Topgolf Callaway Brands (MODG) To Separate Into Two Independent Companies
Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp. (the "Company" or "Topgolf Callaway Brands," "we," "our," "us") (NYSE: MODG) today announced that its Board of Directors intends to pursue the separation of its business into two independent companies: Callaway, a leader in golf equipment with a highly complementary Active Lifestyle business, with last twelve months revenue through Q2 2024 of approximately
"Over the last decade plus, we have transformed Callaway into the #1 brand in golf equipment, while building a successful and complementary apparel and accessory business. We believe this business, on a stand-alone basis, will be well understood and valued by the market. Since our merger with Topgolf, we have made considerable investments in the Topgolf business that have dramatically expanded its scale, digital capabilities and venue profitability. These investments, combined with the hard work of the Topgolf team, have allowed us to outperform our original growth and free cash flow expectations. Looking forward, we remain convinced that Topgolf is a high-quality, free cash flow generating business with a significant future value creation opportunity. Topgolf is transforming the game of golf and is expected to deliver substantial financial returns over time. At the same time, Topgolf has a different operating model, capital structure and investment thesis than Callaway, and as a result, the Board has determined that separating Topgolf will best position Topgolf and Callaway for success and maximize shareholder value," commented
"Today's announcement is the result of a thorough strategic review conducted by the Board of Directors and the management team," said
STRATEGIC RATIONALE
Following this strategic review, the Company has determined that Callaway and Topgolf will be better served operating independently from each other. The Company believes that creating two companies will result in material benefits to the stand-alone businesses that will maximize shareholder value, including:
- Enhanced Strategic Focus: This transaction will create two strong, focused operating companies with industry-leading market positions and a greater ability to align incentives with performance and shareholder value creation.
- Optimized Capital Allocation: Callaway and Topgolf have different free cash flow profiles and funding needs. The separation will position both businesses to implement appropriate capital investment, while maintaining an appropriate level of leverage.
- Simplified Operating Structure: Simplifying the operating structure of both businesses will improve execution and organizational agility.
- Distinct Investment Thesis for Each Entity: As separate businesses, Callaway and Topgolf will represent different and compelling investment opportunities. Investors will have the opportunity to support and invest in each business on the basis of its distinct qualities, including its growth drivers, financial profile and capital allocation framework. Furthermore, the separation of Callaway and Topgolf will simplify financial reporting for investors.
CREATING TWO STRONG COMPANIES
Callaway
Callaway will consist of the Company's existing Golf Equipment, Toptracer and Active Lifestyle businesses. These businesses generated revenue of approximately
Topgolf
The Topgolf business will consist of the Company's existing Topgolf business, with the exception of Toptracer, which will be part of Callaway. With revenue of approximately
Capital Structure and Ongoing Commercial Agreements
The Company intends to spin off at least 80.1% of Topgolf to obtain the desired tax-free treatment of the spin-off for
In connection with the separation, the two companies are also expected to enter into ongoing, value-creating commercial agreements with one another. As an example, Callaway will continue to be the exclusive golf equipment partner for Topgolf.
The Company expects limited dis-synergies as a result of the separation.
Experienced and Proven Leadership
Callaway will continue to be led by
NEXT STEPS
Management is developing detailed separation plans for further consideration and final approval by the Company's Board of Directors. While the Company expects that a spin-off of Topgolf into a stand-alone public company is the most likely separation path, the Company will continue to evaluate other options for separation to maximize shareholder value.
The Company expects to execute the spin-off of Topgolf in the second half of 2025, but there can be no assurance regarding the ultimate timing or terms of the separation or that the separation will ultimately occur. The Company may, at any time and for any reason until the proposed transaction is complete, abandon the separation or modify or change its terms, including the individual businesses and components of each of the two companies. During this period, further work on structure, management, governance and other matters will take place. The Company will provide interim updates as appropriate. Throughout the process, management will remain focused on delivering strong business results, returning Topgolf to same venue sales growth and increasing profits.
"Our employees' dedication and hard work has enabled us to take this next step in the Company's evolution," said
Any transaction will be subject to general market conditions and other customary conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals, an opinion from tax counsel and/or a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service regarding the tax-free status of the spin-off of the Topgolf business to the Company and its shareholders for
The Company's financial advisors are Goldman Sachs and Centerview Partners with Latham & Watkins LLP serving as legal counsel.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND DISCLOSURES
Conference Call and Webcast
The Company will be holding a conference call at
