Under Armour Inc. reported an unexpected fourth-quarter loss and missed Wall Street estimates for its revenues. The company also warned of soft 2020 results and said it’s considering another massive restructuring initiative to rebalance its cost base.

“Under Armour is an operationally better company following our transformation over the past few years, with a clearly defined and focused strategy, enhanced go-to-market process, cleaner inventories and a stronger balance sheet,” said Under Armour President and CEO Patrik Frisk. “However, ongoing demand challenges and the need to drive greater efficiencies in our business requires us to further prioritize our investments to put our company in the best position possible to achieve sustainable, profitable growth over the long-term.”

Fourth Quarter 2019 Review

  • Revenue was up 4 percent to $1.4 billion (up 4 percent currency neutral).
  • Gross margin increased 230 basis points to 47.3 percent compared to the prior year driven primarily by pricing including lower discounts to our wholesale partners, channel mix and supply chain initiatives.
  • Selling, general & administrative expenses increased 3 percent to $607 million, or 42.1 percent of revenue.
    Operating income was $74 million.
  • Net loss was $15 million or 3 cents per diluted loss per share. The loss was inclusive of a $23 million tax expense, which had a 5 cents per negative earnings per share impact related to the recording of valuation allowances against certain of the company’s U.S. state deferred tax assets. The loss also reflected a $39 million impairment charge, which had an 8 cents per negative earnings per share impact related to the company’s equity interest investment in its Japan licensee.
  • Cash and cash equivalents increased 41 percent to $788 million.
  • Inventory decreased 12 percent to $892 million.
  • Total long-term debt decreased 19 percent to $593 million.

The loss of 3 cents a share was lower than Wall Street’s consensus estimate of earnings of 10 cents per share. Revenues of $1.4 billion were also short of Wall Street’s consensus estimate of $1.47 billion.

By category, footwear saw the strongest growth, climbing 10.3 percent to $259.3 million. Apparel revenues inched up 0.2 percent to $970.3 million and accessories added 1.6 percent to $109.9 million. Licensing revenues climbed 35.5 percent to $62.2 million.

All regions showed gains and all showed improved profitability except for the EMEA region.

In North America, sales grew 1.9 percent to $983.0 million and also advanced 1.9 percent on a currency-neutral basis. Operating profits improved 7.1 percent to $196.7 million.

Overall international growth was ahead 6.6 percent on a reported and 8.0 percent on a currency-neutral basis.

In the EMEA region, revenues rose 2.2 percent to $180.7 million and increased 3.5 percent on a currency-neutral basis. Operating profits were down 27.4 percent to $9.0 million.

Asia-Pacific revenues climbed 9.8 percent to $183.0 million and increased 11.1 percent on a currency-neutral basis. Operating income increased 9.8 percent to $23.5 million.

In the Latin America region, sales ran up 11.9 percent to $55.0 million and jumped 13.8 percent on a currency-neutral basis. The region posted operating earnings of $857,000 against a loss of $6.5 million a year ago.

In the Connected Fitness segment, revenues gained 15.6 percent to $35.0 million. Connected Fitness registered operating earnings of $9.04 million against an operating loss of $1.31 million.

Full Year 2019 Review

  • Revenue was up 1 percent to $5.3 billion (up 3 percent currency neutral).
  • Gross margin was 46.9 percent, a 180-basis point improvement from 45.1 percent in the prior year driven predominantly by supply chain initiatives, channel mix and prior period restructuring charges.
  • Selling, general & administrative expenses increased 2 percent to $2.2 billion, or 42.4 percent of revenue.
  • Operating income was $237 million.
  • Net income was $92 million or 20 cents per diluted earnings per share. The earnings were inclusive of a 5 cents per negative earnings per share impact related to the recording of valuation allowances against certain of the company’s U.S. state deferred tax assets and a 9 cents per negative earnings per share impact related to the impairment of the company’s equity interest investment in its Japan licensee.

Initial 2020 Outlook

The company’s initial 2020 outlook currently includes an estimated negative impact of the coronavirus outbreak in China of approximately $50 million to $60 million in sales related to the first quarter of 2020. This outlook does not contemplate additional financial or operational impacts past the first quarter of 2020. Given the significant level of uncertainty with this dynamic and evolving situation, full-year results could be further materially impacted. The following outlook also does not include any possible benefits or costs from a potential restructuring initiative. Key points related to Under Armour’s full year 2020 outlook include:

  • Revenue is expected to be down at a low single-digit percent compared to 2019 results. This reflects a mid to high-single-digit percentage decline in North America as work continues to rebalance the business against market demand dynamics and pro-active strategies to better protect the company’s premium brand positioning. The international business is expected to grow at a low double-digit percentage rate.
  • Gross margin is expected to be up approximately 30 to 50 basis points versus the prior year due to ongoing supply chain initiatives and regional mix benefits.
  • Operating income is expected to reach $105 million to $125 million.
  • Interest and other expense net is planned at approximately $30 million.
  • Diluted earnings per share is expected to be in the range of 10 to 13 cents per share, inclusive of an estimated $0.01 to $0.02 negative impact from the company’s equity interest in its Japan licensee.
  • Capital expenditures are planned at approximately $160 million compared with $144 million in 2019.

Wall Street on average had expected sales to be down 4.2 percent to $5.51 billion. EPS for the year was expected to come in at 46 cents per share.

2020 Restructuring Initiative

The company also announced it is currently assessing a potential 2020 restructuring initiative to rebalance its cost base to further improve profitability and cash flow generation. In connection with this potential plan, the company is considering $325 million to $425 million in estimated pre-tax charges for 2020, including approximately $225 million to $250 million related to the possibility of foregoing opening a flagship store in New York City while pursuing sublet options for the long-term lease.

Based on initial assessments and timing of a potential restructuring initiative, the company could realize approximately $30 million to $50 million in pre-tax benefits in 2020. The company expects to complete its assessment during the first quarter of 2020, and subject to board review and approval, would announce any potential restructuring charges upon adoption of any plan.

Photo courtesy Under Armour