Irvine’s St. John Knits Sews Up Record Profit, Sales in 4th Quarter

St. John Knits Inc., designer and manufacturer of women’s clothing, posted record profit and sales for the fiscal year ended Nov. 3.

Net income climbed 38% to $27.1 million, or $1.59 a share, from $19.6 million, or $1.19 a share, for the previous year. Sales rose 25% to $203 million from $161.8 million.

Fourth-quarter earnings increased 39% to $8.6 million, or 50 cents a share, from $6.2 million, or 38 cents a share, for the like period in 1995. Sales increased 28% to $61.1 million from $47.9 million. The 1996 periods included one more week than the 1995 fourth quarter and fiscal year.