Under Armour’s Q3 Revenues Vault 42 Percent

Diluted earnings per share for the third quarter of 2011 were 88 cents on weighted average common shares outstanding of 52.5 million compared with 68 cents per share on weighted average common shares outstanding of 51.2 million in the prior year's period.  Diluted EPS benefited approximately 4 cents a share as a result of our ongoing tax planning strategies.  

Third quarter apparel net revenues increased 31 percent to $363 million compared with $277 million in the same period of the prior year, driven by continued strength across Men's, Women's, Youth, and new product offerings including Charged Cotton and Fleece.  Direct-to-Consumer net revenues, which represented 22 percent of total net revenues for the third quarter, grew 73 percent year-over-year.  Third quarter footwear net revenues doubled to $52 million from $26 million in the prior year's period, primarily reflecting the introduction of new running footwear and earlier year-over-year shipments of basketball product.  Third quarter accessories net revenues increased 211 percent to $40 million from $13 million in the prior year's period, primarily driven by the in-house transition of the company's previously licensed hats and bags business which commenced in January 2011.

Kevin Plank, Chairman, CEO, and President of Under Armour, Inc., stated, “We surpassed a billion dollars in net revenues last year, and the Brand has already topped that milestone this year through the first three quarters.  Our product engines are as strong as ever, as demonstrated by consecutive quarters of 40 percent plus growth for the first time since 2007.  We successfully launched Storm Fleece during the quarter, our cold weather Charged Cotton product.  We also elevated our footwear message while continuing to enhance our global distribution network.  Our strong results and the early acceptance of new products such as Storm Fleece and our Charge RC footwear give us confidence that the consumer continues to vote for our Brand.”

Gross margin for the third quarter of 2011 was 48.4 percent compared with 50.9 percent in the prior year's quarter primarily due to less favorable apparel product margins and the ongoing impact of the hats and bags transition in 2011. 

Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues were 32.3 percent in the third quarter of 2011 compared with 33.6 percent in the prior year's period, reflecting leverage of corporate services and marketing expenses.  Marketing expenses for the third quarter of 2011 were 10.4 percent of net revenues compared with 10.9 percent in the prior year's quarter. 

Third quarter operating income grew 32 percent to $75 million compared with $57 million in the prior year's period.  

For the first nine months of 2011, net revenues increased 40 percent to $1.07 billion compared with $763 million in the prior year.  Net income for the first nine months of 2011 increased 41 percent to $64 million compared with $46 million in the same period of 2010.  Diluted earnings per share for the first nine months of 2011 were $1.23 on weighted average common shares outstanding of 52.5 million compared with $0.89 per share on weighted average common shares outstanding of 51.0 million in the prior year.

Balance Sheet Highlights

The company had cash and cash equivalents of $68 million with $30 million of borrowings outstanding under its $300 million revolving credit facility at September 30, 2011.  Inventory at September 30, 2011 increased 63 percent to $319 million compared with $196 million at September 30, 2010.  Long-term debt increased to $80 million from $19 million in the prior year's period, primarily driven by the company's completion of the corporate headquarters acquisition in July.  

Updated 2011 Outlook

The company had previously anticipated 2011 net revenues in the range of $1.42 billion to $1.44 billion, representing growth of 33 percent to 35 percent over 2010, and 2011 operating income in the range of $155 million to $160 million, representing growth of 38 percent to 42 percent over 2010.  Based on current visibility, the company now expects 2011 net revenues of $1.46 billion to $1.47 billion, representing growth of 37 percent to 38 percent over 2010, and 2011 operating income in the range of $159 million to $162 million, representing growth of 42 percent to 44 percent over 2010.  The company now expects an effective tax rate of approximately 38.4 percent for the full year, compared to previously provided full year guidance of 40.0 percent and an effective tax rate of 37.1 percent for 2010.  The company anticipates fully diluted weighted average shares outstanding of approximately 52.5 million to 52.7 million for 2011.

Plank concluded, “Our Brand continues to evolve and reach a broader range of consumers, and we believe we are still just scratching the surface of the Brand's global potential.  As we focus on that potential, we will measure our success with an equal focus on driving topline with areas that will drive enhanced profitability and returns through improved management of our overall gross margin and inventory.  We will continue to invest in the talent and resources needed to ensure this balanced approach.”