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A.T. Cross Company Reports Strong Growth; Issues 2008 Guidance.


* Revenue for 2007 grew 9%

* EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) A PostScript file format used to transfer a graphic image between applications and platforms. EPS files contain PostScript code as well as an optional preview image in TIFF, WMF, PICT or EPSI, the latter being an ASCII-only format.  for 2007 increased from $0.22 to $0.45 Per Share

* Fourth Quarter Earnings Improved 22% to $0.22 Per Share

* 2008 EPS Guidance $0.48 to $0.50 (+14% to +19%)

LINCOLN, R.I. -- A.T. Cross Company (AMEX AMEX

See: American Stock Exchange
: ATX See ATX motherboard.

(hardware, standard) ATX - An open PC motherboard specification by Intel.

ATX is a development of the Baby AT specification with the motherboard rotated 90 degrees in the chassis.
) today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 29, 2007.

Fourth Quarter Results

Consolidated sales for the fourth quarter of 2007 increased 5.2% to $47.7 million compared to $45.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2006. The Cross Accessory Division recorded revenue of $40.4 million, up 2.6% compared to the same period last year. The Cross Optical Group, comprised of Costa Del Mar Costa Del Mar is a company that designs and manufactures high quality polarized sunglasses for use in sports such as fishing, sailing and surfing. It was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Ormond Beach, Florida. , had a fourth quarter sales increase of 23.1% to $7.3 million.

Gross margin in the fourth quarter increased 490 basis points to 55.6%, compared to 50.7% in last year's fourth quarter, as both segments reported continued improvements in gross margins. Operating expenses Operating expenses

The amount paid for asset maintenance or the cost of doing business, excluding depreciation. Earnings are distributed after operating expenses are deducted.
 were $21.4 million, or 44.8% of sales in the quarter, versus $18.9 million, or 41.7% of sales for the same period a year ago. Consolidated operating income Operating Income

The profit realized from a business' own operations.

Notes:
This would not include income from things such as investments in other firms. Also referred to as operating profit or recurring profit.
 in the fourth quarter was $5.1 million, or 10.8% of sales, versus $4.1 million, or 9.0% of sales in the prior year fourth quarter.

Net income for the fourth quarter was $3.3 million, or $0.22 per basic share, compared to $2.7 million, or $0.18 per basic share, last year.

Full Year Results

Consolidated sales in 2007 increased 9.0% to $151.9 million compared to $139.3 million in 2006. Cross Accessory Division revenue was $115.3 million, up 3.0% from $111.9 million in the prior year. Costa Del Mar's net sales Net Sales

The amount a seller receives from the buyer after costs associated with the sale are deducted.

Notes:
This amount is calculated by subtracting the following items from gross sales: merchandise returned for credit, allowances for damaged or missing goods, freight
 increased 33.5% to $36.6 million, versus $27.4 million in the prior year. For 2007, net income doubled to $6.7 million or $0.45 per basic share, compared to $3.3 million or $0.22 per basic share in 2006. The income tax provision for the year was favorably impacted by the recognition of tax benefits, the realization of which were previously considered uncertain. These tax benefits favorably impacted results by $0.03 per share for the full year 2007.

Guidance

In 2008, the Company currently anticipates to grow consolidated 2008 revenue between 6% to 8%. EPS is expected to be in the range between $0.48 and $0.50. This is 14% to 19% above our 2007 recurring re·cur  
intr.v. re·curred, re·cur·ring, re·curs
1. To happen, come up, or show up again or repeatedly.

2. To return to one's attention or memory.

3. To return in thought or discourse.
 EPS.

David G. Whalen, President and Chief Executive Officer of A.T. Cross said, "We are very pleased with the progress our Company made in 2007. The business performed very well during a challenging time for retailers. We believe our results underscore The underscore character (_) is often used to make file, field and variable names more readable when blank spaces are not allowed. For example, NOVEL_1A.DOC, FIRST_NAME and Start_Routine.

(character) underscore - _, ASCII 95.
 the strength of our brands, the quality of our products and the excellent execution of well thought out strategies."

Mr. Whalen continued, "Our strategic initiatives for fiscal 2008 are to grow the Cross brand and to continue to make improvements in our Accessory Division cost structure. We will relentlessly pursue greater profit from this division. We will also continue to build the Costa Del Mar sunglass sun·glass  
n.
1. A convex lens used to focus the sun's rays and produce heat, especially for ignition.

2. sunglasses Eyeglasses with tinted or polarizing lenses to protect the eyes from the sun's glare.
 business by broadening its distribution into new markets, expanding its demographic reach to younger consumers and women, and delivering world class products and technology. We believe that Costa has a clear national opportunity and that we are still in the early stages of the brand's development. The transformation of A.T. Cross will continue in 2008. We look forward to providing our shareholders with another strong year."

Conference Call

The Company's management will host a conference call today, February 20, 2008 at 4:30 PM Eastern Time. Parties interested in participating in the conference call may dial-in at (888) 747-4655, while international callers may dial-in at (913) 312-0854. A live webcast of the call will be accessible on the Company's website at www.cross.com or www.viavid.net. The webcast will be archived for 30 days on these sites, while a telephone replay of the call will be available beginning at 7:30 PM Eastern Time on February 20, 2008 through February 28, 2008 at (888) 203-1112 or (719) 457-0820 for international callers, and entering the pass code of 9420686.

About A.T. Cross Company

Building on the rich tradition of its award-winning writing instruments and reputation for innovation and craftsmanship Craftsmanship
Alcimedon

a first-rate carver in wood. [Rom. Lit.: Vergil Eclogues, iii. 37.]

Argus

skillful builder of Jason’s Argo. [Gk. Myth.: Walsh Classical, 29]

Athena

(Rom.
, A.T. Cross Company is a designer and marketer of branded personal and business accessories. Cross provides a range of distinctive products that appeal to a growing market of consumers seeking to enhance their image and facilitate their lifestyle. Cross products, including award-winning quality writing instruments, leather goods, timepieces, and business accessories and Costa Del Mar sunglasses sunglasses  A tinted pair of glasses used to ↓ light arriving at the eye, which are labeled according to the amount of UV light blocked; nonprescription glasses are classified according to use and amount of UV radiation blocked

Sunglasses
, are distributed in retail and corporate gift channels worldwide. For more information, visit the A.T. Cross website at www.cross.com and the Costa Del Mar website at www.costadelmar.com.

Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements forward-looking statement

A projected financial statement based on management expectations. A forward-looking statement involves risks with regard to the accuracy of assumptions underlying the projections.
 made pursuant to the safe harbor Safe Harbor

1. A legal provision to reduce or eliminate liability as long as good faith is demonstrated.

2. A form of shark repellent implemented by a target company acquiring a business that is so poorly regulated that the target itself is less attractive.
 provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA) implemented several significant substantive changes affecting certain cases brought under the federal securities laws, including changes related to pleading, discovery, liability, class representation and awards fees and  of 1995 (including but not limited to statements relating to relating to relate prepconcernant

relating to relate prepbezüglich +gen, mit Bezug auf +acc 
 the expected positive revenue and earnings performance of the Cross Accessory Division and reduction in its cost structure.) In addition, words such as "believes," "anticipates," "expects," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to consumers' and retailers' demand for the Company's existing and new writing instrument and extension products, retailers' support for the Company's merchandising initiatives, and the ability of the Company to match forecasts and production with consumer demand, and are not guarantees since there are inherent difficulties in predicting future results. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. The information contained in this document is as of February 20, 2008. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this document as a result of new information or future events or developments. Additional discussion of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from management's expectations is contained in the Company's filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
[TABLE OMITTED]
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Publication:Business Wire
Article Type:Financial report
Date:Feb 20, 2008
Words:1038
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