Read Larry Connors' blog – Short Term Trading Strategies
-- Operating Income Increased 1.9% to $22.7 Million --
--Net Income of $14.1 Million, or $0.58 Per Diluted Share, Compared to $15.4 Million, or $0.64 Per Diluted Share, Which Included a Cumulative Tax Benefit of $0.09 in Q3 08 --
--2009 EPS Guidance Increased to $1.82 - $1.86 From $1.76 to $1.84 --
True Religion Apparel, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRLG | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) today announced financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009.
Third Quarter 2009 Financial Results
-- Total net sales were $82.4 million, an increase of 3.8% from $79.4 million in the third quarter of 2008. -- Net sales for the Company's U.S. wholesale segment decreased 31.1% to $31.9 million from $46.3 million in the prior year period, due to the planned reduction in sales to off-price retailers and a decline in sales to boutiques and Majors.
-- Net sales for the Company's consumer direct segment, which includes the Company's branded retail stores and e-commerce site, increased 51.9% to $32.6 million from $21.5 million in the prior year period. The Company operated 66 branded stores as of September 30, 2009, compared to 36 as of September 30, 2008.
-- Net sales for the Company's international segment increased 47.6% to $16.6 million from $11.2 million in the prior year period.
-- Net sales included $1.3 million of licensing revenue.
-- Gross profit was $53.3 million, or 64.7% of net sales, compared to $46.4 million, or 58.4% of net sales, in the third quarter of 2008. The overall improvement in gross margin was primarily due to the ongoing sales mix shift toward the Company's higher-margin consumer direct segment.
-- Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expense increased 27.2% to $30.6 million from $24.1 million in the prior year period, and as a percentage of sales, increased 680 basis points to 37.1% from 30.3% in the same period a year ago. The year-over-year growth in SG&A expenses was driven by the costs associated with opening and operating 30 new stores since September 2008.
-- Operating income increased 1.9% to $22.7 million, or 27.6% of net sales, from $22.3 million, or 28.1% of net sales, in the 2008 third quarter.
-- The effective tax rate for the quarter was 38.2% compared to 31.1% in the third quarter of 2008.
-- Net income decreased 8.8% to $14.1 million, or $0.58 per diluted share based on weighted average shares outstanding of 24.2 million, from $15.4 million, or $0.64 per diluted share based on weighted average shares outstanding of 24.2 million, in the 2008 third quarter. In the third quarter of 2008, the Company implemented a tax planning strategy that reduced its tax provision in the quarter and increased its earnings per share by $0.06. The Company also finalized its 2007 tax returns, which reduced its income tax provision in the third quarter of 2008 and increased its EPS by $0.03. The cumulative impact of these changes resulted in a benefit to the Company's 2008 third quarter earnings per share of $0.09.
Management Comments
"We are pleased that our positive brand momentum continued into the second half of 2009, with our Consumer Direct and International segments delivering strong year-over-year sales gains in the third quarter of 2009," said Jeffrey Lubell, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Merchant of True Religion Apparel, Inc. "Our performance highlights the ongoing preference for our brand, which we attribute to our unwavering commitment to deliver quality and innovation in our core jeanswear and jeans-related sportswear merchandise. Based on our year-to-date performance, we are able to increase our earnings guidance for the year."
Mr. Lubell continued, "While we are pleased with our ability to move our business forward despite the challenging retail environment, we are more focused on the many opportunities that are being created in today's marketplace to further extend our brand leadership. We intend to capitalize on these opportunities by continuing to develop innovative merchandise, diversify our distribution, execute alongside our retail partners, and grow our global presence."
Year-to-date 2009 Financial Results
-- Total net sales were $218.2 million, an increase of 10.7% from $197.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2008. -- Net sales for the Company's U.S. wholesale segment decreased 21.8% to $91.6 million from $117.2 million in the prior year period.
-- Net sales for the Company's consumer direct segment increased 64.8% to $83.9 million from $50.9 million in the prior year period.
-- Net sales for the Company's international segment increased 42.6% to $39.9 million from $28.0 million in the prior year period.
-- Net sales included $2.8 million of licensing revenue.
-- Gross profit was $136.9 million, or 62.7% of net sales, compared to $113.7 million, or 57.7% of net sales, in the first nine months of 2008. The overall improvement in gross margin was primarily due to the ongoing sales mix shift toward the Company's higher-margin consumer direct segment.
-- Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expense increased 28.5% to $83.1 million from $64.7 million in the prior year period, and as a percentage of sales, increased 530 basis points to 38.1% from 32.8% in the same period a year ago. The year-over-year growth in SG&A expenses was driven by the costs associated with the significant expansion of the Company's consumer direct segment.
-- Operating income increased 9.5% to $53.7 million, or 24.6% of net sales, from $49.0 million, or 24.9% of net sales, in the prior year period.
-- The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was 39.2% compared to 36.6% in the nine months ended September 30, 2008.
-- Net income increased 3.3% to $32.7 million, or $1.35 per diluted share based on weighted average shares outstanding of 24.1 million, from $31.7 million, or $1.31 per diluted share based on weighted average shares outstanding of 24.2 million, in the prior year period. In the third quarter of 2008, the Company implemented a tax planning strategy that reduced its tax provision in the quarter and increased its earnings per share by $0.06. The Company also finalized its 2007 tax returns, which reduced its income tax provision in the third quarter of 2008 and increased its EPS by $0.03. The cumulative impact of these changes resulted in a benefit to the Company's 2008 third quarter EPS of $0.09.
Balance Sheet and Liquidity
As of September 30, 2009, the Company had $88.7 million of cash and cash equivalents and no long-term borrowings. Inventory increased to $37.8 million, or $12.0 million, from the beginning of 2009, to support the expansion of the Company's branded retail stores. Net cash provided by operating activities during the first nine months of 2009 was $45.0 million compared to $42.2 million in the prior year period.
Store Openings
During the 2009 third quarter, True Religion opened seven new stores, bringing its total store count at September 30, 2009, to 66 stores, compared to 36 stores at September 30, 2008. In October 2009, the Company opened one new store, bringing the total store count to 67 stores. The Company anticipates opening three additional new stores by year-end 2009 for a total of 70 branded retail stores.
Q3 2009 Segment Results
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
% Increase/ % Increase/
Net sales: 2009 2008 Decrease 2009 2008 Decrease
U.S. Wholesale $ 31,911 $ 46,292 (31.1 )% $ 91,621 $ 117,215 (21.8 )%
Consumer Direct 32,605 21,458 51.9 % 83,885 50,890 64.8 %
International 16,575 11,226 47.6 % 39,862 27,951 42.6 %
Other 1,332 444 200.1 % 2,795 954 193.0 %
Total net sales $ 82,423 $ 79,420 3.8 % $ 218,163 $ 197,010 10.7 %
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2009 2008 2009 2008
Gross Gross Gross Gross
Margin Margin Margin Margin
Gross Profit: Amount % Amount % Amount % Amount %
U.S. Wholesale $ 18,399 57.7 % $ 23,614 51.0 % $ 49,862 54.4 % $ 60,078 51.3 %
Consumer Direct 24,329 74.6 % 16,723 77.9 % 62,129 74.1 % 39,396 77.4 %
International 9,274 56.0 % 5,583 49.7 % 22,067 55.4 % 13,319 47.7 %
Other 1,332 100.0 % 444 100.0 % 2,795 100.0 % 954 100.0 %
Total gross profit $ 53,334 64.7 % $ 46,364 58.4 % $ 136,853 62.7 % $ 113,747 57.7 %
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2009 2008 2009 2008
Operating Operating Operating Operating
Margin Margin Margin Margin
Operating Income: Amount % Amount % Amount % Amount %
U.S. Wholesale $ 9,267 29.0 % $ 15,440 33.4 % $ 24,511 26.8 % $ 36,329 31.0 %
Consumer Direct 11,253 34.5 % 8,285 38.6 % 27,354 32.6 % 19,270 37.9 %
International 7,810 47.1 % 4,781 42.6 % 18,792 47.1 % 11,962 42.8 %
Other (5,602 ) NM (6,205 ) NM (16,943 ) NM (18,520 ) NM
Total operating Income $ 22,728 27.6 % $ 22,301 28.1 % $ 53,714 24.6 % $ 49,041 24.9 %
Guidance
The Company is updating its guidance for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, as follows:
-- Net sales are expected to be in the range of $295 million to $300 million.
-- EPS is expected to be in the range of $1.82 to $1.86 as compared to its previously issued guidance of $1.76 to $1.84.
The Company's net sales guidance by segment remains unchanged from its previously issued guidance:
-- Net sales growth within the Company's consumer direct segment is forecasted to be 60% to 65% in the full year 2009 as compared to the full year 2008.
-- Net sales in the Company's U.S. wholesale segment are expected to decline by 18% to 20% in the full year 2009 as compared to the full year 2008.
-- The Company's International segment is forecasted to increase its net sales by more than 20% in 2009 as compared to 2008.
-- The Company's 2009 net sales guidance includes $4.0 million in licensing revenues.
The Company's upwardly revised 2009 EPS guidance reflects stronger than expected gross margin improvement, particularly within the Company's U.S. Wholesale and International segments. The Company's 2009 EPS guidance reflects fully diluted weighted average shares outstanding of approximately 24.6 million and an effective tax rate in the range of 38.8% to 39.3%.
Investor Conference Call
True Religion management will host a conference call to discuss the financial results and answer questions today at 4:30 p.m. ET. The conference call will be available to all interested parties through a live webcast at www.truereligionbrandjeans.com and www.earnings.com. Please visit the Web site at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the call to register and download any necessary software. For those unable to listen to the live broadcast, the call will be archived and available online at both sites. A telephone replay of the call will be available for approximately one month following the conclusion of the call by dialing 800-406-7325 (domestic) or 303-590-3030 (international) and entering passcode: 4172560.
About True Religion Apparel, Inc.
True Religion Apparel, Inc. is a growing, design-based jean and jean-related brand. The company designs, manufactures and markets True Religion Apparel products, including its premium True Religion Brand Jeans. Its expanding product line, which includes high-quality, distinctive styling and fit in denim, sportswear, and licensed products, may be found in contemporary department stores and boutiques in 50 countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, Japan, Korea, France, Spain, Sweden, Greece, Italy, Mexico, Australia, South Africa and China. For more information, please visit www.truereligionbrandjeans.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Among these forward-looking statements are our 2009 Guidance, Segment Guidance, Store Opening Guidance and the other statements contained in this press release addressing our plans, expectations, future financial condition and results of operations. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts and are inherently uncertain and outside of our control. Any or all of our forward-looking statements in this press release may turn out to be wrong. They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions we might make or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual future results may vary materially. Factors that may cause our plans, expectations, future financial condition and results to change are described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Reports of Form 10-Q and our other filings with the SEC, and include: the current downturn in the United States economy and in particular, the decline in consumer spending generally and in the apparel industry more specifically; the Company's ability to predict fashion trends; the Company's ability to continue to maintain its brand image and reputation; competition from companies with significantly greater resources than ours; and the Company's ability to continue and control its expansion plans.
TRUE RELIGION APPAREL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Amounts in thousands, expect per share data)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
2009 2008 2009 2008
Net sales $ 82,423 $ 79,420 $ 218,163 $ 197,010
Cost of sales 29,089 33,056 81,310 83,263
Gross profit 53,334 46,364 136,853 113,747
Selling, general and administrative expenses 30,606 24,063 83,139 64,706
Operating income 22,728 22,301 53,714 49,041
Interest income, net (55 ) (100 ) (94 ) (888 )
Income before provision for income taxes 22,783 22,401 53,808 49,929
Provision for income taxes 8,698 6,964 21,111 18,265
Net income $ 14,085 $ 15,437 $ 32,697 $ 31,664
Earnings per share:
Basic $ 0.59 $ 0.65 $ 1.36 $ 1.35
Diluted $ 0.58 $ 0.64 $ 1.35 $ 1.31
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic 24,044 23,616 23,973 23,453
Diluted 24,216 24,155 24,146 24,219
TRUE RELIGION APPAREL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in thousands, except par value amounts)
(Unaudited)
September 30, December 31,
2009 2008
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 88,716 $ 57,245
Short-term investments 4,965 4,850
Accounts receivable, net of allowances:
From factor 188 23,060
From customers 28,358 10,043
Inventory 37,835 25,828
Deferred income tax assets 6,792 6,498
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 5,594 4,148
Total current assets 172,448 131,672
Property and equipment, net 38,284 28,006
Long-term investments - 4,990
Other assets 2,013 1,784
TOTAL ASSETS $ 212,745 $ 166,452
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 15,310 $ 10,633
Accrued salaries, wages and benefits 7,037 6,889
Income taxes payable 685 1,042
Total current liabilities 23,032 18,564
Long-Term Liabilities:
Long-term deferred rent 7,198 4,536
Long-term deferred income tax liabilities 2,414 1,102
Total long-term liabilities 9,612 5,638
Total liabilities 32,644 24,202
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 20,000 shares authorized, no - -
shares issued and outstanding
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 80,000 shares authorized, 25,351 3 2
and 24,450 issued and outstanding, respectively
Additional paid-in capital 46,474 38,554
Retained earnings 133,240 103,508
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net 384 186
Total stockholders' equity 180,101 142,250
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 212,745 $ 166,452
TRUE RELIGION APPAREL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2009 2008
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Income $ 32,697 $ 31,664
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation expense 4,449 2,265
Provision for bad debts and returns 987 723
Stock-based compensation 8,544 8,248
Tax benefit from stock-based compensation 96 182
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation (96 ) (182 )
Deferred income tax provision (benefit) 1,019 (277 )
Other 159 (229 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable from factor 22,345 (13,093 )
Accounts receivable from customers (18,882 ) 5,978
Inventory (12,001 ) (6,218 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (1,586 ) (2,348 )
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 5,555 (10 )
Accrued salaries, wages and benefits 149 2,197
Income taxes payable (1,077 ) 10,495
Long-term deferred rent 2,662 2,762
Net cash provided by operating activities 45,020 42,157
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment (15,636 ) (13,664 )
Sales of investments 4,875 5,550
Expenditures to establish trademarks (107 ) (57 )
Net cash used in investing activities (10,868 ) (8,171 )
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from exercise of stock options - 26
Statutory tax withholding payment for stock-based compensation (2,966 ) (7,014 )
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation 96 182
Net cash used in financing activities (2,870 ) (6,806 )
Effect of exchange rate changes in cash 189 (17 )
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 31,471 27,163
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 57,245 28,686
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 88,716 $ 55,849
SOURCE: True Religion Apparel, Inc.
True Religion Apparel, Inc. Pete Collins, Chief Financial Officer 323-266-3072 or Investor Relations ICR, Inc. Laura Foster, 310-954-1110
More News:
Market Updates |
Stock Alerts |
All Trading News |
Stock Index
About TradingMarkets | Contact | Advertise | Careers | Link to Us | Site Map | Help | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Return Policy | Testimonials | Feedback
The Connors Group, Inc. ("Company") is not an investment advisory service, nor a registered investment advisor or broker-dealer and does not purport to tell or suggest which securities or currencies customers should buy or sell for themselves. The analysts and employees or affiliates of Company may hold positions in the stocks, currencies or industries discussed here. You understand and acknowledge that there is a very high degree of risk involved in trading securities and/or currencies. The Company, the authors, the publisher, and all affiliates of Company assume no responsibility or liability for your trading and investment results. Factual statements on the Company's website, or in its publications, are made as of the date stated and are subject to change without notice.
It should not be assumed that the methods, techniques, or indicators presented in these products will be profitable or that they will not result in losses. Past results of any individual trader or trading system published by Company are not indicative of future returns by that trader or system, and are not indicative of future returns which be realized by you. In addition, the indicators, strategies, columns, articles and all other features of Company's products (collectively, the "Information") are provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. Examples presented on Company's website are for educational purposes only. Such set-ups are not solicitations of any order to buy or sell. Accordingly, you should not rely solely on the Information in making any investment. Rather, you should use the Information only as a starting point for doing additional independent research in order to allow you to form your own opinion regarding investments. You should always check with your licensed financial advisor and tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment.
HYPOTHETICAL OR SIMULATED PERFORMANCE RESULTS HAVE CERTAIN INHERENT LIMITATIONS. UNLIKE AN ACTUAL PERFORMANCE RECORD, SIMULATED RESULTS DO NOT REPRESENT ACTUAL TRADING AND MAY NOT BE IMPACTED BY BROKERAGE AND OTHER SLIPPAGE FEES. ALSO, SINCE THE TRADES HAVE NOT ACTUALLY BEEN EXECUTED, THE RESULTS MAY HAVE UNDER- OR OVER-COMPENSATED FOR THE IMPACT, IF ANY, OF CERTAIN MARKET FACTORS, SUCH AS LACK OF LIQUIDITY. SIMULATED TRADING PROGRAMS IN GENERAL ARE ALSO SUBJECT TO THE FACT THAT THEY ARE DESIGNED WITH THE BENEFIT OF HINDSIGHT. NO REPRESENTATION IS BEING MADE THAT ANY ACCOUNT WILL OR IS LIKELY TO ACHIEVE PROFITS OR LOSSES SIMILAR TO THOSE SHOWN.
The Connors Group, Inc.
10 Exchange Place, Suite 1800
Jersey City, NJ 07302
© Copyright 2009 The Connors Group, Inc.