Timberland Reports Fourth-Quarter Results.STRATHAM, N.H. -- The Timberland Company (NYSE NYSE See: New York Stock Exchange : TBL Tbl - 1. A language by M.E. Lesk for formatting tables, implemented as a preprocessor to nroff. ) today reported fourth-quarter net income of $38.3 million and diluted earnings per share diluted earnings per share An earnings measure calculated by dividing net income less preferred stock dividends for a period by the average number of shares of common stock that would be outstanding if all convertible securities were converted into shares of (EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) A PostScript file format used to transfer a graphic image between applications and platforms. EPS files contain PostScript code as well as an optional preview image in TIFF, WMF, PICT or EPSI, the latter being an ASCII-only format. ) of $0.61. Fourth-quarter 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. EPS was $0.65 when adjusted to exclude restructuring costs. These results compare to fourth-quarter 2005 net income of $46.9 million and diluted EPS of $0.71, or $0.70 when adjusted to exclude restructuring and related costs and include stock option and employee stock purchase plan expenses. For the full-year 2006, net income was $106.4 million and diluted EPS was $1.67. Full-year diluted EPS was $1.71 when adjusted to exclude restructuring costs. These results compare to full-year 2005 net income of $164.6 million and diluted EPS of $2.43, or $2.35 when adjusted to exclude restructuring and related costs and include stock option and employee stock purchase plan expenses. * Fourth-quarter revenue was up 4.9% as declines in boots and kids' sales were offset by gains in new brands (including SmartWool([R])), Timberland PRO([R])series, outdoor performance footwear( )and Timberland([R]) apparel and accessories. Foreign exchange rate changes increased fourth-quarter 2006 revenues by approximately $9 million, or 2.0% due to the strength of the Euro and the British Pound, and increased profitability by approximately $3 million. * International revenue increased 17.4%, or 11.3% on a constant dollar basis, supported by strong growth in Europe, Asia and Canada. U.S. revenues decreased 1.0%, impacted by unseasonably warm weather trends which added to anticipated pressures on boots and kids' sales and offset benefits from the addition of the SmartWool([R]) brand to the Company's product portfolio and gains in key expansion categories such as Timberland PRO([R]) series footwear. * Fourth-quarter results reflected global gains in apparel and accessories revenue, which offset modest declines in global footwear sales. Apparel and accessories revenue expanded 26.1% to $130.1 million, supported by the addition of the SmartWool([R])brand and growth in Timberland([R]) brand sales globally. Global footwear revenue fell 0.9% to $354.2 million as declines in boots and kids' sales offset gains in Timberland PRO([R]) series, outdoor performance and casual footwear. * Global wholesale revenue increased 8.4% to $339.8 million reflecting strong sales in apparel and accessories. Worldwide consumer direct revenue decreased 2.3% to $148.4 million, impacted by unseasonably warm weather conditions in the U.S. and Europe which contributed to an 11.8% decline in comparable store sales. * Operating profit Operating profit (or loss) Revenue from a firm's regular activities less costs and expenses and before income deductions. operating profit See operating income. for the quarter was $57.5 million, down 17.8% from $70.0 million in the prior year. Operating profit excluding restructuring costs was $60.6 million, down approximately 12% versus comparable prior year levels adjusted to include stock option and employee stock purchase plan expenses. Profit declines were driven by anticipated pressures on gross margins and cost growth related to investments in growth strategies, including global business expansion and development of Timberland's brand portfolio. * Timberland repurchased approximately 824 thousand shares in the fourth quarter at a total cost of $25.2 million. It ended the quarter with $181.7 million in cash and no debt. Inventory at quarter end was $186.8 million, up 11.7% versus 2005 fourth-quarter levels. Inventory growth was primarily driven by increases in international operations Internal Operations (I.O., IO or I/O) is a fictional American Intelligence Agency in Wildstorm comics. It was originally called International Operations. I.O. first appeared in WildC.A.T.S. volume 1 #1 (August, 1992) and was created by Brandon Choi and Jim Lee. , in part reflecting a strategic decision to increase inventory support in key markets like Asia in advance of critical retail selling periods, compared to less than optimal prior year levels. Inventory growth was also impacted by higher year-end levels in retail stores in the U.S. and Europe reflecting unseasonably warm weather this holiday season. Accounts receivable accounts receivable n. the amounts of money due or owed to a business or professional by customers or clients. Generally, accounts receivable refers to the total amount due and is considered in calculating the value of a business or the business' problems in paying increased 21.1% to $204.4 million, impacted by later timing of shipments in the quarter. * For 2007, the Company is targeting solid growth across its casual, outdoor and industrial categories. The Company is also committed to improving performance in its boots and kids' businesses, supported by a disciplined product supply and distribution strategy that is aligned with the premium position the Company seeks to maintain with consumers. In this context, the Company expects to see significant sales declines in boots and kids' sales in 2007, likely in excess of $100 million globally. These impacts will likely limit overall Timberland revenue to prior year levels for the full year. * Lower boots and kids' sales and impacts from higher relative product costs will place continued pressure on operating margins Operating Margin A ratio used to measure a company's pricing strategy and operating efficiency. Calculated by: , with expectations for full-year declines in the range of 300 basis points compared to prior year levels excluding restructuring costs. The Company expects sales and operating margin pressures will be greater early in 2007 given warm winter weather conditions, the lapping of prior year results and macro factors such as the implementation of EU anti-dumping duties. The Company estimates these factors will contribute to a decline in operating profits excluding restructuring costs in the range of $40 million in the first half of 2007, with most of this decline in the first quarter. * As a result of the recently announced decision to license Timberland's North America North America, third largest continent (1990 est. pop. 365,000,000), c.9,400,000 sq mi (24,346,000 sq km), the northern of the two continents of the Western Hemisphere. wholesale apparel business, Timberland will incur a pre-tax restructuring charge restructuring charge The expense of reorganizing a company's operations. A restructuring charge is an infrequent expense that generally results from asset writedowns or facility closings. in the range of $4 million in 2007 to cover severance, outplacement out·place·ment n. The process of facilitating a terminated employee's search for a new job by provision of professional services, such as counseling, paid for by the former employer. services and asset disposal costs associated with implementation of this strategy. The Company anticipates that this action will result in cost savings in the range of $4 to $5 million in 2007, weighted towards the second half of the year. These savings have been factored into the Company's financial outlook. * The Company believes that continued global expansion of the brand, development of new brand platforms and expansion of its consumer direct platform globally are critical to the execution of its growth strategy and will continue investing in these platforms. Jeffrey B. Swartz, Timberland's President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "2006 was an eventful e·vent·ful adj. 1. Full of events: an eventful week. 2. Important; momentous: an eventful decision. year for Timberland. We continued to expand our brand portfolio through the successful addition of businesses such as SmartWool([R]) and made solid progress in developing our relationship with consumers across casual, outdoor and industrial usage occasions. We also managed significant pressures in our boots and kids' business in the face of evolving fashion trends and unseasonable un·sea·son·a·ble adj. 1. Not suitable to or appropriate for the season. 2. Not characteristic of the time of year: unseasonable weather. 3. Poorly timed; inopportune. selling conditions. "Through these changes, we have remained committed to our mission and values as an enterprise and brand. We recognize that to capture our full potential, we will need to take aggressive steps to better serve our consumers and improve our performance. In this context, we have aligned our company's organizational leadership against our target consumers and have advanced key actions, including the licensing of our Timberland North America apparel business, to maximize our brand's potential. "We are optimistic op·ti·mist n. 1. One who usually expects a favorable outcome. 2. A believer in philosophical optimism. op about Timberland's future and believe the strategies we are advancing to move closer to the consumer and leverage our strengths in product innovation will enable us to capture the significant growth potential we see for the Timberland brand and enterprise." Note that comments made by the Company and Mr. Swartz are Timberland's performance targets, based on current expectations. These comments are forward-looking, and actual results may differ materially. As previously announced, Timberland will be hosting a conference call to discuss fourth-quarter results tomorrow at 8:25 AM Eastern Time. Interested parties may listen to this call through the investor relations Investor relations The process by which the corporation communicates with its investors. section of the Company's website, www.timberland.com, or by calling 617.786.2903 and providing access code number 55419482. Replays of this conference call will be available through the investor relations section of the Company's website. Timberland (NYSE: TBL) is a global leader in the design, engineering and marketing of premium-quality footwear, apparel and accessories for consumers who value the outdoors and their time in it. Timberland markets products under the Timberland([R]), Timberland PRO([R]), SmartWool([R]), Timberland Boot Company[TM], Miyn[TM], GoLite([R]) and Howies([R]) brands, all of which offer quality workmanship and detailing and are built to withstand the elements of nature. The Company's products can be found in leading department and specialty stores Noun 1. specialty store - a store that sells only one kind of merchandise shop, store - a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services; "he bought it at a shop on Cape Cod" as well as Timberland([R]) retail stores throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America Latin America, the Spanish-speaking, Portuguese-speaking, and French-speaking countries (except Canada) of North America, South America, Central America, and the West Indies. , South Africa South Africa, Afrikaans Suid-Afrika, officially Republic of South Africa, republic (2005 est. pop. 44,344,000), 471,442 sq mi (1,221,037 sq km), S Africa. and the Middle East. More information about Timberland is available in the Company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This press release contains certain 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. within the meaning of the "safe harbor Safe Harbor 1. A legal provision to reduce or eliminate liability as long as good faith is demonstrated. 2. A form of shark repellent implemented by a target company acquiring a business that is so poorly regulated that the target itself is less attractive. " provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA) implemented several significant substantive changes affecting certain cases brought under the federal securities laws, including changes related to pleading, discovery, liability, class representation and awards fees and of 1995. These forward-looking statements, which include statements regarding The Timberland Company's future financial results, are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions and are not guarantees of future financial performance or expected benefits. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions could cause the results of The Timberland Company to be materially different from any future results or expected benefits expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to: (i) the Company's ability to successfully market and sell its products in a highly competitive industry and in view of changing consumer trends, consumer acceptance of products and other factors affecting retail market conditions; (ii) the Company's ability to profitably sell certain footwear products in European Member States in light of anti-dumping duties and measures imposed by the European Commission European Commission, branch of the governing body of the European Union (EU) invested with executive and some legislative powers. Located in Brussels, Belgium, it was founded in 1967 when the three treaty organizations comprising what was then the European Community with respect to leather footwear imported from China and Vietnam; (iii) Timberland's ability to procure To cause something to happen; to find and obtain something or someone. Procure refers to commencing a proceeding; bringing about a result; persuading, inducing, or causing a person to do a particular act; obtaining possession or control over an item; or making a person a majority of its products from independent manufacturers; (iv) changes in foreign exchange rates; (v) Timberland's ability to obtain adequate materials at competitive prices; and (vi) other factors, including those detailed from time to time in The Timberland Company's filings made with the SEC. The Timberland Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release also includes discussion of constant dollar revenue changes, diluted EPS excluding restructuring and related costs, diluted EPS adjusted to exclude restructuring and related costs and include stock option and employee stock purchase plan expenses and 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. excluding restructuring costs and including stock option and employee stock purchase plan expenses which are non-GAAP measures. As required by SEC rules, the Company has provided reconciliations of these measures on attached tables that follow its financial statements. Additional required information is located in the Form 8-K Form 8-K The form required by the SEC when a publicly held company incurs any event that might affect its financial situation or the share value of its stock. Form 8-K See 8-K. furnished to the SEC on February 8, 2007. [TABLE OMITTED] [TABLE OMITTED] [TABLE OMITTED] [TABLE OMITTED] [TABLE OMITTED] [TABLE OMITTED] [TABLE OMITTED] [TABLE OMITTED] |
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