Retail sales from LA GO GO up, Ever-Glory
Ever-Glory International Group Inc, a leading apparel supply chain manager and retailer in China, today reported its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2010.
During the third quarter of 2010, net sales increased 28.1% to $31.9 million compared to $24.9 million in the third quarter of 2009. The increase in our sales was primarily attributable to increased sales in our retail business and wholesale business in China.
Sales generated from the Company's wholesale business increased 14.8% to $25.6 million, compared to $22.3 million in the third quarter of 2009. This increase was primarily due to the increased orders from the Chinese, European (excluding UK) and Japanese customers.
Retail sales from LA GO GO, the Company's branded retail division, increased 141.3% to $6.3 million, compared to $2.6 million in the third quarter of 2009. This increase was primarily due to the increase of same store sales and new stores opened. As of September 30, 2010, the Company had 214 LA GO GO retail stores and as of today, the Company has approximately 250 LA GO GO retail stores. We expect to open an additional 30-40 stores before the end of the year.
In the third quarter of 2010, gross profit was $6.4 million, an increase of 37.1% compared to the same period in 2009. Gross margin increased 1.3% to 19.9% in the third quarter of 2010, compared to 18.6% in the third quarter of 2009. The increase was due to the increased retail sales which has a higher gross margin and whose percentage in our overall sales increased.
"In the third quarter of 2010, sales of our wholesale and retail business both increased." commented Mr. Edward Yihua Kang, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Ever-Glory. " We are especially encouraged by our retail business's strong performance. Sales generated from our retail business increased considerably in the third quarter of 2010, which demonstrates the strong momentum we have with our retail strategy. We opened 21 new LA GO GO stores in the third quarter of 2010 and had a total of 214 LA GO GO stores in China as of September 30, 2010. As of today, we have approximately 250 LA GO GO stores. "
Mr. Kang continued, "We plan to continue to develop LA GO GO through perfecting design styles and improving our store management efficiency. We are confident that we can strengthen and enhance same-store sales, and further expand LA GO GO's presence in China, in order to lay a foundation for organic growth."
Selling expenses increased 108.0% to $2.3 million in the third quarter of 2010 from $1.1 million in the third quarter of 2009. The increase was attributable to an increase in salaries for the increased retail staff, as well as the increased store decoration and marketing expenses associated with the promotion of LA GO GO brand. General and administrative expenses increased 60.1% to $2.5 million in the third quarter of 2010 from $1.6 million in the third quarter of 2009. The increase was attributable to the increased payroll for additional management, design and marketing staff as a result of our business expansion.
Income from operations for the third quarter of 2010 decreased 20.6% to $1.6 million, or 4.9% of total sales, compared to $2.0 million, or 7.9% of total sales, in the third quarter of 2009. The decrease was mainly due to the increased selling, general and administrative expenses.
For the third quarter of 2010, net income attributable to the Company was $1.83 million or $0.12 per diluted share, an increase of 1.8% from $1.79 million, or $0.13 per diluted share for the same period of 2009. Net income attributable to the Company for the third quarter of 2010 includes $621,600 of non-cash gains related to the change in fair value of derivative liabilities, compared to approximately $143,000 of non-cash expenses related to the change in fair value of derivative liabilities in the third quarter of 2009.
Balance Sheet and Cash Flow
As of September 30, 2010, the Company had approximately $3.0 million of cash and cash equivalents, compared to approximately $3.6 million as of December 31, 2009. Ever-Glory had working capital of approximately $22.5 million as of September 30, 2010, and outstanding bank loans of approximately $13.1 million as of September 30, 2010.
Business Outlook
For the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company anticipates total net sales of $40 to $60 million and net income of $1.9 to $2.9 million. For full year 2010, the Company anticipates total net sales between $121 and $141 million and net income between $5.5 and $6.5 million. The full year revenue forecast is comprised of $95 to $110 million in expected wholesale revenue and $26 to $31 million in expected revenue from retail.
Based in Nanjing, China, Ever-Glory International Group, Inc. is a leading apparel supply chain manager and retailer in China. Ever-Glory is the first Chinese apparel company listed on the American Stock Exchange (now called NYSE Amex), and has a focus on middle-to-high grade casual wear, outerwear, and sportswear brands. The Company maintains global strategic partnerships in Europe, the United States, Japan and China, conducting business with several well-known brands and retail chain stores.