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Birks & Mayors Reports Improved Second Quarter Fiscal 2007 Results.


MONTREAL Montreal (mŏn'trēôl`), Fr. Montréal (môNrāäl`), city (1991 pop. 1,017,666), S Que., Canada, on Montreal island, surrounded by St. Lawrence River and Rivière des Prairies.  -- Birks Birks is a surname, and may refer to
  • Frederick Birks
  • Gerald Alfred Sigourney Birks
  • Henry Birks
  • Peter Birks, Regius Professor of Civil Law at the University of Oxford from 1989 to 2004
See also
  • The Birks of Aberfeldy
 & Mayors Inc. (the "Company" or "Birks & Mayors") (AMEX AMEX

See: American Stock Exchange
:BMJ BMJ n abbr (= British Medical Journal) → vom BMA herausgegebene Zeitschrift ), which operates 68 luxury jewelry jewelry, personal adornments worn for ornament or utility, to show rank or wealth, or to follow superstitious custom or fashion.

The most universal forms of jewelry are the necklace, bracelet, ring, pin, and earring.
 stores across Canada Across Canada was an afternoon program that formerly aired on The Weather Network. The segment ran from early 1999 until mid 2002. The show ran from 3:00PM ET until 7:00 PM ET. , Florida and Georgia Georgia, country, Asia
Georgia (jôr`jə), Georgian Sakartvelo, Rus. Gruziya, officially Republic of Georgia, republic (2005 est. pop. 4,677,000), c.26,900 sq mi (69,700 sq km), in W Transcaucasia.
, reported results for the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2006 ("Second Quarter"). The Company noted that its current fiscal year, ending March 31, 2007 ("Fiscal 2007") represents a 53-week period and compares to a 52-week period in Fiscal 2006. As a result, the first six months of Fiscal 2007 include 27 weeks versus the first six months of Fiscal 2006 that included 26 weeks.

For the Second Quarter of Fiscal 2007:

* Net sales Net Sales

The amount a seller receives from the buyer after costs associated with the sale are deducted.

Notes:
This amount is calculated by subtracting the following items from gross sales: merchandise returned for credit, allowances for damaged or missing goods, freight
 increased 4.8% to $54.5 million, from $52.0 million in the prior year period;

* Comparable store sales increased 2%, as compared to a 14% increase in the prior year period;

* Gross margin rose 250 basis points to 48.4% of net sales;

* EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) A metric used to show a company's profitability, but not its cash flow. EBITDA became popular in the 1980s to show the potential profitability of leveraged buyouts, but has become  increased 107% to $779,000;

* Net loss was $3.6 million, or $0.32 per diluted di·lute  
tr.v. di·lut·ed, di·lut·ing, di·lutes
1. To make thinner or less concentrated by adding a liquid such as water.

2. To lessen the force, strength, purity, or brilliance of, especially by admixture.
 share, as compared to a net loss of $2.9 million, or $0.40 per diluted share in the prior year period; and

* Adjusted net loss excluding certain costs was $3.2 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, as compared to adjusted net loss of $3.6 million, or $0.49 per diluted share in the prior year period. (See Table 1 for a reconciliation of adjusted net loss to net loss for the Second Quarter.)

Thomas (language) Thomas - A language compatible with the language Dylan(TM). Thomas is NOT Dylan(TM).

The first public release of a translator to Scheme by Matt Birkholz, Jim Miller, and Ron Weiss, written at Digital Equipment Corporation's Cambridge Research Laboratory runs
 A. Andruskevich, President and Chief Executive Officer said, "We advanced our key initiatives, which generated improved second quarter results for Birks & Mayors. Sales were consistent with our expectations for a low single digit A single character in a numbering system. In decimal, digits are 0 through 9. In binary, digits are 0 and 1.

digit - An employee of Digital Equipment Corporation. See also VAX, VMS, PDP-10, TOPS-10, DEChead, double DECkers, field circus.
 comparable stores sales increase. We successfully increased our penetration of distinctive jewelry and timepieces, and continued our vertical integration strategy, which drove a 250 basis point increase in gross margin and a significant increase in EBITDA, as compared to the prior year. We recognize that we face a difficult comparison in the upcoming holiday season, as comparable store sales increased 15% for the November and December holiday period last year. We remain confident in our strategies and our ability to generate sales and earnings growth in Fiscal 2007."

For the Six Months Ended September 30, 2006:

* Net sales increased 13.7% to $123.1 million, from $108.3 million in the prior year period; excluding one extra week in the first twenty-seven weeks of Fiscal 2007, net sales increased by approximately 10%;

* Comparable store sales increased 6% after increasing 9% in the prior year period;

* Gross profit margin Gross profit margin

Gross profit divided by sales, which is equal to each sales dollar left over after paying for the cost of goods sold.


gross profit margin

A measure calculated by dividing gross profit by net sales.
 rose 130 basis points to 48.1% of net sales;

* EBITDA increased 59% to $4.0 million;

* Net loss was $4.5 million, or $0.40 per diluted share, as compared to a net loss of $4.2 million, or $0.57 per diluted share in the prior year period; and

* Adjusted net loss excluding certain costs was $3.7 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, as compared to a net loss of $5.7 million or $0.78 per diluted share in the prior year period. (See table 2 for a reconciliation of adjusted net loss to net loss for the year to date period.)

Second Quarter Fiscal 2007 Results

For the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2006, net sales increased 4.8%, or $2.5 million to $54.5 million, as compared to $52.0 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 24, 2005. Comparable store sales increased 2%, following a 14% rise during the same period last year, due to the successful expansion of the Company's retail marketing strategies, which include raising the level of exclusive merchandise and enhancing brand awareness. Comparable store sales in the Company's Canadian Canadian (kənā`dēən), river, 906 mi (1,458 km) long, rising in NE New Mexico. and flowing E across N Texas and central Oklahoma into the Arkansas River in E Oklahoma.  markets increased 3%, while comparable store sales in the Company's U.S. markets grew 1%. Comparable store sales are measured on a constant exchange rate basis which excludes the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates while all dollar amounts are reported in U.S. Dollars. Also contributing to the increase in second quarter Fiscal 2007 net sales was approximately $1.9 million due to the translation of the Canadian operations into U.S. Dollars at higher exchange rates due to the strengthening of the Canadian Dollar Noun 1. Canadian dollar - the basic unit of money in Canada; "the Canadian dollar has the image of loon on one side of the coin"
loonie

dollar - the basic monetary unit in many countries; equal to 100 cents
.

Gross margin increased to 48.4% of sales from 45.9% of sales, a 250 basis-point improvement. Gross profit dollars increased $2.5 million to $26.4 million from $23.9 million in the prior year period. The improvement in gross margin resulted from ongoing execution of the Company's retail and merchandising merchandising

Element of marketing concerned especially with the sale of goods and services to customers. One aspect of merchandising is advertising, which aims to capture the interest of the segment of the population most likely to buy the product.
 strategies aimed at increasing sales of higher margin merchandise that is designed and manufactured or sourced directly by the Company.

EBITDA was $779,000, as compared to $377,000 in the prior year second quarter, an improvement of $402,000, or 107%. The improvement in EBITDA during the quarter resulted primarily from gross margin expansion. Adjusted EBITDA was $811,000 in the Second Quarter of Fiscal 2007, as compared to an adjusted loss before interest, depreciation and amortization of $85,000 for the comparable period in Fiscal 2006. Adjusted EBITDA excludes approximately $32,000 of non-cash stock-based compensation expense in the second quarter of Fiscal 2007 and also excludes $462,000 of non-cash stock-based compensation income in the second quarter of Fiscal 2006. (See Table 1 for a reconciliation of EBITDA to adjusted EBITDA.)

Net loss was $3.6 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, as compared to a net loss of $2.9 million, or $0.40 per diluted share in the second quarter last year. Adjusted net loss excluding certain items was $3.2 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, as compared to a net loss of $3.6 million, or $0.49 per diluted share for the same period in the prior year. Adjusted net loss excludes certain items such as: (i) non-cash compensation expense (income) from both periods; (ii) accelerated depreciation Accelerated Depreciation

Any method of depreciation used for accounting or income tax purposes that allows greater deductions in the earlier years of the life of an asset.

Notes:
The straight-line depreciation method spreads the cost evenly over the life of an asset.
 expense in connection with the Company's information technology systems implemented this summer in Canada; (iii) a write-off Write-Off

A reduction in the value of an asset or earnings by the amount of an expense or loss. Companies are able to write off certain expenses that are required to run the business, or have been incurred in the operation of the business and detract from retained revenues.
 of certain leasehold improvements Leasehold Improvement

Improvements on a leased asset that increase the value of the asset.

Notes:
A leasehold improvement is classified as an asset that must be depreciated over time.
 related to the downsizing (1) Converting mainframe and mini-based systems to client/server LANs.

(2) To reduce equipment and associated costs by switching to a less-expensive system.

(jargon) downsizing
 of one of the Company's stores, which should improve that location's contribution; and (iv) a foreign exchange gain realized on convertible notes outstanding in the prior year period (See Table 1 below for a reconciliation to GAAP GAAP

See: Generally Accepted Accounting Principles


GAAP

See generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
 net loss to adjusted net loss.)
[TABLE OMITTED]


To supplement the Company's unaudited condensed con·dense  
v. con·densed, con·dens·ing, con·dens·es

v.tr.
1. To reduce the volume or compass of.

2. To make more concise; abridge or shorten.

3. Physics
a.
 consolidated financial statements Consolidated Financial Statements

The combined financial statements of a parent company and its subsidiaries.

Notes:
Because consolidated financial statements present an aggregated look at the financial position of a parent and its subsidiaries, they enable you to gauge
 presented in accordance Accordance is Bible Study Software for Macintosh developed by OakTree Software, Inc.[]

As well as a standalone program, it is the base software packaged by Zondervan in their Bible Study suites for Macintosh.
 with GAAP, the Company provides EBITDA and adjusted net loss, which are non-GAAP financial measures. EBITDA is defined as net loss plus the provision for income taxes, interest expense, and depreciation and amortization as presented in the Company's Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations See Income statement. . EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to operating income Operating Income

The profit realized from a business' own operations.

Notes:
This would not include income from things such as investments in other firms. Also referred to as operating profit or recurring profit.
 or net income (as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles The standard accounting rules, regulations, and procedures used by companies in maintaining their financial records.

Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) provide companies and accountants with a consistent set of guidelines that cover both broad accounting
 (GAAP)) as a measure of our operating performance or to net cash provided by operating, investing and financing activities (as determined in accordance with GAAP) as a measure of our ability to meet cash needs. The Company believes that EBITDA is a measure commonly reported and widely used by investors and other interested parties as a measure of a company's operating performance and debt servicing ability because it assists in comparing performance on a consistent basis without regard to capital structure, depreciation and amortization or non-operating factors (such as historical cost). Accordingly, as a result of our capital structure, we believe EBITDA is a relevant measure. This information has been disclosed here to permit a more complete comparative analysis of our operating performance relative to other companies and of our debt servicing ability. EBITDA may not, however, be comparable in all instances to other similar types of measures. The presentation of adjusted net loss should be considered in addition to the Company's GAAP results and is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. The Company believes that adjusted net loss is useful to investors to enhance the overall understanding of the Company's current financial performance and to allow for greater transparency (1) The quality of being able to see through a material. The terms transparency and translucency are often used synonymously; however, transparent would technically mean "seeing through clear glass," while translucent would mean "seeing through frosted glass." See alpha blending.  with respect to supplemental information used by management in its financial and operational decision making.

For the Six-Months Ended September 30, 2006:

Net sales increased 13.7%, or $14.8 million to $123.1 million, as compared to $108.3 million for the six months ended September 24, 2005. The Company estimates that an extra week in the first six months of Fiscal 2007 increased net sales by approximately $4.3 million, as compared to the same period in the prior year. Comparable store sales increased 6%, driven primarily by a higher average unit retail. Comparable store sales in the Company's Canadian markets increased 8%, while comparable store sales in the Company's U.S. markets grew 5%. Also, contributing to the increase in the first six months of Fiscal 2007 net sales was approximately $4.5 million due to the translation of the Canadian operations into U.S. Dollars at higher exchange rates due to the strengthening of the Canadian Dollar.

EBITDA was $4.0 million for the first six months of Fiscal 2007, as compared to $2.5 million for the comparable period in Fiscal 2006, an improvement of $1.5 million, or 59%. The improvement in EBITDA during the current period resulted primarily from gross margin expansion and the impact of $4.3 million of additional sales and $1.0 million of additional operating expenses Operating expenses

The amount paid for asset maintenance or the cost of doing business, excluding depreciation. Earnings are distributed after operating expenses are deducted.
 related to the extra week included in the twenty-seven week period ended September 30, 2006. Adjusted EBITDA was $4.1 million for the first six months of Fiscal 2007, as compared to $1.2 million for the comparable period in Fiscal 2006. Adjusted EBITDA excludes approximately $110 thousand of non-cash stock-based compensation expense for the first six months of Fiscal 2007 and also excludes $1.3 million of non-cash stock-based compensation income for the first six months of Fiscal 2006. (See Table 2 for a reconciliation of EBITDA to adjusted EBITDA.)

Net loss was $4.5 million, or $0.40 per diluted share for the first six months of Fiscal 2007, as compared to a net loss of $4.2 million or $0.57 per diluted share for the first six months of Fiscal 2006. Adjusted net loss was $3.7 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, as compared to a net loss of $5.7 million, or $0.78 per diluted share in the prior year period. Adjusted net loss excludes certain items such as: (i) non-cash compensation expense (income) in both periods, (ii) accelerated depreciation expense in connection with the Company's information technology systems implemented this summer in Canada; (iii) a write-off of certain leasehold improvements related to the downsizing of one of the Company's stores, which should improve that location's contribution; and (iv) foreign exchange gain realized on convertible notes outstanding in the prior year period. (See Table 2 below for a reconciliation of GAAP net loss to adjusted net loss).
[TABLE OMITTED]


Business Outlook

The Company reiterated the following guidance on the business outlook for Fiscal 2007.

Comparable store sales are projected to increase in Fiscal 2007, however, at a more moderate rate of increase for the full year than realized in Fiscal 2006. Gross margins are planned to improve from the prior year through successful merchandising and retail strategies. These strategies include the continued emphasis on internally manufactured and distinctively designed products that are exclusive to Birks & Mayors.

The luxury retail market continues to be very competitive. In addition, factors such as: rising interest rates, tourism and mall traffic, the impact of changes in the real estate markets, (especially in the state of Florida), the equity markets, the general level of consumer confidence, and the increased cost of oil and commodity prices may have an influence on the realization of the Company's sales and gross margin plans for Fiscal 2007.

Conference Call Information

A conference call to discuss second quarter Fiscal 2007 results is scheduled for today, December 4, 2006 at 4:45 p.m. Eastern Time. Investors and analysts in the U.S. and Canada interested in participating in the call are invited to dial (800) 819-9193, or for all other International callers (913) 981-4911 approximately ten minutes prior to the start of the call. The conference call will also be web-cast live at www.birksandmayors.com. A replay of this call will be available until December 11, 2006 and can be accessed by dialing (888) 203-1112 and entering pin number 1834005.

Birks & Mayors is a leading operator of luxury jewelry stores in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area.  and Canada. As of December 4, 2006, the Company operated 39 stores (Birks Brand) across most major metropolitan markets in Canada and 29 stores (Mayors Brand) across Florida and Georgia. Birks was founded in 1879 and developed over the years into Canada's premier retailer, designer and manufacturer of fine jewelry, timepieces, sterling and plated silverware and gifts. Mayors was founded in 1910 and has maintained the intimacy This article or section may contain original research or unverified claims.

Please help Wikipedia by adding references. See the for details.
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 of a family-owned boutique Boutique

A small investment firm specializing in offering specific, but limited services to a select number of individuals.

Notes:
These investment firms are the alternatives to large financial supermarkets. They provide a highly personalized environment for investing.
 while becoming renowned for its fine jewelry, timepieces, giftware and service. Additional information can be found on Birks & Mayors web site, www.birksandmayors.com.

This press release contains certain "forward-looking" statements concerning expectations for strong sales, success of the Company's merchandising, marketing and retail initiatives, continued growth in sales, earnings and improvement in gross margins. Actual results might differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements forward-looking statement

A projected financial statement based on management expectations. A forward-looking statement involves risks with regard to the accuracy of assumptions underlying the projections.
 as they are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include the Company's ability to maintain strong sales throughout the remainder of the fiscal year, the ability of the Company to maintain strong growth and profitability, the Company's ability to keep costs low, the Company's ability to implement its business strategy, the Company's ability to maintain relationships with its primary vendors, the Company's ability to limit its exposure to currency exchange risk and fluctuations in the availability and prices of the Company's merchandise, the Company's ability to compete with other jewelers, the success of the Company's marketing initiatives, the Company's ability to have a successful customer service program, and the Company's ability to attract and retain its key personnel. Information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are set forth in the Company's annual report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances CIRCUMSTANCES, evidence. The particulars which accompany a fact.
     2. The facts proved are either possible or impossible, ordinary and probable, or extraordinary and improbable, recent or ancient; they may have happened near us, or afar off; they are public or
 after the date of this statement or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.
[TABLE OMITTED]
[TABLE OMITTED]
[TABLE OMITTED]
COPYRIGHT 2006 Business Wire
No portion of this article can be reproduced without the express written permission from the copyright holder.
Copyright 2006, Gale Group. All rights reserved. Gale Group is a Thomson Corporation Company.

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Date:Dec 4, 2006
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