Columbia Sportswear Company Reports Second Quarter 2011 Results; Reaffirms Full Year Net Sales and Operating Income Outlook

Highlights:

  • Second quarter 2011 consolidated net sales increased 21 percent to $268.0 million, compared to second quarter 2010 net sales of $221.8 million, including a 3 percentage point benefit from changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
  • Second quarter 2011 net loss was $13.6 million, or $(0.40) per diluted share, compared to net loss of $10.6 million, or $(0.31) per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2010.
  • The company reaffirmed its outlook for full year 2011 net sales to increase 14 to 16 percent and maintained its outlook for operating margin of approximately 7.5 to 7.7 percent.
  • The board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.22 per share.
  • The company's cash and short-term investments at June 30, 2011 totaled approximately $298.3 million with no long-term debt.

PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Columbia Sportswear Company (NASDAQ:COLM), a leading innovator in active outdoor apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment, today announced net sales of $268.0 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2011, an increase of 21 percent compared to net sales of $221.8 million for the same period of 2010, with 3 percentage points of that increase resulting from changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Second quarter net loss totaled $13.6 million, or $(0.40) per diluted share, compared with a net loss of $10.6 million, or $(0.31) per diluted share, for the same period of 2010.

Tim Boyle, Columbia's president and chief executive officer, commented, "Each of our major brands generated growth in the second quarter, keeping us on pace toward our full year objectives of record sales and improved profitability. As we head into the second half of 2011, we are confident that our product innovations and compelling marketing messages will continue to elevate our brands and drive growth."

Second Quarter 2011 Results

The second quarter is the company's smallest revenue quarter, historically accounting for approximately only 15 percent of annual net sales. As a result, regional, category and brand net sales results often produce large percentage variances in relation to the prior year's comparable period due to the small base of comparison and shifts in the timing of shipments.

Second quarter net sales increased 21 percent, driven by 20 percent growth in Columbia brand net sales to $239.1 million, a 24 percent increase in Mountain Hardwear brand net sales to $22.7 million, and a 106 percent increase in Sorel brand net sales to $3.7 million. (See "Brand Net Sales" table below.)

Second quarter U.S. net sales grew 4 percent to $129.0 million, driven primarily by a 39 percent increase in direct-to-consumer sales, partially offset by an 8 percent decline in wholesale sales, reflecting a combination of a planned shift in the timing of shipments of Fall 2011 advance orders compared with Fall 2010, and unseasonable weather, which resulted in fewer reorders and greater cancellations of advance orders compared with the second quarter of 2010. Net sales in the Latin America/Asia Pacific (LAAP) region grew 48 percent to $76.6 million, including a 9 percentage point benefit from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, while net sales in the Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA) region increased 39 percent to $53.6 million, including a 5 percentage point benefit from changes in exchange rates. The increased net sales in both the LAAP and EMEA regions primarily reflected increased shipments to independent distributors, made possible by more timely production of Fall 2011 advance orders compared to last year. The LAAP region also benefited from a 42 percent net sales increase in Korea and a 36 percent net sales increase in Japan as it began to recover from the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Canada net sales increased 14 percent to $8.8 million, including a 6 percentage point benefit from changes in exchange rates. (See "Geographical Net Sales" table below.)

Second quarter 2011 sportswear net sales increased 12 percent to $136.2 million, outerwear net sales increased 43 percent to $62.1 million, footwear net sales increased 29 percent to $50.0 million, and accessories and equipment net sales increased 11 percent to $19.7 million. (See "Categorical Net Sales" table below.)

The company ended the second quarter of 2011 with approximately $298.3 million in cash and short-term investments, compared with approximately $398.3 million at June 30, 2010.

Inventories totaled $422.0 million at June 30, 2011, an increase of 36 percent from June 30, 2010. The increase resulted from:

    --  earlier receipts of Fall 2011 production to fulfill advance orders for
        delivery in the second half of 2011;
    --  excess Fall 2010 inventory intentionally held for sale primarily through
        company-owned retail outlet stores in the second half of 2011;
    --  higher Spring 2011 inventory compared to Spring 2010, partially due to
        unseasonable weather which resulted in fewer reorders and greater
        cancellations of advance orders; and
    --  the effect of a weaker U.S. dollar on translation of non-U.S. inventory
        balances.

2011 Financial Outlook

The company reaffirmed its previous expectations for full year 2011 operating margin to increase approximately 50 to 70 basis points compared with 2010 operating margin of 7.0 percent, driven by:

    --  an expected net sales increase of 14 to 16 percent compared with 2010,
    --  an approximate 100 basis point increase in gross margins compared to
        2010 gross margins of 42.4 percent, and
    --  increased licensing income, partially offset by
    --  an estimated 50 basis point increase in selling, general and
        administrative expenses (SG&A) as a percentage of sales.

The company is currently planning for a full-year income tax rate of approximately 27 percent.

The company expects a low double-digit percentage increase in third quarter 2011 net sales compared with third quarter 2010 and operating income of approximately $70 million to $74 million, with a 25 basis point increase in gross margins, and 100 basis points of SG&A expense expansion as a percentage of net sales, partially offset by an increase in licensing income.

All projections related to anticipated future results are forward-looking in nature and are based on a variety of factors and assumptions, which may change, perhaps significantly.

Dividend

The board of directors approved a dividend of $0.22 per share, payable on September 1, 2011 to shareholders of record on August 18, 2011.

CFO's Second Quarter Financial Commentary Available Online

At approximately 4:15 p.m. EDT today, a commentary by Tom Cusick, senior vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer, reviewing the company's second quarter 2011 results and fiscal 2011 outlook will be furnished to the SEC on Form 8-K and published on the company's website at http://investor.columbia.com/results.cfm. Analysts and investors are encouraged to review this commentary prior to participating in the conference call.

Conference Call

The company will host a conference call on Thursday, July 28, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. ET to review its second quarter results and 2011 financial outlook. To participate, please dial (877)407-9205 in the United States, (201)689-8054 outside the U.S. The call will also be webcast live on the investor information section of the company's website at www.columbia.com, where it will remain available until July 25, 2012.

Columbia Sportswear plans to report financial results for the third quarter of 2011 on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at approximately 8:00 a.m. EDT. Following the earnings report, at approximately 8:15 a.m. EDT, the company plans to publish a commentary by Tom Cusick, senior vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer, to the company's website at http://investor.columbia.com/results.cfm. A public webcast of Columbia's earnings conference call will follow at 9:00 a.m. EDT at www.columbia.com.

About Columbia Sportswear

Columbia Sportswear Company is a global leader in the design, sourcing, marketing and distribution of active outdoor apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment. Founded in 1938 in Portland, Oregon, Columbia products are sold in more than 100 countries and have earned an international reputation for innovation, quality and performance. Columbia products feature innovative technologies and designs that protect outdoor enthusiasts from the elements, increase comfort, and make outdoor activities more enjoyable. In addition to the Columbia(R) brand, Columbia Sportswear Company also owns outdoor brands Mountain Hardwear(R), Sorel(R), Montrail(R), and Pacific Trail(R). To learn more, please visit the company's websites at www.columbia.com, www.mountainhardwear.com, www.sorel.com, and www.montrail.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements regarding anticipated results, net sales, gross margins, operating costs, operating margins, SG&A expenses, licensing income, tax rates, product innovations and planned investments in future periods. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in these and other forward-looking statements. The company's expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith and are believed to have a reasonable basis; however, each forward-looking statement involves a number of risks and uncertainties, including those set forth in this press release, those described in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 under the heading "Risk Factors," 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. Potential risks and uncertainties that may affect our future revenues, earnings and performance and could cause the actual results of operations or financial condition of the company to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements in this release include: unfavorable economic conditions generally and weakness in consumer confidence and spending rates; changes in international, federal and/or state tax policies and rates, which we expect to increase; international risks, including changes in import limitations and tariffs or other duties, political instability in foreign markets, exchange rate fluctuations, and trade disruptions; our ability to attract and retain key employees; the financial health of our customers and their continued ability to access credit markets to fund their ongoing operations; higher than expected rates of order cancellations; increased consolidation of our retail customers; our ability to effectively source and deliver our products to customers in a timely manner, the failure of which could lead to increased costs and/or order cancellations; unforeseen increases and volatility in input costs, such as cotton and/or oil; our reliance on product acceptance by consumers; the effects of unseasonable weather (including, for example, warm weather in the winter and cold weather in the spring), which affects consumer demand for the company's products; our dependence on independent manufacturers and suppliers; our ability to source finished products and components at competitive prices from independent manufacturers in foreign countries that may experience unexpected periods of inflation, labor and materials shortages or other manufacturing disruptions; the effectiveness of our sales and marketing efforts; intense competition in the industry (which we expect to increase); business disruptions and acts of terrorism or military activities around the globe; our ability to effectively implement our IT infrastructure and business process initiatives; the operations of our computer systems and third party computer systems; and our ability to establish and protect our intellectual property. The company cautions that forward-looking statements are inherently less reliable than historical information. 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 reflect changes in events, circumstances or its expectations. New factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for the company to predict all such factors, nor can it assess the impact of each such factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement.


COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

                                                    June 30,

                                                      2011           2010

Current Assets:

Cash and cash                                       $ 207,429      $ 346,643
equivalents

Short-term                                            90,842         51,686
investments

Accounts                                              174,822        145,463
receivable, net

Inventories, net                                      422,004        310,520

Deferred income                                       45,069         30,801
taxes

Prepaid expenses and other current                    60,242         47,628
assets

Total current                                         1,000,408      932,741
assets

Property, plant
and equipment,                                        230,363        224,865
net

Intangibles and other non-current                     82,080         54,401
assets

Total assets                                        $ 1,312,851    $ 1,212,007

Current
Liabilities:

Accounts payable                                    $ 159,292      $ 120,134

Accrued                                               81,624         63,916
liabilities

Income taxes                                          9,541          6,181
payable

Deferred income                                       2,161          2,414
taxes

Total current                                         252,618        192,645
liabilities

Long-term                                             44,275         38,526
liabilities

Shareholders'                                         1,015,958      980,836
equity

Total liabilities and shareholders'                 $ 1,312,851    $ 1,212,007
equity

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

                  Three Months Ended June 30,       Six Months Ended June 30,

                            2011         2010         2011           2010

Net sales         $         268,030    $ 221,831    $ 601,116      $ 522,237

Cost of sales               155,617      124,909      339,167        298,011

Gross profit                112,413      96,922       261,949        224,226

                            41.9    %    43.7    %    43.6      %    42.9      %

Selling, general, and       134,512      113,458      268,659        228,997
administrative expense

Net licensing               3,459        1,819        5,990          2,544
income

Loss from                   (18,640 )    (14,717 )    (720      )    (2,227    )
operations

Interest income,            461          392          784            926
net

Income (Loss)               (18,179 )    (14,325 )    64             (1,301    )
before income tax

Income tax                  4,621        3,721        (852      )    (75       )
benefit (expense)

Net loss          $         (13,558 )  $ (10,604 )  $ (788      )  $ (1,376    )

Loss per share:

Basic             $         (0.40   )  $ (0.31   )  $ (0.02     )  $ (0.04     )

Diluted                     (0.40   )    (0.31   )    (0.02     )    (0.04     )

Weighted average shares
outstanding:

Basic                       33,956       33,800       33,878         33,767

Diluted                     33,956       33,800       33,878         33,767

COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

                                                    Six Months Ended June 30,

                                                      2011           2010

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Net loss                                            $ (788      )  $ (1,376    )

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by
operating activities:

Depreciation and                                      21,063         18,490
amortization

Loss on disposal or impairment of property, plant     149            258
and equipment

Deferred income                                       3,961          553
taxes

Stock-based                                           3,804          3,272
compensation

Excess tax benefit from exercise of employee stock    (1,780    )    (419      )
plans

Changes in operating assets and
liabilities:

Accounts                                              129,918        77,931
receivable

Inventories                                           (102,427  )    (93,208   )

Prepaid expenses and other current                    (31,290   )    (16,712   )
assets

Intangibles and                                       (926      )    (198      )
other assets

Accounts payable and accrued                          (4,193    )    25,458
liabilities

Income taxes                                          (7,395    )    293
payable

Other liabilities                                     1,873          2,122

Net cash provided by operating                        11,969         16,464
activities

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Net purchases of short-term                           (21,819   )    (29,033   )
investments

Capital                                               (22,639   )    (14,362   )
expenditures

Proceeds from sale of property, plant,                159            -
and equipment

Net cash used in investing                            (44,299   )    (43,395   )
activities

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Proceeds from issuance of common                      9,764          4,942
stock

Tax payments related to restricted stock unit         (2,851    )    (781      )
issuances

Excess tax benefit from exercise of employee stock    1,780          419
plans

Repurchases of                                        -              (3,838    )
common stock

Cash dividends                                        (14,237   )    (12,151   )
paid

Net cash used in investing                            (5,544    )    (11,409   )
activities

NET EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH           11,046         (1,681    )

NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS             (26,828   )    (40,021   )

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD        234,257        386,664

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD            $ 207,429      $ 346,643

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NON-CASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Capital expenditures incurred but not               $ 1,802        $ 2,119
yet paid




COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

(In millions, except percentage changes)

(Unaudited)

                    Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30,

                      2011     2010   % Change      2011     2010   % Change

Brand Net Sales:

 Columbia           $ 239.1  $ 199.4  20       %  $ 527.2  $ 467.1  13       %

 Mountain Hardwear    22.7     18.3   24       %    54.4     43.9   24       %

 Sorel                3.7      1.8    106      %    14.0     5.8    141      %

 Other                2.5      2.3    9        %    5.5      5.4    2        %

 Total              $ 268.0  $ 221.8  21       %  $ 601.1  $ 522.2  15       %

Geographical Net
Sales:

 United States      $ 129.0  $ 123.7  4        %  $ 321.5  $ 296.9  8        %

 Latin America &      76.6     51.8   48       %    143.9    107.9  33       %
 Asia Pacific

 Europe, Middle       53.6     38.6   39       %    98.0     85.5   15       %
 East, & Africa

 Canada               8.8      7.7    14       %    37.7     31.9   18       %

 Total              $ 268.0  $ 221.8  21       %  $ 601.1  $ 522.2  15       %

Categorical Net
Sales:

 Outerwear          $ 62.1   $ 43.4   43       %  $ 160.9  $ 131.0  23       %

 Sportswear           136.2    121.9  12       %    290.4    268.3  8        %

 Footwear             50.0     38.7   29       %    104.4    84.8   23       %

 Accessories &        19.7     17.8   11       %    45.4     38.1   19       %
 Equipment

 Total              $ 268.0  $ 221.8  21       %  $ 601.1  $ 522.2  15       %




    Source: Columbia Sportswear Company