NANJING, China, May 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Ever-Glory International Group, Inc. (the "Company" or "Ever-Glory") EVK, a retailer of branded fashion apparel and a leading global apparel supply chain solution provider, today reported its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018.

Mr. Yihua Kang, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ever-Glory, said, "We are pleased to start 2018 with solid first quarter results, highlighted by 18.9% year-over-year increase in retail sales as our strong execution on the overall strategy which focuses on operational improvements. Specifically, La go go achieved outstanding performance with innovative and distinctive designs that stand for exceptional styling, quality and value."

"Heading into 2018, we remained our focus on driving retail business through store network optimization strategy, as well as inventory management strategy," Mr. Kang continued. "Following the remodeling or relocation of 40 stores during the first quarter, we operated a nationwide network of 1,409 stores as of March 31, 2018."

"Looking at our wholesale business, we maintained focus on upgrading customer portfolio to reduce credit risk and improve margin in the light of weak micro environment. Our wholesale gross margin continued to improve on a year-over-year basis despite decrease in sales. Going forward, we'll implement a stricter client evaluation system and remain diligent in account receivables collection. We believe the enduring strength of our wholesale business will support its long-term profitability." concluded Mr. Kang.

Mr. Jason Jiansong Wang, Chief Financial Officer of Ever-Glory, added, "We're delighted to see that our operating efficiency continued to improve in the first quarter. Overall gross margin increased by 30 basis points, with wholesale gross margin increasing by 70 basis points, compared with the same period of last year. With strengthened fundamentals and improved operating leverage of our overall business, we are excited about the opportunities that lay before us and we look forward to updating you with our progress next quarter."

First Quarter 2018 Financial Results

Total sales for the first quarter of 2018 were $92.8 million, an increase of 9.0% from $85.1 million in the first quarter of 2017. This increase was primarily driven by an 18.9% increase in our retail business, partially offset by a 10.8% decrease in wholesale business.

Sales for the Company's branded fashion apparel retail division increased by 18.9% to $67.5 million for the first quarter of 2018, compared with $56.8 million for the first quarter of 2017. This increase was primarily due to an increase in same-store sales. The Company had 1,409 retail stores as of March 31, 2018, compared with 1,369 retail stores as of March 31, 2017.

Sales for the Company's wholesale division decreased by 10.8% to $25.3 million for the first quarter of 2018, compared with $28.3 million for the first quarter of 2017. This decrease was primarily attributable to decreased sales in Mainland China, Germany, the United Kingdom, other European markets and Hong Kong, partially offset for increased sales in the United States and Japan.

Total gross profit for the first quarter of 2018 increased by 9.9% to $31.3 million, compared with $28.5 million for the first quarter of 2017. Total gross margin increased to 33.8% from 33.5% for the first quarter of 2017.

Gross profit for the retail business increased by 15.0% to $25.5 million for the first quarter of 2018, compared with $22.2 million for the first quarter of 2017. Gross margin was 37.8%, compared to 39.1% for the first quarter of 2017.

Gross profit for the wholesale business decreased by 7.9% to $5.8 million for the first quarter of 2018, compared with $6.3 million for the first quarter of 2017. Gross margin increased to 23.0% from 22.3% for the first quarter of 2017.

Selling expenses for the first quarter of 2018 increased by 12.6% to $22.2 million, or 24.0% of total sales, compared with $19.7 million, or 23.2% of total sales for the first quarter of 2017. The increase was attributable to the increased store decoration and marketing expenses.

General and administrative expenses for the first quarter of 2018 increased by 5.8% to $7.7 million, or 8.3% of total sales, compared with $7.3 million, or 8.5% of total sales for the first quarter of 2017. The increase was mainly attributable to the increased average salaries.

Income from operations for the first quarter of 2018 decreased by 4.2% to $1.4 million compared with $1.5 million for the first quarter of 2017.

Net income attributable to the Company for the first quarter of 2018 was $0.8 million compared with 1.0 million for the first quarter of 2017. Basic and diluted earnings per share were $0.06 for the first quarter of 2018 compared with basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.07 for the first quarter of 2017.

Balance Sheet

As of March 31, 2018, Ever-Glory had approximately $65.2 million of cash and cash equivalents, compared with approximately $62.9 million as of December 31, 2017. Ever-Glory had working capital of approximately $67.7 million as of March 31, 2018, and outstanding bank loans of approximately $41.6 million as of March 31, 2018.

Conference Call

The Company will hold a conference call at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time on May 15, 2018 (8:00 p.m. Beijing Time on May 15, 2018). Listeners can access the conference call by dialing +1-800-289-0438 or + 1-323-794-2423 and using the access code 2785487. The conference call will also be webcast live over the Internet and can be accessed at the Company's website at http://www.everglorygroup.com.

A replay of the conference call will be available from 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on May 15 through 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 22, by dialing +1-844-512-2921 or +1-412-317-6671 and using the access code 2785487.

About Ever-Glory International Group, Inc.

Based in Nanjing, China, Ever-Glory International Group, Inc. is a retailer of branded fashion apparel and a leading global apparel supply chain solution provider. Ever-Glory is the first Chinese apparel Company listed on the American Stock Exchange (now named as NYSE MKT) in July 2008 and then transferred to The NASDAQ Global Market on December 31, 2015. Ever-Glory offers apparel to woman in China under its own brands "La go go", "Velwin", "Sea To Sky" and "idole". Ever-Glory is also a leading global apparel supply chain solution provider with a focus on middle-to-high end casual wear, outerwear, and sportswear brands. Ever-Glory services a number of well-known brands and retail stores by providing a complete set of supply chain management services, including: fabric development and design, sampling, sourcing, quality control, manufacturing, logistics, customs clearance and distribution.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this release and other written or oral statements made by or on behalf of Ever-Glory International Group, Inc. (the "Company") are "forward looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Statements regarding future events and developments and the Company's future performance, as well as management's expectations, beliefs, plans, estimates or projections relating to the future, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of these laws. The forward looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, market acceptance of the Company's products and offerings, development and expansion of the Company's wholesale and retail operations, the Company's continued access to capital, currency exchange rate fluctuation and other risks and uncertainties. The actual results the Company achieves (including, without limitation, the results stemming from the future implementation of the Company's strategies and the revenue, net income and new retail store projections set forth herein) may differ materially from those contemplated by any forward-looking statements due to such risks and uncertainties (many of which are beyond the Company's control). These statements are based on management's current expectations and speak only as of the date of such statements. Readers should carefully review the risks and uncertainties described in the Company's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K and other documents that the Company files from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

Ever-Glory International Group

Dandan Song

Tel: +86-25-5209-6817

E-Mail: sdd@ever-glory.com.cn

The Piacente Group, Inc.

Emilie Wu

China: +86-10-5730-6200

US: +1-212-481-2050

E-Mail: everglory@tpg-ir.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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SOURCE Ever-Glory International Group, Inc.