Company Snapshot: PSS  Print This Story  Email This Story  Save this Link View PR Newswire's RSS Feed  Blogs Discussing this News Release  Search Blogs that Mention this News Release  Click this link to view linked Bookmarking Services Click this link to view linked Blogging Services


Payless ShoeSource Announces Fourth Quarter and Year End 2006 Financial Results

 Quarterly Net Earnings $25 Million Versus Prior Year Net Loss; Comparable
             Store Sales Up 6.8%; Full Year Net Earnings Up 84%

    TOPEKA, Kan., March 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Payless ShoeSource,
Inc. (NYSE: PSS) today reported financial results for the 14-week fourth
quarter and the 53-week year ended February 3, 2007. Fourth quarter 2006
net earnings were $24.6 million, or $0.37 per diluted share, versus a
fourth quarter 2005 net loss of $5.6 million, or ($0.08) per diluted share.
Fourth quarter 2006 net earnings were favorably impacted by the release of
$14.3 million of income tax reserves, equivalent to $0.22 per diluted
share, related primarily to the closing of income tax audits in various
jurisdictions.
    Fourth quarter 2006 comparable store sales were up 6.8%, the eighth
consecutive quarter of positive comparable store sales. Total sales were
$693 million, up 13% compared to the fourth quarter of 2005. Several
related factors drove fourth quarter 2006 sales higher versus the prior
year period. First, average unit retails increased 4% due primarily to
having on-trend products. Second, the company sold 4% more units excluding
the 14th week of the quarter. Third, sales from the 14th week of the
quarter added $36 million. And fourth, the stores' customer service efforts
resulted in increased customer conversion.
    "Payless delivered an outstanding quarter of sales and earnings due
primarily to strong results in our women's and children's categories," said
Matthew E. Rubel, Chief Executive Officer and President. "In 2006, we
started to successfully execute the key components of our strategy, and in
doing so, have strengthened our position in the marketplace with our
customers."
    Gross margin was 33.9% in the fourth quarter of 2006 versus 31.2% in
the fourth quarter of 2005. The 270 basis point increase was due mainly to
higher initial mark-on. The company's gross margin benefited by having more
on-trend and differentiated products which resonated with customers.
    Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were 31.6% of sales
in the fourth quarter of 2006 versus 30.9% in the prior year period, an
increase of 70 basis points. The increase was driven primarily by higher
incentive compensation and the expensing of stock options which did not
occur in 2005.
    During the fourth quarter of 2006, Payless repurchased 1.1 million
shares for $37.6 million under its stock repurchase program. On March 2,
2007, the Payless board of directors authorized an aggregate of $250
million of share repurchases. In accordance with its indenture governing
its senior subordinated notes, the company may repurchase approximately $12
million more of its stock at this time. This limit will continue to adjust
quarterly based on the company's net earnings.
    Fiscal Year 2006
    For the full year of 2006, Payless generated total sales of $2.80
billion, up 4.9% compared to 2005 total sales of $2.67 billion. Comparable
store sales were up 3.5% in 2006. Net earnings in 2006 were $122 million,
or $1.82 per diluted share, versus net earnings of $66 million, or $0.98
per diluted share, in 2005. Net earnings grew 84% and 86% in dollars and on
a per share basis, respectively. Gross margin was 34.9% for 2006, up 160
basis points over the prior year. SG&A as a percent of sales was 28.9% for
2006, up 10 basis points over the prior year.
    Payless ended 2006 with $461 million in cash and short-term investments
compared to $437 million at the end of 2005. The increase was due to
greater cash from operations. Total inventory at year end 2006 was $362
million compared to $333 million at the end of 2005. The increase was
driven by timing and an increase in raw materials due to a higher
percentage of product sourced directly by the company. Average inventory in
stores was flat at year end.
    Capital expenditures for 2006 totaled $119 million versus $64 million
in the prior year. The increase was due primarily to investments in stores.
During 2006, the company added 63 new stores and relocated another 106. Net
of closings, Payless ended the year with 33 fewer stores versus 2005.
Capital expenditures for fiscal 2007 are expected to total approximately
$160 million. The increase over 2006 will be driven by spending on the
company's supply chain. In 2006 and 2007 the company has invested, and will
continue to invest, in brands, stores, technology and distribution which
support Payless' strategic imperatives of effective brand marketing,
on-trend targeted product, great shopping experience, and efficient
operations.
    In 2006, Payless also deployed cash towards the repurchase of 5.0
million shares for $128.4 million under its stock repurchase program.
    Outlook
    Payless ShoeSource remains committed to its long-standing goal to
achieve low single-digit positive same-store sales on a consistent basis
through successful execution of its merchandising strategies. The company's
long-term goal is to achieve earnings per share percentage growth in the
mid-teens. The Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Interpretation
No. 48 "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes" (FIN 48) in June 2006.
FIN 48 provides required accounting treatment for tax positions taken, or
expected to be taken, in a tax return. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 2006. The company is currently reviewing FIN
48 and has not yet determined the potential impact on its financial
statements. As such, the company's long-term earning per share percentage
growth goal does not consider the impact from the adoption of FIN 48.
    About Payless and Forward Looking Statements
    Payless ShoeSource, Inc., the largest specialty family footwear
retailer in the western hemisphere, is dedicated to democratizing fashion
and design in footwear and accessories and inspiring fun, fashion
possibilities for the family at a great value. As of the end of the fourth
quarter 2006, the company operated a total of 4,572 stores. In addition to
its stores, customers can buy shoes over the Internet at
http://www.payless.com .
    This release contains one or more forward-looking statements. Forward-
looking statements are identified by words such as "expected," "will," and
other similar words. A variety of known and unknown risks and uncertainties
could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated
results which include, but are not limited to: changes in consumer spending
patterns; changes in consumer preferences and overall economic conditions;
the impact of competition and pricing; changes in weather patterns; the
financial condition of the Company's suppliers and manufacturers; changes
in existing or potential duties, tariffs or quotas and application thereof;
changes in relationships between the United States and foreign countries,
changes in relationships between Canada and foreign countries; economic and
political instability in foreign countries, or restrictive actions by the
governments of foreign countries in which suppliers and manufacturers from
whom the Company sources are located or in which the Company has retail
locations or otherwise does business; changes in trade, intellectual
property, customs and/or tax laws; fluctuations in currency exchange rates;
litigation, including intellectual property and employment litigation;
availability of suitable store locations on acceptable terms; the ability
to terminate leases on acceptable terms; the ability to hire and retain
associates; performance of other parties in strategic alliances; general
economic, business and social conditions in the countries from which we
source products, supplies or have or intend to open stores, performance of
partners in joint ventures; the ability to comply with local laws in
foreign countries; threats or acts of terrorism; strikes, work stoppages
and/or slow downs by unions that play a significant role in the
manufacture; distribution or sale of product; congestion at major ocean
ports; changes in commodity prices such as oil; and changes in the value of
the dollar relative to the Chinese Yuan and other currencies. Please refer
to the Company's 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
January 28, 2006 or the Company's Form 10-Q for the period ending October
28, 2006 for more information on these and other risk factors that could
cause actual results to differ. The Company does not undertake any
obligation to release publicly any revisions to such forward-looking
statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to
reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
    The unaudited condensed consolidated statements of earnings, balance
sheets and statements of cash flows have been prepared in accordance with
the Company's accounting policies as described in the Company's 2005 Form
10-K, on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, are subject to
reclassification, and should be read in conjunction with the 2005 Annual
Report to Shareowners. In the opinion of management, this information is
fairly presented, and all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring
adjustments) necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim
periods have been included.
                             PAYLESS SHOESOURCE, INC.
                  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
                                   (UNAUDITED)

    (Millions, except per share data)
                                         14 Weeks 13 Weeks 53 Weeks  52 Weeks
                                           Ended   Ended     Ended     Ended

                                         February January  February   January
                                             3,      28,      3,        28,
                                            2007    2006     2007      2006

    Net sales                              $692.7  $611.0  $2,796.7  $2,665.7

    Cost of sales                           458.1   420.5   1,821.0   1,777.1

    Gross margin                            234.6   190.5     975.7     888.6

    Selling, general and administrative
     expenses                               219.1   188.5     808.5     767.1

    Restructuring charges                     0.1     1.9       0.8       3.8

    Operating profit from continuing
     operations                              15.4     0.1     166.4     117.7

    Interest expense                          5.0     5.1      19.2      19.7

    Interest income                          (7.1)   (4.8)    (22.7)    (12.3)

    Earnings (loss) from continuing
     operations before income
     taxes and minority interest             17.5    (0.2)    169.9     110.3

    (Benefit) provision for income taxes    (10.2)   (1.1)     39.9      30.8

    Earnings from continuing operations
     before minority interest                27.7     0.9     130.0      79.5

    Minority interest, net of income taxes   (2.7)   (1.5)     (4.6)     (3.0)

    Net earnings (loss) from continuing
     operations                              25.0    (0.6)    125.4      76.5

    Loss from discontinued operations, net
     of income taxes and minority interest   (0.4)   (0.9)     (3.4)     (6.0)

    Net earnings (loss) before cumulative
     effect of change in accounting
     principle                               24.6    (1.5)    122.0      70.5

    Cumulative effect of change in
     accounting principle, net of
     income taxes and minority interest        -     (4.1)       -       (4.1)

    Net earnings (loss)                     $24.6   $(5.6)   $122.0     $66.4

    Basic earnings (loss) per share:
         Earnings (loss) from continuing
          operations                        $0.38  $(0.01)    $1.90     $1.13
         Loss from discontinued operations    -     (0.01)    (0.05)    (0.09)
         Cumulative effect of change in
          accounting principle                -     (0.06)      -       (0.06)
    Basic earnings (loss) per share:        $0.38  $(0.08)    $1.85     $0.98

    Diluted earnings (loss) per share
         Earnings (loss) from continuing
          operations                        $0.38  $(0.01)    $1.87     $1.13
         Loss from discontinued operations  (0.01)  (0.01)    (0.05)    (0.09)
         Cumulative effect of change in
          accounting principle                -     (0.06)      -       (0.06)
    Diluted earnings (loss) per share       $0.37  $(0.08)    $1.82     $0.98



                            PAYLESS SHOESOURCE, INC.
                      CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                   (UNAUDITED)

                                                  FEBRUARY 3,      JANUARY 28,
    (dollars in millions)                             2007             2006

    ASSETS:

    Current assets:
        Cash and cash equivalents                   $371.4            $378.2
        Short-term investments                        90.0              59.0
        Restricted cash                                2.0               2.0
        Inventories                                  361.9             332.6
        Current deferred income taxes                 15.6              20.2
        Other current assets                          64.6              59.6
        Current assets of discontinued operations      1.1               2.9
    Total current assets                             906.6             854.5

    Property and Equipment:
        Land                                           6.6               7.7
        Property, buildings and equipment          1,245.1           1,185.2
        Accumulated depreciation and amortization   (830.5)           (807.8)
        Property and equipment, net                  421.2             385.1

    Favorable leases, net                             12.8              18.2

    Deferred income taxes                             37.7              27.5

    Goodwill                                           5.9               5.9

    Other assets                                      43.2              21.9

    Noncurrent assets of discontinued operations       -                 1.4

    TOTAL ASSETS                                  $1,427.4          $1,314.5



    LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:

    Current liabilities:
        Current maturities of long-term debt          $0.4              $0.4
        Notes payable                                  2.0               2.0
        Accounts payable                             185.6             168.6
        Accrued expenses                             190.2             163.5
        Current liabilities of discontinued
         operations                                    2.1               4.0
    Total current liabilities                        380.3             338.5

    Long-term debt                                   201.7             204.2
    Other liabilities                                132.6             109.3
    Minority interest                                 12.7              10.5

    Total shareowners' equity                        700.1             652.0

    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY     $1,427.4          $1,314.5



                             PAYLESS SHOESOURCE, INC.
                  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                    (UNAUDITED)

                                             53-weeks ended     52-weeks ended
                                               February 3,         January 28,
      (dollars in millions)                        2007               2006

      OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
      Net earnings                                $122.0               $66.4
        Loss from discontinued
         operations, net of income taxes
         and minority interest                       3.4                 6.0
        Adjustments for non-cash items
         included in net earnings:
           Cumulative effect of change
            in accounting principle, net
            of income taxes and minority
            interest                                  -                  4.1
           Loss on impairment and
            disposal of assets                      10.3                 9.8
           Depreciation and amortization            88.5                90.4
           Amortization of deferred
            financing costs                          1.1                 1.2
           Share-based compensation expense         12.2                 1.3
           Deferred income taxes                     9.1                13.7
           Minority interest, net of
            income taxes                             4.6                 3.0
           Income tax benefit from
            share-based compensation                 0.6                 6.5
           Accretion of investments                 (3.6)               (1.3)
      Changes in working capital:
           Inventories                             (29.8)               13.5
           Other current assets                     (9.0)               (2.0)
           Accounts payable                         15.6                 9.0
           Accrued expenses                          5.7                 9.5
      Other assets and liabilities, net              3.0                 6.4
      Net cash used in discontinued
       operations                                   (4.0)              (10.6)

      Cash flow provided by operating
       activities                                  229.7               226.9

      INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
      Capital expenditures                        (118.6)              (64.3)
      Proceeds from the sale of property
       and equipment                                 4.6                 1.2
      Restricted cash                                 -                  1.0
      Intangible asset additions                   (15.5)                 -
      Purchases of investments                    (215.6)             (146.4)
      Sales and maturities of investments          188.2               110.0
      Net cash used in discontinued operations        -                 (0.1)

      Cash flow used in investing activities      (156.9)              (98.6)

      FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
      Repayment of notes payable                      -                 (1.0)
      Issuance of debt                                -                  1.2
      Repayment of debt                             (2.8)               (1.5)
      Payment of deferred financing costs           (0.2)                 -
      Issuances of common stock                     47.1                49.6
      Purchases of common stock                   (129.3)              (71.2)
      Excess tax benefits from share-
       based compensation                            8.0                  -
      Distributions to minority owners              (1.5)                 -
      Net cash provided by discontinued
       operations                                    1.2                 0.9

      Cash flow used in financing activities       (77.5)              (22.0)

      Effect of exchange rate changes on cash       (2.1)                0.9

      (Decrease) / increase in cash and
       cash equivalents                             (6.8)              107.2

      Cash and cash equivalents,
       beginning of year                           378.2               271.0
      Cash and cash equivalents, end of year      $371.4              $378.2


SOURCE Payless ShoeSource, Inc.




Back to Topback to top

Related links:
  • http://www.payless.com
  • http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/136152.html /
    CONTACT:
    James Grant of Payless ShoeSource,
    +1-785-559-5321