financial condition and operating results.
      Unlike in most of the other markets in which we operate, limited protection of intellectual property is available under Chinese law. Accordingly, we face an increased risk in China that unauthorized parties may attempt to copy or otherwise obtain or use our trademarks, copyrights, product formulations or other intellectual property. Further, since Chinese commercial law is relatively undeveloped, we may have limited

14


Table of Contents

legal recourse in the event we encounter significant difficulties with intellectual property theft or infringement. As a result, we cannot assure you that we will be able to adequately protect our product formulations or other intellectual property.
If our distributors fail to comply with labeling laws, then our financial condition and operating results would be harmed.
      Although the physical labeling of our products is not within the control of our independent distributors, our distributors must nevertheless advertise our products in compliance with the extensive regulations that exist in certain jurisdictions, such as the United States, which considers product advertising to be labeling for regulatory purposes.
      Our products are sold principally as foods, dietary supplements and cosmetics and are subject to rigorous FDA and related legal regimens limiting the types of therapeutic claims that can be made for our products. The treatment or cure of disease, for example, is not a permitted claim for these products. While we train and attempt to monitor our distributors’ marketing materials, we cannot ensure that all such materials comply with bans on therapeutic claims. If our distributors fail to comply with these restrictions, then we and our distributors could be subjected to claims, financial penalties, mandatory product recalls or relabeling requirements, which could harm our financial condition and operating results. Although we expect that our responsibility for the actions of our independent distributors in such an instance would be dependent on a determination that we either controlled or condoned a non-compliant advertising practice, there can be no assurance that we could not be held responsible for the actions of our independent distributors.
If our intellectual property is not adequate to provide us with a competitive advantage or to prevent competitors from replicating our products, or if we infringe the intellectual property rights of others, then our financial condition and operating results would be harmed.
      Our future success and ability to compete depend upon our ability to timely produce innovative products and product enhancements that motivate our distributors and customers, which we attempt to protect under a combination of copyright, trademark and trade secret laws, confidentiality procedures and contractual provisions. However, our products are not patented domestically or abroad, and the legal protections afforded by our common law and contractual proprietary rights in our products provide only limited protection and may be time-consuming and expensive to enforce and/or maintain. Further, despite our efforts, we may be unable to prevent third parties from infringing upon or misappropriating our proprietary rights or from independently developing non-infringing products that are competitive with, equivalent to and/or superior to our products.
      Additionally, third parties may claim that products we have independently developed infringe upon their intellectual property rights. For example, in two related lawsuits that are currently pending in California, Unither Pharma, Inc. and others are alleging that sales by Herbalife International of (1) its Niteworkstm and Prelox Blue products and (2) its former products Woman’s Advantage with DHEA and Optimum Performance infringe on patents that are licensed to or owned by those parties, and are seeking unspecified damages, attorneys’ fees and injunctive relief from the Company. Although we believe that we have meritorious defenses to, and are vigorously defending against, these allegations, there can be no assurance that one or more of our products will not be found to infringe upon the intellectual property rights of these parties or others.
      Monitoring infringement and/or misappropriation of intellectual property can be difficult and expensive, and we may not be able to detect any infringement or misappropriation of our proprietary rights. Even if we do detect infringement or misappropriation of our proprietary rights, litigation to enforce these rights could cause us to divert financial and other resources away from our business operations. Further, the laws of some foreign countries do not protect our proprietary rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States.

15


Table of Contents

Since one of our products constitutes a significant portion of our retail sales, significant decreases in consumer demand for this product or our failure to produce a suitable replacement should we cease offering it would harm our financial condition and operating results.
      Our Formula 1 meal replacement product constitutes a significant portion of our sales, accounting for approximately 27%, 22%, 23% and 21% of retail sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, and the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. If consumer demand for this product decreases significantly or we cease offering this product without a suitable replacement, then our financial condition and operating results would be harmed.
If we lose the services of members of our senior management team, then our financial condition and operating results would be harmed.
      We depend on the continued services of our Chief Executive Officer, Michael O. Johnson, and our current senior management team and the relationships that they have developed with our senior distributor leadership, especially in light of the high level of turnover in our former senior management team, and the resulting need to re-establish good working relationships with our senior distributor leadership, after the death of our founder in May of 2000. Although we have entered into employment agreements with many members of our senior management team, and do not believe that any of them are planning to leave or retire in the near term, we cannot assure you that our senior managers will remain with us. The loss or departure of any member of our senior management team could negatively impact our distributor relations and operating results. If any of these executives do not remain with us, our business could suffer. The loss of such key personnel could negatively impact our ability to implement our business strategy, and our continued success will also be dependent upon our ability to retain existing, and attract additional, qualified personnel to meet our needs. We currently do not maintain “key person” life insurance with respect to our senior management team.
The covenants in our existing indebtedness limit our discretion with respect to certain business matters, which could limit our ability to pursue certain strategic objectives and in turn harm our financial condition and operating results.
      Our 91/2% Notes and senior credit facility contain numerous financial and operating covenants that restrict our and our subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things:
  •  pay dividends, redeem share capital or capital stock and make other restricted payments and investments;
 
  •  incur additional debt or issue preferred shares;
 
  •  allow the imposition of dividend or other distribution restrictions on our subsidiaries;
 
  •  create liens on our and our subsidiaries’ assets;
 
  •  engage in transactions with affiliates;
 
  •  guarantee other indebtedness; and
 
  •  merge, consolidate or sell all or substantially all of our assets and the assets of our subsidiaries.
      In addition, our senior credit facility requires us to meet certain financial ratios and financial conditions. Our ability to comply with these covenants may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. Failure to comply with these covenants could result in a default causing all amounts to become due and payable under our outstanding notes and/or the senior credit facility, which is secured by substantially all of our assets, which the lenders thereunder could proceed to foreclose against.

16


Table of Contents

If we do not comply with transfer pricing and similar tax regulations, then we may be subjected to additional taxes, interest and penalties in material amounts, which could harm our financial condition and operating results.
      As a multinational corporation, in many countries including the United States, we are subject to transfer pricing and other tax regulations designed to ensure that our intercompany transactions are consummated at prices that have not been manipulated to produce a desired tax result, that appropriate levels of income are reported as earned by our United States or local entities, and that we are taxed appropriately on such transactions. In addition, our operations are subject to regulations designed to ensure that appropriate levels of customs duties are assessed on the importation of our products. We are currently subject to pending or proposed audits that are at various levels of review, assessment or appeal in a number of jurisdictions involving transfer pricing issues, income taxes, customs duties, value added taxes, withholding taxes, sales and use and other taxes and related interest and penalties in material amounts. In some circumstances, additional taxes, interest and penalties have been assessed and we will be required to pay the assessments or litigate to reverse the assessments. We have reserved in the consolidated financial statements an amount that we believe represents the most likely outcome of the resolution of these disputes, but if we are incorrect in our assessment we may have to pay the full amount asserted. Ultimate resolution of these matters may take several years, and the outcome is uncertain. If the United States Internal Revenue Service or the taxing authorities of any other jurisdiction were to successfully challenge our transfer pricing practices, we could become subject to higher taxes and our earnings would be adversely affected.
We may be held responsible for certain taxes or assessments relating to the activities of our distributors, which could harm our financial condition and operating results.
      Our distributors are subject to taxation, and in some instances, legislation or governmental agencies impose an obligation on us to collect taxes, such as value added taxes, and to maintain appropriate records. In addition, we are subject to the risk in some jurisdictions of being responsible for social security and similar taxes with respect to our distributors. In the event that local laws and regulations or the interpretation of local laws and regulations change to require us to treat our independent distributors as employees, or that our distributors are deemed by local regulatory authorities in one or more of the jurisdictions in which we operate to be our employees rather than independent contractors under existing laws and interpretations, we may be held responsible for social security and related taxes in those jurisdictions, plus any related assessments and penalties, which could harm our financial condition and operating results.
We may incur material product liability claims, which could increase our costs and harm our financial condition and operating results.
      Our products consist of herbs, vitamins and minerals and other ingredients that are classified as foods or dietary supplements and are not subject to pre-market regulatory approval in the United States. Our products could contain contaminated substances, and some of our products contain innovative ingredients that do not have long histories of human consumption. We generally do not conduct or sponsor clinical studies for our products and previously unknown adverse reactions resulting from human consumption of these ingredients could occur. As a marketer of dietary and nutritional supplements and other products that are ingested by consumers or applied to their bodies, we have been, and may again be, subjected to various product liability claims, including that the products contain contaminants, the products include inadequate instructions as to their uses, or the products include inadequate warnings concerning side effects and interactions with other substances. It is possible that widespread product liability claims could increase our costs, and adversely affect our revenues and operating income. Moreover, liability claims arising from a serious adverse event may increase our costs through higher insurance premiums and deductibles, and may make it more difficult to secure adequate insurance coverage in the future. In addition, our product liability insurance may fail to cover future product liability claims, thereby requiring us to pay substantial monetary damages and adversely affecting our business. Finally, given the higher level of self-insured retentions that we have accepted under our current product liability insurance policies, which are as high as approximately $10 million, in certain cases we may be subject to the full amount of liability associated with any injuries, which could be substantial.

17


Table of Contents

      Several years ago, a number of states restricted the sale of dietary supplements containing botanical sources of ephedrine alkaloids and on February 6, 2004, the FDA banned the use of such ephedrine alkaloids. Until late 2002, we had sold Thermojetics® original green herbal tablets, Thermojetics® green herbal tablets and Thermojetics® gold herbal tablets, all of which contained ephedrine alkaloids. Accordingly, we run the risk of product liability claims related to the ingestion of ephedrine alkaloids contained in those products. Currently, we have been named as a defendant in product liability lawsuits seeking to link the ingestion of certain of the aforementioned products to subsequent alleged medical problems suffered by plaintiffs. Although we believe that we have meritorious defenses to the allegations contained in these lawsuits, and are vigorously defending these claims, there can be no assurance that we will prevail in our defense of any or all of these matters.
A few of our shareholders will collectively exert significant influence over us and have the power to cause the approval or rejection of all shareholder actions and may take actions that conflict with your interests.
      As of November 3, 2005, affiliates of Whitney and Golden Gate Capital own approximately 60.4% of the voting power of our share capital. After this offering, affiliates of Whitney and Golden Gate Capital will own approximately 46.6% of the voting power of our share capital. Accordingly, the Equity Sponsors collectively will have the power to exert significant influence over us and the approval or rejection of any matter on which the shareholders may vote, including the election of directors, amendment of our memorandum and articles of association and approval of significant corporate transactions and they will have significant control over our management and policies. This influence over corporate actions may also delay, deter or prevent transactions that would result in a change of control. Moreover, the Equity Sponsors may have interests that conflict with yours.
We are subject to, among other things, the attestation requirements regarding the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. These requirements have increased our compliance costs, and failure to comply in a timely manner could adversely affect the value of our securities.
      We are required to comply with various corporate governance and financial reporting requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as new rules and regulations adopted by the Commission, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and the NYSE. In particular, we are required to include management and auditor reports on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as part of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We expect to continue to spend significant amounts of time and money on compliance with these rules. Our failure to correct any noted weaknesses in internal controls over financial reporting could result in the disclosure of material weaknesses which could have a material adverse effect upon the market value of our stock.
Risks Related to This Offering and Your Investment in Our Common Shares
Future sales of shares by existing shareholders could cause our stock price to decline.
      If our existing shareholders sell, or indicate an intention to sell, substantial amounts of our common shares in the public market after the 90-day contractual lock-up, which is subject to adjustment, and other legal restrictions on resale discussed in this prospectus lapse, the trading price of our common shares could decline below the offering price. Based on the number of shares outstanding as of November 3, 2005, upon completion of this offering, we will have 69,400,666 outstanding common shares. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, on behalf of the underwriters, may, in their sole discretion, permit those who have entered into lock-up agreements with the underwriters to sell shares prior to the expiration of the lock-up agreements.
      After the lock-up agreements pertaining to this offering expire (90 days or more from the date of this prospectus, subject to adjustment), all of our outstanding shares will be eligible for sale in the public market, but they will be subject to volume limitations under Rule 144 under the Securities Act. In addition, the 11.4 million shares subject to outstanding options and rights under our various incentive plans and warrants are eligible for sale in the public market to the extent permitted by the provisions of various vesting agreements, the lock-up agreements and Rules 144 and 701 under the Securities Act. If these additional shares are sold, or

18


Table of Contents

if it is perceived that they will be sold in the public market, the trading price of our common shares could decline.
The trading price of our common shares is likely to be volatile, and you might not be able to sell your shares at or above the offering price.
      The trading price of our common shares is likely to be subject to fluctuations. Factors affecting the trading price of our common shares may include:
  •  variations in our financial results;
 
  •  announcements of new business initiatives by us or by our competitors;
 
  •  recruitment or departure of key personnel and key distributors;
 
  •  changes in the estimates of our financial results or changes in the recommendations of any securities analysts that elect to follow our common shares or the common shares of our competitors;
 
  •  our failure to timely address changing customer or distributor preferences;
 
  •  announcements of regulatory or third party claims; and
 
  •  market conditions in our industry and the economy as a whole.
      In addition, if the market for weight management, nutrition, or network marketing stocks or the stock market in general experiences loss of investor confidence, the trading price of our common shares could decline for reasons unrelated to our business or financial results. The trading price of our common shares might also decline in reaction to events that affect other companies in our industry even if these events do not directly affect us.
If securities analysts do not publish research or reports about our business or if they downgrade our stock, the price of our stock could decline.
      The trading market for our common shares relies in part on the research and reports that industry or financial analysts publish about us or our business. We do not control these analysts. Furthermore, if one or more of the analysts who do cover us downgrades our stock, the price of our stock could decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of our Company, we could lose visibility in the market.
Holders of our common shares may face difficulties in protecting their interests because we are incorporated under Cayman Islands law.
      Our corporate affairs are governed by our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, by the Companies Law (2004 Revision) and the common law of the Cayman Islands. The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors under Cayman Islands law are not as clearly established as under statutes or judicial precedent in existence in jurisdictions in the United States. Therefore, shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions by our management, directors or controlling shareholders than would shareholders of a corporation incorporated in a jurisdiction in the United States, due to the comparatively less developed nature of Cayman Islands law in this area.
      Unlike many jurisdictions in the United States, Cayman Islands law does not specifically provide for shareholder appraisal rights on a merger or consolidation of a company. This may make it more difficult for shareholders to assess the value of any consideration they may receive in a merger or consolidation or to require that the offer give shareholders additional consideration if they believe the consideration offered is insufficient.
      Shareholders of Cayman Islands exempted companies such as ourselves have no general rights under Cayman Islands law to inspect corporate records and accounts or to obtain copies of lists of our shareholders. Our directors have discretion under our articles of association to determine whether or not, and under what conditions, our corporate records may be inspected by our shareholders, but are not obliged to make them available to our shareholders. This may make it more difficult for you to obtain the information needed to

19


Table of Contents

establish any facts necessary for a shareholder motion or to solicit proxies from other shareholders in connection with a proxy contest.
      Subject to limited exceptions, under Cayman Islands law, a minority shareholder may not bring a derivative action against the board of directors. Maples and Calder, our Cayman Islands counsel, has informed us that they are not aware of any reported class action or derivative action having been brought in a Cayman Islands court.
Provisions of our articles of association and Cayman Islands corporate law may impede a takeover or make it more difficult for shareholders to change the direction or management of the Company, which could adversely affect the value of our common shares and provide shareholders with less input into the management of the Company than they might otherwise have.
      Our articles of association permit our board of directors to issue preference shares from time to time, with such rights and preferences as they consider appropriate. Our board of directors could authorize the issuance of preference shares with terms and conditions and under circumstances that could have an effect of discouraging a takeover or other transaction.
      In addition, our articles of association contain certain other provisions which could have an effect of discouraging a takeover or other transaction or preventing or making it more difficult for shareholders to change the direction or management of our Company, including a classified board, the inability of shareholders to act by written consent, a limitation on the ability of shareholders to call special meetings of shareholders and advance notice provisions. As a result, our shareholders may have less input into the management of our Company than they might otherwise have if these provisions were not included in our articles of association.
      Unlike many jurisdictions in the United States, Cayman Islands law does not provide for mergers as that expression is understood under corporate law in the United States. However, Cayman Islands law does have statutory provisions that provide for the reconstruction and amalgamation of companies, which are commonly referred to in the Cayman Islands as “schemes of arrangement.” The procedural and legal requirements necessary to consummate these transactions are more rigorous and take longer to complete than the procedures typically required to consummate a merger in the United States. Under Cayman Islands law and practice, a scheme of arrangement in relation to a solvent Cayman Islands company must be approved at a shareholders’ meeting by each class of shareholders, in each case, by a majority of the number of holders of each class of a company’s shares that are present and voting (either in person or by proxy) at such a meeting, which holders must also represent 75% in value of such class issued that are present and voting (either in person or by proxy) at such meeting (excluding the shares owned by the parties to the scheme of arrangement).
      The convening of these meetings and the terms of the amalgamation must also be sanctioned by the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands. Although there is no requirement to seek the consent of the creditors of the parties involved in the scheme of arrangement, the Grand Court typically seeks to ensure that the creditors have consented to the transfer of their liabilities to the surviving entity or that the scheme of arrangement does not otherwise have a material adverse effect on the creditors’ interests. Furthermore, the Grand Court will only approve a scheme of arrangement if it is satisfied that:
  •  the statutory provisions as to majority vote have been complied with;
 
  •  the shareholders have been fairly represented at the meeting in question;
 
  •  the scheme of arrangement is such as a businessman would reasonably approve; and
 
  •  the scheme of arrangement is not one that would more properly be sanctioned under some other provision of the Companies Law.
There is uncertainty as to shareholders’ ability to enforce certain foreign civil liabilities in the Cayman Islands.
      We are incorporated as an exempted company with limited liability under the laws of the Cayman Islands. A material portion of our assets are located outside of the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for our

20


Table of Contents

shareholders to enforce judgments against us or judgments obtained in U.S. courts predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or any state of the United States.
      We have been advised by our Cayman Islands counsel, Maples and Calder, that although there is no statutory enforcement in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the United States, the courts of the Cayman Islands will — based on the principle that a judgment by a competent foreign court imposes upon the judgment debtor an obligation to pay the sum for which judgment has been given — recognize and enforce a foreign judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction if such judgment is final, for a liquidated sum, not in respect of taxes or a fine or penalty, is not inconsistent with a Cayman Islands judgment in respect of the same matters, and was not obtained in a manner, and is not of a kind, the enforcement of which is contrary to the public policy of the Cayman Islands. There is doubt, however, as to whether the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands will (a) recognize or enforce judgments of U.S. courts predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or any state of the United States, or (b) in original actions brought in the Cayman Islands, impose liabilities predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or any state of the United States, on the grounds that such provisions are penal in nature.
      The Grand Court of the Cayman Islands may stay proceedings if concurrent proceedings are being brought elsewhere.
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
      This prospectus contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements” for purposes of federal and state securities laws, including any projections of earnings, revenue or other financial items; any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations; any statements concerning proposed new services or developments; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; any statements of belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Forward-looking statements may include the words “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue,” “believe,” “expect” or “anticipate” and other similar words.
      Although we believe that the expectations reflected in any of our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed in any of our forward-looking statements. Our future financial condition and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to change and to inherent risks and uncertainties, such as those disclosed in this prospectus. Important factors that could cause our actual results, performance and achievements, or industry results to differ materially from estimates or projections contained in our forward-looking statements include, among others, the following:
  •  our relationship with, and our ability to influence the actions of, our distributors;
 
  •  adverse publicity associated with our products or network marketing organization;
 
  •  uncertainties relating to interpretation and enforcement of recently enacted legislation in China governing direct selling;
 
  •  adverse changes in the Chinese economy, Chinese legal system or Chinese governmental policies;
 
  •  risk of improper action by Chinese employees or international distributors in violation of Chinese law;
 
  •  changing consumer preferences and demands;
 
  •  the competitive nature of our business;
 
  •  regulatory matters governing our products, including potential governmental or regulatory actions concerning the safety or efficacy of our products, and network marketing program;
 
  •  risks associated with operating internationally, including foreign exchange risks;
 
  •  our dependence on increased penetration of existing markets;

21


Table of Contents

  •  contractual limitations on our ability to expand our business;
 
  •  our reliance on our information technology infrastructure and outside manufacturers;
 
  •  the sufficiency of trademarks and other intellectual property rights;
 
  •  product concentration;
 
  •  our reliance on our management team;
 
  •  uncertainties relating to the application of transfer pricing and similar tax regulations;
 
  •  taxation relating to our distributors; and
 
  •  product liability claims.
      Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements are set forth in this prospectus, including under the headings “Prospectus Summary,” “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Business” and in our “Prospectus Summary-Summary Consolidated Financial Data” and the related notes. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update any forward-looking statement. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Section 27A of the Securities Act do not protect forward-looking statements we make in connection with this offering.
      Before deciding whether to invest in our common shares, you should carefully consider the matters set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” and all other information contained in this prospectus. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us, or persons acting on our behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements.
      Forward-looking statements in this prospectus speak only as of the date hereof, and forward looking statements in documents attached are incorporated by reference and speak only as of the date of those documents. We do not undertake any obligation to update or release any revisions to any forward-looking statement or to report any events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.
MARKET DATA
      Market data and other statistical information used throughout this prospectus are based on independent industry publications, government publications and reports by market research firms or other published independent sources. Some data are also based on our good faith estimates, which are derived from our review of internal surveys, as well as the independent sources listed above. We believe that these sources are reliable.
USE OF PROCEEDS
      The selling shareholders will receive all net proceeds from the sale of common shares to be sold in this offering. Accordingly, we will not receive any proceeds from the sale of common shares by the selling shareholders.

22


Table of Contents

PRICE RANGE OF OUR COMMON SHARES
      Herbalife’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The common shares trade on the NYSE under the symbol “HLF.”
      The following table sets forth, for the period indicated, the high and low sales prices per share for our common shares as reported by NYSE consolidated tape.
                   
    High   Low
         
2004
               
 
Fourth Quarter
  $ 16.85     $ 14.00  
2005
               
 
First Quarter
  $ 16.70     $ 15.10  
 
Second Quarter
  $ 21.86     $ 14.52  
 
Third Quarter
  $ 30.50     $ 21.00  
 
Fourth Quarter (through November 11, 2005)
  $ 33.75     $ 25.25  
      The closing sale price of our common shares, as reported by the NYSE on November 11, was $30.15. As of November 3, 2005, there were 1,336 holders of record of our common shares, not including beneficial owners of shares registered in nominee or street name.
DIVIDEND POLICY
      We have not paid any dividends since becoming a publicly traded company in December 2004, except as described under “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions — Special Cash Dividend,” and we do not currently intend to pay any dividends. From time to time management may evaluate our dividend policies. However, the declaration and payment of dividends to holders of our common shares will be entirely at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon many factors, including our financial condition, earnings, legal requirements and other factors our board of directors deems relevant. The terms of our current and future indebtedness may also restrict us from paying cash dividends.

23


Table of Contents

CAPITALIZATION
      The following table sets forth our cash and cash equivalents and capitalization as of September 30, 2005. You should read this table in conjunction with “Selected Consolidated Historical Financial Data,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and our consolidated financial statements, and in each case, the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.
               
    As of
    September 30, 2005
     
    (In thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 105,180  
       
Debt (including current portion):
       
 
Borrowings under our senior credit facility
    119,137  
 
91/2% Notes, net
    161,212  
 
Capitalized leases and other debt
    7,979  
       
   
Total debt
    288,328  
       
Shareholders’ equity:
       
 
Common shares, par value $0.002 per share, 175,000,000 shares authorized, 69,347,198 shares outstanding
    139  
 
Paid in capital in excess of par
    78,836  
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    2,965  
 
Retained earnings
    48,876  
       
   
Total shareholders’ equity
    130,816  
     
Total capitalization
  $ 419,144  
       

24


Table of Contents

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
      The following table sets forth certain of our historical financial data for the periods and as of the dates indicated. We have derived the selected historical consolidated financial data for the seven month period ended July 31, 2002, the five month period ended December 31, 2002, and as of and for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2004, from our audited financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. The selected historical consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2000, 2001, 2002 and for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 2001, have been derived from our audited financial statements for such years, which are not included in this prospectus. We have derived the selected historical consolidated financial data as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2005, from our unaudited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. The selected consolidated historical financial data set forth below are not necessarily indicative of the results of future operations and should be read in conjunction with the discussion under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and the historical consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. All common share and earnings per share data for the Company gives effect to a 1:2 reverse stock split, which took effect December 1, 2004.
                                                                   
    Predecessor   Company
         
    Year Ended   January 1       Year Ended   Nine Months Ended
    December 31,   to   August 1 to   December 31,   September 30,
        July 31,   December 31,        
    2000   2001   2002   2002   2003   2004   2004   2005
                                 
    (In thousands, except per share amounts)
Income Statement Data:
                                                               
Net sales
  $ 1,085,484     $ 1,020,130     $ 644,188     $ 449,524     $ 1,159,433     $ 1,309,663     $ 968,021     $ 1,157,724  
Cost of sales
    268,992       241,522       140,553       95,001       235,785       269,913       198,824       232,592  
                                                 
Gross profit
    816,492       778,608       503,635       354,523       923,648       1,039,750       769,197       925,132  
Royalty overrides
    382,322       355,225       227,233       159,915       415,351       464,892       342,366       410,875  
Selling, general and administrative expenses(1)
    363,731       354,608       207,390       135,536       401,261       436,139       315,811       349,430  
Acquisition transaction expenses(2)
    9,498             54,708       6,183                          
                                                 
Operating income(1)
    60,941       68,775       14,304       52,889       107,036       138,719       111,020       164,827  
Interest income (expense), net
    2,354       3,413       1,364       (23,898 )     (41,468 )     (123,305 )     (55,233 )     (37,598 )
                                                 
Income before income taxes and minority interest
    63,295       72,188       15,668       28,991       65,568       15,414       55,787       127,229  
Income taxes
    25,318       28,875       6,267       14,986       28,721       29,725       32,693       64,042  
                                                 
Income before minority interest
    37,977       43,313       9,401       14,005       36,847       (14,311 )     23,094       63,187  
Minority interest
    1,058       725       189                                
                                                 
Net income (loss)
  $ 36,919     $ 42,588     $ 9,212     $ 14,005     $ 36,847     $ (14,311 )   $ 23,094     $ 63,187  
                                                 
Earnings (loss) per share:
                                                               
 
Basic
  $ 1.28     $ 1.40     $ 0.28     $     $     $ (0.27 )   $ 0.44     $ 0.92  
 
Diluted
  $ 1.22     $ 1.36     $ 0.27     $ 0.27     $ 0.69     $ (0.27 )   $ 0.42     $ 0.87  
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                                                               
 
Basic
    28,827       30,422       32,387                   52,911       52,121       68,800  
 
Diluted
    30,353       31,250       33,800       51,021       53,446       52,911       55,246       72,373  

25


Table of Contents

                                                                   
    Predecessor   Company
         
    Year Ended   January 1       Year Ended   Nine Months Ended
    December 31,   to   August 1 to   December 31,   September 30,
        July 31,   December 31,        
    2000   2001   2002   2002   2003   2004   2004   2005
                                 
    (In thousands)
Other Financial Data:
                                                               
Retail sales (unaudited)(3)
  $ 1,764,851     $ 1,656,168     $ 1,047,690     $ 731,505     $ 1,894,384     $ 2,146,241     $ 1,584,011     $ 1,904,560  
Net cash provided by (used in):
                                                               
 
Operating activities
    46,141       95,465       37,901       28,039       94,648       80,223       80,981       130,878  
 
Investing activities
    (49,968 )     (16,366 )     18,995       (456,046 )     2,854       (9,378 )     (13,029 )     (22,748 )
 
Financing activities
    (14,079 )     (3,456 )     (35,292 )     491,519       (18,831 )     (21,981 )     (50,424 )     (200,303 )
 
Depreciation and amortization
    15,693       18,056       11,722       11,424       55,605       43,896       34,287       27,749  
Capital expenditures(4)
    25,383       14,751       6,799       3,599       20,435       30,279       20,681       22,301  
                                                 
    Predecessor   Company
         
    As of December 31,   As of December 31,   As of
            September 30,
    2000   2001   2002   2003   2004   2005
                         
    (In thousands)
Balance Sheet Data:
                                               
Cash and cash equivalents(5)
  $ 140,250     $ 201,181     $ 76,024     $ 156,380     $ 201,577     $ 105,180  
Receivables, net
    24,600       27,609       29,026       31,977       29,546       40,787  
Inventories
    99,332       72,208       56,868       59,397       71,092       86,376  
Total working capital
    145,211       177,813       7,186       1,521       (1,556 )     9,398  
Total assets
    416,937       470,335       855,705       903,964       948,701       827,402  
Total debt
    8,417       10,612       340,759       325,294       486,217       288,328  
Shareholders’ equity
    222,401       260,916       191,274       237,788       64,342       130,816  
 
(1)  The year ended December 31, 2003, includes $5.1 million in legal and related costs associated with litigation resulting from the Acquisition.
 
(2)  The year ended December 31, 2000, includes fees and expenses in connection with a proposed acquisition transaction by our founder, Mark Hughes. The seven months ended July 31, 2002, and the five months ended December 31, 2002, include fees and expenses related to the Acquisition.
 
(3)  In previous years, we reported retail sales on the face of our income statement in addition to the required disclosure of net sales. Retail sales represent the gross sales amount reflected on our invoices to our distributors. We do not receive the retail sales amount. “Product sales” represent the actual product purchase price paid to us by our distributors, after giving effect to distributor discounts referred to as “distributor allowances,” which total approximately 50% of suggested retail sales prices. Distributor allowances as a percentage of sales may vary by country depending upon regulatory restrictions that limit or otherwise restrict distributor allowances. “Net sales” represents product sales and handling and freight income.
  Retail sales data is referred to in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Our use of retail sales reflect the fundamental role of “retail sales” in our accounting systems, internal controls and operations, including the basis upon which the distributors are being paid. In addition, information in daily and monthly reports reviewed by our management relies on retail sales data.

26


Table of Contents

  The following represents the reconciliation of retail sales to net sales for each of the periods set forth above:
                                                                 
    Predecessor   Company
         
    Year Ended           Year Ended   Nine Months Ended
    December 31,   January 1   August 1 to   December 31,   September 30,
        to July 31,   December 31,        
    2000   2001   2002   2002   2003   2004   2004   2005
                                 
    (In thousands)
Retail sales (unaudited)
  $ 1,764,851     $ 1,656,168     $ 1,047,690     $ 731,505     $ 1,894,384     $ 2,146,241     $ 1,584,011     $ 1,904,560  
Distributor allowance (unaudited)
    (820,723 )     (774,513 )     (492,997 )     (345,145 )     (899,264 )     (1,021,196 )     (752,682 )     (907,176 )
                                                 
Product sales
    944,128       881,655       554,693       386,360       995,120       1,125,045       831,329       997,384  
Handling and freight income
    141,356       138,475       89,495       63,164       164,313       186,618       136,692       160,340  
                                                 
Net sales
  $ 1,085,484     $ 1,020,130     $ 644,188     $ 449,524     $ 1,159,433     $ 1,309,663     $ 968,021     $ 1,157,724  
                                                 
(4)  Includes acquisition of property from capitalized leases of $0.4 million, $3.8 million, $2.1 million, $1.4 million, $6.8 million, $7.2 million, $3.9 million and $0.5 million for 2000, 2001, the seven months ended July 31, 2002, the five months ended December 31, 2002, the year ended December 31, 2003 and 2004 and the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2005, respectively.
 
(5)  Includes restricted cash of $10.6 million and $5.7 million as of December 31, 2002, and December 31, 2003, respectively, and $1.3 million of marketable securities at December 31, 2002.

27


Table of Contents

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
      You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with “Selected Consolidated Historical Financial Data” and the related notes and our consolidated financial statements and related notes, each included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Overview
      We are a global network marketing company that sells weight management, nutritional supplement and personal care products. We pursue our mission of “changing people’s lives” by providing a financially rewarding business opportunity to distributors and quality products to distributors and customers who seek a healthy lifestyle. We are one of the largest network marketing companies in the world with net sales of approximately $1.3 billion for the year ended December 31, 2004. We sell our products in 60 countries through a network of over one million independent distributors. We believe the quality of our products and the effectiveness of our distribution network, coupled with geographic expansion have been the primary reasons for our success throughout our 25-year operating history.
      We offer products in three principal categories: weight management products, nutritional supplements which we refer to as “inner nutrition” and personal care products which we refer to as “Outer Nutrition®”. Our products are often sold in programs, which are comprised of a series of related products designed to simplify weight management and nutrition for our consumers and maximize our distributors’ cross-selling opportunities.
      Industry-wide factors that affect us and our competitors include the increasing prevalence of obesity and the aging of the worldwide population, which are driving demand for nutrition and wellness-related products and the recruitment and retention of distributors.
      The opportunities and challenges upon which we are most focused are driving recruitment, retention, and retailing, and improving distributor productivity by entering new markets, including China, further penetrating existing markets, pursuing local distributor initiatives, introducing new products, developing niche market segments and further investing in our infrastructure. We are continuing to strengthen the cooperation between senior management and distributor leadership to focus on these key initiatives.
      A key non-financial measure we focus on is Volume Points on a Royalty Basis (hereafter “Volume Points”), which is essentially our weighted unit measure of product sales volume. It is a useful measure for us, as it excludes the impact of foreign currency fluctuations and ignores the differences generated by varying retail pricing across geographic markets. In general, an increase in Volume Points in a particular region or country directionally indicates an increase in local currency net sales.
Volume Points by Geographic Region
                                                                 
        Nine Months
    Year Ended December 31,   Ended September 30,
         
    2002   2003   % Change   2004   % Change   2004   2005   % Change
                                 
    (In millions)
The Americas
    679.6       688.1       1.3 %     761.7       10.7 %     556.3       771.5       38.7 %
Europe
    472.3       525.0       11.2       574.5       9.4       437.3       432.8       (1.0 )
Asia/ Pacific Rim
    272.0       229.4       (15.7 )     269.2       17.3       196.2       225.6       15.0  
Japan
    124.5       102.5       (17.8 )     72.8       (29.0 )     55.0       52.5       (4.5 )
                                                 
Worldwide
    1,548.4       1,545.0       (0.2 )%     1,678.2       8.6 %     1,244.8       1,482.4       19.1 %
                                                 
      Another key non-financial measure we focus on is the number of distributors qualified as supervisors under our compensation system. Distributors qualify for supervisor status based on their Volume Points. The growth in the number of supervisors is a general indicator of the level of distributor recruitment, which generally drives net sales in a particular country or region. Our compensation system requires each supervisor

28


Table of Contents

to re-qualify for such status each year, prior to February. There is significant variation in the number of supervisors from the fourth quarter to the first quarter of any given year due to the timing of the re-qualification process. This fluctuation is normal and consistent, does not reflect a dramatic underlying change in the business in comparing these two sequential quarters, and will become more meaningful period to period throughout the year.
      The following tables show trends in the number of supervisors over the reporting period by region, and fluctuations within each notable country are discussed in the appropriate net sales section below where pertinent. In February of each year, we delete from the rank of supervisor those supervisors who did not satisfy the supervisor qualification requirements during the preceding twelve months. Distributors who meet the supervisor requirements at any time during the year are promoted to supervisor status at that time, including any supervisors who were deleted, but who subsequently requalified.
Number of Supervisors by Geographic Region as of Reporting Period
                                                                 
    As of December 31,   As of September 30,
         
    2002   2003   % Change   2004   % Change   2004   2005   % Change
                                 
The Americas
    105,474       110,165       4.4 %     124,605       13.1 %     108,024       136,536       26.4 %
Europe
    76,587       84,665       10.5       102,203       20.7       94,064       86,364       (8.2 )
Asia/Pacific Rim
    65,111       55,564       (14.7 )     55,460       (0.2 )     48,308       54,804       13.4  
Japan
    31,906       24,485       (23.3 )     16,860       (31.1 )     16,056       12,327       (23.2 )
                                                 
Worldwide
    279,078       274,879       (1.5 )%     299,128       8.8 %     266,452       290,031       8.8 %
                                                 
Number of Supervisors by Geographic Region as of Requalification Period
                                 
    As of February,
     
    2002   2003   2004*   2005
                 
The Americas
    62,737       67,921       75,359       87,925  
Europe
    47,230       51,290       70,239       65,104  
Asia/Pacific Rim
    40,423       35,637       31,790       38,524  
Japan
    22,013       18,287       13,946       9,547  
                         
Worldwide
    172,403       173,135       191,334       201,100  
                         
 
In 2004 certain modifications were made to the requalifications resulting in approximately 19,000 additional supervisors including approximately 9,000 relating to a change in the business model in Russia.
      Supervisors must re-qualify annually. The requalification period covers the twelve months starting in February and ending the following January. The number of supervisors by geographic region as of the reporting dates will normally be higher than the number of supervisors by geographic region as of the requalification period because supervisors who do not re-qualify during the relevant twelve-month period will be dropped from the rank of supervisor in February. Since supervisors purchase most of our products for resale to other distributors and consumers, comparisons of supervisor totals on a year-to-year same period basis are good indicators of our recruiting and retention efforts in different geographic regions.
      The value of the average monthly purchase of Herbalife products by our supervisors has remained relatively constant over time. Consequently, increases in our sales are driven primarily by our retention of supervisors and by our recruitment and retention of distributors, rather than through increases in the productivity of our overall supervisor base.
      The modification in 2004 to the distributor re-qualification criteria was a limited test. This modification allowed distributors who otherwise would have failed to requalify as supervisors to continue to receive the benefit of product discounts, while forfeiting their down-line royalties. We believe this test was successful

29


Table of Contents

because the test group generated approximately, 12 million additional Volume Points on an annualized basis, which would represent approximately $9.4 million in net sales, $5.2 million in operating margin and an immaterial impact to marketing, distribution and administrative expenses. As a result of the test, the Company has modified the supervisor re-qualification criteria for all distributors in 2005.
      We provide distributors with products, support material, training, special events and a competitive compensation program. If a distributor wants to pursue the Herbalife business opportunity, the distributor is responsible for growing his or her business and personally pays for the sales activities related to attracting new customers and recruiting distributors by hosting events such as Herbalife Opportunity Meetings or Success Training Seminars; by advertising Herbalife’s products, weight management program, healthy lifestyle and/or business opportunity; by purchasing and using promotional materials such as t-shirts, buttons and caps; by utilizing and paying for direct mail and print material such as brochures, flyers, catalogs, business cards, posters and banners and telephone book listings; by purchasing inventory for sale or use as samples; and by training, mentoring and following up (in person or via the phone or internet) with customers and recruits on how to use the product and/or pursue the Herbalife business opportunity.
Presentation
      “Retail Sales” represent the gross sales amounts on our invoices to distributors before distributor allowances (as defined below), and “net sales”, which reflects distribution allowances and handling and freight income, is what the Company collects and recognizes as net sales in its financial statements. We discuss Retail Sales because of its fundamental role in our compensation systems, internal controls and operations, including its role as the basis upon which distributor discounts, royalties and bonuses are awarded. In addition, information in daily and monthly reports reviewed by our management relies on Retail Sales data. However, such a measure is not in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the U.S. (“GAAP”). You should not consider Retail Sales in isolation from, nor as a substitute for, net sales and other consolidated income or cash flow statement data prepared in accordance with GAAP, or as a measure of profitability or liquidity. A reconciliation of net sales to Retail Sales is presented below under “Results of Operations.” “Product sales” represent the actual product purchase price paid to us by our distributors, after giving effect to distributor discounts referred to as “distributor allowances,” which approximate 50% of retail sales prices. Distributor allowances as a percentage of sales may vary by country depending upon regulatory restrictions that limit or otherwise restrict distributor allowances.
      Our “gross profit” consists of net sales less “cost of sales,” which represents the prices we pay to our raw material suppliers and manufacturers of our products as well as costs related to product shipments, duties and tariffs, freight expenses relating to shipment of products to distributors and importers and similar expenses.
      “Royalty Overrides” are our most significant expense and consist of:
  •  royalty overrides, or commissions, and bonuses, which total approximately 15% and 7%, respectively, of the Retail Sales of weight management, inner nutrition, Outer Nutrition® and promotional products;
 
  •  the Mark Hughes Bonus payable to some of our most senior distributors in the aggregate amount of approximately 1% of Retail Sales of weight management, inner nutrition, Outer Nutrition® and promotional products; and
 
  •  other discretionary incentive cash bonuses to qualifying distributors.
      Royalty Overrides are generally earned based on Retail Sales, and approximate in the aggregate about 23% of Retail Sales or approximately 35% of our net sales. Royalty Overrides together with distributor allowances represent the potential earnings to distributors of up to approximately 73% of Retail Sales. The compensation to distributors is generally for the development, retention and improved productivity of their distributor sales organizations and is paid to several levels of distributors on each sale. Because of local country regulatory constraints, we may be required to modify our typical distributor incentive plans as described above. Consequently, the total distributor discount percentage may vary over time. We also offer reduced distributor allowances and pay reduced royalty overrides with respect to certain products worldwide. Non-U.S. royalty checks that have aged, for a variety of reasons, beyond a certainty of being paid, are taken back into income.

30


Table of Contents

Management has calculated this period of certainty to be three years worldwide, whereas previously this period varied by country, ranging from 12 months to 30 years. In order to achieve consistency among all countries, the Company adjusted the period over which such amounts would be taken into income to three years on a Company-wide basis beginning with the third quarter of 2004.
      Our “operating margins” consist of net sales less cost of sales and royalty overrides.
      “Selling, General and Administrative Expenses” represent our operating expenses, components of which include labor and benefits, sales events, professional fees, travel and entertainment, distributor marketing, occupancy costs, communication costs, bank fees, depreciation and amortization, foreign exchange gains and losses and other miscellaneous operating expenses.
      “113/4% Notes” refers to Herbalife International’s 113/4% senior subordinated notes due 2010. “91/2% Notes” refers to our 91/2% notes due 2011.
      Most of our sales to distributors outside the United States are made in the respective local currencies. In preparing our financial statements, we translate revenues into U.S. dollars using average exchange rates. Additionally, the majority of our purchases from our suppliers generally are made in U.S. dollars. Consequently, a strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus a foreign currency can have a negative impact on our reported sales and operating margins and can generate transaction losses on intercompany transactions. Throughout the last five years, foreign currency exchange rates have fluctuated significantly. From time to time, we enter into foreign exchange forward contracts and option contracts to mitigate our foreign currency exchange risk.
Summary Financial Results
      For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, net sales increased by 19.6%, as compared to the same period in 2004. The combination of continued strong recruitment and retention of distributors and retailing of our products in our key markets, various promotions leading up to the 25th Anniversary Extravaganza in Atlanta in April 2005 and the Worldwide Cup promotions during 2005, generally favorable foreign currency exchange rates, the launch of new products such as Liftoff tm and NouriFusiontm coupled with the ongoing roll-out of ShapeWorkstm and NiteWorkstm to more countries, contributed to the sales increase. For the three months ended September 30, 2005, net sales increased in all regions for the first time in seven years. Also, after 24 quarters of sales declines in Japan, sales increased in the third quarter of 2005 as compared to the third quarter of 2004. The sales growth in the U.S. and South Korea was an encouraging result of our effort and commitment to turn around these countries. Continued strong sales growth in Mexico was primarily attributable to the growth in Nutrition Clubs, a party plan concept. For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, net sales increased in all regions except for Japan.
      For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, net income was $63.2 million, or 87 cents per diluted share compared to net income of $23.1 million, or 42 cents per diluted share reported for the same period in 2004. Net income as reported includes the effect of recapitalization transaction expenses of $14.2 million and $15.4 million in the first quarters of 2005 and 2004, respectively, a non-cash tax charge of $5.5 million associated with moving our China subsidiary within the global corporate structure in the second quarter of 2005, and the favorable post-tax impact of $2.5 million relating to a change in the allowance for uncollectible royalty overrides receivables from distributors in the third quarter of 2005, partially offset by the $1.5 million favorable post-tax impact of aged royalties in the third quarter of 2004. The improvement in net income was a result of a 19.6% increase in net sales, the continued favorable impact from appreciation of foreign currencies, lower interest and income tax expense partially offset by higher operating expenses primarily from increased labor, benefits, incentive compensation and promotion expense. Overall, the appreciation of foreign currencies had a $10.6 million favorable impact on net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.

31


Table of Contents

Results of Operations
      Our results of operations for the periods described below are not necessarily indicative of results of operations for future periods, which depend upon numerous factors, including our ability to recruit and retain new distributors, open new markets and further penetrate existing markets and introduce new products and develop niche market segments.
      The following table sets forth selected results of our operations expressed as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated.
                                                         
                Company
                 
    Predecessor   Company   Combined        
                Year Ended   Nine Months Ended
    January 1 to   August 1 to   Year Ended   December 31,   September 30,
    July 31,   December 31,   December 31,        
    2002   2002   2002   2003   2004   2004   2005
                             
Operations:
                                                       
Net sales
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Cost of sales
    21.8       21.1       21.5       20.3       20.6       20.5       20.1  
                                           
Gross profit
    78.2       78.9       78.5       79.7       79.4       79.5       79.9  
Royalty overrides
    35.3       35.6       35.4       35.8       35.5       35.4       35.5  
Selling, general & administrative expenses
    32.2       30.1       31.4       34.7       33.3       32.6       30.2  
Acquisition transaction expenses
    8.5       1.4       5.6                          
                                           
Operating income
    2.2       11.8       6.1       9.2       10.6       11.5       14.2  
Interest income (expense), net
    0.2       (5.4 )     (2.0 )     (3.5 )     (9.4 )     (5.7 )     (3.2 )
                                           
Income before income taxes and minority interest
    2.4       6.4       4.1       5.7       1.2       5.8       11.0  
Income taxes
    1.0       3.3       2.0       2.5       2.3       3.4       5.5  
                                           
Net income (loss)
    1.4       3.1       2.1       3.2       (1.1 )     2.4       5.5  
                                           
Nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to nine months ended September 30, 2004
Net Sales
      The following chart reconciles Retail Sales to net sales:
Sales by Geographic Region
                                                                                         
    Nine Months Ended September 30,
     
    2004   2005
         
        Handling &           Handling &       Change
    Retail   Distributor   Product   Freight   Net   Retail   Distributor   Product   Freight   Net   in Net
    Sales   Allowance   Sales   Income   Sales   Sales   Allowance   Sales   Income   Sales   Sales
                                             
    (In millions)
The Americas
  $ 557.9     $ (266.0 )   $ 291.9     $ 51.6     $ 343.5     $ 803.8     $ (386.3 )   $ 417.5     $ 70.6     $ 488.1       42.1 %
Europe
    655.8       (313.0 )     342.8       58.8       401.6       682.0       (324.8 )     357.2       60.4       417.6       4.0 %
Asia/ Pacific Rim
    243.7       (112.1 )     131.6       17.4       149.0       296.7       (136.9 )     159.8       21.0       180.8       21.3 %
Japan
    126.6       (61.6 )     65.0       8.9       73.9       122.1       (59.3 )     62.8       8.4       71.2       (3.7 )%
                                                                   
Total
  $ 1,584.0     $ (752.7 )   $ 831.3     $ 136.7     $ 968.0     $ 1,904.6     $ (907.3 )   $ 997.3     $ 160.4     $ 1,157.7       19.6 %
                                                                   
      Changes in net sales are directly associated with the recruiting and retention of our distributor force, retailing of our products, the quality and completeness of the product offerings that the distributor force has to sell and the number of countries in which we operate. Management’s role, both in-country and at the corporate level is to provide distributors with a competitive and broad product line, encourage strong teamwork and leadership among the Chairman’s Club and President’s Team distributors and offer leading edge business tools to make doing business with Herbalife simple. Management uses the distributor marketing program coupled with educational and motivational tools to incent distributors to drive recruiting, retention and

32


Table of Contents

retailing which in turn affect net sales. Such tools include corporate sales events — Extravaganzas and World Team Schools — where large groups of distributors gather, thus allowing them to network with other distributors, learn recruiting, retention and retailing techniques from our leading distributors, and become more familiar with how to market and sell our products and business opportunities. Accordingly, management believes that these development and motivation programs can increase the productivity of the supervisor network. The expenses for such programs are included in Selling, General & Administrative expenses. Sales are driven by several factors including the number and productivity of distributor supervisors who continually build, educate and motivate their respective distribution and sales organizations. We also use event and non-event product promotions to motivate distributors to increase recruiting, retention and retailing activities. These promotions have prizes ranging from qualifying for events to vacations and qualification parties for distributors that meet certain selling and recruiting goals. The costs of these promotions are included in Selling, General & Administrative expenses.
      The factors described above have driven growth in our business. The following net sales by geographic region discussion further details some of the above factors and describes unique growth factors specific to certain major countries. We believe that the correct business foundation, coupled with ongoing training and promotional initiatives, is required to increase recruiting and retention of distributors and retailing of the product. The correct business foundation includes strong country management that works closely with the distributor leadership, unified distributor leadership, a broad product line that appeals to local consumer needs, a favorable regulatory environment, a scalable and stable technology platform and an attractive distributor marketing plan. Initiatives such as Success Training Seminars, World Team Schools, Promotional Events and regional Extravaganzas are integral components of developing a highly motivated and educated distributor sales organization that will work toward increasing the recruitment and retention of distributors.
      Our strategy will continue to include creating and maintaining growth within existing markets. We expect to increase our spending in Selling, General & Administrative expenses to maintain or stimulate sales growth, while making strategic investments in new initiatives. In addition, new ideas are being generated in our regional markets, either by distributors, country management or corporate management. Examples are the Nutrition Clubs in Mexico, the Total Plan in Brazil and GenH in the U.S., as described in the net sales discussion below. Management’s strategy is to review the applicability of expanding successful country initiatives throughout a region and/or globally and where appropriate, financially support the globalization of these initiatives.
The Americas
      Net sales in the Americas increased $144.7 million, or 42.1%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, as compared to the same period in 2004. In local currency, net sales increased by 36.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, as compared to the same period in 2004. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had a positive impact on net sales of $19.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. The overall increase was a result of net sales growth in Mexico, Brazil and the U.S. of $78.7 million, $30.4 million and $21.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to the same period in 2004.
      The net sales growth in Mexico is a result of the continued success of the Nutrition Clubs, strong country management, and highly engaged distributor leadership. The costs to set up a Nutrition Club are generally nominal, and are borne solely by the distributor. We believe our distributors currently operate over 15,000 Nutrition Clubs in Mexico, which have led to an increased number of supervisors, up 69.7% at September 30, 2005 compared to September 30, 2004.
      The net sales growth in Brazil is a result of the continued success of the Total Plan, strong country distributor leadership, a highly effective country management team and a solid product portfolio. The Total Plan is a low-cost lead generating method where distributors use our personal care line of products and offer consultations to obtain referrals and has led to an increased number of supervisors, up 37.0% at September 30, 2005 compared to September 30, 2004. This concept specifically supports our retailing and recruiting

33


Table of Contents

initiatives and has been a catalyst for growth in Brazil. Additionally, the ShapeWorkstm program was introduced at the Brazilian World Team School in July 2005.
      As a result of the numerous steps taken in 2004 and 2005 to improve the business in the U.S., including the establishment of a U.S. country management team, branding efforts such as sponsorship of the JP Morgan Chase tennis tournament, the AVP Volleyball Tour and the Nautica Malibu Triathlon; and various promotions such as the 2005 President’s Team Challenge, the World Team Bonus, the Atlanta Challenge in connection with the 25th Anniversary Extravaganza and the Worldwide Cup promotion, net sales have exceeded the corresponding quarterly results of 2004. At the 25th Anniversary Extravaganza two new products were introduced, Liftoff tm and NouriFusiontm. The number of supervisors increased by 3.2% at September 30, 2005 compared to September 30, 2004, after approximately two consecutive years of year-over-year declines.
      We expect 2005 net sales in the Americas region to continue its growth primarily as a result of the expected continuation of the solid performance in Mexico, Brazil and the U.S.
Europe
      Net sales in Europe increased $16.0 million, or 4.0%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, as compared to the same period in 2004. In local currency, net sales increased by 0.9%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, as compared to the same period in 2004. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had a positive impact on net sales of $12.5 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. Throughout 2004, Europe experienced sales growth when compared to 2003, partly due to the Billion Dollar promotion in the first and second quarters of 2004. Such sales growth was not expected to be sustainable in 2005. While some markets did sustain growth such as France, South Africa and Spain, two key markets, Germany and the Netherlands, experienced sales declines of 19.9% and 13.3%, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 when compared to the same period in 2004.
      We have recently appointed a new country manager in Germany and the new management team is developing a turnaround plan for 2006 to re-engage the local distributor leadership and to rebuild the confidence among distributors to improve recruiting and retention. Similar to Germany, we have recently appointed a new country manager in the Netherlands and have taken steps to re-engage the local distributor leadership in the Netherlands. Several new initiatives are planned in the second half of 2005, including a new recruiting program, and we expect this will contribute to improved performance beginning in 2006.
      Net sales in Spain were up $7.4 million, or 31.8%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, as compared to the same period in 2004. The increase in sales is primarily due to unified distributor leadership, an increasing emphasis locally on health and nutrition and the continuing positive impact of certain promotions in 2005. Net sales in France were up $5.7 million, or 30.9%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, as compared to the same period in 2004, partly due to adoption of a new nutritional distributor training program and a special vacation promotion. In South Africa, net sales increased $5.6 million, or 59.9%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 when compared to the same period in 2004, primarily due to a unified distributor leadership. Additionally, in South Africa, we celebrated our 10th anniversary of doing business in the country with a major sales event during the third quarter.
      We believe that 2005 net sales in Europe will finish flat to slightly positive year over year partly due to sales increases we expect to generate from the ongoing Worldwide Cup promotion and new product introductions.
Asia/Pacific Rim
      Net sales in Asia/ Pacific Rim increased $31.8 million, or 21.3%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, as compared to the same period in 2004. In local currency, net sales increased by 14.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, as compared to the same period in 2004. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had a positive impact on net sales of and $9.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. The overall sales increase was attributable mainly to an increase in Taiwan and South Korea.

34


Table of Contents

      Net sales in Taiwan increased $16.8 million, or 32.8%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, as compared to the same period in 2004, due primarily to effective local training and recognition initiatives, unified leadership, and promotion of the 10th year anniversary of doing business in Taiwan held in the third quarter. Net sales in South Korea increased $9.9 million, or 38.4%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, as compared to the same period in 2004. Continued successful sales of Niteworkstm, unified leadership, coupled with other recruiting initiatives have now established an eight quarter trend of a positive year-over-year sales growth. New distributors and supervisors in the third quarter increased by 45% and 55%, respectively, compared to the same period in 2004.
      Overall, we believe that unified distributor leadership, new product launches, continued local distributor training and recognition, and effective promotions will contribute to ongoing sales increases in the Asia/ Pacific Rim region in 2005.
Japan
      Net sales in Japan decreased $2.7 million or 3.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, as compared to the same period in 2004. In local currency, net sales decreased by 4.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, as compared to the same periods in 2004. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had a positive impact on net sales of $0.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. We believe that the numerous initiatives to stimulate sales in Japan are beginning to make a positive impact and contributing to the third quarter net sales increase, the first quarterly net sales increase in six years. The initiatives include a new sales center in a more attractive area in Tokyo, local management implementing initiatives to re-engage and motivate the local distributor leadership to improve recruiting and retention of distributors, expanding our product line to address local country demographic needs and the creation of increased brand awareness through sporting event sponsorships. In the third quarter NiteworksTM was introduced in Japan, and a special vacation promotion was launched. We believe the above initiatives in combination with the implementation of new brand and volume incentive promotional programs, should continue to improve sales trends for the balance of 2005.
Sales by Product Category
                                                                                         
    Nine Months Ended September 30,
     
    2004   2005
         
        Handling &           Handling &       % Change
    Retail   Distributor   Product   Freight   Net   Retail   Distributor   Product   Freight   Net   In Net
    Sales   Allowance   Sales   Income   Sales   Sales   Allowance   Sales   Income   Sales   Sales
                                             
    (In millions)
Weight Management
  $ 705.7     $ (347.1 )   $ 358.6     $ 60.9     $ 419.5     $ 848.2     $ (417.7 )   $ 430.5     $ 71.5     $ 502.0       19.7 %
Inner Nutrition
    699.6       (344.1 )     355.5       60.4       415.9       805.2       (396.5 )     408.7       67.9       476.6       14.6 %
Outer Nutrition®
    144.6       (71.1 )     73.5       12.5       86.0       208.1       (102.5 )     105.6       17.4       123.0       43.0 %
Literature, Promotional and Other
    34.1       9.6       43.7       2.9       46.6       43.1       9.4       52.5       3.6       56.1       20.4 %
                                                                   
Total
  $ 1,584.0     $ (752.7 )   $ 831.3     $ 136.7     $ 968.0     $ 1,904.6     $ (907.3 )   $ 997.3     $ 160.4     $ 1,157.7       19.6 %
                                                                   
      Our increased emphasis on the science of weight management and nutrition during the past two years has resulted in product introductions such as Niteworkstm and Garden 7 tm and the introduction of ShapeWorkstm, a personalized meal replacement program. Due to the launch of ShapeWorkstm in March 2004 in the United States and the ongoing roll-out to other countries, the introduction of new Outer Nutrition® products like NouriFusiontm, and the increased use of the Total Plan by distributors in Brazil and worldwide, which uses Outer Nutrition products as its foundation, net sales of weight management products and Outer Nutrition® products increased at a higher rate than net sales of inner nutrition products. Sales of Outer Nutrition products increased 43.0%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, which is a greater rate than those for any other categories. Literature, Promotional and Other, which is net of product buy-backs and returns in all product categories, increased primarily due to an increase in literature sales from selling starter kits to new

35


Table of Contents

distributors and from a decrease in returns and refunds. We expect growth rates within these categories will vary, from time to time, as we launch new products.
Gross Profit
      Gross profit was $925.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, as compared to $769.2 million for the same period in 2004.
      As a percentage of net sales, gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, increased from 79.5% to 79.9% as compared to the same period in 2004. Generally, gross profit percentages do not vary significantly as a percentage of sales other than due to ongoing cost reduction initiatives and provisions for slow moving and obsolete inventory or due to product and/or country mix. Additionally, we believe that we have the ability to mitigate price increases by raising the prices of our products or shifting product sourcing to alternative manufacturers.
Royalty Overrides
      Royalty Overrides as a percentage of net sales was 35.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, as compared to 35.4% for the same period in 2004. The nine months ended September 30, 2005, included a favorable pre-tax impact of $4.0 million relating to the change in the allowance for uncollectible royalty overrides receivables from distributors and the nine months ended September 30, 2004, included a favorable pre-tax impact of $2.4 million of aged royalty checks. Generally, royalty overrides as a percentage of net sales varies slightly from period to period due to changes in the mix of products and countries because varying Royalty Overrides are paid on certain products and in certain countries. Due to the structure of our global compensation plan coupled with the current country mix of our business, we do not expect to see significant fluctuations in Royalty Overrides as a percent of net sales.
Selling, General & Administrative Expenses
      Selling, General & Administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales was 30.2%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, as compared to 32.6% for the same period in 2004. For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, Selling, General & Administrative expenses increased $18.8 million and $33.6 million, respectively, to $121.6 million and $349.4 million, respectively. The unfavorable impact of foreign currency fluctuations was $2.4 million and $7.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, respectively.
      The increase in Selling, General & Administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 included $22.2 million in higher salaries and benefits, due to normal merit increases, increased staffing, and higher incentive compensation; $6.9 million relating to legal and litigation expenses and additional professional fees primarily associated with strengthening our technology infrastructure and $9.9 million in additional advertising and promotion expenses related primarily to our 2005 Worldwide Cup promotion. The increases were partially offset by $5.2 million lower amortization expense of intangibles; $4.9 million lower monitoring fees and other expenses due to the termination of the related agreement with Whitney and Golden Gate and a $0.1 million foreign exchange gain in 2005 versus a $2.1 million loss in 2004.
      We expect 2005 Selling, General & Administrative expenses to increase over 2004 levels, reflecting general salary merit increases, moderate staffing additions, further expansion in China and increased sales events activities, although as a percentage of net sales, these expenses should be slightly down from 2004 levels.
Net Interest Expense
      Net interest expense was $37.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, as compared to and $55.2 million for the same period in 2004. This includes $14.2 million and $15.4 million of recapitalization expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The recapitalization expenses were due to the redemption of 40%, or $110 million principal amount, of the 91/2% Notes completed in

36


Table of Contents

February 2005 and the redemption of the 151/2% senior notes, completed in March 2004. During the second and third quarters of 2005 we prepaid $35.0 million and $44.7 million under our senior credit facility, respectively, resulting in approximately $0.7 million and $0.9 million additional interest expense from write-off of deferred financing fees.
Income Taxes
      Income taxes were $64.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, as compared to $32.7 million for the same period in 2004. As a percentage of pre-tax income, the effective income tax rate was 50.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, as compared to 58.6% for the same period in 2004. The decrease in the effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 as compared to 2004 was caused primarily by the impact of less non-deductible interest including the aforementioned non-deductible recapitalization charges in each period. Offsetting these benefits was a $5.5 million non-cash tax charge associated with moving our China subsidiary within our global corporate structure in the second quarter of 2005 and an increase in taxes due to the impact on our worldwide transfer pricing and tax structure as a result of stronger than expected revenue growth during the past several quarters and management’s outlook that a mid-teens revenue growth rate will continue throughout 2006. Excluding the impact of the recapitalization expenses of $14.2 million and $15.4 million during the first quarter of 2005 and 2004, respectively, and the $5.5 million non-cash tax charge associated with China, the effective tax rate would have been approximately 41.4% and 37.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
Foreign Currency Fluctuations
      Currency fluctuations had a favorable impact of $3.5 million and $10.6 million on net results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, when compared to what current year net results would have been using last year’s foreign exchange rates. For the three months ended September 30, 2005, the regional effects were an unfavorable $0.2 million in Europe, a favorable $0.9 million in Asia/ Pacific Rim, a favorable $2.7 million in the Americas, and a favorable $0.1 million in Japan. For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, the regional effects were a favorable $2.2 million in Europe, a favorable $2.7 million in Asia/ Pacific Rim, a favorable $4.5 million in the Americas, and a favorable $1.1 million in Japan.
Net Income
      For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, net income was $63.2 million, or 87 cents per diluted share compared to a net income of $23.1 million, or 42 cents per diluted share reported for the same period in 2004. Net income as reported includes the effect of recapitalization transaction expenses of $14.2 million and $15.4 million in the first quarters of 2005 and 2004, respectively, and a non-cash tax charge of $5.5 million associated with moving our China subsidiary within the global corporate structure in the second quarter of 2005, and the favorable post-tax impact of $2.5 million relating to a change in the allowance for uncollectible royalty overrides receivables from distributors in the third quarter of 2005, partially offset by the $1.5 million post-tax favorable impact of aged royalties in the third quarter of 2004. The improvement in net income was the result of a 19.6% increase in net sales, the continued favorable impact from appreciation of foreign currencies, lower interest and income tax expense partially offset by higher operating expenses primarily from increased labor, benefits and incentive compensation. Overall, the appreciation of foreign currencies had a $10.6 million favorable impact on net results for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.

37


Table of Contents

Year ended December 31, 2004 compared to year ended December 31, 2003
Net Sales
      The following chart reconciles Retail Sales to net sales:
Sales by Geographic Region
                                                                                         
    2003   2004
         
        Handling           Handling    
        &           &       Change
    Retail   Distributor   Product   Freight   Net   Retail   Distributor   Product   Freight   Net   in Net
    Sales   Allowance   Sales   Income   Sales   Sales   Allowance   Sales   Income   Sales   Sales
                                             
    (In millions)
The Americas
  $ 687.9     $ (328.9 )   $ 359.0     $ 65.4     $ 424.4     $ 762.6     $ (364.4 )   $ 398.2     $ 70.0     $ 468.2       10.3 %
Europe
    733.4       (349.4 )     384.0       64.2       448.2       875.5       (418.0 )     457.5       78.7       536.2       19.6 %
Asia/ Pacific Rim
    271.6       (123.6 )     148.0       19.5       167.5       338.7       (156.3 )     182.4       24.1       206.5       23.3 %
Japan
    201.5       (97.4 )     104.1       15.2       119.3       169.4       (82.5 )     86.9       11.9       98.8       (17.2 )%
                                                                   
Total
  $ 1,894.4     $ (899.3 )   $ 995.1     $ 164.3     $ 1,159.4     $ 2,146.2     $ (1,021.2 )   $ 1,125.0     $ 184.7     $ 1,309.7       13.0 %
                                                                   
      Changes in net sales are directly associated with the recruiting, retention and retailing of our distributor force, the quality and completeness of the product offerings that the distributor force has to sell and the number of countries in which we operate. Management’s role, both in-country and at the corporate level is to provide distributors with a competitive and broad product line, ensure strong teamwork and leadership among the Chairman’s Club and President’s Team distributors and offer leading edge business tools to make doing business with Herbalife simple. Management uses the marketing program coupled with educational and motivational tools to incent distributors to drive recruiting, retention and retailing which in turn affect net sales. Such tools include corporate sales events — Extravaganzas and World Team Schools — where large groups of distributors gather, thus allowing them to network with other distributors, learn recruiting, retention and retailing techniques from our leading distributors, and become more familiar with how to market and sell our products and business opportunities. Accordingly, management believes that these development and motivation programs can increase the productivity of the supervisor network. The expenses for such programs are included in selling, general & administrative expenses. An example is the Barcelona Extravaganza held in August of 2004 and mentioned below. Sales are driven by several factors including the number and productivity of distributor leaders who continually build, educate and motivate their respective distribution and sales organizations. We also use product event and non-event promotions to motivate distributors to increase recruiting, retention and retailing activities. These promotions have ranged from our 2003 laptop computer promotion to vacations or other qualifying events for distributors that meet certain selling and recruiting goals. The costs of these promotions are included in selling, general & administration expenses. A current example is the “Atlanta Challenge” discussed below. Similar to sales events, it is not possible for us to draw a precise quantitative correlation between a successful promotion and a resultant long-term effect on net sales.
      The factors described above have driven growth in our business. The following net sales by geographic region discussion further details some of the above factors and describes unique growth factors specific to certain major countries. We believe that the correct foundation, coupled with ongoing training and promotional initiatives is required to increase recruiting and retention of distributors and retailing of the product. The correct foundation includes strong country management that works closely with the distributor leadership, a broad product line that appeals to local consumer needs, a favorable regulatory environment, a scalable and stable technology platform and an attractive marketing plan. Initiatives such as Success Training Seminars, World Team Schools, Promotional Events and regional Extravaganzas are integral components of developing a highly motivated and educated distributor sales organization that will work toward increasing the recruitment and retention of distributors.
      Our strategy has included and will continue to include generating and maintaining growth within existing markets. We generally expect to continue to spend the current level of selling, general & administrative expenses (as a percent of net sales) to maintain or stimulate sales growth, while making strategic investments

38


Table of Contents

in new initiatives as discussed in the business strategy section. In addition, new ideas are being generated in our regional markets, either by distributors, country management or corporate management. Examples are the Nutrition Clubs in Mexico and the Total Plan in Brazil, as described in the net sales discussion below. Management’s strategy is to review the applicability of expanding successful country initiatives throughout a region and/or globally where appropriate.
The Americas
      Net sales in the Americas increased $43.8 million, or 10.3%, for the year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to 2003. In local currency, net sales increased by 10.7% for the year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to 2003. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had a negative impact of $1.6 million on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2004. The overall increase was a result of net sales growth in Brazil and Mexico of $29.2 million and $28.8 million, or 74.4% and 39.1%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2004. These countries continue to benefit from strong country and distributor leadership that focuses on recruiting and retention of the distributor force that retails our product, and a product line and business opportunity that is attractive to the demographics in those countries. The net sales growth in Brazil and Mexico was partially offset by a net sales decrease in the U.S. of $22.0 million, or 8.0%.
      The continued net sales growth in Brazil is evidenced by the increased number of supervisors, up 54.6% at December 31, 2004 compared to 2003, the expansion of the Total Plan, strong distributor leadership, a highly effective country management team and a good product portfolio. The Total Plan is a low-cost lead-generating method where distributors use our personal care line of products and offer consultations to obtain referrals. This concept specifically supports our retailing and recruiting initiatives and has been a catalyst for growth in Brazil.
      The continued net sales growth in Mexico is evidenced by the increased number of supervisors, up 33.0% at December 31, 2004 compared to December 31, 2003, which reflects the renewed emphasis on distributor and customer retention programs such as the Nutrition Clubs, which are new and innovative means by which distributors are retailing our products to new customers, some of whom may eventually become distributors of our products. The costs to set up a Nutrition Club are generally nominal, and are borne solely by the distributor. Our distributors have opened over 2000 Nutrition Clubs to date.
      Growth in Brazil and Mexico was partly offset by a decline in net sales in the U.S., of $22.0 million, or 8.0%, for the year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to December 31, 2003. This was evidenced by a 6.1% decrease in the number of supervisors at December 31, 2004, as compared to 2003, with a similar volume point decrease when compared to the prior year. This is a continuation of a downward trend in the U.S., although the decrease in 2004 is lower than the decrease experienced in 2003. Contributing factors to this continued decline include distraction among senior distributor leadership related to the transition of our new senior management team, strong competition from other direct selling companies and marketing difficulties experienced during the transition to the new ShapeWorkstm product line launched in March 2004. The transition to the new ShapeWorkstm product line in the U.S. cost approximately $4.2 million, which was primarily recorded in selling, general & administrative expenses. Of this, approximately $0.6 million was related to several previous versions of the package design, labels and related promotional materials, a cost that is not expected to be incurred in future transitions of this product in other regions. We believe the U.S. continues to be a viable market and therefore we have taken numerous steps to turn the business around. For example, we have organized regional “mini-extravaganza” sales events, the opening of a regional sales center in Dallas, created a U.S. country management team, where previously the U.S. was managed from the Americas Region, and introduced retailing and recruiting programs used successfully in Brazil and Mexico such as the Total Plan and Nutrition Clubs. The multiple regional mini-extravaganzas cost approximately $1.9 million in 2004, which was recorded in selling, general & administrative expenses. We expect a similar level of spending in 2005 to help stimulate growth in the U.S. market. Regional sales centers are small, walk-up distribution centers that we are opening in key areas of the U.S. where we feel we are underdeveloped. The walk up centers allow distributors to interact with us on a more personal basis and we believe they will assist distributors with their recruiting and retention efforts. To set up the regional sales center in Dallas, we incurred $0.4 million in capital expenditures and we will spend approximately $0.6 million in annual operating

39


Table of Contents

expenses. To the extent that management chooses to continue to expand this model throughout the U.S. based upon a thorough financial review, we would expect a similar level of expenditure for each regional sales center that the Company may potentially open. Management’s evaluation in this area has not yet been completed. Management and senior distributor leadership will continue to target promotions, events and products to specific key U.S. metro areas. We believe this should increase the efficiency of our spending, while increasing market penetration.
      We expect 2005 sales in the America’s region to continue its positive year over year growth primarily as a result of the expected continuation of the strong momentum in Mexico and Brazil and a leveling of the decline in the U.S.
Europe
      Net sales in Europe increased $87.9 million, or 19.6%, for the year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to 2003. In local currency net sales increased 8.6% for the year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to 2003. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had a positive impact on net sales of $49.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. Most European markets recorded net sales growth partly as a result of an eight-month promotion ending in June 2004 that helped our distributors increase recruiting and retention and was further supported by the motivation and training at the Barcelona Extravaganza in July 2004. We spent $3.9 million, recorded in Selling, General & Administrative Expenses, on this eight month incremental sales promotion, called the “Billion Dollar Challenge.” The Barcelona Extravaganza had a net cost of $1.8 million and was recorded in the selling, general & administrative expenses. The November 2004 launch of ShapeWorkstm in Europe at the Bologna World Team School has been well received by distributors, reflecting a smoother launch than in the U.S. earlier this year.
      Net sales in Spain were up $13.8 million, or 72.5%, for the year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to 2003, due to a cohesive, renewed focus by distributor leadership, an increasing emphasis locally on health and nutrition and the success of the Billion Dollar Challenge and the Barcelona Extravaganza. Net sales in Turkey were up $11.4 million, or 85.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to 2003, due to increasing acceptance of the direct selling concept in Turkey as well as an energetic distributor leadership group. In Italy, one of our largest European markets, net sales were up $7.1 million, or 11.2%, for the year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to 2003, driven by strong country management and distributor leadership collaboration on recruiting and retention programs. In the Netherlands, another of our larger European markets, net sales were up $8.3 million, or 17.8%, for the year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to 2003, partly due to the Corporate/ Distributor co-sponsored TV program, “Fitness Challenge”, which increased the visibility of the Herbalife name. The Company’s cost related to the Fitness Challenge was less than $0.1 million, and was recorded in Selling, General & Administrative Expenses. We are currently reviewing whether to repeat this sponsorship in 2005. In addition, we initiated a new worldwide promotion, The Atlanta Challenge, at the Barcelona Extravaganza in July, as a means to incent distributors to qualify for our 25th Anniversary Extravaganza in April 2005 in Atlanta. The 25th Anniversary Cruise is a special worldwide vacation promotion, separate from, but occurring in connection with the 25th Anniversary Extravaganza in Atlanta, and is expected to cost approximately $6.0 million. This is an event that distributors qualified for during 2004. Accordingly, we have accrued the expense in selling, general & administrative expenses. We do not expect a similar promotion in 2005. The 25th Anniversary Extravaganza will replace the major regional extravaganzas in 2005, although we may still hold smaller regional events to carry the excitement and momentum of this event. We expect the net cost of the 25th Anniversary Extravaganza in Atlanta to be approximately $6.4 million.
      In the first quarter of 2004, we took over the management of product distribution in Russia and Greece. Prior to this, we used a third-party importer to manage and distribute our product to distributors in these countries. We have now opened an administrative office and a company-operated distribution center in these countries to more closely align with our business model in most other countries around the world. This will allow more direct interaction with our distributors, which we feel will improve communication and ultimately enhance recruiting and retention of distributors in those countries. The cost of the change in business model in these countries was $1.0 million in capital expenditures, $4.4 million in transition costs that we do not expect

40


Table of Contents

to incur in the future and $5.9 million in net additional annual operating expenses. The transition costs and operating expenses were recorded in selling, general & administrative expenses.
      We believe that 2005 sales should continue the positive year over year volume growth partly due to the European introduction of ShapeWorkstm, the momentum we expect to generate from the Extravaganza, and new products and business tools being launched at the Extravaganza.
Asia/ Pacific Rim
      Net sales in Asia/ Pacific Rim increased $39.0 million, or 23.3%, for the year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to 2003. In local currency, net sales increased 19.2% for the year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to 2003. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had a $6.8 million positive impact on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2004. The overall increase was attributable mainly to an increase in Taiwan, partly offset by a decrease in South Korea.
      Net sales in Taiwan increased $23.8 million, or 49.6%, for the year ended December 31, 2004, over 2003, due primarily to an increase in the number of supervisors by 34.0% at December 31, 2004, as compared to the same time last year, highly engaged distributor leadership, strong country management, increased local distributor trainings and initiatives to promote individual recognition of well performing distributors, new product launches, positive momentum from the Bangkok Extravaganza held in September and various other regional promotions. The Bangkok Extravaganza had a net cost of $1.7 million and was recorded in selling, general & administrative expenses. In 2005, this and other regional extravaganzas will be replaced by the 25th Anniversary Atlanta Extravaganza. Management will evaluate the need for smaller regional events to carry the excitement and momentum of the 25th Anniversary Atlanta Extravaganza to those around the world who are unable to attend. Net sales in South Korea decreased $8.0 million, or 18.3%, for the year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to 2003. It appears that numerous initiatives begun in the fourth quarter of 2003, are making an impact. To illustrate this improvement, while volume was flat (an improvement over prior year’s trend), net sales increased 11.0% in the fourth quarter as compared to the same period last year. We expect South Korea will report positive year over year sales growth in 2005. In late 2004 we introduced ShapeWorkstm in South Korea, at a cost of less than $0.1 million, which was recorded in selling, general & administrative expenses, and which we believe should help with recruiting and retailing initiatives.
      Overall, we believe that continued local distributor training and the positive momentum from the Bangkok Extravaganza, along with the launch of ShapeWorkstm, the momentum we expect to generate from the 25th Anniversary Extravaganza, and new products and business tools being launched at the 25th Anniversary Extravaganza. should contribute to ongoing sales increases in the Asia/ Pacific Rim region in 2005.
Japan
      Net sales in Japan decreased $20.5 million, or 17.2%, for the year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to 2003. In local currency, net sales in Japan decreased 22.9% for the year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to 2003. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had a $6.8 million favorable impact on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2004. The net sales decline in 2004, which is a continuation of a five-year downward trend in Japan, albeit at a slower rate for this reporting period, had been driven primarily by ineffective prior country management, which had not properly motivated distributor leadership or introduced new products in a timely manner to meet distributor expectations. This weakness has been exacerbated by strong competition from other direct selling companies and a general deterioration of the Japanese economy. In the third quarter of 2004, we appointed a new country manager who is currently focusing on uniting and motivating distributor leadership to improve recruiting and retention of distributors, and we are in the process of expanding our product line to address local country demographic needs. For example in late 2004 we introduced a green tea flavored Formula 1 and we created individual serving “packets” for our Formula 1 product. In 2005 we will be opening a new sales office in a central location of Tokyo, a significant improvement over the existing location that we believe should give us greater visibility in a

41


Table of Contents

key population center. In combination with implementing new brand and volume incentive promotional programs, we believe the above initiatives should help improve financial performance in 2005.
Sales by Product Category
                                                                                         
    2003   2004
         
        Handling           Handling    
        &           &       Change
    Retail   Distributor   Product   Freight   Net   Retail   Distributor   Product   Freight   Net   in Net
    Sales   Allowance   Sales   Income   Sales   Sales   Allowance   Sales   Income   Sales   Sales
                                             
    (Dollars in millions)
Weight Management
  $ 840.4     $ (413.2 )   $ 427.2     $ 72.9     $ 500.1     $ 945.1     $ (465.3 )   $ 479.8     $ 81.3     $ 561.1       12.2 %
Inner Nutrition
    849.0       (417.5 )     431.5       73.6       505.1       946.5       (466.0 )     480.5       81.5       562.0       11.3 %
Outer Nutrition®
    177.6       (87.3 )     90.3       15.4       105.7       207.3       (102.1 )     105.2       17.9       123.1       16.5 %
Literature, Promotional and Other
    27.4       18.7       46.1       2.4       48.5       47.3       (12.2 )     59.5       4.0       63.5       30.9 %
                                                                   
Total
  $ 1,894.4     $ (899.3 )   $ 995.1     $ 164.3     $ 1,159.4     $ 2,146.2     $ (1,021.2 )   $ 1,125.0     $ 184.7     $ 1,309.7       13.0 %
                                                                   
      Our increased emphasis on the science of weight management and nutrition during the past two years, illustrated by our assembly of the Scientific Advisory Board and the Medical Advisory Board, has resulted in numerous product introductions like Niteworkstm and Garden 7tm and the introduction of ShapeWorkstm , a personalized meal replacement program. Due to the launch of our ShapeWorkstm product line in March 2004, and the introduction of new personal care products, net sales of weight management products and Outer Nutrition® products increased at a higher rate than net sales of inner nutrition products. The rationalization of our Outer Nutrition® product line in 2002 resulted in an initial decrease in sales, but since then the line has represented approximately 9% of our net sales. The product line today is designed to complement the weight management and inner nutrition product lines with products for improving the appearance of the body, skin and hair. Literature, Promotional and Other, which includes product buy-backs and returns in all product categories, increased due to a decrease in returns and refunds. We expect shifts within these categories from time to time as we launch new products.
Gross Profit
      Gross profit was $1,039.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to $923.6 million in 2003. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2004, decreased from 79.7% to 79.4%, as compared to 2003. The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2004, was attributable mainly to an increase in provisions made for slow moving and obsolete inventory of $4.8 million as well as a small sales mix variance, which was partially offset by lower raw material and vendor costs. Generally, gross profit percentages do not vary significantly as a percentage of sales other than due to ongoing cost reduction initiatives and provisions for slow moving and obsolete inventory. Additionally, we believe that we have the ability to mitigate price increases by raising the prices of our products or shifting product sourcing to alternative manufacturers.
Royalty Overrides
      Royalty Overrides as a percentage of net sales were 35.5% for the year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to 35.8% in 2003. As a percentage of net sales, Royalty Overrides decreased by 0.3% for the year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to 2003, due primarily to the $2.4 million favorable impact of aged royalties. Generally, this ratio varies slightly from period to period due to changes in the mix of products and countries because full Royalty Overrides are not paid on certain products or in certain countries. Due to the structure of our global compensation plan, we do not expect to see significant fluctuations in Royalty Overrides as a percent of net sales.

42


Table of Contents

Selling, General & Administrative Expenses
      Selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were 33.3% for the year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to 34.6% in 2003.
      For the year ended December 31, 2004, selling, general & administrative expenses increased $34.8 million to $436.1 million from $401.3 million in 2003. The increase included $15.4 million in higher salaries and benefits, due primarily to normal merit increases, the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, a lower bonus expense in 2003 based on not fully achieving targets that year and increases related to the strengthening of the management team regionally and in the U.S.; $13.8 million in additional professional fees associated with higher legal and accounting expenses, including Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, technology expenses, and higher manufacturing consulting expenses related to the start-up of our facility in China; $4.5 million in additional promotional expenses related primarily to the ShapeWorkstm launch, the eight-month European promotion program noted above which ended in June 2004 and expenses related to our 25th Anniversary promotions, all of which were detailed in the discussion of net sales by region; $12.2 million in higher non-income taxes due primarily to higher sales in certain jurisdictions; $2.6 million relating to the recapitalization in March, which we do not expect to recur in 2005; and $3.0 million in higher provisions made for doubtful accounts. The changes discussed above include the unfavorable impact of foreign currency fluctuations on operating expenses of $9.3 million The increases were partially offset by $8.7 million lower litigation expenses, $4.6 million lower foreign exchange transaction losses and $11.7 million lower amortization expense of intangibles for the year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to 2003, due to the final allocation in the third quarter of 2003 of the purchase price in connection with the Acquisition.
      In December 2004, we reached an agreement with the Equity Sponsors to terminate a monitoring fee agreement in exchange for the issuance of 700,000 warrants. Using the Black-Scholes model we have calculated the fair value of this consideration to be approximately $2.9 million, which is included in 2004 expenses.
      We target a product gross profit of approximately 80% of net sales, which allows us to economically remit royalties to our distributor organization, pay our vendors for product and cover operating costs associated with product development and licensing, warehousing, distribution and transportation. We generally do not target promotions or advertising at any particular product or brand. Our significant promotions are generally aimed at generating increased levels of recruiting and retention of distributors. An example is the European Billion Dollar Challenge in the first half of 2004. Under this promotion, distributors qualified for various levels of award, based on the incremental sales volume they achieved. Generally, when a major new product is launched, there will be expenditures related to the roll-out and promotion of such products. Based on the breadth and manner of a product launch, these costs could be material or immaterial. For example, as detailed previously in the net sales discussion, we introduced ShapeWorkstm in the United States in 2004 at an extravaganza, at a cost of approximately $3.7 million, net of costs of labeling and packaging revisions prior to introduction. The same product was launched in Europe at the Bologna event (a “mini-extravaganza”) at a cost of $0.5 million, and in South Korea, not tied to any major event, at a cost of less than $0.1 million. Product or brand advertising is generally handled by our distributors, although in 2005, we anticipate participating in sponsoring certain sporting events that will raise awareness and recognition of the Herbalife brand. We have not finalized these plans, but we expect that spending on such events would not be material in 2005.
      We expect 2005 selling, general & administrative expenses to increase approximately 7% to 8% over 2004 levels reflecting general salary merit increases and further investments in China and sales events, although we expect that as a percentage of net sales, these expenses should remain flat with 2004 levels.
Net Interest Expense
      Net interest expense was $123.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to $41.5 million in 2003. The higher interest expense in 2004 was primarily due to the two recapitalizations in

43


Table of Contents

2004 as noted in the table below and $8.2 million additional interest expense associated with the $275.0 million principal amount of our 91/2% Notes issued in March 2004:
                 
    Year Ended   Year Ended
    December 31,   December 31,
Interest Expense (dollars in millions)   2004   2003
         
113/4% Notes-Redemption Premium and write-off of deferred financing fees
  $ 49.9     $ 1.4  
151/2% Senior Notes-Redemption Premium and write-off of deferred financing fees
    15.4        
Term Loan-Write-off of deferred financing fees
    4.5        
Revolver-Write-off of deferred finance fees
    1.7        
             
Recapitalization expenses included in Interest Expense
  $ 71.5     $ 1.4  
Interest Expense
    51.8       40.1  
             
Total Interest Expense
  $ 123.3     $ 41.5  
             
      As part of the continuation of the fourth quarter 2004 recapitalization, we exercised a contract provision to redeem 40%, or $110 million, of the 91/2% Notes. After the required notice period, this redemption was completed on February 4, 2005. The premium and the write-off of deferred financing fees of $14.2 million associated with this redemption will be included in interest expense in the first quarter of 2005.
Income Taxes
      Income taxes were $29.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to $28.7 million in 2003. As a percentage of pre-tax income, the estimated effective income tax rate was 192.8% for the year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to 43.8% in 2003. The increase in the effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2004 as compared to 2003 was caused primarily by the expenses related to the recapitalizations, a significant portion of which are non-deductible, and the non-deductible interest expense associated with the 91/2% Notes. Excluding the impact of the recapitalization expenses of $71.5 million, the 2004 effective tax rate would have been approximately 47%. In 2005, we believe the effective tax rate should decrease to 43%, reflecting the lower level of non deductible interest, and before the impact of the $14.2 million of premium and write-off of deferred financing fees noted in interest expense above. We estimate the unfavorable impact to the effective tax rate of including these expenses could be as high as 4%.
Foreign Currency Fluctuations
      Currency fluctuations had a favorable impact of $12.9 million on net results for the year ended December 31, 2004, when compared to what current year net results would have been using last year’s foreign exchange rates. For the year ended December 31, 2004, the regional effects were a favorable $7.5 million in Europe, a favorable $2.7 million in Asia/ Pacific Rim, a favorable $0.2 million in the Americas, and a favorable $2.5 million in Japan.
Net Results
      Net results for the year ended December 31, 2004, including $71.5 million of pre-tax recapitalization expenses (approximately $60.5 million net of tax), was a loss of $14.3 million, or a loss of $0.27 per diluted share, which was $51.2 million lower than the prior-year net income of $36.8 million or earnings of $0.69 per diluted share. The recapitalization expenses in the first and fourth quarters of 2004 of $71.5 million pre-tax resulted from the repurchase our 151/2% senior notes, and the 113/4 Notes, and the refinancing of Herbalife International’s term loan. Net results were also impacted by the interest expense associated with the 91/2% Notes, higher promotional expenses and labor costs, partially offset by the 13.0% increase in net sales, the favorable impact of aged royalties and the favorable impact of the appreciation of foreign currencies. Overall, the appreciation of foreign currencies had a $12.9 million favorable impact on net results for 2004.

44


Table of Contents

Year ended December 31, 2003 compared to year ended December 31, 2002
                                 
    Predecessor   Company   Combined   Company
                 
    January 1 to   August 1 to   Year Ended   Year Ended
    July 31, 2002   December 31, 2002   December 31, 2002   December 31, 2003
                 
    (In millions)
Operations:
                               
Net sales
  $ 644.2     $ 449.5     $ 1,093.7     $ 1,159.4  
Cost of sales
    140.6       95.0       235.6       235.8  
                         
Gross profit
    503.6       354.5       858.1       923.6  
Royalty overrides
    227.2       159.9       387.1       415.4  
Selling, general & administrative expenses
    207.4       135.5       342.9       401.3  
Acquisition transaction expenses
    54.7       6.2       60.9        
                         
Operating income
    14.3       52.9       67.2       107.0  
Interest income (expense), net
    1.4       (23.9 )     (22.5 )     (41.5 )
                         
Income before income taxes and minority interest
    15.7       29.0       44.7       65.6  
Income taxes
    6.3       15.0       21.3       28.7  
                         
Income before minority interest
    9.4       14.0       23.4       36.8  
Minority interest
    0.2             0.2        
                         
Net income
  $ 9.2     $ 14.0     $ 23.2     $ 36.8  
                         
      For the year ended December 31, 2003, net income increased to $36.8 million from $23.2 million in 2002. Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2003 increased 6.0% to $1,159.4 million from $1,093.7 million in 2002, helped by the appreciation of foreign currencies, primarily the euro.
      Excluding the impact of pre-tax amortization expense of intangibles resulting from the Acquisition of $34.5 million and $1.5 million in 2003 and 2002, respectively, transaction expenses of $60.9 million in 2002 relating to the Acquisition, 2003 legal and related costs associated with litigation resulting from the Acquisition of $5.1 million, $6.2 million in incremental fees and expenses paid to our Equity Sponsors in 2003, and the favorable impact of foreign currency appreciation of approximately $15.8 million in 2003, operating income increased 5.7% to $137.0 million in 2003 from $129.6 million in 2002. The improved result was attributed to increased sales throughout Europe, Brazil and Mexico, partly offset by the decreased sales in the U.S., Japan and South Korea. We expect that sales in the U.S., Japan and South Korea will improve following the execution of our revitalization initiatives for 2004, which are described below. We anticipate some impact associated with the discovery of BSE in the United States, but do not expect this issue to have a material effect on our business.

45


Table of Contents

Net Sales
      The following chart reconciles Retail Sales to net sales:
Sales by Geographic Regions
                                                                                         
    Year Ended December 31,    
         
    2002   2003    
             
        Handling           Handling        
        &           &       Change
    Retail   Distributor   Product   Freight   Net   Retail   Distributor   Product   Freight   Net   in Net
    Sales   Allowance   Sales   Income   Sales   Sales   Allowance   Sales   Income   Sales   Sales
                                             
    (In millions)
The Americas
  $ 683.1     $ (324.7 )   $ 358.4     $ 65.9     $ 424.3     $ 687.9     $ (328.9 )   $ 359.0     $ 65.4     $ 424.4       0.0 %
Europe
    560.3       (266.3 )     294.0       48.7       342.7       733.4       (349.4 )     384.0       64.2       448.2       30.8  
Asia/ Pacific Rim
    294.7       (130.0 )     164.7       20.8       185.5       271.6       (123.6 )     148.0       19.5       167.5       (9.7 )
Japan
    241.1       (117.1 )     124.0       17.2       141.2       201.5       (97.4 )     104.1       15.2       119.3       (15.5 )
                                                                   
Total
  $ 1,779.2     $ (838.1 )   $ 941.1     $ 152.6     $ 1,093.7     $ 1,894.4     $ (899.3 )   $ 995.1     $ 164.3     $ 1,159.4       6.0 %
                                                                   
      Net sales growth in the Americas was flat with 2002. In local currency, net sales increased by 1.9%. The slight increase was a result of increases in both Brazil and Mexico, which were mostly offset by declining sales in the U.S. Net sales in Brazil and Mexico increased 71.4% and 13.3%, respectively, while net sales in the U.S. declined 10.3% in 2003. In the fourth quarter of 2003, the rate of net sales decline in the U.S. slowed in connection with the introduction of a new sales promotion. In 2004, it is our goal to revitalize the U.S. market through new product introductions, the enhanced use of internet tools, the opening of strategically located sales centers and the implementation of distributor leadership initiatives.
      Net sales in Europe increased $105.5 million or 30.8% in 2003, as compared to the prior year. In local currency, net sales increased 14.7% as compared to 2002. The appreciation of the euro and other European currencies was a primary reason for the overall sales increase. Net sales in many of the established countries like Belgium (up 115.1%), France (up 59.9%), Netherlands (up 33.2%), Spain (up 72.2%), Switzerland (up 54.9%) and Turkey (up 371.5%) showed notable growth as reported in U.S. dollars. In 2004, it is our goal to increase sales by strengthening our presence in Europe and in particular in Russia and Greece by expanding our distributor services and taking over the management of product distribution, which in the past has been handled through third party importers.
      Net sales in Asia/ Pacific Rim decreased $18.0 million or 9.7% in 2003, as compared to the prior year. In local currency, net sales decreased 13.3%. The sales decrease was due to a $32.5 million or 42.5% decline in South Korea partly offset by a $9.6 million or 25.0% increase in Taiwan. During 2003, we implemented several new initiatives to help the distributors in South Korea regain momentum, including improving their incentive arrangements and introducing new internet tools and several new products. We believe that these initiatives have helped stabilize sales during the second half of 2003.
      Net sales in Japan decreased $21.9 million or 15.5% during 2003, as compared to the prior year. In local currency, net sales in Japan decreased 22.8%. The decline in the Japanese market over the last year has continued due to strong competition and the general deterioration in economic conditions in Japan. In 2004, it is our goal to revitalize the Japanese market through new product introductions, enhanced use of internet tools, and the implementation of distributor leadership initiatives.

46


Table of Contents

Sales by Product Category
                                                                                         
    Year Ended December 31,    
         
    2002   2003    
             
        Handling           Handling        
        &           &       Change
    Retail   Distributor   Product   Freight   Net   Retail   Distributor   Product   Freight   Net   in Net
    Sales   Allowance   Sales   Income   Sales   Sales   Allowance   Sales   Income   Sales   Sales
                                             
    (In millions)
Weight Management
  $ 779.8     $ (381.1 )   $ 398.7     $ 66.9     $ 465.6     $ 840.4     $ (413.2 )   $ 427.2     $ 72.9     $ 500.1       7.4 %
Inner Nutrition
    797.7       (389.8 )     407.9       68.4       476.3       849.0       (417.5 )     431.5       73.6       505.1       6.0  
Outer Nutrition®
    182.0       (88.9 )     93.1       15.6       108.7       177.6       (87.3 )     90.3       15.4       105.7       (2.8 )
Literature, Promotional and Other
    19.7       21.7       41.4       1.7       43.1       27.4       18.7       46.1       2.4       48.5       12.5  
                                                                   
Total
  $ 1,779.2     $ (838.1 )   $ 941.1     $ 152.6     $ 1,093.7     $ 1,894.4     $ (899.3 )   $ 995.1     $ 164.3     $ 1,159.4       6.0 %
                                                                   
      The increase in net sales for weight management and inner nutrition products was due to our increased emphasis on science-based products. In addition, during 2002 we rationalized our Outer Nutrition® line by eliminating color cosmetics, resulting in decreased net sales in 2003. We believe that our Outer Nutrition® product line is now better aligned with our other product categories.
Gross Profit
      Gross profit was $923.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, as compared to $858.2 million in the prior year. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2003 increased from 78.5% to 79.7% as compared to the prior year. The increase in gross profit reflected inventory management initiatives which have reduced obsolescence by $3.5 million, a decrease in freight and duty expenses of $3.2 million, and the favorable impact of stronger foreign currencies.
Royalty Overrides
      Royalty Overrides as a percentage of net sales were 35.8% for the year ended December 31, 2003, as compared to 35.4% in the prior year. The ratio varies slightly from period to period primarily due to a change in the mix of products and countries because full Royalty Overrides are not paid on certain products or in certain countries. Due to the structure of our compensation plan, we do not expect to see significant fluctuations in Royalty Overrides as a percent of sales.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
      Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were 34.6% for the year ended December 31, 2003, as compared to 31.4% in the prior year. For the year ended December 31, 2003, these expenses increased $58.4 million to $401.3 million from $342.9 million in the prior year. The increase included $34.5 million amortization expense of intangibles in 2003 compared to $1.5 million in 2002. In addition, selling, general and administrative expenses were unfavorably impacted by approximately $10.9 million due to the appreciation of foreign currencies, by approximately $6.9 million due to increased promotional expenses, by approximately $9.1 million due to litigation costs and related legal expenses, and by approximately $6.2 million due to fees and expenses paid to our Equity Sponsors subsequent to the Acquisition. Lower salaries and wages expense partly offset the increased expense reflecting efficiencies realized from various cost savings initiatives.
Acquisition Transaction Expenses
      In 2002, we recorded $21.9 million relating to fees and $39.0 million of stock option expenses in connection with the Acquisition.

47


Table of Contents

Net Interest Expense
      Net interest expense was $41.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, as compared to $22.5 million in the prior year. The increase was mainly due to a full year’s interest expense relating to the term loan, the 113/4% Notes and the 15.5% senior notes in 2003, as compared to only five months of interest expense for those same items in 2002.
Income Taxes
      Income taxes were $28.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, as compared to $21.3 million for the prior year. As a percentage of pre-tax income, the annual effective income tax rate was 43.8% for 2003 and 47.6% for 2002. The higher effective tax rate in 2002 reflected primarily the non-deductibility of certain acquisition-related expenses incurred in 2002.
Foreign Currency Fluctuations
      Currency fluctuations had a favorable impact of $9.5 million on net income for the year ended December 31, 2003, when compared to what current year net income would have been using 2002 foreign exchange rates. For the year ended December 31, 2003, the regional effects were an unfavorable impact of $3.2 million in the Americas, a favorable impact of $1.5 million in Asia/ Pacific Rim, a favorable impact of $11.2 million in Europe, and no material impact in Japan.
Net Income
      Net income for the year ended December 31, 2003, was $36.8 million compared to net income of $23.2 million for the prior year. Net income increased primarily because of the factors noted above.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
      We have historically met our working capital and capital expenditure requirements, including funding for expansion of operations, through net cash flows provided by operating activities. Our principal source of liquidity is our operating cash flows. Variations in sales of our products would directly affect the availability of funds. There are no material restrictions on the ability to transfer and remit funds among our international affiliated companies.
      For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, we generated $130.9 million from operating cash flows, as compared to $81.0 million in 2004. The improved operating cash flow was primarily due to the 19.6% increase in net sales, partially offset by higher receivables resulting from higher sales volume and higher operating expenses primarily from increased labor, benefit and incentive compensation.
      Capital expenditures, including capital leases, for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, were $22.3 million, as compared to $20.7 million in 2004. The majority of these expenditures represented investments in management information systems, internet tools for distributors, the relocation of our facility in Japan and the expansion of our facilities in China. We expect to incur total capital expenditures of up to $35.0 million in 2005 primarily related to investments in management information systems, internet tools for distributors, office facilities and our expansion in China.
      2005 and 2006 are investment years for us in China as we expand our business there. We currently anticipate to fund an operating loss of approximately $5.0 million and $10.0 million in 2005 and 2006, respectively, in addition to total capital expenditures and working capital of up to $15.0 million for the planned build-out of retail stores, our offices and the expansion of the capabilities of our manufacturing facility. As of September 30, 2005, we have invested approximately $2.0 million in capital expenditures.
      In December 2004, Herbalife completed an initial public offering in connection with which several recapitalization transactions were completed, including the tender for all of the outstanding 113/4% Notes, of which 99.9% accepted the tender offer, and a replacement of the existing term loan and revolving credit facility with a new $225.0 million senior credit facility. In addition, we redeemed $110 million principal

48


Table of Contents

amount excluding discounts or 40% of our outstanding 91/2% Notes in February of 2005 for the cash amount of $124.1 million, including a premium of $10.5 million and accrued interest of $3.6 million. Interest expense for the first six months of 2005 includes the redemption amount of $14.2 million which represents $10.5 million of premium and $3.7 million of write off of deferred financing cost and discount.
      The $225.0 million senior credit facility consists of a senior secured revolving credit facility with total availability of up to $25.0 million and a senior secured term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $200.0 million. The revolver is available until December 21, 2009. The revolver bears interest at LIBOR plus 2%. In April 2005 the senior credit facility was amended whereby the interest rate was reduced from LIBOR plus 21/4% to LIBOR plus 13/4%. In addition, the amount payable in connection with a partial or full refinancing of the loan within the first year of the amendment shall equal 101% of the principal amount. During the second quarter of 2005 we prepaid $35.0 million of our senior credit facility resulting in approximately $0.7 million additional interest expense from write-off of deferred financing fees.
      In August 2005, the senior credit facility was amended to permit the purchase, repurchase or redemption of up to $50.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 91/2% Notes due 2011. There were no repurchases during the third quarter. During the third quarter of 2005 we prepaid an additional $44.7 million of our senior credit facility resulting in approximately $0.9 million additional interest expense from write-off of deferred financing fees. With regard to the term loan we are obligated to pay $0.3 million every quarter until September 30, 2010 and the remaining principal amount on December 21, 2010. As of September 30, 2005, no amounts had been borrowed under the revolving credit facility.
      The senior credit facility and the 91/2% Notes include customary covenants that restrict, among other things, the ability to incur additional debt, pay dividends or make certain other restricted payments, incur liens, merge or sell all or substantially all of our assets, or enter into various transactions with affiliates. Additionally, the senior credit facility includes covenants relating to the maintenance of certain leverage, fixed charge coverage, and interest coverage ratios, and requirements to make early payments to the extent of excess cash flow, as defined therein.
      The following summarizes our contractual obligations including interest at September 30, 2005 and the effect such obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flows in future periods:
                                                         
    Payments Due by Period
     
        2010 &
    Total   2005   2006   2007   2008   2009   Thereafter
                             
    (In millions)
Borrowings under our senior credit facility
  $ 152.3     $ 1.9     $ 7.7     $ 7.6     $ 7.6     $ 7.5     $ 120.0  
113/4% Notes
    0.2                                     0.2  
91/2% Notes
    259.0       7.8       15.7       15.7       15.7       15.7       188.4  
Capitalized leases
    5.2       0.5       3.1       1.6                    
Other debt
    2.7       0.3       1.5       0.9                    
Operating leases
    24.9       4.0       12.5       3.3       1.7       1.1       2.3  
                                           
Total
  $ 444.3     $ 14.5     $ 40.5     $ 29.1     $ 25.0     $ 24.3     $ 310.9  
                                           
      Whitney and Golden Gate (and/or their affiliates) were parties to a Share Purchase Agreement (the “Share Purchase Agreement”) pursuant to which they originally purchased our Preferred Shares. Under the terms of the Share Purchase Agreement, Whitney and Golden Gate could, subject to approval by our board of directors and 75% of our shareholders, require us to pay a dividend to all of our shareholders related to certain income that may be taxable to them resulting from their ownership of our shares. We completed our analysis with regard to this payment and based on this analysis, we made $1.4 million and $4.9 million dividend payments to our shareholders in the fourth quarter of 2004, related to certain income that may be taxable to them for the years ended December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2004, respectively.

49


Table of Contents

      In December 2004, we entered into a termination agreement with the parties to the Share Purchase Agreement. Pursuant to the termination agreement, the Share Purchase Agreement and all obligations and liabilities of the parties under the Share Purchase Agreement were terminated. As consideration for the termination of the Share Purchase Agreement, we have entered into a Tax Indemnification Agreement with Whitney and Golden Gate (and/or their affiliates) pursuant to which we have agreed to indemnify each of those parties for the Federal income tax liability and any related losses they incur in respect of income of Herbalife that is (or would be) includible in the gross income of that party for any taxable period under Section 951(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Under the terms of the Tax Indemnification Agreement, we assume, for this purpose, that each indemnified party is a “United States shareholder” as defined in Section 951(b) of the Code. We do not, however, have any obligation to provide an indemnity with respect to any taxes or related losses incurred that have been reimbursed under the Share Purchase Agreement. Our senior credit facility permits us to pay these tax indemnity payments, but restricts the aggregate amount that we can pay in any given year to no more than $15 million. We currently anticipate that any amounts that we are required to pay under this agreement in the future will be immaterial to our financial condition and operating results.
      In connection with the initial public offering we paid a special cash dividend to shareholders of record prior to the offering in the amount of $139.7 million.
      The declaration of future dividends is subject to the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon various factors, including our earnings, financial condition, restrictions imposed by our credit agreement, cash requirements, future prospects and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors. Our credit agreement permits payments of dividends as long as no default exists and the amount does not exceed $20.0 million per fiscal year provided that the amount of dividends may be increased by 25% of the consolidated net income for the prior fiscal year if the Leverage Ratio (as defined in our credit agreement) for the four fiscal quarters of such fiscal year is less than or equal to 2.00:1.00.
      As of September 30, 2005, we had working capital of $9.4 million compared to negative $1.6 million at December 31, 2004. Cash and cash equivalents were $105.2 million at September 30, 2005, compared to $201.6 million at December 31, 2004.
      We expect that cash and funds provided from operations and available borrowings under our revolving credit facility will provide sufficient working capital to operate our business, to make expected capital expenditures and to meet foreseeable liquidity requirements, including debt service on the 91/2% Notes and the senior credit facility. There can be no assurance, however, that our business will service our debt, including our outstanding notes, or fund our other liquidity needs.
      The majority of our purchases from suppliers are generally made in U.S. dollars, while sales to Herbalife distributors generally are made in local currencies. Consequently, strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus a foreign currency can have a negative impact on operating margins and can generate transaction losses on intercompany transactions. For discussion of our foreign exchange contracts and other hedging arrangements, see the quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risks described below.
Contingencies
      We are from time to time engaged in routine litigation. We regularly review all pending litigation matters in which we are involved and establish reserves deemed appropriate by management for these litigation matters when a probable loss estimate can be made.
      Herbalife International and certain of its distributors have been named as defendants in a purported class action lawsuit filed July 16, 2003, in the Circuit Court of Ohio County in the State of West Virginia (Mey v. Herbalife International, Inc., et al). The complaint alleges that certain telemarketing practices of certain Herbalife International distributors violate the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, or TCPA, and seeks to hold Herbalife International vicariously liable for the practices of its distributors. More specifically, the plaintiffs’ complaint alleges that several of Herbalife International’s distributors used pre-recorded telephone messages and autodialers to contact prospective customers in violation of the TCPA’s prohibition of such

50


Table of Contents

practices. Herbalife International’s distributors are independent contractors and, if any such distributors in fact violated the TCPA, they also violated Herbalife’s policies, which require its distributors to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws. We believe that we have meritorious defenses to the suit.
      Herbalife International and certain of its independent distributors have been named as defendants in a purported class action lawsuit filed February 17, 2005, in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, and served on Herbalife International on March 14, 2005 (Minton v. Herbalife International, et al). The case has been transferred to the Los Angeles County Superior Court. The plaintiff is challenging the marketing practices of certain Herbalife International independent distributors and Herbalife International under various state laws prohibiting “endless chain schemes,” insufficient disclosure in assisted marketing plans, unfair and deceptive business practices, and fraud and deceit. The plaintiff alleges that the Freedom Group system operated by certain independent distributors of Herbalife International products places too much emphasis on recruiting and encourages excessively large purchases of product and promotional materials by distributors. The plaintiff also alleges that Freedom Group pressured distributors to disseminate misleading promotional materials. The plaintiff seeks to hold Herbalife International vicariously liable for the actions of its independent distributors and is seeking damages and injunctive relief. The Company believes that we have meritorious defenses to the suit.
      In February 2005, Herbalife voluntarily elected to temporarily withdraw its Sesame & Herb tablet product from the Israeli market. This product, which has been on the market since 1989, is sold only in Israel. Herbalife’s voluntary decision to temporarily withdraw this product accompanied the initiation of a review by the Israeli Ministry of Health (the “Israel MOH”) of a small number of anecdotal case reports of individuals having liver dysfunction who had also consumed Herbalife products. Herbalife scientists and medical doctors are closely cooperating with the Israel MOH to facilitate this ongoing review. In May 2005, the Israel MOH issued a press release stating that although their investigation was continuing, no causal link has been shown between the consumption of Herbalife products and liver function abnormalities. In addition, the Israel MOH requested that individuals consuming or intending to consume Herbalife products obtain liver function tests before and one month after beginning their use, and that persons with liver function disorders refrain from consuming dietary supplements. Independent analysis of Herbalife’s Israeli products has confirmed that Herbalife products do not contain any substances indicated by the Israel MOH as being of concern in relation to this small number of reported cases of liver dysfunction. Herbalife believes that Herbalife products are not the cause of these few reported anecdotal cases of liver dysfunction.
      As a marketer of dietary and nutritional supplements and other products that are ingested by consumers or applied to their bodies, we have been and are currently subjected to various product liability claims. The effects of these claims to date have not been material to us, and the reasonably possible range of exposure on currently existing claims is not material to us. We believe that we have meritorious defenses to the allegations contained in the lawsuits. We currently maintain product liability insurance with a self insured retention of $10 million.
      Certain of our subsidiaries have been subject to tax audits by governmental authorities in their respective countries. In certain of these tax audits, governmental authorities are proposing that significant amounts of additional taxes and related interest and penalties are due. We and our tax advisors believe that there are substantial defenses to their allegations that additional taxes are owed, and we are vigorously contesting the additional proposed taxes and related charges.
      These matters may take several years to resolve, and we cannot be sure of their ultimate resolution. However, it is the opinion of management that adverse outcomes, if any, will not likely result in a material effect on our financial condition and operating results. This opinion is based on our belief that any losses we suffer in excess of amounts reserved would not be material and that we have meritorious defenses. Although we have reserved an amount that we believe represents the likely outcome of the resolution of these disputes, if we are incorrect in our assessment, we may have to record additional expenses.

51


Table of Contents

Critical Accounting Policies
      Our Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the year. Actual results could differ from those estimates. We consider the following policies to be most critical in understanding the judgments that are involved in preparing the financial statements and the uncertainties that could impact our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
      We are a network marketing company that sells a wide range of weight management products, nutritional supplements and personal care products within one industry segment as defined under SFAS 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.” Our products are manufactured by third party providers and then sold to independent distributors who sell Herbalife products to retail consumers or other distributors.
      We sell products in 60 countries throughout the world and are organized and managed by geographic region. In the first quarter of 2003, we elected to aggregate our operating segments into one reporting segment, as management believes that our operating segments have similar operating characteristics and similar long term operating performance. In making this determination, management believes that the operating segments are similar with regard to the nature of the products sold, the product acquisition process, the types of customers products are sold to, the methods used to distribute the products, and the nature of the regulatory environment.
      Revenue is recognized when products are shipped and title passes to the independent distributor or importer. Amounts billed for freight and handling costs are included in net sales. We generally receive the net sales price in cash or through credit card payments at the point of sale. Related royalty overrides and allowances for product returns are recorded when the merchandise is shipped.
      Allowances for product returns primarily in connection with our buyback program are provided at the time the product is shipped. This accrual is based upon historic return rates for each country, which vary from zero to approximately 5.0% of Retail Sales, and the relevant return pattern, which reflects anticipated returns to be received over a period of up to 12 months following the original sale. Historically, product returns and buybacks have not been significant. Product returns and buybacks as a percentage of Retail Sales were approximately 0.99%, and 1.0%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2005, respectively. No material changes in estimates have been recognized for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2005.
      Royalty overrides receivables and the related allowances for estimated uncollectible royalty overrides receivables are calculated and recorded as contra-liabilities to the royalty overrides liabilities on the balance sheet. During the third quarter of 2005, we changed the way we estimate the allowances based on new information that allows us to analyze royalty overrides receivables and offsetting royalty payable balances. Consequently, the change in estimate to the allowance for uncollectible royalty overrides receivable was reduced by $4.0 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2005.
      We record reserves against our inventory to provide for estimated obsolete or unsalable inventory based on assumptions about future demand for our products and market conditions. If future demand and market conditions are less favorable than management’s assumptions, additional reserves could be required. Likewise, favorable future demand and market conditions could positively impact future operating results if previously reserved for inventory is sold. We reserved for obsolete and slow moving inventory totaling $6.2 million and $8.1 million as of December 31, 2004 and September 30, 2005, respectively.
      In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) 144, long-lived assets, such as property, plant, and equipment, and purchased intangibles subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the

52


Table of Contents

carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Assets to be disposed of would be separately presented in the balance sheet and reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, and are no longer depreciated. The assets and liabilities of a disposed group classified as held for sale would be presented separately in the appropriate asset and liability sections of the balance sheet. Goodwill and other intangibles not subject to amortization are tested annually for impairment, and are tested for impairment more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the asset’s fair value. This determination is made at the reporting unit level and consists of two steps. First, the Company determines the fair value of a reporting unit and compares it to its carrying amount.
      Second, if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill and other intangibles over the implied fair value. The implied fair value is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation, in accordance with SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations. The residual fair value after this allocation is the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill and other intangibles. As of September 30, 2005, we had goodwill of approximately $144.6 million, and marketing franchise of $310.0 million. Goodwill was reduced in the third quarter by approximately $16.0 million to reflect a reduction in the valuation allowance established at the time of the Acquisition against pre-Acquisition tax benefits.
      Contingencies are accounted for in accordance with SFAS 5, “Accounting for Contingencies.” SFAS 5 requires that we record an estimated loss from a loss contingency when information available prior to issuance of our financial statements indicates that it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred at the date of the financial statements and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Accounting for contingencies such as legal and income tax matters requires us to use judgment. Many of these legal and tax contingencies can take years to be resolved. Generally, as the time period increases over which the uncertainties are resolved, the likelihood of changes to the estimate of the ultimate outcome increases.
      Deferred income tax assets have been established for net operating loss carryforwards of certain foreign subsidiaries and have been reduced by a valuation allowance to reflect them at amounts estimated to be ultimately recognized. The net operating loss carryforwards expire in varying amounts over a future period of time. Realization of the income tax carryforwards is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income prior to expiration of the carryforwards. Although realization is not assured, we believe it is more likely than not that the net carrying value of the income tax carryforwards will be realized. The amount of the income tax carryforwards that is considered realizable, however, could change if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are adjusted.
New Accounting Pronouncements
      In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) enacted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 123 — revised 2004 (“SFAS 123R”), “Share-Based Payment” which replaces Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (“SFAS 123”), “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” and supersedes Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” SFAS 123R requires the measurement of all employee share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, using a fair-value-based method and the recording of such expense in our consolidated statements of income. The accounting provisions of SFAS 123R are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2005.
      We are required to adopt SFAS 123R in the first quarter of fiscal 2006. The pro forma disclosures previously permitted under SFAS 123 no longer will be an alternative to financial statement recognition. See Note 8 in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the pro forma net income and net income per share amounts, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2005, respectively, as if we had used a fair-value-based method similar to the methods required under SFAS 123R to measure compensation expense for employee stock incentive awards. Although we have not yet determined whether the adoption of SFAS 123R will result in amounts that are similar to the current pro forma disclosures under SFAS 123, we

53


Table of Contents

are evaluating the requirements under SFAS 123R and on a preliminary basis we expect the adoption will not have a material impact on our consolidated statements of income, relative to currently existing options.
      In December 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 109-2 (“FAS 109-2”), “Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Earnings Repatriation Provision within the American Jobs Creations Act of 2004” (“AJCA”). The AJCA introduces a limited time 85% dividends received deduction on the repatriation of certain foreign earnings to a U.S. taxpayer (“repatriation provision”), provided certain criteria are met. FAS 109-2 provides accounting and disclosure guidance for the repatriation provision. This provision will not provide a material benefit to the Company.
      In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs, an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4,” which requires that abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage) be recognized as current-period charges. In addition, the statement requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. SFAS No. 151 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. We will adopt this statement as required, and we do not believe the adoption will have a material effect on our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.
      In May 2005, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections.” SFAS No. 154 requires restatement of prior periods’ financial statements for changes in accounting principle, unless it is impracticable to determine either the period-specific effects or the cumulative effect of the change. Also, SFAS No. 154 requires that retrospective application of a change in accounting principle be limited to the direct effects of the change. SFAS No. 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005.

54


Table of Contents

BUSINESS
Herbalife
      We are a global network marketing company that sells weight management, nutritional supplement and personal care products. We pursue our mission of “changing people’s lives” by providing a financially rewarding business opportunity to distributors and quality products to distributors and customers who seek a healthy lifestyle. We are one of the largest network marketing companies in the world with net sales of approximately $1.3 billion for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004. We sell our products in 60 countries through a network of over one million independent distributors. In China, in order to comply with recently enacted legislation, we sell our products through retail stores and an employed sales force. We believe the quality of our products and the effectiveness of our distribution network, coupled with geographic expansion, have been the primary reasons for our success throughout our 25-year operating history.
      We offer products in three primary categories: weight management, inner nutrition and Outer Nutrition®. Our weight management product portfolio includes meal replacements, weight-loss accelerators and a variety of healthy snacks. In March 2004, we launched the ShapeWorkstm weight management program, an enhancement to our best-selling Formula 1 weight management product, which personalizes protein intake and includes a customized meal plan. Our collection of inner nutrition products consists of dietary and nutritional supplements, each containing quality herbs, vitamins, minerals and natural ingredients in support of total well-being and long-term good health. In 2003, we introduced Niteworkstm, which supports energy, vascular and circulatory health. In 2005 we entered into the high growth energy drink category in the U.S. and Canada with the introduction of Liftoff tm — an innovative, effervescent energy product. Our Outer Nutrition® products include skin cleansers, moisturizers, lotions, shampoos and conditioners, each based on botanical formulas to revitalize, soothe and smooth body, skin and hair. In 2005 we upgraded and expanded our personal care line with the introduction of NouriFusiontm. This product line utilizes vitamin A, C and E to provide benefits to the skin. Weight management, inner nutrition and Outer Nutrition® accounted for 42.8%, 42.9% and 9.4% of our net sales in fiscal year 2004, respectively.
      We have significantly increased our emphasis on scientific research in the fields of weight management and nutrition over the past three years. We believe that our focus on nutrition science will continue to result in meaningful product enhancements that differentiate our products in the marketplace. Our research and development organization combines the experience of product development scientists within our Company with an external team including world-renowned scientists. Additionally, we contributed to the establishment of the Mark Hughes Cellular and Molecular Nutrition Lab at UCLA (the “UCLA Lab”), which is an independent lab devoted to the advancement of nutrition science. We introduced Niteworkstm, a cardiovascular product developed in conjunction with Louis Ignarro, Ph.D., a Nobel Laureate in Medicine in 2003 and, in March 2004, we introduced ShapeWorkstm, a comprehensive weight management program based on the clinical experience and the 15 years of meal replacement research of David Heber, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Medicine and Public Health at the UCLA School of Medicine, Director of the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition and Director of the UCLA Center for Dietary Supplement Research in Botanicals.
      We have a 16-member Scientific Advisory Board, comprised of world-renowned scientists, and a Medical Advisory Board consisting of leading scientists and medical doctors. We consult with members of our Scientific Advisory Board on the advancements in the field of nutrition science, while our Medical Advisory Board provides training on product usage and gives health-news updates through Herbalife literature, the internet and live training events around the world. The boards, both chaired by Dr. David Heber, support our internal product development team by providing expertise on obesity and human nutrition, conducting product research and advising on product concepts.
      We believe that the direct-selling channel is ideally suited to marketing our products, because sales of weight management, nutrition and personal care products are strengthened by ongoing personal contact between retail consumers and distributors. This personal contact may enhance consumers’ nutritional and health education and motivate consumers to begin and maintain wellness and weight management programs.

55


Table of Contents

In addition, by using our products themselves, distributors can provide first-hand testimonials of product effectiveness, which can serve as a powerful sales tool.
      We are focused on building and maintaining our distributor network by offering financially rewarding and flexible career opportunities through sales of quality, innovative products to health conscious consumers. We believe the income opportunity provided by our network marketing program appeals to a broad cross-section of people throughout the world, particularly those seeking to supplement family income, start a home business or pursue entrepreneurial, full and part-time, employment opportunities. Our distributors, who are all independent contractors, can profit from selling our products and can also earn royalties and bonuses on sales made by the distributors whom they recruit to join their sales organizations.
      We enable distributors to maximize their potential by providing a broad array of motivational, educational and support services. We motivate our distributors through our performance-based compensation plan, individual recognition, reward programs and promotions, and participation in local, national and international Company-sponsored sales events and Extravaganzas. We are committed to providing professionally designed educational training materials that our distributors can use to enhance recruitment and to maximize their sales. We and our distributor leadership conduct thousands of training sessions annually throughout the world to educate and motivate our distributors. These training events teach our distributors not only how to develop invaluable business-building and leadership skills, but also how to differentiate our products with their consumers. Our corporate-sponsored training events provide a forum for distributors, who otherwise operate independently, to share ideas with us and each other. In addition, our internet-based Herbalife Broadcasting Network delivers, on a 24-hour basis worldwide, educational, motivational and inspirational content, including addresses from our CEO. Our efficient and effective distribution, logistics and customer care support system assists our distributors by providing next-day sales capabilities and support services. We further aid our distributors by generating additional demand for our products through traditional marketing and public relations methods, such as through television ads, sporting event sponsorships and endorsements.
      We were founded in 1980 by Mark Hughes. In 2002, we were acquired by an investment group led by Whitney & Co. LLC (“Whitney”) and Golden Gate Private Equity, Inc. (“Golden Gate”) (together, the “Equity Sponsors”). To consummate this acquisition, Whitney and Golden Gate and their affiliates formed a new holding company called WH Holdings (Cayman Islands) Ltd., a Cayman Islands exempted limited liability company (which has since been renamed Herbalife Ltd.), and several new direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of that holding company, including an acquisition vehicle called WH Acquisition Corp., a Nevada corporation, in order to acquire us. On July 31, 2002, WH Acquisition Corp. acquired us pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger we entered into on April 10, 2002. As a result of the acquisition, we became a privately held company and were delisted from the NASDAQ National Market at that time.
      In December 2004, we and certain shareholders sold a total of 16.7 million of our common shares in our initial public offering, and our common shares have since been listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “HLF.”
Our Competitive Strengths
      We believe that our success stems from our ability to motivate our distributor network with a range of quality, innovative and efficacious products that appeal to consumer preferences for healthy living. We have been able to achieve sustained and profitable growth by capitalizing on the following competitive strengths:
      Large, Highly-Motivated Distributor Base. We have over one million distributors, including over 290,000 supervisors as of September 2005. Our compensation system encourages distributors to remain active in the business and to build down-line sales organizations of their own, which can serve to increase their income and to increase our product sales. Supervisors contribute significantly to our sales and some key supervisors who have attained the highest levels within our distributor network are responsible for their organization’s generation of a substantial portion of our sales and for recruiting a substantial number of our distributors.

56


Table of Contents

      Diverse and Well-Established Product Portfolio. We are committed to building distributor, customer and brand loyalty by providing a diverse portfolio of health-oriented and wellness products. As of December 31, 2004, we had 130 products encompassing over 3,100 SKUs across our three primary product categories. The breadth of our product offerings enables our distributors to sell a comprehensive package of products designed to simplify weight management and nutrition. We continually review and if necessary improve upon our product formulations, many of which have been in existence for years, based upon developments in nutrition science. We believe that the longevity and variety in our product portfolio significantly enhances our distributors’ abilities to build their businesses.
      Nutrition Science-Based Product Development. We have significantly increased our emphasis on science-based product development in the fields of weight management and nutrition during the past three years. We have an internal team of scientists dedicated to continually evaluating opportunities to enhance our existing products and to develop new science-based products. These new product development efforts are reviewed by prominent doctors and scientists who constitute our Scientific Advisory Board and Medical Advisory Board. In addition, in the past two years we provided donations to assist in the establishment of the UCLA Lab. We believe that the UCLA Lab provides opportunities for Herbalife to access cutting-edge science in herbal research and nutrition.
      Scalable Business Model. Our business model enables us to grow our business with minimal investment in our infrastructure and other fixed costs. Except in China, we require no company-employed sales force to market and sell our products, we incur no direct incremental cost to add a new distributor in our existing markets, and our distributor compensation varies directly with sales. In addition, our distributors bear the majority of our consumer marketing expenses, and supervisors sponsor and coordinate a large share of distributor recruiting and training initiatives. Furthermore, we can readily increase production and distribution of our products as a result of our multiple third party manufacturing relationships and our global footprint of in-house distribution centers.
      Geographic Diversification. We have a proven ability to establish our network marketing organization in new markets. Since our founding 25 years ago, we have expanded into 60 countries, including 23 countries in the last seven years. While sales within our local markets may fluctuate due to economic, market and regulatory conditions, competitive pressures, political or social instability or for other reasons, we believe that our geographic diversity mitigates our financial exposure to any particular market.
      Experienced Management Team. The management team is led by Michael O. Johnson who became our Chief Executive Officer after spending 17 years with The Walt Disney Company, where he most recently served as President of Walt Disney International. Since joining our Company, Mr. Johnson has assembled a team of experienced executives, including Gregory Probert, President and Chief Operating Officer and formerly Chief Executive Officer of DMX Music and Chief Operating Officer of The Walt Disney Company’s Buena Vista Home Entertainment division; Richard Goudis, Chief Financial Officer and formerly Chief Operating Officer of Rexall Sundown; and Brett R. Chapman, General Counsel and formerly Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel at The Walt Disney Company. In addition, Steve Henig, Ph.D., formerly Senior Vice President of Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., joined the Company in 2005 as Chief Scientific Officer with responsibility for our product research and development.
Our Business Strategy
      We believe that our network marketing model is the most effective way to sell our products. Our objective is to increase the recruitment, retention, retailing and productivity of our distributor base by pursuing the following strategic initiatives:
      Distributor Strategy. We continue to increase our investment in events and promotions as a catalyst to help our distributors improve the effectiveness and productivity of their businesses. We will attempt to globalize best-practice business methods, such as Nutrition Clubs and the Total Plan, to enable our distributors to improve their penetration in existing markets. Additionally, we are creating new distributor business systems and tools that will assist our distributors in building their businesses more efficiently while better servicing their existing customers. And finally, to increase brand awareness among potential customers

57


Table of Contents

and distributors, we created Team Herbalife and began allowing our distributors to utilize the Herbalife brand logo in their marketing efforts.
      Direct-to-Consumer Strategy. We believe this strategy complements our distributors’ existing business opportunities and it should build a longer-term, more sustainable customer base. We believe that providing direct sales of our science-based products to end customers via the Internet, while maintaining the financial and business relationship between the customer and distributor, should allow distributors to increase retailing, improve recruiting and leverage our order taking, distribution, shipping, and collections resources. In consultation with distributor leadership, we are developing and will implement an e-commerce direct-to-consumer platform in 2006.
      Product Strategy. We are committed to providing our distributors with unique, innovative products to help them increase sales and recruit new distributors. On an ongoing basis we will augment our product portfolio with additional science-based products and, as appropriate, will bundle products addressing similar health concerns into packages. We are establishing a core set of products that will be available in all markets. We are also empowering regional and country managers to develop unique products that are specific to their markets which should ensure that local consumer needs can be met. Additionally, each year we plan to have “mega launches” of products and/or programs which should generate continual excitement among our distributors, and which could add to the core set of products. These “mega launches” will generally target specific market segments deemed strategic to us, such as a children’s line to target stay-at-home moms and a sports and fitness line to target consumers who have active lifestyles.
      China Strategy. While we plan to expand into new markets each year, expanding in China represents a significant growth opportunity for us. In August 2005, China published direct sales and anti-pyramiding regulations to become effective in November and December 2005. We believe that China could become one of the largest direct-selling markets in the world over the next several years. To address this opportunity, we have assembled a management team with direct selling experience, secured a headquarters location, and are in the process of opening retail locations and registering additional products. In the third quarter of 2005, we opened flagship stores in four key provinces: Fujian, Tiangsu, Liaong and Shandong. We believe our manufacturing facility in Suzhou has sufficient capacity to support the anticipated growth in the Chinese market. We anticipate officially applying for our direct selling license in December of this year and remain optimistic that we will receive our license in early 2006.
      Infrastructure Strategy. In 2003, we embarked upon a strategic initiative to significantly upgrade our technology infrastructure globally. We are implementing an Oracle enterprise-wide technology solution, with a scalable and stable open architecture platform, to enhance our efficiency and productivity as well as that of our distributors. In addition, we are upgrading our internet-based marketing and distributor services platform with tools such as Bizworks and MyHerbalife.comtm. We expect these initiatives to be substantially complete by 2007. Additionally, we are investing in our employees through a comprehensive and global organizational development program which was initiated in 2005.
Product Overview
      For 25 years, our products have been designed to help distributors and customers from around the world lose weight, improve their health, and experience life-changing results. We have built our heritage on developing formulas that blend the best of nature with innovative techniques from nutrition science, appealing to the growing base of consumers seeking to live a healthier lifestyle.
      As of December 31, 2004, we marketed and sold 130 products encompassing over 3,100 SKUs through our distributors and had approximately 1,600 trademarks globally. We group our products into three categories: weight management, inner nutrition, and Outer Nutrition®. Our products are often sold in programs, which are comprised of a series of related products designed to simplify weight management and nutrition for our consumers and maximize our distributors’ cross-selling opportunities. These programs target specific consumer market segments, such as women, men, mature adults, sports enthusiasts, as well as weight-loss and weight-management customers and individuals looking to enhance their overall well-being.

58


Table of Contents

      The following table summarizes our products by product category. The net sales figures are for the year ended December 31, 2004.
         
Product Category   Description   Representative Products
         
Weight Management
(42.8% of 2004 net sales)
  Meal replacements, weight-loss accelerators and a variety of healthy snacks   Formula 1
Personalized Protein Powder Total Control®
High Protein Bars and Snacks
Inner Nutrition
(42.9% of 2004 net sales)
  Dietary and nutritional supplements containing quality herbs, vitamins, minerals and other natural ingredients   Niteworkstm
Garden 7 tm
Aloe Concentrate
Liftoff tm
Outer Nutrition®
(9.4% of 2004 net sales)
  Skin cleansers, moisturizers, lotions, shampoos and conditioners   Skin Activator® Cream
Radiant C tm Body Lotion
Herbal Aloe Everyday Shampoo
NouriFusiontm
Weight management
      Our weight-management products include the following:
  •  Formula 1 Protein Drink Mix, a meal-replacement protein powder available in five different flavors;
 
  •  Formula 2 Multivitamin-Mineral & Herbal Tablets, which provide essential vitamins and nutrients and are part of our weight-management programs;
 
  •  Personalized Protein Powder, a soy and whey protein source developed to be added to our meal replacements to boost protein intake and decrease hunger;
 
  •  weight-loss accelerators, including Total Control®, which address specific challenges associated with dieting, such as lack of energy, hunger and food craving, fluid retention, decreased metabolism and digestive challenges, by building energy, boosting metabolism, curbing appetite and helping to promote weight loss; and
 
  •  healthy snacks, formulated to provide between-meal nutrition and satisfaction.
      Our best-selling Formula 1 meal replacement product has been part of our basic weight management program for 25 years and generated approximately 22% of our net sales in 2004. In March 2004, we introduced ShapeWorkstm, a personalized protein-based meal replacement program based on the clinical experience and 15 years of meal replacement research of Dr. David Heber, Director of the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition. The ShapeWorkstm program incorporates several of our leading weight management products, including the products listed above. Our distributors help identify body type, analyze lean body mass, and customize a ShapeWorkstm program that can help increase metabolism and control hunger.
Inner nutrition
      We market numerous dietary and nutritional supplements designed to meet our customers’ specific nutritional needs. Each of these supplements contains quality herbs, vitamins, minerals and other natural ingredients and focuses on specific lifestages and lifestyles of our customers, including women, men, children, mature adults, and athletes. For example, in 2003, we introduced Niteworkstm, a product developed in conjunction with Nobel Laureate in Medicine, Dr. Louis Ignarro. Niteworkstm supports energy, circulatory and vascular health and enhances blood flow to the heart, brain and other vital organs. Another new product, Garden 7 tm, is designed to provide the phytonutrient benefits of seven servings of fruits and vegetables, has anti-oxidant and health-boosting properties, and comes in convenient daily packs which can make nutrition simple. In 2005, we entered into the high growth energy drink category in the U.S. and Canada with the introduction of Liftoff tm — an innovative, effervescent energy product.

59


Table of Contents

Outer Nutrition®
      Our Outer Nutrition® products complement our weight-management and inner nutrition products and improve the appearance of the body, skin and hair. These products include skin cleansers, toners, moisturizers and facial masks, shampoos and conditioners, body-wash items and a selection of fragrances for men and women under the brand names Radiant C tm and Skin Activator®, among others. For example, our Radiant C tm Daily Skin Booster is designed to harness the antioxidant power of vitamin C in a light gel-cream to help seal in moisture and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, we offer Skin Activator®, an advanced cream based on glucosamine, almond oil, green tea and sugar that is also designed to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, help skin regain a smoother, firmer appearance, and protect from dryness. In 2005 we upgraded and expanded our personal care line with the introduction of NouriFusiontm. This product line utilizes vitamin A, C and E to provide benefits to the skin.
Literature, promotional and other products
      We also sell literature and promotional materials, including sales aids, informational audiotapes, videotapes, CDs and DVDs designed to support our distributors’ marketing efforts, as well as start-up kits called “International Business Packs” for new distributors. For the year ended December 31, 2004, $63.5 million or 4.8% of our net sales were derived from literature and promotional materials. In 2005 we introduced Bizworkstm, an internet based subscription toolset for distributors that enhances the on-line experience and improves their productivity.
Product Development
      We are committed to providing our distributors with unique, innovative science-based products to help them increase retail sales, and recruit and retain additional distributors. We believe this is accomplished by introducing new products and by upgrading, reformulating and repackaging existing product lines. Our internal team of scientists collaborate with the Company’s Scientific Advisory Board and Medical Advisory Board to formulate, review and evaluate new product ideas. Once a particular market opportunity has been identified, our scientists along with our marketing and sales teams work closely with distributors to effect a successful development and launch of the product.
      We are focused on improving and enhancing our products through our product development efforts. With regard to the weight management and inner nutrition categories, new product development involves all of our product strategies groups including the product marketing, licensing, manufacturing, medical affairs, scientific affairs, technical services and quality control groups. Product development generally begins with the scientific affairs group overseeing product design and feasibility research, and the technical services group overseeing scientific substantiation (evaluation of safety and efficacy), expert reviews and related product research. Product designs are transferred to technical services for development at the pre-prototype phase, but technically complex products are often taken to prototype phase by scientific affairs before transfer. The technical services group then develops the manufacturing specifications/technology transfer package, which often requires development of a prototype, and tests product stability. Prototypes are developed using contract facilities, with oversight by either scientific affairs or technical services, as appropriate. The quality control group, with support from the technical services group, is responsible for analytical methods development for ingredient label claims and manufacturing product release. Manufacturing is generally out-sourced to qualified vendors, although some products are manufactured at our China manufacturing facility. Product quality assurance is the responsibility of our quality control group.
      With regard to the Outer Nutrition® category, new product development involves undertaking market trend and competitor assessment. We then undertake ideation, which involves creating ideas that fill our needs or our gaps but that conform with our overall business strategy. We test final ideas with our distributors via global quantitative testing. Those ideas that have high retail potential and high personal use potential are considered for development. We then initiate development and undertake sensory tests and home use tests to determine if we need to make any aesthetic improvements. Next, we test products in clinical trials or with

60


Table of Contents

expert panels for efficacy, safety and claim substantiation. Finally, we scale up for launch, complete stability and launch.
      During the past three years, we have significantly increased our emphasis on the science of weight management and nutrition. This is illustrated by our assembly of a dedicated internal product development team composed of leading scientists as well as our recent establishment of a Scientific Advisory Board and Medical Advisory Board. Our Scientific Advisory Board is comprised of 16 renowned international scientists who are experts in the fields of obesity and human nutrition, and who conduct product research and advise on product concepts. Members of this board include David Heber, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Medicine and Public Health at the UCLA School of Medicine, Director of the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition and Director of the UCLA Center for Dietary Supplement Research in Botanicals, and Louis Ignarro, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Pharmacology at the UCLA School of Medicine and Nobel Laureate in Medicine. In addition, our Medical Advisory Board is comprised of three leading scientists and medical doctors, who provide training on product usage and give health-news updates through Herbalife literature, the internet, and live training events around the world.
      We believe that it is important to maintain our relationships with the members of our Scientific Advisory Board and Medical Advisory Board and to recognize the time and effort that they expend on our behalf. As a result, we have agreed to compensate the members of these advisory boards as follows. A consulting firm with which Dr. Ignarro is affiliated is entitled to receive a royalty on sales of (a) Niteworkstm, (b) certain “healthy heart” products, and (c) other products that we may mutually designate in the future that are, in each case, sold with the aid of Dr. Ignarro’s consulting, promotional or endorsement services. From June 1, 2003 through December 31, 2004, we paid approximately $1.3 million to the consulting firm. In addition, we have made donations from time to time to UCLA to fund research and educational programs. We contributed $50,000 in 2003 and contributed $100,000 in 2004 as part of this arrangement. Dr. Heber receives no direct compensation from us although we do reimburse him for travel expenses. Members of our Scientific Advisory Board are compensated for their time and efforts in the following manner: (a) one member is a consultant to us whose compensation for service on the board is reflected in their consulting fees, and (b) ten members are paid an annual retainer of $5,000 plus travel expenses. In addition, each member of our Medical Advisory Board other than Dr. Heber (whose compensation is described above) receives a monthly retainer of $5,000, plus $3,000 for every day that he appears at a non-southern California distributor event and $2,000 for every day that he needs to travel to such events.
      From 2002 through 2004, we contributed to the establishment of the Mark Hughes Lab For Cellular Nutrition, at UCLA (the “UCLA Lab”) through a grant aggregating $500,000. Additionally, in 2004 we donated lab equipment and software to the UCLA Lab. UCLA agreed that the donations would be used to further research and education in the fields of weight management and botanical dietary supplements. While our direct relationship with UCLA is currently limited to conducting two ongoing clinical studies, we intend to take full advantage of the expertise at UCLA by committing to support research that will further our understanding of the benefits of phytochemicals.
      In August 2005, we appointed Steve Henig, Ph.D. to the newly created post of Chief Scientific Officer, with responsibility for our product research and development function. Mr. Henig’s specific responsibilities include setting Herbalife’s R&D direction; product innovation and development; scientific and medical affairs; product safety and efficacy; and leadership of Herbalife’s Scientific Advisory Board, which is chaired by David Heber, M.D., Ph.D. Mr. Henig is a product innovator who brings more than two decades of experience in the development and marketing of nutrition products to Herbalife. He most recently served as Senior Vice President at Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc. where he revitalized the company’s new products program and medical research program for Ocean Spray. He has also consulted with a number of leading companies, including POM Wonderful.
      We believe our focus on nutrition science and our efforts at combining our internal research and development efforts with the scientific expertise of our Scientific Advisory Board, the educational skills of the Medical Advisory Board, and the resources of the UCLA Lab should result in meaningful product introductions and give our distributors and consumers increased confidence in our products.

61


Table of Contents

Network Marketing Program
General
      Our products are distributed through a global network marketing organization comprised of over one million independent distributors in 60 countries, except in China where, due to regulations, our sales are conducted through company operated retail stores, preferred customers, and employed sales management personnel and, once the newly promulgated direct selling and anti-pyramiding regulations become effective, independent direct sellers. In addition to helping them achieve physical health and wellness through use of our products, we offer our distributors, who are independent contractors, what we believe is one of the most attractive income opportunities in the direct selling industry. Distributors may earn income on their own sales and can also earn royalties and bonuses on sales made by the distributors in their sales organizations. We believe that our products are particularly well-suited to the network marketing distribution channel because sales of weight management and health and wellness products are strengthened by ongoing personal contact between retail consumers and distributors. We believe our continued commitment to developing innovative, science-based products will enhance our ability to attract new distributors as well as increase the productivity and retention of existing distributors. Furthermore, our international sponsorship program, which permits distributors to sponsor distributors in other countries where we are licensed to do business and where we have obtained required product approvals, provides a significant advantage to our distributors as compared with distributors in some other network marketing organizations.
      In connection with the Acquisition, we entered into an agreement with our distributors on July 18, 2002 that no material changes adverse to the distributors will be made to the existing marketing plan and that we will continue to distribute Herbalife products exclusively through our independent distributors. We believe that this agreement has strengthened our relationship with our existing distributors, improved our ability to recruit new distributors and generally increased the long-term stability of our business.
Structure of the network marketing program
      To become a distributor, a person must be sponsored by an existing distributor, except in China where no sponsorship is allowed, and must purchase an International Business Pack from us, except in South Korea, where there is no charge for a distributor kit. The International Business Pack is a distributor kit available in local languages. The kit comes in two sizes. The larger kit costs the local currency equivalent of about $75 and includes a can of ShapeWorkstm/ Formula 1, several bottles of different nutritional supplements, booklets describing us, our compensation plan and rules of conduct, various training and promotional materials, distributor applications and a product catalog. The smaller version costs the local currency equivalent of about $50 and includes sample products and essentially the same print and promotional materials as included in the larger kit version. To become a supervisor or qualify for a higher level, distributors must achieve specified volumes of product purchases or earn certain amounts of royalty overrides during specified time periods and must re-qualify for the levels once each year. To attain supervisor status, a distributor generally must purchase products representing at least 4,000 volume points in one month or 2,500 volume points in two consecutive months. China has its own unique qualifying program. Volume points are point values assigned to each of our products that are equal in all countries and are based on the suggested retail price of U.S. products (one volume point equates to one U.S. dollar). Supervisors may then attain higher levels, (consisting of the World Team, the Global Expansion Team, the Millionaire Team, the President’s Team, the Chairman’s Club and the Founders Circle) and earn increasing amounts of royalty overrides based on purchases by distributors within their organizations and, for members of our Global Expansion Team and above, earn production bonuses on sales in their downline sales organizations. Supervisors contribute significantly to our sales and some key supervisors who have attained the highest levels within our distributor network are responsible for their organization’s generation of a substantial portion of our sales and for recruiting a substantial number of our distributors.

62


Table of Contents

      The following table sets forth the number of our supervisors at the dates indicated:
                                         
    February*
     
    2001   2002   2003   2004**   2005
                     
The Americas
    55,465       62,737       67,921       75,359       87,925  
Europe
    42,419       47,230       51,290       70,239       65,104  
Asia/Pacific Rim
    43,230       40,423       35,637       31,790       38,524  
Japan
    23,589       22,013       18,287       13,946       9,547  
                               
Worldwide
    164,703       172,403       173,135       191,334       201,100  
                               
 
*    In February of each year, we delete from the rank of supervisor those supervisors who did not satisfy the supervisor qualification requirements during the preceding twelve months. Distributors who meet the supervisor requirements at any time during the year are promoted to supervisor status at that time, including any supervisors who were deleted, but who subsequently requalified. For the latest twelve month re-qualification period ending January 2005, approximately 60 percent of our supervisors did not re-qualify and more than 90% of our distributors that are not supervisors turned over. Distributors who purchase our product for personal consumption or for short term weight loss or income goals may stay with us for several months to one year. Supervisors who have committed time and effort to build a sales organization generally stay for longer periods. We rely on certifications from the selling distributors as to the amount and source of product sales to other distributors which are not directly verifiable by us. In order to increase retailing of our products, we have modified our requalification criteria to provide that any distributor that earns at least 4,000 volume points in any 12-month period can requalify as a supervisor and retain a discount of 50% from suggested retail prices, but will forfeit their distributor organization and associated earnings. For a supervisor to requalify and retain their distributor organization and associated earnings, they need to earn 4,000 volume points in one month or 2,500 volume points in two consecutive months.
**  In 2004 certain modifications were made to the re-qualification criteria resulting in approximately 19,000 additional supervisors, including approximately 9,000 related to a change in the business model in Russia.
Distributor earnings
      Distributor earnings are derived from several sources. First, distributors may earn profits by purchasing our products at wholesale prices, which are discounted 25% to 50% from suggested retail prices, depending on the distributors’ level within our distributor network, and selling our products to retail customers or to other distributors. Second, distributors who sponsor other distributors and establish their own sales organizations may earn (a) royalty overrides, 15% of product retail sales in the aggregate, (b) production bonuses, 7% of product retail sales in the aggregate and (c) the Mark Hughes bonus, 1% of product retail sales in the aggregate. Royalty overrides together with the distributor allowances represent the potential earnings to distributors of up to approximately 73% of retail sales.
      Under the regulations recently published by the Government of China, direct selling companies will be limited to the payment of gross compensation to direct sellers of 30% of the revenue they generate through their own sales of products to consumers. The Company will incur substantial ongoing additional costs relating to the inclusion in the China business model of company operated retail stores, employed sales management personnel and company provided training and certification procedures for sales personnel, features not common elsewhere in our business model.
      Distributors earn the right to receive royalty overrides upon attaining the level of supervisor and above, and production bonuses upon attaining the level of Global Expansion Team and above. Once a distributor becomes a supervisor, he or she has an incentive to qualify, by earning specified amounts of royalty overrides, as a member of the Global Expansion Team, the Millionaire Team or the President’s Team, and thereby receive production bonuses of up to 7%. We believe that the right of distributors to earn royalty overrides and production bonuses contributes significantly to our ability to retain our most productive distributors.

63


Table of Contents

      As noted above, our compensation plan offers distributors opportunities to achieve higher levels of potential earnings up to ultimately 73% of retail sales, through a combination of royalty overrides and distributor allowances. Each distributor’s success is dependent on two primary factors: the time, effort and commitment a distributor puts into his or her Herbalife business and the product sales made by a distributor and his or her sales organization.
      The following table summarizes supervisor payouts in 2004:
                 
    Number of   Estimated Average Annual
    Individuals   Earnings in 2004
         
Chairman’s Club
    24     $ 1,970,000  
President’s Team
    762       313,000  
All Supervisors
    201,100       6,500  
      Many of our non-supervisor distributors join Herbalife to obtain a 25% discount on our products and become a discount consumer or merely have a part-time income goal in mind. Consequently, non-supervisor earnings tend to be relatively low and are not tracked by the Company.
Distributor motivation and training
      We believe that motivation and training are key elements in distributor success and that we and our distributor supervisors have established a consistent schedule of events to support these needs. We and our distributor leadership conduct thousands of training sessions annually on local, regional and global levels to educate and motivate our distributors. Every month, there are hundreds of one-day Success Training Seminars held throughout the world. Twice a year, in each major territory or region, there is a three-day World Team School typically attended by 2,000 to 10,000 distributors. In addition, once a year in each region, we host an Extravaganza at which our distributors from around the world can come to learn about new products, expand their skills and celebrate their success. In 2004 we held Extravaganzas in Nashville, Barcelona, Bangkok, Mexico City and Sao Paulo, attended by more than 61,000 of our distributors. In 2005 we conducted a worldwide extravaganza, in celebration of the Company’s 25th anniversary, in Atlanta where more than 34,000 distributors attended. Additional regional events will be held in 2005 in Mexico City, Sao Paulo and Japan.
      In addition to these training sessions, we have our own “Herbalife Broadcast Network” that we use to provide distributors continual training and the most current product and marketing information. The Herbalife Broadcast Network can be seen on the internet.
      Distributor reward and recognition is a significant factor in motivating our distributors. Each year, we invest over $40 million in regional and worldwide promotions to motivate our distributors to achieve and exceed both sales and recruiting goals. Examples of our worldwide promotions are our 25th Anniversary Cruise that will took place in April 2005, under which distributors qualified to receive a cruise vacation, and our Atlanta Challenge, under which distributors earned rewards for exceeding their prior year base-line performance. In Atlanta the Company introduced a Worldwide Cup Promotion that is the primary promotion for 2005.

64


Table of Contents

Geographic Presence
      As of September 30, 2005, we conducted business in 60 countries located in the Americas, Europe, Asia/Pacific Rim (excluding Japan) and Japan. The following charts sets forth the countries we have opened and currently operate in as of September 30, 2005, the year in which we commenced operations in those countries and net sales information by region for the past three fiscal years.
                                 
    Year       Year       Year
Country   Entered   Country   Entered   Country   Entered
                     
Europe*
          The Americas           Asia/Pacific Rim and Japan
United Kingdom
    1984     USA     1980     Australia     1983  
Spain
    1989     Canada     1982     New Zealand     1988  
Israel
    1989     Mexico     1989     Japan     1989  
France
    1990     Venezuela     1994     Hong Kong     1992  
Germany
    1990     Dominican Republic     1994     Philippines     1994  
Portugal
    1992     Argentina     1994     Taiwan     1995  
Czech Republic
    1992     Brazil     1995     Korea (South)     1996  
Italy
    1992     Chile     1997     Thailand     1997  
Netherlands
    1993     Jamaica     1999     Indonesia     1998  
Belgium
    1994     Panama     2000     India     1999  
Poland
    1994     Colombia     2001     China     2001  
Denmark
    1994     Bolivia     2004     Macau     2002  
Sweden
    1994                 Singapore     2003  
Russia
    1995                          
Austria
    1995                          
Switzerland
    1995                          
South Africa
    1995                          
Norway
    1995                          
Finland
    1995                          
Greece
    1996                          
Turkey
    1998                          
Botswana
    1998                          
Lesotho
    1998                          
Namibia
    1998                          
Swaziland
    1998                          
Iceland
    1999                          
Slovak Republic
    1999                          
Cyprus
    2000                          
Ireland
    2000                          
Croatia
    2001                          
Latvia
    2002                          
Ukraine
    2002                          
Estonia
    2003                          
Lithuania
    2003                          
Hungary
    2005                          
 
Europe includes Africa and Middle Eastern countries.

65


Table of Contents

                                         
    Year Ended December 31   Percent of   Number of Countries
        Total Net Sales   Open as of
Geographic region   2002   2003   2004   2004   September 30, 2005
                     
    (In millions)        
The Americas
  $ 424.3     $ 424.4     $ 468.2       35.8 %     12  
Europe
    342.7       448.2       536.2       40.9       35  
Asia/Pacific Rim (excluding Japan)
    185.5       167.5       206.5       15.8       12  
Japan
    141.2       119.3       98.8       7.5       1  
                               
Total
  $ 1,093.7     $ 1,159.4     $ 1,309.7       100.0 %     60  
                               
      Over the most recent five years, the top six countries of each year have gone from representing approximately 69.9% of net sales in 2000 to 51.4% of net sales in 2004.
      After entering a new country, we in many instances experience an initial period of rapid growth in sales as new distributors are recruited, followed by a decline in sales. We believe that a significant factor affecting these markets is the opening of other new markets within the same geographic region or with the same or similar language or cultural bases. Some distributors then tend to focus their attention on the business opportunities provided by these newer markets instead of developing their established sales organizations in existing markets. Additionally, in some instances, we have become aware that certain sales in certain existing markets were attributable to purchasers who distributed our products in countries that had not yet been opened. When these countries were opened, the sales in existing markets shifted to the newly opened markets, resulting in a decline in sales in the existing markets. To the extent we decide to open new markets in the future, we will continue to seek to minimize the impact on distributor focus in existing markets and to ensure that adequate distributor support services and other Herbalife systems are in place to support growth.
Manufacturing and Distribution
      All of our weight management, nutritional and personal care products are manufactured for us by third party manufacturing companies, with the exception of products distributed in and sourced from China where we have our own manufacturing facility. We source our products from multiple manufacturers, with our top three suppliers accounting for approximately 37% of our product purchases for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. In addition, each of our products can be made available from a secondary vendor if necessary. We work closely with our vendors in an effort to achieve the highest quality standards and product availability. We also have our own quality control lab in which we routinely test products received from vendors. We have established excellent relationships with our manufacturers and have obtained improvements in supply services, product quality and product delivery. Historically, we have not been subject to material price increases by our suppliers, and we believe that in the event of price increases, we have the ability to respond to a portion of the price increases by raising the prices of our products. We own the proprietary formulations for substantially all of our weight management products and dietary and nutritional supplements.
      In order to coordinate and manage the manufacturing of our products, we utilize a significant demand planning and forecasting process that is directly tied to our production planning and purchasing systems. Using this sophisticated planning software and process allows us to balance our inventory levels to provide exceptional service to distributors while minimizing working capital and inventory obsolescence. We maintain a monthly forecast accuracy of better than 80%, which facilitates the above planning process.
      Our global distribution system features centralized distribution and telephone ordering systems coupled with storefront distributor service centers. Our major distribution warehouses have been automated with “pick-to-light” picking systems which consistently deliver over 99.5% order accuracy and handling systems that provide for inspection of every shipment before it is sent to delivery. Shipping and processing standards for orders placed are either the same day or the following business day. We have central sales ordering facilities for answering and processing telephone orders. Operators at such centers are capable of conversing in multiple languages.

66


Table of Contents

      Our products are distributed to foreign markets either from the facilities of our manufacturers or from our Los Angeles and Venray, Netherlands distribution centers. Products are distributed in the United States market from our Los Angeles distribution center, our Memphis distribution center or from our Dallas sales center. Nutrition products manufactured in countries globally are generally transported by truck, cargo ship or plane to our international markets and are warehoused in either one of our foreign distribution centers or a contracted third party warehouse and distribution center. After arrival of the products in a foreign market, distributors purchase the products from the local distribution center or the associated sales center. Our Outer Nutrition® products are predominantly manufactured in Europe and the United States. The products manufactured in Europe are shipped to a centralized warehouse facility, from which delivery by truck, ship or plane to other international markets occurs.
Product Return and Buy-Back Policies
      In most markets, our products include a customer satisfaction guarantee. Under this guarantee, within 30 days of purchase, any customer who is not satisfied with an Herbalife product for any reason may return it or any unused portion of it to the distributor from whom it was purchased for a full refund from the distributor or credit toward the purchase of another Herbalife product. If they return the products to us on a timely basis, distributors may obtain replacements from us for such returned products. In addition, in most jurisdictions, we maintain a buy-back program, pursuant to which we will repurchase products sold to a distributor provided that the distributor resigns as an Herbalife distributor, returns the product in marketable condition generally within twelve months of original purchase and meets certain documentation and other requirements. We believe this buy-back policy addresses a number of the regulatory compliance issues pertaining to network marketing, in that it offers monetary protection to distributors who want to exit the business.
      Historically, product returns and buy-backs have not been significant and have been steadily declining over these reporting periods. Product returns, refunds and buy-back expenses approximated 2.4%, 1.9%, 1.1%, 0.9% of retail sales in 2002, 2003, 2004 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, respectively.
Management Information, Internet and Telecommunication Systems
      In order to facilitate our continued growth and support distributor activities, we continually upgrade our management information, internet and telecommunication systems. These systems include: (1) a centralized host computer managed by Hewlett Packard in Colorado, which is linked to our international markets through a dedicated wide area network that provides on-line, real-time computer connectivity and access; (2) local area networks of personal computers within our markets, serving our regional administrative staffs; (3) an international e-mail system through which our employees communicate; (4) a standardized Northern Telecom Meridian telecommunication system in most of our markets; (5) a fully integrated Oracle supply chain management system that has been installed in our distribution centers; and (6) internet websites to provide a variety of online services for distributors (status of qualifications, meeting announcements, product information, application forms, educational materials and, in the United States, sales ordering capabilities). These systems are designed to provide financial and operating data for management, timely and accurate product ordering, royalty override payment processing, inventory management and detailed distributor records. We intend to continue to invest in our systems in order to strengthen our operating platform.
Regulation
      General. In both our United States and foreign markets, we are affected by extensive laws, governmental regulations, administrative determinations, court decisions and similar constraints. Such laws, regulations and other constraints exist at the federal, state or local levels in the United States and at all levels of government in foreign jurisdictions, including regulations pertaining to: (1) the formulation, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, distribution, importation, sale and storage of our products; (2) product claims and advertising, including direct claims and advertising by us, as well as claims and advertising by distributors, for which we may be held responsible; (3) our network marketing program; (4) transfer pricing and similar regulations that affect the level of U.S. and foreign taxable income and customs duties; and (5) taxation of

67


Table of Contents

distributors (which in some instances may impose an obligation on us to collect the taxes and maintain appropriate records).
      Products. In the United States, the formulation, manufacturing, packaging, storing, labeling, promotion, advertising, distribution and sale of our products are subject to regulation by various governmental agencies, including (1) the FDA, (2) the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”), (3) the Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”), (4) the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”), (5) the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), (6) the United States Postal Service, (7) United States Customs and Border Protection, and (8) the Drug Enforcement Administration. Our activities also are regulated by various agencies of the states, localities and foreign countries in which our products are manufactured, distributed and sold. The FDA, in particular, regulates the formulation, manufacture and labeling of conventional foods, dietary supplements, cosmetics and over-the-counter (“OTC”) drugs, such as those distributed by us. FDA regulations require us and our suppliers to meet relevant current good manufacturing practice (“cGMP”) regulations for the preparation, packing and storage of foods and OTC drugs. On March 7, 2003, the FDA released for comment its proposed cGMP’s for dietary supplements. If the FDA issues the final cGMPs for dietary supplements in 2005, as the FDA’s former Commissioner now expects, we will have up to one year to ensure compliance. We expect to see an increase in certain manufacturing costs as a result of the necessary increase in testing of raw ingredients and finished products and compliance with higher quality standards.
      Most OTC drugs are subject to FDA Monographs that establish labeling and composition for these products. Our products must comply with these Monographs, and our manufacturers must list all products with the FDA and follow cGMP. Our cosmetic products are regulated for safety by the FDA, which requires that ingredients meet industry standards for non-allergenicity and non-toxicity. Performance claims for cosmetics may not be “therapeutic.”
      The U.S. 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (“DSHEA”) revised the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (“FFDCA”) concerning the composition and labeling of dietary supplements and, we believe, is generally favorable to the dietary supplement industry. The legislation created a new statutory class of dietary supplements. This new class includes vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids and other dietary substances for human use to supplement the diet, and the legislation grandfathers, with some limitations, dietary ingredients that were on the market before October 15, 1994. A dietary supplement that contains a dietary ingredient that was not on the market before October 15, 1994 will require evidence of a history of use or other evidence of safety establishing that it is reasonably expected to be safe. Manufacturers or marketers of dietary supplements in the United States and certain other jurisdictions that make product performance claims, including structure or function claims, must have substantiation in their possession that the statements are truthful and not misleading. The majority of the products marketed by us in the United States are classified as conventional foods or dietary supplements under the FFDCA. Internationally, the majority of products marketed by us are classified as foods or food supplements.
      In January 2000, the FDA a issued a regulation that defines the types of statements that can be made concerning the effect of a dietary supplement on the structure or function of the body pursuant to DSHEA. Under DSHEA, dietary supplement labeling may bear structure or function claims, which are claims that the products affect the structure or function of the body, without prior FDA approval, but with notification to the FDA. They may not bear a claim that they can prevent, treat, cure, mitigate or diagnose disease (a disease claim). The regulation describes how the FDA distinguishes disease claims from structure or function claims. During 2004 the FDA issued a guidance, paralleling an earlier guidance from the FTC, defining a manufacturers obligations to substantiate structure/function claims. The FDA also issued a Structure/Function Claims Small Entity Compliance Guide. In addition, the agency permits companies to use FDA-approved full and qualified health claims for products containing specific ingredients that meet stated requirements.
      As a marketer of dietary and nutritional supplements and other products that are ingested by consumers, we are subject to the risk that one or more of the ingredients in our products may become the subject of regulatory action. A number of states restricted the sale of dietary supplements containing botanical sources of ephedrine alkaloids. As a result of these state regulations, we stopped sales of its dietary supplements

68


Table of Contents

containing botanical sources of ephedrine alkaloids due to a shift in consumer preference for “ephedra free products” and a significant increase in products liability insurance premiums for products containing botanical sources of ephedrine group alkaloids. On December 31, 2002, we ceased sales of Thermojetics® original green herbal tablets containing ephedrine alkaloids derived from Chinese Ma huang, as well as Thermojetics® green herbal tablets and Thermojetics® gold herbal tablets (the latter two containing the herb Sida cordifolia which is another botanical source of ephedrine alkaloids). On February 6, 2004, the FDA published a rule finding that dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids present an unreasonable risk of illness or injury under conditions of use recommended or suggested in the labeling of the product, or, if no conditions of use are suggested in the labeling, under ordinary conditions of use, and are therefore adulterated.
      The FDA has on record a small number of reports of adverse reactions allegedly resulting from the ingestion of our Thermojetics® original green tablet. These reports are among thousands of reports of adverse reactions to these products sold by other companies.
      As a further outgrowth of the FDA ephedra safety review, the FDA, in January 2004, announced that it would undertake a review of the safety of the herb Citrus aurantium. We had previously used Citrus aurantium in the ShapeWorks total control and Thermojetics® green ephedra free dietary supplements sold in the United States and in a number of international markets. Unconfirmed reports of “serious” adverse events, reportedly associated with Citrus aurantium, were disclosed by the FDA to the New York Times during April 2004. Under the Freedom of Information Act, we obtained a copy of those anecdotal serious adverse event reports. No Herbalife dietary supplement containing Citrus aurantium was cited by the FDA. Indeed, many cited products from other companies did not even contain Citrus aurantium. Nonetheless, we decided to reformulate our products and within the United States no longer market dietary supplements containing Citrus aurantium. Internationally, due to longer product registration lead times, we are in the process of reformulating our foreign products containing Citrus aurantium and expect to complete such reformulation by the end of 2006.
      The FDA’s decision to ban ephedra triggered a significant reaction by the national media, some of whom are calling for the repeal or amendment of DSHEA. These media view supposed “weaknesses” within DSHEA as the underlying reason why ephedra was allowed to remain on the market. We have been advised that DSHEA opponents in Congress may use this anti-DSHEA momentum to advance existing or new legislation during the 109th Congress to amend or repeal DSHEA. We currently expect to see the following: (1) calls for mandatory reporting of serious adverse event reports for supplements; (2) premarket approval for safety and effectiveness of dietary ingredients; (3) specific premarket review of dietary ingredient stimulants that are and will be used to replace ephedra; (4) reversal of the burden of proof standard which now rests on the FDA; and (5) a redefining of “dietary ingredient” to remove either botanicals or selected classes of ingredients now treated as dietary ingredients.
      On September 16, 2002, the FDA changed its policies for notifying companies of anecdotal adverse event reports for dietary supplements. Since then, to date we have received seven anecdotal special nutritional adverse events reports from the FDA. These anecdotal special nutritional adverse events consisted of an allegation of behavioral change, a reported seizure, two cases of unspecified medical problems, two cardiac problems, and an allegation of death. These adverse events occurred following the use of varying, sometimes unspecified, Herbalife products, including two products no longer sold by Herbalife, Thermojetics Original Green and Thermojetics Gold dietary supplements, both of which contained ephedrine alkaloids. The incidents occurred within varying intervals of time following the reported use of Herbalife products. In one case of a reported unspecified medical problem, the Herbalife products were taken in combination with a drug known as warfarin. The single alleged death occurred six weeks after the reported consumption of Herbalife Relax Now and Total Control dietary supplements. Two of the adverse events involved women in their fifties who suffered cardiac incidents, one of whom reportedly suffered a heart attack after claiming to have ingested a daily intake of approximately 2-3 tablets a day of the now discontinued Thermojetics Gold dietary supplement for more than a year. As a result of our receipt of adverse event reports we may from time to time elect or be required to remove a product from a market, either permanently or temporarily. We are in the process of refining our processes for gathering and reporting “serious” dietary supplement adverse event

69


Table of Contents

reports in those markets where such reporting is required. Currently, this process is managed by our Medical Affairs department in collaboration with Distributor Relations Call Centers.
      On March 7, 2003, the FDA proposed a new regulation to require current good manufacturing practices affecting the manufacture, packing, and holding of dietary supplements. The proposed regulation would establish standards to ensure that dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are not adulterated with contaminants or impurities, and are labeled to accurately reflect the active ingredients and other ingredients in the products. It also includes proposed requirements for designing and constructing physical plants, establishing quality control procedures, and testing manufactured dietary ingredients and dietary supplements, as well as proposed requirements for maintaining records and for handling consumer complaints related to cGMPs. We are evaluating this proposal with respect to its potential impact upon the various contract manufacturers that we use to manufacture our products, some of whom might not meet the new standards. It is important to note that the proposed regulation, in an effort to limit disruption, includes a three-year phase-in for small businesses of any final regulation that is issued. This will mean that some of our contract manufacturers will not be fully impacted by the proposed regulation until at least 2008. However, the proposed regulation can be expected to result in additional costs and possibly the need to seek alternate suppliers.
      In December 1999, we introduced a new line of weight management products that are suitable for diets that are high in protein and low in carbohydrates. The line, which consists of eight nutritionally balanced high-protein products that are also low in carbohydrates, is called the HPLC Program. To date the FDA has not authorized the use of a low carbohydrate claim on the label of individual food products, and therefore, we have not made such a claim on the label of any of the eight products that together comprise our HPLC Program. We believe, however, that it is permissible to accurately describe the entire program as one that is suitable for a diet that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, and we have elected to do so by virtue of the name that we have selected for this weight management program.
      Some of the products marketed by us are considered conventional foods and are currently labeled as such. Within the United States, this category of products is subject to the Nutrition, Labeling and Education Act (“NLEA”), and regulations promulgated under the NLEA. The NLEA regulates health claims, ingredient labeling and nutrient content claims characterizing the level of a nutrient in the product. The ingredients added to conventional foods must either be generally recognized as safe by experts (“GRAS”) or be approved as food additives under FDA regulations.
      In foreign markets, prior to commencing operations and prior to making or permitting sales of our products in the market, we may be required to obtain an approval, license or certification from the relevant country’s ministry of health or comparable agency. Where a formal approval, license or certification is not required, we nonetheless seek a favorable opinion of counsel regarding our compliance with applicable laws. Prior to entering a new market in which a formal approval, license or certificate is required, we work extensively with local authorities in order to obtain the requisite approvals. The approval process generally requires us to present each product and product ingredient to appropriate regulators and, in some instances, arrange for testing of products by local technicians for ingredient analysis. The approvals may be conditioned on reformulation of our products, or may be unavailable with respect to some products or some ingredients. Product reformulation or the inability to introduce some products or ingredients into a particular market may have an adverse effect on sales. We must also comply with product labeling and packaging regulations that vary from country to country. Our failure to comply with these regulations can result in a product being removed from sale in a particular market, either temporarily or permanently.
      In 2005, Herbalife voluntarily elected to temporarily withdraw its Sesame & Herb tablet product from the Israeli market. This product, which has been on the market since 1989, is sold only in Israel. Herbalife’s voluntary decision to temporarily withdraw this product accompanied the initiation of a review by the Israeli Ministry of Health of anecdotal case reports of individuals having varying liver conditions when it was reported that a small number of these individuals had consumed Herbalife products. Herbalife scientists and medical doctors are closely cooperating with the Ministry of Health to facilitate this review.
      The FTC, which exercises jurisdiction over the advertising of all of our products, has in the past several years instituted enforcement actions against several dietary supplement companies and against manufacturers

70


Table of Contents

of weight loss products generally for false and misleading advertising of some of their products. These enforcement actions have often resulted in consent decrees and monetary payments by the companies involved. In addition, the FTC has increased its scrutiny of the use of testimonials, which we also utilize, as well as the role of expert endorsers and product clinical studies. Although we have not been the target of FTC enforcement action for the advertising of our products, we cannot be sure that the FTC, or comparable foreign agencies, will not question our advertising or other operations in the future. It is unclear whether the FTC will subject our advertisements to increased surveillance to ensure compliance with the principles set forth in the guide.
      In Europe, a pending EU Health Claim regulation, now being discussed within the European Parliament, could, if enacted, have an adverse effect on existing product “wellness,” “well-being” and “good for you” claims presently made on existing product labeling, literature and advertising. We and our industry allies are vigorously working to address this pending debate in ongoing discussion with Parliamentarians and the European Commission.
      In some countries, regulations applicable to the activities of our distributors also may affect our business because in some countries we are, or regulators may assert that we are, responsible for our distributors’ conduct. In these countries, regulators may request or require that we take steps to ensure that our distributors comply with local regulations. The types of regulated conduct include: (1) representations concerning our products; (2) income representations made by us and/or distributors; (3) public media advertisements, which in foreign markets may require prior approval by regulators; and (4) sales of products in markets in which the products have not been approved, licensed or certified for sale.
      In some markets, it is possible that improper product claims by distributors could result in our products being reviewed by regulatory authorities and, as a result, being classified or placed into another category as to which stricter regulations are applicable. In addition, we might be required to make labeling changes.
      We are unable to predict the nature of any future laws, regulations, interpretations or applications, nor can we predict what effect additional governmental regulations or administrative orders, when and if promulgated, would have on our business in the future. They could, however, require: (1) the reformulation of some products not capable of being reformulated; (2) imposition of additional record keeping requirements; (3) expanded documentation of the properties of some products; (4) expanded or different labeling; (5) additional scientific substantiation regarding product ingredients, safety or usefulness; and/or (6) additional distributor compliance surveillance and enforcement action by us.
      Any or all of these requirements could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. All of our officers and directors are subject to a permanent injunction issued in October 1986 pursuant to the settlement of an action instituted by the California Attorney General, the State Health Director and the Santa Cruz County District Attorney. We consented to the entry of this injunction without in any way admitting the allegations of the complaint. The injunction prevents us and our officers and directors from making specified claims in future advertising of our products and required us to implement some documentation systems with respect to payments to our distributors. At the same time, the injunction does not prevent us from continuing to make specified claims concerning our products that have been made and are being made, provided that we have a reasonable basis for making the claims.
      We are aware that, in some of our international markets, there has been recent adverse publicity concerning products that contain ingredients that have been genetically modified (“GM”). In some markets, the possibility of health risks or perceived consumer preference thought to be associated with GM ingredients has prompted proposed or actual governmental regulation. For example, the European Union has adopted a EC Regulation 1829/2003 affecting the labeling of products containing ingredients that have been genetically modified, and the documents manufacturers and marketers will need to possess to ensure “traceability’ at all steps in the chain of production and distribution. This new regulation, which took effect in 2004, has been implemented by us and our contract manufacturers, resulting in modifications to our labeling, and in some instances, to some of our foods and food supplements sold in Europe. Differing GM regulations affecting us also have been adopted in Brazil, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. We cannot anticipate the extent to which future regulations in our markets will restrict the use of GM ingredients in our products or the impact of

71


Table of Contents

any regulations on our business in those markets. In response to any applicable regulations, we would, where practicable, attempt to reformulate our products to satisfy the regulations. We believe, based upon currently available information, that compliance with regulatory requirements in this area should not have a material adverse effect on us or our business. However, because publicity and governmental scrutiny of GM ingredients is a relatively new and evolving area, there can be no assurance in this regard. If a significant number of our products were found to be genetically modified and regulations in our markets significantly restricted the use of GM ingredients in our products, our business could be materially adversely affected.
      In addition, in certain of our markets, there has been recent adverse regulatory and press attention to ingredients that may cause what is commonly referred to as mad cow disease (“BSE”). Certain of our products contain ingredients derived from bovine sources. We are not aware of any infection or contamination of any of our products by BSE. Should any such infection or contamination be detected, it could have a material adverse effect on our business. Additionally, if governments preclude importation of products from the U.S. containing bovine-derived ingredients, it could adversely impact product availability and/or future price. Further, even if no such infection or contamination is detected, adverse publicity concerning the BSE risk, or governmental or regulatory developments aimed at combating the risk of BSE contamination by regulating bovine products and/or by-products, could have a material adverse effect on our business.
      We are also in the process of complying with recent regulations within the European Union, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan and Thailand affecting the use and/or labeling of irradiated raw ingredients. To date, we have dealt with irradiation compliance questions involving three products sold in the Netherlands and one product sold in Switzerland.
      Compliance with GM, BSE and irradiation regulations can be expected to increase the cost of manufacturing certain of our products.
      Network marketing program. Our network marketing program is subject to a number of federal and state regulations administered by the FTC and various state agencies as well as regulations in foreign markets administered by foreign agencies. Regulations applicable to network marketing organizations generally are directed at ensuring that product sales ultimately are made to consumers and that advancement within our organization is based on sales of the organization’s products rather than investments in the organization’s or other non-retail sales related criteria. For instance, in some markets, there are limits on the extent to which distributors may earn royalty overrides on sales generated by distributors that were not directly sponsored by the distributor. When required by law, we obtain regulatory approval of our network marketing program or, when this approval is not required, the favorable opinion of local counsel as to regulatory compliance. Nevertheless, we remain subject to the risk that, in one or more markets, our marketing system could be found not to be in compliance with applicable regulations. Failure by us to comply with these regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business in a particular market or in general.
      We also are subject to the risk of private party challenges to the legality of our network marketing program. For example, in Webster v. Omnitrition International, Inc., 79 F.3d 776 (9th Cir. 1996), the multi-level marketing program of Omnitrition International, Inc. (“Omnitrition”) was successfully challenged in a class action by Omnitrition distributors who alleged that Omnitrition was operating an illegal “pyramid scheme” in violation of federal and state laws. We believe that our network marketing program satisfies the standards set forth in the Omnitrition case and other applicable statutes and case law defining a legal marketing system, in part based upon significant differences between our marketing system and that described in the Omnitrition case.
      Herbalife International and certain of its independent distributors have been named as defendants in a purported class action lawsuit filed February 17, 2005, in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, and served on Herbalife International on March 14, 2005 (Minton v. Herbalife International, et al). The case has been transferred to the Los Angeles County Superior Court. The plaintiff is challenging the marketing practices of certain Herbalife International independent distributors and Herbalife International under various state laws prohibiting “endless chain schemes,” insufficient disclosure in assisted marketing plans, unfair and deceptive business practices, and fraud and deceit. The plaintiff alleges that the Freedom Group system operated by certain independent distributors of Herbalife International products places too

72


Table of Contents

much emphasis on recruiting and encourages excessively large purchases of product and promotional materials by distributors. The plaintiff also alleges that Freedom Group pressured distributors to disseminate misleading promotional materials. The plaintiff seeks to hold Herbalife International vicariously liable for the actions of its independent distributors and is seeking damages and injunctive relief. The Company believes that we have meritorious defenses to the suit.
      Herbalife International and certain of its distributors have been named as defendants in a purported class action lawsuit filed July 16, 2003, in the Circuit Court of Ohio County in the State of West Virginia (Mey v. Herbalife International, Inc., et al). Herbalife International had removed the lawsuit to federal court and the court remanded the lawsuit to state court. The complaint alleges that certain telemarketing practices of certain Herbalife International distributors violate the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (the “TCPA”) and seeks to hold Herbalife International liable for the practices of its distributors. More specifically, the plaintiffs’ complaint alleges that several of Herbalife’s distributors used pre-recorded telephone messages and autodialers to contact prospective customers in violation of the TCPA’s prohibition of such practices. Herbalife’s distributors are independent contractors and, if any such distributors in fact violated the TCPA, they also violated Herbalife’s policies, which require its distributors to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws. We believe that we have meritorious defenses to the suit.
      We are also subject to the risk of private party challenges to the legality of our network marketing program outside of the United States. Non-U.S. multi-level marketing programs of other companies have been successfully challenged in the past, and in a current lawsuit, allegations have been made challenging the legality of our network marketing program in Belgium. Test Ankoop-Test Achat, a Belgian consumer protection organization, sued Herbalife International Belgium, S.V. (“HIB”) on August 26, 2004, alleging that HIB violated Article 84 of the Belgian Fair Trade Practices Act by engaging in pyramid selling, i.e., establishing a network of professional or non-professional sales people who hope to make a profit more through the expansion of that network rather than through the sale of products to end-consumers. Currently, the lawsuit is in the pleading stage, and the plaintiffs filed their initial brief on September 27, 2005. An adverse judicial determination with respect to our network marketing program, or in proceedings not involving us directly but which challenge the legality of multi-level marketing systems, in Belgium or in any other market in which we operate, could negatively impact our business.
      It is an ongoing part of our business to monitor and respond to regulatory and legal developments, including those that may affect our network marketing program. However, the regulatory requirements concerning network marketing programs do not include bright line rules and are inherently fact-based. An adverse judicial determination with respect to our network marketing program could have a material adverse effect on our business. An adverse determination could: (1) require us to make modifications to our network marketing program, (2) result in negative publicity or (3) have a negative impact on distributor morale. In addition, adverse rulings by courts in any proceedings challenging the legality of multi-level marketing systems, even in those not involving us directly, could have a material adverse effect on our operations.
      Transfer pricing and similar regulations. In many countries, including the United States, we are subject to transfer pricing and other tax regulations designed to ensure that appropriate levels of income are reported as earned by our U.S. or local entities and are taxed accordingly. In addition, our operations are subject to regulations designed to ensure that appropriate levels of customs duties are assessed on the importation of our products.
      Although we believe that we are in substantial compliance with all applicable regulations and restrictions, we are subject to the risk that governmental authorities could audit our transfer pricing and related practices and assert that additional taxes are owed. For example, we are currently subject to pending or proposed audits that are at various levels of review, assessment or appeal in a number of jurisdictions involving transfer pricing issues, income taxes, duties, value added taxes, withholding taxes and related interest and penalties in material amounts. In some circumstances, additional taxes, interest and penalties have been assessed, and we will be required to appeal or litigate to reverse the assessments. We have taken advice from our tax advisors, and the company believes that there are substantial defenses to the allegations that additional taxes are owing, and we

73


Table of Contents

are vigorously defending against the imposition of additional proposed taxes. The ultimate resolution of these matters may take several years, and the outcome is uncertain.
      In the event that the audits or assessments are concluded adversely to us, we may or may not be able to offset or mitigate the consolidated effect of foreign income tax assessments through the use of U.S. foreign tax credits. Currently, we anticipate utilizing the majority of our foreign tax credits in the year in which they arise with the unused amount carried forward. Because the laws and regulations governing U.S. foreign tax credits are complex and subject to periodic legislative amendment, we cannot be sure that we would in fact be able to take advantage of any foreign tax credits in the future. As a result, adverse outcomes in these matters could have a material impact on our financial condition and operating results.
      Other regulations. We also are subject to a variety of other regulations in various foreign markets, including regulations pertaining to social security assessments, employment and severance pay requirements, import/export regulations and antitrust issues. As an example, in many markets, we are substantially restricted in the amount and types of rules and termination criteria that we can impose on distributors without having to pay social security assessments on behalf of the distributors and without incurring severance obligations to terminated distributors. In some countries, we may be subject to these obligations in any event.
      Our failure to comply with these regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business in a particular market or in general. Assertions that we failed to comply with regulations or the effect of adverse regulations in one market could adversely affect us in other markets as well by causing increased regulatory scrutiny in those other markets or as a result of the negative publicity generated in those other markets.
      Compliance procedures. As indicated above, Herbalife, our products and our network marketing program are subject, both directly and indirectly through distributors’ conduct, to numerous federal, state and local regulations, both in the United States and foreign markets. Beginning in 1985, we began to institute formal regulatory compliance measures by developing a system to identify specific complaints against distributors and to remedy any violations by distributors through appropriate sanctions, including warnings, suspensions and, when necessary, terminations. In our manuals, seminars and other training programs and materials, we emphasize that distributors are prohibited from making therapeutic claims for our products.
      Our general policy regarding acceptance of distributor applications from individuals who do not reside in one of our markets is to refuse to accept the individual’s distributor application. From time to time, exceptions to the policy are made on a country-by-country basis.
      In order to comply with regulations that apply to both us and our distributors, we conduct considerable research into the applicable regulatory framework prior to entering any new market to identify all necessary licenses and approvals and applicable limitations on our operations in that market. Typically, we conduct this research with the assistance of local legal counsel and other representatives. We devote substantial resources to obtaining the necessary licenses and approvals and bringing our operations into compliance with the applicable limitations. We also research laws applicable to distributor operations and revise or alter our distributor manuals and other training materials and programs to provide distributors with guidelines for operating a business, marketing and distributing our products and similar matters, as required by applicable regulations in each market. We, however, are unable to monitor our supervisors and distributors effectively to ensure that they refrain from distributing our products in countries where we have not commenced operations, and we do not devote significant resources to this type of monitoring.
      In addition, regulations in existing and new markets often are ambiguous and subject to considerable interpretive and enforcement discretion by the responsible regulators. Moreover, even when we believe that we and our distributors are initially in compliance with all applicable regulations, new regulations regularly are being added and the interpretation of existing regulations is subject to change. Further, the content and impact of regulations to which we are subject may be influenced by public attention directed at us, our products or our network marketing program, so that extensive adverse publicity about us, our products or our network marketing program may result in increased regulatory scrutiny.
      It is an ongoing part of our business to anticipate and respond to new and changing regulations and to make corresponding changes in our operations to the extent practicable. Although we devote considerable

74


Table of Contents

resources to maintaining our compliance with regulatory constraints in each of our markets, we cannot be sure that (1) we would be found to be in full compliance with applicable regulations in all of our markets at any given time or (2) the regulatory authorities in one or more markets will not assert, either retroactively or prospectively or both, that our operations are not in full compliance. These assertions or the effect of adverse regulations in one market could negatively affect us in other markets as well by causing increased regulatory scrutiny in those other markets or as a result of the negative publicity generated in those other markets. These assertions could have a material adverse effect on us in a particular market or in general. Furthermore, depending upon the severity of regulatory changes in a particular market and the changes in our operations that would be necessitated to maintain compliance, these changes could result in our experiencing a material reduction in sales in the market or determining to exit the market altogether. In this event, we would attempt to devote the resources previously devoted to the market to a new market or markets or other existing markets. However, we cannot be sure that this transition would not have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations either in the short or long-term.
Trademarks and Proprietary Formulas
      We use the umbrella trademarks Herbalife, Thermojetics, Dermajetics, and have several other trademarks and trade names registered in connection with our products and operations. Our trademark registrations are issued through the United States Patent and Trademark Office and in comparable agencies in the foreign countries. We consider our trademarks and trade names to be an important factor in our business. We also take care in protecting the intellectual property rights of our proprietary formulas by restricting access to our formulas within our Company to those persons or departments that require access to them to perform their functions, and by requiring our finished goods-suppliers and consultants to execute supply and non-disclosure agreements that seek to contractually protect our intellectual property rights in our proprietary products. For example, we are currently developing a new product in the energy supplement category for which we may seek (through our employees who invented this product) one or more patents for technological innovations inherent in the product, including the formulation as a whole. At the moment, this project and its elements remain the confidential trade secrets of us and our inventor-employees. However, despite our efforts, we may be unable to prevent third parties from infringing upon or misappropriating our proprietary rights.
Competition
      The business of marketing weight management and nutrition products is highly competitive. This market segment includes numerous manufacturers, distributors, marketers, retailers and physicians that actively compete for the business of consumers both in the United States and abroad. The market is highly sensitive to the introduction of new products or weight management plans, including various prescription drugs that may rapidly capture a significant share of the market. As a result, our ability to remain competitive depends in part upon the successful introduction of new products. In addition, we anticipate that we will be subject to increasing competition in the future from sellers that utilize electronic commerce. We cannot be sure of the impact of electronic commerce or that it will not adversely affect our business.
      We are subject to significant competition for the recruitment of distributors from other network marketing organizations, including those that market weight management products, nutritional supplements, and personal care products, as well as other types of products. Some of our competitors are substantially larger than we are, and have available considerably greater financial resources than we have. Our ability to remain competitive depends, in significant part, on our success in recruiting and retaining distributors through an attractive compensation plan and other incentives. We believe that our production bonus program, international sponsorship program and other compensation and incentive programs provide our distributors with significant earning potential. However, we cannot be sure that our programs for recruitment and retention of distributors will be successful.

75


Table of Contents

Employees
      As of September 30, 2005, we had 2,667 full-time employees. These numbers do not include our distributors, who are independent contractors rather than our employees. Except for some employees in Mexico and in some European countries, none of our employees are members of any labor union, and we have never experienced any business interruption as a result of any labor disputes.
Properties
      We lease all of our physical properties located in the United States. Our executive offices, located in Century City, California, include approximately 115,000 square feet of general office space under lease arrangements expiring in August 2007. We lease an aggregate of approximately 144,000 square feet of office space, computer facilities and conference rooms at the Operations Center in Inglewood, California, under a lease that expires in October 2006, and approximately 150,000 square feet of warehouse space in two separate facilities located in Los Angeles and Memphis. The Los Angeles and Memphis lease agreements have terms through June 2006 and August 2006, respectively. In Venray, Netherlands, we lease our European centralized warehouse of approximately 175,000 square feet. The lease expires in June 2007. We also lease warehouse, manufacturing plant and office space in a majority of our other geographic areas of operation. We believe that our existing facilities are adequate to meet our current requirements and that comparable space is readily available at each of these locations.
Legal Proceedings
      We are from time to time engaged in routine litigation. We regularly review all pending litigation matters in which we are involved and establish reserves deemed appropriate by management for these litigation matters when a probable loss estimate can be made.
      Herbalife International and certain of its independent distributors have been named as defendants in a purported class action lawsuit filed February 17, 2005, in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, and served on Herbalife International on March 14, 2005 (Minton v. Herbalife International, et al). The case has been transferred to the Los Angeles County Superior Court. The plaintiff is challenging the marketing practices of certain Herbalife International independent distributors and Herbalife International under various state laws prohibiting “endless chain schemes,” insufficient disclosure in assisted marketing plans, unfair and deceptive business practices, and fraud and deceit. The plaintiff alleges that the Freedom Group system operated by certain independent distributors of Herbalife International products places too much emphasis on recruiting and encourages excessively large purchases of product and promotional materials by distributors. The plaintiff also alleges that Freedom Group pressured distributors to disseminate misleading promotional materials. The plaintiff seeks to hold Herbalife International vicariously liable for the actions of its independent distributors and is seeking damages and injunctive relief. The Company believes that we have meritorious defenses to the suit.
      Herbalife International and certain of its distributors have been named as defendants in a purported class action lawsuit filed July 16, 2003, in the Circuit Court of Ohio County in the State of West Virginia (Mey v. Herbalife International, Inc., et al). The complaint alleges that certain telemarketing practices of certain Herbalife International distributors violate the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, or TCPA, and seeks to hold Herbalife International liable for the practices of its distributors. More specifically, the plaintiffs’ complaint alleges that several of Herbalife International’s distributors used pre-recorded telephone messages and autodialers to contact prospective customers in violation of the TCPA’s prohibition of such practices. Herbalife International’s distributors are independent contractors and, if any such distributors in fact violated the TCPA, they also violated Herbalife’s policies, which require its distributors to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws. We believe that we have meritorious defenses to the suit.
      As a marketer of dietary and nutritional supplements and other products that are ingested by consumers or applied to their bodies, we have been and are currently subjected to various product liability claims. The effects of these claims to date have not been material to us, and the reasonably possible range of exposure on currently existing claims is not material to us. We believe that we have meritorious defenses to the allegations

76


Table of Contents

contained in the lawsuits. We currently maintain product liability insurance with an annual deductible of $10 million.
      Certain of our subsidiaries have been subject to tax audits by governmental authorities in their respective countries. In certain of these tax audits, governmental authorities are proposing that significant amounts of additional taxes and related interest and penalties are due. We and our tax advisors believe that there are substantial defenses to their allegations that additional taxes are owing, and we are vigorously contesting the additional proposed taxes and related charges.
      These matters may take several years to resolve, and we cannot be sure of their ultimate resolution. However, it is the opinion of management that adverse outcomes, if any, will not likely result in a material effect on our financial condition and operating results. This opinion is based on our belief that any losses we suffer would not be material and that we have meritorious defenses. Although we have reserved an amount that we believe represents the likely outcome of the resolution of these disputes, if we are incorrect in our assessment we may have to pay the full amount assessed.

77


Table of Contents

MANAGEMENT
      Biographical information follows for each person who serves as a director and/or an executive officer of the Company. The table sets forth certain information regarding these individuals. Ages are as of November 3, 2005.
                 
            Director/
            Officer
Name   Age   Position with the Company   Since
             
Peter M. Castleman
  49   Chairman of the Board     2002  
Michael O. Johnson
  51   Chief Executive Officer, Director     2003  
Gregory Probert
  49   President, Chief Operating Officer     2003  
Richard Goudis
  44   Chief Financial Officer     2004  
Brett R. Chapman
  50   General Counsel     2003  
Leroy T. Barnes, Jr. 
  53   Director     2004  
Richard P. Bermingham
  66   Director     2004  
Kenneth J. Diekroeger
  43   Director     2002  
James H. Fordyce
  46   Director     2002  
Peter Maslen
  53   Director     2004  
Charles L. Orr
  62   Director     2002  
Jesse T. Rogers
  48   Director     2002  
John Tartol
  54   Director     2005  
Leon Waisbein
  38   Director     2005  
      Peter M. Castleman is the Chairman of our Board of Directors. Mr. Castleman is Managing Partner of Whitney, a position that he has held for more than a decade. Prior to joining Whitney over fifteen years ago, Mr. Castleman was with Morgan Stanley & Co. and prior to that with J.P. Morgan & Co., Inc. Mr. Castleman received his MBA from Harvard Business School and his undergraduate degree from Duke University. Mr. Castleman is currently a director of several private companies. He was previously a director of numerous other companies, including The North Face, Inc., Advance Paradigm, Eon Labs Inc., and Pharmanex, Inc.
      Michael O. Johnson is Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Johnson joined the Company in April 2003 after 17 years with The Walt Disney Company, where he most recently served as President of Walt Disney International, and also served as President of Asia Pacific for The Walt Disney Company and President of Buena Vista Home Entertainment. Mr. Johnson has also previously served as a publisher of Audio Times magazine, and has directed the regional sales efforts of Warner Amex Satellite Entertainment Company for three of its television channels, including MTV, Nickelodeon and The Movie Channel. Mr. Johnson is currently a director of Univision Communications, Inc., a television company serving Spanish-speaking Americans. Mr. Johnson received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Western State College.
      Gregory Probert is President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company. Mr. Probert joined the Company in August 2003, after serving as President and CEO of DMX MUSIC for over 2 years. Mr. Probert joined DMX MUSIC after serving as Chief Operating Officer of planetLingo from January 2000 to November 2000, where he led the team that designed and built the company’s first product, an online conversational system for the $20 billion ESL market in Japan. Immediately prior to planetLingo, Mr. Probert spent 12 years with The Walt Disney Company, where he most recently served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the $3.5 billion Buena Vista Home Entertainment worldwide business. Mr. Probert’s positions with The Walt Disney Company also included service as Executive Vice President and Managing Director of the International Home Video Division, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Asia Pacific Region, based in Hong Kong, and Chief Financial Officer of Buena Vista International, Disney’s theatrical distribution arm, among others. Mr. Probert received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Southern California and his MBA from California State University, Los Angeles.

78


Table of Contents

      Richard Goudis joined the Company in June 2004, as Chief Financial Officer. From 1998 to 2001, Mr. Goudis was the Chief Operating Officer of Rexall Sundown, a Nasdaq 100 company that was sold to Royal Numico in 2000. After the sale to Royal Numico, Mr. Goudis had operations responsibility for all of Royal Numico’s U.S. investments, including General Nutrition Centers, or GNC, Unicity International and Rexall Sundown. From 2002 to May 2004, Mr. Goudis was a partner at Flamingo Capital Partners, a firm he founded with several retired executives from Rexall Sundown. Prior to working at Rexall Sundown, Mr. Goudis worked at Sunbeam Corporation and Pratt & Whitney.
      Brett R. Chapman joined the Company in October 2003, as General Counsel and Secretary. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Chapman spent thirteen years at The Walt Disney Company, most recently as Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, with responsibility for all legal matters relating to Disney’s Media Networks Group, including the ABC Television Network, the company’s cable properties including The Disney Channel and ESPN, and Disney’s radio and internet businesses. Prior to working at The Walt Disney Company, Mr. Chapman was an associate at the law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. Mr. Chapman received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Business Administration from California State University, Northridge and his Juris Doctorate from Southwestern University School of Law.
      Leroy T. Barnes, Jr. is the retired Vice President and Treasurer of PG&E Corporation, a position he held from 2001 to 2005. From 1997 to 2001, Mr. Barnes was Vice President and Treasurer of Gap, Inc. Prior to that, Mr. Barnes was with Pacific Telesis Group/ SBC Communications and prior to that with UC Press. Earlier in his career, Mr. Barnes was a consultant at Deloitte & Touche. Mr. Barnes received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from Stanford University, and his MBA in Finance from Stanford Business School. Mr. Barnes is a member of the boards of directors of Longs Drug Stores, Inc., a retail drug store chain, the McClatchy Newspaper Company, Inc., a newspaper and Internet publisher, and Citizens Communications, Inc., a telecommunications-focused company.
      Richard P. Bermingham Mr. Bermingham, currently retired, has over 40 years of business experience. Mr. Bermingham was engaged in real estate development and investing activities as a private investor during the past several years. Mr. Bermingham was Chairman of the Board of Bermingham Investment Company from 1997 to 2004. From 1994 to 1997, Mr. Bermingham was the Vice Chairman of the Board of American Golf. Mr. Bermingham worked for Collins Food International, which was acquired by Sizzler International, Inc., from 1967 to 1994. He served as the Chief Executive Officer and a member of the board of directors of the publicly traded company for the period from 1987 to 1994. Mr. Bermingham currently serves on the boards of Jordano’s, Inc., Special Value Expansion Fund, LLC, Interactive Health, Inc. and Encanto Restaurants LLC, the latter two of which are companies controlled by Whitney or affiliates thereof. Additionally, Mr. Bermingham serves on the Advisory Board of Missouri River Plastics. Mr. Bermingham was a certified public accountant and received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Colorado.
      Kenneth J. Diekroeger is a Managing Director of Golden Gate Capital, a position he has held since its inception in 2000. From 1996 to 2000, Mr. Diekroeger was a managing director and partner with American Industrial Partners. Earlier in his career, Mr. Diekroeger was a consultant at Bain & Company. Mr. Diekroeger received his MBA from Stanford University and his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Stanford University. He is currently a director of several private companies.
      James H. Fordyce is a partner with certain Whitney-affiliated entities and has been with Whitney since July 1996. Prior to joining Whitney, Mr. Fordyce was with Heller Financial and prior to that with Chemical Bank. Mr. Fordyce received his MBA from Fordham University and his undergraduate degree from Lake Forest College. Mr. Fordyce currently is a director of several private companies.
      Peter Maslen is CEO of The Hanson Maslen Group, LLC, which he co-founded in 2003. From 1999 to 2003, he served as President of Starbucks Coffee International. Prior to that, he was President of Tricon Restaurants Central Europe, a spin-off from PepsiCo where he held senior management positions in Asia and Europe. Earlier, with Mars, Inc., Mr. Maslen held various leadership roles around the world.

79


Table of Contents

      Charles L. Orr is self-employed as an independent director and advisor to companies operating in the e-commerce, financial services and direct selling industries. From 1993 through 2000, Mr. Orr was President and CEO of Shaklee Corporation which included the brand names of Harry and David, Jackson and Perkins and Shaklee. From 2003 through 2005, Mr. Orr has served as the Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board for Swiss Medica, Inc., a Toronto-based bio-science marketing and distribution company. Mr. Orr served as a director of Provident Mutual Life Insurance Company from 1995 through 2002. His prior business affiliations include CIGNA, Continental Insurance, Federated Investors, RCA Computer Systems, Southwestern Life and Xerox. Mr. Orr received his MBA from the University of Connecticut and his Bachelor of Arts from Wesleyan University. He is an advisor to several private companies and currently serves as a board member of the Direct Selling Education Foundation, a position he has held since 2001, and of Swiss Medica, Inc., a position he has held since 2005.
      Jesse T. Rogers is a Managing Director of Golden Gate Capital, a position he has held since its inception in 2000. Prior to joining Golden Gate Capital, Mr. Rogers was a partner at Bain & Company for over ten years, where he served as the West Coast head of the consumer products practice and founded Bain & Company’s worldwide Private Equity Group. Mr. Rogers received his MBA from Harvard Business School and his Bachelor of Arts from Stanford University. He is currently a director of several private companies and previously served as a director of Beringer Wine Estates and Bain & Company.
      John Tartol has been an independent Herbalife distributor for 24 years and a member of the Chairman’s Club since 2000. He is active in training other Herbalife distributors all over the world and has served on various strategy and planning groups for Herbalife. He is also active on behalf of various charities in his community and worldwide on behalf of the Herbalife Family Foundation. He has a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Illinois.
      Leon Waisbein has been an independent Herbalife distributor for 14 years. A member of the Chairman’s Club since 1995, Mr. Waisbein has built a successful organization in more than 30 countries. He has been active in training Herbalife distributors around the world, and is a member of various strategy and planning groups for Herbalife. He is Chairman of a charity foundation supporting disabled children and an active volunteer for the Herbalife Family Foundation. He has a bachelor’s degree in life science.
Director Independence
      Our Board of Directors has affirmatively determined that Messrs. Barnes, Bermingham, Maslen and Orr are independent under section 303A.02 of the NYSE listing standards and the Company’s Categorical Standards of Independence. The NYSE’s independence guidelines include a series of objective tests, such as that the director is not an employee of the Company and has not engaged in various types of business dealings involving the Company, which would prevent a director from being independent. None of the Company’s independent directors had any relationships that violated these tests. We currently expect that over the course of approximately three years the number of our directors will decrease to nine. We anticipate that the percentage of independent directors on our board will increase over such time.
      As a result of the disposition agreement and voting agreement by and among certain affiliates of our Equity Sponsors described under “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions — Disposition Agreement” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions — Voting Agreement” we are deemed to be a “controlled company” within the meaning of the NYSE listing standards. Among other things, our status as a controlled company means that we are not subject to all of the NYSE corporate governance requirements that would otherwise be applicable, such as certain requirements set forth in Sections 303A.01 (regarding independent directors), 303A.04 (regarding the nominating and corporate governance committee), and 303A.05 (regarding the compensation committee). For example, as a controlled company we are not required to have independent directors comprise a majority of the members of our Board of Directors. As a result of the consummation of this offering, we will cease to be a controlled company, and we will comply with the additional requirements within the time frames prescribed by the NYSE listing standards.

80


Table of Contents

Codes of Business Conduct and Ethics and Corporate Governance Guidelines
      Our Board of Directors has adopted a corporate code of business conduct and ethics applicable to our directors, officers, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and principal accounting officer and employees, as well as corporate governance guidelines, in accordance with applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the NYSE. Each of our code of business conduct and ethics and corporate governance guidelines are available on our website at www.herbalife.com/index.cfm by following the links to “Investor Relations” and “Corporate Governance,” or in print to any shareholders who requests it.
Committees of the Board
      Our Board of Directors has a standing audit committee, nominating and corporate governance committee and compensation committee.
Audit Committee
      Our audit committee consists of Messrs. Barnes, Bermingham and Maslen, each of whom are independent as defined in Section 303A.02 of the NYSE listing standards. As required by Section 303A.07 of the NYSE listing standards, the Board of Directors has determined that each of Messrs. Barnes, Bermingham and Maslen are financially literate, and that Mr. Bermingham is an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined in Item 401(h) of Regulation S-K. Mr. Barnes currently serves on the audit committee of three public companies in addition to that of the Company. However, as required by Section 303A.07 of the NYSE listing standards, the Board of Directors has determined that such simultaneous service would not impair his ability to effectively serve on the Company’s audit committee.
      The principal duties of the audit committee are as follows:
  •  to monitor the integrity of the Company’s financial reporting process and systems of internal controls regarding finance, accounting and reporting;
 
  •  to monitor the independence and performance of the Company’s independent auditors and internal auditing department; and
 
  •  to provide an avenue of communication among the independent auditors, management, the internal auditing department and the Board of Directors.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
      Our nominating and corporate governance committee consists of Messrs. Castleman, Barnes, Diekroger and Johnson, of whom Mr. Barnes is independent as defined in Section 303A.02 of the NYSE listing standards.
      The principal duties of the nominating and corporate governance committee are as follows:
  •  to recommend to our Board of Directors proposed nominees for election to the Board of Directors by the shareholders at annual general meetings, based on an annual review as to the renominations of incumbents, as well as to recommend proposed nominees for election by the Board of Directors to fill vacancies that occur between annual general meetings of shareholders; and
 
  •  to make recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding corporate governance matters and practices.
      Working closely with the full Board of Directors, the nominating and corporate governance committee develops criteria for open board positions, taking into account such factors as it deems appropriate, including, among others, the current composition of the Board of Directors, the range of talents, experiences and skills that would best complement those already represented on the Board of Directors, the balance of management and independent directors and the need for financial or other specialized expertise. Applying these criteria, the nominating and corporate governance committee considers candidates for director suggested by its members and other directors, as well as management and shareholders. The nominating and corporate governance

81


Table of Contents

committee also retains a third-party executive search firm on an ad-hoc basis to identify and review candidates upon request of the committee from time to time.
      Once the nominating and corporate governance committee has identified a prospective nominee, whether the prospective nominee is recommended by a shareholder or otherwise, it makes an initial determination as to whether to conduct a full evaluation, taking into account the information provided to the nominating and corporate governance committee with the recommendation of the candidate as well as the nominating and corporate governance committee’s own knowledge, supplemented as appropriate by inquiries to third parties. The preliminary determination is based primarily on the need for additional directors and the likelihood that the prospective nominee can satisfy the criteria that the nominating and corporate governance committee has established. If the committee determines, in consultation with the Chairman of the Board of Directors and other directors as appropriate, that additional consideration is warranted, it may request the third-party search firm to gather additional information about the prospective nominee’s background and experience and to report its findings to the nominating and corporate governance committee. The committee then evaluates the prospective nominee against the specific criteria that it has established for the position, as well as the standards and qualifications set out in the Company’s Principles of Corporate Governance, including:
  •  business experience and skills;
 
  •  independence;
 
  •  judgment;
 
  •  integrity;
 
  •  the ability to commit sufficient time and attention to board activities; and
 
  •  the absence of potential conflicts with the Company’s interests.
      If the nominating and corporate governance committee decides, on the basis of its preliminary review, to proceed with further consideration, the committee members, as well as other directors as appropriate, interview the nominee. After completing this evaluation and interview, the nominating and corporate governance committee makes a recommendation to the full Board of Directors, which makes the final determination whether to nominate the candidate after considering the nominating and corporate governance committee’s report.
Compensation Committee
      Our compensation committee currently consists of Messrs. Rogers, Bermingham, Fordyce and Maslen, of whom Messrs. Bermingham and Maslen are “independent” as defined in Section 303A.02 of the NYSE listing standards.
      The principal duties of the compensation committee are as follows:
  •  reviewing and approving corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer;
 
  •  evaluating the performance of the Chief Executive Officer and, either as a committee or together with the other independent directors, determining and approving the compensation level for the Chief Executive Officer; and
 
  •  making recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding compensation of other executive officers and certain compensation plans.
      Our Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the compensation committee which is available on the Company’s Investor Relations website at www.herbalife.com/index.cfm by following the links to “Investor Relations” and “Corporate Governance” or in print to any shareholder who requests it. In fiscal 2004, the compensation committee met six times.

82


Table of Contents

PRINCIPAL AND SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
      The following table shows the beneficial ownership of Common Shares of Herbalife as of November 3, 2005, and thus the indirect beneficial ownership of the equity interest of Herbalife as of that date, of (1) each of Herbalife’s directors, (2) each of the Named Executive officers, (3) all directors and executive officers as a group and (4) each person or entity known to Herbalife to beneficially own more than five percent (5%) of the outstanding Common Shares of Herbalife. The information set forth in the table below regarding the beneficial ownership of the referenced investment partnerships sponsored by Whitney and Golden Gate and their applicable affiliates is based on the Schedule 13G/ A filed with the SEC by such entities and their affiliates on February 14, 2005 and which indicates shared voting and dispositive power over such shares pursuant to the disposition agreement and voting agreement referenced above. In the absence of these agreements, affiliates of Whitney and Golden Gate would own approximately 38.8% and 21.9%, respectively, of our share capital prior to the offering and approximately 30.0% and 16.8%, respectively, of our share capital after the offering.
                                         
    Beneficial Ownership of Herbalife
     
    Shares Beneficially       Shares Beneficially
    Owned Prior to   Shares   Owned After This
    This Offering(1)   Being Sold   Offering
        In This    
Directors, Officers and 5% Shareholders   Number   Percent   Offering   Number   Percent
                     
Greater than 5% beneficial owners and other selling shareholders
                                       
Whitney V, L.P.(2)**
    42,320,155       60.4 %     6,075,748       32,670,155       46.6 %
Whitney Strategic Partners V, L.P.(2)**
    42,320,155       60.4 %     53,300       32,670,155       46.6 %
Whitney Private Debt Fund, L.P.(2)**
    42,320,155       60.4 %     23,810       32,670,155       46.6 %
Prairie Fire Capital, LLC(2)(3)**
    42,320,155       60.4 %           32,670,155       46.6 %
Michael R. Stone(2)(3)**
    42,320,155       60.4 %           32,670,155       46.6 %
Daniel J. O’Brien(2)(3)**
    42,320,155       60.4 %           32,670,155       46.6 %
Total
    42,320,155       60.4 %     6,152,858       32,670,155       46.6 %
CCG Investments (BVI), L.P.(4)***
    42,320,155       60.4 %     3,053,667       32,670,155       46.6 %
CCG Associates — QP, LLC(4)***
    42,320,155       60.4 %     153,505       32,670,155       46.6 %
CCG Associates — AI, LLC(4)***
    42,320,155       60.4 %     14,273       32,670,155       46.6 %
CCG Investment Fund — AI, LP(4)***
    42,320,155       60.4 %     40,909       32,670,155       46.6 %
CCG AV, LLC — Series C(4)***
    42,320,155       60.4 %     100,737       32,670,155       46.6 %
CCG AV, LLC — Series E(4)***
    42,320,155       60.4 %     81,821       32,670,155       46.6 %
CCG CI, LLC(4) ***
    42,320,155       60.4 %     52,230       32,670,155       46.6 %
Golden Gate Capital Administration, LLC(4) ***
    42,320,155       60.4 %           32,670,155       46.6 %
David C. Dominik(4)***
    42,320,155       60.4 %           32,670,155       46.6 %
Total
    42,320,155       60.4 %     3,497,142       32,670,155       46.6 %
Directors and named executive officers
                                       
Peter M. Castleman(2)(3)**
    42,320,155       60.4 %           32,670,155       46.6 %
James H. Fordyce**
          *                   *  
Jesse T. Rogers(4)***
    42,320,155       60.4 %           32,670,155       46.6 %
Kenneth J. Diekroeger(4)***
    42,320,155       60.4 %           32,670,155       46.6 %
John Tartol(5)****
    231,716       *             231,716       *  
Leon Waisbein****
    319,091       *             319,091       *  
Charles L. Orr(6)****
    60,000       *             60,000       *  
Leroy T. Barnes, Jr.(7)****
    20,833       *             20,833       *  
Peter Maslen(8)****
    20,833       *             20,833       *  
Richard Bermingham(9)****
    24,833       *             24,833       *  
Michael O. Johnson(10)****
    1,894,217       2.7 %     350,000       1,544,217       2.2 %
Gregory Probert(11)****
    275,000       *             275,000       *  
Brett R. Chapman(12)****
    106,872       *             166,872       *  
Richard Goudis(13)****
    92,500       *             92,500       *  
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group
(15 persons)
                                       
Total
    45,373,152       62.6 %     10,000,000       35,373,152       48.8 %

83


Table of Contents

 
* Less than 1%
**       c/o Whitney & Co. LLC, 177 Broad Street, Stamford, Connecticut 06901.
*** c/o Golden Gate Private Equity, Inc., One Embarcadero Center, 33rd Floor, San Francisco, California 94111.
****  c/o Herbalife International, Inc., 1800 Century Park East, Los Angeles, California 90067.
(1) Applicable percentage of ownership is based upon 69,400,666 Common Shares outstanding as of November 3, 2005, and the relevant number of Common Shares issuable upon exercise of stock options or warrants which are exercisable presently or within 60 days of November 3, 2005. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and includes voting and investment power with respect to shares. Except with respect to the disposition agreement and voting agreement described under “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” and unless otherwise indicated below, to our knowledge, all persons listed above have sole voting and investment power with respect to their Common Shares, except to the extent authority is shared by spouses under applicable law.
 
(2) Represents shares of Herbalife beneficially owned by Whitney V, L.P., Whitney Strategic Partners V, L.P., Whitney Private Debt Fund, L.P., Prairie Fire Capital LLC, Michael R. Stone, Daniel J. O’Brien, CCG Investments (BVI), L.P., CCG Associates — QP, LLC, CCG Associates — AI, LLC, CCG Investment Fund — AI, LP, CCG AV, LLC — Series C, CCG AV, LLC — Series E, CCG CI, LLC and Golden Gate Capital Management, LLC as a result of shared dispositive power pursuant to the disposition agreement and shared voting power pursuant to the voting agreement, each as described under “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.” On December 1, 2004, Whitney entities were granted 455,000 warrants at a strike price of $15.50 per share in connection with the termination of a monitoring agreement. In August 2005, the warrants were assigned to Prairie Fire Capital, LLC, Michael R. Stone and Daniel J. O’Brien, in the amount of 242,718, 198,611 and 13,671 underlying Common Shares, respectively. On December 1, 2004, GGC Administration, L.L.C. was granted a warrant to acquire 245,000 shares at a strike price of $15.50 per share in connection with the termination of a monitoring fee agreement. All of the warrants are exercisable within 60 days of the date of November 3, 2005.
 
(3) Represents shares beneficially owned by Whitney V, L.P., Whitney Strategic Partners V, L.P., Whitney Private Debt Fund, L.P., Prairie Fire Capital LLC, Michael R. Stone and Daniel J. O’Brien. Messrs. Castleman, Stone and O’Brien are managing members of the entities that are the general partners of Whitney V, L.P., Whitney Strategic Partners V, L.P., and Whitney Private Debt Fund, L.P., and accordingly they may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of any such shares. Each of Messrs. Castleman, Stone and O’Brien disclaims beneficial ownership of all shares owned by Whitney V, L.P., Whitney Strategic Partners V, L.P., Whitney Private Debt Fund, L.P. and Prairie Fire Capital, LLC, except to the extent of his pecuniary interest in each such entity.
 
(4) Represents shares beneficially owned by CCG Investments (BVI), L.P., CCG Associates — QP, LLC, CCG Associates — AI, LLC, CCG Investment Fund — AI, LP, CCG AV, LLC — Series C, CCG AV, LLC — Series E and CCG CI, LLC. Messrs. Rogers and Diekroeger are managing members of the entities that are general partners of CCG Investments (BVI), L.P., CCG Associates — QP, LLC, CCG Associates — AI, LLC, CCG Investment Fund — AI, LP, CCG AV, LLC — Series C, CCG AV, LLC — Series E, CCG CI, LLC and Golden Gate Capital Management LLC , and accordingly, they may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of any such shares. Each of Messrs. Rogers and Diekroeger disclaim beneficial ownership of all shares owned by CCG Investments (BVI), L.P., CCG Associates — QP, LLC, CCG Associates — AI, LLC, CCG Investment Fund — AI, LP, CCG AV, LLC — Series C, CCG AV, LLC — Series E, CCG CI, LLC Golden Gate Capital Management LLC, except to the extent of his pecuniary interest in the Golden Gate Entities.
 
(5) Represents (i) 225 shares held in custodial accounts for the benefit of Mr. Tartol’s three children. Mr. Tartol disclaims beneficial ownership of 75 of these shares except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein; (ii) 53,130 shares held by the Tartol Enterprises Profit Sharing Plan, for which Mr. Tartol is the trustee; and (iii) 178,361 shares held by Carhill Holdings, Inc., a corporation for which Mr. Tartol acts as only a consultant, and accordingly, Mr. Tartol disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares held by Carhill Holdings, Inc.

84


Table of Contents

(6) Mr. Orr was granted 25,000 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $0.88 per share and 25,000 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $3.52 per share, and 41,667 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise plan of $14.93 per share, of which 60,000 are exercisable within 60 days of November 3, 2005.
 
(7) Mr. Barnes was granted 62,500 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $14.00 per share of which 20,833 are exercisable within 60 days of November 3, 2005.
 
(8) Mr. Maslen was granted 62,500 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $14.00 per share of which 20,833 are exercisable within 60 days of November 3, 2005.
 
(9) Mr. Bermingham was granted 62,500 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $14.00 per share of which 20,833 are exercisable within 60 days of November 3, 2005.
(10)  Mr. Johnson was granted 591,185 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $0.88 per share, 591,185 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $3.52 per share, 591,185 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $10.56 per share, 125,000 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $15.00 per share, 500,000 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $15.50 per share, 591,185 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $17.60 per share and 591,185 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $24.64 per share. Of Mr. Johnson’s 3,580,925 total options, 1,792,307 are exercisable within 60 days of November 3, 2005 and 1,788,618 are not exercisable within 60 days of November 3, 2005.
 
(11)  Mr. Probert was granted 125,000 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $5.00 per share, 75,000 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $7.00 per share, 40,000 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $9.00 per share, 75,000 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $11.00 per share, 40,000 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $13.00 per share, 100,000 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $15.00 per share, 375,000 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $15.50 per share, 115,000 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $17.00 per share, 40,000 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $21.00 per share, 75,000 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $23.00 per share, and 40,000 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $25.00 per share, of which 275,000 are exercisable within 60 days of November 3, 2005.
 
(12)  Mr. Chapman was granted 75,000 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $5.00 per share, 21,875 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $7.00 per share, 15,000 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $9.00 per share, 21,875 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $11.00 per share, 15,000 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price at $13.00 per share, 137,500 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $15.50 per share, 75,000 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $15.00 per share, 36,875 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $17.00 per share, 15,000 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $21.00 per share, 21,875 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $23.00 per share, and 15,000 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $25.00 per share, of which 106,872 are exercisable within 60 days of November 3, 2005.
 
(13)  Mr. Goudis was granted 40,000 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $8.02 per share, 7,500 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $9.00 per share, 40,000 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $12.00 per share, 7,500 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $13.00 per share, 150,000 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $15.50 per share, 75,000 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $15.00 per share, 40,000 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price at $16.00 per share, 7,500 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $17.00 per share, 40,000 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $20.00 per share, 7,500 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $21.00 per share, 40,000 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $24.00 per share, 7,500 options to purchase Common Shares at an exercise price of $25.00 per share, of which 92,500 are exercisable within 60 days of November 3, 2005.

85


Table of Contents

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Conversion of Preferred Shares
      A portion of the proceeds from the offering of the 91/2% Notes was applied to pay the original issue price for all of our outstanding 12% Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Shares (the “Preferred Shares”). To permit us to convert the Preferred Shares, we amended our Memorandum and Articles of Association to permit our Board of Directors to elect to convert all of the outstanding Preferred Shares into the right to receive a cash payment, for each Preferred Share converted, equal to the original issue price for the Preferred Shares ($1.76 per share), and all accrued and unpaid dividends, plus one Common Share of the Company. In connection with the consummation of this conversion, all of the 2.0 million outstanding warrants to purchase our Preferred Shares were exercised in exchange for our Preferred Shares, and all of our Preferred Shares (including the Preferred Shares issuable upon the exercise of the warrants) were then converted into an aggregate of approximately 52.1 million of our Common Shares.
      All of the outstanding Preferred Shares, immediately prior to their conversion into Common Shares, were held by the Equity Sponsors and their affiliates, certain members of our management, and selected distributors. In addition, affiliates of the Equity Sponsors and GarMark Partners, L.P. (“GarMark”) held warrants to purchase an aggregate of 2,040,816 of the Preferred Shares. These parties held certain rights that may have presented an actual or potential conflict of interest in connection with our proposal to convert the Preferred Shares.
      Certain Equity Sponsors (and/or their affiliates) and the selected distributors holding Preferred Shares were and are parties to a shareholders’ agreement pursuant to which they have certain rights to determine the composition of our Board of Directors.
      In addition, an affiliate of Whitney, one of the Equity Sponsors, was a party to a securities purchase agreement providing that affiliate with the right to designate one observer to our board of directors to attend each meeting of the board and each meeting of the committees of the board for so long as that party holds at least $10 million of our 15.5% senior notes (the “Senior Notes”) (subject to certain exceptions). We purchased all of the Senior Notes on March 8, 2004. See “— Purchase of Senior Notes.”
Purchase of Senior Notes
      A portion of the proceeds from the offering of the 91/2% Notes was applied to purchase our Senior Notes (face value $38.0 million) at a negotiated price.
      All of the Senior Notes, immediately prior to the closing of their repurchase, were held by GarMark, Whitney Private Debt Fund, L.P. (“Whitney Private Debt”), and Green River Offshore Fund Ltd. (“Green River”). Whitney Private Debt and Green River are affiliates of Whitney. GarMark purchased $23.0 million in principal amount of the Senior Notes and received warrants for 1,235,231 of the Preferred Shares and Whitney Private Debt purchased $15.0 million in principal amount of the Senior Notes and received warrants for 805,585 of the Preferred Shares on July 31, 2002, pursuant to a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Securities Purchase Agreement”) among the Company, as issuer, and GarMark and Whitney Private Debt, as purchasers. On November 27, 2002, Green River purchased $1.6 million in principal amount of the Senior Notes from GarMark and received warrants for 85,929 of the Preferred Shares from GarMark.
      The holders of the Senior Notes held certain rights that may have presented an actual or potential conflict of interest in connection with our proposal to purchase the Senior Notes. The Securities Purchase Agreement provided that each holder of $10.0 million or more of the Senior Notes (subject to certain exceptions) could designate one observer to our Board of Directors to attend each meeting of the Board of Directors and each meeting of the committees of the Board of Directors. Each of Whitney Private Debt and GarMark held $10.0 million or more of the Senior Notes. In addition, certain affiliates of Whitney were parties to a shareholders’ agreement with certain of our other shareholders pursuant to which Whitney V, L.P., an affiliate of Whitney, was permitted to nominate four individuals to our Board of Directors, and two additional nominees to our Board of Directors were required to be acceptable to Whitney V, L.P. and CCG

86


Table of Contents

Investments (BVI), L.P., an affiliate of Golden Gate Private Equity, Inc. This agreement terminated upon the consummation of the initial public offering.
      On February 3, 2004, the Board of Directors approved the offering of the 91/2% Notes, the repurchase of our Senior Notes and the related transactions, subject to development of the final terms and the approval of those terms by a special offering committee of the Board of Directors established to determine and approve on our behalf the final terms of the 91/2% Notes and the related transactions. During that portion of the meeting relating to the discussion and approval of the purchase of the Senior Notes (a portion of which were owned by Whitney and its affiliates), Messrs. Peter M. Castleman, James H. Fordyce, John C. Hockin and Steven E. Rodgers, members of our Board of Directors at the time of the offering of the 91/2% Notes who are also partners of Whitney and various of its affiliates, abstained from the discussion and vote. The remaining members of the board, after considering relevant factors, determined that the purchase of our Senior Notes was desirable and in the best interests of the Company, and approved the purchase of the Senior Notes at such price and on such terms as the special offering committee deemed appropriate in connection with the sale of the 91/2% Notes.
      On March 3, 2004, the special offering committee approved the final terms of the 91/2% Notes and the related transactions, with those of its members who are affiliated with Whitney abstaining from the discussion and vote concerning the purchase of the Senior Notes.
Certain Transactions Relating to Herbalife
      In 2004, Whitney acquired a 50 percent indirect ownership interest in Shuster Laboratories, Inc. (“Shuster”), a provider of product testing and formula development for Herbalife. For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, total purchases from Shuster were $0.02 million. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004, there were no purchases from Shuster.
      In 2004, Whitney acquired a 50 percent indirect ownership interest in TBA Entertainment (“TBA”), a provider of creative services to Herbalife. While there were no services performed in 2004 by TBA for Herbalife, for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 payments of $5.71 million were made to TBA for services relating to the 25th Anniversary Extravaganza, the majority of which were reimbursements of Extravaganza expenses paid to third parties.
      In 2004, Golden Gate acquired a 47 percent ownership interest in Leiner Health Products Inc. (“Leiner”), a nutritional manufacturer and supplier of certain Herbalife products. For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, total purchases from Leiner were $0.14 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2004, total purchases from Leiner were $0.35 million.
      In January 2005, Whitney, together with its affiliates, acquired a 77 percent ownership interest in Stauber Performance Ingredients (“Stauber”), a value-added distributor of bulk specialty nutraceutical ingredients. For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, total purchases from Stauber were $0.85 million.
      The Company believes that the transactions with the above entities are done on an “arms length” basis with “fair market pricing”.
Share Purchase Agreement
      Certain Equity Sponsors (and/or their affiliates) were parties to a Share Purchase Agreement (the “Share Purchase Agreement”) pursuant to which they originally purchased our Preferred Shares. Under the terms of the Share Purchase Agreement, the Equity Sponsors could, subject to approval by our Board of Directors and 75% of our shareholders, require us to pay a dividend to all of our shareholders related to certain income that may be taxable to them resulting from their ownership of our shares. We completed our analysis with regard to this payment and based on this analysis, we made $1.4 million and $4.9 million payments to our shareholders related to certain income that may be taxable to them for the years ended December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2004, respectively. On December 13, 2004, our Board of Directors approved the payment of these distributions to shareholders of record as of December 13, 2004, subject to the approval of 75% of our shareholders. On December 14, 2004, 75% of our shareholders approved these distributions and we distributed

87


Table of Contents

these payments as a dividend. The approval and making of these payments was not contingent upon the consummation of the initial public offering.
      We have entered into a termination agreement with the parties to the Share Purchase Agreement. Pursuant to the termination agreement, the Share Purchase Agreement and all obligations and liabilities of the parties under the Share Purchase Agreement were terminated, except for our obligation to pay dividends of approximately $1.4 million and $4.9 million to all of our current shareholders in respect of certain income that may be taxable to them for the year ended December 31, 2003 and the period from January 1, 2004 through December 13, 2004, respectively, which we paid as a dividend on December 14, 2004 to shareholders of record on December 13, 2004. In consideration for the termination of the Share Purchase Agreement, we entered into a Tax Indemnification Agreement with certain Equity Sponsors (and/or their affiliates). See “— Tax Indemnification Agreement” below.
Tax Indemnification Agreement
      As consideration for the termination of the Share Purchase Agreement, we have entered into a Tax Indemnification Agreement with certain Equity Sponsors (and/or their affiliates) pursuant to which we have agreed to indemnify each of those parties for the Federal income tax liability and any related losses they incur in respect of income of the Company that is (or would be) includible in the gross income of that party for any taxable period under Section 951(a) of the Code. Under the terms of the Tax Indemnification Agreement, we assume, for this purpose, that each indemnified party is a “United States shareholder” as defined in Section 951(b) of the Code. We do not, however, have any obligation to provide an indemnity with respect to any taxes or related losses incurred that have been reimbursed under the Share Purchase Agreement. Our credit agreement will permit us to pay these tax indemnity payments, but it will restrict the aggregate amount that we can pay in any given year to no more than $15 million in the aggregate. We currently anticipate that any amounts that we are required to pay under this agreement in the future will be immaterial to us.
Registration Rights Agreement
      Members of our distributor organization holding our equity securities are also party to a registration rights agreement between the Equity Sponsors and the Company (the “registration rights agreement”). Under this registration rights agreement, the Equity Sponsors have unlimited “demand” registration rights permitting them to cause us, subject to certain restrictions, to register certain equity securities and to participate in registrations by us of our equity securities, subject to certain restrictions.
      If we at any time propose to register any of our securities under the Securities Act for sale to the public, in certain circumstances holders of Preferred Shares or Common Shares issued upon conversion of the Preferred Shares (including distributor shareholders) may require us to include their shares in the securities to be covered by the registration statement. Such registration rights are subject to customary limitations specified in the registration rights agreement.
Indemnity Agreement
      In connection with the purchase of the Preferred Shares, Herbalife and WH Acquisition Corp. entered into an indemnity agreement with the Equity Sponsors pursuant to which the Company and Herbalife International (as successor-in-interest to WH Acquisition Corp.) agreed to indemnify the Equity Sponsors for losses and claims resulting from, arising out of or in any way related to the Acquisition, including existing litigation. Whitney had been sued in San Francisco by Rosemont Associates and Joseph Urso for $20 million in a suit alleging breach of contract, breach of covenants of good faith and fair dealing, quantum meruit and other causes of action arising out of the sale of Herbalife International to Whitney and others. This lawsuit was settled for an undisclosed sum that was not material to us or our financial condition.
Monitoring Fee Agreements
      In connection with the Acquisition, we entered into various agreements with the Equity Sponsors. Pursuant to the monitoring fee agreements entered into in connection with the Acquisition, Whitney and

88


Table of Contents

GGC Administration, LLC, an affiliate of CCG Investments (BVI), L.P., conducted certain activities related to such parties’ and its affiliates’ investments in the Company. These activities included activities related to the general management of the Company and its subsidiaries, identification and analysis of potential acquisitions and dispositions by the Company and its subsidiaries, support, negotiation and analysis of financing alternatives for the Company and its subsidiaries, and other activities necessary or advisable with respect to the monitoring of the Company.
      In consideration of these services, Herbalife International paid to Whitney and GGC Administration, LLC, quarterly, fees for monitoring services rendered (determined on an hourly basis), and such obligations were guaranteed by us. Such monitoring fees were paid quarterly at a rate of $5.0 million per annum, divided between Whitney and GGC Administration, LLC at a ratio of 65% to 35%, respectively. Herbalife International also agreed to reimburse Whitney and GGC Administration, LLC for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses and to pay additional transaction fees to them in the event the Company and/or any of its subsidiaries completed add-on acquisitions, divestitures, a transaction resulting in a change of control (as defined therein) or financing involving the Company and/or any of its subsidiaries, and that such obligations would be guaranteed by the Company. In fiscal 2004, Herbalife International reimbursed Whitney and GGC Administration, LLC approximately $1.8 million for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred since the date of the Acquisition through the payment date, which were invoiced during fiscal 2003. We have entered into a termination agreement with Whitney and GGC Administration, LLC to terminate the monitoring fee agreements in consideration for an aggregate of 0.7 million warrants. Each warrant gives the holder the ability to purchase one share of the Company’s Common Shares at a price of $15.50 per share. This agreement was not contingent on the consummation of the initial public offering. We calculated the fair market value of these warrants utilizing a Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model. We recorded the related $2.9 million amount as a charge against earnings in the fourth quarter of 2004.
      We have also agreed to provide customary joint and several indemnification to Whitney and GGC Administration, LLC. See “— Indemnity Agreement.”
WH Holdings (Cayman Islands) Ltd. Stock Incentive Plan
      We have established a stock incentive plan that provides for the grant of options to purchase our Common Shares and stock appreciation rights to employees and consultants of Herbalife International. The incentive plan is administered by a committee appointed by the Board of Directors of the Company. In addition, we have established the 2004 Plan that provides for grants of awards to our directors, officers, employees and consultants.
WH Holdings (Cayman Islands) Ltd. Independent Directors Stock Option Plan
      We have established an independent directors stock option plan that provides for the grant of options to purchase our Common Shares to our independent directors. Directors who are our employees or employees of any of our affiliates or have been designated as directors by our affiliates or our distributors are not independent directors for purposes of director compensation. We have granted options to Henry Burdick and Charles Orr under this plan.
2004 Stock Incentive Plan
      We have established the 2004 Plan that provides for the grant of stock options and stock appreciation rights, as well as awards of restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance units to our directors, officers, employees and consultants. The 2004 Plan is administered by the compensation committee of the Board of Directors.
2005 Stock Incentive Plan
      We have established the Herbalife Ltd. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan that provides for the grant of stock options and stock appreciation rights, as well as awards of restricted stock, stock units, performance units and dividend equivalents to our current or prospective directors, officers, employees and consultants. The 2005

89


Table of Contents

Stock Incentive Plan authorizes the issuance of 4,000,000 common shares pursuant to awards, plus any shares that remain available for issuance under the 2004 Plan. The 2005 Stock Incentive Plan is administered by the compensation committee of the Board of Directors.
Executive Incentive Plan
      We have established the Herbalife Ltd. Executive Incentive Plan that governs the award and payment of annual bonuses to our Chief Executive Officer and such other executives as selected by the compensation committee. Pursuant to the Executive Incentive Plan, the compensation committee may establish an incentive program for the current year by determining the performance criteria to be used to determine any amounts payable to participants under the Incentive Plan and the performance bonus amount payable to each participant, which amount will be based upon one or more performance criteria and/or the level of achievement with respect thereto. The Incentive Executive Incentive Plan is intended to satisfy the requirements for “performance-based” compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Indemnification of Directors and Officers
      The Memorandum and Articles of Association provide that, to the fullest extent permitted by the Companies Law (2004 Revision), every director, agent or officer of the Company shall be indemnified out of the assets of the Company against any liability incurred by him as a result of any act or failure to act in carrying out his functions other than such liability (if any) that he may incur by his own willful misconduct. To the fullest extent permitted by the Statute, such director, or officer shall not be liable to the Company for any loss or damage in carrying out his functions unless the liability arises through the willful misconduct of such director, agent or officer.
      The Company is a Cayman Islands exempted limited liability company. As such, it is governed by the laws of the Cayman Islands with respect to the indemnification provisions. Cayman Islands law does not limit the extent to which a company’s articles of association may provide for indemnification of officers and directors, except to the extent any such provision may be held by the Cayman Islands courts to be contrary to public policy, such as to provide indemnification against civil fraud or the consequences of committing a crime. Our articles of association provide for indemnification of officers and directors for losses, damages, costs and expenses incurred in their capacities as such, except in the case of (a) any fraud or dishonesty of such director or officer, (b) such director’s or officer’s conscious, intentional or willful breach of his obligation to act honestly, lawfully and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the Company, or (c) any claims or rights of action to recover any gain, personal profit, or other advantage to which the director or officer is not legally entitled.
      The Company has entered into an indemnification agreement with each of its directors and certain of its officers to supplement the indemnification protection available under its articles of association. These indemnity agreements generally provide that we will indemnify the parties thereto to the fullest extent permitted by law.
      The foregoing summaries are necessarily subject to the complete text of the Company’s articles of association and the indemnification agreements referred to above and are qualified in their entirety by reference thereto.
      In addition to the indemnification provisions set forth above, the Company maintains insurance policies that indemnify its directors and officers against various liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that might be incurred by any director or officer in his capacity as such.
      Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to managers, officers, or persons controlling us pursuant to the foregoing, we have been informed that, in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.

90


Table of Contents

Special Cash Dividend
      We used a portion of the net proceeds from the initial public offering and the related transactions to pay a $139.7 million special cash dividend to our then current shareholders. Whitney and Golden Gate received approximately $70.5 million and $40.0 million, respectively, based on the number of shares they then beneficially owned.
      In March 2004, we completed the $275.0 million offering of the 91/2% Notes. The proceeds of the offering together with available cash were partly used to pay $183.1 million for the original issue price of 104.1 million Preferred Shares and to pay all accrued and unpaid dividends of $38.5 million. Whitney and Golden Gate received cash dividends of approximately $19.8 million and $11.2 million, respectively, based on the shares they then beneficially owned.
Disposition Agreement
      The investment partnerships sponsored by Whitney and Golden Gate and their applicable affiliates have entered into an agreement pursuant to which sales or other dispositions of our Common Shares or other voting securities held by one Equity Sponsor, or their respective affiliates, would be subject to the prior approval of the other Equity Sponsor during an initial 12-month veto period. The agreement further provides that, for an additional 6-month period commencing at the expiration of the veto period, the parties will discuss proposed dispositions of our Common Shares with the intent of cooperating in good faith to permit the disposing party to achieve as many of its business and/or economic objectives with respect to the proposed disposition as possible. However, neither party is required to obtain the consent of the other party to dispose of any of our Common Shares following the expiration of the initial 12-month veto period. The agreement covers sales or dispositions only and does not relate to voting, acquisitions, dividends or any other matters relating to ownership of our Common Shares or other voting securities. This agreement will terminate upon the earlier of (1) eighteen months from December 15, 2004 and (2) such time as the aggregate ownership of the Company’s Common Shares by Whitney and Golden Gate falls below 25% of our voting securities.
Voting Agreement
      The investment partnerships sponsored by Whitney and Golden Gate and their applicable affiliates have entered into a voting agreement pursuant to which during the term of the agreement, on all matters relating to the election of one or more directors of the Company to serve on the Company’s Board of Directors, whether at an annual general or special meeting of shareholders, each of Whitney and Golden Gate agree to vote all of the Common Shares beneficially owned by Whitney and Golden Gate, respectively, as may be necessary to elect the director nominee(s) designated by Whitney, if one or more affiliates of Whitney have been nominated for director, and the director nominee(s) designated by Golden Gate, if one or more affiliates of Golden Gate have been nominated for director, to serve on the Board of Directors. The voting agreement terminates upon the termination of the disposition agreement described immediately above.
DESCRIPTION OF SHARE CAPITAL
      The following description of our share capital is based on our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, which have been recently adopted. Throughout this description, we refer to our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association as simply our memorandum and articles of association. Our authorized share capital consists of 500,000,000 common shares and 7,500,000 preference shares, each with a par value of $0.002 per share. Upon completion of this offering, we will have 69,400,666 outstanding common shares, assuming that there are no exercises of outstanding options or warrants after the date of this prospectus.
      We are a Cayman Islands exempted company and our affairs are governed by our memorandum and articles of association, the Companies Law (2004 Revision) and the common law of the Cayman Islands. The following are summaries of material provisions of our memorandum and articles of association and the

91


Table of Contents

Companies Law insofar as they relate to the material terms of our common shares. Complete copies of our memorandum and articles of association are filed as exhibits to our public filings.
Common Shares
      General. All the issued and outstanding common shares are fully paid and nonassessable. Certificates representing the common shares are issued in registered form. The common shares are issued when registered in the register of shareholders of Herbalife. The common shares are not entitled to any sinking fund or pre-emptive or redemption rights. Our shareholders may freely hold and vote their shares.
      Voting Rights. Each common share is entitled to one vote on all matters upon which the common shares are entitled to vote, including the election of directors. Voting at any meeting of shareholders is by a poll. Our articles of association do not provide for actions by written consent of shareholders.
      The required quorum for a meeting of our shareholders consists of a number of shareholders present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote that represents the holders of not less than a majority of our issued voting share capital. We will hold an annual general meeting of shareholders at such time and place as the Board of Directors may determine. In addition, the Board of Directors may convene a general meeting of shareholders at any time upon five days’ notice. Further, general meetings (other than the annual general meeting) may also be convened upon written requisition of shareholders holding in aggregate 30% or more of issued voting share capital, which requisition must state the object for the general meeting.
      Subject to the quorum requirements referred to in the paragraph above, any ordinary resolution to be made by the shareholders requires the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the votes attaching to the common shares cast in a general meeting of the Company, while a special resolution requires the affirmative vote of 662/3% of the votes cast attaching to the common shares. A special resolution is required for matters such as a change of name, amending our memorandum and articles of association and placing us into voluntary liquidation. Holders of common shares, which are currently the only shares carrying the right to vote at our general meetings, have the power, among other things, to elect directors, ratify the appointment of auditors and make changes in the amount of our authorized share capital. To the extent that the Equity Sponsors’ ownership of our common shares is less than 662/3%, the Equity Sponsors will not be able to unilaterally approve corporate actions that require special resolutions.
      Dividends. The holders of our common shares are entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared by our board of directors. Dividends may be paid only out of profits, which include net earnings and retained earnings undistributed in prior years, and out of share premium, a concept analogous to paid-in surplus in the United States, subject to a statutory solvency test.
      Liquidation. If we are to be liquidated, the liquidator may, with the approval of the shareholders, divide among the shareholders in cash or in kind the whole or any part of our assets, may determine how such division shall be carried out as between the shareholders or different classes of shareholders, and may vest the whole or any part of such assets in trustees upon such trusts for the benefit of the shareholders as the liquidator, with the approval of the shareholders, sees fit, provided that a shareholder shall not be compelled to accept any shares or other assets which would subject the shareholder to liability.
      Miscellaneous. Share certificates registered in the names of two or more persons are deliverable to any one of them named in the share register, and if two or more such persons tender a vote, the vote of the person whose name first appears in the share register will be accepted to the exclusion of any other.
Anti-Takeover Provisions
      General. Our articles of association have provisions that could have an anti-takeover effect. These provisions are intended to enhance the ability of the board of directors to deal with unsolicited takeover attempts by increasing the likelihood of continuity and stability in the composition of the board of directors. These provisions could have the effect of discouraging transactions that may involve an actual or threatened change of control of Herbalife.

92


Table of Contents

      Classified Board. The articles provide that our board of directors will be divided into three classes serving staggered three-year terms. The board of directors does not have the power to remove directors. Vacancies on the board of directors may be filled only by the remaining directors and not by the shareholders. These provisions could have the effect of precluding an acquiror from removing incumbent directors and simultaneously gaining control of the board of directors by filling the vacancies created by the removal of directors with its own nominees, unless the acquiror controls at least two-thirds of the combined voting power of the common shares (the percentage necessary to adopt a special resolution to amend these provisions). This could result in delaying a shareholder from obtaining majority representation on the board of directors.
      Number of Directors. The articles provide that the board of directors will consist of not less than one director or more than fifteen directors, the exact number to be set from time to time by a majority of the whole board of directors. Accordingly, the board of directors, and not the shareholders, has the authority to determine the number of directors and could delay any shareholder from obtaining majority representation on the board of directors by enlarging the board of directors and filling the new vacancies with its own nominees until a general meeting at which directors are to be appointed.
      Advance Notice Provisions. The articles establish an advance notice procedure that must be followed by shareholders if they wish to nominate candidates for election as directors at an annual or extraordinary general meeting of shareholders or to submit a proposal for consideration at a general or extraordinary meeting of shareholders. The articles provide generally that, if you desire to nominate a candidate for election as a director at an annual general meeting or to submit a proposal for consideration at a general meeting of shareholders (including an annual general meeting), you must give us notice not earlier than the 120th day prior to such general meeting and not later than the 90th day prior to such general meeting or the 10th day following the day on which public announcement is first made of the date of the general meeting, whichever is later.
      Action Only by General Meeting and not by Written Consent. Subject to the terms of any other class of shares in issue, any action required or permitted to be taken by the holders of common shares must be taken at a duly called annual or extraordinary general meeting of shareholders and not by written consent of the holders of the common shares. General meetings may be called by the board or, with respect to an extraordinary general meeting, upon written requisition of shareholders holding in aggregate, 30% or more of issued voting capital, which requisition must state the objects for the general meeting.
      Undesignated Preference Shares. Pursuant to our articles of association, our board of directors has the authority, without further action by the shareholders, to issue up to 7.5 million preference shares in one or more series and to fix the designations, powers, preferences, privileges, and relative participating, optional or special rights and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption and liquidation preferences, any or all of which may be greater than the rights of the common shares. Our board of directors, without shareholder approval, may issue preference shares with voting, conversion or other rights that could adversely affect the voting power and other rights of holders of our common shares. Subject to the directors’ duty of acting in the best interest of Herbalife, preference shares can be issued quickly with terms calculated to delay or prevent a change in control of us or make removal of management more difficult. Additionally, the issuance of preference shares may have the effect of decreasing the market price of the common shares, and may adversely affect the voting and other rights of the holders of common shares. No preference shares have been issued and we have no present plans to issue any preference shares.
      Restrictions on Business Combinations. As a Cayman Islands company, Herbalife is not subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which restricts business combinations with interested shareholders. However, Articles 109-111 of our articles contains provisions that largely mirror the intention of Section 203 and generally prohibit “business combinations” between Herbalife and an “interested share-

93


Table of Contents

holder.” Specifically, “business combinations” between an “interested shareholder” and Herbalife are prohibited for a period of three years after the time the interested shareholder acquired its shares, unless:
  •  the business combination or the transaction resulting in the person becoming an interested shareholder is approved by the board of directors prior to the date the interested shareholder acquired Herbalife’s shares;
 
  •  the interested shareholder acquired at least 85% of Herbalife’s shares in the transaction in which it became an interested shareholder; or
 
  •  the business combination is approved by a majority of the board of directors and by the affirmative
      For purposes of this provision, “business combinations” is defined broadly to include mergers, consolidations of majority owned subsidiaries, sales or other dispositions of assets having an aggregate value in excess of 10% of the consolidated assets of Herbalife, and most transactions that would increase the interested shareholder’s proportionate share ownership in Herbalife.
      “Interested shareholder” is defined as a person who, together wit