Financial Overview
The Company’s consolidated net sales for the quarter were $135.3 million compared to $138.3 million for the same quarter last year. Print sales were down 8.2% on a comparable quarter basis, from $86.1 million to $79.0 million. Apparel sales increased 7.6% (volume up 12.7% and selling price per unit down 4.9%) for the comparable quarter, from $52.3 million to $56.3 million.
Consolidated gross profit margin ("margin") for the quarter increased 260 basis points from 24.5%, for the same quarter last year, to 27.1%. For a quarter comparison basis, print margin remained relatively stable at 30.0% plus, while apparel margin increased from 14.4% to 23.1%.
Apparel margin continued to increase on both a comparable and sequential quarter basis, due to lower input costs and higher production levels. As a result, net earnings increased from $7.6 million, or 5.5% of net sales, for the quarter ended August 31, 2012 to $9.8 million, or 7.2% of net sales, for the quarter ended August 31, 2013. Diluted earnings per share increased 31.0% from $0.29 for the 2012 quarter to $0.38 for the 2013 quarter.
For the six month period, net sales decreased from $280.9 million to $273.8 million, or 2.5%. Print sales for the six month period were $160.4 million, compared to $173.4 million for the same period last year, a decrease of $13.0 million, or 7.5%.
Apparel sales for the six month period were $113.4 million, compared to $107.5 million for the same period last year, or an increase of $5.9 million or 5.5% (volume up 11.6% and price down 6.1%). The consolidated margin increased from 22.1% to 26.5% for the six months ended August 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively. Print margin increased during the period from 29.3% to 29.9%, as a result of the elimination of duplicative costs associated with the integration of acquisitions.
Apparel margin increased 1,110 basis points from 10.6% to 21.7% during the period, due to lower input costs and increased production levels. Net earnings increased from $11.5 million, or 4.1% of net sales, for the six months ended August 31, 2012 to $18.3 million, or 6.7% of net sales, for the six months ended August 31, 2013. Diluted earnings per share increased 59.1% from $0.44 to $0.70 for the six months ended August 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively.
During the quarter, the Company generated $19.0 million in EBITDA (a non-GAAP financial measure calculated as net earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) compared to $15.7 million for the comparable quarter last year. For the six month period ended August 31, 2013, the Company generated $35.9 million of EBITDA compared to $25.7 million for the comparable period last year.
Ennis