Under Armour Raises Full-Year Guidance After Strong Q1

Under Armour Inc. reported revenues in the first quarter increased 30 percent in the first quarter of 2016 to $1.05 billion compared with net revenues of $805 million in the prior year's period. Wall Street's average expectation was $1.04 billion.

On a currency neutral basis, net revenues increased 32 percent compared with the prior year's period. Operating income increased 26 percent in the first quarter of 2016 to $35 million compared with $28 million in the prior year's period.

Net income increased 63 percent in the first quarter of 2016 to $19 million compared with $12 million in the prior year's period and diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2016 were $0.04 compared with $0.03 per share in the prior year's period. Diluted earnings per share calculations for both periods reflect the company's Class C Stock Dividend effective April 7, 2016, which has the same effect as a two-for-one stock split. Wall Street's consensus estimate had been 2 cents.

During the first quarter, wholesale net revenues grew 28 percent year-over-year to $744 million compared to $579 million in the prior year's period, while Direct-to-Consumer net revenues grew 33 percent year-over-year to $266 million compared to $200 million in the prior year's period. North America net revenues for the first quarter grew 26 percent year-over-year, or 27 percent on a currency neutral basis. International net revenues, which represented 14 percent of total net revenues for the first quarter, grew 56 percent year-over-year, or 65 percent on a currency neutral basis.

Within product categories, apparel net revenues increased 20 percent to $667 million compared with $555 million in the same period of the prior year, led by growth in training and golf. Footwear net revenues increased 64 percent to $264 million from $161 million in the prior year's period, primarily reflecting the ongoing success of the Curry signature basketball line and expanded running offerings. Accessories net revenues increased 26 percent to $80 million from $63 million in the prior year's period, driven primarily by growth in headwear and bags.

Kevin Plank, chairman and CEO, stated, "For the past 24 consecutive quarters or six years, we have driven net revenue growth above 20 percent and we are incredibly proud of our start to 2016 with first quarter net revenue growth of 30 percent.The strong results posted this quarter truly demonstrate the balanced growth of our brand across product categories, channels and geographies. It also showcases our heightened focus on providing better service across our distribution channels, ensuring that our consumer consistently finds the newest, most premium product from us wherever they shop.In footwear, this includes the remarkable success of the Stephen Curry signature basketball line, as well as the exciting launches of our first smart running shoe and our new line of Jordan Spieth inspired golf shoes.Combined with the introductions of premium apparel technologies like Microthread and CoolSwitch, we will continue to drive elevated innovation and excitement to the athlete throughout the remainder of 2016."

Gross margin for the first quarter of 2016 was 45.9 percent compared with 46.9 percent in the prior year's period, primarily reflecting negative impacts of approximately 100 basis points from higher liquidations and approximately 70 basis points from foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by approximately 60 basis points from improved product cost margins. Selling, general and administrative expenses grew 27 percent to $446 million compared with $350 million in the prior year's period, primarily driven by investments in Direct-to-Consumer and overall headcount to support the company's strategic initiatives.

Balance Sheet Highlights

Cash and cash equivalents decreased 30 percent to $157 million at March 31, 2016 compared with $225 million at March 31, 2015. Inventory at March 31, 2016 increased 44 percent to $834 million compared with $578 million at March 31, 2015, primarily driven by the company's ongoing strategy to drive higher service levels to customers, resulting in meaningful improvements in fill rates. Total debt increased 38 percent to $935 million at March 31, 2016 compared with $677 million at March 31, 2015.

Updated 2016 Outlook

Based on current visibility, the company expects 2016 net revenues of approximately $5.0 billion, representing growth of 26 percent over 2015 and 2016 operating income in the range of $503 million to $507 million, representing growth of 23 percent to 24 percent over 2015. Below the operating line, the company expects interest expense of approximately $35 million, an effective full year tax rate of approximately 38.5 percent, and fully diluted weighted average shares outstanding of approximately 446 million for 2016 reflective of the Class C Stock Dividend.

When it reported fourth-quarter results on January 28, the company expects 2016 net revenues of approximately $4.95 billion, representing growth of 25 percent over 2015 and 2016 operating income of approximately $503 million, representing growth of 23 percent over 2015, in line with the financial targets outlined at the company's September 2015 Investor Day.

Plank concluded, "This year marks our 20th year in business, which is a great milestone for our company. Our robust growth this quarter demonstrates the power of our brand with growth coming from every part of our business. Our ability to adapt in a rapidly changing environment has been a critical part of our success and fuels our inspiration to create game-changing products that solve problems and enrich consumers' lives. With this unrelenting consumer focus and ongoing investment, we are setting the foundation for our growth story over the next 20 years."