EX-99.1 6 k17790exv99w1.htm PRESS RELEASE DATED AUGUST 14, 2007 exv99w1
 

Exhibit 99.1

(LA Z BOY LOGO)
NEWS RELEASE
 
Contact: Kathy Liebmann   (734) 241-2438   kathy.liebmann@la-z-boy.com

       
LA-Z-BOY REPORTS FISCAL 2008 FIRST-QUARTER RESULTS
MONROE, MI. August 14, 2007—La-Z-Boy Incorporated (NYSE: LZB) today reported its operating results for the first fiscal quarter ended July 28, 2007. Net sales for the quarter were $344.4 million, down 12.6% compared with the prior-year period. The company posted a loss of $8.7 million, or $0.17 per share, which includes a restructuring charge of $0.04 per share, related to the previously announced closure and consolidation of various facilities and retail locations. In last year’s first quarter, the company posted earnings of $2.3 million, or $0.04 per share. This included $0.02 from discontinued operations, primarily resulting from a gain on the sale of a division, as well as a tax benefit from a change in Canadian tax law, which reduced the effective income tax rate for the period.
Kurt L. Darrow, La-Z-Boy’s President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “Against the backdrop of ongoing challenging business conditions pervasive throughout the furniture industry, our results reflect a significant drop in volume, which made it difficult to absorb our current fixed costs. Additionally, our first quarter is typically our slowest reporting period, due to seasonality factors, including the scheduled vacation shutdown in July at our plants, and is not indicative of our expectations for the full fiscal year.”
Upholstery
For the fiscal 2008 first quarter, sales in the company’s upholstery segment decreased 13.8% to $254.8 million compared with $295.4 million in the prior year’s first quarter. The segment’s operating margin decreased to 3.5% from 6.0% in the year-ago period. Darrow stated, “We are continuing to address our cost structure and are executing on our strategic plan to convert our La-Z-Boy branded facilities to the cellular production process. The conversion is on schedule and will be completed in our fiscal fourth quarter.”
Darrow continued, “Our incoming order rate in July improved versus the first two months of the quarter and, importantly, we believe today’s order rate is more reflective of actual demand as retailers have worked through their high inventory levels. In the meantime, however, we further aligned our capacity this quarter, by closing four facilities. While our capacity today more closely matches the industry’s overall dampened demand, we did experience manufacturing inefficiencies in the quarter as we shifted production to other plants.”

 


 

For the quarter, the La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries® store system, which includes both company-owned and independent-licensed stores, opened three new stores, relocated and/or remodeled three and closed six, bringing the total store count to 333, of which 196 are in the New Generation format. For the second quarter 2008, the network plans to open 11 New Generation format La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries® stores, of which five will be new stores and six will be store remodels or relocations.
System-wide, for the second calendar quarter, including company-owned and independent-licensed stores, same-store written sales, which the company tracks as an indicator of retail activity, as well as total sales, were down 7%.
Casegoods
For the first quarter, casegoods sales were $53.6 million, down 12.2% from the prior year’s first quarter. The segment’s quarterly operating margin was down slightly to 4.9% versus 5.3% in last year’s comparable period.
Darrow commented, “On a double-digit sales decline, our operating margin decreased only slightly, reflecting the higher variable cost structure in the business combined with greater efficiencies at our domestic operations. However, in an effort to control inventory, our domestic facilities took additional down days beyond the normal vacation shutdown. As we move into the Fall, we are focused on increasing revenues through new product introductions and expanding our channels of distribution.”
Retail
For the quarter, retail sales were $45.2 million, down 13.4% compared with last year’s comparable period. The retail group posted an operating loss for the quarter and its operating margin was (22.3%). The segment’s results were primarily impacted by significantly lower sales, which made it difficult to cover fixed costs, particularly the higher occupancy costs associated with the company’s new stores.
Darrow stated, “We are making ongoing changes to our retail business model. We are removing significant costs through the consolidation of our warehouses and IT systems and are opening additional stores to garner better penetration in each market. However, for our performance to improve to an acceptable range, our current base of stores needs to perform at higher volume levels.”
During the first quarter, the company’s retail segment opened one new company-owned store, and closed two. At the end of the first quarter, the company owned 69 stores, including 48 in the New Generation format, or about 70%, versus 68 company-owned stores last year at this time, of which 31, or 45%, were in the new format
Restructuring
During the quarter, a pre-tax restructuring charge of $3.7 million was recorded. The charge is primarily related to expenses associated with the closure and consolidation of manufacturing and retail facilities, including related contract termination costs for leases, severance and benefits and the write-off of certain leasehold improvements.

 


 

Balance Sheet
At the end of the fiscal 2008 first quarter, the company’s debt to capitalization ratio was 24.1%. Inventories stood at $202.8 million, down from $238.8 in the prior-year quarter and up slightly from fiscal year end 2007. Cash used for operations during the quarter was $19.4 million mainly as a result of significantly lower payables and accrued liabilities which relates to the lower sales volume. The company did not repurchase shares in the fiscal first quarter and has authorization to purchase approximately 5.4 million additional shares.
Business Outlook
Commenting on the company’s business outlook, Darrow said: “The external environment for home furnishings remains challenging, although it is important to note that we do not believe today’s revenue stream is indicative of the run rate for the next 12 to 18 months. We will continue to adjust our cost structure based on anticipated future demand while focusing on superior levels of service to our customers. As we announced last quarter, we expect sales for the fiscal 2008 year to be down 5% to 10% compared with fiscal 2007 and expect earnings per share to be in the range of $0.45 to $0.60 per share compared with $0.38 per share from continuing operations in fiscal 2007. This estimated range does not include restructuring charges, potential income from any anti-dumping monies or gains/losses on the sale of discontinued operations.”
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) changes in housing sales; (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 those projected; (o) the impact of adopting new accounting principles; (p) the impact from natural events such as hurricanes, earthquakes and tornadoes; (q) the impact of retail store relocation costs, the success of new stores or the timing of converting stores to the New Generation format; (r) the ability to procure fabric rolls or cut and sewn fabric sets domestically or abroad; (s) the ability to sell the discontinued operations for their recorded fair value; (t) those matters discussed in Item 1A of the company’s 10K 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, La-Z-Boy and La-Z-Boy, U.K. The La-Z-Boy Casegoods Group companies are American Drew, Hammary, Kincaid and Lea.
The corporation’s proprietary distribution network is dedicated exclusively to selling La-Z-Boy Incorporated products and brands, and includes 336 stand-alone La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries® stores and 281 La-Z-Boy In-Store Galleries, 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  
                            Percent of Sales  
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands, except per                   % Over              
share data)   7/28/07     7/29/06     (Under)     7/28/07     7/29/06  
 
Sales
  $ 344,396     $ 393,923       -12.6 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Cost of sales
                                       
Cost of goods sold
    259,143       296,008       -12.5 %     75.2 %     75.1 %
Restructuring
    2,561             N/M       0.7 %      
 
                                   
Total cost of sales
    261,704       296,008       -11.6 %     76.0 %     75.1 %
Gross profit
    82,692       97,915       -15.5 %     24.0 %     24.9 %
Selling, general and administrative
    94,508       94,683       -0.2 %     27.4 %     24.0 %
Restructuring
    1,120             N/M       0.3%      
 
                                   
Operating income (loss)
    (12,936 )     3,232       -500.2 %     -3.8 %     0.8 %
Interest expense
    2,097       2,526       -17.0 %     0.6 %     0.6 %
Other income, net
    1,448       270       436.3 %     0.4 %     0.1 %
 
                                   
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
    (13,585 )     976       N/M       -3.9 %     0.2 %
Income tax benefit
    (5,043 )     (116 )     N/M       37.1 %*     -11.9 %*
 
                                   
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    (8,542 )     1,092       -882.2 %     -2.5 %     0.3 %
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (net of tax)
    (152 )     1,203       -112.6 %     %     0.3 %
 
                                   
Net income (loss)
  $ (8,694 )   $ 2,295       -478.8 %     -2.5 %     0.6 %
 
                                   
 
                                       
Basic average shares
    51,380       51,787                          
Basic income (loss) from continuing operations per share
  $ (0.17 )   $ 0.02                          
Discontinued operations per share (net of tax)
          0.02                          
 
                                   
Basic net income (loss) per share
  $ (0.17 )   $ 0.04                          
 
                                   
 
                                       
Diluted average shares
    51,380       51,971                          
 
                                       
Diluted income (loss) from continuing operations per share
  $ (0.17 )   $ 0.02                          
Discontinued operations per share (net of tax)
          0.02                          
 
                                   
Diluted net income (loss) per share
  $ (0.17 )   $ 0.04                          
 
                                   
Dividends paid per share
  $ 0.12     $ 0.12                          
*As a percent of pretax income, not sales.
N/M = not meaningful

 


 

LA-Z-BOY INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                                         
                    Increase/(Decrease)        
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands)   7/28/07     7/29/06     Dollars     Percent     4/28/07  
 
Current assets
                                       
Cash and equivalents
  $ 23,786     $ 28,393     $ (4,607 )     -16.2 %   $ 51,721  
Receivables, net
    207,142       230,385       (23,243 )     -10.1 %     230,399  
Inventories, net
    202,763       238,758       (35,995 )     -15.1 %     197,790  
Deferred income taxes—current
    13,857       14,491       (634 )     -4.4 %     17,283  
Assets of discontinued operations
    22,613             22,613       N/M       24,278  
Other current assets
    22,732       26,928       (4,196 )     -15.6 %     19,327  
 
                               
Total current assets
    492,893       538,955       (46,062 )     -8.5 %     540,798  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    181,590       208,343       (26,753 )     -12.8 %     183,218  
Deferred income taxes—long term
    21,417       1,893       19,524       N/M       15,380  
Goodwill
    55,659       62,236       (6,577 )     -10.6 %     55,659  
Trade names
    9,006       18,794       (9,788 )     -52.1 %     9,472  
Other long-term assets
    74,830       79,958       (5,128 )     -6.4 %     74,164  
 
                               
Total assets
  $ 835,395     $ 910,179     $ (74,784 )     -8.2 %   $ 878,691  
 
                               
 
                                       
Current liabilities
                                       
Current portion of long-term debt
  $ 37,910     $ 2,974     $ 34,936       N/M     $ 37,688  
Accounts payable
    52,515       74,368       (21,853 )     -29.4 %     68,089  
Liabilities of discontinued operations
    4,005             4,005       N/M       3,843  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    97,445       116,686       (19,241 )     -16.5 %     118,590  
 
                               
Total current liabilities
    191,875       194,028       (2,153 )     -1.1 %     228,210  
Long-term debt
    111,238       158,110       (46,872 )     -29.6 %     111,714  
Income taxes payable — long term
    8,091             8,091       N/M        
Other long-term liabilities
    55,284       53,590       1,694       3.2 %     53,419  
Contingencies and commitments
                               
Shareholders’ equity
                                       
Common shares, $1 par value
    51,380       51,578       (198 )     -0.4 %     51,377  
Capital in excess of par value
    205,603       208,128       (2,525 )     -1.2 %     208,283  
Retained earnings
    210,009       240,545       (30,536 )     -12.7 %     223,896  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    1,915       4,200       (2,285 )     -54.4 %     1,792  
 
                               
Total shareholders’ equity
    468,907       504,451       (35,544 )     -7.0 %     485,348  
 
                               
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 835,395     $ 910,179     $ (74,784 )     -8.2 %   $ 878,691  
 
                               

 


 

LA-Z-BOY INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                 
    First Quarter Ended  
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands)   7/28/07     7/29/06  
 
Cash flows from operating activities
               
Net income (loss)
  $ (8,694 )   $ 2,295  
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash used for operating activities
               
Gain on sale of discontinued operations (net of tax)
          (1,280 )
Restructuring
    3,681        
Change in allowance for doubtful accounts
    1,229       275  
Depreciation and amortization
    6,220       7,080  
Stock-based compensation expense
    861       871  
Change in receivables
    23,482       22,172  
Change in inventories
    (6,071 )     (17,990 )
Change in payables
    (15,414 )     (7,319 )
Change in other assets and liabilities
    (23,246 )     (6,947 )
Change in deferred taxes
    (1,475 )     (3,656 )
 
           
Total adjustments
    (10,733 )     (6,794 )
 
           
Net cash used for operating activities
    (19,427 )     (4,499 )
 
               
Cash flows from investing activities
               
Proceeds from disposals of assets
    6,415       21,329  
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations
          29,982  
Capital expenditures
    (9,629 )     (9,243 )
Purchases of investments
    (6,622 )     (5,632 )
Proceeds from sales of investments
    6,792       5,697  
Change in other long-term assets
    20       505  
 
           
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities
    (3,024 )     42,638  
 
               
Cash flows from financing activities
               
Proceeds from debt
    646       22,399  
Payments on debt
    (900 )     (47,414 )
Stock issued for stock and employee benefit plans
    (22 )     1,108  
Repurchases of common stock
          (3,686 )
Dividends paid
    (6,209 )     (6,249 )
 
           
Net cash used for financing activities
    (6,485 )     (33,842 )
 
               
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents
    1,001       7  
 
           
Change in cash and equivalents
    (27,935 )     4,304  
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period
    51,721       24,089  
 
           
Cash and equivalents at end of period
  $ 23,786     $ 28,393  
 
           
Cash paid (net of refunds) during period — income taxes
  $ 3,135     $ 208  
Cash paid during period — interest
  $ 1,910     $ 2,912  

 


 

LA-Z-BOY INCORPORATED
Segment Information
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands)
                 
    First Quarter Ended  
    7/28/07     7/29/06  
(Unaudited amounts in thousands)   (13 weeks)     (13 weeks)  
 
Sales
               
Upholstery Group
  $ 254,757     $ 295,397  
Casegoods Group
    53,574       61,026  
Retail Group
    45,231       52,204  
VIEs/Eliminations
    (9,166 )     (14,704 )
 
           
Consolidated
  $ 344,396     $ 393,923  
 
           
 
               
Operating income (loss)
               
Upholstery Group
  $ 8,867     $ 17,625  
Casegoods Group
    2,600       3,242  
Retail Group
    (10,074 )     (7,715 )
Corporate and Other*
    (10,648 )     (9,920 )
Restructuring
    (3,681 )      
 
           
 
  $ (12,936 )   $ 3,232  
 
           
*Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”) are included in corporate and other.