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8-K - FORM 8-K FILING DOCUMENT - SUPERIOR GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC.document.htm

EXHIBIT 99.1

Superior Uniform Group, Inc. Reports Operating Results for 2009

  • Cash flows from operations increases 67.4% to $17.5 million
  • Debt free balance sheet

SEMINOLE, Fla., Feb. 25, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Superior Uniform Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:SGC), manufacturer of uniforms, image apparel and accessories, today announced its fourth quarter and year-end operating results for 2009.

The Company announced that for the year ended December 31, 2009, net sales decreased 16.9% to $102,801,921, compared to 2008 net sales of $123,745,201. Earnings from continuing operations were $1,966,882 or $.33 per share (diluted) compared to $2,290,333 or $.35 per share (diluted) reported for the year ended December 31, 2008. Earnings from continuing operations for the year and for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2008 include a non-cash goodwill impairment loss of $1,617,411. Net of the related tax benefit, the goodwill impairment loss amounted to approximately ($.20) per share (diluted).   

Net earnings for the year ended December 31, 2009 were $1,966,882 or $.33 per share (diluted) compared to $2,133,773 or $.33 per share (diluted) reported for the year ended December 31, 2008.

Earnings from continuing operations for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2009, were $511,601 or $0.09 per share (diluted) compared to a loss from continuing operations for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2008, of $(820,065) or $(.13) per share (diluted).

Net earnings for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2009 was $511,601 or $0.09 per share (diluted) compared to a net loss of $(822,015) or $(.13) per share (diluted) reported for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2008.

Michael Benstock, Chief Executive Officer, commented: "From an overall economic standpoint, 2009 was one of the most challenging years in our history. While our sales were down 16.9% on a year over year basis, we showed steady improvement in our sales profile from a first quarter decrease in net sales of 28.7% to a decrease in net sales of 5.8% in the fourth quarter.   Additionally, we made significant progress reducing our operating costs through the increased use of our Central American subsidiary, The Office Gurus, and improved operating efficiency.   We have generated in excess of $17 million in cash from operations this year and we have eliminated all of our outstanding debt. Our financial position remains very strong and has allowed us to successfully weather this current economic storm while continuing to invest in the future growth of our company. We completed the acquisition of Blade Sportswear at the beginning of November and we are actively pursuing other potential strategic acquisitions to help further this objective. Finally, we remain committed to reacquiring shares of our common stock. We have an active repurchase program with an outstanding authorization to repurchase an additional 441,000 shares as of December 31, 2009."

ABOUT SUPERIOR

Superior Uniform Group, Inc., established in 1920, is one of America's foremost providers of fine uniforms and image apparel. Superior manages award-winning apparel programs for major corporations. They are leaders in innovative uniform program designs, global manufacturing, and state-of-the-art distribution.   Superior, through their subsidiary "The Office Gurus" is also a near-shore premium provider of cost effective bilingual contact center and office solutions.

Superior's financial strength and resources support a customer's diverse needs while embracing a "Customer 1st, Every Time!" philosophy and culture. Their commitment to service, technology, quality and value-added benefits separates them from the competition in each of their seven primary markets: Healthcare, Hospitality, Food Service, Retail Employee I.D., Government Service, Private Security, and Rental Service. For more information please call (800) 727-8643, or visit their Web site at: www.superioruniformgroup.com. The Office Gurus (www.theofficegurus.com) enhances the overall customer experience for their strategic partners' internal and external customers.

Statements contained in this press release which are not historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including without limitation those identified in the Company's SEC filings, which could cause actual results to differ from those projected.

Comparative figures for 2009 and 2008 are as follows:

Superior Uniform Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries        
Consolidated Summary of Operations        
         
    Three Months Ended December 31,
    (Unaudited)
    2009   2008
Net sales    $ 26,508,907    $ 28,150,111
         
Costs and expenses:        
Cost of goods sold    17,945,367    19,438,191
Selling and administrative expenses    7,855,370    7,883,310
Goodwill impairment loss    --     1,617,411
Interest expense    26,569    71,264
     25,827,306    29,010,176
         
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before taxes on income    681,601    (860,065)
Taxes on income    170,000    (40,000)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations    511,601    (820,065)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax benefit of $-0- and $-0--, respectively  --     (1,950)
Net earnings (loss)    $ 511,601    $ (822,015)
         
Per Share Data:        
Basic:        
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations    $ 0.09    $ (0.13)
Loss from discontinued operations   --   --
Net earnings (loss)    $ 0.09    $ (0.13)
Diluted:         
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations    $ 0.09    $ (0.13)
Loss from discontinued operations    --     -- 
Net earnings (loss)    $ 0.09    $ (0.13)
         
Cash dividends per common share    $ 0.135    $ 0.135
Superior Uniform Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries        
Consolidated Summary of Operations        
         
         
    Twelve Months Ended December 31,
    (Unaudited)
    2009   2008
Net sales    $ 102,801,921    $ 123,745,201
         
Costs and expenses:        
Cost of goods sold    69,583,043    83,402,581
Selling and administrative expenses    30,402,389    34,263,750
Goodwill impairment loss    --     1,617,411
Interest expense    119,607    321,126
     100,105,039    119,604,868
         
Earnings from continuing operations before taxes on income    2,696,882    4,140,333
Taxes on income    730,000    1,850,000
Earnings from continuing operations    1,966,882    2,290,333
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax benefits of $-0- and $90,000, respectively    --     (156,560)
Net earnings    $ 1,966,882    $ 2,133,773
         
Per Share Data:        
Basic:        
Earnings from continuing operations    $ 0.33    $ 0.35
Loss from discontinued operations   0.00    (0.02)
Net earnings    $ 0.33    $ 0.33
Diluted:        
Earnings from continuing operations    $ 0.33    $ 0.35
Loss from discontinued operations   0.00    (0.02)
Net earnings    $ 0.33    $ 0.33
         
Cash dividends per common share    $ 0.54    $ 0.54
Superior Uniform Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries        
           
Consolidated Balance Sheets        
December 31,           
           
ASSETS
(Unaudited)
      2009   2008
CURRENT ASSETS        
Cash and cash equivalents    $ 6,365,557    $ 133,152
Accounts receivable    17,944,529    17,464,279
Inventories      32,053,504    43,410,146
Prepaid expenses and other current assets    2,764,434    2,590,350
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS    59,128,024    63,597,927
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET    10,868,296    12,587,454
OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS    1,295,859    535,857
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES    2,060,000    2,610,000
OTHER ASSETS    215,684    260,039
     $ 73,567,863    $79,591,277
           
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
           
CURRENT LIABILITIES         
Accounts payable    5,426,433    4,626,789
Accrued expenses    2,226,653    2,518,956
Current portion of long-term debt    --     650,604
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES    7,653,086    7,796,349
LONG-TERM DEBT    --     3,379,000
LONG-TERM PENSION LIABILITY    5,115,817    7,056,055
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES    680,000    665,000
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES        
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY    60,118,960    60,694,873
   73,567,863    79,591,277
CONTACT:  Superior Uniform Group, Inc.
          Andrew D. Demott, Jr., CFO
          (727) 803-7135