Athletic Apparel Maker Posts $4.45-Million Profit

Authentic Fitness Corp., a Van Nuys-based maker of swimwear and fitness apparel, reported a $4.45-million profit in the second fiscal quarter that ended Dec. 31, reversing a $2.4-million loss in the same quarter a year earlier.

Sales in the second quarter were $56.3 million, up 53% from sales of $36.8 million in the same period of 1993. The second-quarter loss of a year ago reflected a non-recurring charge of $5.7 million related to an acquisition and refinancing of the company’s debt, Authentic Fitness said.

For the July through December period, Authentic Fitness reported a profit of $6.52 million on sales of $93.9 million, compared to a year-earlier loss of $594,000 on revenues of $65.4 million.

Authentic Fitness sells sportswear under various labels, including Speedo, Oscar de la Renta and Anne Cole. Linda J. Wachner, chief executive, said the improved results “reflect the strength of our Speedo brand, the growth of our designer swimwear division, the expansion of our Speedo Authentic Fitness retail business and the continuing improvements in our balance sheet.”