CONTACT: Leo Taylor
Tandycrafts, Inc. (817) 551-9600
([email protected])
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE or
Jeff Lambert, Brian Edwards ([email protected])
Lambert, Edwards & Associates, Inc. (616) 233-0500
TANDYCRAFTS ANNOUNCES FIRST-QUARTER RESULTS
FORT WORTH, Texas, December 6, 2000 --Tandycrafts, Inc. (NYSE: TAC) today
announced financial results for its fiscal 2001 first quarter ended September
30, 2000.
The Fort Worth, Texas-based consumer products company reported a net loss from
continuing operations of $1.7 million, or $0.14 per share, on net sales of $28.6
million in the fiscal 2001 first quarter, compared with net income of $168,000
or $0.01 per share, on net sales of $28.7 million in the same period last year.
Tandycrafts said the year-over-year flat sales reflect a modest decline of 4% in
sales at its frames and wall decor business, balanced by a solid increase of 24%
in sales at its Cargo Furniture unit fueled by additional contract sales.
The Company reported an operating loss from continuing operations of $643,000
compared to operating income of $913,000 last year. The Company stated that the
increase in the net loss from continuing operations is primarily due to lower
gross margins, higher financing costs and increased depreciation expense due to
recent investments in plant capacity and information systems.
The Company's frames and wall decor unit generated operating income of $1.5
million compared to $2.3 million in the comparable period last year.
Tandycrafts attributed decreased operating income at its frames and wall decor
unit to lower sales and decreased gross margin versus last year's strong first
quarter. The Company said it expects margins at this unit to improve as it
realizes added efficiencies and benefits from the transition of certain
manufacturing operations to Mexico.
Tandycrafts reported that its Cargo Furniture unit posted a higher-than-expected
operating loss of $722,000 in the 2001 first quarter, reflecting increased
marketing and costs related to expanding its product sourcing. Cargo stepped up
its sales and marketing activities, particularly in the contract furniture
market, in an effort to gain market share in response to the dissolution of one
of its primary competitors.
"Our efforts in the first quarter positioned Tandycrafts for improved
performance in the future," said Michael Walsh, chairman and CEO of Tandycrafts.
"Pinnacle was a solid bottom-line contributor in the first quarter. We expect
for Pinnacle to grow and realize improved margins from manufacturing
efficiencies as we increase our market share in the frames and wall decor
market. While Cargo was not profitable in the first quarter, the investments
reflected in its operating results better position this division for long-term
growth and profitability. These efforts, as well as our recent divestiture of
Tandy Leather Company, have made Tandycrafts a more focused company as we move
into fiscal 2001.
-more-
TANDYCRAFTS - PAGE 2 OF 2
As reported last week, Tandycrafts completed the sale of its Tandy Leather
Company operation to Fort Worth, Texas-based The Leather Factory, Inc. (AMEX:
TLF). Tandy Leather had sales of approximately $7.1 million in the fiscal year
ended June 30, 2000.
Tandycrafts also reported that it has increased its valuation allowance on
deferred taxes by $14.4 million for the year ended June 30, 2000. Inclusive of
the adjustment, Tandycrafts said it reported a loss from continuing operations
of $23.7 million, a loss from discontinued operations of $10.4 million, and a
net loss of $34.1 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2000. "Given the
Company's first quarter operating loss, the limited flexibility under its
current credit terms and the resulting increased borrowing costs, Tandycrafts
determined it was appropriate to make this non-cash valuation adjustment."
Walsh concluded: "The primary limitation to Tandycrafts' growth has been our
financial resources", though we are continuing discussions with other financing
sources and are optimistic we will be able to secure the capital to execute on
the growth opportunities we see for our products."
Tandycrafts, Inc. (www.tandycrafts.com) is a leading maker and marketer of
consumer products, including frames and wall decor sold under the Pinnacle Art &
Frame brand and home furnishings sold through its Cargo Furniture subsidiary.
The Company's products are sold nationwide through wholesale distribution
channels, including mass merchandisers and specialty retailers, and direct-to-
consumer channels through the Company's retail stores.
Statements in this news release which are not purely historical facts are
forward looking statements, including statements containing the words "believe",
"estimate", "project", "expect" or similar expressions. These statements are
made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward looking statements are based upon
information available to Tandycrafts on the date of this release. Any forward
looking statement inherently involves risks and uncertainties that could cause
actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors
that would cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited
to, continued acceptance of the Company's products in the marketplace,
successful implementation of its strategic plan, the extension or refinancing of
its existing bank facility and the restrictions any such extension or
refinancing could place on the Company, the ability to obtain new financing from
other financing sources, the ability to generate positive cash flow from
operations and asset sales, competitive factors, dependence upon third-party
vendors, and other risks detailed in the Company's periodic report filings with
the Securities and Exchange Commission. By making these forward-looking
statements, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for
revisions or changes after the date of this release. Readers are cautioned not
to place undue reliance on forward looking statements.
TANDYCRAFTS, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Three Months Ended
----------------------------
September 30 September 30
2000 1999
------------ ------------
Net sales $ 28,598 $ 28,689
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold 21,118 19,926
Selling, general and administrative 7,033 7,108
Restructuring charge - -
Depreciation and amortization 1,090 742
--------- ---------
Total operating costs and expenses 29,241 27,776
--------- ---------
Operating income (loss) (643) 913
Interest expense, net 1,020 643
--------- ---------
Loss before income tax (1,663) 270
Income taxes expense - 102
--------- ---------
Loss from continuing operations (1,663) 168
--------- ---------
Discontinued operations:
Income (loss) from discontinued
operations, net applicable
income taxes 69 (296)
Loss on disposal of discontinued
operations, net applicable
income taxes - -
--------- ---------
Total income (loss) on discontinued
operations 69 (296)
--------- ---------
Net loss $ (1,594) $ (128)
========= =========
Basic and diluted net loss per average
common share:
Continuing operations $ (0.14) $ 0.01
========= ==========
Discontinued operations $ 0.01 $ (0.02)
========= ==========
Net loss per average common share $ (0.13) $ (0.01)
========= ==========
Weighted average common shares 12,204 12,011
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