Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2007 Results

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:WSM) today announced operating results for the third quarter ended October 28, 2007. THIRD QUARTER 2007 -- RESULTS FOR THE 13 WEEKS ENDED OCTOBER 28, 2007 Net revenues for the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 increased 5.0% to $895.1 million versus $852.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2006. Diluted earnings per share for the third quarter of fiscal year 2007, including the $0.005 per diluted share impact from the implementation of FIN 48 (see Note 5 in Exhibit 1), remained unchanged at $0.25 per diluted share versus the third quarter of fiscal year 2006, which included a $0.002 per diluted share impact from unusual business events (see reconciliation below). Excluding the $0.005 per diluted share impact from the implementation of FIN 48 in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 and the $0.002 per diluted share impact from unusual business events in the third quarter of 2006, diluted earnings per share on a non-GAAP basis for the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 remained unchanged at $0.25 per diluted share versus the third quarter of fiscal year 2006 (see reconciliation below). Reconciliation of Third Quarter GAAP to Non-GAAP Diluted Earnings Per Share (See Exhibit 1 for Notes 1, 5, and 6)       Q3 2007 Actual   Q3 2006 Actual   % YOY Increase/ GAAP Diluted EPS (a) $ 0.25 $ 0.25 0.0% Impact of Hold Everything Transition Charge (Note 1)   - $ 0.002 - Non-GAAP Diluted EPS Excluding Unusual Business Events (Note 6)(a) $ 0.25 $ 0.25 0.0% Impact of FIN 48 (Note 5) $ 0.005   - - Non-GAAP Diluted EPS Excluding New Accounting Pronouncements and Unusual Business Events (Note 6)(a) $ 0.25 $ 0.25 0.0%   (a) Due to rounding to the nearest cent per diluted share, totals may not equal the sum of the line items in the table above. Also during the third quarter of fiscal year 2007, the company repurchased and retired 1,513,300 shares of its common stock at a weighted average cost of $31.24 per share and a total cost of approximately $47.3 million. Howard Lester, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "The home furnishings environment in the third quarter continued to be very challenging, particularly in the areas of the country where housing-related macro issues have had the greatest impact. Despite these challenges, however, we delivered positive top-line growth in all our brands and diluted earnings per share at the high end of our guidance. We are pleased with these results and believe they reflect what is unique about our business model – the strength of our brands, the power of our multi-channel strategy, and our proven ability to drive our business in difficult economic times.” Mr. Lester continued, "As we look forward to the fourth quarter, we are doing so with a heightened sense of caution due to our belief that the overall macro environment is having a greater impact on retail traffic than we previously anticipated. This premise was confirmed by the disappointing October comparable store sales results that were reported earlier this month by most other retailers. But while this is a real concern, our strategic focus all year has been on 'traffic-generating' merchandising and marketing initiatives. And even in October, when most other retailers delivered negative comparable store sales growth, our comparable store sales growth was positive. As such, we believe we are strategically and competitively well-positioned to deliver against the expectations we have set for ourselves in the fourth quarter.” "Accordingly, we are reiterating our fourth quarter revenue and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share guidance in the ranges of $1.387 billion to $1.417 billion and $1.20 to $1.26 per share, respectively. That said, we believe that the macro environment is weakening and that retail traffic is slower than we would have expected at this time in November. Therefore, absent a change in the current environment, we would expect our most likely outcome to be at the low end of our guidance ranges.” Retail net revenues in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 increased 5.0% to $494.3 million versus $470.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2006. This increase was driven by a 5.6% year-over-year increase in retail leased square footage, including 15 net new stores. Net revenues generated in the West Elm, Pottery Barn Kids, Williams-Sonoma Home and Pottery Barn brands were the primary contributors to the year-over-year revenue increase. Third quarter year-over-year comparable store sales by retail concept are shown in the table below. Third Quarter Comparable Store(a) Sales Growth by Retail Concept   Retail Concept   13 Weeks Ended 10/28/07   10/29/06 Williams-Sonoma 0.3% 4.3% Pottery Barn 0.3% <2.5%> Pottery Barn Kids 4.5% 2.3% Outlets 2.0% <6.7%> Total 1.1% 0.0%   (a) Comparable stores are defined as those stores in which gross square footage did not change by more than 20% in the previous 12 months and which have been open for at least 12 consecutive months without closure for seven or more consecutive days. Comparable stores exclude new retail concepts until such time as we believe that comparable store results in those concepts are meaningful to evaluating the performance of the retail strategy. In the third quarter of fiscal year 2007, the company excluded West Elm and Williams-Sonoma Home. In the third quarter of fiscal year 2006, the company excluded only West Elm as there were no Williams-Sonoma Home stores that were open for at least 12 months. Direct-to-customer net revenues (comprised of both catalog and Internet revenues) in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 increased 5.0% to $400.9 million versus $381.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2006. This increase was primarily driven by increases in net revenues generated in the PBteen, West Elm, and Williams-Sonoma brands. This increase was partially offset by reduced revenues in the Pottery Barn Kids brand. Internet revenues in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 increased 17.2% to $266.3 million versus $227.3 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2006. Although the amount of Internet revenues that are incremental to our direct-to-customer channel cannot be identified precisely, we estimate that approximately 45% of our company-wide non-gift registry Internet revenues are incremental to the direct-to-customer channel and approximately 55% are driven by customers who recently received a catalog. Gross margin expressed as a percentage of net revenues in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 was 38.2%, consistent with the third quarter of fiscal year 2006. Excluding the $0.3 million or approximately 3 basis point impact of unusual business events in the third quarter of 2006 (see Notes in Exhibit 1), non-GAAP gross margin as a percentage of net revenues in the third quarter of fiscal year 2006 was 38.2%. Gross margin as a percentage of net revenues was unchanged due to the net effect of higher costs of goods sold and lower shipping margins in the Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids brands, offset by lower corporate occupancy costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 were $297.2 million or 33.2% of net revenues versus $282.4 million or 33.1% of net revenues in the third quarter of fiscal year 2006. This 10 basis point increase as a percentage of net revenues was primarily driven by higher e-commerce related marketing costs. The effective income tax rate in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 increased 470 basis points to 39.4% due to a non-recurring benefit that was favorably resolved under audit in the third quarter of fiscal year 2006 and the application of FIN 48. The application of this accounting pronouncement resulted in an approximate 120 basis point increase in the effective income tax rate or $0.005 per diluted share in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 (see Note 5 in Exhibit 1). FISCAL 2007 YEAR-TO-DATE -- RESULTS FOR THE 39 WEEKS ENDED OCTOBER 28, 2007 Diluted earnings per share for the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2007, including the $0.016 per diluted share impact from the implementation of FIN 48 (see Note 5 in Exhibit 1), decreased 14.7% to $0.64 per diluted share versus $0.75 per diluted share in the third quarter of fiscal year 2006, which included the $0.029 per diluted share net benefit from unusual business events (see reconciliation below). Excluding the $0.016 per diluted share impact from the implementation of FIN 48 for the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2007 and the $0.029 per diluted share net benefit from unusual business events for the 39 weeks ended October 29, 2006, diluted earnings per share on a non-GAAP basis for the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2007 decreased 9.7% to $0.65 per diluted share versus $0.72 per diluted share for the 39 weeks ended October 29, 2006 (see reconciliation below). Reconciliation of Year-to-Date GAAP to Non-GAAP Diluted Earnings Per Share (See Exhibit 1 for Notes 1 through 6)       39 WeeksEndedOctober28, 2007   39 Weeks EndedOctober29, 2006   % YOY Increase/ GAAP Diluted EPS (a) $0.64 $0.75 <14.7%> Impact of Hold Everything Transition Charge (Note 1) - $0.024 - Impact of CEO Departure Charge (Note 2) - $0.023 - Benefit of Unredeemed Gift Certificate Income (Note 3) - <$0.065> - Benefit of Visa/MasterCard Litigation Settlement (Note 4) - <$0.011> - Subtotal of Unusual Business Events - <$0.029> - Non-GAAP Diluted EPS Excluding Unusual Business Events (Note 6)(a) $0.64 $0.72 <11.1%> Impact of FIN 48 (Note 5) $0.016 - - Non-GAAP Diluted EPS Excluding New Accounting Pronouncements and Unusual Business Events (Note 6)(a) $0.65 $0.72 <9.7%>   (a) Due to rounding to the nearest cent per diluted share, totals may not equal the sum of the line items in the table above. Additionally, due to quarterly rounding to the nearest cent per diluted share, the sum of the quarters may not equal the year-to-date total. Net revenues for the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2007 increased 4.0% to $2.571 billion versus $2.473 billion for the 39 weeks ended October 29, 2006. Excluding Hold Everything (see Note 1 of Exhibit 1), net revenues for the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2007 increased 4.9% versus the 39 weeks ended October 29, 2006. Year-to-date comparable store sales by retail concept are shown in the table below. Year-to-Date Comparable Store(a) Sales Growth by Retail Concept   Retail Concept 39 Weeks Ended 10/28/07   10/29/06(b) Williams-Sonoma 0.3% 2.8% Pottery Barn 0.3% <0.6%> Pottery Barn Kids <1.1%> 4.5% Outlets 6.5% <6.5%> Total 0.5% 0.8%   (a) Comparable stores are defined as those stores in which gross square footage did not change by more than 20% in the previous 12 months and which have been open for at least 12 consecutive months without closure for seven or more consecutive days.  Comparable stores exclude new retail concepts until such time as we believe that comparable store results in those concepts are meaningful to evaluating the performance of the retail strategy.  In the third quarter of fiscal year 2007, the company excluded West Elm and Williams-Sonoma Home.  In the third quarter of fiscal year 2006, the company excluded only West Elm as there were no Williams-Sonoma Home stores that were open for at least 12 months.   (b) Hold Everything stores are excluded from the 2006 comparable store sales calculation due to all stores being closed during the first quarter of 2006 (see Note 1 of Exhibit 1). STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM During the third quarter of fiscal 2007, we repurchased and retired 1,513,300 shares of our common stock at a weighted average cost of $31.24 per share and a total cost of approximately $47.3 million. For the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2007, we repurchased and retired 4,399,405 shares of our common stock at a weighted average cost of $32.45 per share and a total cost of approximately $142.7 million. An aggregate of 1,796,095 shares remain available for repurchase under our previously authorized stock repurchase program. Stock repurchases under this program may be made through open market and privately negotiated transactions at times and in such amounts as management deems appropriate. The timing and actual number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors including price, corporate and regulatory requirements, capital availability and other market conditions. The stock repurchase program does not have an expiration date and may be limited or terminated at any time without prior notice. FOURTH QUARTER 2007 FINANCIAL GUIDANCE -- 14 WEEKS ENDED FEBRUARY 3, 2008 Net Revenues Net revenues for the fourth quarter, a 14-week quarter, are projected to be in the range of $1.387 billion to $1.417 billion, unchanged from previous guidance. This represents a projected increase in net revenues in the range of 10.5% to 12.9% versus $1.255 billion in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2006, a 13-week quarter. On a 14-week to 14-week basis, this represents a projected increase in the range of 4.7% to 6.9%. Retail net revenues for the fourth quarter, a 14-week quarter, are projected to be in the range of $861.0 million to $879.0 million, unchanged from previous guidance. This represents a projected increase in retail net revenues in the range of 9.6% to 11.9% versus $785.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2006, a 13-week quarter. On a 14-week to 14-week basis, this represents a projected increase in the range of 4.9% to 7.1%. Change in comparable store sales is projected to be in the range of 0.5% to 2.5%, unchanged from previous guidance. This compares to comparable store sales growth in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2006 of <0.6%>. Comparable stores exclude new retail concepts until such time as we believe that comparable store results in those concepts are meaningful to evaluating the performance of the retail strategy. For fiscal year 2007, we expect to continue to exclude West Elm and Williams-Sonoma Home. Retail leased square footage is projected to increase on a year-over-year basis in the range of 5.3% to 5.8%, versus previous guidance in the range of 5.0% to 5.5%. Retail selling square footage is projected to increase in the range of 5.7% to 6.2%, versus previous guidance in the range of 4.5% to 5.0%. This compares to retail leased and selling square footage growth in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2006 of 8.3% and 7.9%, respectively. Direct-to-customer net revenues (comprised of both catalog and Internet revenues) for the fourth quarter, a 14-week quarter, are projected to be in the range of $526.0 million to $538.0 million, unchanged from previous guidance. This represents a projected increase in direct-to-customer net revenues in the range of 12.1% to 14.7% versus $469.1 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2006, a 13-week quarter. On a 14-week to 14-week basis, this represents a projected increase in the range of 4.3% to 6.7%. Gross Margin Gross margin as a percentage of net revenues in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007 is expected to be in the range of 43.0% to 43.2%. Gross margin as a percentage of net revenues in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2006 was 43.2%. The 2007 guidance represents a decrease in the gross margin rate of 20 basis points at the low end of the range and no change at the high end of the range. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (SG&A) Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007 are expected to be in the range of 27.4% to 27.6%. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2006 were 27.6%. The 2007 guidance represents a projected decrease in the SG&A expense rate of 20 basis points at the low end of the range and no change at the high end of the range. Interest Expense - Net Interest Expense - Net in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007 is projected to be interest income in the range of $0.0 million to $1.0 million. This compares to net interest income in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2006 of $2.1 million. Income Taxes The income tax rate in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007 is projected to be in the range of 38.9% to 39.3%. This compares to an income tax rate in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2006 of 38.6%. The projected income tax rate for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007 includes an approximate 80 basis point increase in the effective income tax rate or $0.014 per diluted share impact from applying FIN 48 (see Note 5 in Exhibit 1). Throughout the year, we expect that there could be ongoing variability in our quarterly tax rates as taxable events occur and exposures are evaluated. Diluted Earnings Per Share Diluted earnings per share on a GAAP basis in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007, including an approximate 80 basis point or $0.014 per diluted share increase in the effective income tax rate related to FIN 48 (see Note 5 in Exhibit 1), are expected to be in the range of $1.19 to $1.25, unchanged from previous guidance. Diluted earnings per share in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007 on a non-GAAP basis, excluding an approximate 80 basis point increase in the effective income tax rate or $0.014 per diluted share related to FIN 48, are expected to be in the range of $1.20 to $1.26 (see reconciliation below). Reconciliation of Fourth Quarter GAAP to Non-GAAP Diluted Earnings Per Share (See Exhibit 1 for Notes 5 and 6)         Q4 2007 Guidance Q4 2006 Actual % YOY Increase/ GAAP Diluted EPS (a) $1.19 - $1.25 $1.06 12.3% - 17.9% Impact of FIN 48 (Note 5) $0.014 - - Non-GAAP Diluted EPS Excluding New Accounting Pronouncements and Unusual Business Events (Note 6)(a) $1.20 - $1.26 $1.06 13.2% - 18.9%   (a) Due to rounding to the nearest cent per diluted share, totals may not equal the sum of the line items in the table above. This reconciliation is being provided to facilitate a meaningful evaluation of the company's fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007 diluted earnings per share guidance on a comparable basis with our 2006 quarterly results. Merchandise Inventories Merchandise inventories at the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007 are projected to be in the range of $665.0 million to $690.0 million, unchanged from previous guidance. Merchandise inventories were $610.6 million at the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2006. This represents a projected increase in merchandise inventories in the range of 8.9% to 13.0%. Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation and amortization expense in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007 is projected to be in the range of $36.0 million to $37.0 million. Depreciation and amortization was $35.6 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2006. Amortization of Deferred Lease Incentives Amortization of deferred lease incentives in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007 is projected to be in the range of $7.0 million to $8.0 million. Amortization of deferred lease incentives was $7.3 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2006. FISCAL YEAR 2007 FINANCIAL GUIDANCE (53 WEEKS in 2007 versus 52 WEEKS in 2006) Net Revenues Net revenues during fiscal year 2007, a 53-week year, are projected to be in the range of $3.957 billion to $3.987 billion, versus previous guidance in the range of $3.949 billion to $3.999 billion. This represents a projected increase in net revenues in the range of 6.1% to 6.9%, versus $3.728 billion during the 52 weeks of fiscal year 2006. On a 53-week to 53-week basis, this represents a projected increase in the range of 4.2% to 5.0%. Retail net revenues during fiscal year 2007, a 53-week year, are projected to be in the range of $2.295 billion to $2.313 billion, versus previous guidance in the range of $2.289 billion to $2.319 billion. This represents a projected increase in retail net revenue in the range of 6.5% to 7.4% versus $2.154 billion during the 52 weeks of fiscal year 2006. On a 53-week to 53-week basis, this represents a projected increase in the range of 4.9% to 5.7%. Change in comparable store sales is projected to be in the range of 0.0% to 1.0%, versus previous guidance in the range of 0.0% to 1.5%. This compares to comparable store sales growth in fiscal year 2006 of 0.3%. Comparable stores exclude new retail concepts until such time as we believe that comparable store results in those concepts are meaningful to evaluating the performance of the retail strategy. For fiscal year 2007, we expect to continue to exclude West Elm and Williams-Sonoma Home. Retail leased square footage is projected to increase on a year-over-year basis in the range of 5.3% to 5.8%, versus previous guidance in the range of 5.0% to 5.5%. Retail selling square footage is projected to increase in the range of 5.7% to 6.2%, versus previous guidance in the range of 4.5% to 5.0%. This compares to retail leased and selling square footage growth in fiscal year 2006 of 8.3% and 7.9%, respectively. Store Opening and Closing Guidance by Retail Concept             Q4 2006 Actual Q1 and Q2 2007 Actual Q3 2007 Actual Q4 2007 Guidance FY 2007 Guidance Concept Total Open   Close   End Open   Close   End Open   Close   End Open   Close Williams-Sonoma 254 7 <9> 252 7 <4> 255   6 <6> 255 20 <19> (a) Pottery Barn 197 1 <8> 190 8 <2> 196 6 <2> 200 15 <12> (a) Pottery Barn Kids (b) 92 2 <3> 91 3 0 94 1 <1> 94 6 <4> (a) West Elm 22 1 0 23 4 0 27 0 0 27 5 0 Williams-Sonoma Home 7 1 0 8 1 0 9 0 0 9 2 0 Outlets 16 1 <1> 16 0 0 16 0 0 16 1 <1> Total 588 13 <21> 580 23 <6> 597 13 <9> 601 49 <36>   (a) Fiscal year 2007 total store opening and closing numbers for Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids include 14 stores, 8 stores and 1 store, respectively, for temporary closures due to remodeling. Remodeled stores are defined as those stores temporarily closed and subsequently reopened due to square footage expansion, store modification, or relocation. Consistent with our definition of comparable stores, remodeled stores are removed from the comparable store base upon closure if the gross square footage changes by more than 20% or if the store is closed for seven or more consecutive days.   (b) Included in the table above are two "test” stores for Pottery Barn Kids Baby Clothing & Gifts ("Threads”). These stores are approximately 1,300 selling square feet (2,200 leased square feet) each. One store opened during the third quarter and the other opened in the fourth quarter. Direct-to-customer net revenues (comprised of both catalog and Internet revenues) are projected to be in the range of $1.662 billion to $1.674 billion during fiscal year 2007, a 53-week year, versus previous guidance in the range of $1.660 billion to $1.680 billion. This represents a projected increase in direct-to-customer net revenue in the range of 5.6% to 6.4% versus $1.574 billion during the 52 weeks of fiscal year 2006. On a 53-week to 53-week basis, this represents a projected increase in the range of 3.3% to 4.1%. Catalog circulation is projected to increase in the range of 3.0% to 4.0%, unchanged from previous guidance. Pages circulated are projected to increase in the range of 8.0% to 9.0%, unchanged from previous guidance. This compares to an approximate 1.6% decrease in catalog circulation and a 3.2% increase in pages circulated in fiscal year 2006. Excluding the circulation for the Hold Everything catalog in fiscal year 2006, catalog and page circulation in fiscal year 2007 is expected to increase in the range of 5.0% to 6.0% and 9.0% to 10.0%, respectively, unchanged from previous guidance. Quarterly Net Revenue Guidance by Operating Segment (All Amounts in Millions, Except Percentages)             Q1 2007 Actual (13 Weeks) Q2 2007 Actual (13 Weeks) Q3 2007 Actual (13 Weeks) Q4 2007 Guidance (14 Weeks) FY 2007 Guidance (53 Weeks) Total Net Revenue $816 $859 $895 $1,387 - $1,417 $3,957 - $3,987 % Growth 2.7% 4.1% 5.0% 10.5% - 12.9% 6.1% - 6.9% % Growth (53-week to 53-week basis) - - - 4.7% - 6.9% 4.2% - 5.0%             Retail Net Revenue $453 $487 $494 $861 - $879 $2,295 - $2,313 % Growth 4.5% 5.1% 5.0% 9.6% - 11.9% 6.5% - 7.4% % Growth (53-week to 53-week basis) - - - 4.9% - 7.1% 4.9% - 5.7% Comparable Store Sales <0.8%> 1.2% 1.1% 0.5% - 2.5% 0.0% - 1.0%             Direct-to-Customer Net Revenue $363 $372 $401 $526 - $538 $1,662 - $1,674 % Growth 0.6% 2.8% 5.0% 12.1% - 14.7% 5.6% - 6.4% % Growth (53-week to 53-week basis) - - - 4.3% - 6.7% 3.3% - 4.1% Gross Margin Gross margin as a percentage of net revenues in fiscal year 2007 is expected to be in the range of 39.4% to 39.6%, versus previous guidance in the range of 39.5% to 39.7%. Gross margin as a percentage of net revenues in fiscal year 2006 was 39.9%, including the $2.7 million or approximately 10 basis point impact of unusual business events. The revised 2007 guidance represents a projected decrease in the gross margin rate in the range of 30 to 50 basis points. Gross margin as a percentage of net revenues in fiscal year 2006, excluding the $2.7 million or approximately 10 basis point impact of unusual business events, was 40.0%. The revised 2007 guidance represents a projected decrease in the gross margin rate on a comparable year-over-year basis in the range of 40 to 60 basis points. This is a non-GAAP comparison. Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues in fiscal year 2007 are expected to be in the range of 31.0% to 31.2%, versus previous guidance in the range of 31.1% to 31.3%. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues in fiscal year 2006, including the $8.6 million or approximately 20 basis point net benefit from unusual business events, were 31.1%. The revised 2007 guidance represents a projected decrease in the SG&A expense rate of 10 basis points at the low end of the guidance range and a projected increase of 10 basis points at the high end of the range. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues in fiscal year 2006, excluding the $8.6 million or approximately 20 basis point net benefit from unusual business events, were 31.3%. The revised 2007 guidance represents a projected decrease in the SG&A expense rate on a comparable year-over-year basis in the range of 10 to 30 basis points. This is a non-GAAP comparison. Interest Expense - Net Interest Expense - Net for fiscal year 2007 is projected to be interest income in the range of $2.0 million to $3.0 million, versus previous guidance of interest income in the range of $3.0 million to $4.0 million. This compares to net interest income in fiscal year 2006 of $9.7 million. Income Taxes The income tax rate for fiscal year 2007 is projected to be in the range of 39.3% to 39.6%, unchanged from previous guidance. This compares to an income tax rate in fiscal year 2006 of 38.1%. The projected income tax rate for fiscal year 2007 includes an approximate 100 basis point increase in the effective income tax rate or $0.03 per diluted share impact from applying FIN 48 (see Note 5 in Exhibit 1). Throughout the year, we expect that there could be ongoing variability in our quarterly tax rates as taxable events occur and exposures are evaluated. Diluted Earnings Per Share Diluted earnings per share on a GAAP basis, including an approximate 100 basis point or $0.03 per diluted share increase in the effective income tax rate related to FIN 48 (see Note 5 in Exhibit 1), are expected to be in the range of $1.81 to $1.87, versus previous guidance in the range of $1.79 to $1.87. Diluted earnings per share in fiscal year 2007 on a non-GAAP basis are expected to be in the range of $1.84 to $1.90, excluding an approximate 100 basis point or $0.03 per diluted share increase in the effective income tax rate related to FIN 48, versus previous guidance in the range of $1.82 to $1.90 (see reconciliation below). Reconciliation of Fiscal Year GAAP to Non-GAAP Diluted Earnings Per Share (See Exhibit 1 for Notes 1 through 6)         FY 2007 Guidance FY 2006 Actual % YOY Increase/ GAAP Diluted EPS (a) $1.81 - $1.87 $1.79 1.1% - 4.5% Impact of Hold Everything Transition Charge (Note 1) - $0.023 - Impact of CEO Departure Charge (Note 2) - $0.023 - Benefit of Unredeemed Gift Certificate Income (Note 3) - <$0.065> - Benefit of Visa/MasterCard Litigation Settlement (Note 4) - <$0.011> - Subtotal of Unusual Business Events - <$0.030> - Non-GAAP Diluted EPS Excluding Unusual Business Events (Note 6)(a) $1.81 - $1.87 $1.76 2.8% - 6.3% Impact of FIN 48 (Note 5) $0.03 - - Non-GAAP Diluted EPS Excluding New Accounting Pronouncements and Unusual Business Events (Note 6)(a) $1.84 - $1.90 $1.76 4.5% - 8.0%   (a) Due to rounding to the nearest cent per diluted share, totals may not equal the sum of the line items in the table above. This reconciliation is being provided to facilitate a meaningful evaluation of the company's fiscal year 2007 diluted earnings per share guidance on a comparable basis with our 2006 fiscal year results. Merchandise Inventories Merchandise inventories at the end of fiscal year 2007 are projected to be in the range of $665.0 million to $690.0 million, unchanged from previous guidance. This represents a projected increase in the range of 8.9% to 13.0%, versus $610.6 million at the end of fiscal year 2006. Capital Spending Fiscal year 2007 capital spending is projected to be in the range of $220.0 million to $240.0 million, unchanged from previous guidance. This compares to capital spending of $191.0 million in fiscal year 2006. Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation and amortization expense in fiscal year 2007 is projected to be in the range of $139.0 million to $140.0 million, versus previous guidance in the range of $140.0 million to $143.0 million. Depreciation and amortization was $135.0 million in fiscal year 2006. Amortization of Deferred Lease Incentives Amortization of deferred lease incentives in fiscal year 2007 is projected to be in the range of $29.0 million to $30.0 million, versus previous guidance in the range of $28.0 million to $30.0 million. Amortization of deferred lease incentives was $28.7 million in fiscal year 2006. CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST INFORMATION Williams-Sonoma, Inc. will host a live conference call today, November 15, 2007, at 7:00 A.M. (PT). The call, hosted by Howard Lester, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, will be open to the general public via a live webcast and can be accessed through the Internet at www.williams-sonomainc.com/webcast. A replay of the webcast will be available at www.williams-sonomainc.com/webcast. SEC REGULATION G -- NON-GAAP INFORMATION This press release includes non-GAAP net revenue and revenue growth percentages, non-GAAP gross margin percentages, non-GAAP selling, general and administrative expenses, and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share. These non-GAAP financial measures exclude the impact of the Hold Everything consolidation charge, the impact of the CEO departure charge, the benefit of unredeemed gift certificate income, and the benefit of the VISA/MasterCard litigation settlement in fiscal year 2006. They also exclude the accounting impact of the implementation of FIN 48 in fiscal year 2007. We have reconciled these non-GAAP financial measures with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures in the text of this release and in Exhibit 1. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful supplemental information for investors regarding the performance of our business and facilitate a meaningful evaluation of our quarterly results and fiscal year 2007 guidance on a comparable basis with our 2006 quarterly and fiscal year results. Our management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in order to have comparable financial results to analyze changes in our underlying business from quarter to quarter. These non-GAAP measures should be considered as a supplement to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that, if they do not fully materialize or prove incorrect, could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include statements relating to our future financial guidance and results, and our stock repurchase program. The risks and uncertainties that could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include accounting adjustments as we close our books for the third quarter of 2007; new interpretations of current accounting rules; our ability to successfully transition the Hold Everything merchandise strategies; changes to current accounting rules; changes in tax laws applicable to cash dividends or share repurchases; our ability to anticipate consumer preferences and buying trends; dependence on timely introduction and customer acceptance of our merchandise; construction and other delays in store openings; competition from companies with concepts or products similar to our concepts and products; timely and effective sourcing of merchandise from our foreign and domestic vendors and delivery of merchandise through our supply chain to our stores and customers; effective inventory management commensurate with customer demand; our ability to anticipate and manage customer returns; successful catalog management, including timing, sizing and merchandising; uncertainties in Internet marketing, infrastructure and regulation; changes in consumer spending based on weather, economic, political, competitive and other conditions beyond our control; construction delays on infrastructure projects based on weather or other events; multi-channel and multi-brand complexities; our ability to introduce new brands and brand extensions; dependence on external funding sources for operating capital; our ability to control employment, occupancy and other operating costs; our ability to improve and control our systems and processes; changes to our information technology infrastructure; general political, economic and market conditions and events, including war, conflict or acts of terrorism; and other risks and uncertainties described more fully in our public announcements, reports to shareholders and other documents filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2007, all quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the following fiscal quarters, and all subsequent current reports on Form 8-K. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to us as of the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements. ABOUT WILLIAMS-SONOMA Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is a nationwide specialty retailer of high quality products for the home. These products, representing six distinct merchandise strategies – Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, PBteen, West Elm and Williams-Sonoma Home – are marketed through 597 stores, seven mail order catalogs and six e-commerce websites. WILLIAMS-SONOMA, INC.       CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)   October 28, January 28, October 29,   2007   2007   2006 Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 16,285 $ 275,429 $ 108,706 Accounts receivable - net 58,199 48,821 57,874 Merchandise inventories - net 769,727 610,599 661,248 Prepaid catalog expenses 75,650 59,610 78,702 Prepaid expenses 34,266 28,570 38,538 Deferred income taxes 71,111 70,837 57,291 Other assets   7,601   7,097   7,645   Total current assets 1,032,839 1,100,963 1,010,004   Property and equipment - net 973,997 912,582 930,307 Non-current deferred income taxes 33,231 18,670 - Other assets - net   17,805   16,116   16,975   Total assets $ 2,057,872 $ 2,048,331 $ 1,957,286   Liabilities and shareholders' equity Current liabilities Accounts payable $ 241,901 $ 214,771 $ 218,832 Accrued salaries, benefits, and other 90,850 85,148 86,113 Customer deposits 199,508 187,625 181,536 Income taxes payable 3,099 101,638 13,533 Current portion of long-term debt 15,769 15,853 15,914 Borrowings under line of credit 70,000 - - Other liabilities   24,330   22,699   24,735   Total current liabilities 645,457 627,734 540,663   Deferred rent and lease incentives 247,757 236,604 239,001 Long-term debt 11,468 12,822 13,037 Deferred income tax liabilities - - 10,134 Other long-term obligations   60,707   19,740   18,396   Total liabilities 965,389 896,900 821,231   Shareholders' equity   1,092,483   1,151,431   1,136,055   Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 2,057,872 $ 2,048,331 $ 1,957,286               Average Leased Square Store Count Footage Per Store   July 29, October 28, October 29,   October 28, October 29, Retail Concept 2007 Openings Closings 2007 2006   2007 2006   Williams-Sonoma 252 7 (4) 255 255   6,100 5,900 Pottery Barn 190 8 (2) 196 193   12,300 12,200 Pottery Barn Kids 91 3 - 94 91   7,900 7,800 West Elm 23 4 - 27 20   18,200 17,100 Williams-Sonoma Home 8 1 - 9 7   14,300 14,500 Outlets 16 - - 16 16   20,500 20,400 Total 580 23 (6) 597 582   9,500 9,200   Total Store Square Footage July 29, October 28, October 29, 2007 2007 2006 Total store selling square footage 3,343,000 3,529,000 3,320,000 Total store leased square footage 5,370,000 5,647,000 5,349,000 WILLIAMS-SONOMA, INC.         CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (UNAUDITED) THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED OCTOBER 28, 2007 AND OCTOBER 29, 2006 (DOLLARS AND SHARES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)     THIRD QUARTER 2007 2006 (13 Weeks) (13 Weeks) % Of % Of $   Revenues $   Revenues   Retail revenues $ 494,282 55.2   % $ 470,885 55.2 % Direct-to-customer revenues   400,850   44.8     381,873     44.8   Net revenues   895,132   100.0     852,758     100.0     Total cost of goods sold   553,051   61.8     527,020     61.8     Gross margin 342,081 38.2 325,738 38.2   Selling, general and administrative expenses   297,212   33.2     282,412     33.1     Earnings from operations 44,869 5.0 43,326 5.1 Interest (income) expense - net   190   -     (1,318 )   (0.1 )   Earnings before income taxes 44,679 5.0 44,644 5.2 Income taxes   17,602   2.0     15,502     1.8     Net earnings $ 27,077   3.0   % $ 29,142     3.4   %   Earnings per share: Basic $ 0.25 $ 0.26 Diluted $ 0.25 $ 0.25   Shares used in calculation of earnings per share: Basic 108,308 113,268 Diluted 110,389 115,849 WILLIAMS-SONOMA, INC.         CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (UNAUDITED) THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED OCTOBER 28, 2007 AND OCTOBER 29, 2006 (DOLLARS AND SHARES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)     YEAR-TO-DATE 2007 2006 (39 Weeks) (39 Weeks) % Of % Of $   Revenues $   Revenues   Retail revenues $ 1,434,634 55.8 % $ 1,368,166 55.3 % Direct-to-customer revenues   1,135,945     44.2     1,104,414     44.7   Net revenues   2,570,579     100.0     2,472,580     100.0     Total cost of goods sold   1,606,433     62.5     1,526,861     61.8     Gross margin 964,146 37.5 945,719 38.2   Selling, general and administrative expenses   847,967     33.0     813,455     32.9     Earnings from operations 116,179 4.5 132,264 5.3 Interest (income) expense - net   (2,275 )   (0.1 )   (7,627 )   (0.3 )   Earnings before income taxes 118,454 4.6 139,891 5.7 Income taxes   47,261     1.8     52,087     2.1     Net earnings $ 71,193     2.8   % $ 87,804     3.6   %   Earnings per share: Basic $ 0.65 $ 0.77 Diluted $ 0.64 $ 0.75   Shares used in calculation of earnings per share: Basic 109,743 114,423 Diluted 111,962 117,210 WILLIAMS-SONOMA, INC.       CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED OCTOBER 28, 2007 AND OCTOBER 29, 2006 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)   YEAR-TO-DATE   2007     2006   (39 Weeks) (39 Weeks)   Cash flows from operating activities Net earnings $ 71,193 $ 87,804   Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 102,645 99,457 Loss on disposal/impairment of assets 3,731 4,189 Amortization of deferred lease incentives (21,364 ) (21,415 ) Deferred income taxes (836 ) (8,340 ) Tax benefit from exercise of stock options 2,972 2,048 Stock-based compensation expense 18,829 22,932 Changes in: Accounts receivable (7,910 ) (6,388 ) Merchandise inventories (157,080 ) (140,807 ) Prepaid catalog expenses (16,040 ) (24,777 ) Prepaid expenses and other assets (6,509 ) (5,640 ) Accounts payable 8,295 2,940 Accrued salaries, benefits and other current and long-term liabilities 13,361 (4,609 ) Customer deposits 11,083 8,691 Deferred rent and lease incentives 29,311 41,993 Income taxes payable   (89,828 )   (70,080 ) Net cash used in operating activities   (38,147 )   (12,002 )   Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of property and equipment (159,149 ) (144,401 ) Proceeds from software developer reimbursement 14,118 - Proceeds from disposal of assets 285 - Other   (429 )   -   Net cash used in investing activities   (145,175 )   (144,401 )   Cash flows from financing activities: Net borrowings under line of credit 70,000 - Repayments of long-term obligations (1,438 ) (4,404 ) Net proceeds from exercise of stock options 27,405 11,201 Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options 4,926 4,649 Repurchase of common stock (142,744 ) (85,438 ) Payment of dividends (36,454 ) (23,061 ) Credit facility renewal costs - (218 )     Net cash used in financing activities   (78,305 )   (97,271 )   Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents 2,483 1,398   Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (259,144 ) (252,276 )   Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 275,429 360,982     Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 16,285   $ 108,706   Exhibit 1   Reconciliation of 2007 and 2006 GAAP to Non-GAAP Diluted Earnings Per Share (Totals Rounded to the Nearest Cent Per Diluted Share)                           Q1 2007Actual(13 Weeks) Q2 2007Actual(13 Weeks) Q3 2007Actual(13 Weeks) Q4 2007 Guidance(a) (14 Weeks) FY 2007 Weighted Share Effect(a) FY 2007 Guidance(a) (53 Weeks) 2007 GAAP Diluted EPS $0.16 $0.23 $0.25 $1.19 - $1.25 <$0.02> $1.81 - $1.87 Impact of FIN 48 (Note 5) $0.005 $0.006 $0.005 $0.014 - $0.03 Non-GAAP Diluted EPS Excluding New Accounting Pronouncements(Note 6) $0.17 $0.24 $0.25 $1.20 – $1.26 <$0.02> $1.84 - $1.90               Q1 2006 Actual (13 Weeks) Q2 2006 Actual (13 Weeks) Q3 2006 Actual (13 Weeks) Q4 2006 Actual (13 Weeks) FY 2006 Weighted Share Effect(b) FY 2006 Actual(b) (52 Weeks) 2006 GAAP Diluted EPS $0.20 $0.30 $0.25 $1.06 <$0.02> $1.79 Impact of Hold Everything Transition Charge (Note 1) $0.017 $0.005 $0.002 - - $0.023 Impact of CEO Departure Charge (Note 2) - $0.023 - - - $0.023 Benefit of Unredeemed Gift Certificate Income (Note 3) - <$0.065> - - - <$0.065> Benefit of Visa/MasterCard Litigation Settlement (Note 4) - <$0.011> - - - <$0.011> Subtotal of Unusual Business Events $0.017 <$0.048> $0.002 - - <$0.030> 2006 Non-GAAP Diluted EPS Excluding Unusual Business Events (Note 6) $0.21 $0.25 $0.25 $1.06 <$0.01> $1.76               Q1 2007 Actual Q2 2007 Actual Q3 2007 Actual Q4 2007 Guidance Q4 2007 Guidance FY 2007 Guidance 2007 % Increase / in GAAP Diluted EPS <20.0%> <23.3%> 0.0% 12.3% - 17.9% - 1.1% - 4.5% 2007 % Increase / in Non-GAAP Diluted EPS Excluding Unusual Business Events (Note 6)(b)   <23.8%> <8.0%> 0.0% 12.3% - 17.9% - 2.8% - 6.3% 2007 % Increase / in Non-GAAP Diluted EPS Excluding New Accounting Pronouncements and Unusual Business Events (Note 6)(b)   <19.0%> <4.0%> 0.0% 13.2% - 18.9% - 4.5% - 8.0%   (a) Quarterly diluted earnings per share guidance amounts will vary within the ranges above. Therefore, the respective high and low guidance estimates for the quarters should not be added together to derive an estimate for the fiscal year. Additionally, due to the effect that the timing of share repurchases can have on the quarterly and year-to-date weighted average share count calculations, the company expects the fourth quarter year-to-date calculations of GAAP and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share in fiscal year 2007 to be approximately $0.02 less than the sum of the diluted earnings per share by quarter. Also, due to quarterly rounding to the nearest cent per diluted share, the sum of the quarters at the end of any quarter during the year may not equal the year-to-date total.   (b) Due to the effect that the timing of share repurchases had on the quarterly and year-to-date weighted average share count calculations, the year-to-date calculation of GAAP and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share in fiscal year 2006 is less than the sum of the diluted earnings per share by quarter.   Note 1: Hold Everything Transition Charge – On January 12, 2006, we announced our decision to transition the merchandising strategies of our Hold Everything brand into our other existing brands by the end of 2006. We also announced that we expected to incur an accounting charge of $0.09 to $0.10 per diluted share related to this decision, of which $0.07 was incurred in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2005. In fiscal year 2006, we incurred charges of $0.023 per diluted share, of which $0.014 per diluted share was included in cost of goods sold – negatively impacting gross margin – and $0.009 per diluted share in selling, general and administrative expenses. We closed our last eight Hold Everything stores at the end of the first quarter of 2006 and ceased our direct-to-customer operations at the end of the second quarter of 2006. See table above for quarterly expenses.       Note 2: CEO Departure Charge – On July 11, 2006, we announced the departure of the company’s CEO and a severance charge of approximately $0.029 per diluted share, which we incurred in the second quarter of 2006. Partially offsetting this charge was a $0.006 per diluted share benefit associated with the forfeiture of the CEO’s stock options in accordance with FAS 123R. Therefore, the net charge for the CEO departure was $0.023 per diluted share, which consisted of $0.018 per diluted share of share-based payment expense and $0.005 per diluted share of cash severance and other costs. Both amounts were included in SG&A expenses.   Note 3: Unredeemed Gift Certificate Income – During the second quarter of 2006, we completed an analysis of our historical gift certificate and gift card redemption patterns, which included an independent actuarial study based on our historical redemption data. Based on this analysis, we concluded that the likelihood of our gift certificates and gift cards being redeemed beyond four years from the date of issuance is remote. As a result, we changed our estimate of the elapsed time for recording income associated with unredeemed gift certificates and gift cards to four years from our prior estimate of seven years. This change in estimate resulted in income recognition of $0.065 per diluted share in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 and was included as an offset in SG&A expenses.   Note 4: VISA/MasterCard Litigation Settlement – During the second quarter of 2006, we received our share of the VISA/MasterCard antitrust litigation settlement. This settlement (a benefit) totaled approximately $0.011 per diluted share and was included as an offset in SG&A expenses.   Note 5: FASB Interpretation No. 48 – Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes ("FIN 48”) – On January 29, 2007, we implemented FIN 48 which resulted in a negative cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings of $11.7 million and an approximate 200 basis point increase in the effective income tax rate or $0.005 per diluted share in the first quarter of fiscal year 2007, an approximate 160 basis point increase in the effective income tax rate or $0.006 per diluted share in the second quarter of fiscal year 2007, and an approximate 120 basis point increase in the effective income tax rate or $0.005 per diluted share in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007. Due to the seasonality of taxable income and the timing associated with taxable events, we expect the application of FIN 48 to negatively impact our 2007 quarterly effective income tax rates in the range of 80 to 200 basis points, with an expected full year rate impact of approximately 100 basis points or $0.03 per diluted share.   Note 6: SEC Regulation G – Non-GAAP Information - This table includes two non-GAAP financial measures. The first non-GAAP measure is the 2007 Diluted Earnings Per Share Excluding New Accounting Pronouncements. The second non-GAAP measure is the 2006 Diluted Earnings Per Share Excluding Unusual Business Events. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful supplemental information for investors regarding the performance of our business and facilitates a meaningful evaluation of our quarterly and fiscal year 2007 diluted earnings per share guidance on a comparable basis with our 2006 quarterly and fiscal year results. Our management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in order to have comparable financial results to analyze changes in our underlying business from quarter to quarter. These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered as a supplement to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.