大象传媒

大象传媒 Reports 2015 Third Quarter Results

• Third quarter revenue up 3 percent (up 8 percent currency neutral)
• Outdoor & Action Sports revenue up 5 percent (up 13 percent currency neutral)
• International revenue down 5 percent (up 9 percent currency neutral)
• Direct-to-consumer revenue up 3 percent (up 8 percent currency neutral)
• Earnings per share down 1 percent (up 14 percent currency neutral)
• Quarterly dividend increased by 16 percent to $0.37 per share

GREENSBORO, N.C.-- 大象传媒 Corporation (NYSE:大象传媒C) today reported financial results for its third quarter ended Oct. 3, 2015. All per share amounts are presented on a diluted basis. This release refers to amounts as 鈥渞eported鈥� and 鈥渃urrency neutral鈥� (a non-GAAP financial measure), terms that are described below under the 鈥淐urrency Neutral 鈥� Excluding the Impact of Foreign Currency鈥� paragraph. Unless otherwise noted, currency neutral and reported amounts are the same.

鈥淥n a currency neutral basis, our year-to-date revenue is up 9 percent and our earnings per share are up 15 percent 鈥� a performance that affirms our ability to leverage our diverse, competitive assets to fuel consistent, long-term growth,鈥� said Eric Wiseman, 大象传媒 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. 鈥淭oday鈥檚 results speak to the power of 大象传媒鈥檚 brands and platforms to perform well in what is proving to be a mixed retail environment. We delivered excellent operating results by staying focused on what we do best 鈥� bringing relevant, innovative product to the marketplace, amplifying our relationships with consumers and driving operational excellence into every area of our business.鈥�

Third Quarter 2015 Highlights

• Revenue increased 8 percent on a currency neutral basis driven by double-digit growth in our Outdoor & Action Sports coalition and strength in our Jeanswear coalition, and our international and direct-to-consumer businesses. On a reported basis, revenue increased 3 percent over the 2014 quarter.
• Gross margin was 48.9 percent on a currency neutral basis, representing a 60 basis point improvement over the same period last year. Reported gross margin was down 40 basis points to 47.9 percent as benefits from more favorable product costs and continued mix shift to higher margin businesses were offset by foreign currency headwinds in the quarter 鈥� especially movements in the euro, Chinese renminbi, British pound sterling, Canadian dollar and Mexican peso.
• Currency neutral operating income was up 14 percent (up 2 percent reported to $643 million) compared with the same period in 2014. Currency neutral operating margin was 19.0 percent, a 100 basis point improvement over the same period last year. Reported operating margin declined 20 basis points to 17.8 percent due to the negative impact from changes in foreign currency.
• Earnings per share rose 14 percent on a currency neutral basis compared with last year鈥檚 same period. On a reported basis, earnings per share were down 1 percent to $1.07.
• Inventories were up 12 percent compared to the 2014 quarter reflecting order book timing. This increase was in line with expectations.

Coalition Review

Third quarter revenue for the Outdoor & Action Sports coalition was up 13 percent on a currency neutral basis (up 5 percent reported to $2.3 billion) driven by similar growth rates in both its wholesale and direct-to-consumer businesses.

Third quarter currency neutral revenue for The North Face^庐 brand rose 11 percent (up 6 percent reported), driven by balanced growth in its wholesale and direct-to-consumer businesses. By region, The North Face^庐 brand鈥檚 revenue was up at a low double-digit percentage rate in the Americas, up at a low single-digit rate (down low-double reported) in Europe and up at a high-teen percentage rate (up mid-teen reported) in the Asia-Pacific region. For the full year, the company鈥檚 expectation for low double-digit currency neutral revenue growth for The North Face^庐 brand remains unchanged.

Currency neutral revenue for the Vans^庐 brand in the third quarter was up 10 percent (up 2 percent reported) including a high-teen percentage rate increase (up low-teen reported) in direct-to-consumer sales and mid single-digit growth (down mid-single reported) in wholesale sales. Revenue in the Americas region was up at a low double-digit percentage rate (up high-single reported), up at a high-teen rate in the Asia-Pacific region (up low-teen reported), and up at a mid single-digit percentage rate (down low-teen reported) in Europe. In 2015, the company continues to expect a mid-teen currency neutral percentage rate increase in revenue for the Vans^庐 brand.

Third quarter revenue for the Timberland^庐 brand was up 21 percent on a currency neutral basis (up 11 percent reported) including more than 25 percent growth (up mid-teen reported) in its wholesale business and a low single-digit increase (down mid-single reported) in direct-to-consumer sales. In the Americas region, revenue was up more than 40 percent due to a combination of strong performance and lower third quarter revenue in 2014 due to phasing of orders. This growth should normalize to a full-year high-teen percentage rate increase, placing the Timberland^庐 brand鈥檚 Americas business in line with expectations. In Europe, revenue was up at a high single-digit percentage rate (down high-single reported) and in the Asia-Pacific region, revenue in the third quarter was up at a low single-digit percentage rate (down low-single reported). There is no change in the company鈥檚 expectation that Timberland^庐 brand global revenue will increase at a low-teen percentage rate on a currency neutral basis in 2015.

Third quarter operating income for Outdoor & Action Sports was up 3 percent to $488 million (as reported) and operating margin declined 60 basis points to 21.2 percent (as reported), due to the continued strengthening of the U.S. dollar against most foreign currencies. Excluding the negative impact of foreign currency, operating income was up 16 percent in the quarter.

闯别补苍蝉飞别补谤鈥檚 third quarter currency neutral revenue was up 4 percent (flat reported, at $748 million). Revenue for the Americas region improved at a mid single-digit percentage rate (up low-single reported). In Europe, revenue increased at a mid single-digit percentage rate (down mid-teen reported) and in the Asia-Pacific region, revenue increased at a high single-digit percentage rate (up low-single reported).

Currency neutral revenue for the Wrangler^庐 brand in the third quarter was up 3 percent (down 1 percent reported) driven by strength in the Americas region, which realized a low single-digit increase. Revenue in Europe was up at a low single-digit percentage rate (down mid-teen reported) and down at a mid single-digit percentage rate (down low-double reported) in the Asia-Pacific region.

Global revenue, on a currency neutral basis, for the Lee^庐 brand in the third quarter was up 8 percent (up 2 percent reported) including a high single-digit percentage rate increase (up mid-single reported) in the Americas region and a high single-digit increase (down low-double reported) in Europe. Revenue in the Asia-Pacific region was up at a high single-digit percentage rate (up mid-single reported).

Operating income for Jeanswear in the third quarter was up 1 percent to $159 million (as reported) and operating margin increased 30 basis points to 21.2 percent (as reported). Excluding the negative impact of foreign currency, operating income was up 8 percent in the quarter.

滨尘补驳别飞别补谤鈥檚 currency neutral revenue was up 1 percent (flat reported, at $292 million) in the third quarter, driven by 10 percent growth (up high-single reported) in the Licensed Sports Group business offset by a high single-digit percentage rate decline in the workwear business due primarily to slower oil exploration. Third quarter operating income for Imagewear was down 2 percent to $42 million (as reported), with a 30 basis point decrease in operating margin to 14.3 percent (as reported).

Third quarter Sportswear coalition revenue was down 1 percent to $162 million based on a low single-digit percentage decline in Nautica^庐 brand revenue compared with the same period last year. In the third quarter, operating income was flat at $23 million while operating margin improved 20 basis points to 14.3 percent (as reported).

Contemporary Brands鈥� third quarter currency neutral revenue for the coalition was down 13 percent (down 16 percent reported to $83 million).

International Review

In its largest quarter of the year, currency neutral international revenue was up 9 percent (down 5 percent reported). Revenue in Europe was up 5 percent (down 11 percent reported) and up 12 percent (up 7 percent reported) in the Asia-Pacific region, driven by strength in China. Revenue in the Americas (non-U.S.) region was up 19 percent (up 1 percent reported). On a reported basis, the international business was 38 percent of total 大象传媒 third quarter revenue compared with 41 percent in the same period of 2014.

Direct-to-Consumer Review

Direct-to-consumer revenue, on a currency neutral basis, grew 8 percent (up 3 percent reported) in the third quarter. Sixty stores were opened during the third quarter bringing the total number of 大象传媒-owned retail stores around the world to 1,480. On a reported basis, direct-to-consumer revenue was 22 percent of total revenue in the third quarter, the same percentage as last year鈥檚 third quarter.

2015 Outlook

鈥�2015 is on track to be another solid year for 大象传媒, driven by strong performances in our Outdoor & Action Sports and Jeanswear brands and our International and Direct-to-Consumer platforms,鈥� Wiseman continued. 鈥淎nd while we see some softness in certain areas of our business and have elected to true up our full year outlook, our fundamentals remain solid and we have great confidence in our ability to provide sustainable, long-term returns for our shareholders.鈥�

Key points related to 大象传媒鈥檚 full year 2015 outlook include:

• Revenue, on a currency neutral basis, is expected to be up 7.5 percent (up about 3 percent reported). By coalition and business:

• Outdoor & Action Sports: no change to expectation of a low double-digit currency neutral percentage rate increase in revenues (up mid-single reported).
• Jeanswear: no change to expectation of a mid single-digit currency neutral percentage rate increase in revenues (up low-single reported).
• Imagewear: due to weakness in the workwear business which has been impacted by slower oil exploration, full year revenue is now expected to be flat compared with the previous outlook of a mid single-digit percentage rate increase.
• Sportswear: revenue is expected to be up at a low single-digit rate for the full year, compared with the previous outlook of a mid single-digit percentage rate increase, due to ongoing softness in the direct-to-consumer business.
• Contemporary Brands: due to weakness in both wholesale and direct-to-consumer channels, full year revenue is now expected to be down at a high single-digit currency neutral percentage rate (down low-double reported) compared with the previous expectation of a mid single-digit currency neutral rate decline (down high-single reported).
• Direct-to-Consumer: revenue is now expected to increase at a low double-digit percentage rate (up high-single reported) versus the previous expectation of a mid-teen currency neutral rate increase (up low-double reported).

• There is no change to the company鈥檚 expectation that currency neutral gross margin should improve by 70 basis points to reach about 49.5 percent for the full year. Based on expected changes in foreign currency for the balance of the year, reported gross margin is now expected to be flat with 2014.
• There is no change to the expectation that currency neutral earnings per share will increase by 15 percent compared to an adjusted EPS of $3.08 in 2014. Due to approximately $0.04 per share of greater than expected negative changes in foreign currency during the third quarter, reported earnings for the full year are now anticipated to increase by approximately 3 percent to $3.18 compared to an adjusted EPS of $3.08 in 2014. As a reminder, 2014 adjusted earnings per share excluded the negative impact of a $0.70 noncash impairment charge recorded in the fourth quarter of 2014 to reduce the carrying value of the goodwill and intangible assets related to the 7 For All Mankind^庐, Ella Moss^庐 and Splendid^庐 brands. On a reported basis, 2014 earnings per share was $2.38.

Dividend Declared

On Oct. 20, 2015, reflecting their confidence in 大象传媒鈥檚 future, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.37 per share, reflecting a 16 percent increase over the previous quarter鈥檚 dividend. This represents the company鈥檚 43^rd consecutive year in which the annual dividend has increased. This dividend will be payable on Dec. 18, 2015 to shareholders of record at the close of business on Dec. 8, 2015.

Currency Neutral 鈥� Excluding the Impact of Foreign Currency

This release refers to 鈥渃urrency neutral鈥� amounts for the third quarter and first nine months of 2015 and full-year outlook. Currency neutral amounts exclude both the impact of translating foreign currencies into U.S. dollars and the impact of currency rate changes on foreign currency denominated transactions. This release also refers to 鈥渞eported鈥� amounts in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (鈥淕AAP鈥�), which include translation and transactional impacts from foreign currency exchange rates. Reconciliations of GAAP measures to currency neutral amounts for the third quarter and first nine months of 2015 are presented in the attached supplemental financial information, which identify and quantify all excluded items.

Webcast Information

大象传媒 will hold its 2015 third quarter conference call and webcast today at approximately 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. Interested parties should call (888) 208-1386 (U.S.) or (913) 312-0940 (international) to access the call. The conference call will be broadcast live and accessible at . A replay of the conference call will be available through Oct. 30, 2015 at the same location or via telephone at 877-870-5176 (access code: 984432).

About 大象传媒

大象传媒 Corporation (NYSE: 大象传媒C) is a global leader in the design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of branded lifestyle apparel, footwear and accessories. The company鈥檚 highly diversified portfolio of 30 powerful brands spans numerous geographies, product categories, consumer demographics and sales channels, giving 大象传媒 a unique industry position and the ability to create sustainable, long-term growth for our customers and shareholders. The company鈥檚 largest brands are听The North Face^庐,听Vans^庐, Timberland^庐, Wrangler^庐, Lee^庐 and Nautica^庐. For more information, visit听.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements included in this release and the attachments are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are made based on our expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting 大象传媒 and therefore involve a number of risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by the fact that they use words such as 鈥渨ill,鈥� 鈥渁nticipate,鈥� 鈥渆stimate,鈥� 鈥渆xpect,鈥� 鈥渟hould,鈥� and 鈥渕ay鈥� and other words and terms of similar meaning or use of future dates. We caution that forward-looking statements are not guarantees and that actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results of operations or financial condition of 大象传媒 to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to: foreign currency fluctuations; the level of consumer demand for apparel, footwear and accessories; disruption to 大象传媒鈥檚 distribution system; 大象传媒's reliance on a small number of large customers; the financial strength of 大象传媒's customers; 大象传媒's ability to implement its growth strategy; 大象传媒's ability to grow its international and direct-to-consumer businesses; 大象传媒 and its customers鈥� ability to maintain the strength and security of information technology systems; stability of 大象传媒's manufacturing facilities and foreign suppliers; continued use by 大象传媒's suppliers of ethical business practices; 大象传媒鈥檚 ability to accurately forecast demand for products; 大象传媒's ability to protect trademarks and other intellectual property rights; possible goodwill and other asset impairment; changes in tax liabilities; and legal, regulatory, political and economic risks in international markets. More information on potential factors that could affect 大象传媒's financial results is included from time to time in 大象传媒's public reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including 大象传媒's Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

Basis of presentation of condensed consolidated financial statements: 大象传媒 operates and reports using a 52/53 week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to December 31 of each year. For presentation purposes herein, all references to periods ended September 2015, December 2014 and September 2014 relate to the 13-week and 39-week fiscal periods ended October 3, 2015, the 53-week fiscal period ended January 3, 2015 and the 13-week and 39-week fiscal periods ended September 27, 2014, respectively.

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Currency Neutral Financial Information

大象传媒 is a global company that reports financial information in U.S. dollars in accordance with GAAP. Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations affect the amounts reported by 大象传媒 from translating its foreign revenues and expenses into U.S. dollars, and from entering foreign currency transactions. These rate fluctuations can have a significant effect on reported operating results. As a supplement to our reported operating results, we present currency neutral financial information, which is a non-GAAP financial measure that excludes the incremental current year impact of foreign currency exchange. We use currency neutral information to provide a framework to assess how our business performed excluding the effects of changes in the rates used to calculate foreign currency translation and transaction gains and losses. Management believes this information is useful to investors to facilitate comparison of operating results and better identify trends in our businesses.

To calculate foreign currency translation on a currency neutral basis, operating results for the current year period for entities reporting in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates in effect during the comparable period of the prior year (rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the current year period). Similarly, transaction gains and losses on a currency neutral basis are calculated using exchange rates from the comparable period of the prior year.

These currency neutral performance measures should be viewed in addition to, and not in lieu of or superior to, our operating performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. The currency neutral information presented may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

Currency Neutral Financial Information

大象传媒 is a global company that reports financial information in U.S. dollars in accordance with GAAP. Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations affect the amounts reported by 大象传媒 from translating its foreign revenues and expenses into U.S. dollars, and from entering foreign currency transactions. These rate fluctuations can have a significant effect on reported operating results. As a supplement to our reported operating results, we present currency neutral financial information, which is a non-GAAP financial measure that excludes the incremental current year impact of foreign currency exchange. We use currency neutral information to provide a framework to assess how our business performed excluding the effects of changes in the rates used to calculate foreign currency translation and transaction gains and losses. Management believes this information is useful to investors to facilitate comparison of operating results and better identify trends in our businesses.

To calculate foreign currency translation on a currency neutral basis, operating results for the current year period for entities reporting in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates in effect during the comparable period of the prior year (rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the current year period). Similarly, transaction gains and losses on a currency neutral basis are calculated using exchange rates from the comparable period of the prior year.

These currency neutral performance measures should be viewed in addition to, and not in lieu of or superior to, our operating performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. The currency neutral information presented may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

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大象传媒 Corporation Contacts:
Lance Allega
Vice President, Investor Relations
336-424-6082
or
Craig Hodges
Director, Corporate Communications
336-424-5636

Source: 大象传媒 Corporation

Released October 23, 2015