Columbia Reports Fourth Quarter & Full Year 2022 Financial Results; Provides Full Year 2023 Financial Outlook

Columbia Sportswear Company (NASDAQ: COLM) (the "Company"), a multi-brand global leading innovator in outdoor, active and lifestyle products including apparel, footwear, accessories, and equipment, today announced fourth quarter 2022 financial results for the period ended December 31, 2022.

Fourth Quarter 2022 Highlights

• Net sales increased 4 percent (8 percent constant-currency) to a record $1,169.6 million, compared to fourth quarter 2021.
• Operating income decreased 27 percent to $155.4 million, or 13.3 percent of net sales, compared to fourth quarter 2021 operating income of $211.6 million, or 18.7 percent of net sales. Fourth quarter 2022 operating income includes $35.6 million of impairment charges related to prAna.
• Diluted earnings per share decreased 15 percent to $2.02, compared to $2.39 in fourth quarter 2021. The prAna impairment charges negatively impacted diluted earnings per share by $0.43.
• Exited the quarter with $431.0 million of cash and short-term investments and no borrowings.

Full Year 2022 Highlights

• Net sales increased 11 percent (14 percent constant-currency) to a record $3,464.2 million, compared to 2021.
• Operating income decreased 13 percent to $393.1 million, or 11.3 percent of net sales, compared to 2021 operating income of $450.5 million, or 14.4 percent of net sales. 2022 operating income includes $35.6 million in prAna impairment charges.
• Diluted earnings per share decreased 7 percent to $4.95, compared to 2021 diluted earnings per share of $5.33.
• The Company repurchased $286.9 million of common stock during the year.

Full Year 2023 Financial Outlook

The following forward-looking statements reflect our expectations as of February 2, 2023 and are subject to significant risks and business uncertainties, including those factors described under “Forward-Looking Statements” below. Additional disclosures and financial outlook details can be found in the Full Year 2023 Financial Outlook section below and the CFO Commentary and Financial Review presentation.

• Net sales of $3.57 to $3.67 billion representing net sales growth of 3 to 6 percent compared to 2022.
• Operating income of $413 to $448 million, representing operating margin of 11.6 to 12.2 percent.
• Diluted earnings per share of $5.15 to $5.55.

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Tim Boyle commented, “I’m incredibly proud of the financial performance and accomplishments that our global workforce achieved in 2022. I’d like to thank our dedicated employees whose tremendous efforts fueled these results and position us for continued success. For the year, net sales grew 11 percent to a record $3.5 billion, and were up 14 percent on a constant-currency basis. I believe this financial performance could have been even higher, absent supply chain constraints which severely delayed inventory availability throughout the year.

“We are entering 2023 in a position of strength, with strong consumer demand for our innovative products. With the early receipt of Spring merchandise, we are well positioned for timely deliveries, and have strategies in place to profitably and efficiently reduce inventory levels. Our financial strength, with over $400 million in cash and no debt, and our operating discipline will enable us to navigate near-term headwinds and position us to emerge in a stronger position.

“I’m confident we have the right strategies in place to unlock the significant growth opportunities we see across the business. We are investing in our strategic priorities to:

• accelerate profitable growth;
• create iconic products that are differentiated, functional and innovative;
• drive brand engagement through increased, focused demand creation investments;
• enhance consumer experiences by investing in capabilities to delight and retain consumers;
• amplify marketplace excellence, with digitally-led, omni-channel, global distribution; and
• empower talent that is driven by our core values, through a diverse and inclusive workforce.”

CFO's Commentary and Financial Review Presentation Available Online

For a detailed review of the Company's fourth quarter 2022 financial results, please refer to the CFO Commentary and Financial Review presentation furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on a Current Report on Form 8-K and published on the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at https://investor.columbia.com/financial-results at approximately 4:15 p.m. ET today. Analysts and investors are encouraged to review this commentary prior to participating in our conference call.

Fourth Quarter 2022 Financial Results

(All comparisons are between fourth quarter 2022 and fourth quarter 2021, unless otherwise noted.)

• Net sales increased 4 percent (8 percent constant-currency) to $1,169.6 million from $1,129.7 million for the comparable period in 2021. The increase in net sales was driven by Columbia brand growth, partially offset by declines in net sales in the emerging brands.
• Gross margin contracted 180 basis points to 50.4 percent of net sales from 52.2 percent of net sales for the comparable period in 2021. The primary driver of gross margin contraction was increased promotional activity, compared to exceptionally low promotions in the comparable period in 2021.
• SG&A expenses increased 5 percent to $405.1 million, or 34.6 percent of net sales, from $384.0 million, or 34.0 percent of net sales, for the comparable period in 2021. SG&A expense growth primarily reflects expenses to support the growth of the business, inflationary pressures, and investments to drive our brand-led consumer-focused strategies.
• Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets related to prAna of $35.6 million.
• Operating income decreased 27 percent to $155.4 million, or 13.3 percent of net sales, compared to operating income of $211.6 million, or 18.7 percent of net sales, for the comparable period in 2021.
• Income tax expense of $34.0 million resulted in an effective income tax rate of 21.3 percent, compared to income tax expense of $54.9 million, or an effective income tax rate of 25.9 percent, for the comparable period in 2021.
• Net income decreased 20 percent to $125.7 million, or $2.02 per diluted share, compared to net income of $157.0 million, or $2.39 per diluted share, for the comparable period in 2021.

Full Year 2022 Financial Results

(All comparisons are between full year 2022 and full year 2021, unless otherwise noted.)

• Net sales increased 11 percent (14 percent constant-currency) to $3,464.2 million from $3,126.4 million in 2021.
• Gross margin contracted 220 basis points to 49.4 percent of net sales from 51.6 percent of net sales in 2021.
• SG&A expenses increased 11 percent to $1,304.4 million, or 37.7 percent of net sales, compared to $1,180.3 million, or 37.8 percent of net sales, in 2021.
• Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets related to prAna of $35.6 million.
• Operating income decreased 13 percent to $393.1 million, or 11.3 percent of net sales, compared to operating income of $450.5 million, or 14.4 percent of net sales, in 2021.
• Income tax expense of $86.0 million resulted in an effective income tax rate of 21.6 percent, compared to income tax expense of $97.4 million, or an effective tax rate of 21.6 percent, in 2021.
• Net income decreased 12 percent to $311.4 million, or $4.95 per diluted share, compared to net income of $354.1 million, or $5.33 per diluted share, in 2021.
• Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2022
• Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $431.0 million, compared to $894.5 million as of December 31, 2021.
• The Company had no borrowings as of December 31, 2022 or 2021.
• Inventories increased 59 percent to $1,028.5 million, compared to $645.4 million as of December 31, 2021. Unrealized projected sales growth for Fall 2022 and earlier receipt of Spring 2023 product has resulted in higher inventory levels. Older season inventories represent a manageable portion of our total inventory mix.

Cash Flow for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2022

• Net cash used in operating activities was $25.2 million, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $354.4 million in 2021.
• Capital expenditures totaled $58.5 million, compared to $34.7 million in 2021.
• Share Repurchases for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2022
• The Company repurchased 3,235,327 shares of common stock for an aggregate of $286.9 million, or an average price per share of $88.69.
• At December 31, 2022, $529.4 million remained available under our stock repurchase authorization, which does not obligate the Company to acquire any specific number of shares or to acquire shares over any specified period of time.

Quarterly Cash Dividend

The Board of Directors approved a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per share, payable on March 21, 2023 to shareholders of record on March 10, 2023.

Full Year 2023 Financial Outlook

(Additional financial outlook details can be found in the CFO Commentary and Financial Review presentation.)

The Company's first half and full year 2023 Financial Outlook is forward-looking in nature, and the following forward-looking statements reflect our expectations as of February 2, 2023 and are subject to significant risks and business uncertainties, including those factors described under “Forward-Looking Statements” below. These risks and uncertainties limit our ability to accurately forecast results. This outlook reflects our estimates as of February 2, 2023 regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations; economic conditions, including inflationary pressures; supply chain disruptions, constraints and expenses; elevated marketplace inventories; changes in consumer behavior and confidence; as well as geopolitical tensions. This outlook and commentary assume macro-economic conditions, particularly in the U.S., do not materially deteriorate beyond a mild recession. Projections are predicated on normal seasonal weather globally.

Net sales are expected to increase 3 to 6 percent to $3.57 to $3.67 billion from $3.46 billion in 2022.

Gross margin is expected to expand approximately 60 basis points to approximately 50 percent of net sales from 49.4 percent of net sales in 2022.

SG&A expenses are expected to increase faster than net sales growth. SG&A expense, as a percent of net sales, is expected to be 38.3 to 39.0 percent, compared to SG&A expense as a percent of net sales of 37.7 percent in 2022.

Operating income is expected to be $413 to $448 million, resulting in operating margin of 11.6 to 12.2 percent, compared to operating margin of 11.3 percent in 2022.

Effective income tax rate is expected to be approximately 24.5 percent.

Net income is expected to be $322 to $347 million, resulting in diluted earnings per share of $5.15 to $5.55. This diluted earnings per share range is based on estimated weighted average diluted shares outstanding of 62.5 million.

Foreign Currency

• Foreign currency translation is anticipated to reduce 2023 net sales growth by approximately 30 basis points.
• Foreign currency is expected to have an approximately $0.05 negative impact on diluted earnings per share due primarily to unfavorable foreign currency transactional effects from hedging of production.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flows

Operating cash flow is expected to be over $500 million.

Capital expenditures are planned to be in the range of $70 to $90 million.

First Half 2023 Financial Outlook

• Net sales growth of mid-single-digit percent, compared to first half 2022.
• Gross margin is anticipated to expand at a rate modestly below our full year 2023 gross margin outlook, with first quarter 2023 gross margin expected to be down compared to first quarter 2022.
• SG&A expenses are expected to grow faster than net sales growth, resulting in SG&A deleverage.
• Diluted earnings per share is expected to be $0.75 to $0.90. First half 2023 diluted earnings per share will be weighted to first quarter 2023, with essentially breakeven earnings in second quarter 2023. Please note second quarter is typically our lowest volume sales quarter and small changes in the timing of product shipments and expenses can have a material impact on reported results.