UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
[X]Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended NovemberMay 1, 20032004

[  ]Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from  _____________     to _____________


Commission file number 1-2191



BROWN SHOE COMPANY, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
  
New York
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
43-0197190
(IRS Employer Identification Number)
  
8300 Maryland Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri
(Address of principal executive offices)
63105
(Zip Code)
 
(314) 854-4000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
N/A
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check markcheckmark whether the registrantregistrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     Yes  [x][X]     No [  ]

Indicate by check markcheckmark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act)12b-2).    Yes  [X]    No [  ]

As of NovemberMay 29, 2003, 18,041,0392004, 18,171,166 common shares of the registrant's common stock were outstanding.
 
 

1


ITEM 1 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
BROWN SHOE COMPANY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)
   
($ thousands)
May 1, 2004

May 3, 2003

January 31, 2004

Assets         
Current Assets         
   Cash and cash equivalents
$
66,422
 
$
40,025
 
$
55,657
 
   Receivables 
88,072
  
64,753
  
81,930
 
   Inventories 
366,902
  
369,237
  
376,210
 
   Prepaid expenses and other current assets

19,275


24,450


15,888

Total current assets

540,671


498,465


529,685

Other assets 
83,851
  
83,723
  
83,692
 
Goodwill and intangible assets, net 
20,222
  
18,931
  
20,405
 
Property and equipment 
277,667
  
261,402
  
272,151
 
   Allowances for depreciation and amortization

(191,854
)

(176,030
)

(186,603
)
Total property and equipment

85,813


85,372


85,548

Total assets
$
730,557

$
686,491

$
719,330

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity        
Current Liabilities         
   Notes payable
$
43,000
 
$
24,500
 
$
19,500
 
   Trade accounts payable 
100,902
  
108,974
  
116,677
 
   Accrued expenses 
90,489
  
82,484
  
96,707
 
   Income taxes 
5,189
  
8,450
  
2,960
 
   Current maturities of long-term debt

-


20,000


-

Total current liabilities

239,580


244,408


235,844

Other Liabilities         
   Long-term debt and capitalized lease obligations 
100,000
  
103,493
  
100,000
 
   Other liabilities

27,756


31,109


28,358

Total other liabilities

127,756


134,602


128,358

Shareholders' Equity         
   Common stock 
68,002
  
66,745
  
67,787
 
   Additional capital 
64,851
  
52,051
  
62,772
 
   Unamortized value of restricted stock 
(3,648
) 
(2,853
) 
(3,408
)
   Accumulated other comprehensive loss 
(5,651
) 
(8,872
) 
(4,934
)
   Retained earnings

239,667


200,410


232,911

Total shareholders' equity

363,221


307,481


355,128

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
730,557

$
686,491

$
719,330

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

BROWN SHOE COMPANY, INC.2
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS



BROWN SHOE COMPANY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
   
(Unaudited)
 
   
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
($ thousands, except per share amounts)




May 1, 2004

May 3, 2003

             
Net sales      
$
491,832
 
$
446,444
 
Cost of goods sold







292,468


261,317

Gross profit
199,364
185,127
Selling and administrative expenses







184,447


169,790

Operating earnings
14,917
15,337
Interest expense       
2,479
  
2,906
 
Interest income







(126
)

(96
)
Earnings before income taxes
12,564
12,527
Income tax provision







(3,997
)

(3,524
)
Net earnings






$
8,567

$
9,003

         
Basic net earnings per common share






$
0.48

$
0.51

         
Diluted net earnings per common share






$
0.45

$
0.49

         
Dividends per common share






$
0.10

$
0.10

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.



3


(Thousands)
 
(Unaudited)
   
 
November 1,
2003
 
November 2,
2002
 
February 1,
2003
 
ASSETS         
Current Assets         
   Cash and Cash Equivalents$52,750 $35,192 $32,121 
   Receivables 64,534  65,400  82,486 
   Inventories 376,602  381,444  392,584 
   Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets 24,717  32,226  20,978 






      Total Current Assets 518,603  514,262  528,169 
Other Assets 84,056  82,834  83,292 
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net 20,435  19,178  18,602 
Property and Equipment 271,405  249,560  255,966 
   Allowances for Depreciation
      and Amortization
 (186,598) (167,742) (171,153)






  84,807  81,818  84,813 






$707,901 $698,092 $714,876 






LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY        
Current Liabilities         
   Notes Payable$16,000 $37,000 $29,000 
   Accounts Payable 107,894  112,928  129,209 
   Accrued Expenses 93,613  97,296  100,801 
   Income Taxes 14,272  8,950  5,352 
   Current Maturities of Long-Term Debt 3,500  20,000  20,000 






      Total Current Liabilities 235,279  276,174  284,362 
Long-Term Debt and Capitalized
   Lease Obligations
 100,000  103,492  103,493 
Other Liabilities 28,317  31,216  30,414 
Shareholders' Equity         
   Common Stock 67,640  66,171  66,311 
   Additional Capital 55,135  49,798  50,224 
   Unamortized Value of Restricted Stock (2,691) (2,191) (1,961)
   Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (5,366) (12,166) (11,147)
   Retained Earnings 229,587  185,598  193,180 






  344,305  287,210  296,607 






$707,901 $698,092 $714,876 







BROWN SHOE COMPANY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
($ thousands)
May 1, 2004

May 3, 2003

Operating Activities:      
Net earnings
$
8,567
 
$
9,003
 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:      
   Depreciation 
5,767
  
6,121
 
   Amortization 
4
  
4
 
   Share-based compensation expense 
1,405
  
1,039
 
   Loss on disposal of facilities and equipment 
315
  
348
 
   Impairment charges for facilities and equipment 
409
  
350
 
   Provision for (recoveries from) doubtful accounts 
(167
) 
161
 
   Changes in operating assets and liabilities:      
      Receivables 
(5,975
) 
17,572
 
      Inventories 
9,308
  
23,347
 
      Prepaid expenses and other current assets 
(3,387
) 
(3,472
)
      Trade accounts payable and accrued expenses 
(21,993
) 
(39,400
)
      Income taxes 
2,229
  
3,098
 
   Other, net 

(1,121
)

1,565

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

(4,639
)

19,736

Investing Activities:      
Capital expenditures 
(7,049
) 
(6,856
)
Other

115


125

Net cash used by investing activities

(6,934
)

(6,731
)
Financing Activities:      
Increase (decrease) in short-term notes payable 
23,500
  
(4,500
)
Proceeds from stock options exercised 
649
  
1,174
 
Dividends paid

(1,811
)

(1,775
)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

22,338


(5,101
)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
10,765
7,904
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

55,657


32,121

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
66,422

$
40,025

See Notesnotes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.condensed consolidated financial statements.

24



BROWN SHOE COMPANY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Unaudited)

(Thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
 
 
 
 
 
November 1, 
2003
 
November 2, 2002
 
November 1, 2003
 
November 2, 2002
 
             
Net Sales$493,433 $486,318 $1,398,261 $1,389,311 
Cost of Goods Sold 288,721  287,681  820,557  832,231 




Gross Profit 204,712  198,637  577,704  557,080 
             
Selling & Administrative Expenses 172,278  167,123  511,317  497,786 








Operating Earnings 32,434  31,514  66,387  59,294 
             
Interest Expense 2,256  2,840  7,679  9,506 
Interest Income (118) (128) (318) (275)
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings Before Income Taxes 30,296  28,802  59,026  50,063 
             
Income Tax Provision 9,096  7,780  17,267  14,239 
 
 
 
 
 
NET EARNINGS$21,200 $21,022 $41,759 $35,824 
 
 
 
 
 
             
BASIC EARNINGS PER 
   COMMON SHARE
$1.19 $1.21 $2.37 $2.06 
 
 
 
 
 
DILUTED EARNINGS PER 
   COMMON SHARE
$1.13 $1.18 $2.25 $2.01 
 
 
 
 
 
             
DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE$.10 $.10 $.30 $.30 
 
 
 
 
 

BROWN SHOE COMPANY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT


Note 1.
Basis of Presentation

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

3


BROWN SHOE COMPANY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

(Thousands)

Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
 
November 1, 2003
 
November 2, 2002
 


Operating Activities:      
   Net earnings$41,759 $35,824 
   Adjustments to reconcile Net earnings to Net      
   Cash Provided by Operating Activities:      
      Depreciation and amortization 19,657  17,803 
      Loss on disposal or impairment of facilities & equipment 3,746  1,961 
      Provision for losses on accounts receivable 278  485 
      Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities:      
         Receivables 17,674  2,420 
         Inventories 15,982  14,783 
         Prepaid expenses and other current assets (3,739) 7,012 
         Accounts payable and accrued expenses (28,503) 3,343 
         Income taxes 8,920  8,400 
      Other assets and liabilities (182) (4,863)




Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities 75,592  87,168 
Investing Activities:      
   Capital expenditures (21,668) (15,097)
   Other 368  130 




Net Cash Used by Investing Activities (21,300) (14,967)
Financing Activities:      
   Decrease in notes payable (13,000) (27,250)
   Principal payments of long-term debt (20,000) (28,550)
   Proceeds from stock options exercised 4,696  1,624 
   Debt issuance costs -  (265)
   Dividends paid (5,359) (5,280)




Net Cash Used by Financing Activities (33,663) (59,721)
Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents 20,629  12,480 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period 32,121  22,712 




Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period$52,750 $35,192 
 

 

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

4


BROWN SHOE COMPANY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and reflect all adjustments which management believes necessary (which include only normal recurring accruals) to present fairly the Company's financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. These statements, however, do not include all information and footnotes necessary for a complete presentation of the Company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

Certain prior period amounts on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, statements of earnings and statements of earningscash flows have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation. These reclassifications did not affect net earnings.

The Company's business is subject to seasonal influences, particularly the back-to-school selling season at Famous Footwear which falls in the Company's third quarter. Interim results may not necessarily be indicative of results which may be expected for any other interim period or for the year as a whole.

For further information refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 1, 2003.January 31, 2004.
 
Note 2.
Earnings Per Share

Note 2 - Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the periods ended NovemberMay 1, 2004 and May 3, 2003:





  
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
($ thousands, except per share data)

May 1, 2004

May 3, 2003

NUMERATOR       
Net earnings

$
8,567

$
9,003

DENOMINATOR (thousand shares)       
Denominator for basic earnings per common share  
17,841
  
17,510
 
Dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock and stock options


1,078


883

Denominator for diluted earnings per common share


18,919


18,393

Basic earnings per common share

$
0.48

$
0.51

Diluted earnings per common share

$
0.45

$
0.49

Options to purchase 236,167 and 38,745 shares of common stock at May 1, 2004 and May 3, 2003, and November 2, 2002 (000's, except per share data):
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Thirty-nine Weeks
 
 
November 1
2003
 
November 2, 
2002
 
November 1, 
2003
 
November 2, 
2002
 




Numerator:            
   Net earnings - Basic and Diluted$
21,200
 
$
21,022
 $
41,759
 
$
35,824
 




Denominator:            
   Weighted average shares 
      outstanding - Basic
 
17,761
  
17,394
  
17,634
  
17,349
 
   Effect of potentially dilutive securities 
937
  
399
  
900
  
517
 








   Weighted average shares 
      outstanding - Diluted
 
18,698
  
17,793
  
18,534
  
17,866
 




Basic earnings per common share$
1.19
 $
1.21
 $
2.37
 $
2.06
 




Diluted earnings per common share$
1.13
 $
1.18
 $
2.25
 $
2.01
 








5


The following optionsrespectively, were not included in the computation ofdenominator for diluted earnings per common share because the options' exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares (000's):their effect would be antidilutive.

 
Note 3.
Thirteen Weeks EndedComprehensive Income
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
November 1, 
2003
November 2, 
2002
November 1,
2003
November 2, 
2002
Options to purchase shares of common stock
35
584
37
388

Note 3 - Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive Income includes changes in equity related to foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains/losses from derivatives used for hedging activities.

5


The following table sets forth the reconciliation from Net Earnings to Comprehensive Income for the periods ended NovemberMay 1, 20032004 and November 2, 2002 (000's):May 3, 2003:
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
 
 
November 1, 2003
 
November 2, 2002
 
November 1, 2003
 
November 2, 2002
 
Net Earnings$21,200 $21,022 $41,759 $35,824 
Other Comprehensive Income:            
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment 2,448  649  5,707  722 
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments (88) (1,045) 74  (2,913)




  2,360  (396) 5,781  (2,191)








Comprehensive Income$23,560 $20,626 $47,540 $33,633 












  
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
($ Thousands)

May 1, 2004

May 3, 2003

Net Earnings 
$
8,567
 
$
9,003
 
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax:       
   Foreign currency translation adjustment  
(1,310
) 
2,697
 
   Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments  
102
  
(767
)
   Net loss reclassified into earnings  
491
  
345
 






   
(717
) 
2,275
 








Comprehensive Income

$
7,850

$
11,278


Note 4.
Business Segment Information

Note 4 - Business Segment Information

Applicable business segment information is as follows for the periods ended NovemberMay 1, 20032004 and November 2, 2002 (000's):May 3, 2003:
 
 
Famous
Footwear
 
Wholesale
Operations
 
Naturalizer
Retail
 
Other
 
Totals
 





Thirteen Weeks Ended November 1, 2003          
External Sales$301,588 $140,062 $49,789 $1,994 $493,433 
Intersegment Sales -  35,968  -  -  35,968 
Operating earnings (loss) 23,427  15,421  (166) (6,248) 32,434 
Thirteen Weeks Ended November 2, 2002          
External Sales$294,535 $140,795 $49,898 $1,090 $486,318 
Intersegment Sales -  38,502  -  -  38,502 
Operating earnings (loss) 22,585  11,712  1,535  (4,318) 31,514 

6



 
 
Famous
Footwear
 
Wholesale
Operations
 
Naturalizer
Retail
 
Other
 
Totals
 
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended November 1, 2003          
External Sales$831,634 $418,950 $142,296 $5,381 $1,398,261 
Intersegment Sales -  100,718  -  -  100,718 
Operating earnings (loss) 46,914  40,980  (2,534) (18,973) 66,387 
                
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended November 2, 2002          
External Sales$832,896 $403,824 $149,375 $3,216 $1,389,311 
Intersegment Sales -  97,835  -  -  97,835 
Operating earnings (loss) 40,237  36,932  246  (18,121) 59,294 











($ thousands)
Famous
Footwear

Wholesale
Operations

Naturalizer
Retail

Other

Totals

Thirteen Weeks Ended May 1, 2004          
External Sales$
272,124
 $
171,545
 $
45,331
 $
2,832
 $
491,832
 
Intersegment Sales 
-
  
38,378
  
-
  
-
  
38,378
 
Operating earnings (loss) 
12,384
  
12,805
  
(2,220
) 
(8,052
) 
14,917
 
Operating segment assets 
329,856
  
197,855
  
70,730
  
132,116
  
730,557
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended May 3, 2003          
External Sales$
261,115
 $
140,985
 $
42,834
 $
1,510
 $
446,444
 
Intersegment Sales 
-
  
32,401
  
-
  
-
  
32,401
 
Operating earnings (loss) 
10,582
  
13,012
  
(1,356
) 
(6,901
) 
15,337
 
Operating segment assets 
353,661
  
153,945
  
73,718
  
105,167
  
686,491
 
















The "Other" segment includes Corporate administrative and other expenses, which are not allocated to the operating units, and the Company's investment in its majority-owned subsidiary, Shoes.com, Inc., a footwear e-commerce company.

Certain priorEffective February 1, 2004, the Company began accounting for its Irish financing subsidiary, Brown Group Dublin Limited, which holds cash earned offshore other than in Canada, within the Other segment. Brown Group Dublin Limited had previously been accounted for within the Wholesale Operations segment. Prior year operating earnings (losses)amounts have been recast to include amounts that were previously classified as non-operating expensesreclassified to conform to current year presentation. This reclassification had no effect on operating earnings, but resulted in a transfer of assets of $57.9 million and $34.3 million in 2004 and 2003, respectively, to the "Other" segment.
 
Note 5.
Restructuring Reserves

Note 5 - Restructuring ReservesClosure of Canadian Manufacturing Facility

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001,year 2003, the Company announced the closing of its last Canadian footwear manufacturing facility located in Perth, Ontario, and recorded chargesa pretax charge of $4.5 million, the components of which were as follows:

6


Following is a summary of store leases had been completed for all but one store. During the first half of fiscal 2003, payments to landlords depletedactivity in the reserve, balance.by category of costs:









($ millions)
Employee
Severance

Inventory
Markdowns

Lease
Buyouts

Total

Original charge and reserve balance
$
2.3
 
$
1.6
 
$
0.6
 
$
4.5
 
Adjustments 
(0.3
) 
0.4
  
(0.1
) 
-
 
Expenditures in quarter ending May 1, 2004

(1.8
)

(2.0
)

(0.1
)

(3.9
)
Reserve balance May 1, 2004
$
0.2

$
-

$
0.4

$
0.6

Also inThe Company anticipates that the fourthrestructuring activities associated with the closure of the Canadian manufacturing facility will be substantially completed during the second fiscal quarter of fiscal 2001, the Company established a reserve of $3.5 million for severance costs related to the elimination of 117 positions as the Company moved to a new Shared Services platform for its Human Resources, Finance and Information Systems functions. At February 1, 2003, the reserve balance was $0.3 million. During the first quarter of fiscal 2003, the reserve balance was depleted due to payments related to the terminated employees and the reversal of $0.1 million of unrequired reserve.2004.
 
 

7

Note 6.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Note 6 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and intangible assets were attributable to the Company's operating segments as follows (000's):follows:
 
 
November 1,
2003
 
November 2, 
2002
 
February 1,
2003
 
Famous Footwear$3,529 $3,529 $3,529 
Wholesale Operations 10,248  10,263  10,259 
Naturalizer Retail 5,323  4,506  4,614 
Other 1,335  880  200 






 $20,435 $19,178 $18,602 













($ thousands)
May 1, 2004

May 3, 2003

January 31, 2004

Famous Footwear
$
3,529
 
$
3,529
 
$
3,529
 
Wholesale Operations 
10,241
  
10,255
  
10,245
 
Naturalizer Retail 
5,117
  
4,947
  
5,296
 
Other

1,335


200


1,335


$
20,222

$
18,931

$
20,405

The change between periods for the Naturalizer Retail segment reflects changes in the Canadian dollar exchange rate. The change in the Other segment from February 1,May 3, 2003 to NovemberMay 1, 20032004 of $1.1 million reflects the acquisition of additional shares of Shoes.com Inc. by the Company.

Note 7.
Share-Based Compensation

Note 7 - Stock-Based Compensation

As of NovemberMay 1, 2003,2004, the Company had four stock-basedshare-based compensation plans, which are described more fully in Note 16 of the Company's fiscal 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K.10-K for the year ended January 31, 2004. The Company accounts for those plans under the recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" and related interpretations. Compensation expense is recognized in net earnings for stock appreciation units, stock performance plans and restricted stock grants. No stock-basedshare-based employee compensation cost is reflected in net earnings for stock options, as all option grants had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share as if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," to stock options outstanding (000's, except per share amounts):outstanding:

7



 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
 


 
November 1,
2003
 
November 2,
2002
 
November 1, 
2003
 
November 2, 
2002
 
Net earnings, as reported$21,200 $21,022 $41,759 $35,824 
Deduct: Total stock-based employee 
   compensation expense determined under 
   the fair value based method for stock option 
   awards, net of related tax effect
 548  509  1,732  1,478 








Pro forma net earnings$20,652 $20,515 $40,027 $34,346 
 

 

 

 

 
Earnings per share:            
   Basic - as reported$1.19 $1.21 $2.37 $2.06 








   Basic - pro forma$1.16 $1.18 $2.27 $1.98 








   Diluted - as reported$1.13 $1.18 $2.25 $2.01 








   Diluted - pro forma$1.10 $1.15 $2.16 $
1.92
 








8





  
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
($ thousands, except per share amounts)

May 1, 2004

May 3, 2003

Net earnings, as reported 
$
8,567
 
$
9,003
 
Add: Total share-based employee compensation expense 
   included in reported net earnings, net of related tax effect
  
913
  
675
 
Deduct: Total share-based employee compensation expense 
   determined under the fair value based method for all awards, 
   net of related tax effect


(1,654
)

(1,272
)
Pro forma net earnings

$
7,826

$
8,406

Earnings per share:
   Basic - as reported 
$
0.48
 
$
0.51
 
   Basic - pro forma  
0.44
  
0.48
 
   Diluted - as reported  
0.45
  
0.49
 
   Diluted - pro forma  
0.41
  
0.46
 









Note 8 - Off-Balance Sheet ArrangementsThe Company issued 57,190 and 115,806 shares of common stock, respectively, for the periods ended May 1, 2004 and May 3, 2003 for stock options exercised and restricted stock grants.

Note 8.
Retirement and Other Benefit Plans

The following table sets forth the components of net periodic benefit cost (income) for the Company, including all domestic and Canadian plans:










 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
($ thousands)
May 1, 2004

May 3, 2003

May 1, 2004

May 3, 2003

Service cost
$
1,383
 
$
1,283
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
Interest cost 
2,103
  
1,978
  
63
  
75
 
Expected return on assets 
(3,608
) 
(3,601
) 
-
  
-
 
Amortization of:            
   Actuarial (gain) loss 
78
  
78
  
(50
) 
(50
)
   Prior service costs 
75
  
75
  
-
  
(25
)
   Net transition assets 
(43
) 
(39
) 
-
  
-
 
Settlement cost

-


-


-


-

Total net periodic benefit cost (income)
$
(12
)
$
(226
)
$
13

$
-


Note 9.
Commitments and Contingencies

Environmental Remediation
The Company is contingently liableinvolved in environmental remediation and ongoing compliance activities at several sites. The Company is remediating, under the oversight of Colorado authorities, the groundwater and indoor air at its owned facility in Colorado (also known as the Redfield site) and residential neighborhoods adjacent to and near the property that have been affected by solvents previously used at the facility. The total anticipated future cost of remediation activities at May 1, 2004 is $7.7 million and is accrued within other accrued expenses and other liabilities, but the ultimate cost may vary. The cumulative costs incurred through May 1, 2004 are $12.9 million.

8


The Company assesses future recoveries from insurance companies related to remediation costs by estimating a range of probable recoveries and recording the low end of the range. Recoveries from other responsible parties are recorded when a contractual agreement is reached. As of May 1, 2004, recorded recoveries totaled $4.8 million and are recorded in other noncurrent assets on the consolidated balance sheet. $4.5 million of the recorded recoveries are expected from certain insurance companies as indemnification for remaining lease commitmentsamounts spent for remediation associated with the Redfield site. The insurance companies are contesting their indemnity obligations, and the Company has sued its insurers seeking recovery of approximately $13 million, which primarily relatedefense costs, indemnity and other damages related to the Cloth Worldformer operations and Meis specialty retailing chains, which were soldthe remediation at the site. The Company believes insurance coverage in prior years. These obligations will continueplace entitles it to declinereimbursement for more than the recovery recorded. The Company believes the recorded recovery is supported by the fact the limits of the insurance policies at issue exceed the amount of the recorded recovery, and certain insurers have offered to settle these claims. The Company is unable to estimate the ultimate recovery from the insurance carriers, but is pursuing resolution of its claims.

The Company has completed its remediation efforts at its closed New York tannery and two associated landfills. In 1995, state environmental authorities reclassified the status of these sites as being properly closed and requiring only continued maintenance and monitoring over the next several years as leases expire.20 years. In addition, various federal and state authorities have identified the Company as a potentially responsible party for remediation at certain other landfills.

Based on information currently available, the Company had an accrued liability of $9.8 million as of May 1, 2004, to complete the cleanup, maintenance and monitoring at all sites. Of the $9.8 million liability, $2.3 million is included in other accrued expenses and $7.5 million is included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. The ultimate costs may vary, and it is possible costs may exceed the recorded amounts.

While the Company currently does not operate manufacturing facilities, prior operations included numerous manufacturing and other facilities for which the Company may have responsibility under various environmental laws for the remediation of conditions that may be identified in the future.

Litigation
In March 2000, a class action lawsuit was filed in Colorado State Court (District Court for the City and County of Denver) related to the Redfield site described above. Plaintiffs alleged claims for trespass, nuisance, strict liability, unjust enrichment, negligence and exemplary damages arising from the alleged release of solvents contaminating the groundwater and indoor air in the areas adjacent to and near the site. In December 2003, the jury hearing the claims returned a verdict finding the Company's subsidiary negligent and awarded the class plaintiffs $1.0 million in damages. The Company has recorded this award along with estimated pretrial interest on the award and estimated costs related to sanctions imposed by the court related to a pretrial discovery dispute between the parties. The total pretax charge recorded for these matters in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003 was $3.1 million ($2.0 million after tax). The Company recorded an additional $0.6 million in expense in the first quarter of 2004, related to pretrial interest, to reflect the trial court's ruling extending the time period for which pre-judgment interest applied. In April 2004, the plaintiffs filed a motion for a new trial; the court has not yet ruled on that motion. Several other post-trial motions are still pending before the trial court and the ultimate outcome and cost to the Company may vary.

As described above in "Environmental Remediation," the Company has filed suit against its insurance carriers and is seeking recovery of certain defense costs, indemnity for the costs incurred for remediation related to the Redfield site and for the damages awarded in the class action, and other related damages.

The Company also is involved in legal proceedings and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the outcome of such ordinary course of business proceedings and litigation currently pending will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations or financial position.

Other
The Company is a guarantor of an Industrial Development Bond financing of $3.5 million for a manufacturing and warehouse facility in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. In 1985, this facilityThese facilities and the business that operated the facilitythem were sold to another party in 1985, which assumed this obligation. This financing is scheduled to be paid annually beginning in 2004 through 2009.

The Company is contingently liable for lease commitments of approximately $11 million in the aggregate, which primarily relate to the Cloth World and Meis specialty retailing chains, which were sold in prior years.

9


In order for the Company to incur any liability related to this guarantee,these guarantees and lease commitments, the current owners would have to default. At this time, the Company does not believe this is reasonably likely to occur.

ITEM 2
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

OVERVIEW

Note 9 - ContingenciesOverall, we are pleased with our first quarter results, even though net earnings declined slightly from last year, as we increased sales, assimilated the Bass licensed footwear business and achieved improved results at Famous Footwear.

The Company has been remediating, underConsolidated net sales rose 10.2% to $491.8 million for the oversightfirst quarter of Colorado authorities,fiscal 2004, as compared to $446.4 million for the groundwaterfirst quarter of the prior year. Net earnings were $8.6 million for the quarter, or $0.45 per diluted share compared to $0.49 per diluted share for the first quarter of the prior year. Net earnings for the first quarter of 2004 include $3.3 million, pretax, or $0.11 per diluted share, of transition and indoor air at its owned property in Denver, Colorado and residential neighborhoods adjacent to and near the property, which have been affected by solvents previously used at and near the property. In March 2000, a class-action lawsuitassimilation costs related to this Colorado site was filed in Colorado State Court againstthe Bass license. On February 2, 2004, the Company entered into a long-term license agreement to sell Bass footwear.

Following is a summary of the more significant factors affecting our results in the first quarter of fiscal 2004:


10


The third
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS


Thirteen Weeks Ended

May 1, 2004
May 3, 2003
($ millions)



% of 
Net Sales



% of 
Net Sales
Net sales $
491.8
 
100.0%
 
$
446.4
 
100.0%
Cost of goods sold


292.5

59.5%


261.3

58.5%
Gross profit  
199.3
 
40.5%
  
185.1
 
41.5%
Selling & administrative expenses


184.4

37.5%


169.8

38.0%
Operating earnings  
14.9
 
3.0%
  
15.3
 
3.5%
Interest expense  
2.4
 
0.5%
  
2.9
 
0.7%
Interest income


(0.1
)
0.0%


(0.1
)
0.0%
Earnings before income taxes  
12.6
 
2.5%
  
12.5
 
2.8%
Income tax provision


(4.0
)
(0.8)%


(3.5
)
(0.8)%
Net earnings

$
8.6

1.7%

$
9.0

2.0%

Net Sales
Net sales increased $45.4 million, or 10.2%, to $491.8 million in the first quarter of 2004 as compared to $446.4 million in the first quarter of the prior year. This increase is traditionallyprimarily attributable to the Company's highestfollowing factors. First, the acquisition of the Bass footwear license at the beginning of fiscal 2004 contributed $15.3 million of sales volumeduring the first quarter. Second, in addition to the incremental Bass business, the Wholesale segment achieved $15.0 million of sales gains within our private label, Dr. Scholl's and LifeStride lines, including some sandal shipments that typically ship in the second quarter. Third, Famous Footwear delivered an additional $11.0 million in net sales, driven by a 2.6% same-store sales increase and sales growth from new stores.

Gross Profit
Gross profit increased $14.2 million, or 7.7%, to $199.3 million for the first quarter which generates a significant portion of annual earnings. The high sales volume2004 as compared to $185.1 million in the first quarter of the prior year. This increase is primarily driven by the back-to-school selling season at Famous Footwear, which occurs primarily10.2% increase in net sales. However, as a percent of sales, our gross margin percentage declined from 41.5% in the monthfirst quarter of August. Famous Footwear's resultsthe prior year to 40.5% in the first quarter of 2004 as a result of a greater mix of wholesale sales, which carry a lower gross margin rate than our retail sales.

Selling and Administrative Expenses
Selling and administrative expenses increased $14.6 million, or 8.6%, to $184.4 million for the first quarter reflect a successful back-to-school season. The Company's Wholesale operations also performed well in the quarter. Improved results over the prior year's comparable quarter at these divisions were partially offset by lower results at the Naturalizer Retail segment and higher Corporate administrative costs.

Consolidated net sales increased $7.1 million, or 1.5%, from $486.3of 2004 as compared to $169.8 million in the thirdfirst quarter last yearof the prior year. This increase is attributable to $493.4both transition and assimilation costs related to the Bass footwear line of approximately $3.3 million and to our investments in talent, systems, and infrastructure to position the Company for future growth. Although selling and administrative costs have increased in absolute dollars, they have declined as a percent of sales due to the effective leveraging of our increase in net sales.

Interest Expense
Interest expense decreased $0.5 million, or 14.7%, to $2.4 million in this year's third quarter. Thethe first quarter of 2004 as compared to $2.9 million in the first quarter of the prior year. While average daily borrowings are relatively consistent with the first quarter of the prior year, our average interest rate declined.

Income Tax Provision
Our consolidated effective tax rate was 31.8% in the first quarter of 2004 as compared to 28.1% in the first quarter of the prior year, reflecting a greater projected annual mix of domestic income. We do not provide deferred taxes on unremitted foreign earnings, as it is our intention to reinvest those earnings indefinitely or to repatriate the earnings only when it is tax-advantageous to do so.



11



FAMOUS FOOTWEAR

 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
May 1, 2004
May 3, 2003
($ millions, except sales per square foot)



% of 
Net Sales



% of 
Net Sales
Operating Results          
Net sales 
$
272.1
 
100.0%
 
$
261.1
 
100.0%
Cost of goods sold


151.1

55.5%


145.1

55.6%
Gross profit  
121.0
 
44.5%
  
116.0
 
44.4%
Selling & administrative expenses


108.6

39.9%


105.4

40.4%
Operating earnings

$
12.4

4.6%

$
10.6

4.0%
           
Key Metrics          
Same-store sales % change  
2.6%
    
(5.4)%
  
Same-store sales $ change 
$
6.4
   
$
(13.6)
  
Sales change from new and closed stores, net 
$
4.6
   
$
7.1
  
           
Sales per square foot 
$
44
   
$
42
  
Square footage (thousands sq. ft.)  
6,249
    
6,218
  
           
Stores opened  
12
    
20
  
Stores closed  
8
    
25
  
Ending stores


897




913


Net Sales
Net sales increased $11.0 million, or 4.2%, to $272.1 million in the first quarter of 2004 as compared to $261.1 million in the first quarter of the prior year. This increase is primarily reflected higherattributable to an increase in same-store sales of 2.6% and sales growth from net new stores. During the first quarter of 2004, we opened 12 new stores and closed 8, resulting in 897 stores at the Company's Famous Footwear divisionend of $7.1 million. Salesthe first quarter of 2004 as compared to 913 at the Company's Wholesale operations decreased $0.7 million, or 0.5%,end of the first quarter of the prior year. Sales per square foot improved to $44 from $42 in the year ago period. In addition, during the first quarter, and decreased $0.1 million, or 0.2%, at Naturalizer Retail. Same-store salesfor the quarterwe experienced increased 0.7% at Famous Footwear and 1.9% in the domestic Naturalizer stores, but decreased 6.2% in the Canadian Naturalizertraffic into our stores.

Same-store sales changes are calculated by comparing the sales in stores that have been open at least 13 months. This method avoids the distorting effect that grand opening sales have in the first month of operation. Relocated or expanded stores are treated as new stores. Closed stores are excluded from the calculation. Sales change from new and closed stores, net reflects the change in sales due to stores that have been opened or closed during the period and are thereby excluded from the same-store sales calculation.

Consolidated grossGross Profit
Gross profit as a percent of sales forincreased $5.0 million, or 4.3%, to $121.0 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 2003 increased2004 as compared to 41.5% from 40.8% during$116.0 million in the same period lastfirst quarter of the prior year. This increase was due to higher marginsis consistent with our 4.2% increase in net sales. As a percentage of net sales, we achieved a slight improvement in gross margin from 44.4% in the Company's Famous Footwear and Wholesale segments primarily as a result of higher initial markups. The gross profit rate in the Naturalizer Retail segment declined from last year primarily due to higher markdowns in the Canadian stores.

Selling and administrative expenses, which include warehousing and distribution costs of $12.1 million in 2003 and $12.5 million in 2002, increased to 34.9% as a percent of sales for the thirdfirst quarter of 2003 from 34.4% for the same period last year. This increase was primarily attributable to higher Famous Footwear and Naturalizer Retail store operating costs of $3.6 million and higher administrative costs of $4.4 million, partially offset by lower marketing costs of $1.9 million. The Company records warehousing and distribution costs in selling and administrative expenses. Accordingly, the Company's Gross Profit and Selling and administrative expense rates, as a percent of sales, may not be comparable to other companies

Consolidated operating earnings for the third quarter of 2003 of $32.4 million, or 6.6% of sales, were 2.9% above the $31.5 million, or 6.5% of sales, for the same period lastprior year as the effect of higher sales and gross profit rates were partially offset by higher selling and administrative expenses.

10


The decrease in interest expense of $0.6 million was a result of lower average borrowings during the third quarter of 2003.

The consolidated tax rate was 30.0% of pre-tax earnings for the third quarter of 2003 an increase from 27.0% last year. The increase in the rate reflects a higher percentage of income being generated by domestic operations, which have higher tax rates than those in the foreign jurisdictions in which the Company operates. The Company's effective tax rate is below the Federal statutory rate of 35% because the foreign jurisdictions have lower tax rates. The Company does not provide deferred taxes on unremitted foreign earnings as it is the Company's intention to reinvest these earnings indefinitely, or to repatriate the earnings only when it is tax advantageous to do so.

Net earnings of $21.2 million for the third quarter of 2003 were 0.8% higher than net earnings of $21.0 million in the third quarter of 2002. Diluted earnings per share were $1.13 in the third quarter of 2003 compared to $1.18 in the third quarter of 2002, a decrease of 4.2%. The percentage change in net earnings differs from the percentage change in diluted earnings per share as the result of an increased number of shares outstanding and a greater dilutive effect of outstanding stock options in 2003, reflecting an increase in the market price of the Company's stock.

Famous Footwear

Famous Footwear's total sales increased 2.4%, or $7.1 million, during the third quarter of 2003 to $301.6 million. The increase was due to a same-store sales increase of 0.7%, or $1.9 million, reflecting higher purchase conversion ratios, which more than offset lower traffic counts in the stores, and a net $5.2 million of sales from new stores, net of closures.

Famous Footwear's gross profit as a percent of sales increased 1.0% from 43.5% in the third quarter of 2002 to 44.5% in the thirdfirst quarter of 2003.2004. This improvement was principally due to a 1.1% increase in initial markups, due to a fresher mix of product, and 0.2% from loweris driven by reduced shrinkage partially offset by a higher markdown provision of 0.3%.costs.

Selling and administrative expenses in the quarter were $110.9 million, an increase of $5.3 million from last year. As a percent of sales, such costs were 36.8% this year, an increase of 0.9% from last year's rate of 35.9%. This increase principally reflected a 0.6% increase in retail facilities costs due to new stores not yet being leveraged with corresponding higher sales.

As a result of the higher sales and gross profit rates, operating earnings for the third quarter of 2003 of $23.4 million, or 7.8% of sales, were 3.7% above the $22.6 million, or 7.7% of sales, for the same period last year.

During the third quarter of 2003, Famous Footwear opened 19 stores and closed 20, ending the quarter with 908 stores, compared with 922 stores at the end of the third quarter last year.Administrative Expenses



11


Wholesale Operations

The Company's Wholesale operations had net sales of $140.1 million during the third quarter of 2003 compared to $140.8 million in the same quarter last year, a decrease of 0.5%. This sales decrease was primarily due to lower sales to the Company's mass merchandise customers by the Buster Brown and Co. children's footwear group of 14.2% and by the women's private label footwear group of 25.2%. Offsetting those sales declines were increases in the LifeStride brand, which had a sales gain of 18.3% in the quarter, as well as an increase in sales in the men's and athletic footwear group. Sales of the Naturalizer brand increased 2.9%. The sales changes in all brands and groups were due to unit variations as average prices did not change significantly.

The gross profit rate, as a percent of sales, increased from 31.8% in the third quarter of last year to 32.4% in this year's quarter, due to better margin rates and a greater mix of higher-margin, branded product sales partially offset by higher markdowns in Canada.

Selling and administrative expenses decreased 9.7% from last year's $33.2 million to this year's $30.0 million, and as a percent of sales from 23.6% last year to 21.4% this year. This decrease of 2.2% is principally due to lower marketing costs of 2.0%. Expenses for the quarter include a $0.6 million impairment charge to reduce the carrying value of the Company's footwear manufacturing facility in Canada based on expected future cash flows. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003, the Company announced that it would be closing its remaining Canadian manufacturing facility in early 2004, and that an aftertax charge of $3.8 - $4.2 million would be recorded in the fourth quarter for severance and asset writedowns.

As a result of the improved margin rate and lower expenses, Wholesale operating earnings of $15.4 million were up 31.7% from the $11.7 million earned in the third quarter of 2002.

Naturalizer Retail

In the Company's Naturalizer Retail operations, which includes stores in both the United States and Canada, net sales decreased 0.2% to $49.8 million in the third quarter of 2003 compared to $49.9 million in the same period last year. The decrease of $0.1 million was due to a $2.1 million decline from fewer stores open than last year and by a net $0.3 million decrease in same-store sales (1.9% gain in the United States stores and a 6.2% decrease in the Canadian stores), offset by a $2.3 million increase from the effect of changes in the Canadian exchange rate.

Gross profit as a percent of sales of 48.6% in the third quarter of 2003 was 1.3% below last year's level of 49.9%. The decrease was principally due to higher markdowns in the Canadian stores.

Selling and administrative expenses increased $0.9$3.2 million, or 3.0%, to $108.6 million for the first quarter of 2004 as compared to $105.4 million in the thirdfirst quarter of the prior year. This increase is primarily attributable to increased marketing costs and higher selling salaries. As a percentage of sales, these costs declined to 39.9% from 40.4% last year reflecting the leveraging effect of the sales increase and higher productivity in our stores.

Operating Earnings
Operating earnings increased $1.8 million, or 17.0%, to $12.4 million for the first quarter of 2004 as compared to $10.6 million in the first quarter of the prior year. This increase was driven by the sales increase, coupled with the improvement in gross profit as a percentpercentage of sales, increased to 48.9% this year from 46.9% last year. The increase, as a percent of sales, of 2.0% was principally due to higher marketing expenses of 0.5%, higher store selling costs of 0.3% and higher retail facilities costs of 1.7% partially offset by lower merchandising costs of 0.7%.modest increases in operating expenses.
 
 

12


NATURALIZER RETAIL

 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
May 1, 2004
May 3, 2003
($ millions, except sales per square foot)



% of
Net Sales



% of
Net Sales
Operating Results          
Net sales 
$
45.3
 
100.0%
 
$
42.8
 
100.0%
Cost of goods sold


22.9

50.6%


21.4

50.0%
Gross profit  
22.4
 
49.4%
  
21.4
 
50.0%
Selling & administrative expenses


24.6

54.3%


22.8

53.2%
Operating loss

$
(2.2
)
(4.9)%

$
(1.4
)
(3.2)%
           
Key Metrics          
Same-store sales % change - domestic  
4.1%
    
(2.5)%
  
Same-store sales % change - Canadian  
(1.0)%
    
(8.1)%
  
Same-store sales $ change 
$
1.0
   
$
(1.8)
  
Sales change from new and closed stores, net 
$
0.1
   
$
(5.5)
  
Impact of changes in Canadian exchange rate on sales 
$
1.4
   
$
0.9
  
           
Sales per square foot 
$
75
   
$
70
  
Square footage (thousands sq. ft.)  
578
    
580
  
           
Stores opened  
9
    
-
  
Stores closed  
8
    
3
  
Ending stores


379




387


As a result of the lowerNet Sales
Net sales and gross profit and higher expenses, an operating loss of $0.2increased $2.5 million, occurred in the third quarter of 2003, which was below the operating earnings of $1.5or 5.8%, to $45.3 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 2002. The decline in operating earnings was primarily attributable to the Canadian operations where same-store sales declines have been incurred over the past two years. In response to this trend, the Company is repositioning the product mix in these stores to carry a greater proportion of the United States Naturalizer product line to present a more relevant and younger product line to its customer base.

During the third quarter of 2003, no stores were opened and 3 were closed in the United States, resulting in 210 stores open2004 as of November 1, 2003, compared to 232 at the same time last year. In Canada, 1 store was opened and 1 store closed, resulting in 173 stores open this year compared to 172 at the same time last year.

Other Segment

Net sales in the Other segment increased from $1.1$42.8 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 2002the prior year. This increase is attributable, in part, to $2.0 millionan increase in 2003, as the e-commercesame-store sales of our Shoes.com majority-owned subsidiary continued to strengthen. An operating loss of $0.2 million was incurred for this business, which was equal to the loss in the same period last year. The most significant component of this "Other" segment is unallocated Corporate administrative and other expenses. These costs increased by $1.9 million, or 47.7% in the third quarter of 2003 principally as a result of higher consulting costs of $0.5 million and higher salaries and incentive and benefit plan costs of $1.0 million.

Nine Months ended November 1, 2003 compared to the Nine Months ended November 2, 2002

Consolidated net sales for the first nine months of 2003 were $1.398 billion, an increase of 0.6% from the first nine months of 2002 total of $1.389 billion. Sales of the Wholesale segment were up 3.7% to $419.0 million. Sales decreased in the Famous Footwear segment by $1.3 million, or 0.2%, and in the Naturalizer Retail segment by $7.1 million, or 4.7%, substantially offsetting Wholesale's increase. Same-store sales decreased 2.5% at Famous Footwear and 4.9% in the Canadian Naturalizer stores, and increased 1.3%4.1% in the domestic Naturalizer stores.

Consolidated gross profit as a percentmarket. In Canada, same-store sales declined 1.0%. However, the favorable impact of sales for the nine months of 2003 increased to 41.3% from 40.1% for the same period last year. This increase was primarily due to higher margins at the Company's Famous Footwear and Wholesale segments. The gross profit rate in the Naturalizer Retail segment declined from last year primarily due to higher markdowns in the Canadian stores.

13


Selling and administrative expenses for the first nine months of 2003, which include warehousing and distribution costs of $37.9 million ($38.8 million in 2002), increased $13.5 million to 36.6% from 35.8% as a percent ofexchange rate improved sales for the same period last year. This increase reflects approximately $1.6 million in increased spending for marketing, $3.9 million for selling and product development to support the further building of the Company's brands and licenses, $6.5 million of higher store operating costs primarily related to larger and remodeled stores in the Famous Footwear segment and higher general and administrative costs of $2.4by $1.4 million.

Consolidated operating earnings for the first nine months of 2003 of $66.4 million, or 4.7% of sales, were 12.0% above the $59.3 million, or 4.3% of sales, for the same period last year, as the effect of higher gross profit rates were partially offset by higher selling and administrative expenses.

The decrease in interest expense of $1.8 million was a result of lower average borrowings outstanding.

The consolidated tax rate was 29.3% of pre-tax earnings for the first nine months of 2003 compared to 28.4% last year. The increase in the rate reflects a higher percentage of earnings being generated by domestic operations with higher tax rates.

Net earnings of $41.8 million for the first nine months of 2003 were 16.6% higher than net earnings of $35.8 million for the first nine months of 2002. Diluted earnings per share were $2.25 for the first nine months of 2003 compared to $2.01 in the first nine months of 2002, an increase of 11.9%. The percentage change in earnings per share is less than the percentage change in net earnings as a result of an increase in the number of outstanding shares and a greater dilutive effect of outstanding stock options in 2003.

Famous Footwear

Sales at Famous Footwear for the first nine months of 2003 decreased 0.2%, or $1.3 million, from the first nine months of last year to $831.6 million. This decrease reflects a 2.5% decrease in same-store sales, or $19.2 million, offset by a net $17.9 million of sales from new stores, net of closures.

Gross profit as a percent of sales increased 2.2% from 42.2% in the first nine months of last year to 44.4% this year. The improvement, as a percent of sales, principally reflects a 1.8% increase from higher initial markups, a 0.2% decrease in shrinkage, and a 0.2% decrease in the markdown provision.

Selling and administrative expenses for the first nine months of 2003 were $322.8 million, an increase of $10.9 million or 3.5% from the prior year. As a percent of sales, such costs were 38.8% in 2003 compared to 37.4% last year, an increase of 1.4%, principally from a 0.8% increase in retail facilities costs, a 0.2% increase in marketing costs and a 0.5% increase in merchandising and administrative expenses.

14


The effect of higher margins was greater than the increase in selling and administrative expenses, resulting in an increase in operating earnings for the first nine months of 2003 of 16.6% to $46.9 million. As a percent of sales, operating earnings were 5.6% in 2003 compared to 4.8% in 2002.

During the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal 2003, Famous2004, we opened 519 new stores and closed 61, ending the first nine months with 908 stores, compared with 9228, resulting in 379 stores at the end of the first nine months last year.

Wholesale Operations

The Company's Wholesale operations' net sales forquarter of 2004 as compared to 387 at the end of the first nine monthsquarter of 2003 increased 3.7%the prior year. Sales per square foot improved to $419.0 million$75 from the same period last year. This increase included a 25.7% increase in LifeStride and a 31.0% increase$70 in the men'syear ago period. We are focused on strengthening our Naturalizer Retail platform and athletichave combined our U.S. and Canadian organizations under centralized management. We expect to realize synergies as we integrate these organizations. We anticipate improvements as we transition from domestically-produced footwear group, partially offset by declinesto higher-grade imported product in the women's private label and children's divisions. The Naturalizer brand was even with last year's sales.Canadian market sourced through the Company's worldwide sourcing network.

Gross Profit
Gross profit increased $1.0 million, or 4.7%, to 32.9% as a percent of sales for$22.4 million in the first nine monthsquarter of 20032004 as compared to $21.4 million in the first quarter of the prior year. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit declined from 32.0% last year, primarily due50.0% to higher margins on49.4%. This decline is driven by the Company's brandedtransition in the Canadian chain from domestically produced footwear to imported product.

Selling and licensed product sales.

Administrative Expenses
Selling and administrative expenses increased $4.2 million. As a percent of sales, such expenses were 23.1% this year compared$1.8 million, or 7.9%, to 23.0% last year, an increase of 0.1%. This increase is principally due to a 0.9% increase in costs in the selling, product development and merchandising areas as new positions were added, partially offset by lower administrative and sourcing costs of 0.6%.

Operating earnings$24.6 million for the first nine monthsquarter of 2003 of $41.0 million were 11.0% higher than the same period last year2004 as the effect of higher sales and gross profit rates were partially offset by higher expenses.

Naturalizer Retail

In the Company's Naturalizer Retail operations, net sales decreased 4.7%compared to $142.3$22.8 million in the first nine monthsquarter of 2003 compared to $149.4the prior year. Approximately $0.8 million inof the same period last year. The decrease of $7.1 million wasincrease is due to a $11.3 million decline from fewer stores open than last year, a net $1.1 million decrease in same-store sales (1.3% gain in the United States stores and a 4.9% decrease in the Canadian stores), partially offset by a $5.3 million increase from the effect of changes in the Canadian exchange rate.

Gross profit The remaining $1.0 million relates to a combination of increased retail facilities expenses and increased store selling salaries. Retail facilities expenses have increased as a percentresult of salesnormal rent escalations. Store selling salaries have increased due to a recently implemented compensation structure in the domestic stores that ties store manager compensation more directly to the level of 47.7%individual store sales.



13


Operating Earnings
Naturalizer Retail's operating loss increased to $2.2 million in the first nine monthsquarter of 20032004 as compared to a loss of $1.4 million in the first quarter of the prior year. The current period loss was 1.5% below last year's level of 49.2%. The decrease was principally due primarily to higher markdowns, which were necessary to clear seasonal merchandise, particularlythe same-store sales decline in the Canadian stores.stores and slightly lower margins during the quarter.

WHOLESALE OPERATIONS

15

 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
May 1, 2004
May 3, 2003
($ millions)



% of
Net Sales



% of 
Net Sales
Operating Results          
Net sales 
$
171.5
 
100.0%
 
$
141.0
 
100.0%
Cost of goods sold


117.2

68.3%


94.2

66.8%
Gross profit  
54.3
 
31.7%
  
46.8
 
33.2%
Selling & administrative expenses


41.5

24.2%


33.8

24.0%
Operating earnings

$
12.8

7.5%

$
13.0

9.2%
           
Key Metrics          
Unfilled order position at end of period

$
184.8



$
161.5



Net Sales
Net sales increased $30.5 million, or 21.7%, to $171.5 million in the first quarter of 2004 as compared to $141.0 million in the first quarter of the prior year. This increase was due to approximately $15.3 million of sales for the Bass footwear line. We also achieved sales gains within our private label, Dr. Scholl's and LifeStride lines, due in part to our success in capitalizing on a new fashion cycle in women's footwear that is colorful and dressy. In addition, some sandal shipments to certain key customers shifted to the first quarter. Wholesale sales of our flagship Naturalizer brand were slightly lower than last year. Our LifeStride brand of women's footwear had a wholesale sales gain of 14%. The Company's Dr. Scholl's licensed footwear business, and the private label footwear it sells to mass merchants, also posted increases over last year, while the Children's business was down 9%.

Gross Profit
Gross profit increased $7.5 million, or 16.0%, to $54.3 million in the first quarter of 2004 as compared to $46.8 million in the first quarter of the prior year. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit declined from 33.2% to 31.7%. This decline is due, in part, to the disposal of Bass closeout footwear acquired under an asset purchase agreement.

Selling and Administrative Expenses
Selling and administrative expenses increased $7.7 million, or 22.8%, to $41.5 million for the first quarter of 2004 as compared to $33.8 million in the first quarter of the prior year. Selling and administrative costs include $3.3 million in expenses to transition the Bass line to our headquarters and distribution centers. In addition, the acquisition of the Bass footwear license resulted in an additional $2.5 million of typical selling and administrative costs during the quarter, including selling costs, warehousing and distribution, marketing, sourcing, etc. The remaining increases are individually immaterial.

Operating Earnings
Operating earnings decreased $0.2 million, or 1.6%, to $12.8 million for the first quarter of 2004 as compared to $13.0 million in the first quarter of the prior year. This decrease is due to the $3.3 million in expenses related to transition and assimilation of the Bass business that were recognized during the first quarter of 2004.



14



OTHER SEGMENT

The Other segment includes our majority-owned subsidiary, Shoes.com, Inc., a footwear e-commerce company, and unallocated corporate administrative and other costs.

Net Sales
Net sales of Shoes.com increased $1.3 million, or 87.5%, to $2.8 million in the first quarter of 2004 as compared to $1.5 million in the first quarter of the prior year. This increase reflects strong sales growth due to increased Web site traffic and improved conversion rates.

Operating Earnings
The Shoes.com business generated an operating loss of $0.3 million in the first quarter of 2004 as compared to an operating loss of $0.2 million in the first quarter of the prior year. The decline is due to higher selling and administrative expenses as the division continues to invest for further growth.

Other Corporate Expenses
Unallocated corporate administrative and other costs were $7.8 million in the first quarter of 2004 as compared to $6.7 million in the first quarter of the prior year. During the first quarter of 2004, we recorded an additional $0.6 million in expense related to pretrial interest for our Redfield litigation. For further information on the Redfield litigation, see Part II - Item 1 - Legal Proceedings. In addition, corporate expenses increased due to higher employee compensation, incentive plans and consulting costs related to Project ExCEL - our supply chain management improvement initiative.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Borrowings


($ millions)
May 1, 2004

May 3, 2003

Increase/
(Decrease)

Notes payable
$
43.0
 
$
24.5
 
$
18.5
 
Long-term debt, including current maturities

100.0


123.5


(23.5
)
Total short- and long-term debt
$
143.0

$
148.0

$
(5.0
)

Total debt obligations have declined by $5.0 million, or 3.3%, to $143.0 million at May 1, 2004 as compared to $148.0 million at May 3, 2003. Although average daily borrowings are relatively consistent with the first quarter of the prior year, our average interest rates have declined compared to the prior year, resulting in a reduction of interest expense. Interest expense decreased $0.5 million, or 14.7%, to $2.4 million in the first quarter of 2004 as compared to $2.9 million in the first nine months due to fewer stores. As a percent of sales, such expenses were 49.5% in the first nine months of 2003, up 0.5% from last year's 49.0%. The increase principally reflects a 0.9% increase in retail facilities costs and 0.2% in higher warehousing costs, partially offset by a 0.6% decrease in merchandising and administrative costs.

As a resultquarter of the lower salesprior year.

Working Capital and margins, an operating loss of $2.5 million was incurred in the first nine months of 2003 compared to operating earnings of $0.2 million for the same period in 2002.

During the first nine months of 2003, 2 stores were opened and 9 were closed in the United States, resulting in 210 stores open as of November 1, 2003, compared to 232 at the same time last year. In Canada, 2 stores were opened and 1 was closed, resulting in 173 stores open this year compared to 172 at the same time last year.

Other Segment

For the first nine months of 2003, the Other segment's net sales increased to $5.4 million from $3.2 million for the comparable period last year, reflecting higher e-commerce sales at Shoes.com Inc. Shoes.com's operating loss of $0.5 million declined in 2003 from the $0.9 million loss incurred in the first nine months of 2002. Unallocated Corporate administrative and other expenses increased $1.3 million, or 6.9%, in the first nine months of 2003, principally due to higher salaries, benefits, and incentive plan costs of $3.5 million, partially offset by lower remediation costs of $1.1 million and consulting costs of $1.6 million.

Liquidity and Capital ResourcesCash Flow


($ millions)
May 1, 2004

May 3, 2003

Increase/
(Decrease)

          
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities
$
(4.6
)
$
19.7
 
$
(24.3
)
Net cash (used by) investing activities 
(6.9
) 
(6.7
) 
(0.2
)
Net cash provided (used in) financing activities

22.3


(5.1
)

27.4

Increase in cash and cash equivalents
$
10.8

$
7.9

$
2.9

15


A summary of key financial data and ratios at the dates indicated is as follows:
 
November 1,
2003
 
November 2,
2002
 
February 1, 
2003
Working Capital (millions)$283.3 $238.1 $243.8
Current Ratio2.2:11.9:11.9:1
Total Debt as a Percentage

  of Total Capitalization

25.8%35.8%34.0%

Cash provided from operating activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2003



May 1, 2004

May 3, 2003

January 31, 2004
Working capital ($ millions)
$301.1
 
$254.1
 
$293.8
Current ratio
2.3:1
2.0:1
2.2:1
Total debt as a percentage of total capitalization
28.2%

32.5%

25.2%

Working capital at May 1, 2004 was $75.6$301.1 million, compared to $87.2 million for the same period last year.

At November 1, 2003, receivables were $64.5 million, a decrease of $0.9 million from the level at November 2, 2002, reflecting substantially flat Wholesale sales in the third quarter of 2003.



16


Inventories, substantially all of which were finished goods in all periods, of $376.6 million at November 1, 2003 were $4.8 million or 1.3% lower than at the same time in 2002 but $68.5 million or 15.4% lower than the level as of November 3, 2001. The significant decrease achieved in fiscal 2002 was part of the Company's initiative to reduce inventories and improve "freshness and velocity." This program is continuing and is a significant factor in the improved gross profit rates being achieved, particularly at Famous Footwear.

Additions to property and equipment of $21.7 million for the first nine months of 2003 were $6.6$7.3 million higher than additionsat January 31, 2004 and $47.0 million higher than at May 3, 2003. Our current ratio, the relationship of $15.1current assets to current liabilities, increased to 2.3 to 1 at May 1, 2004 from 2.2 to 1 at January 31, 2004 and 2.0 to 1 at May 3, 2003. The improvement in both our working capital and current ratio is attributed to continued growth in cash and cash equivalents as a result of our strong financial results over the past twelve months as well as effective management of our outstanding debt obligations and other current liabilities.

At May 1, 2004, the Company had $66.4 million of cash and cash equivalents. Of this total, approximately $64.6 million represents cash and cash equivalents of our Canadian and other foreign subsidiaries. Our intention is to maintain this cash within our foreign operations indefinitely or to repatriate it only when it is tax-effective to do so.

Cash used by operating activities was $4.6 million in the first nine monthsquarter of 2002.2004 as compared to cash provided by operating activities of $19.7 million last year, a difference of $24.3 million. This increasedifference primarily relatesreflects the investment of approximately $14 million in Bass inventory and the buildup of approximately $13 million of accounts receivable from sales of Bass product. Traditionally, inventories and accounts payable both decline in our first quarter compared to the major store remodel initiative startedprior year end levels. Excluding the effect of the Bass inventory acquisition, our inventories declined by approximately the same amount as last year. At Famous Footwear, in the fourth quarter of 2002 and ending in the second quarter of 2003. Approximately 70% of the 2003 capital expenditures relate to the Famous Footwear division, primarily for new stores and remodels of existing stores. The remaining expendituresour inventories were primarily for new and remodeled stores at the Company's domestic and Canadian Naturalizer stores. Depreciation and amortization expense was $19.7 million in the nine months of 2003 compared to $17.8 million for the same period last year.

The Company's total outstanding debt at November 1, 2003 was $119.5 million, which is $41.0 million6% lower per square foot than at the same time last year. At November 1, 2003, $16.0

Cash used by investing activities was $6.9 million was borrowed and $17.0 million of letters of credit were outstanding under the Company's revolving bank Credit Agreement, which leaves additional borrowing availability of approximately $145 million. Total debt as a percentage of total capitalization is calculated by dividing total debt by the sum of total debt plus shareholders' equity. The decrease in the ratio at November 1, 2003 to 25.8%first quarter of 2004 as compared to 34.0% at$6.7 million in the end of fiscal 2002 and 35.8% at November 2, 2002 was due to the decrease in outstanding debt and increases in shareholders' equity.

In the fourthfirst quarter of fiscal 2003, the Company plansprior year. Investing activities primarily include capital expenditures. Our capital expenditures are relatively consistent with the prior year and are in line with our planned levels. The majority of our capital expenditures in the first quarter were used to prepay its Industrial Revenue Bonds capital lease obligationsretrofit stores in our retail divisions.

Cash provided by financing activities was $22.3 million in the first quarter of $3.52004 as compared to cash used by financing activities of $5.1 million, a difference of $27.4 million. Accordingly, this capital lease obligation was classified as a current liability asThis difference represents an increase in our short-term notes payable of $23.5 million since the beginning of the endfirst quarter of 2004 as compared to a reduction in our short-term notes payable of $4.5 million in the first quarter of the third quarter of 2003.prior year. The increase in short-term notes payable was used to fund operations, including the Bass inventory and accounts receivable as well as the related transition and assimilation costs.

In May 2000, the Companywe announced a stock repurchase program under whichauthorizing the Company was authorized to repurchase of up to 2 million shares of the Company'sour outstanding common stock. In the first nine months of fiscal 2003, no shares were purchased under this authorization. Since the inception of this program, the Company has repurchasedwe have purchased a total of 928,900 shares for approximately $11.3 million. No shares were purchased under the plan in either the first quarter of 2004 or the first quarter of the prior year.

The Company paid dividends of $0.10 per share in the first quarter of 2004 and the first quarter of the prior year.
 
 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

No material changes have occurred related to critical accounting policies and estimates since the end of the most recent fiscal year. For further information, see Item 7 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2004.

1716



Forward-Looking Statements
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These include (i) general economic conditions and the consumer's preferences and purchasing patterns, which may be influenced by consumers' disposable income; (ii) the uncertainties of currently pending litigation; (iii) intense competition within the footwear industry; and (iv) and political and economic conditions or other threats to continued and uninterrupted flow of inventory from Brazil and China, where the Company relies heavily on third-party manufacturing facilities for a significant amount of its inventory. In Item 1 of the Company's fiscal 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2004, detailed risk factors that could cause variations in results to occur are listed and further described. Such description is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 3
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

ITEM 3 - QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISKS

No material changes have taken place in the quantitative and qualitative information about market risk since the end of the most recent fiscal year. For further information, see Item 7A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 1, 2003.January 31, 2004.
 
ITEM 4
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

ITEM 4 - CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

It is the Chief Executive Officer's and Chief Financial Officer's ultimate responsibility to ensure the Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that material information, both financial and non-financial, and other information required under the securities laws to be disclosed is identified and communicated to senior management on a timely basis. The Company's disclosure controls and procedures include mandatory communication of material events, automated accounting processing and reporting, management review of monthly, quarterly and annual results, an established system of internal controls and internal control reviews by the Company's internal auditors.

As of NovemberMay 1, 2003,2004, management of the Company, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures with respect to the information generated for use in this Quarterly Report. Based upon and as of the date of that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded the Company's disclosure controls were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission's rules and forms. There have been no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended NovemberMay 1, 2003,2004, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.



18



It should be noted that while the Company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, believes the Company's disclosure controls and procedures provide a reasonable level of assurance, they do not expect that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures or internal control over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived or operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to errors or fraud may occur and not be detected.
 
 

19

17

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1 - Legal Proceedings

The Company has been
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are involved in legal proceedings and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the outcome of such ordinary course of business proceedings and litigation currently pending will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial position.

We are involved in environmental remediation and ongoing compliance activities at several sites. We are remediating, under the oversight of Colorado authorities, contamination at and beneath our owned facility in Colorado (also known as the "Redfield" site) and groundwater and indoor air at its owned property in Denver, Colorado and residential neighborhoods adjacent to and near the property, which have been affected by solvents previously used at the site and near the property. surrounding facilities.

In March 2000, a class-actionclass action lawsuit related to this Colorado site was filed in Colorado State Court (District Court for the City and County of Denver) related to the Redfield site described above against the Company, andone of our subsidiaries, a prior operator at the site.site and two individuals (the Antolovich class action). Plaintiffs, certain current and former residents living in an area adjacent to the Redfield site, alleged claims for trespass, nuisance, strict liability, unjust enrichment, negligence and exemplary damages arising from the alleged release of solvents that had contaminatedare contaminating the groundwater and indoor air in thecertain areas adjacent to the site. In December 2003, a jury returned a verdict finding us negligent and nearawarding the siteclass plaintiffs $1.0 million in damages. We have recorded this award along with the estimated cost of associated pretrial interest and were seeking damages in excessthe estimated costs of $380sanctions imposed on us by the court resulting from pretrial discovery disputes between the parties. We have recorded total pretax charges of $3.7 million for diminutionthese matters. In April 2004, the plaintiffs filed a motion for a new trial; the court has not yet ruled on that motion. Several other post-trial motions are still pending before the trial court, and the ultimate outcome and cost to us may vary.

We have also filed suit in property values, remediation damages, lossFederal District Court in Denver against a number of useformer owner/operators of the Redfield site as well as surrounding businesses seeking recovery of amounts spent responding to the contamination at and enjoyment, annoyancearound the Redfield site. We have reached settlement agreements with several of these defendants in this action and discomfort, and punitive damages.

On December 8, 2003,currently anticipate the case will be tried against the remaining defendants in late 2004. We have also filed a contribution action in Colorado State Court jury foundagainst the Colorado Department of Transportation, which owns and operates a facility adjacent to the Redfield site. That case is not yet set for trial.

We have also filed suit against our insurance carriers seeking recovery of the costs incurred for investigation and remediation of the Redfield site, the damages awarded in the Antolovich class action and other relief. In prior years, we recorded an anticipated recovery of $4.5 million for remediation costs. We believe insurance coverage in place entitles us to reimbursement for more than the recorded recovery. While the insurance companies are contesting their indemnity obligations, we believe the recorded recovery is supported by the fact that the limits of the insurance policies at issue exceed the amount of the recorded recovery, and certain insurance companies have made offers to settle the claim. We are unable to estimate the ultimate recovery from our insurers, but are pursuing resolution of our claims.

We have completed our remediation efforts at our closed New York tannery and two associated landfills. In 1995, state environmental authorities reclassified the status of these sites as being properly closed and requiring only continued maintenance and monitoring over the next 20 years. In addition, various federal and state authorities have identified the Company partiallyas a potentially responsible party for allegedremediation at certain other landfills.

While we currently do not operate manufacturing facilities, prior operations included numerous manufacturing and other facilities for which we may have responsibility under various environmental impacts onlaws to address conditions that may be identified in the neighborhood and entered a verdict against the Company of $1.0 million for loss of use and enjoyment and annoyance and discomfort.future.

In connection with this lawsuit, the court held hearings on motions filed by plaintiffs and the co-defendant seeking various sanctions against the Company alleging certain improper discovery practices. Rulings on such hearings are pending. The Company is not able to assess or estimate a loss, or range of loss, if any, or the ultimate outcome of such hearings, but it does not believe these proceedings will have a material adverse affect on the Company's financial position.

There have been no material developments during the quarter ended NovemberMay 1, 20032004 in any other legal proceedings described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 1, 2003.

January 31, 2004.
20

18


Item 6 - Exhibits
ITEM 2
CHANGES IN SECURITIES, USE OF PROCEEDS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

The following table provides information relating to the company's repurchase of common stock for the first quarter of 2004.
 
Fiscal Period

Total Number
of Shares
Purchased

Average
Price Paid
per Share

Total Number
of Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Program

Maximum Number
of Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Program
(1) (2)
 
          
 February 1, 2004 - February 28, 2004 
-
 
-
 
-
  
1,071,100
 
            
February 29, 2004 - April 3, 2004 
103
(2) 
38.85
(2)
-
(2) 
1,071,100
 
            
April 4, 2004 - May 1, 2004 
-
  
-
 
-
  
1,071,100
 












Total

103

$
38.85

-


1,071,100

  1. In May 2000, the Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of up to 2 million shares of our outstanding common stock. The Company can utilize the repurchase program to repurchase shares on the open market or in private transactions from time to time, depending on market conditions. The repurchase program does not have an expiration date. Under this plan, 928,900 shares have been repurchased and Reports on Form 8-Kremaining availability is 1,071,100 shares as of the end of the quarter.
  2. This share purchase represents shares that were tendered by an employee upon the exercise of incentive stock options. The shares were tendered in satisfaction of the exercise price of such options. Accordingly, this share purchase is not considered a part of our publicly announced stock repurchase program.
ITEM 3
DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None

 
(a)ITEM 4
(3)SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

At the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on May 27, 2004, one proposal described in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders dated April 13, 2004, was voted upon.

  1. The shareholders elected four directors, Julie C. Esrey, W. Patrick McGinnis and Hal J. Upbin for terms of three years each and Richard A. Liddy for a term of two years. The voting for each director was as follows:
Directors

For

Withheld
Julie C. Esrey 
15,020,750
 
840,532
Richard A. Liddy 
15,615,668
 
245,614
W. Patrick McGinnis 
15,021,756
 
839,526
Hal J. Upbin

15,619,480

241,802

ITEM 5
(i)OTHER INFORMATION

None



19



ITEM 6
EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a)(3)(i)Certificate of Incorporation of the Company incorporated herein by reference tofrom Exhibit 3 (a) to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 4, 2002.
  (ii)Bylaws of the Company as amended through December 4, 2003, filed herewith.February 5, 2004, incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3 (b) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2004.
 (31.1)(10.1) Severance Agreement, dated May 24, 2004 between the Company and Diane M. Sullivan, filed herewith.
(10.2)Severance Agreement, dated March 8, 2001 between the Company and Michael Oberlander, filed herewith.
(10.3)Severance Agreement, dated October 5, 2000 between the Company and Richard C. Schumacher, filed herewith.
(10.4)Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, dated May 27, 2004 between the Company and each of Joseph L. Bower, Julie C. Esrey, Richard A. Liddy, Patricia G. McGinnis, W. Patrick McGinnis, and Jerry E. Ritter, filed herewith.
(10.5)Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, dated May 27, 2004 between the Company and each of Joseph L. Bower, Julie C. Esrey, Richard A. Liddy, Patricia G. McGinnis, W. Patrick McGinnis, Jerry E. Ritter, and Hal J. Upbin, filed herewith.
(31.1)Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 (31.2) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 (32.1) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(b)Reports on Form 8-K:
  
(b)Reports on Form 8-K:
The Company filed a current report on Form 8-K dated August 19, 2003February 4, 2004, furnishing information under Item 9,12, which announced January and fourth quarter retail sales, confirmed fiscal 2003 earnings guidance and provided earnings expectations for the Company's second quarter results for fiscal 2003.full years 2004 and 2005.
 
The Company filed a current report on Form 8-K dated September 23, 2003February 10, 2004, furnishing information under Item 9, which announced that members of its executive management team would be speaking with financial analysts during the "Sidoti West Coast Emerging Growth Institutional Investor Forum" on September 23, 2003 and the Wells Fargo Securities Consumer Conference on September 25, 2003. semi-annual WSA trade show during February 10-13, 2004.
 
The Company filed a current report on Form 8-K dated November 6, 2003February 25, 2004, furnishing information under Item 9,12, which announced October retail salesthe Company's fourth quarter and confirmedfiscal 2003 results as well as earnings guidanceexpectations for thirdfirst quarter and full year.year 2004.
 
The Company filed a current report on Form 8-K dated November 19, 2003May 6, 2004, furnishing information under Item 9,12, which announced retail sales for the Company's thirdfirst quarter resultsended May 1, 2004 and updated 2004 guidance for fiscal 2003the first quarter and certain forward-looking guidance.full year 2004.
 
The Company filed a current report on Form 8-K dated December 8, 2003May 7, 2004, furnishing information under Item 9, which announced that members of its executive management team would be speaking with financial analysts during the "FFANY" footwear showon May 7, 2004, in New York City on December 8 - 10, 2003.City.
 

21



The Company filed a current report on Form 8-K dated December 9, 2003May 19, 2004, furnishing information under Item 9,12, which announced its plans to close its Perth, Ontario manufacturing facility by early Marchthe Company's first quarter results for fiscal 2004 and updated earnings guidance for the second quarter and full year 2004.
 
The Company filed a current report on Form 8-K dated December 9, 2003June 3, 2004, furnishing information under Item 9, which announced the Company's May retail sales.
The Company filed a jury verdictcurrent report on Form 8-K dated June 7, 2004, furnishing information under Item 9, which announced that members of its executive management team would be speaking with financial analysts on June 10, 2004 at the Goldman Sachs Fourth Small-Cap Retail Conference in the class-action lawsuit related to environmental impacts in a neighborhood near a former Company plant.New York City.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
  
BROWN SHOE COMPANY, INC.
   
Date: December 15, 2003June 8, 2004 
/s/ Andrew M. Rosen
  
Senior Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
On Behalf of the Corporation and as the 
Principal Financial Officer

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