Iconix Brand Group Lowers 2009 Guidance

Iconix Brand Group, Inc. is revising its full year 2009 revenue guidance to a range of approximately $215-$220 million from prior guidance of a range of $223-$230 million. On a comparative basis, this revised revenue guidance for 2009 represents an increase of approximately 5% over the prior year's adjusted revenue of $208.4 million.

The company expects to achieve an increase of approximately 25% in its 2009 non-GAAP net income to approximately $80-$83 million from adjusted non-GAAP net income of approximately $64.8 million in 2008. The company is also revising its 2009 non-GAAP diluted EPS guidance to a range of $1.17-$1.22 from its previous range of $1.30-$1.35 and its 2009 GAAP diluted EPS guidance to a range of $1.06-$1.11 from its previous range of $1.16-$1.21. Both the projected 2009 non-GAAP net income and diluted EPS guidance would, if achieved, represent record earnings for the Company. The company now expects 2009 free cash flow to be approximately $123-$126 million. This guidance relates to the existing portfolio of brands only and assumes no acquisitions.

The company's 2009 EPS estimate reflects approximately 12 cents a share of dilution related to the its June equity offering in which the company issued an additional 10.7 million shares, increasing the September 30, 2009 weighted average diluted share count from approximately 62.8 million to 73.5 million shares. Further, the company anticipates an approximate 4 cents negative impact to its previous EPS guidance related to the transition of the Rocawear women's license to a new licensee.

Adjusted revenues and non-GAAP net income amounts for 2008 referred to above exclude $8.4 million and $5.4 million, respectively, related to gains from the formation of Iconix Latin America and Iconix China joint ventures recorded in the second half of 2008. Non-GAAP net income amounts for 2008 and 2009 also give effect to the company's adoption of APB 14-1.

Third Quarter 2009:

The company estimates third quarter 2009 revenue to be approximately $53-$56 million. On a comparative basis, this represents an increase of approximately 4% over the prior year's comparable quarter adjusted revenue of $52.5 million. The company expects to achieve an increase of approximately 20% in its third quarter 2009 non-GAAP net income to approximately $19-$21 million from adjusted non-GAAP net income of approximately $16.6 million in the prior year period. The Company expects third quarter 2009 non-GAAP diluted EPS to be approximately $0.26-$0.28, which includes approximately $0.05 of dilution related to the company's June equity offering and an approximate $0.04 negative impact related to the transition of the Rocawear women's license to a new licensee. The third quarter 2009 GAAP diluted EPS is expected to be approximately $0.23-$0.25.

Adjusted revenues and non-GAAP net income for the third quarter of 2008 referred to above exclude $2.6 million and $1.7 million, respectively, related to the gain from the formation of Iconix China joint venture recorded in the third quarter of 2008. Non-GAAP net income amounts for 2008 and 2009 also give effect to the company's adoption of APB 14-1.

Neil Cole, Chairman and CEO commented, “Despite today's downward revision we are proud with what we have accomplished this year and believe our continued ability to drive organic growth and increased earnings demonstrates the strength of our business model. We are still projecting approximately 5% organic growth across our portfolio of brands. We have completed the transition of the Rocawear women's license from a licensee experiencing financial difficulties to a new licensee with a proven track record and the Rocawear brand continues to perform well overall. While we are disappointed that the strong performance of our brands has not been enough to completely offset the dilution from the equity offering and Rocawear women's transition, we believe our company is well positioned for future growth. Further, we currently have over $230 million of cash on our balance sheet and have the ability to execute on possible future acquisitions, however, we will continue to remain disciplined when pursuing potential opportunities.”

Iconix's brands include Candie', Bongo, Badgley Mischka, Joe Boxer Rampage Mudd, London Fog, Mossimo Ocean Pacific, Danskin Roca Wear, Cannon, Royal Velvet, Fieldcrest, Charisma, Starter and Waverly. In addition, Iconix Owns an Interest In The Artful Dodger and Ed Hardy.