Authentic Fitness Posts 5% Increase in Profit

Authentic Fitness Corp., a Van Nuys maker of swimwear and active wear, reported a $2.18-million profit for its fiscal first quarter that ended Sept. 30, a 5% increase.

A year earlier, Authentic Fitness earned $2.07 million. Its revenue grew 14% in the latest quarter, to $42.9 million from $37.6 million.

The company said the rise in net income was achieved despite higher interest, working capital and retail expansion costs. It said the gain reflected strong sales of its Speedo brand swimwear and at its growing chain of Speedo Authentic Fitness retail stores.