A.T. Cross Company Reports Sales and Profit Increases in First Quarter 2013


  • Q1 2013 net sales increased 6%
  • Q1 2013 operating income increased 10%
  • Q1 2013 EPS increased from $0.12 to $0.13
  • Cross Optical Group revenue and operating income increased 19% and 29%, respectively

LINCOLN, R.I., April 25, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A.T. Cross Company (Nasdaq:ATX) today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 30, 2013.

David G. Whalen, President and Chief Executive Officer of A.T. Cross said, "A. T. Cross continued to grow in the first quarter of 2013 with revenue up 6% and operating income higher by 10%. The Cross Optical Group (COG) continued its strong performance as its revenue and operating income increased 19% and 29%, respectively. As our sunglass business enters its peak selling season, it is clear that it has maintained its momentum from 2012 and we expect a strong performance as we move through the spring."

Mr. Whalen continued, "The Cross Accessory Division's (CAD) revenue declined 6% in the first quarter. Two-thirds of the decline was related to the substantially weaker Japanese Yen and decreased sales of low margin discontinued product. Having said that, while our trend in the European market improved in Q1, we did experience softness in the America and Asia markets which we are addressing."

First Quarter 2013 Results

Sales for the first quarter of 2013 increased by 5.9% to $44.4 million compared to $41.9 million in the first quarter of 2012.  The Cross Optical Group reported sales of $23.8 million, an increase of 19.1% compared to last year's first quarter.  The Cross Accessory Division recorded revenue of $20.6 million, down 6.2% from last year.

Gross margin was 56.1% in 2013, versus 56.2% in 2012.

Operating expenses were $22.3 million, or 50.2% of sales in the 2013 first quarter, versus $21.2 million, or 50.5% of sales for the same period a year ago.

Operating income in the first quarter of 2013 was $2.6 million, compared to $2.4 million in the first quarter of last year.

Net income for the first quarter was $1.6 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, compared to net income of $1.5 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, last year.

Strategic Alternatives

On February 4, 2013, the Company announced that it is exploring strategic alternatives for its Cross Accessory Division. Costs associated with the process totaled approximately $240,000, or $0.01 per share, in the first quarter of 2013.

Guidance

In January, the Company provided 2013 guidance of earnings between $0.78 and $0.82 per share. The Company is confirming that guidance. The guidance will be reviewed again in July, once the peak sunglass season concludes.

Conference Call

The Company's management will host a conference call today, April 25, 2013 at 4:30 PM Eastern Time. Parties interested in participating in the conference call may dial-in at (877) 303-2912, while international callers may dial-in at (408) 427-3877. The conference call will be webcast and can be accessed at www.cross.com. A replay of the webcast will be archived on the Company's website for 60 days.

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. A.T. Cross provides a range of distinctive products that appeal to a growing market of consumers seeking to enhance their image and facilitate their lifestyle. A.T. Cross products, including award-winning quality writing instruments, timepieces, non prescription reading glasses, business accessories and Costa and Native Eyewear premium sports sunglasses, are distributed in retail and corporate gift channels worldwide. For more information, visit the A.T. Cross website at www.cross.com, the Costa website at www.costadelmar.com and the Native Eyewear website at www.nativeyewear.com.

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 operating results for COG during the spring season and the expected overall results for A.T. Cross). 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 the continued success of the Optical Group's business model, the expectation that CAD will address revenue weakness in Asia, the potential effect of economic uncertainty on consumer confidence and, consumers' willingness to continue to participate in the writing instrument category and to purchase discretionary items. These forward-looking statements 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 April 25, 2013. 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.

 A. T. CROSS COMPANY 
 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME 
 (in thousands, except per share amounts) 
 (unaudited) 
     
 
   Three Months Ended 
   March 30, 2013   March 31, 2012 
     
 Net sales   $44,401  $41,946
 Cost of goods sold   19,476  18,376
 Gross Profit   24,925  23,570
     
 Selling, general and administrative expenses   19,600  18,475
 Service and distribution costs   2,000  2,048
 Research and development expenses   707  660
 Operating Income   2,618  2,387
 Interest and other expense   (132)  (132)
 Income Before Income Taxes   2,486  2,255
 Income tax provision   846  717
 Net Income   $1,640  $1,538
     
 Net Income per Share:     
 Basic   $ 0.13  $ 0.13
 Diluted   $ 0.13  $ 0.12
     
 Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:     
 Basic   12,246  12,288
 Diluted   12,979  12,893
     
     
 
   Three Months Ended 
   March 30, 2013   March 31, 2012 
 Segment Data: Cross Accessory Division     
 Net Sales   $20,565  $21,929
 Operating Loss   (1,066)  (462)
     
 Segment Data: Cross Optical Group     
 Net Sales   $23,836  $20,017
 Operating Income   3,684  2,849
     
A. T. CROSS COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, unaudited)
     
     
  March 30, 2013 March 31, 2012
Assets    
Cash and cash equivalents $12,630 $14,817
Short-term investments 271 202
Accounts receivable 34,106 32,173
Inventories 42,391 40,354
Deferred income taxes 3,409 4,154
Other current assets 8,933 7,476
Total Current Assets 101,740 99,176
     
Property, plant and equipment, net 13,964 13,206
Goodwill 15,279 15,279
Intangibles and other assets 10,308 11,151
Deferred income taxes 10,994 10,894
     
 Total Assets $152,285 $149,706
     
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity    
Accounts payable and other current liabilities $25,150 $25,205
Line of credit 15,000 0
Retirement plan obligations 2,577 2,405
Income taxes payable 178 267
Total Current Liabilities 42,905 27,877
     
Long-term debt 0 18,221
Retirement plan obligations 19,737 19,703
Deferred gain on sale of real estate 1,564 2,086
Other long-term liabilities 706 473
Accrued warranty costs 1,256 1,430
Shareholders' equity 86,117 79,916
     
 Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $152,285 $149,706


            

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