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Iconix Brand Group, Inc. Reports Record Revenue and Earnings for the Third Quarter 2009
- Q3 revenue of $59.4 million, an 8% increase over $55.1 million last year
- Q3 EBITDA of $43.0 million and 72.5% EBITDA margin
- Q3 Free cash flow of $35.4 million, a 15% increase over last year
- Q3 non-GAAP net income of $22.6 million, a 23% increase over last year
- Q3 non-GAAP diluted EPS of $0.31, compared to $0.30 last year.

NEW YORK, Oct. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Iconix Brand Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: ICON - News; "Iconix" or the "Company"), today announced financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2009.

Q3 2009 results:

Revenue for the third quarter of 2009 was approximately $59.4 million, an 8% increase as compared to approximately $55.1 million in the third quarter of 2008. Third quarter 2009 revenue includes a gain of $3.7 million related to a transaction involving the sale of the Joe Boxer trademark in Canada. Excluding this gain, our third quarter 2009 revenue was $55.7 million or 6% higher than the third quarter 2008 revenue of $52.5 million, which excludes the $2.6 million gain related to the Iconix China joint venture transaction. EBITDA for the third quarter was approximately $43.0 million, a 14% increase as compared to approximately $37.9 million in the prior year quarter. Free cash flow for the quarter was $35.4 million a 15% increase as compared to approximately $30.9 million in the prior year quarter. On a non-GAAP basis, which excludes non-cash interest related to the adoption of the new accounting treatment for convertible debt, net income increased 23% to approximately $22.6 million, as compared to $18.3 million in the prior year quarter and diluted earnings per share for the third quarter of 2009 was $0.31 versus $0.30 in the prior year quarter. On a GAAP basis, net income increased 25% to approximately $20.5 million, as compared to $16.4 million in the prior year quarter and diluted earnings per share for the third quarter of 2009 was $0.28 versus $0.27 in the prior year quarter.

Nine months ended September 30, 2009:

Revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was approximately $166.3 million, a 2% increase as compared to approximately $162.5 million in the prior year period. EBITDA for the nine month period increased 8% to approximately $121.2 million as compared to approximately $111.8 million in the comparable prior year period, and free cash flow increased 12% to approximately $101.6 million as compared to approximately $90.7 million in the comparable prior year period. Non-GAAP net income as defined above for the 2009 nine month period increased 16% to approximately $61.5 million as compared to approximately $53.0 million in the comparable prior year period and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share increased to $0.93 versus $0.87 in the comparable prior year period. On a GAAP basis, net income increased 16% to approximately $55.4 million, as compared to $47.6 million in the comparable prior year period and diluted earnings per share for the nine month period was $0.83 versus $0.78 in the comparable prior year period. EBITDA, free cash flow, non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP EPS are all non-GAAP metrics and reconciliation tables for each are attached to this press release.

Neil Cole, Chairman and CEO of Iconix Brand Group, Inc. commented, "I believe our ability to achieve positive organic growth and record earnings despite facing some unforeseen challenges within the quarter speaks to the strength of our business model. Assuming the closing of the Ecko acquisition that we announced this morning, we will have a portfolio of 21 powerful iconic lifestyle brands that together represent close to $10 billion in annual retail sales. As I look ahead to 2010, I believe that we are as well positioned as ever and have a strong foundation from which to grow. Our model continues to generate strong cash flows and even after our latest acquisition we will still have a significant cash balance to execute acquisitions and create additional value for our shareholders."

2009 Guidance:

The Company is reiterating its recently revised revenue guidance of $215-$220 million and full year 2009 non-GAAP diluted EPS of $1.17-$1.22 and GAAP diluted EPS of $1.06-$1.11. The Company estimates that free cash flow for 2009 will be approximately $123- $126 million. This guidance relates to the existing portfolio of brands only and does not include the Ecko acquisition, as the timing of the close is uncertain, nor any additional acquisitions. In addition, while the Company expects to close the Ecko acquisition in the fourth quarter of 2009, any accretion related to the acquisition will be offset by the deal costs which are now expensed as incurred and not capitalized as a component of the purchase price.

2010 Guidance:

The Company is issuing 2010 revenue guidance of $260-$270 million. This includes the assumption that the Ecko acquisition will close in the fourth quarter of 2009. Therefore, the 2010 royalty revenue guidance includes $42-$44 million in anticipated net royalty revenue from the consolidation of the newly formed joint venture related to the Ecko acquisition. Based on a pre-defined revenue and profit sharing calculation in the agreement the Iconix share of the gross royalties will be approximately $26 million. The Company projects its 2010 non-GAAP diluted EPS to be $1.25-$1.30 and GAAP diluted EPS to be $1.13-$1.18. The Company estimates that free cash flow for 2010 will be approximately $140- $145 million. This guidance relates to the existing portfolio of brands inclusive of the Ecko acquisition and assumes no additional acquisitions.

See reconciliation tables below for non-GAAP metrics. These non-GAAP metrics may be inconsistent with similar measures presented by other companies and should only be used in conjunction with our results reported according to U.S. GAAP. Any financial measure other than those prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Iconix Brand Group Inc. (Nasdaq: ICON - News) owns, licenses and markets a growing portfolio of consumer brands including CANDIE'S ®, BONGO ®, BADGLEY MISCHKA ®, JOE BOXER ® RAMPAGE ® MUDD ®, LONDON FOG ®, MOSSIMO ® OCEAN PACIFIC ®, DANSKIN ® ROCA WEAR®, CANNON ®, ROYAL VELVET ®, FIELDCREST ®, CHARISMA ®, STARTER ® and WAVERLY ®. In addition, Iconix owns an interest in the ARTFUL DODGER ® and ED HARDY ® brands. The Company licenses its brands to a network of leading retailers and manufacturers that touch every major segment of retail distribution from the luxury market to the mass market in both the U.S. and around the world. Iconix, through its in-house advertising, promotion and public relations agency, markets its brands to continually drive greater consumer awareness and equity.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The statements that are not historical facts contained in this press release are forward looking statements that involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict and many of which are beyond the control of the Company, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, uncertainty regarding the results of the Company's acquisition of additional licenses, continued market acceptance of current products and the ability to successfully develop and market new products particularly in light of rapidly changing fashion trends, the impact of supply and manufacturing constraints or difficulties relating to the Company's licensees' dependence on foreign manufacturers and suppliers, uncertainties relating to customer plans and commitments, the ability of licensees to successfully market and sell branded products, competition, uncertainties relating to economic conditions in the markets in which the Company operates, the ability to hire and retain key personnel, the ability to obtain capital if required, the risks of litigation and regulatory proceedings, the risks of uncertainty of trademark protection, the uncertainty of marketing and licensing acquired trademarks and other risks detailed in the Company's SEC filings, including the prospectus supplement relating to the offering. The words "believe", "anticipate," "expect", "confident", "will", "project", "provide" "guidance" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statement was made. All forward-looking statements are qualified by these cautionary statements and apply only as of the date they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contact Information:
Jaime Sheinheit
Investor Relations
Iconix Brand Group
212.730.0030

    Condensed Consolidated Income Statements
    (in thousands, except earnings per share data)
 
                                (Unaudited)                 (Unaudited)
                                 -----------                 -----------
                      Three Months Ended Sept. 30,  Nine Months Ended Sept 30,
                      ----------------------------  --------------------------
                              2009         2008*        2009         2008*
                      ----------------------------  --------------------------
 
    Licensing and other
     revenue               $59,367      $55,135     $166,276     $162,502
 
    Selling, general and
     administrative
     expenses               21,023       18,558       54,661       55,589
    Expenses related
     to specific
     litigation                  -          279          137          665
                      ----------------------------  --------------------------
 
    Operating income        38,344       36,298      111,478      106,248
 
      Other expenses
       - net                 6,462       10,938       25,029       32,759
                      ----------------------------  --------------------------
 
    Income before income
     taxes                  31,882       25,360       86,449       73,489
 
    Provision for
     income taxes           11,428        8,939       31,055       25,914
                      ----------------------------  --------------------------
 
    Net income             $20,454      $16,421      $55,394      $47,575
                      ============================  ==========================
 
 
 
    Earnings per share:
             Basic           $0.29        $0.28        $0.87        $0.83
                      ============================  ==========================
 
             Diluted         $0.28        $0.27        $0.83        $0.78
                      ============================  ==========================
 
    Weighted average
     number of common
     shares outstanding:
             Basic          71,336       57,841       63,850       57,662
                      ============================  ==========================
 
             Diluted        74,070       61,091       66,426       61,241
                      ============================  ==========================
 
 
 
    Selected Balance Sheet Items:
    (in thousands)                  9/30/2009   12/31/2008*
                                    ---------   -----------
                                  (Unaudited)
    Total Assets                   $1,630,371    $1,420,259
    Total Liabilities                $743,087      $776,170
    Stockholders' Equity             $887,284      $644,089
 
    *Results for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and
    the December 31, 2008 Balance Sheet have been adjusted for the
    retrospective adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff
    Position No. APB 14-1 (FSP APB 14-1), which became effective for the
    fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008.
 
 
 
    The following tables detail unaudited reconciliations from non-GAAP
    amounts to U.S. GAAP relating to the adoption of FASB Staff Position No.
    APB 14-1 "Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled
    In Cash Upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlements)", which
    became effective retroactively for the fiscal years beginning after
    December 15, 2008.
 
    (in thousands, except per share data)
 
 
 
                                       (Unaudited)            (Unaudited)
                                      -----------            -----------
                                  Three months ended      Nine months ended
                                  Sept 30,  Sept 30,     Sept 30,  Sept 30,
                                  --------  --------     --------  --------
    Net income reconciliation      2009       2008        2009       2008
    -------------------------      ----       ----        ----       ----
 
    Non-GAAP Net Income (1)      $22,600    $18,317     $61,468     $53,017
                                ====================   =====================
 
    GAAP Net income              $20,454    $16,421     $55,394     $47,575
 
    Add: Non cash interest
     related to FSP APB 14-1       3,345      2,930       9,461       8,582
    Deduct: Income taxes
     related to non cash
     interest                     (1,199)    (1,034)     (3,387)     (3,140)
                                --------------------   ---------------------
        Net                        2,146      1,896       6,074       5,442
                                --------------------   ---------------------
 
    Non-GAAP Net Income          $22,600    $18,317     $61,468     $53,017
                                ====================   =====================
 
 
 
                              (Unaudited)                (Unaudited)
                           Three months ended         Nine months ended
                           Sept 30,   Sept 30,       Sept 30,   Sept 30,
    Diluted EPS            --------   --------       --------   --------
     reconciliation          2009       2008          2009        2008
    ---------------          ----       ----          ----        ----
    Non-GAAP Diluted
     EPS (1)                $0.31      $0.30         $0.93       $0.87
                          ===================      ====================
 
    GAAP Diluted EPS        $0.28      $0.27         $0.83       $0.78
 
    Add: Non-cash
     interest related
     to FSP APB 14-1,
     net of tax             $0.03      $0.03         $0.09       $0.09
                          -------------------      --------------------
 
    Non-GAAP Diluted EPS    $0.31      $0.30       $0.93(a)      $0.87
                          ===================      ====================
 
    (a)  due to rounding this amount may not add down
 
 
 
                                                                      Year
    Forecasted Diluted EPS                Year Ending   Year Ending   Ended
    ----------------------                 12/31/10       12/31/09    12/31/08
                                         High     Low   High     Low  Actual
 
    Non-GAAP  Diluted EPS (1)           $1.30   $1.25  $1.22   $1.17    $1.15
                                       =============== =============  =======
 
 
    GAAP Diluted EPS                    $1.18   $1.13  $1.11   $1.06    $1.02
 
    Add: Non-cash interest related to
     FSP APB 14-1, net of tax           $0.12   $0.12  $0.11   $0.11    $0.13
                                       --------------- -------------  -------
    Non-GAAP  Diluted EPS               $1.30   $1.25  $1.22   $1.17    $1.15
                                       =============== =============  =======
 
    (1)  Non-GAAP Net Income and non-GAAP diluted EPS, are non-GAAP financial
         measures, which represent net income excluding any non-cash interest,
         net of tax, relating to the adoption of FSP APB 14-1.  The Company
         believes these are useful financial measures in evaluating its
         financial condition because it is representative of only actual cash
         interest paid on outstanding debt.
 
 
 
                                  (Unaudited)            (Unaudited)
                               Three months ended      Nine months ended
                              Sept. 30,   Sept. 30,   Sept. 30,   Sept. 30,
                                 2009        2008*       2009       2008*
                              ---------------------   ---------------------
 
    EBITDA  (1)                $43,037     $37,875     $121,213   $111,816
                              =====================   =====================
 
    Reconciliation of EBITDA:
 
    Net Income before taxes     31,882      25,360       86,449     73,489
 
    Add: Net interest expense    9,021      10,510       28,395     32,331
 
       Add: Depreciation and
        amortization of
        certain intangibles      2,134       2,005        6,369      5,996
                              ---------------------   ---------------------
     EBITDA                    $43,037     $37,875     $121,213   $111,816
                              =====================   =====================
 
    (1)  EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, represents income from
         operations before income taxes, interest, depreciation and
         amortization expenses. The Company believes EBITDA provides
         additional information for determining its ability to meet future
         debt service requirements, investing and capital expenditures.
 
 
 
                                 (Unaudited)                 (Unaudited)
                             Three months ended           Nine months ended
                             ------------------           -----------------
                            Sept. 30,     Sept. 30,      Sept. 30,   Sept. 30,
                              2009          2008           2009         2008
                          ------------------------     -----------------------
    Free Cash Flow (2)     $35,448       $30,948       $101,648      $90,690
                          ========================     =======================
 
     Reconciliation of
      Free Cash Flow:
       Net Income           20,454        16,421         55,394       47,575
        Add: Non-cash
         income taxes,
         non-cash interest
         related to FSP
         APB 14-1,
         depreciation,
         amortization of
         trademarks and
         finance fees,
         non-cash
         compensation
         expense, bad
         debt expense
         and net equity
         earnings from
         joint ventures and
         sale of trademarks 16,763        14,647         48,043       47,360
       Less: Capital
        expenditures        (1,769)         (120)        (1,789)      (4,245)
                          ------------------------     -----------------------
 
     Free Cash Flow        $35,448       $30,948       $101,648      $90,690
                          ========================     =======================
 
    (2)  Free Cash Flow, a non-GAAP financial measure, represents net
         income before depreciation, amortization, non-cash compensation
         expense, bad debt expense, net equity earnings from joint ventures,
         non-cash income taxes, non-cash interest related to FSP APB 14-1, and
         less capital expenditures. The Free Cash Flow also excludes any
         changes in Balance Sheet items. The Company believes Free Cash Flow
         is useful in evaluating its financial condition because it is
         representative of cash flow from operations that is available for
         repaying debt, investing and capital expenditures.
 
 
 
                                Year Ending             Year Ending
    (in thousands)              Dec 31, 2010            Dec 31, 2009
                               High       Low          High      Low
                               ----       ---          ----      ---
    Forecasted Free
     Cash Flow (3)         $145,000  $140,000      $125,800  $122,800
                           ==================      ==================
 
    Reconciliation of
     Free Cash Flow:
      GAAP Net Income       $88,600   $84,700        75,500    72,000
    Add: Non-cash income
     taxes, non-cash
     interest related to
     convertible debt,
     depreciation,
     amortization of
     trademarks and finance
     fees, non-cash
     compensation expense,
     bad debt expense and
     net equity earnings
     from joint ventures     59,900    57,800        53,300    53,300
      Less: Capital
       expenditures          (3,500)   (2,500)       (3,000)   (2,500)
                           ------------------      ------------------
 
    Forecasted Free
     Cash Flow             $145,000  $140,000      $125,800  $122,800
                           ==================      ==================
 
    (3)  Free Cash Flow, a non-GAAP financial measure, represents net
         income before depreciation, amortization, non-cash compensation
         expense, bad debt expense, net equity earnings from joint ventures,
         non-cash income taxes, non-cash interest related to FSP APB 14-1, and
         less capital expenditures. The Free Cash Flow also excludes any
         changes in Balance Sheet items. The Company believes Free Cash Flow
         is useful in evaluating its financial condition because it is
         representative of cash flow from operations that is available for
         repaying debt, investing and capital expenditures.