Shoe Carnival Reports Preliminary Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2004 Re

Shoe Carnival Reports Preliminary Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2004 Results

    Business Editors

    EVANSVILLE, Ind.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 10, 2005--Shoe Carnival, Inc. (Nasdaq:SCVL) a leading retailer of value-priced footwear and accessories, today announced sales and preliminary earnings for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended January 29, 2005. Like numerous other retailers, the Company has undertaken a comprehensive review of its accounting treatment for leases and lease-related items. In consultation with its independent registered public accounting firm, the Company decided to change its accounting practices in this area, and to restate its historical financial statements. The results in this press release include the adjustments related to these changes in lease accounting. Based on the Company's preliminary review, the correction of the lease accounting is expected to decrease net earnings by approximately $150,000, or approximately $0.01 per share, in fiscal 2004 and $300,000, or approximately $0.02 per share, in fiscal 2003. The change in accounting for lease transactions will not affect historical or future cash flows or the timing or amounts of payments under related leases.
    These estimates are still preliminary, and may change pending a final review by management and our independent auditors. The Company anticipates completing this review in conjunction with the filing of its Form 10-K for the period ended January 29, 2005.

    Fourth Quarter Results

    Net earnings for the 13-week fourth quarter increased to $1.2 million from net earnings of $111,000 in the fourth quarter last year. Diluted earnings per share increased to $0.09 per share from $0.01 per share last year.
    Net sales for the fourth quarter increased 7.2 percent to $143.9 million from $134.2 million last year. Comparable store sales increased 1.4 percent for the 13-week period.
    The gross profit margin for the fourth quarter of 2004 increased to 27.3 percent from 26.4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2003. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the fourth quarter, as a percentage of sales, increased to 26.1 percent from 26.0 percent in last year's fourth quarter.
    Prior to the fourth quarter, the estimated effective income tax rate was 39 percent. The effective income tax rate for the full year is now expected to be the same as last year at 38 percent. A year-to-date adjustment was included in the fourth quarter income tax expense reducing the effective income tax rate for the fourth quarter to 26.4 percent. The effective income tax rate for last year's fourth quarter was 66.7 percent due to an adjustment to raise the effective income tax rate for the year.

    Fiscal 2004 Results

    Net earnings for the 52-week 2004 fiscal year increased to $12.5 million, or $0.96 per diluted share, from $12.0 million, or $0.92 per diluted share, for the 2003 fiscal year.
    For the 52-week 2004 fiscal year, net sales increased 5.8 percent to $590.2 million from sales of $557.9 million for fiscal 2003. Comparable store sales decreased 0.8 percent for the 52-week period.
    Commenting on the results, Mark Lemond, president and chief executive officer said, "Fiscal 2004 was a year of change for Shoe Carnival. We slowed the growth of new stores, electing to only open stores in existing markets or geographic areas. Our primary focus has been on improving the operating performance of our stores by enhancing the fashion content of our merchandise offering, improving the way we advertise to our customers and the message we are communicating, and initiating a program to update our stores with the latest store design. We believe these changes were partly responsible for the comparable stores sales gains in the third and fourth quarters of 2004, our first back-to-back quarterly gains since fiscal 2001."
    "In fiscal 2005 we will make additional changes focused on improving our store productivity.

--	Since our customers are embracing the latest fashions more quickly than ever before, our merchants have developed processes that will help them identify those trends timely and stay ahead of the fashion curve. We are excited about spring because the early indication in our southern stores is that customers are reacting nicely to our women's dress, sandal and casual inventories. We transitioned our spring inventories earlier than in the past, particularly in the South, and sales of this product in our warmer markets has been impressive.
--	Late in 2004, we brought onboard our new vice president of marketing, Myrna Reiss, and quickly thereafter changed to a new advertising agency. We expect to see the benefit of these changes in 2005 with a fresh creative message that focuses both on fashion and value and encourages customers to visit us to see the changes we have made.
--	We will completely remodel 10 of our stores to the latest store design and partially remodel an additional 30 stores, adding a significant portion of the latest design elements. Additionally, we expect to introduce a new graphics package in all stores, which will tie into the theme of our new advertising campaign. We expect to spend approximately $5 million on remodels and graphics enhancements in 2005."

    "These are only a few of the major changes we will implement in 2005. We have been challenging every aspect of our business and have made many other more subtle changes. We feel these changes were at least partly responsible for the comparable store sales increase of 13.3 percent in February 2005. The strong fashion trends in both the athletic and non-athletic footwear leave us excited for our prospects in 2005."

    Store Growth

    The Company opened 22 new stores in fiscal 2004 and closed 4 to end the year with 255 stores. Total gross retail selling square footage increased 6.6 percent to end the year at 2.9 million square feet.
    Store growth in fiscal 2005 is expected to range from 8 to 10 stores, net of closings. Five stores are expected to open in the first quarter.

    2005 EPS Outlook

    Earnings per diluted share in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 are expected to range from $0.40 to $0.44. This assumes a total sales increase of between 7 and 10 percent and comparable store sales ranging from an increase of 2 to 4 percent. Earnings per diluted share for the first quarter of 2004 were $0.35.
    For the full year of 2005, earnings per diluted share are expected to range from $1.15 to $1.30.

    Conference Call

    Today, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time, the Company will host a conference call to discuss the fourth quarter results. The public can listen to the live webcast of the call by visiting Shoe Carnival's Investor Relations page at www.shoecarnival.com. While the question-and-answer session will be available to all listeners, questions from the audience will be limited to institutional analysts and investors. A replay of the webcast will be available on our website beginning approximately two hours after the conclusion of the conference call and will be archived for one year.

    Changes in Accounting for Lease Transactions

    Based on views expressed by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") of existing generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") regarding lease transactions, the Company along with numerous other retailers reviewed its lease accounting practices. The Company, in consultation with its independent auditors Deloitte & Touche LLP, determined that the Company's accounting for the lease commencement date was not consistent with GAAP. The Company's previously issued financial statements should no longer be relied upon.
    Historically, and consistent with practice prevalent throughout the retailing industry, the Company recognized straight line rent expense for leases beginning on the earlier of rent commencement date or the store opening date. This had the effect of excluding the build-out period of its stores from the calculation of the period over which it expenses rent. The Company is now changing this practice to include the build-out period in its calculations of rent expense. While this change will result in an acceleration of the commencement of rent expense for each lease, monthly rent expense will decrease as the total rent due under the lease is amortized over a greater number of months. This change will not affect historical or future cash flows or the timing or amounts of payments under related leases.
    The Company expects to restate previously reported financial results in its 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K no later than April 14, 2005.

    Record Date and Date of Annual Shareholder Meeting

    The Company also announced that June 14, 2005 has been set as the date for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders and April 8, 2005 was set as the shareholder record date.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements or industry results to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to: general economic conditions in the areas of the United States in which our stores are located; changes in the overall retail environment and more specifically in the apparel and footwear retail sectors; the potential impact of national and international security concerns on the retail environment; changes in our relationships with key suppliers; the impact of competition and pricing; changes in weather patterns, consumer buying trends and our ability to identify and respond to emerging fashion trends; risks associated with the seasonality of the retail industry; the availability of desirable store locations at acceptable lease terms and our ability to open new stores in a timely and profitable manner; higher than anticipated costs associated with the closing of underperforming stores; the inability of manufacturers to deliver products in a timely manner; changes in the political and economic environments in the People's Republic of China, a major manufacturer of footwear; and the continued favorable trade relations between the United States and China and other countries which are the major manufacturers of footwear.
    In addition, these forward-looking statements necessarily depend upon assumptions, estimates and dates that may be incorrect or imprecise and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Accordingly, any forward-looking statements included in this press release do not purport to be predictions of future events or circumstances and may not be realized. Forward-looking statements can be identified by, among other things, the use of forward-looking terms such as "believes," "expects," "may," "will," "should," "seeks," "pro forma," "anticipates," "intends" or the negative of any of these terms, or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy or intentions. Given these uncertainties, we caution investors not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We disclaim any obligation to update any of these factors or to publicly announce any revisions to the forward-looking statements contained in this press release to reflect future events or developments.
    Shoe Carnival is a chain of 259 footwear stores located in the Midwest, South and Southeast. Combining value pricing with an entertaining store format, Shoe Carnival is a leading retailer of name brand and private label footwear for the entire family. Headquartered in Evansville, IN, Shoe Carnival trades on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol SCVL. Shoe Carnival's press releases and annual report are available on the Company's website at www.shoecarnival.com.

    Financial Tables Follow

SHOE CARNIVAL, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (In thousands, except per share) (Unaudited)

As Restated As Restated Thirteen Thirteen Fifty-two Fifty-two Weeks Ended Weeks Ended Weeks Ended Weeks Ended January 29, January 31, January 29, January 31, 2005 2004 (A) 2005 2004 (A) ----------- ----------- ----------- -------------

Net sales $ 143,877 $ 134,245 $ 590,186 $ 557,923 Cost of sales (including buying, distribution and occupancy costs) 104,567 98,819 422,969 399,734 ----------- ----------- ----------- -------------

Gross profit 39,310 35,426 167,217 158,189 Selling, general and administrative expenses 37,549 34,881 146,360 138,178 ----------- ----------- ----------- -------------

Operating income 1,761 545 20,857 20,011 Interest expense 149 212 658 714 ----------- ----------- ----------- -------------

Income before income taxes 1,612 333 20,199 19,297 Income tax expense 426 222 7,675 7,333 ----------- ----------- ----------- -------------

Net income $ 1,186 $ 111 $ 12,524 $ 11,964 ----------- ----------- ----------- -------------

Net income per share: Basic $ .09 $ .01 $ .98 $ .94 ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- Diluted $ .09 $ .01 $ .96 $ .92 ----------- ----------- ----------- -------------

Average shares outstanding: Basic 12,842 12,748 12,820 12,677 ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- Diluted 13,038 13,148 13,051 13,049 ----------- ----------- ----------- -------------

(A) The fiscal 2003 amounts include management's current estimates of the effects of the lease accounting corrections. The fiscal 2003 statements as presented above, do not differ significantly from the fiscal 2003 statements that were previously reported.

SHOE CARNIVAL, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands) (Unaudited)

As Restated January 29, January 31, 2005 2004 (A) ----------- ----------- ASSETS Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 4,889 $ 4,071 Accounts receivable 992 587 Merchandise inventories 180,590 165,110 Deferred income tax benefit 715 1,954 Other 1,982 6,754 ----------- ----------- Total Current Assets 189,168 178,476 Property and equipment-net 68,452 69,246 ----------- ----------- Total Assets $ 257,620 $ 247,722 ----------- -----------

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities: Accounts payable $ 62,292 $ 53,181 Accrued and other liabilities 10,200 8,208 Current portion of long-term debt 56 222 ----------- ----------- Total Current Liabilities 72,548 61,611 Long-term debt 7,300 21,956 Deferred lease incentives and accrued rent 13,596 13,391 Deferred income taxes 5,612 6,549 Other 1,651 1,218 ----------- -----------

Total Liabilities 100,707 104,725

Total Shareholders' Equity 156,913 142,997 ----------- -----------

Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $ 257,620 $ 247,722 ----------- -----------

(A) The fiscal 2003 amounts include management's current estimates of the effects of the lease accounting corrections. The fiscal 2003 statements as presented above, do not differ significantly from the fiscal 2003 statements that were previously reported.

SHOE CARNIVAL, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands) (Unaudited)

As Restated Fifty-two Fifty-two Weeks Ended Weeks Ended January 29, January 31, 2005 2004(A) ----------- -------------

Cash flows from operating activities Net income $ 12,524 $ 11,964 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 14,428 13,833 Stock option income tax benefit 731 315 Loss on retirement and impairment of assets 564 789 Deferred income taxes 302 1,319 Lease incentives 719 3,251 Other (80 ) 882 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (446 ) 330 Merchandise inventories (15,480 ) (19,019 ) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 11,103 2,254 Other 4,766 (4,807 ) ----------- -------------

Net cash provided by operating activities 29,131 11,111 ----------- ------------- Cash flows from investing activities Purchases of property and equipment (14,213 ) (20,549 ) Other 60 368 ----------- -------------

Net cash used in investing activities (14,153 ) (20,181 ) ----------- -------------

Cash flows from financing activities Net (payments) borrowings under line of credit (14,600 ) 6,675 Payments on long-term debt (221 ) (428 ) Proceeds from issuance of stock 661 1,112 ----------- -------------

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (14,160 ) 7,359 ----------- -------------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 818 (1,711 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 4,071 5,782 ----------- ------------- Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year $ 4,889 $ 4,071 ----------- -------------

(A) The fiscal 2003 amounts include management's current estimates of the effects of the lease accounting corrections. The fiscal 2003 statements as presented above, do not differ significantly from the fiscal 2003 statements that were previously reported.

--30--MD/cl*

CONTACT: Shoe Carnival, Inc. Mark L. Lemond or W. Kerry Jackson, 812-867-4034 www.shoecarnival.com

KEYWORD: INDIANA NEW YORK INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CONSUMER/HOUSEHOLD RETAIL EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALLS SOURCE: Shoe Carnival, Inc.

Copyright Business Wire 2005