EXHIBIT 99.1
CONTACTS: | Gary A. Harmon
Chief Financial Officer
(706) 876-5851
gary.harmon@dixiegroup.com |
THE DIXIE GROUP REPORTS FIRST QUARTER RESULTS
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (April 29, 2004) -- The Dixie Group, Inc. (Nasdaq/NM:DXYN) today reported income from continuing operations of $1,976,000, or $0.16 per diluted share, for the first quarter ended March 27, 2004, compared with income from continuing operations of $877,000, or $0.07 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2003. Sales for the first quarter of 2004 were $64.4 million, up 24% from sales of $51.9 million in the year-earlier quarter.
Commenting on the results, Daniel K. Frierson, chairman and chief executive officer, said, "The first quarter results reflect strong sales gains in all of our markets, including a 31% increase in revenue from residential carpet products. Approximately half of our total revenue growth was at Fabrica and Masland, where sales of residential carpet were up 15% and commercial carpet sales increased over 9%. Our Dixie Home brand continued to grow with sales running at an annualized rate of approximately $29.0 million in March 2004. This growth initiative reduced our results by $2.2 million in the first quarter of 2004, reflecting a $700,000 improvement, compared with the preceding quarter.
"Raw material, energy, medical and other costs increased significantly during the first quarter. We believe the effect of the higher costs was more than offset by a LIFO inventory liquidation gain of approximately $1.0 million and manufacturing efficiencies. In response to the higher costs, we, along with the rest of the industry, are increasing the selling prices of our products. We began implementing these price increases late in the first quarter, and the impact should be felt in the second quarter and subsequent periods. We are optimistic that our pricing strategy will offset the cost increases we are experiencing.
"We believe the revenue growth and improved order entry we are seeing reflect the positive response to new products at Fabrica and Masland, continued acceptance of the Dixie Home brand, and growing consumer confidence, as well as a rebound of the soft floorcovering industry from the depressed levels in the first half of 2003. Although year-over-year sales comparisons will be more difficult in the second half of the year, we remain optimistic that our revenue will grow in the range of 15% to 20% for 2004," Frierson concluded.
Income from the disposal of discontinued operations, including the previously announced sale of a spun yarn facility in Ringgold, Georgia, was $79,000, or $0.01 per diluted share. Results of discontinued operations reflected a loss of $338,000, or $0.03 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2004, compared with a loss of $1,213,000, or $0.10 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2003. Including discontinued operations, the Company reported net income of $1,717,000, or $0.14 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2004 compared with a net loss of $336,000, or $0.03 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2003. The assets sold in fiscal 2004 were classified as assets held for sale on the Company's balance sheets at December 27, 2003. Financial results for the operations sold have been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
In April 2004, The Dixie Group amended and restated its senior credit facility, which now provides revolving credit of up to $40.0 million through May 11, 2007, and a $20.0 million term-loan. The amended credit facility primarily reduced interest rates and certain administrative costs, lowered term-debt amortization requirements, and modified financial covenants in recognition of the Company's improved capital structure.
A listen-only Internet simulcast and replay of Dixie's conference call may be accessed with appropriate software at the Company's web site or at (www.fulldisclosure.com). The simulcast will begin at approximately 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on April 29, 2004. A replay will be available approximately two hours later and will continue for approximately 30 days. If Internet access is unavailable, a listen only telephonic conference will be available by dialing 719-219-0214 at least ten minutes before the appointed time. A seven-day telephonic replay will be available two hours after the call ends by dialing 719-457-0820 and entering 704025 when prompted for the access code.
The Dixie Group (www.thedixiegroup.com) is a leading marketer and manufacturer of carpet and rugs to higher-end residential and commercial customers through the Fabrica International, Masland Carpets and Dixie Home brands.
Statements in this news release, which relate to the future, are subject to risk factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements. Such factors include the levels of demand for the products produced by the Company. Other factors that could affect the Company's results include, but are not limited to, raw material and transportation costs related to petroleum prices, the cost and availability of capital, and general economic and competitive conditions related to the Company's business. Issues related to the availability and price of energy may adversely affect the Company's operations. Additional information regarding these and other risk factors and uncertainties may be found in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Dixie Group, Inc.
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income
(Unaudited; in thousands, except earnings per share)
| | |
| | Three Months Ended |
| | |
| | March 27, 2004 | March 29, 2003 |
| | | | |
NET SALES
Cost of sales | $ | 64,404
42,882 | $ | 51,885
33,756 |
| | | | |
GROSS PROFIT
Selling and administrative expenses
Other (income) expense - net | | 21,522
17,586
(736) | | 18,129
15,232
(93) |
| | | | |
Income from continuing operations before interest and taxes
Interest expense | | 4,672
1,494 | | 2,990
1,575 |
| | | | |
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
Income tax provision | | 3,178
1,202 | | 1,415
538 |
| | | | |
Income from continuing operations
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
Income on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax | | 1,976
(338)
79 | | 877
(1,213)
- --- |
| | | | |
| | | | | |
NET INCOME (LOSS) | $ | 1,717 | $ | (336) |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | | |
BASIC EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE | | | | |
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Disposal of discontinued operations | $ | 0.16
(0.03)
0.01 | $ | 0.07
(0.10)
- --- |
| | | | |
| | | | | |
Net income (loss) | $ | 0.14 | $ | (0.03) |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | | |
DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE | | | | |
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Disposal of discontinued operations | $ | 0.16
(0.03)
0.01 | $ | 0.07
(0.10)
- --- |
| | | | |
| | | | | |
Net income (loss) | $ | 0.14 | $ | (0.03) |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | | |
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic
Diluted | |
11,960
12,421
| |
11,749
11,750
|
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
The Dixie Group, Inc.
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets
(in thousands)
| | |
| | March 27,
2004 | December 27,
2003 |
| | | |
ASSETS | (Unaudited) | | |
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable, net
Inventories
Assets held for sale
Other |
$
|
3,402
31,238
56,525
- ---
17,660
|
$
|
11,058
26,197
50,772
5,593
17,146
|
| | | | |
Total Current Assets | | 108,825 | | 110,766 |
| | | | | |
Net Property, Plant and Equipment
Goodwill
Investment in Affiliate
Other Assets | | 55,259
52,598
11,722
11,108 | | 52,627
52,598
11,949
11,014 |
| | | | |
TOTAL ASSETS | $ | 239,512 | $ | 238,954 |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | | |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Current portion of long-term debt |
$
|
42,347
8,914
|
$
|
47,378
13,670
|
| | | | |
Total Current Liabilities | | 51,261 | | 61,048
|
Long-Term Debt
Senior indebtedness
Capital lease obligations
Convertible subordinated debentures
Other Liabilities
Deferred Income Taxes
Stockholders' Equity | |
29,525
6,810
27,237
14,184
11,695
98,800
| |
22,174
5,837
27,237
15,056
11,521
96,081
|
| | | | |
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | $ | 239,512 | $ | 238,954 |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
