Kenneth Cole Productions reported third-quarter earnings per fully-diluted share were 11 cents a share in the third quarter versus 1 cent in the year-ago period, slightly better than the company's previous guidance of 8 cents to 10 cents per share.
Diluted earnings per share for the nine month period grew by $0.89 to $0.26 versus the year-ago loss of ($0.63). The improved results for the quarter and year-to-date were driven by continued sales growth in all channels of distribution and ongoing expense leverage gained from the Company's streamlining initiatives.
Net revenues in the third quarter grew 14.7% to $119.0 million versus $103.8 million in the third quarter last year. Each of the Company's operating segments contributed to the growth in the quarter. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, net revenues increased 11.8% to $336.5 million versus $301.0 million, with double-digit growth in the Company's Wholesale, Consumer Direct and Licensing business segments.
Wholesale sales in the third quarter grew by 21.0% to $62.5 million. This acceleration was driven by the launch of Reaction men's sportswear and double-digit growth in men's and women's footwear. Consumer Direct revenue for the third quarter increased by 8.0% to $45.0 million, resulting from a comparable store sales increase of 6.7% and continued strong double-digit growth in e-commerce. Licensing revenue in the third quarter increased 10.8% to $11.5 million.
Jill Granoff, Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are pleased to report strong performance in the third quarter, as well as our fifth consecutive quarter of positive operating profit. On a year-to-date basis, we have achieved double-digit revenue growth in each of the Company's operating segments and significant improvement in earnings per share. Our brands remain strong and our operations are more efficient. We are excited by our recent initiatives to accelerate our growth, particularly the launch of Reaction men's sportswear and the strategic decision to bring our women's sportswear license in-house.”
The Company noted that during the quarter, as previously announced, it reached an agreement with Bernard Chaus, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: CHBD) to terminate the women's sportswear license effective June 1, 2011. Total wholesale sales of Kenneth Cole women's sportswear are currently reported to be in excess of $50 million annually.
Consolidated gross margin in the quarter was 42.5% compared to 43.3% in the year-ago period. Margins declined slightly due to a higher mix of wholesale revenues in the quarter as well as a moderate increase of promotional activity in the Company's outlet stores versus the same period in the prior year.
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of sales improved by 240 basis points to 40.6% from 43.0% in the year-ago quarter. The Company achieved these results through its streamlining initiatives and expense leverage on the revenue growth.
As a result of the revenue growth in the quarter and successful expense management, third quarter operating income rose to $2.3 million compared to operating income of $0.3 million in the same quarter of last year. Operating income for the nine months improved by $21.9 million to $4.4 million versus a loss of ($17.5) million in the same period of fiscal 2009.
The Company noted there was minimal tax expense in the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2010 due to the reversal of a portion of the Company's deferred tax valuation allowance.
The Company's balance sheet at September 30, 2010 remained strong with increased cash and no long-term debt. Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the quarter were $69.8 million, up $19.8 million versus the $50.0 million reported at September 30, 2009. Inventory of $51.6 million at September 30, 2010 includes inventory to support the planned growth of our new Reaction men's sportswear business and five new stores to be opened in the fourth quarter.
Fourth Quarter Guidance
The Company today also issued revenue and earnings per share guidance for the fourth quarter ending December 31st, 2010. The Company currently expects fourth quarter net revenues to grow between 10% and 12%. Based upon current business trends, the Company is comfortable with the current consensus EPS estimate of $0.31 on an operating basis, excluding anticipated non-recurring costs principally associated with expected store closings.
Kenneth Cole, Chairman and Chief Creative Officer, concluded, “We are encouraged by our improved results and are grateful for the continued hard work of all of our associates. Our global brand potential is significant and we remain committed to increasing value for our shareholders.”
