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A.T. CROSS COMPANY REPORTS SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH IN
THIRD QUARTER RESULTS
- Revenue Grows Ten Percent
- Operating Income Grows from $0.2 Million to $2.2 Million
- Quarterly Earnings Improve from $0.02 Per Share to $0.16 Per Share
- 2007 Earnings Guidance Raised to $0.45 per share
Lincoln, RI – October 24, 2007 – A.T. Cross Company (AMEX:
ATX) today announced financial results for the third quarter and nine
months ended September 29, 2007.
Third Quarter Results
Consolidated sales for the third quarter of 2007 increased 10.0% to $35.1 million
compared to $31.9 million in the third quarter of 2006. The Cross Accessory Division,
also referred to as the writing instruments and accessories segment, recorded revenue
of $26.3 million, up 3.9% compared to the same period last year. The Company’s optical
segment, comprised of Costa Del Mar, had a third quarter sales increase of 33.5%
to $8.8 million, compared to the same period last year.
Gross margin in the third quarter increased 330 basis points to 56.7%, compared
to 53.4% in last year’s third quarter, as both segments reported continued improvements
in gross margins. Operating expenses were $17.7 million, or 50.3% of sales in the
quarter, versus $16.8 million, or 52.7% of sales for the same period a year ago.
Consolidated operating income in the third quarter was $2.2 million, a $2.0 million
improvement compared to the operating profit of $0.2 million in the third quarter
of 2006.
Net income for the quarter was $2.4 million, or $0.16 per basic share, compared
to $0.3 million, or $0.02 per basic share, last year. The income tax provision for
the current quarter was favorably impacted by the recognition of tax benefits, the
realization of which were previously considered uncertain. These tax benefits favorably
impacted results by $0.06 per share.
David G. Whalen, President and Chief Executive Officer of A.T. Cross said, “In the
third quarter, we continued to transform A.T. Cross. We built upon the strength
and momentum created in the first two quarters and accomplished what we needed to
accomplish. Specifically, our Costa Del Mar business continued to excel and the
Cross Accessory Division is prepared for what we expect will be a strong showing
in the peak holiday period.”
Nine Month Results
Consolidated sales in the first nine months of 2007 increased 10.8% to $104.2 million
compared to $94.0 million in 2006. Cross Accessory Division revenue was $74.9 million,
up 3.3% compared to the same period last year. Costa Del Mar’s net sales increased
36.4% to $29.3 million compared to the same period last year.
Year to date, net income was $3.5 million or $0.23 per basic share, compared to
$0.6 million or $0.04 per basic share, last year. The income tax provision for the
current nine month period was favorably impacted by the recognition of tax benefits,
the realization of which were previously considered uncertain. These tax benefits
favorably impacted results by $0.05 per share.
Guidance
The Company is establishing its 2007 revenue guidance at 8% to 9% growth and is
now targeting 2007 earnings per share at $0.41, exclusive of the projected favorable
impact of the tax benefits previously described, which will favorably impact 2007
results by $0.04 per share. This compares to the previous 2007 guidance of $0.37
- $0.40 per share.
Conference Call
The Company’s management will host a conference call tomorrow, October 25, 2007
at 8:30 AM Eastern Time. Parties interested in participating in the conference call
may dial-in at (888) 820-9413, while international callers may dial-in at (913)
312-0957. A live webcast of the call will be accessible here or www.viavid.net.
The webcast will be archived for 30 days on these sites, while a telephone replay
of the call will be available beginning at 11:30 AM Eastern Time on October 25,
2007 through November 1, 2007 at (888) 203-1112 or (719) 457-0820 for international
callers, and entering the pass code of 4011502.
About A.T. Cross Company
Building on the rich tradition of its award-winning writing instruments and reputation
for innovation and craftsmanship, A.T. Cross Company is a designer and marketer
of branded personal and business accessories. Cross provides a range of distinctive
products that appeal to a growing market of consumers seeking to enhance their image
and facilitate their lifestyle. Cross products, including award-winning quality
writing instruments, leather goods, timepieces, and business accessories and Costa
Del Mar sunglasses, are distributed in retail and corporate gift channels worldwide.
For more information, visit the A.T. Cross website at
www.cross.com and Costa Del Mar.
Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking
statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (including but not limited to statements relating
to the expected positive revenue and earnings performance of the Cross Accessory
Division during the holiday season.) In addition, words such as "believes," "anticipates,"
"expects," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.
These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including
but not limited to consumers’ and retailers’ demand for the Company’s existing and
new writing instrument and extension products, retailers’ support for the Company’s
merchandising initiatives, and the ability of the Company to match forecasts and
production with consumer demand, and are not guarantees since there are inherent
difficulties in predicting future results. Actual results could differ materially
from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. The information
contained in this document is as of October 24, 2007. The Company assumes no obligation
to update any forward-looking statements contained in this document as a result
of new information or future events or developments. Additional discussion of factors
that could cause actual results to differ materially from management's expectations
is contained in the Company's filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
CONTACTS:
Kevin F. Mahoney
Vice President, Finance and
Chief Financial Officer
401-335-8470
Integrated Corporate Relations
James Palczynski/David Griffith
203-682-8200
Download a spreadsheet with 2007 Third Quarter Results
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