Columbia Sportswear Co. on Wednesday raised its diluted earnings per share outlook for 2019 to $4.70 to $4.80 from $4.65 to $4.75 after reporting third-quarter diluted EPS increased 23 percent to a record $1.75, compared to third quarter 2018 diluted EPS of $1.42. Compared to non-GAAP third quarter 2018 diluted EPS of $1.41, diluted EPS increased 24 percent.

Net sales increased 14 percent (15 percent constant-currency) to a record $906.8 million over the year-ago period.

“Record third quarter results exceeded our expectations, with broad based growth across our geographic segments, channels and product categories,” said President and CEO Tim Boyle. “During the quarter, we were able to ship a greater portion of our Fall 2019 order book compared to the Fall 2018 season as retailers restocked depleted inventory positions after harsh winter weather and exceptional sell-through in North America last year. Higher advance orders and earlier shipments contributed to 14 percent growth for the Columbia brand and 27 percent growth for the SOREL brand in the quarter. SOREL’s impressive growth was led by strong demand for fall fashion styles, further validating the brand’s success as a year-round fashion footwear brand. Our net sales growth momentum combined with Project CONNECT margin benefits drove earnings per share growth in excess of 20 percent with continued investment in our strategic priorities.”

“As we enter our peak selling season, I’m confident that our powerful brand portfolio, globally diversified business model and the dedication and focus of our talented global team position us to deliver another year of record sales and profit.”

“Our profitable growth trajectory and fortress balance sheet provide a foundation of strength and confidence from which we will continue investing in our strategic priorities to:

  • drive brand awareness and sales growth through increased, focused demand creation investments;
  • enhance consumer experience and digital capabilities in all our channels and geographies;
  • expand and improve global direct-to-consumer operations with supporting processes and systems; and
  • invest in our people and optimize our organization across our portfolio of brands.”

“We are making these investments to build on our strengths as a brand-led, consumer-focused organization and to enable sustainable long-term profitable growth.”

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Throughout this press release, non-GAAP amounts in third quarter 2018 exclude a $4.3 million benefit in connection with an insurance claim ($3.3 million net of tax), $1.5 million in incremental income tax expense related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) and $1.2 million in Project CONNECT expenses and discrete costs ($0.9 million net of tax). References to non-GAAP financial measures in first nine months 2018 exclude $14.1 million in Project CONNECT program expenses and discrete costs ($10.7 million net of tax), a $4.3 million benefit in connection with an insurance claim ($3.3 million net of tax), and $2.7 million in incremental provisional income tax expense related to the TCJA. These excluded items were not applicable to third quarter and first nine months 2019 results.

Third Quarter 2019 Financial Results
(All comparisons are between third quarter 2019 and third quarter 2018, unless otherwise noted.)

Net sales increased 14 percent (15 percent constant-currency) to $906.8 million, from $795.8 million for the comparable period in 2018.

Gross margin expanded 110 basis points to 49.3 percent of net sales from 48.2 percent for the comparable period in 2018.

SG&A expenses increased 15 percent to $299.2 million, or 33.0 percent of net sales, from $259.3 million, or 32.6 percent of net sales, for the comparable period in 2018. SG&A expenses increased 14 percent from non-GAAP SG&A expenses of $262.4 million, or 33.0 percent of net sales, for the comparable period in 2018.

Operating income increased 18 percent to $152.0 million, or 16.8 percent of net sales, from $129.1 million, or 16.2 percent of net sales, for the comparable period in 2018. Operating income increased 21 percent from non-GAAP operating income of $126.0 million, or 15.8 percent of sales, for the comparable period in 2018.

Net income increased 19 percent to $119.3 million, or $1.75 per diluted share, from $100.2 million, or $1.42 per diluted share, for the comparable period in 2018. Net income increased 20 percent from non-GAAP net income of $99.3 million, or $1.41 per diluted share for the comparable period in 2018. Third quarter 2019 net income also includes the benefit of full ownership of our China business, which became a wholly-owned subsidiary effective January 2019. In third quarter 2018, the non-controlling interest share of net income was $2.2 million, or $0.03 per diluted share.

First Nine Months 2019 Financial Results
(All comparisons are between first nine months 2019 and first nine months 2018, unless otherwise noted).

Net sales increased 11 percent (12 percent constant-currency) to $2,087.6 million, compared to $1,884.7 million for the comparable period in 2018.

Gross margin expanded 130 basis points to 49.7 percent of net sales, from 48.4 percent for the comparable period in 2018.

SG&A expenses increased 9 percent to $791.8 million, or 37.9 percent of net sales, from $724.8 million, or 38.5 percent of net sales, for the comparable period in 2018. SG&A expenses increased 11 percent from non-GAAP SG&A expenses of $715.1 million, or 37.9 percent of net sales, for the comparable period in 2018.

Operating income increased 29 percent to $256.3 million, or 12.3 percent of net sales, compared to operating income of $198.2 million, or 10.5 percent of net sales, for the comparable period in 2018. Operating income increased 23 percent from non-GAAP operating income of $208.0 million, or 11.0 percent of net sales, for the comparable period in 2018.

Net income increased 40 percent to $216.5 million, or $3.15 per diluted share, compared to $155.0 million, or $2.19 per diluted share, for the comparable period in 2018. Net income increased 31 percent from non-GAAP net income of $165.1 million, or $2.34 per diluted share for the comparable period in 2018. First nine months 2019 net income includes the benefit of full ownership of our China business. In the first nine months of 2018, the non-controlling interest share of net income was $6.6 million, or $0.09 per diluted share.

Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2019

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $240.8 million, compared to $451.5 million at September 30, 2018.

Inventories increased 16 percent to $717.4 million, compared to $617.2 million at September 30, 2018.

Share Repurchases for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

The Company repurchased 1,191,684 shares of common stock for an aggregate of $116.2 million, or an average price per share of $97.50.

Regular Quarterly Cash Dividend

At its regular board meeting on October 25, 2019, the board of directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.24 per share, payable on December 5, 2019 to shareholders of record on November 21, 2019.