Authentic Fitness Corp. Posts $4.36-Million Loss

Authentic Fitness Corp., the maker of Speedo swimwear that went public in June, reported a $4.36-million loss for its fiscal year ended June 18 because of charges stemming from its stock offering.

The company’s operating income before non-recurring items was $17.1 million, up 24% from $13.8 million in operating income a year before. Authentic Fitness’s fiscal 1991 net income was $1.09 million.

Revenue at the Van Nuys company rose 19% in the latest fiscal year, to $101.5 million from $85.5 million. Linda Wachner, Authentic Fitness’ chairman and chief executive, said the sales gain reflected Speedo’s expanded swimwear line and sales of other fitness apparel. The company also makes ski clothes and active wear under the White Stag brand name.

Wachner, who is also chairman of apparel maker Warnaco Inc., bought Authentic Fitness from Warnaco with a group of investors in 1990 for $85 million. The company sold 3 million shares at $14 each in its public offering.