EX-99.1 5 k34971exv99w1.htm PRESS RELEASE exv99w1
(LAZBOY)
NEWS RELEASE
         
Contact: Kathy Liebmann   (734) 241-2438   kathy.liebmann@la-z-boy.com
LA-Z-BOY REPORTS FISCAL 2009 FIRST-QUARTER RESULTS
MONROE, MI.    August 19, 2008—La-Z-Boy Incorporated (NYSE: LZB) today reported its operating results for the fiscal first quarter ended July 26, 2008.
Net sales for the quarter were $322 million, down 6.6% compared with the prior-year period. The company reported a loss from continuing operations of $8.5 million, or a loss of $0.17 per share. For the same period last year, the company posted a loss from continuing operations of $8.5 million, or $0.17 per share. The fiscal 2009 first-quarter results include a $0.09 per share restructuring charge, primarily related to the closure of the company’s Tremonton, Utah and United Kingdom operations and a $0.03 per share intangible write-down related to the goodwill associated with the company’s U.K. operation. Last year’s first quarter included a restructuring charge of $0.04 related to the closure of various manufacturing facilities and retail locations.
Kurt L. Darrow, La-Z-Boy’s President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “In what remains a difficult environment for the home furnishings industry, due to significant macroeconomic pressures, we continue to be diligent in improving the efficiencies of our operations. Although our fiscal first quarter is historically our weakest, we strengthened our operating performance during the period and expanded our margins on a 6.6% decline in sales. While we anticipate it being some time before we see an across-the-board industry improvement, we believe our balance sheet and the strength of our business model will carry us through this period.”
Upholstery
For the fiscal 2009 first quarter, sales in the company’s upholstery segment decreased 6.9% to $237.1 million compared with $254.8 million in the prior year’s first quarter. The operating margin, however, increased to 4.2% from 3.5% in last year’s comparable quarter. Darrow stated, “With the cellular conversion at our La-Z-Boy manufacturing facilities complete, we are realizing the anticipated efficiencies throughout our production process. In addition to the overall decline in volume, the furniture industry, including La-Z-Boy, typically takes a one-week plant shutdown for vacation in July, which hampers the ability to absorb fixed overhead costs comparable to other quarters.” The decline in sales volume was positively impacted by a change in contractual relationships with some third-party freight carriers that resulted in the recognition of revenue at the shipping point rather than at delivery (see reference in the company’s fiscal 2008 Form 10K).

 


 

During the quarter, the company incurred restructuring charges related to the closure of its Tremonton, Utah facility and began the liquidation of its United Kingdom import and distribution operation, as it transitions to a licensing agreement with a new partner. There was also an intangible write-down of goodwill associated with the company’s U.K. operation. The company’s new Mexico cut-and-sewn operation is on schedule to be completed in time for production to begin in February 2009.
For the fiscal 2009 first quarter, the La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries® store system, which includes both company-owned and independent-licensed stores, opened one new store, relocated and/or remodeled two and closed three, bringing the total store count to 333, of which 217 are in the New Generation format. For the remainder of fiscal 2009, the network plans to open 12 New Generation format La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries® stores (four new stores and eight will be either remodels or relocations) and will close nine to 12. In the second quarter of fiscal 2009, the network plans to open one new store, relocate one and close three stores.
System-wide, for the second calendar quarter of 2008, including company-owned and independent-licensed stores, same-store written sales, which the company tracks as an indicator of retail activity, were down 1.9%. Total written sales, which include new stores, were down 1.6%.
Casegoods
For the 2009 first quarter, casegoods sales were $48.1 million, down 10.2% from $53.6 million in the prior year’s first quarter. The segment’s operating margin decreased to 2.9% from 4.9% in last year’s fiscal first quarter. Darrow commented, “Our casegoods business continues to face significant challenges in this environment. With bedroom and dining room group purchases typically higher-ticket transactions than upholstered furniture, it is apparent the consumer is postponing these purchases to a greater extent than they are other furniture categories. Our team remains committed to running the business with a cost structure aligned with the current lower-volume environment and is focused on expanding its distribution to other channels.”
Retail
For the quarter, retail sales were $42.4 million, down 6.2% compared with the prior-year period. The retail group posted an operating loss for the quarter, and its operating margin was (23.6%). Darrow stated, “On a decline in sales, our operating loss was flat against last year as we improved our gross margin in the segment. With the costs of consolidating our warehouse and IT systems behind us, we have the ability to operate more efficiently throughout the year, although we remain concerned about weaker consumer discretionary spending impacting our volume. We continue to examine all aspects of the segment’s cost structure and are focused on improving its performance.”
During the first quarter, the company’s retail segment did not open, remodel or relocate any company-owned stores and it closed one store. At the end of the first quarter, the company owned 69 stores, including 56 in the New Generation format, or 81% versus 69 company-owned stores last year at this time, of which 48, or 70%, were in the new format. For the second quarter of fiscal 2009, the company-owned segment plans to open one new store and relocate one.
Balance Sheet
The company’s debt-to-capitalization ratio stood at 18.5% at the end of the first quarter compared with 24.4% a year ago. Additionally, the company reduced its inventories and

 


 

receivables by $31 million since the end of fiscal 2008, which was offset by a decline in other current liabilities.
Business Outlook
Commenting on the company’s business outlook, Darrow said: “The overall macroeconomic environment continues to be challenging. Increased oil prices, higher interest rates and a depressed housing market, combined with low consumer confidence levels, are having an effect on the home furnishings industry across the board. We remain committed to running our business with the greatest efficiency possible and believe we have the opportunity to improve our performance. As we announced last quarter, due to seasonality issues and the way in which our fiscal year (May through April) rolls out, we anticipate the second half of our fiscal year to be operationally stronger than the first half.”
Forward-looking Information
Any forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based on current information and assumptions and represent management’s best judgment at the present time. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated or projected due to a number of factors. These factors include, but are not limited to: (a) changes in consumer confidence; (b) changes in demographics; (c) further changes in the housing market; (d) the impact of terrorism or war; (e) continued energy price changes; (f) the impact of logistics on imports; (g) the impact of interest rate changes; (h) changes in currency exchange rates; (i) competitive factors; (j) operating factors, such as supply, labor or distribution disruptions including changes in operating conditions or costs; (k) effects of restructuring actions; (l) changes in the domestic or international regulatory environment; (m) ability to implement global sourcing organization strategies; (n) fair value changes to our intangible assets due to actual results differing from projected; (o) the impact of adopting new accounting principles; (p) the impact from natural events such as hurricanes, earthquakes and tornadoes; (q) the ability to procure fabric rolls and leather hides or cut and sewn fabric sets domestically or abroad; (r) continued decline in the credit market and potential impacts on our customers; (s) those matters discussed in Item 1A of our fiscal 2008 Annual Report and factors relating to acquisitions and other factors identified from time to time in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, either to reflect new developments or for any other reason.
Additional Information
This news release is just one part of La-Z-Boy’s financial disclosures and should be read in conjunction with other information filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which is available at http://www.la-z-boy.com/about/investorRelations/sec_filings.aspx. Investors and others wishing to be notified of future La-Z-Boy news releases, SEC filings and quarterly investor conference calls may sign up at:
http://www.la-z-boy.com/about/investorRelations/IR_email_alerts.aspx.
Background Information
La-Z-Boy Incorporated is one of the world’s leading residential furniture producers, marketing furniture for every room of the home. The La-Z-Boy Upholstery Group companies are Bauhaus, England and La-Z-Boy. The La-Z-Boy Casegoods Group companies are American Drew/Lea, Hammary and Kincaid.

 


 

The corporation’s proprietary distribution network is dedicated exclusively to selling La-Z-Boy Incorporated products and brands, and includes 333 stand-alone La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries® stores, 21 La-Z-Boy In-Store Galleries and 387 Comfort Studios, in addition to in-store gallery programs at the company’s Kincaid, England and Lea operating units. According to industry trade publication In Furniture, the La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries retail network is North America’s largest single-brand furniture retailer. Additional information is available at http://www.la-z-boy.com/.
# # #

 


 

LA-Z-BOY INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                 
    First Quarter Ended  
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands, except per share data)   7/26/08     7/28/07  
Sales
  $ 321,652     $ 344,396  
Cost of sales
               
Cost of goods sold
    235,115       259,143  
Restructuring
    5,795       2,561  
 
           
Total cost of sales
    240,910       261,704  
Gross profit
    80,742       82,692  
Selling, general and administrative
    91,837       94,508  
Write-down of intangibles
    1,292        
Restructuring
    781       1,120  
 
           
Operating loss
    (13,168 )     (12,936 )
Interest expense
    1,495       2,097  
Interest income
    932       882  
Other income, net
    143       566  
 
           
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes
    (13,588 )     (13,585 )
Income tax benefit
    (5,044 )     (5,043 )
 
           
Loss from continuing operations
    (8,544 )     (8,542 )
Loss from discontinued operations (net of tax)
          (152 )
 
           
Net loss
  $ (8,544 )   $ (8,694 )
 
           
Basic average shares
    51,428       51,380  
Basic loss from continuing operations per share
  $ (0.17 )   $ (0.17 )
Discontinued operations per share (net of tax)
           
 
           
Basic net loss per share
  $ (0.17 )   $ (0.17 )
 
           
Diluted average shares
    51,428       51,380  
Diluted loss from continuing operations per share
  $ (0.17 )   $ (0.17 )
Discontinued operations per share (net of tax)
           
 
           
Diluted net loss per share
  $ (0.17 )   $ (0.17 )
 
           
Dividends paid per share
  $ 0.04     $ 0.12  

3


 

LA-Z-BOY INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                 
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands)   7/26/08     4/26/08  
Current assets
               
Cash and equivalents
  $ 11,110     $ 14,982  
Receivables, net
    180,311       200,422  
Inventories, net
    167,455       178,361  
Deferred income taxes—current
    12,306       12,398  
Other current assets
    25,907       21,325  
 
           
Total current assets
    397,089       427,488  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    170,235       171,001  
Deferred income taxes—long term
    25,853       26,922  
Goodwill
    45,941       47,233  
Trade names
    9,006       9,006  
Other long-term assets, net
    84,805       87,220  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 732,929     $ 768,870  
 
           
Current liabilities
               
Current portion of long-term debt
  $ 9,086     $ 4,792  
Accounts payable
    49,973       56,421  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    88,655       102,700  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    147,714       163,913  
Long-term debt
    90,618       99,578  
Other long-term liabilities
    54,553       54,783  
Contingencies and commitments
           
Shareholders’ equity
               
Common shares, $1 par value
    51,428       51,428  
Capital in excess of par value
    202,562       209,388  
Retained earnings
    187,289       190,215  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    (1,235 )     (435 )
 
           
Total shareholders’ equity
    440,044       450,596  
 
           
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 732,929     $ 768,870  
 
           

4


 

LA-Z-BOY INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                 
    First Quarter Ended  
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands)   7/26/08     7/28/07  
Cash flows from operating activities
               
Net loss
  $ (8,544 )   $ (8,694 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash provided by (used for) operating activities
               
(Gain)/loss on sale of assets
    (2,066 )     52  
Write-down of intangibles
    1,292        
Restructuring
    6,576       3,681  
Provision for doubtful accounts
    4,203       2,114  
Depreciation and amortization
    5,954       6,220  
Stock-based compensation expense
    869       861  
Change in receivables
    14,170       22,597  
Change in inventories
    10,906       (6,071 )
Change in payables
    (6,448 )     (15,473 )
Change in other assets and liabilities
    (23,632 )     (23,298 )
Change in deferred taxes
    1,161       (1,475 )
 
           
Total adjustments
    12,985       (10,792 )
 
           
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities
    4,441       (19,486 )
Cash flows from investing activities
               
Proceeds from disposals of assets
    4,981       6,415  
Capital expenditures
    (7,372 )     (9,629 )
Purchases of investments
    (5,449 )     (6,622 )
Proceeds from sales of investments
    5,794       6,792  
Change in other long-term assets
    71       20  
 
           
Net cash used for investing activities
    (1,975 )     (3,024 )
Cash flows from financing activities
               
Proceeds from debt
    14,635       705  
Payments on debt
    (18,857 )     (900 )
Stock issued for stock and employee benefit plans
    (2 )     (22 )
Dividends paid
    (2,075 )     (6,209 )
 
           
Net cash used for financing activities
    (6,299 )     (6,426 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents
    (39 )     1,001  
 
           
Change in cash and equivalents
    (3,872 )     (27,935 )
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period
    14,982       51,721  
 
           
Cash and equivalents at end of period
  $ 11,110     $ 23,786  
 
           
Cash paid (net of refunds) during period — income taxes
  $ 923     $ 3,135  
Cash paid during period — interest
  $ 1,126     $ 1,910  

5


 

LA-Z-BOY INCORPORATED
SEGMENT INFORMATION
                 
    First Quarter Ended  
    7/26/08     7/28/07  
(Unaudited amounts in thousands)   (13 weeks)     (13 weeks)  
Sales
               
Upholstery Group
  $ 237,118     $ 254,757  
Casegoods Group
    48,121       53,574  
Retail Group
    42,427       45,231  
VIEs/Eliminations
    (6,014 )     (9,166 )
 
           
Consolidated
  $ 321,652     $ 344,396  
 
           
Operating income (loss)
               
Upholstery Group
  $ 9,857     $ 8,867  
Casegoods Group
    1,377       2,600  
Retail Group
    (10,010 )     (10,074 )
Corporate and Other*
    (6,524 )     (10,648 )
Restructuring
    (6,576 )     (3,681 )
Intangible Write-down
    (1,292 )      
 
           
 
  $ (13,168 )   $ (12,936 )
 
           
*Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”) are included in corporate and other.

6