Fiscal fourth quarter sales and earnings increased for Top 40 supplier Delta Apparel (asi/49172), but earnings were down for the full year – primarily the consequence of a negative impact from federal tax reform, the Greenville, SC-based firm said late Thursday.

For its fiscal year 2018 ended Sept. 29, Delta Apparel generated net sales of $395.5 million, a 3% increase over the prior year. Earnings per diluted share were $0.18 on net income of $1.3 million. That was down from $1.33 per share on $10.5 million in net income in fiscal 2017.

“Adjusting for the $1.44 per share impact of tax reform in fiscal 2018 and for the $0.11 benefit on the sale of the (Junkfood Clothing brand) in the prior year, adjusted earnings per diluted share were $1.62,” Delta Apparel reported.

For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, Delta Apparel increased year-over-year sales 2% to $92.9 million. Meanwhile, diluted earnings per share soared 59% to $0.43. Net income tallied $3.1 million, up $1 million from the previous year’s Q4.

“We are pleased to have delivered fourth quarter sales growth…along with solid bottom line performance despite significant weather interruptions at two of our major distribution centers,” said Robert W. Humphreys, Delta Apparel’s chairman and CEO.

Delta Apparel noted that the company’s Delta Group segment, which includes its digital print business, sales to the promotional products industry and more, scored a 4% year-over-year sales increase in the fourth quarter. For the year, the Delta Group division’s net sales rose 9% over fiscal 2017 to $356 million. Lower net sales in Delta Apparel’s lifestyle brands segment, which includes brands Salt Life and Coast, partially offset the Delta Group division’s gain.

“We believe that the strategic actions we have taken over the past year position us well to capitalize on the many growth opportunities we see ahead for our company,” Humphreys said.

With reported 2017 North American promotional product revenue of $46.2 million, Delta Apparel ranked 35th on Counselor’s latest list of the largest suppliers in the industry.