First Quarter Highlights:

First quarter 2013 consolidated net sales increased 5 percent to a first-quarter record $348.3 million, compared with first quarter 2012 net sales of $333.1 million.

First quarter 2013 net income totaled $10.1 million, or $0.29 per diluted share, including restructuring charges of approximately $2.0 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, net of tax. First quarter 2012 net income was $3.9 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, which included restructuring charges of approximately $2.8 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, net of tax.

Columbia Sportswear Company, a leading innovator in the active outdoor apparel and footwear industries, announced a 5 percent increase in net sales for the quarter ended March 31, 2013, to a first-quarter record $348.3 million, compared with net sales of $333.1 million for the same period of 2012. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates negatively affected first quarter consolidated net sales comparisons by less than one percent.

First quarter net income increased 159 percent to $10.1 million, or $0.29 per diluted share, including restructuring charges of approximately $2.0 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, net of tax, compared with net income of $3.9 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, for the same period of 2012, which also included restructuring charges of approximately $2.8 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, net of tax. The effective tax rate in the first quarter of 2013 was 17.4 percent, compared to 30.4 percent in the comparable quarter of 2012.

Tim Boyle, Columbia’s president and chief executive officer, commented, “During the first quarter, cold weather in North America helped us liquidate additional Fall season inventory, primarily through our direct-to-consumer channels, putting our inventory levels in better shape than last year at this time.”

“Cold weather also helped our wholesale customers liquidate more of their Fall 2012 inventory; however, it did not alter their cautious posture in placing advance orders for our Fall 2013 product offering. Accordingly, based on current advance wholesale order levels, our direct-to-consumer expansion plans, the anticipated effects of transitioning to a joint venture in China, and a number of other variables and assumptions, our full year 2013 outlook anticipates slightly lower net sales compared to 2012.”

“We continue to focus on broadening the year-round relevance of our brands by delivering innovations that help keep consumers comfortable whenever and wherever they choose to go outside. In early April, we launched the latest additions to our portfolio of differentiated performance technologies – Omni-Freeze ZERO under the Columbia brand and Cool.Q ZERO in our Mountain Hardwear brand – that produce sweat-activated cooling. These products, along with our growing Columbia PFG (Performance Fishing Gear) line and a complementary assortment of sportswear, are perfect for consumers who are increasingly seeking lightweight, sleek versatility that lets them adapt quickly and comfortably to a variety of weather conditions.”