Genesco Reports First Quarter Fiscal 2007 Results

May 25, 2006 at 7:38 AM EDT
--Company Reports First Quarter Diluted EPS Before Discontinued Operations of
                                   $0.41--

NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Genesco Inc. (NYSE: GCO) today reported earnings before discontinued operations of $10.7 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, for the first quarter ended April 29, 2006. Earnings before discontinued operations were $8.4 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, for the first quarter ended April 30, 2005. Earnings before discontinued operations for the first quarter of this year included SFAS 123(R) share-based compensation and restricted stock expense of $1.6 million before taxes, or $0.04 per diluted share, while earnings before discontinued operations in the first quarter of last year included a charge of $2.6 million before taxes, or $0.06 per diluted share, related to the settlement of class action litigation. Net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2007 increased 10% to $315 million compared to $286 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2006.

Genesco Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Hal N. Pennington, said, "Driven by strong performances in our branded businesses and effective expense management across the board, we slightly exceeded our earnings per share expectations for the quarter despite lower than expected sales in our retail divisions. We are confident about our merchandising position as we head into summer and we are encouraged about our prospects for the back-to- school season. Additionally, we believe that most of the issues that affected sales in the first quarter will be less significant in the current quarter. We are consequently comfortable with our outlook for the second quarter.

"We also continued to successfully execute our store growth plans during the first quarter, opening a total of 62 stores, compared with 28 during the first quarter last year, and increasing square footage by 16% versus 5% over the same period last year. We remain focused on expanding our retail presence across the country and building on our leadership position in the marketplace.

"Net sales in the Journeys Group increased 10% to more than $141 million, same store sales increased 1% and footwear unit comps rose 4% in the first quarter. Board sport and women's casual shoes continued to perform well; however, overall sales were affected by a shift in demand from men's boots and utility footwear to lower-priced canvas shoes, sandals and clogs. We believe that the impact of this category shift will moderate in the second quarter, as boots and utility styles are historically less relevant in the summer months. We expect to open a total of 60 Journeys stores in fiscal 2007.

"Journeys Kidz registered another excellent quarter with total sales up 30% to more than $8 million and same store sales up 10%, against a 22% comparison last year. We remain on track to open a total of 25 Kidz stores in fiscal 2007. Our newest concept, Shi by Journeys, performed well during the quarter. We had three Shi by Journeys stores in operation at the end of the quarter and expect to have a total of 12 stores by the end of the year.

"Net sales at Hat World increased 14% to approximately $71 million and same store sales declined less than 1%. Hat World had a 7% comparable store sales increase in the same period a year ago. The Major League Baseball and branded core headwear categories continued strong, but this was somewhat offset by softness in demand for NCAA product. Hat World continued to expand its private label initiatives and roll out its embroidery machines, both of which represent attractive opportunities for incremental sales. We remain excited about the growth potential of Hat World and expect to open a total of 85 to 90 new stores in fiscal 2007.

"Net sales for the Underground Station Group, which includes Jarman, were flat at $40 million and same store sales fell 3% in the first quarter. Comparable store sales at Underground Station declined 2%, primarily due to weak demand in men's boots and utility footwear. Underground Station continued to generate gains in women's footwear as well as apparel, accessories and children's shoes, and we see opportunities to expand these categories further.

"Johnston & Murphy posted another strong quarter, reflecting the continued success of the brand's strategic repositioning. Johnston & Murphy net sales increased 6% to more than $44 million, same store sales for the shops rose 3% and wholesale sales increased 14% in the first quarter. The positive results were driven by ongoing strength in casual and dress casual footwear, which made up 68% of first quarter unit sales in the Johnston & Murphy retail shops, and substantial increases in apparel and accessories. We also opened five shops and factory stores in the first quarter and plan to open a total of 12 in fiscal 2007. These more aggressive retail growth plans highlight Johnston & Murphy's positive momentum.

"First quarter sales of Licensed Brands increased 37% to $19 million and operating profit more than doubled. Dockers is benefiting from its positioning in both the traditional and contemporary categories within the growing casual footwear industry, and the innovative and proprietary features of its proStyle(R) and Stain Defender(R) product lines."

Genesco also stated that it is slightly increasing its fiscal 2007 guidance. The Company now expects sales to increase 14% to approximately $1.46 billion for the year and diluted earnings per share to approximate $2.63. The earnings per share estimate includes the expected expense of SFAS 123(R) share-based compensation expense and the amortization of recently granted restricted stock totaling approximately $0.17 per share. In the previous year, this amount was $0.01 per share.

This release contains forward-looking statements, including those regarding the Company's sales and earnings outlook and all other statements not addressing solely historical facts or present conditions. Actual results could vary materially from the expectations reflected in these statements. A number of factors could cause differences. These include weakness in consumer demand for products sold by the Company, fashion trends that affect the sales or product margins of the Company's retail product offerings, changes in the timing of holidays or in the onset of seasonal weather affecting period to period sales comparisons, changes in buying patterns by significant wholesale customers, disruptions in product supply or distribution, further unfavorable trends in foreign exchange rates and other factors affecting the cost of products, changes in business strategies by the Company's competitors (including pricing and promotional discounts), the ability to open, staff and support additional retail stores on schedule and at acceptable expense levels and to renew leases in existing stores on schedule and at acceptable expense levels, variations from expected pension-related charges caused by conditions in the financial markets, and the outcome of litigation and environmental matters involving the Company. Forward-looking statements reflect the expectations of the Company at the time they are made. The Company disclaims any obligation to update such statements.

The Company's live conference call on May 25, 2006, at 7:30 a.m. (Central time) may be accessed through the Company's internet website, www.genesco.com. To listen live, please go to the website at least 15 minutes early to register, download and install any necessary software.

Genesco Inc., a Nashville-based specialty retailer, sells footwear, headwear and accessories in more than 1,800 retail stores in the United States and Canada, principally under the names Journeys, Journeys Kidz, Johnston & Murphy, Underground Station, Hatworld, Lids, Hat Zone, Cap Factory, Head Quarters and Cap Connection, and on internet websites www.journeys.com , www.journeyskidz.com , www.undergroundstation.com , www.johnstonmurphy.com, www.lids.com, www.hatworld.com, and www.lidscyo.com. The Company also sells footwear at wholesale under its Johnston & Murphy brand and under the licensed Dockers and Perry Ellis brands. Additional information on Genesco and its operating divisions may be accessed at its website www.genesco.com.



                                 GENESCO INC.

      Consolidated Earnings Summary
                                                     Three Months Ended
                                                  April 29,         April 30,
      In Thousands                                  2006              2005
      Net sales                                   $315,018          $286,085
      Cost of sales                                153,649           139,532
      Selling and administrative expenses          141,866           127,256
      Restructuring and other, net                     109             2,867
      Earnings from operations                      19,394            16,430
      Interest expense, net                          1,914             2,704
      Earnings before income taxes from
       continuing operations                        17,480            13,726
      Income tax expense                             6,814             5,300
      Earnings from continuing operations           10,666             8,426
      Discontinued operations, net                    (189)               65
      Net Earnings                                 $10,477            $8,491

      Earnings Per Share Information
                                                      Three Months Ended
                                                    April 29,        April 30,
      In Thousands (except per share amounts)         2006             2005
      Preferred dividend requirements                  $64               $73

      Average common shares - Basic EPS             23,042            22,525

      Basic earnings per share:
          Before discontinued operations             $0.46             $0.37
          Net earnings                               $0.45             $0.37

      Average common and common
       equivalent shares - Diluted EPS              27,436            26,898

      Diluted earnings per share:
          Before discontinued operations             $0.41             $0.33
          Net earnings                               $0.40             $0.34



                                 GENESCO INC.

      Consolidated Earnings Summary
                                                       Three Months Ended
                                                   April 29,        April 30,
      In Thousands                                  2006              2005
      Sales:
          Journeys                                $141,500          $128,844
          Underground Station Group                 39,956            39,836
          Hat World                                 70,688            62,147
          Johnston & Murphy                         44,031            41,508
          Licensed Brands                           18,799            13,692
          Corporate and Other                           44                58
          Net Sales                               $315,018          $286,085
      Pretax Earnings (Loss):
          Journeys                                 $13,151           $13,768
          Underground Station Group                  2,405             2,616
          Hat World                                  6,007             5,482
          Johnston & Murphy                          2,823             2,530
          Licensed Brands                            1,729               746
          Corporate and Other*                      (6,721)           (8,712)
        Operating income                            19,394            16,430
        Interest, net                                1,914             2,704

      Total Pretax Earnings                         17,480            13,726

      Income tax expense                             6,814             5,300
      Earnings from continuing operations           10,666             8,426
      Discontinued operations, net                    (189)               65
      Net Earnings                                 $10,477            $8,491

    * Includes $0.1 million of other charges in the first quarter of Fiscal
      2007 for asset impairments.
      Includes $2.9 million of other charges in the first quarter of Fiscal
      2006, including $2.6 million for a litigation settlement and the
      remaining $0.3 million for asset impairment and lease terminations.



                                 GENESCO INC.

      Consolidated Balance Sheet
                                                  April 29,         April 30,
      In Thousands                                  2006              2005
      Assets
      Cash and cash equivalents                    $34,719           $62,377
      Accounts receivable                           22,742            17,514
      Inventories                                  247,773           217,086
      Other current assets                          30,192            20,885
      Total current assets                         335,426           317,862
      Property and equipment                       197,546           171,243
      Other non-current assets                     157,094           160,924
      Total Assets                                $690,066          $650,029
      Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
      Accounts payable                             $90,541           $81,828
      Current portion - long-term debt                   0                 0
      Other current liabilities                     56,568            52,994
      Total current liabilities                    147,109           134,822
      Long-term debt                               106,250           161,250
      Other long-term liabilities                   74,498            68,790
      Shareholders' equity                         362,209           285,167
      Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity  $690,066          $650,029



                                   GENESCO INC.


     Retail Units Operated - Three Months Ended April 29, 2006
                     Balance                  Balance                  Balance
                    01/29/05 Open Conv Close 01/28/06 Open Conv Close 04/29/06

     Journeys Group      695   71    0     5      761   30    0     1      790
         Journeys        654   61    0     4      711   23    0     1      733
         Journeys
          Kidz            41   10    0     1       50    7    0     0       57
     Underground
      Station Group      229   21    0    21      229    5    0     2      232
         Underground
          Station        165   21    2     8      180    5    1     0      186
         Jarman Retail    64    0   (2)   13       49    0   (1)    2       46
     Hat World           552   96    0     7      641   22    0     3      660
     Johnston & Murphy   142    5    0     5      142    5    0     0      147
         Shops           107    4    0     4      107    2    0     0      109
         Factory Outlets  35    1    0     1       35    3    0     0       38
     Total Retail
      Units            1,618  193    0    38    1,773   62    0     6    1,829



     Constant Store Sales
                                                       Three Months Ended
                                                    April 29,        April 30,
                                                      2006              2005
     Journeys                                            1%                7%
     Underground Station Group                          -3%                9%
         Underground Station                            -2%               11%
         Jarman Retail                                  -9%                4%
     Hat World                                          -1%                -
     Johnston & Murphy                                   2%                3%
         Shops                                           3%                3%
         Factory Outlets                                 0%                3%
     Total Constant Store Sales                          0%                7%

     Hat World                                                             7%
SOURCE  Genesco Inc.
    -0-                             05/25/2006
    /CONTACT:  Financial, James S. Gulmi, +1-615-367-8325, or Media, Claire S.
McCall, +1-615-367-8283, both of Genesco Inc./
    /Company News On-Call:  http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/352750.html/
    /Web site:  http://www.genesco.com
                http://www.journeys.com
                http://www.journeyskidz.com
                http://www.undergroundstation.com
                http://www.johnstonmurphy.com
                http://www.lids.com
                http://www.hatworld.com
                http://www.lidscyo.com /
    (GCO)

CO:  Genesco Inc.
ST:  Tennessee
IN:  TEX REA
SU:  ERN ERP

CF-LA
-- CLTH009 --
2338 05/25/2006 07:36 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com

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