Exhibit 99.1
Columbia Sportswear Company Reports Record Third Quarter 2004 Results; Company
Announces Spring Backlog Increase of 16.1 Percent
PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 28, 2004--Columbia
Sportswear Company (Nasdaq:COLM):
Highlights:
-- Global net sales increased to a third quarter record $415.8
million, an 11.4 percent increase over third quarter 2003
sales of $373.4 million.
-- Net income increased 7.9 percent to $68.6 million, also a
third quarter record, or $1.68 per diluted share, compared to
$1.56 last year.
-- Global spring product backlog increased 16.1 percent to $339.5
million; consolidated backlog, which includes fall product
orders, increased 16.5 percent to $586.0 million.
-- Full year 2004 net income guidance raised to 14 to 15 percent
over 2003 results.
Columbia Sportswear Company (Nasdaq:COLM), a global leader in the
active outdoor apparel and footwear industries, today announced record
third quarter net sales of $415.8 million for the quarter ended
September 30, 2004, an increase of 11.4 percent over net sales of
$373.4 million for the same period of 2003. The Company reported
record net income for the third quarter of 2004 of $68.6 million, a
7.9 percent increase over net income of $63.6 million for the same
period of 2003. Earnings per share for the third quarter of 2004 were
$1.68 (diluted) on 40.9 million weighted average shares, compared to
earnings per share of $1.56 (diluted) for the third quarter of 2003 on
40.8 million weighted average shares.
Compared to the third quarter of 2003, U.S. sales increased 5.8
percent to $264.4 million, Other International sales increased 51.2
percent to $43.1 million, European sales increased 28.7 percent to
$58.8 million, and Canadian sales increased 0.2 percent to $49.5
million for the third quarter of 2004.
Excluding changes in currency exchange rates, Other International
sales increased 47.8 percent, European sales increased 18.9 percent,
and Canadian sales decreased 4.1 percent, for the third quarter of
2004. Consolidated net sales for the third quarter of 2004 increased
9.3 percent, excluding changes in currency exchange rates, compared to
the same period of last year.
For the third quarter of 2004, sportswear sales increased 26.0
percent to $108.4 million, footwear sales increased 35.7 percent to
$62.7 million, outerwear sales increased 1.6 percent to $224.4
million, equipment sales increased 21.4 percent to $1.7 million, and
accessories sales decreased 1.6 percent to $18.6 million compared to
the third quarter of 2003.
Tim Boyle, Columbia's president and chief executive officer,
commented, "We are pleased with our outstanding third quarter results,
driven by strong sales growth of our sportswear and footwear product
categories, and sustained sales momentum of our outerwear products in
Europe and Other International markets. These results confirm our
multiple growth strategies of leveraging our brands internationally
and further developing our product offerings as we establish our
brands globally."
Backlog
The Company reported that as of September 30, 2004, spring backlog
increased 16.1 percent to $339.5 million, compared to spring backlog
of $292.5 million at September 30, 2003. Consolidated product backlog
at September 30, 2004 was $586.0 million, an increase of 16.5 percent
compared to consolidated product backlog of $503.0 million in the same
period of 2003.
Boyle commented, "Spring backlog growth was solid, led by strong
growth in domestic orders of sportswear and footwear products. Our
brands continue to perform well at retail, resulting in healthy future
order growth from our retail customers. We are encouraged with the
spring order growth in the United States, which drove backlog growth
for the Company, underscoring the value offered by Columbia's brands
domestically. The backlog results we reported today position us well
for continuing top-line growth for the balance of this year and into
the first quarter of 2005."
Share Repurchase
In April 2004, Columbia's Board of Directors authorized the
Company to repurchase up to $100 million of its common stock in open
market or private transactions. During the third quarter of 2004, the
Company repurchased 653,535 shares of common stock at an aggregate
purchase price of $35.2 million. Through October 27, 2004, 798,356
shares have been repurchased by the Company for an aggregate purchase
price of $43.1 million.
Guidance
Boyle continued, "Based on our current outlook, we are raising
fourth quarter and full year guidance. We believe that our strategies
will enable us to generate fourth quarter 2004 revenue growth of 13 to
14 percent and net income growth of 17 to 20 percent compared to the
fourth quarter of 2003. Based on the current outlook for the fourth
quarter, we believe full year 2004 revenue growth of approximately 14
percent and net income growth of 14 to 15 percent compared to full
year 2003 results is achievable."
Boyle concluded, "Based in part on the reported spring backlog,
and taking into account slightly less foreign currency translation
benefits and additional investments to support future growth, we
expect revenue growth for the first quarter of 2005 of approximately
13 percent and net income to remain flat compared to the first quarter
of 2004. As a reminder, spring accounts for a relatively small
percentage of our overall business; the bulk of our revenues and
profits historically come in the second half of the year. Further out,
it is difficult for us to gauge revenue and profitability levels until
we gain more visibility into the fall 2005 season. Please note that
these projections are forward-looking in nature, and are based on
backlog and forecasts, which may change, perhaps significantly."
The Company will host a conference call to elaborate on third
quarter 2004 results on Thursday, October 28, 2004 at 5 p.m. Eastern.
The call will include discussions regarding the Company's third
quarter 2004 performance in general, the Company's geographic and
merchandise category performance, and the Company's future
opportunities. To participate, please dial 800-257-6566 in the United
States (outside the United States, please dial 303-262-2140) five to
ten minutes prior to the call. The call will also be webcast live on
the investor information section of the Company's website at
www.columbia.com. The webcast will be archived on the investor
information section of the Company's website until November 11, 2004.
Founded in 1938 in Portland, Ore., Columbia Sportswear Company is
a global leader in the design, sourcing, marketing and distribution of
active outdoor apparel and footwear. As one of the largest outerwear
manufacturers in the world and the leading seller of skiwear in the
United States, the Company has developed an international reputation
for quality, performance, functionality and value. To learn more about
Columbia Sportswear, please visit the Company's Web sites at
www.columbia.com, www.sorel.com and www.mountainhardwear.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including
Mr. Boyle's statements regarding anticipated revenues and earnings for
the fourth quarter and full year 2004 and performance in future
periods. Actual results could differ materially from those projected
in these and other forward-looking statements as a result of a number
of risks and uncertainties, including those set forth in this press
release, those described in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004, under the heading "Factors
That May Affect Our Business and the Price of Our Common Stock," and
other risks and uncertainties that have been or may be described from
time to time in other reports filed by the Company, including reports
on Form 8-K, Form 10-Q, and Form 10-K.
Risk factors that may affect future revenues and earnings include
international risks, including trade disruptions, political
instability in foreign markets, exchange rate fluctuations, and
changes in quotas and tariffs or other duties; effective
implementation of the Company's Kentucky distribution center and
expansion of the Company's other distribution facilities; unfavorable
economic conditions generally and weakness in consumer confidence; the
financial health of Company customers; the Company's ability to fully
and cost-effectively integrate Sorel and Mountain Hardwear into its
existing operations; the Company's ability to effectively deliver its
products to customers in a timely manner despite potential service
interruptions; the Company's reliance on product acceptance by
consumers; effects of unseasonable weather (including, for example,
warm weather in the winter and cold weather in the spring, which
affects demand for the Company's products); dependence on independent
manufacturers and suppliers; effectiveness of the Company's sales and
marketing efforts; intense competition in the industry (which the
Company expects to increase); the Company's ability to achieve and
manage growth effectively; business disruptions and costs arising from
disease outbreaks, acts of terrorism or military activities around the
globe; operations of the Company's and third party computer systems;
and the Company's ability to establish and protect its intellectual
property. The Company does not undertake any duty to update any of the
forward-looking statements after the date of this release to conform
them to actual results or to changes in Company expectations.
COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
September 30,
---------------------
2004 2003
-------- --------
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 123,344 $ 85,882
Accounts receivable, net 374,696 321,169
Inventories 194,381 166,072
Deferred tax asset 17,746 16,439
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 10,363 6,459
-------- --------
Total current assets 720,530 596,021
Property, plant and equipment, net 150,089 119,024
Intangibles and other assets 38,218 37,227
-------- --------
Total assets $ 908,837 $ 752,272
======== ========
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 71,291 $ 51,452
Accrued liabilities 90,516 79,898
Current portion of long-term debt 4,571 4,558
-------- --------
Total current liabilities 166,378 135,908
Long-term debt 11,714 16,259
Other liabilities 8,110 7,530
Shareholders' equity 722,635 592,575
-------- --------
Total liabilities and shareholders'
equity $ 908,837 $ 752,272
======== ========
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
------------------- -------------------
2004 2003 2004 2003
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net sales $415,759 $373,409 $793,531 $694,357
Cost of sales 219,371 194,592 430,029 374,077
-------- -------- -------- --------
Gross profit 196,388 178,817 363,502 320,280
47.2% 47.9% 45.8% 46.1%
Selling, general, and
administrative 92,689 78,748 215,545 182,213
Net licensing income (1,594) (678) (3,072) (1,287)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Income from operations 105,293 100,747 151,029 139,354
Interest income, net (1,022) 148 (2,873) (224)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Income before income tax 106,315 100,599 153,902 139,578
Income tax provision 37,742 37,027 54,635 51,644
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net income $ 68,573 $ 63,572 $ 99,267 $ 87,934
======== ======== ======== ========
Net income per share:
Basic $ 1.70 $ 1.59 $ 2.46 $ 2.20
Diluted 1.68 1.56 2.42 2.17
Weighted average shares
outstanding:
Basic 40,254 39,984 40,347 39,894
Diluted 40,895 40,781 40,977 40,540
CONTACT: Columbia Sportswear Company
David W. Kiser, 503-985-4584