HanesBrands sales down 3% in Q1

While net sales for the first quarter were hampered by a sluggish retail environment, the company’s operating profit margin expanded 790 basis points over the year-ago quarter, benefitting from an improved cotton-cost and product-pricing environment and the company’s Innovate-to-Elevate margin-enhancement initiatives.

Based on first-quarter results, Hanes reaffirms its 2013 guidance for net sales of approximately $4.6 billion; operating profit of $500 million to $550 million; EPS of $3.25 to $3.40; and free cash flow of approximately $350 million to $450 million.

The company also recently announced the initiation of a regular quarterly dividend. The company’s Board of Directors has authorized a dividend of $0.20 per share to be paid June 3, 2013, to stockholders of record at the close of business on May 20, 2013. The quarterly dividend is the first for Hanes since its spinoff as an independent public company in 2006.

“We are pleased with our ongoing strategic execution, which resulted in improved profitability in the first quarter and bolsters our outlook for the rest of the year,” Hanes Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard A. Noll said. “Our operating profit margin was strong, our brands are commanding more retail shelf space, and our product innovation is working. We have more margin improvement potential ahead of us.”

First-Quarter 2013 Financial Highlights and Business Segment Summary

Key accomplishments for the first quarter include:

Space Gains Driven by Innovate-to-Elevate Platforms: The company continues to secure net space gains at retailers through its Innovate-to-Elevate platforms, which integrate the strengths of the company’s iconic brands, low-cost supply chain and product innovation. These platforms include ComfortBlend fabric underwear, socks and T-shirts, Smart Sizes seamless bras, and Tagless apparel.

Strong First-Quarter Operating Margin:  The company achieved a first-quarter operating margin of 9 percent. Innovate-to-Elevate initiatives, which support higher unit selling prices and lower unit costs, and lower cotton costs drove a nearly 800-basis-point improvement in operating margin over the first quarter a year-ago.

Reduced Quarter-End Inventory Versus a Year Ago: Hanes continues to focus on inventory management, with its quarter-ending inventory level 17 percent lower than a year ago.