Lifetime Brands posts 12.5% rise in Q4 revenue

Fourth Quarter Highlights:

Consolidated net sales were $154.8 million, an increase of 12.5%, as compared to consolidated net sales of $137.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Net income was $15.2 million, or $1.19 per diluted share, in the 2012 period, as compared to $5.4 million, or $0.43 per diluted share, in the prior-year period.

Adjusted net income was $8.7 million, or $0.67 per diluted share, in the 2012 period, as compared to $6.5 million, or $0.52 per diluted share, in the 2011 period.

Consolidated EBITDA for the three-month period ended December 31, 2012 was $17.9 million, as compared to $14.3 million for the corresponding 2011 period.

Full Year Highlights:

Consolidated net sales were $486.8 million, an increase of 9.5%, as compared to consolidated net sales of $444.4 million for 2011.

Net income was $20.9 million, or $1.64 per diluted share, in 2012, as compared to $14.1 million, or $1.12 per diluted share, in 2011.

Adjusted net income was $16.2 million, or $1.26 per diluted share, in 2012, as compared to $14.5 million, or $1.16 per diluted share, in 2011.

Consolidated EBITDA was $41.2 million, as compared to $38.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.

On March 12, 2013, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.03125 per share payable on May 15, 2013 to shareholders of record on May 1, 2013.

Jeffrey Siegel, Lifetime's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer commented,

“Lifetime finished 2012 on a very positive note. For the quarter, Consolidated Net Sales increased 12.5% on an actual basis and 8.6% on an organic basis. During the quarter, we acquired the business and assets of Fred& Friends, a line of innovative products featuring fun kitchen tools, tabletop accessories, party goods and giftware products.

“For the year, Consolidated Net Sales increased 9.5% (actual) and 1.4% (organic).

“Despite the increase in Consolidated Net Sales, the acquisition of Fred and Friends and a planned, temporary build-up of inventory in the UK in anticipation of increased duties on Chinese ceramics, which are expected to be enacted later this year, total inventory at year-end decreased to $104.6 million, from $110.3 million, reflecting our improving inventory management practices.

“Earlier this month, we presented our new line-up of kitchenware products at the annual International Home + Housewares Show in Chicago. The reaction to our new products was overwhelmingly positive, which we believe foretells the successful placement of many of these new products later in the year.

“While the U.S. and European economies remain troubled, we nevertheless foresee our overall business increasing by 4-6% in 2013. The increased cash dividend we announced today demonstrates our positive outlook and confidence in our products.”

Lifetime Brands, Inc.

Lifetime Brands is a provider of kitchenware, tabletop and other products used in the home. The Company also provides exclusive private label products to leading retailers worldwide.

Lifetime Brands