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 July 29,October 28, 2006
  
[  ]
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)
 

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant: (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  R    No £

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):     Large accelerated filer R    Accelerated filer £    Non-accelerated filer £

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes £    No R

As of August 26,November 25, 2006, 28,612,74728,734,585 common shares were outstanding.

1



PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION


ITEM 1
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

BROWN SHOE COMPANY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   
($ thousands)
July 29, 2006 July 30, 2005 January 28, 2006 October 28, 2006 October 29, 2005 January 28, 2006 
Assets
                  
Current Assets                  
Cash and cash equivalents$31,001 $37,037 $34,288 $47,512 $48,107 $34,288 
Receivables 137,804  124,650  158,103  127,010  120,765  158,103 
Inventories 480,409  493,745  414,295  433,927  429,147  414,295 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 26,973  22,260  18,985  17,863  24,704  18,985 
Total current assets 676,187  677,692  625,671  626,312  622,723  625,671 
                  
Other assets 85,369  87,923  86,330  86,050  87,431  86,330 
Goodwill and intangible assets, net 218,932  188,998  198,737  216,748  186,817  198,737 
                  
Property and equipment 364,197  351,154  354,683  373,262  355,978  354,683 
Allowance for depreciation and amortization (242,166) (235,237) (238,128) (246,847) (239,911)  (238,128)
Net property and equipment 122,031  115,917  116,555  126,415  116,067  116,555 
Total assets$1,102,519 $1,070,530 $1,027,293 $1,055,525 $1,013,038 $1,027,293 
                  
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
        
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
        
Current Liabilities                  
Borrowings under revolving credit agreement$50,000 $79,000 $50,000 $20,500 $67,500 $50,000 
Trade accounts payable 227,316  195,974  173,083  153,307  125,542  173,083 
Accrued expenses 120,372  119,776  131,409  139,263  126,236  131,409 
Income taxes 2,366  7,038  3,828  5,222  4,088  3,828 
Total current liabilities 400,054  401,788  358,320  318,292  323,366  358,320 
                  
Other Liabilities                  
Long-term debt 150,000  200,000  150,000  150,000  200,000  150,000 
Deferred rent 36,150  35,412  36,219 
Other liabilities 83,607  70,021  84,763  51,290  35,579  48,544 
Total other liabilities 233,607  270,021  234,763  237,440  270,991  234,763 
                  
Shareholders' Equity                  
Common stock 107,225  69,006  103,916  107,378  69,112  103,916 
Additional paid-in capital 39,157  61,841  29,923  44,818  62,251  29,923 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 4,258  (233) 2,822 
Accumulated other comprehensive income 4,762  1,288  2,822 
Retained earnings 318,218  268,107  297,549  342,835  286,030  297,549 
Total shareholders’ equity 468,858  398,721  434,210  499,793  418,681  434,210 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$1,102,519 $1,070,530 $1,027,293 $1,055,525 $1,013,038 $1,027,293 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

2



BROWN SHOE COMPANY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS


(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) 
Thirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-six Weeks Ended Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks Ended 
($ thousands, except per share amounts)
July 29, 2006 July 30, 2005 July 29, 2006 July 30, 2005 
October 28,
2006
 
October 29,
2005
 
October 28,
2006
 
October 29,
2005
 
Net sales$579,319 $551,480 $1,154,857 $1,074,763 $676,812 $617,676 $1,831,669 $1,692,439 
Cost of goods sold 355,299  335,834  707,840  648,511  406,828  378,223  1,114,668  1,026,734 
Gross profit 224,020  215,646  447,017  426,252  269,984  239,453  717,001  665,705 
Selling and administrative expenses 197,754  204,872  402,157  392,410  227,968  208,058  630,125  600,468 
Operating earnings 26,266  10,774  44,860  33,842  42,016  31,395  86,876  65,237 
Interest expense (4,436) (5,157) (8,924) (8,556) (4,367) (5,289) (13,291) (13,845)
Interest income 495  184  779  633  707  266  1,486  899 
Earnings before income taxes 22,325  5,801  36,715  25,919  38,356  26,372  75,071  52,291 
Income tax provision (7,134) (1,718) (11,493) (18,057) (11,449) (6,600) (22,942) (24,657)
Net earnings15,191 $4,083 $25,222 $7,862 $26,907 $19,772 $52,129 $27,634 
                
Basic earnings per common share$0.54 $0.15 $0.90 $0.29 $0.95 $0.72 $1.86 $1.02 
                
Diluted earnings per common share$0.52 $0.14 $0.87 $0.28 $0.93 $0.70 $1.80 $0.97 
                
Dividends per common share$0.08 $0.067 $0.16 $0.133 $0.08 $0.067 $0.24 $0.20 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


3



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

(Unaudited) (Unaudited) 
Twenty-six Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks Ended 
($ thousands)
July 29, 2006 July 30, 2005 October 28, 2006 October 29, 2005 
        
Operating Activities:
            
Net earnings$25,222 $7,862 $52,129 $27,634 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:            
Depreciation and amortization 20,416  18,343  30,954  29,329 
Share-based compensation expense 4,944  1,155  7,270  1,499 
Loss on disposal of facilities and equipment 650  632  985  755 
Impairment charges for facilities and equipment 698  565  1,068  1,496 
Provision for doubtful accounts 634  105  709  28 
Foreign currency transaction losses 67  56  142  10 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:            
Receivables 20,027  (6,571) 30,746  (2,609)
Inventories (66,114) (42,878) (19,632) 21,720 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (8,856) (4,726) 719  (3,117)
Trade accounts payable and accrued expenses 43,196  64,831  (11,922) 959 
Income taxes (1,462) (399) 1,394  (3,349)
Deferred rent (2,100) (136) (69) 1,357 
Deferred income taxes 401  6,582  732  2,363 
Collection of insurance receivable -  3,093  -  3,004 
Other, net (1,075) 552  (47) 835 
Net cash provided by operating activities 36,648  49,066  95,178  81,914 
            
Investing Activities:
            
Acquisition cost, net of cash received (22,700) (206,633) (22,700) (206,026)
Capital expenditures (23,696) (16,449) (37,507) (26,514)
Other -  531  -  531 
Net cash used for investing activities (46,396) (222,551) (60,207) (232,009)
            
Financing Activities:
            
Decrease in borrowings under revolving credit agreement -  (13,000) (29,500) (24,500)
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes -  150,000  -  150,000 
Debt issuance costs -  (4,733) -  (4,733)
Proceeds from stock options exercised 7,236  1,900  7,874  2,061 
Tax benefit related to share-based plans 3,717  455  6,568  864 
Dividends paid (4,553) (3,666) (6,842) (5,507)
Net cash provided by financing activities 6,400  130,956 
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities (21,900) 118,185 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 61  118  153  569 
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents (3,287) (42,411)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 13,224  (31,341)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 34,288  79,448  34,288  79,448 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$31,001 $37,037 $47,512 $48,107 
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 are necessary (which include only normal recurring accruals) to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of Brown Shoe Company, Inc. (the “Company”). These statements, however, do not include all information and footnotes necessary for a complete presentation of the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

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.

Certain prior period amounts on the condensed consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications did not affect net earnings.

Stock Split
On March 2, 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a three-for-two split of its common stock, to be effected in the form of a dividend of one share of stock for every two shares outstanding. The dividend was paid on April 3, 2006 to shareholders of record on March 17, 2006. All share and per share data provided herein gives effect to this stock split, applied retroactively.

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 January 28, 2006.


Note 2.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes
In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), “AccountingAccounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109,” which seeks to reduce the diversity in practice associated with the accounting and reporting for uncertainty in income tax positions. This Interpretation prescribes a comprehensive model for the financial statement recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and the Company will adopt the new requirements in its fiscal first quarter of 2007. The cumulative effects, if any, of adopting FIN 48 will be recorded as an adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company has not yet determinedcontinues to evaluate the impact if any, of adopting FIN 48, but does not expect the impact on its consolidated financial statements.statements to be material.

FASB Statement No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 158 (“FAS 158”), “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R)”. FAS 158 requires a company to recognize on its balance sheet an asset for a defined benefit postretirement plan’s overfunded status or a liability for a plan’s underfunded status. FAS 158 also requires that a plan’s assets and obligations be measured as of the end of the employer’s fiscal year for determination of funded status. Changes in funded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan will be recognized in comprehensive income in the year which the changes occur. The majority of the provisions of FAS 158 are effective at the end of fiscal years ending after December 15, 2006. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting FAS 158, but anticipates that the adoption of FAS 158 will result in an immaterial balance sheet adjustment at the end of fiscal 2006.

5


Note 3.
Acquisition of Bennett Footwear Group and Related Financing

On April 22, 2005, the Company completed the acquisition of Bennett Footwear Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries (“Bennett”) for $205 million in cash, including indebtedness of Bennett repaid by the Company at closing of $35.7 million. The operating results of Bennett have been included in the Company’s financial statements since April 22, 2005. The Company believes the acquisition of Bennett complements the Company’s portfolio of wholesale footwear brands, which are primarily sold in the moderately priced range, by adding owned and licensed brands that sell primarily in the better and bridge footwear price zones at department stores, including Via Spiga, Franco Sarto, Etienne Aigner and Nickels Soft.

The sellers were able to receive up to $42.5 million in contingent payments to be earned upon the achievement of certain performance targets over the three years following the acquisition. On March 29, 2006, the Company made a payment to the sellers of $22.7 million related to the first of the three contingent performance periods. The sellers may receive a total of up
5

to an additional $17.5 million in contingent payments related to the second and third performance periods. The total consideration paid by the Company in connection with the acquisition of Bennett was $229.1 million, including the $22.7 million contingent payment discussed above, and associated fees and expenses. The cost to acquire Bennett has been allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed according to estimated fair values. The allocation resulted in acquired goodwill of $107.3$106.8 million and intangible assets related to trademarks, licenses and customer relationships of $98.5 million.

Prior to and in connection with the acquisition, the Company entered into a commitment with a lender to provide $100.0 million of short-term financing (the “Bridge Commitment”) on a senior unsecured basis. The Bridge Commitment was not funded as a result of the issuance of the senior notes, described below, simultaneously with the closing of the Bennett acquisition. The Company expensed all fees and costs associated with the Bridge Commitment, totaling $1.0 million, during the quarter ended April 2005 as a component of interest expense.

To fund a portion of the acquisition and associated expenses, the Company issued $150 million aggregate principal amount of 8.75% senior notes due 2012. To fund the remaining portion of the acquisition and associated expenses, the Company repatriated $60.5 million of earnings from its foreign subsidiaries pursuant to the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 during the quarter ended April 2005.


Note 4.
Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the periods ended July 29,October 28, 2006, and July 30,October 29, 2005:

          
  Thirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-six Weeks Ended 
(in thousands, except per share data)
 July 29, 2006 July 30,  2005 July 29, 2006 July 30, 2005 
            
NUMERATOR             
Net earnings $15,191 $4,083 $25,222 $7,862 
            
DENOMINATOR             
Denominator for basic earnings per common share  28,153  27,219  27,967  27,165 
Dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock and stock options  961  1,182  1,127  1,112 
Denominator for diluted earnings per common share  29,114  28,401  29,094  28,277 
            
Basic earnings per common share $0.54 $0.15 $0.90 $0.29 
            
         0.    
Diluted earnings per common share $0.52 $0.14 $0.87 $0.28 

      
  Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks Ended 
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
October 28,
2006
 
October 29,
2005
 
October 28,
2006
 
October 29,
2005
 
            
NUMERATOR             
Net earnings $26,907 $19,772 $52,129 $27,634 
            
DENOMINATOR             
Denominator for basic earnings per common share  28,229  27,321  28,054  27,217 
Dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock and stock options  825  1,109  976  1,176 
Denominator for diluted earnings per common share  29,054  28,430  29,030  28,393 
            
Basic earnings per common share $0.95 $0.72 $1.86 $1.02 
            
Diluted earnings per common share $0.93 $0.70 $1.80 $0.97 
Options to purchase 10,00039,333 and 549,176559,025 shares of common stock for the thirteen-weekthirteen week periods and 10,00019,778 and 734,663562,191 for the twenty-six-weekthirty-nine week periods ended July 29,October 28, 2006, and July 30,October 29, 2005, respectively, were not included in the denominator for diluted earnings per common share because their effect would be antidilutive.


6

Note 5.
Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income includes changes in shareholders’ equity related to foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains or losses from derivatives used for hedging activities.


6


The following table sets forth the reconciliation from net earnings to comprehensive income for the periods ended July 29,October 28, 2006, and July 30,October 29, 2005:

              
 Thirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-six Weeks Ended  Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks Ended 
($ Thousands)
 
July 29,
2006
 
July 30,
2005
 
July 29,
2006
 
July 30,
2005
 
 
Ocotober 28,
2006
 
October 29,
2006
 
October 28,
2006
 
October 29,
2005
 
Net earnings $15,191 $4,083 $25,222 $7,862  $26,907 $19,772 $52,129 $27,634 
                          
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:                          
Foreign currency translation adjustment  (594) 1,172  702  604   551  1,682  1,253  2,286 
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments  403  (727) 825  (720)  (326) (498) 499  (1,218)
Net (gain) loss from derivatives reclassified into earnings  (157) 296  (91) 866 
Net loss from derivatives reclassified into earnings  279  337  188  1,203 
  (348) 741  1,436  750   504  1,521  1,940  2,271 
Comprehensive income $14,843 $4,824 $26,658 $8,612  $27,411 $21,293 $54,069 $29,905 


Note 6.
Restructuring Charges

Strategic Earnings Enhancement Program
During the second quarter of 2006, the Company initiated a strategic earnings enhancement program designed to increase earnings through cost reductions and efficiency initiatives. The costs to implement these programs, which are expected to be incurred in the second halfremainder of 2006 and in 2007, are estimated to be in the range of $32-$34-$3738 million ($20-21-$23 million on after-tax basis). These estimates are preliminary and differences may arise between these estimates and actual costs to the Company. The Company incurreddid not incur any charges of $2.0 million ($1.2 million on an after-tax basis), or $0.04 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2006, related to this program: $1.1 million for consulting services, allprogram in the third quarter of which has been paid by the end2006.

The following is a summary of the quarter, and $0.9 million for severance. Approximately $0.1 million of severance was settledactivity in the second quarterreserve, by category of 2006, leaving an accrued liability for the remaining $0.8 million.costs:
       
       
($ millions)
Employee Severance Consulting Costs Total 
Original charges and reserve balance$0.9 $1.1 $2.0 
Amounts settled in second quarter 2006 (0.1) (1.1) (1.2)
Amounts settled in third quarter 2006 (0.4) -  (0.4)
Reserve balance October 28, 2006$0.4 $- $0.4 

Of the $2.0 million in costs recorded to date, $1.4 million was recorded in the Other segment, $0.4 million was recorded in the Wholesale Operations segment, and $0.2 million was recorded in the Specialty Retail segment. The entire $2.0 million charge was reflected as a component of selling and administrative expenses. A tax benefit of $0.8 million was associated with this charge.

Naturalizer Restructuring and Store Closings
During 2005, the Company announced a series of initiatives to strengthen its Naturalizer brand, including plans to close underperforming Naturalizer stores, consolidate all buying, merchandise planning and allocation functions, consolidate all retail accounting and information systems support and streamline certain Naturalizer Wholesale operations, including the sales, marketing and product development areas.

The following is a summary of the activity in the reserve, by category of costs:
           
           
($ millions)
Employee
Severance
 
Lease
Buyouts
 
Inventory
Markdowns
 
Fixed Asset
Write-Offs
 Total 
Original charges and reserve balance$2.3 $6.4 $3.3 $2.7 $14.7 
Amounts settled in 2005 (1.5) (6.3) (3.3) (2.7) (13.8)
Amounts settled in 2006 (0.8) (0.1) -  -  (0.9)
Reserve balance April 29, 2006$- $- $- $- $- 

Inventory markdowns and the write-off of assets are non-cash items.


7



Note 7.
Business Segment Information

Applicable business segment information is as follows for the periods ended July 29,October 28, 2006, and July 30,October 29, 2005:
                    
($ thousands)
Famous
Footwear
 
Wholesale
Operations
 
Specialty
Retail
 Other Totals 
Famous
Footwear
 
Wholesale
Operations
 
Specialty
Retail
 Other Totals 
                     
          
Thirteen Weeks Ended July 29, 2006
          
Thirteen Weeks Ended October 28, 2006
Thirteen Weeks Ended October 28, 2006
          
                              
External sales$292,682 $227,162 $59,475 $- $579,319 $366,289 $242,334 $68,189 $- $676,812 
Intersegment sales 667  36,726  -  -  37,393  1,177  47,571  -  -  48,748 
Operating earnings (loss) 11,935  19,053  (1,450) (3,272) 26,266  39,553  19,993  978  (18,508) 42,016 
Operating segment assets 441,102  495,468  74,832  91,117  1,102,519  409,621  464,048  88,045  93,811  1,055,525 
                              
                              
Thirteen Weeks Ended July 30, 2005
          
Thirteen Weeks Ended October 29, 2005
Thirteen Weeks Ended October 29, 2005
          
                              
External sales$286,245 $207,379 $57,856 $- $551,480 $328,059 $226,480 $63,137 $- $617,676 
Intersegment sales 414  32,105  -  -  32,519  582  42,199  -  -  42,781 
Operating earnings (loss) 9,296  16,260  (5,470) (9,312) 10,774  26,178  19,201  (6,993) (6,991) 31,395 
Operating segment assets 441,319  452,402  76,233  100,576  1,070,530  398,975  424,291  80,399  109,373  1,013,038 
                    
                    
                     
Twenty-six Weeks Ended July 29, 2006
          
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended October 28, 2006
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended October 28, 2006
          
                              
External sales$594,998 $443,996 $115,863 $- $1,154,857 $961,288 $686,329 $184,052 $- $1,831,669 
Intersegment sales 1,322  86,167  -  -  87,489  2,498  133,738  -  -  136,236 
Operating earnings (loss) 27,830  33,201  (4,353) (11,818) 44,860  67,383  53,194  (3,376) (30,325) 86,876 
                              
                              
Twenty-six Weeks Ended July 30, 2005
          
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended October 29, 2005
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended October 29, 2005
          
                              
External sales$574,980 $388,668 $111,115 $- $1,074,763 $903,040 $615,147 $174,252 $- $1,692,439 
Intersegment sales 854  79,050  -  -  79,904  1,436  121,250  -  -  122,686 
Operating earnings (loss) 25,810  33,765  (8,979) (16,754) 33,842  51,988  52,967  (15,973) (23,745) 65,237 

The Wholesale Operations segment includes $2.3 million of costs during the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2006, associated with our planned exit of the Bass footwear license. During the thirty-nine week period ending October 29, 2005, the Wholesale Operations segment includes $0.6 million of charges related to our initiative to streamline certain Naturalizer wholesale operations, including the sales, marketing and product development areas.

The Specialty Retail segment includes $5.2 million and $7.5 million of charges during the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ending October 29, 2005, respectively, related to our initiative to close underperforming retail stores.

The Other segment includes unallocated corporate administrative and other costscosts. During the thirteen and inthirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2006, the Other segment includes net expenses of $3.7 million associated with an executive early retirement agreement. During the thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2006, the Other segment includes net recoveries of $7.3 million from insurance companies for remediation costs associated with our Redfield site in Denver, Colorado. See Note 12 for further discussion of these recoveries.

The Other segment, Wholesale Operations segment and the Specialty Retail segment includeColorado as well as $1.4 million $0.4 million and $0.2 million, respectively, of charges in the thirteen weeks ended July 29, 2006expenses related to our strategic earnings enhancement program. See Note 6 for further discussion of these charges.
8



Note 8.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and intangible assets were attributable to the Company's operating segments as follows:
            
($ thousands)
July 29, 2006 July 30, 2005 January 28, 2006 October 28, 2006 October 29, 2005 January 28, 2006 
         
Famous Footwear$3,529 $3,529 $3,529 $3,529 $3,529 $3,529 
Wholesale Operations 207,353  177,676  187,253  205,097  175,270  187,253 
Specialty Retail 7,537  7,070  7,442  7,609  7,295  7,442 
Other 513  723  513  513  723  513 
$218,932 $188,998 $198,737 $216,748 $186,817 $198,737 

The goodwill and intangible assets in the Wholesale Operations segment primarily reflectsreflect the Company’s purchase price allocation for the acquisition of Bennett on April 22, 2005, which resulted in acquired goodwill of $107.3 million and other identifiable intangible assets of $98.5 million. The intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, ranging from 5 to 14 years, except for the Via Spiga trademark, for which an indefinite life has been
8

assigned. The change between JulyOctober 2005 and JulyOctober 2006 is primarily due to the contingent purchase price payment as described in Note 2,3, which was made in March 2006, partially offset byand amortization of intangible assets. The change between periods for the Specialty Retail segment reflects changes in the Canadian dollar exchange rate. The change in the Other segment from July 30,October 29, 2005, to July 29,October 28, 2006, of $0.2 million reflects the adjustment to the Company’s minimum pension liability recorded in the fourth quarter of 2005.


Note 9.
Share-Based Compensation

Prior to fiscal 2006, which began on January 29, 2006, the Company accounted for its stock compensation awards using the intrinsic value method, which followed the recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” and the related Interpretations. Accordingly, the cost of stock appreciation units, stock performance awards and restricted stock grants were reflected in net earnings, but no compensation cost was recognized for stock options, as all option grants had an exercise price equal to the quoted market price of the underlying common stock on the date of grant.

The Company has adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (Revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (SFAS 123R), effective January 29, 2006. SFAS 123R requires companies to recognize compensation expense in an amount equal to the fair value of all share-based payments granted to employees. The Company has elected the modified prospective transition method and therefore adjustments to prior periods are not required as a result of adopting SFAS 123R. Under this method, the provisions of SFAS 123R apply to all awards granted after the date of adoption and to any unrecognized expense of awards unvested at the date of adoption based on the grant date fair value. SFAS 123R also amends SFAS No. 95 “Statement of Cash Flows,” to require that tax benefits that had been reflected as operating cash flows be reflected as financing cash flows. The Company has a policy of issuing treasury shares in satisfaction of share-based awards.

Share-based compensation expense of $2.5$2.3 million and $4.9$7.3 million was recognized in the thirteen-week and twenty-six-thirty-nine- week periods ended July 29,October 28, 2006, respectively, as a component of selling and administrative expense. The following table details the effect of share-based compensation on operating earnings, net incomeearnings and earnings per share for the thirteen-week and twenty-six-weekthirty-nine-week periods ended July 29,October 28, 2006:

9



       
Thirteen
Weeks Ended
 
Twenty-six
Weeks Ended
 
Thirteen
Weeks Ended
 
Thirty-nine
Weeks Ended
 
($ thousands)
July 29, 2006 July 29, 2006 October 28, 2006 October 28, 2006 
Expense for share-based compensation plans            
Stock options$1,152 $2,278 $1,190 $3,468 
Stock performance awards 869  1,734  828  2,562 
Restricted stock grants 470  932  307  1,240 
Total share-based compensation included in
operating earnings
 2,491  4,944  2,325  7,270 
Income taxes 618  1,273  570  1,898 
Effect on net earnings$1,873 $3,671 $1,755 $5,372 
            
Effect on basic earnings per common share$0.07 $0.13 $0.06 $0.19 
Effect on diluted earnings per common share$0.06 $0.13 $0.06 $0.19 

The Company issued 186,94940,638 and 882,483923,121 shares of common stock for the thirteen-week and twenty-six-weekthirty-nine-week periods ended July 29,October 28, 2006 and 142,62242,051 and 239,934281,985 shares of common stock for the thirteen-week and twenty-six-weekthirty-nine-week periods ended July 30,October 29, 2005, respectively, for stock options exercised, stock performance awards and restricted stock grants. For the thirteen-week and twenty-six-weekthirty-nine-week periods ended July 29,October 28, 2006, there were no significant modifications to any share based awards.

Stock Options
Stock options are granted to employees at exercise prices equal to the quoted market price of the Company’s stock at the date of grant. Stock options generally vest over four years and have a term of 10 years. Compensation cost for all stock options is recognized over the requisite service period for each award. No dividends are paid on unexercised options. Expense for stock options granted prior to January 29, 2006 is recognized on a straight-line basis over the four year vesting period. Expense for
9

stock options granted subsequent to January 29, 2006 is recognized on a straight-line basis separately for each vesting portion of the stock option award. The Company recognized expense related to stock options, net of estimated forfeitures, of approximately $1.2 million for the thirteen-week period and $2.3$3.5 million for the twenty-six-weekthirty-nine-week period ended July 29,October 28, 2006.

There were noThe Company granted 58,000 and zero stock options granted during the secondthird quarter of 2006.2006 and 2005, respectively. Fair values of options granted in the secondthird quarter of 20052006 were estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, based on the following assumptions:
       
     July 30, 2005
October 28, 2006 
Dividend yield       1.2%1.01% 
Expected volatility       43.4%41.6% 
Risk-free interest rate       3.9%4.74% 
Expected term (in years)       7 

Dividend yields are based on historical dividend yields. Expected volatilities are based on historical volatilities of the Company’s common stock. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for periods corresponding with the expected term of the options. The expected term of options represents the weighted average period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding giving consideration to vesting schedules and the Company’s historical exercise patterns.

The following table illustrates the effect on net earnings 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 for the thirteen-week and twenty-six-weekthirty-nine-week periods ended July 30,October 29, 2005:

       
  
Thirteen
Weeks Ended
 
Twenty-six
Weeks Ended
 
($ thousands, except per share amounts)
 July 30, 2005 July 30, 2005 
          
Net earnings, as reported $4,083 $7,862 
Add: Total share-based employee compensation expense
   included in reported net earnings, net of related tax effect
  591  728 
Deduct: Total share-based employee compensation expense
   determined under the fair value based method for all awards,
   net of related tax effect
  (1,689) (2,824)
Pro forma net earnings $2,985 $5,766 
Earnings per share:       
   Basic - as reported $0.15 $0.29 
   Basic - pro forma  0.11  0.21 
   Diluted - as reported  0.14  0.28 
   Diluted - pro forma  0.11  0.20 
10

       
  
Thirteen
Weeks Ended
 Thirty-nine Weeks Ended 
($ thousands, except per share amounts)
 October 29, 2005 October 29, 2005 
Net earnings, as reported $19,772 $27,634 
Add: Total share-based employee compensation expense
   included in reported net earnings, net of related tax effect
  218  944 
Deduct: Total share-based employee compensation expense
   determined under the fair value based method for all awards,
   net of related tax effect
  (934) (3,756)
Pro forma net earnings $19,056 $24,822 
Earnings per share:       
   Basic - as reported $0.72 $1.02 
   Basic - pro forma  0.70  0.91 
   Diluted - as reported  0.70  0.97 
   Diluted - pro forma  0.67  0.87 

Summarized information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at July 29,October 28, 2006 is as follows:
                      
  Outstanding Exercisable   Outstanding Exercisable 
Exercise Price Range
Exercise Price Range
 
 
 
Number
of
Options
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Life (Years)
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 
 
 
Number
of
Options
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Exercise Price Range
 
 
Number
of
Options
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Life (Years)
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 
 
Number
of
Options
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 
          
$ 7 - $10$ 7 - $10 218,643 3 $8 218,643 $8 $ 7 - $10 217,893 3 $8 217,893 $8 
$10 - $12$10 - $12 191,934 3  11 191,934 11 $10 - $12 169,389 3  11 169,389  11 
$12 - $15$12 - $15 383,227 5  13 383,227 13 $12 - $15 368,547 5  13 368,547  13 
$15 - $20$15 - $20 360,567 7  17 242,810 17 $15 - $20 351,192 6  17 235,685  17 
$20 - $23$20 - $23 515,076 9  22 110,625 22 $20 - $23 494,450 8  22 108,375  22 
Over $23Over $23 634,985 8  27 224,088 26 Over $23 669,923 8  28 216,027  26 
 2,304,432 7 $19 1,371,327 $15   2,271,394 6 $19 1,315,915 $15 
10


The weighted average remaining contractual term of stock options outstanding and currently exercisable at July 29,October 28, 2006 was 76 years and 65 years, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding and currently exercisable at July 29,October 28, 2006 was $31.3$44.3 million and $23.5$30.9 million, respectively. Intrinsic value for stock options is calculated based on the exercise price of the underlying awards as compared to the quoted price of the Company’s common stock as of the reporting date.

The following table summarizes stock option activity for the twenty-sixthirty-nine week period ended July 29,October 28, 2006 under the current and prior plans:
            
 Number of Options 
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
 Number of Options 
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
Outstanding at January 28, 2006 3,120,788  $16 3,120,788  $16
Granted 148,500   33 206,500   33
Exercised (940,481)  12 (994,393)  12
Forfeited (10,478)  27 (45,543)  26
Canceled or expired (13,897)  15 (15,958)  17
Outstanding at July 29, 2006 2,304,432  $19
Exercisable at July 29, 2006 1,371,327  $15
Outstanding at October 28, 2006 2,271,394  $19
Exercisable at October 28, 2006 1,315,915  $15

11

The intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $7.3$1.8 million and $2.2$1.3 million for the thirteen-week periods and $20.4$22.2 million and $2.7$4.1 million for the twenty-six-weekthirty-nine-week periods ended July 29,October 28, 2006 and July 30,October 29, 2005, respectively. The amount of cash received from the exercise of stock options was $1.8$0.6 million and $1.3$0.2 million for the thirteen-week periods and $7.2$7.9 million and $1.9$2.1 million for the twenty-six-weekthirty-nine-week periods ended July 29,October 28, 2006 and July 30,October 29, 2005, respectively. In addition, 55,0254,449 and 41,53545,126 shares were tendered by employees in satisfaction of the exercise price of stock options during the thirteen-week periods and 124,689129,188 and 44,50789,633 shares during the twenty-six-weekthirty-nine-week periods ended July 29,October 28, 2006 and July 30,October 29, 2005 respectively. The tax benefit associated with stock options exercised during the period was $0.9$2.8 million and $0.2$0.4 million for the thirteen-week periods and $3.4$6.2 million and $0.3$0.7 million for the twenty-six-weekthirty-nine-week periods ended July 29,October 28, 2006 and July 30,October 29, 2005, respectively.

The following table summarizes nonvested stock option activity for the twenty-six-weekthirty-nine week period ended July 29,October 28, 2006 under the current and prior plans:
            
 Number of Options 
Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 Number of Options 
Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Nonvested at January 28, 2006 1,276,979  $10 1,276,979  $10
Granted 148,500   15 206,500   15
Vested (481,896)  9 (482,457)  9
Forfeited (10,478)  13 (45,543)  12
Nonvested at July 29, 2006 933,105  $11
Nonvested at October 28, 2006 955,478  $12

The weighted-average fair value of stock options granted for the twenty-sixthirty-nine week periods ended July 29,October 28, 2006 and July 30,October 29, 2005 was $15.20$15.15 and $10.67, respectively. The total grant date fair value of stock options vested during the twenty-sixthirty-nine week periods ended July 29,October 28, 2006 and July 30,October 29, 2005 was $4.4 million and $3.2 million, respectively. As of July 29,October 28, 2006, the total remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options amounted to $7.6$7.0 million, which will be amortized over the weighted-average remaining requisite service period of 2.42.3 years.

Stock Performance Awards
Under the Company’s incentive compensation plans, common stock may be awarded at the end of the performance period at no cost to certain officers and key employees if certain financial goals are met. Under the plan, employees are granted stock performance awards at a target number of shares, which cliff vest over a three-year service period. At the end of the three-year period, the employee will be given an amount of shares between 0% and 200% of the targeted award, depending on the achievement of specified financial goals for the three-year period.

11

Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R, expense for stock performance awards was recognized based upon the intrinsic value of the awards and the anticipated number of shares to be awarded, and was adjusted to reflect the quoted market price of the Company’s common stock at the end of each period. Expense for stock performance awards is now recognized based upon the fair value of the awards on the date of grant and the anticipated number of shares to be awarded, on a straight-line basis over the three-year service period. The fair value of the stock performance awards is the quoted market price for the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The Company had nonvested outstanding stock performance awards for 291,000268,250 shares at a target level, as of July 29,October 28, 2006, which may result in the issuance of up to 582,000536,500 shares at the end of the service periods. The Company recognized expense related to stock performance awards of $0.9$0.8 million and $0.7$0.1 million for the thirteen-week periods and $1.7$2.6 million and $0.7$0.8 million for the twenty-six-weekthirty-nine week periods ended July 29,October 28, 2006 and July 30,October 29, 2005, respectively.

The following table summarizes stock performance activity for the twenty-sixthirty-nine week period ended July 29,October 28, 2006 under our incentive compensation plans:
       
 
Number of 
Nonvested Stock
Performance Awards
at Target Level
 
Number of 
Nonvested Stock
Performance Awards 
at Maximum Level
 
Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 
          
Nonvested at January 28, 2006 134,250  268,500 $23 
   Granted 161,250  322,500  32 
   Vested 
 -  -  - 
   Forfeited (4,500) (9,000) 32 
Nonvested at July 29, 2006 291,000  582,000 $26 
12

       
 
Number of
Nonvested Stock Performance Awards at Target Level
 
Number of
Nonvested Stock Performance Awards
at Maximum Level
 
Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 
Nonvested at January 28, 2006 134,250  268,500 $22 
   Granted 166,250  332,500  32 
   Vested 
 -  -  - 
   Forfeited (32,250) (64,500) 29 
Nonvested at October 28, 2006 268,250  536,500 $26 

The weighted-average fair value of stock performance awards granted for the twenty-sixthirty-nine week periods ended July 29,October 28, 2006 and July 30,October 29, 2005 was $32 and $23, respectively. No stock performance awards vested during either of the twenty-sixthirty-nine week periods ended July 29,October 28, 2006 and July 30,October 29, 2005. As of July 29,October 28, 2006, the total remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock performance awards amounted to $6.8$5.8 million, based on the anticipated number of shares to be awarded, which will be amortized over the weighted-average remaining requisite service period of 1.91.7 years.

Restricted Stock Grants
Under the Company’s incentive compensation plans, restricted stock of the Company may be granted at no cost to certain officers and key employees. Plan participants are entitled to cash dividends and voting rights for their respective shares. Restrictions limit the sale or transfer of these shares during the requisite service period, which ranges from four to eight years. Prior to January 29, 2006, the Company recorded unearned compensation equivalent to the quoted market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant as a charge to shareholders’ equity and subsequently amortized it to expense over the restriction period. Subsequent to January 29, 2006, expense for restricted stock grants is recognized on a straight-line basis separately for each vesting portion of the stock award based upon fair value of the award on the date of grant. The fair value of the restricted stock grants is determined by the quoted market price for the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.

The following table summarizes restricted stock activity for the twenty-sixthirty-nine week period ended July 29,October 28, 2006 under our incentive compensation plans:
      
  
Number of
Nonvested
Restricted Shares
 
Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
       
           
Number of
Nonvested
Restricted Shares
 
Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 
Nonvested at January 28, 2006    272,250 $16     272,250 $16 
Granted    171,250  32     190,250  32 
Vested
    (50,250) 12     (50,250) 12 
Forfeited    (8,250) 30     (35,625) 27 
Fractional shares repurchased as a result of stock split    (11) 22     (11) 22 
Nonvested at July 29, 2006    384,989 $23 
Nonvested at October 28, 2006    376,614 $23 
12


For the thirteen-week periods ended July 29,October 28, 2006 and July 30,October 29, 2005, restricted shares granted were 13,00019,000 and 0, respectively, and restricted shares terminated were 8,25027,375 and 0,2,625, respectively. The weighted-average fair value of restricted stock awards granted for the thirteen-week periods ended July 29,October 28, 2006 and July 30,October 29, 2005 was $39$32 and $0, respectively. The total grant date fair value of restricted stock awards vested during the thirteen-week periods ended July 29,October 28, 2006 and July 30,October 29, 2005 was $0.3$0.6 million and $0, million, respectively.

Compensation expense related to restricted shares was $0.5$0.3 million and $0.2 million for the thirteen-week periods and $0.9$1.2 million and $0.4$0.7 million for the twenty-six-weekthirty-nine-week periods ended July 29,October 28, 2006 and July 30,October 29, 2005, respectively. As of July 29,October 28, 2006, the total remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock grants amounted to $6.1$8.8 million, which will be amortized over the weighted-average remaining requisite service period of 43.6 years.

13


Note 10.
Retirement and Other Benefit Plans

The following table sets forth the components of net periodic benefit plan cost or income for the Company, including all domestic and Canadian plans:
                
Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits 
Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirteen Weeks Ended 
($ thousands)
July 29,
2006
 
July 30,
2005
 
July 29,
2006
 
July 30,
2005
 
October 28,
2006
 
October 29,
2005
 
October 28,
2006
 
October 29,
2005
 
Service cost$1,923 $1,580 $- $- $1,976 $1,656 $- $- 
Interest cost 2,600  2,283  65  65  2,547  2,277  63  65 
Expected return on assets (4,270) (3,935) -  -  (4,301) (3,947) --  - 
Curtailment loss -  18  -  - 
Settlement loss -  71  -  - 
Special termination benefits 1,400  -  -  - 
Amortization of:                        
Actuarial loss (gain) 157  130  5  (15) 139  111  (2) (15)
Prior service costs 88  100  -  -  87  100  -  - 
Net transition assets (47) (46) -  -  (47) (48) -  - 
Total net periodic benefit cost$451 $112 $70 $50 $1,801 $238 $61 $50 

                
Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits 
Twenty-six Weeks Ended Twenty-six Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks Ended 
($ thousands)
July 29,
2006
 
July 30,
2005
 
July 29,
2006
 
July 30,
2005
 
October 28,
2006
 
October 29,
2005
 
October 28,
2006
 
October 29,
2005
 
Service cost$3,951 $3,188 $- $- $5,927 $4,844 $- $- 
Interest cost 5,093  4,567  125  130  7,640  6,844  188  195 
Expected return on assets (8,600) (7,870) -  -  (12,901) (11,817) -  -- 
Curtailment loss --  18  -  - 
Settlement loss -  71  -  - 
Special termination benefits 1,400  -  -  - 
Amortization of:                        
Actuarial loss (gain) 278  260  (5) (30) 417  371  (7) (45)
Prior service costs 174  200  -  -  261  300  -  - 
Net transition assets (93) (92) -  -  (140) (140) -  - 
Total net periodic benefit cost$803 $253 $120 $100 $2,604 $491 $181 $150 


Note 11.
Debt

Brown Shoe Company, Inc. has a Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Agreement”) that provides for a maximum line of credit of $350 million, subject to a calculated borrowing base, and is guaranteed by certain of its subsidiaries. Borrowing availability under the Agreement is based upon the sum of eligible accounts receivable and inventory, less outstanding borrowings, letters of credit and applicable reserves. The Agreement matures in 2009, and the Company’s obligations are secured by its accounts receivable and inventory. Borrowings under the Agreement bear interest at a variable rate determined based upon the level of availability under the Agreement. If availability falls below specified levels, the Company would then be subject to certain financial covenants. In addition, if availability falls below $25 million and the fixed charge coverage
13

ratio is less than 1.0 to 1, the Company would be in default. The Agreement also contains certain other covenants and restrictions. At July 29,October 28, 2006 the Company had $50.0$20.5 million of borrowings outstanding and $18.1$13.0 million in letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Agreement. Total additional borrowing availability was $281.9$314.2 million at July 29,October 28, 2006.

14

To fund a portion of the Bennett acquisition, Brown Shoe Company, Inc. issued $150 million of 8.75% senior notes due 2012 (“Senior Notes”) in April 2005. The Senior Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by each of the subsidiaries of Brown Shoe Company, Inc. that is an obligor under its secured Revolving Credit Agreement. Interest on the Senior Notes is payable on May 1 and November 1 of each year. The Senior Notes mature on May 1, 2012, but are callable any time on or after May 1, 2009, at specified redemption prices plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Senior Notes also contain certain restrictive covenants.


Note 12.
Related Party Transactions

During the third quarter, the Company engaged OgilvyOne LLC (“Ogilvy”) to provide certain marketing and consulting services. A member of the Company’s Board of Directors, Carla C. Hendra, is an officer of Ogilvy. The Company has incurred charges of $0.3 million with Ogilvy during the third quarter of 2006, which are reflected as a component of selling and administrative expenses on the condensed consolidated statements of earnings and as a component of accrued expenses on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.


Note 13.
Commitments and Contingencies

Environmental Remediation
The Company is involved in environmental remediation and ongoing compliance activities at several of its former manufacturing 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. During the first halfnine months of 2006, the Company recorded no$0.3 million of expense related to this remediation. The anticipated future cost of remediation activities at July 29,October 28, 2006, is $5.0$4.8 million and is included within accrued expenses and other noncurrent liabilities. While management has recorded its best estimate of loss, the ultimate cost to the Company may vary. The cumulative remediation costs incurred through July 29,October 28, 2006, are $17.2$17.7 million. As discussed further below, a portion of these costs has been recovered from insurers.

The Company has completed its remediation efforts at its closed New York tannery and two landfill sites related to that operation. 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 18 years. The Company had an accrued liability of $2.1 million at July 29,October 28, 2006, related to these sites, which has been discounted at 6.4%. On an undiscounted basis, this liability would be $3.4$3.3 million. The Company expects to spend approximately $0.2 million in each of the next five succeeding years and $2.4$2.3 million in aggregate thereafter related to these sites.

In addition, various federal and state authorities have identified the Company as a potentially responsible party for remediation at certain other landfills.

Environmental expenditures relating to an existing condition caused by past operations and which do not contribute to current or future revenue generation, are expensed. Liabilities are recorded when environmental assessments and/or remedial efforts are probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated and are evaluated independently of any future claims recovery. Generally the timing of these accruals coincides with completion of a feasibility study or the Company’s commitment to a formal plan of action. Costs of future expenditures for environmental remediation obligations are not discounted to their present value, except in situations requiring only continuing maintenance and monitoring. Based on information currently available, the Company had an accrued liability of $7.5$7.3 million as of July 29,October 28, 2006, for the cleanup, maintenance and monitoring at all sites. Of the $7.5$7.3 million liability, $1.0 million is included in accrued expenses, and $6.5$6.3 million is included in other noncurrent 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.


15

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 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. In the first quarter of 2005, the federal court hearing a cost recovery suit against other responsible parties approved a settlement agreement between the Company, its co-defendant in the class action lawsuit and an insurer which resolved all remaining sanctions issues related to the class action. The plaintiffs have filed an appeal of the December 2003 jury verdict, and the ultimate outcome and cost to the Company may vary.

14

In connection with the Redfield environmental remediation and class action litigation discussed above, the Company sued a number of its insurers seeking recovery of defense costs, indemnity and other damages related to the former operations and the remediation at the site. During the second quarter of 2006, we reached agreements with certain of those insurers to resolve our coverage claims arising out of the Redfield site. Wesite and recorded income related to these recoveries of $7.3 million, net of related legal expenses, of $7.3 million ($4.4 million on an after-tax basis), or $0.15 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2006,fees, as a reduction of selling and administrative expenses. The Company continues to pursue recovery of additional remediation, defense costs and other damages from other insurers, but is unable to estimate the ultimate recovery from those insurers.

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. All legal costs associated with litigation are expensed as incurred.

Other
During prior years, the Company recorded charges totaling $2.7 million relating to the insolvency of an insurance company that insured the Company for workers’ compensation and casualty losses from 1973 to 1989, for which certain claims are still outstanding. That insurance company is now in liquidation. While management has recorded its best estimate of loss, the ultimate outcome and cost to the Company may vary.

The Company is contingently liable for lease commitment guarantees of approximately $5.4$3.7 million in the aggregate, which relate to the Cloth World and Meis specialty retailing chains and a manufacturing facility, which were sold in prior years. In order for the Company to incur any liability related to these lease commitment guarantees, the current owners would have to default. At this time, the Company does not believe this is reasonably likely to occur.


Note 13.14.
Financial Information for the Company and its Subsidiaries

In April 2005, Brown Shoe Company, Inc. issued senior notes to finance a portion of the purchase price of Bennett. The notes are fully and unconditionally and jointly and severally guaranteed by all existing and future subsidiaries of Brown Shoe Company, Inc. that are guarantors under its existing Revolving Credit Agreement. The following table presents the condensed consolidating financial information for each of Brown Shoe Company, Inc. (Parent), the Guarantors and subsidiaries of the Parent that are not Guarantors (the Non-Guarantors), together with consolidating eliminations, as of and for the periods indicated. The Guarantors are all direct or indirect wholly-owned (100%) subsidiaries of the Parent.

The condensed consolidating financial statements have been prepared using the equity method of accounting in accordance with the requirements for presentation of such information. Management believes that the information, presented in lieu of complete financial statements for each of the Guarantors, provides meaningful information to allow investors to determine the nature of the assets held by, and operation and cash flow of, each of the consolidating groups.


1516



CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
AS OF JULY 29,OCTOBER 28, 2006

($ thousands)
Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Total Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Total 
ASSETS
                            
Current Assets                              
Cash and cash equivalents
$
(413)$13,093 $18,321 $- $31,001 
$
(1,174)$18,110 $30,576 $- $47,512 
Receivables 75,388  7,819  54,597     137,804  79,884  9,269  37,857  -  127,010 
Inventories 90,981  378,378  15,005  (3,955) 480,409  74,763  340,657  21,699  (3,192) 433,927 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 13,294  11,388  1,394  897  26,973  7,754  8,231  1,578  300  17,863 
Total current assets 179,250  410,678  89,317  (3,058) 676,187  161,227  376,267  91,710  (2,892) 626,312 
Other assets 270,509  31,704  2,088  -  304,301  268,704  32,028  2,066  -  302,798 
Property and equipment, net 15,313  103,389  3,329  -  122,031  15,216  107,996  3,203  -  126,415 
Investment in subsidiaries 509,773  30,074  -  (539,847) -  544,527  38,842  -  (583,369) - 
Total assets
$
974,845 $575,845 $94,734 $(542,905)$1,102,519 
$
989,674 $555,133 $96,979 $(586,261)$1,055,525 
                              
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
             
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
             
Current Liabilities                              
Current maturities of debt
$
50,000 $- $- $- $50,000 
Borrowings under revolving credit agreement
$
20,500 $- $- $- $20,500 
Trade accounts payable 33,551  139,195  54,570  -  227,316  20,280  89,710  43,317  -  153,307 
Accrued expenses 56,632  58,511  8,643  (3,414) 120,372  71,164  59,002  9,064  33  139,263 
Income taxes 354  (579) 1,245  1,346  2,366  4,111  731  2,004  (1,624) 5,222 
Total current liabilities 140,537  197,127  64,458  (2,068) 400,054  116,055  149,443  54,385  (1,591) 318,292 
Other Liabilities                              
Long-term debt 150,000  -  -  -  150,000  150,000  --  -  -  150,000 
Other liabilities 56,376  27,283  (52) -  83,607  58,101  29,346  (7) -  87,440 
Intercompany (receivable) payable 159,074  (158,282) 198  (990) -  165,725  (167,613) 3,189  (1,301) - 
Total other liabilities 365,450  (130,999) 146  (990) 233,607  373,826  (138,267) 3,182  (1,301) 237,440 
Shareholders’ equity 468,858  509,717  30,130  (539,847) 468,858  499,793  543,957  39,412  (583,369) 499,793 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
974,845 $575,845 $94,734 $(542,905)$1,102,519 
$
989,674 $555,133 $96,979 $(586,261)$1,055,525 


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF EARNINGS
FOR THE TWENTY-SIXTHIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED JULY 29,OCTOBER 28, 2006

($ thousands)
Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Total Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Total 
Net Sales
$
327,363 $707,912 $209,026 $(89,444)$1,154,857 
$
510,729 $1,139,758  322,446 $(141,264)$1,831,669 
Cost of goods sold 243,542  381,191  172,551  (89,444) 707,840  378,903  611,685  265,344  (141,264) 1,114,668 
Gross profit 83,821  326,721  36,475  -  447,017  131,826  528,073  57,102  -  717,001 
Selling and administrative expenses 82,977  297,498  21,682  -  402,157  141,134  456,491  32,500  -  630,125 
Equity in (earnings) of subsidiaries (30,000) (14,966) -  44,966  -  (64,071) (23,736) -  87,807  - 
Operating earnings 30,844  44,189  14,793  (44,966) 44,860  54,763  95,318  24,602  (87,807) 86,876 
Interest expense (8,897) (9) (18) -  (8,924) (13,247) (9) (35) -  (13,291)
Interest income 298  204  277  -  779  539  345  602  -  1,486 
Intercompany interest income (expense) 2,483  (3,268) 785  -  -  3,711  (4,928) 1,217  -  - 
Earnings before income taxes 24,728  41,116  15,837  (44,966) 36,715  45,766  90,726  26,386  (87,807) 75,071 
Income tax benefit (provision) 494  (10,607) (1,380) -  (11,493) 6,363  (26,659) (2,646) -  (22,942)
Net earnings (loss)
$
25,222 $30,509 $14,457 $(44,966)$25,222 
$
52,129 $64,067 $23,740 $(87,807)$52,129 


1617



CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE TWENTY-SIXTHRITY-NINE WEEKS ENDED JULY 29,OCTOBER 28, 2006

($ thousands)
Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Total Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Total 
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
(1,608)$23,203 $14,915 $138 $36,648 
$
19,953 $50,459 $24,592 $174 $95,178 
                              
Investing activities
                              
Acquisition cost, net of cash received (22,700) -  -  -  (22,700) (22,700) -  -  -  (22,700)
Capital expenditures (758) (22,740) (198) -  (23,696) (1,431) (35,816) (260) -  (37,507)
Net cash used by investing activities (23,458) (22,740) (198) -  (46,396) (24,131) (35,816) (260) -  (60,207)
                              
Financing activities
                              
Increase (decrease) in current maturities of debt, net of reclassifications -  -  -  -  - 
Decrease in borrowings under revolving credit agreement (29,500) -  -  -  (29,500)
Proceeds from stock options exercised 7,236  -  -  -  7,236  7,874  -  -  -  7,874 
Tax benefit related to share-based plans 3,717  -  -  -  3,717  6,568  -  -  -  6,568 
Dividends paid (4,553) -  -  -  (4,553) (6,842) -  -  -  (6,842)
Intercompany financing 4,916  (2,064) (2,714) (138) -  11,567  (11,394) 1  (174) - 
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities 11,316  (2,064) (2,714) (138) 6,400  (10,333) (11,394) 1  (174) (21,900)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash -  128  (67) -  61  -  295  (142) -  153 
                              
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (13,750) (1,473) 11,936  -  (3,287) (14,511) 3,544  24,191  -  13,224 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 13,337  14,566  6,385  -  34,288  13,337  14,566  6,385  -  34,288 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
(413)$13,093 $18,321 $- $31,001 
$
(1,174)$18,110 $30,576 $- $47,512 


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
AS OF JULY 30,OCTOBER 29, 2005

($ thousands)
Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Total Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Total 
ASSETS
                            
Current Assets                              
Cash and cash equivalents
$
803 $10,532 $25,702 $- $37,037 
$
(1,014)$13,125 $35,996 $- $48,107 
Receivables 75,475  10,742  38,433  -  124,650  75,554  16,634  28,577  -  120,765 
Inventories 105,247  385,944  7,155  (4,601) 493,745  85,073  338,044  10,160  (4,130) 429,147 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 7,073  13,444  970  773  22,260  6,175  16,820  882  827  24,704 
Total current assets 188,598  420,662  72,260  (3,828) 677,692  165,788  384,623  75,615  (3,303) 622,723 
Other assets 244,754  30,169  1,998  -  276,921  243,929  28,356  1,963  -  274,248 
Property and equipment, net 17,248  95,175  3,494  -  115,917  17,395  95,212  3,460  -  116,067 
Investment in subsidiaries 431,551  41,020  -  (472,571) -  453,223  47,891  -  (501,114) - 
Total assets
$
882,151 $587,026 $77,752 $(476,399)$1,070,530 
$
880,335 $556,082 $81,038 $(504,417)$1,013,038 
                              
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
             
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
             
Current Liabilities                              
Current maturities of debt
$
79,000 $- $- $- $79,000 
Borrowings under revolving credit agreement
$
67,500 $- $- $- $67,500 
Trade accounts payable 20,363  141,025  34,586  -  195,974  16,799  81,073  27,670  -  125,542 
Accrued expenses 56,245  57,387  5,023  1,121  119,776  62,386  55,404  6,250  2,196  126,236 
Income taxes 2,799  1,869  2,369  1  7,038  (2,777) 5,271  2,985  (1,391) 4,088 
Total current liabilities 158,407  200,281  41,978  1,122  401,788  143,908  141,748  36,905  805  323,366 
Other Liabilities                              
Long-term debt 200,000  -  -  -  200,000  200,000  -  -  -  200,000 
Other liabilities 42,936  27,194  (109) -  70,021  42,591  28,431  (31) -  70,991 
Intercompany payable (receivable) 82,087  (75,740) (1,397) (4,950) -  75,155  (70,398) (649) (4,108) - 
Total other liabilities 325,023  (48,546) (1,506) (4,950) 270,021  317,746  (41,967) (680) (4,108) 270,991 
Shareholders’ equity 398,721  435,291  37,280  (472,571) 398,721  418,681  456,301  44,813  (501,114) 418,681 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
882,151 $587,026 $77,752 $(476,399)$1,070,530 
$
880,335 $556,082 $81,038 $(504,417)$1,013,038 


1718



CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF EARNINGS
FOR THE TWENTY-SIXTHIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED JULY 30,OCTOBER 29, 2005

($ thousands)
Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Total Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Total 
Net Sales
$
265,684 $737,073 $158,726 $(86,720)$1,074,763 
$
400,665 $1,182,862 $238,126 $(129,214)$1,692,439 
Cost of goods sold 193,984  410,303  129,826  (85,602) 648,511  295,060  669,250  191,638  (129,214) 1,026,734 
Gross profit 71,700  326,770  28,900  (1,118) 426,252  105,605  513,612  46,488  -  665,705 
Selling and administrative expenses 67,894  311,365  14,269  (1,118) 392,410  98,857  476,383  25,228  -  600,468 
Equity in (earnings) of subsidiaries (19,575) (13,372) -  32,947  -  (39,160) (19,428) -  58,588  - 
Operating earnings 23,381  28,777  14,631  (32,947) 33,842  45,908  56,657  21,260  (58,588) 65,237 
Interest expense (8,526) -  (30) -  (8,556) (13,809) -  (36) -  (13,845)
Interest income 11  86  536  -  633  15  89  795  -  899 
Intercompany interest income (expense) 2,725  (3,291) 566  -  -  4,041  (4,945) 904  -  - 
Earnings before income taxes 17,591  25,572  15,703  (32,947) 25,919  36,155  51,801  22,923  (58,588) 52,291 
Income tax provision (9,729) (5,923) (2,405) -  (18,057) (8,521) (13,233) (2,903) -  (24,657)
Net earnings (loss)
$
7,862 $19,649 $13,298 $(32,947)$7,862 
$
27,634 $38,568 $20,020 $(58,588)$27,634 


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE TWENTY-SIXTHIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED JULY 30,OCTOBER 29, 2005

($ thousands)
Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Total Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Total 
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
12,540 $27,897 $7,209 $1,420 $49,066 
$
30,597 $33,920 $17,169 $228 $81,914 
                              
Investing activities
                              
Payments on acquisition, net of cash received (206,633) -  -  -  (206,633)
Acquisition cost, net of cash received (206,026) -  -  -  (206,026)
Capital expenditures (665) (15,513) (271) -  (16,449) (1,444) (24,690) (380) -  (26,514)
Other 531  -  -  -  531  531  -  -  -  531 
Net cash used by investing activities (206,767) (15,513) (271) -  (222,551) (206,939) (24,690) (380) -  (232,009)
                              
Financing activities
                              
Increase (decrease) in current maturities of debt, net of reclassifications (13,000) -  -  -  (13,000)
Decrease in borrowings under revolving credit agreement (24,500) -  -  -  (24,500)
Proceeds from the issuance of Senior Notes 150,000  -  -  -  150,000  150,000  -  -  -  150,000 
Debt issuance costs (4,733) -  -  -  (4,733) (4,733) -  -  -  (4,733)
Proceeds from stock options exercised 1,900  -  -  -  1,900  2,061  -  -  -  2,061 
Tax benefit related to share based plans 455  -  -  -  455 
Tax benefit related to share-based plans 864  -  -  -  864 
Dividends (paid) received (3,666) 60,464  (60,464) -  (3,666) (5,507) 60,464  (60,464) -  (5,507)
Intercompany financing 67,732  (72,395) 6,083  (1,420) -  60,800  (67,053) 6,481  (228) - 
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities 198,688  (11,931) (54,381) (1,420) 130,956  178,985  (6,589) (53,983) (228) 118,185 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash -  174  (56) -  118  -  579  (10) -  569 
                              
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 4,461  627  (47,499) -  (42,411) 2,643  3,220  (37,204) -  (31,341)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period (3,657) 9,905  73,200  -  79,448  (3,657) 9,905  73,200  -  79,448 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
804 $10,532 $25,701 $- $37,037 
$
(1,014)$13,125 $35,996 $- $48,107 


1819



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

OVERVIEW
 

Our results for the third quarter of 2006 were very strong, resulting in net earnings which were a record for any quarter. Our Famous Footwear chain had a very successful back-to-school selling season. Our Specialty Retail division, led by significantly improved results in our Naturalizer stores in the U.S. and Canada, achieved an operating profit of $1.0 million in the quarter. Our Wholesale division provided solid results. The following is a summary of the financial highlights for the second quarter of fiscal 2006 were significantly higher than the same period last year as several unusual items affected both years. On an operating basis, results were in line with our expectations and each segment achieved improved results.third quarter:

·  Consolidated net sales rose 5.0%9.6% to $579.3$676.8 million for the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2006, as compared to $551.5$617.7 million for the secondthird quarter of last year, driven by higher sales in both our Famous Footwear and Wholesale Operations.Operations segments.

·  Operating earnings more than doubledincreased 33.8% to $26.3$42.0 million in the secondthird quarter of 2006 compared to $10.8$31.4 million in the secondthird quarter of 2005.

·  Net earnings were $15.2$26.9 million, or $0.52$0.93 per diluted share, for the secondthird quarter compared to $4.1$19.8 million, or $0.14$0.70 per diluted share, for the secondthird quarter of last year.

Following is a summary of the significant factors affecting the comparability of our financial results for the secondthird quarter of 2006 as compared to the secondthird quarter of 2005:

·  During the secondthird quarter of 2006, we reached agreements with certain insurance carriers to recover environmental remediation costs associated with our facility in Denver, Colorado (the Redfield facility). We recorded income related to these recoveries, net of related legal expenses, of $7.3 million ($4.4 million on an after-tax basis), or $0.15 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2006. We continue to pursue recovery of additional remediation costs from other insurance carriers.

·  During the second quarter of 2006, we initiated a strategic earnings enhancement program designed to increase earnings through cost reductions and efficiency initiatives and reallocating resources and investment to drive consumer preference. Key elements of the plan include: i) restructuring administrative and support areas; ii) redesigning logistics and distribution platforms; iii) reorganizing to eliminate operational redundancies; iv) realigning strategic priorities; and v) refining the supply chain process and enhancing inventory utilization. We are in the early stages of developing these earnings improvement initiatives, but estimate that these initiatives will generate a minor amount of after-tax savings in 2006, $10-$12 million in 2007 with continuing annual after-tax savingsincurred incremental operating losses of approximately $17-$20$2.3 million beginning in 2008. The costs to implement these programs are estimated to be in the range of $20-$23 million, after-tax with these costs incurred in the second half of 2006 and in 2007. The estimates of costs and savings related to these initiatives are preliminary and differences may arise between these estimates and actual costs and savings. We incurred charges of $2.0 million ($1.21.4 million on an after-tax basis), or $0.04 per diluted share, inrelated to the secondplanned exit of the Bass business.

·  During the third quarter of 2006, we incurred a charge of $3.7 million ($2.3 million on an after-tax basis), or $0.08 per diluted share, related to this program.an executive early retirement agreement.

·  
At the beginning of fiscal 2006, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (Revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (SFAS 123R). SFAS 123R requires companies to recognize compensation expense in an amount equal to the fair value of all share-based payments granted to employees. In 2005 and prior years, no compensation cost was recognized 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. During the secondthird quarter of 2006, we recognized $1.2 million ($1.01.1 million on an after-tax basis), or $0.04 per diluted share, of share-based compensation related to stock options. See Note 9 of the condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information related to share-based compensation and the impact of adopting SFAS 123R.

·  During the secondthird quarter of 2005, we recorded charges of $2.9$5.2 million ($1.83.2 million on an after-tax basis, or $0.06$0.11 per diluted share) related to our initiative to strengthen our flagship Naturalizer brand by closing underperforming retail stores and consolidating and streamlining certain retail and wholesale functions.

·  During the second quarter of 2005, our gross profit was reduced by approximately $2.0 million ($1.3 million on an after-tax basis, or $0.05 per diluted share) related to the write-up of inventory to fair value during the Bennett purchase price allocation. Lower margins were recognized on this inventory as it was sold in the second quarter of 2005.

19

Following is a summary of our operating results in the secondthird quarter of 2006 and the status of our balance sheet:

·  Famous Footwear’s net sales increased 2.2%11.7% to $292.7$366.3 million in the secondthird quarter compared to $286.2$328.1 million last year, driven by ourreflecting a strong back-to-school selling season and a higher store count. Same-store sales decreased 0.1%, reflecting lower customer traffic and lower sales of athletic footwear. However, operatingincreased 8.2%. Operating earnings increased 28.4%51.1% to $11.9$39.6 million in the secondthird quarter compared to $9.3$26.2 million in the secondthird quarter of the prior year due to lower markdownsyear. The division experienced increased customer traffic, higher average unit retail sales and an improved gross profit rate.pairs per transaction.

·  Our Wholesale Operations segment’s sales increased 9.5%7.0% to $227.2$242.3 million in the secondthird quarter compared to $207.4$226.5 million last year, reflecting increasedyear. The division experienced higher sales of Naturalizer, LifeStride, Dr. Scholl’s and private label product. These gains were partially offset by lower salesin most major brands, with the exception of Bass, product.Carlos by Carlos Santana, and Via Spiga footwear. Operating earnings increased in the secondthird quarter to $19.1$20.0 million compared to $16.3$19.2 million in the secondthird quarter last year. The most significant improvement in operating earnings is in our Naturalizer division, which has benefited from our new business model and recent process changes designedyear due to enhance the performance of the brand. Strengthhigher sales in the Naturalizer division wasquarter, partially offset by weakness atan operating loss in our Bass and the lackluster performance of our Franco Sarto, Via Spiga and Etienne Aigner brands.division. We recently announced that we are exiting the Bass business at the end of 2006, and we estimate that we will incurincurred incremental costs associated with the exit of $2.3 million ($1.4 million on an after-tax losses of approximately $2.1 million inbasis), or $0.04 per diluted share, during the second halfthird quarter of 2006.

20

·  Our Specialty Retail segment experienced a 2.8%an 8.0% increase in net sales to $59.5$68.2 million in the secondthird quarter, compared to $57.9$63.1 million in the secondthird quarter of last year, due to growth in our Shoes.com business. Same-storebusiness, and a same-store sales declined 2.7% forincrease of 6.0% at our Naturalizer and other specialty stores in the quarter. We incurred anhad operating lossearnings of $1.5$1.0 million in the secondthird quarter compared to an operating loss of $5.5$7.0 million in the secondthird quarter of the prior year. This improvement is primarily a result of the closure of 95 underperforming Naturalizer retail stores in 2005, which resulted in a more productive store base in 2006, and the consolidation of certain administrative functions, and the impact of the charges incurred of $2.3$5.2 million related to these initiativesthis initiative that were recorded in the secondthird quarter of 2005.

·  Inventories at quarter-end were $480.4$433.9 million, downup slightly from $493.7$429.1 million last year, principally reflecting lower inventory levels within our Wholesale Operations segment.year. Our current ratio, the relationship of current assets to current liabilities, decreasedincreased to 1.691.97 to 1 compared to 1.75 to 1 at January 28, 2006, but was even with the July 30, 2005 ratio.and 1.93 to 1 at October 29, 2005. Our debt-to-capital ratio, the ratio of our debt obligations to the sum of our debt obligations and shareholders’ equity decreased to 29.9%25.4% at the end of the quarter from 41.2%39.0% at the end of the year-ago quarter, reflecting the decrease in borrowings under our revolving credit agreement and increased shareholders’ equity.


Recent Developments

Appointment of Chief Financial Officer
Mark E. Hood was appointed as the Company’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective October 30, 2006. Mr. Hood replaced Andrew M. Rosen, who retired from his executive position effective October 28, 2006. Mr. Rosen continues to serve as a senior advisor to the Company pursuant to the terms of an Early Retirement Agreement.

Strategic Earnings Enhancement Program
In the second quarter of 2006, we initiated a strategic earnings enhancement program designed to increase earnings through cost reductions and efficiency initiatives and reallocating resources and investment to drive consumer preference. Key elements of the plan include: i) restructuring administrative and support areas; ii) redesigning logistics and distribution platforms; iii) reorganizing to eliminate operational redundancies; iv) realigning strategic priorities; and v) refining the supply chain process and enhancing inventory utilization.

More specifically, we determined early in the fourth quarter that we will be closing our Needham, Massachusetts office and consolidating those operations into our existing New York City facilities; closing our Dover, New Hampshire distribution center; and outsourcing our Canadian wholesale business to a third-party operator. We believe these changes will improve the efficiency of operations and by locating the Bennett team in New York (re-named Brown New York), they will be better integrated with our product development teams and improve the style and quality of the Franco Sarto and Via Spiga brands.

At the same time, we are in the early stages of developing these earnings improvement initiatives, and we will update costs and savings estimates as these initiatives are developed.

These initiatives are not expected to generate a material amount of savings in 2006. We currently estimate that these initiatives will generate after-tax savings of $10-$12 million in 2007 with continuing annual after-tax savings of approximately $17-$20 million, beginning in 2008. The costs to implement these programs are estimated to be in the range of $21-$23 million, after-tax, with these costs incurred in the remainder of 2006 and in 2007. The estimates of costs and savings related to these initiatives are preliminary and differences may arise between these estimates and actual costs and savings. We incurred charges of $2.0 million ($1.2 million on an after-tax basis), or $0.04 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2006, related to this program. No costs were incurred in the third quarter of 2006.


21



CONSOLIDATED RESULTS
 

Thirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-six Weeks EndedThirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
July 29, 2006 July 30, 2005 July 29, 2006 July 30, 2005October 28, 2006 October 29, 2005 October 28, 2006 October 29, 2005
($ millions)
  
% of
Net
Sales
   
% of
Net
Sales
   
% of
Net
Sales
   
% of
Net
Sales
  
% of
Net
Sales
   
% of
Net
Sales
   
% of
Net
Sales
   
% of
Net
Sales
Net sales$579.3 100.0% $551.5 100.0% $1,154.9 100.0% $1,074.8 100.0%$676.8 100.0% $617.7 100.0% $1,831.7 100.0% $1,692.4 100.0%
Cost of goods sold 355.3 61.3% 335.9 60.9%  707.9 61.3% 648.5 60.3% 406.8 60.1% 378.2 61.2%  1,114.7 60.9% 1,026.7 60.7%
Gross profit 224.0 38.7% 215.6 39.1%  447.0 38.7% 426.3 39.7% 270.0 39.9% 239.5 38.8%  717.0 39.1% 665.7 39.3%
Selling and administrative expenses 197.7 34.2 % 204.8 37.1%  402.1 34.8% 392.5 36.6% 228.0 33.7% 208.1 33.7%  630.1 34.4% 600.5 35.4%
Operating earnings 26.3 4.5% 10.8 2.0%  44.9 3.9% 33.8 3.1% 42.0 6.2% 31.4 5.1%  86.9 4.7% 65.2 3.9%
Interest expense (4.4)(0.8)% (5.2)(0.9)%  (8.9)(0.8)% (8.5)(0.8)% (4.3)(0.6)% (5.3)(0.9)%  (13.3)(0.7)% (13.8)(0.8)%
Interest income 0.4 0.2% 0.2 0.0%  0.7 0.1%  0.6 0.1% 0.7 0.1% 0.3 0.1%  1.5 0.1%  0.9 0.0%
Earnings before income taxes 22.3 3.9% 5.8 1.1% 36.7 3.2% 25.9 2.4% 38.4 5.7% 26.4 4.3% 75.1 4.1% 52.3 3.1%
Income tax provision (7.1)(1.3)% (1.7)(0.4)%  (11.5)(1.0)%  (18.0)(1.7)% (11.5)(1.7)% (6.6)(1.1)%  (23.0)(1.3)%  (24.7)(1.5)%
Net earnings$15.2 2.6% $4.1 0.7% $25.2 2.2% $7.9 0.7%$26.9 4.0% $19.8 3.2% $52.1 2.8% $27.6 1.6%


20


Net Sales
Net sales increased $27.8$59.1 million, or 5.0%9.6%, to $579.3$676.8 million in the secondthird quarter of 2006 as compared to $551.5$617.7 million in the secondthird quarter of the prior year. Famous Footwear’s sales increased by $6.5$38.2 million over the year-ago quarter, reflecting the strong back-to-school selling season, an 8.2% same-store sales increase and a higher store count in the current period. Our Wholesale Operations contributedsegment also experienced higher sales, as all of its major brands had higher sales than last year, with the remaining portionexception of this increase, driven primarilyBass, Carlos by increasesCarlos Santana, and Via Spiga footwear. Our Specialty Retail segment also improved sales as a result of higher sales at our e-commerce subsidiary, Shoes.com, and a same-store sales gain of 6.0% in our Naturalizer, Life Stride, Dr. Scholl’s and private label divisions, partially offset by declines in our Bass division.stores.

Net sales increased $80.1$139.3 million, or 7.5%8.2%, to $1,154.9$1,831.7 million in the first halfnine months of 2006 as compared to $1,074.8$1,692.4 million in the first halfnine months of the prior year. The acquired Bennett business contributed $57.6$61.3 million of the increase during the first halfnine months accounting for approximately 72%44.0% of the increase. The remaining increase is primarily attributable to strength in our Famous Footwear division. Famous Footwear’s sales increased by $20.0$58.3 million over the year-ago, quarter, reflecting a strong back-to-school selling season, a same-store sales gain of 0.9%3.5% and additional stores in the current period. Our Wholesale Operations, excluding Bennett, decreased $2.2increased $9.9 million, driven primarilyas most of our major brands were higher than prior year, with the exception of the Bass. We previously announced that we are exiting the Bass business at the end of 2006. Our Specialty Retail segment increased sales by $9.8 million, reflecting higher sales at our e-commerce subsidiary, partially offset by a decline at our Naturalizer stores, due to the lower store count, as we closed 95 underperforming retail stores in our Bass and children’s divisions.2005.

Gross Profit
Gross profit increased $8.4$30.5 million, or 3.9%12.8%, to $224.0$270.0 million for the secondthird quarter of 2006 as compared to $215.6$239.5 million in the secondthird quarter of the prior year. The increase in gross profit is primarily the result of higher net sales. However,As a percent of net sales, our gross profit rate increased to 39.9% in the third quarter from 38.8% in the third quarter of the prior year, driven by higher margin rates in our retail divisions. Both Famous Footwear and Specialty Retail experienced higher gross profit rates as we benefited from the strong selling season and well positioned inventory.

Gross profit increased $51.3 million, or 7.7%, to $717.0 million for the first nine months of 2006 as compared to $665.7 million in the first nine months of the prior year. As a percent of net sales, our gross profit rate decreased to 38.7% in the second quarter from 39.1% in the second quarterfirst nine months from 39.3% in the first nine months of the prior year, driven by lower margin rates in our Wholesale Operations segment, primarily in our Bass, Franco Sarto and Via Spiga and Etienne Aigner brands, and a greater mix of wholesale business, which carries a lower gross profit rate than our retail business. Ourbrands. Both Famous Footwear and Specialty Retail divisions achievedexperienced higher gross profit rates.

Gross profit increased $20.7 million, or 4.9%, to $447.0 million forrates as we benefited from the first half of 2006 as compared to $426.3 million in the first half of the prior year. As a percent of net sales, our gross profit rate decreased to 38.7% in the first half from 39.7% in the first half of the prior year, driven by lower margin rates in our Wholesale Operations segment, primarily in our Franco Sarto, Via Spiga and Etienne Aigner brands,strong selling season and a greater mix of wholesale business. Ourbetter positioned store base, as our Specialty Retail division increased its gross profit rate as a result ofbenefited from the closure of underperforming stores in the prior year.


22


Selling and Administrative Expenses
Selling and administrative expenses decreased $7.1increased $19.9 million, or 3.5%9.6%, to $197.7$228.0 million for the secondthird quarter as compared to $204.8$208.1 million in the secondthird quarter of the prior year. However, as a percentage of sales, selling and administrative expenses of 33.7% are equal to last year’s third quarter. As discussed further in the Famous Footwear section, we achieved better leveraging of our expense base as a result of the higher sales. The following are some of the more significantadditional factors impacting the comparison of selling and administrative expenses for the secondthird quarter:

·  Decrease of $7.3 million related to agreements reached with certain insurance carriers to reimburse past environmental remediation costs, net of related legal fees, which was recorded as a reduction of selling and administrative expenses in the second quarter of 2006. See Note 12 of the condensed consolidated financial statements for further information.
·  Decrease of $2.7$4.3 million related to expenses recorded in the secondthird quarter of 2005 related to our initiative to close underperforming retail stores and consolidate certain administrative functions.
·  Increase of $2.0$3.7 million consultingin the third quarter of 2006 related to an executive early retirement agreement.
·  Increase of $3.4 million in the third quarter of 2006 for cash-based employee incentive compensation as a result of our financial performance relative to prior year and severance costs incurred in connection with our earnings enhancement program.targeted levels.
·  Increase of $1.2 million in the third quarter of 2006 for share-based compensation expense related to stock options, as required by SFAS 123R, which was adopted at the beginning of the fiscal year.

As a percentage of sales, selling and administrative expenses have decreased to 34.2% from 37.1%, due to the impact of the factors listed above and overall better leveraging of our expense base.

Selling and administrative expenses increased $9.6$29.6 million, or 2.5%4.9%, to $402.1$630.1 million for the first halfnine months as compared to $392.5$600.5 million in the first halfnine months of the prior year. The following are some of the more significant factors impacting the comparison of selling and administrative expenses for the first half:nine months:

·  Increase of $11.2$11.6 million related to Bennett. The majority of this increase is due to the inclusion of Bennett’s selling and administrative expenses, including the amortization of intangible assets, for the entire period in 2006 and only the period since acquisition (April 22, 2005) in the prior year.
·  IncreaseDecrease of $6.6$7.3 million related to agreements reached with certain insurance carriers to reimburse us for past environmental remediation costs, net of related legal fees, which were recorded as reductions to selling and administrative expenses in the larger store and sales base at our Famous Footwear division.second quarter of 2006.
·  Decrease of $7.3$7.0 million related to the insurance recoveries, described above.
·  Decreasenon-recurrence of $2.7 million related to expenses recorded in the second quarterfirst nine months of 2005 related to our initiative to close underperforming Naturalizer stores and consolidate certain administrative functions.
·  Increase of $2.0$3.7 million for costsin the third quarter of 2006 related to our earnings enhancement program.an executive early retirement agreement.
·  Increase of $2.3$3.6 million in the first nine months of 2006 for cash-based employee incentive compensation as a result of our financial performance relative to prior year and targeted levels.
·  Increase of $3.5 million for share-based compensation expense related to stock options in 2006, as required by SFAS 123R, which was adopted at the beginning of the fiscal year.
·  Increase of $2.0 million for costs related to our earnings enhancement program in 2006.
21


As a percentage of sales, selling and administrative expenses have decreased to 34.8%34.4% for the first nine months of 2006 from 36.6%35.5%, due to the impact of the insurance recoveryfactors listed above and overall better leveraging of our expenseexpenses over a higher sales base.

Interest Expense
Interest expense decreased $0.8$1.0 million to $4.4$4.3 million in the secondthird quarter as compared to $5.2$5.3 million in the secondthird quarter of the prior year. The decrease in interest expense is a result of the lower average borrowings onunder our revolving credit facility.

Interest expense increased $0.4decreased $0.5 million to $8.9$13.3 million in the first halfnine months as compared to $8.5$13.8 million in the first halfnine months of the prior year. The increasedecrease in interest expense is a result of the additionallower average borrowings under our revolving credit facility and the non-recurrence of a bridge loan fee incurred in 2005 related to the Bennett acquisition. These factors are partially offset by a full nine months of interest expense fromin 2006 for the $150 million 8.75% senior notes that we issued in April, 2005 to fund a portion of the Bennett acquisition, offset by lower average borrowings on our revolving credit facility and the non-recurrence of a bridge loan fee incurred in 2005 related to the Bennett acquisition.

Income Tax Provision
Our consolidated effective tax rate was 32.0%29.8% in the secondthird quarter of 2006 as compared to 29.6%25.0% in the secondthird quarter of the prior year. The increase is primarily attributable to a higher mix of retail earnings, which are taxed at higher rates. The increase is also due, in part, to the recognition of stock option expense in net earnings in 2006, as required by SFAS No. 123R, the majority of which is for incentive stock options, which are not deductible for tax purposes. In addition, the tax rate was negatively impacted by the recognition of minor audit settlements in the second quarter of 2006 accounted as discrete tax expense adjustments.

23

Our consolidated effective tax rate was 31.3%30.6% in the first halfnine months of 2006 as compared to 69.7%47.2% in the first halfnine months of the prior year. In the first half of 2005, our income tax provision included $9.6 million of incremental tax expense related to our repatriation of $60.5 million of previously untaxed earnings from our foreign subsidiaries in the first quarter of 2005. Excluding the tax on the repatriation, the effective tax rate was 32.8%28.9% in the first halfnine months of 2005. Our current year rate for the first halfnine months of 2006 of 31.3% is lowerhigher than the prior year rate, excluding the repatriation charge, due to a higher anticipated mix of wholesaleretail earnings, which are taxed at lowerhigher rates, andpartially offset by a current year reduction in the Canadian statutory rates.
 
Net Earnings
Net earnings increased $11.1$7.1 million, or 272%36.1%, to $15.2$26.9 million in the secondthird quarter as compared to $4.1$19.8 million in the secondthird quarter of the prior year. The increase in net earnings is primarily attributable to the strong back-to-school selling season and the sales growth experienced in our retail divisions. The following are some of the more significant other factors impacting the comparison of net earnings for the secondthird quarter:

·  Increase of $4.4$3.2 million (after-tax) related to insurance recoveries recordedthe non-recurrence of expenses incurred in 2005 to close underperforming Naturalizer stores and consolidate certain administrative functions.
·  Decrease of $2.3 million (after-tax) in the secondthird quarter of 2006 as described above.related to charges for an executive early retirement agreement.
·  Decrease of $1.4 million (after-tax) related to charges in 2006 for our planned exit of the Bass business.
·  Decrease of $1.1 million (after-tax) for 2006 share-based compensation expense related to stock options.

Net earnings increased $24.5 million, or 88.6%, to $52.1 million in the first nine months as compared to $27.6 million in the first nine months of the prior year. The increase in net earnings is primarily attributable to the strong back-to-school selling season and the sales growth experienced in our retail divisions. The following are some significant other factors impacting the comparison of net earnings for the first nine months:

·  Increase of $9.6 million related to the non-recurrence of tax expense on the repatriation of foreign earnings in the first quarter of 2005.
·  Increase of $1.8$5.0 million (after-tax) related to expenses incurred in 2005 to close underperforming Naturalizer stores and consolidate certain administrative functions.
·  DecreaseIncrease of $1.2$4.4 million (after-tax), net of related legal fees, for agreements reached with certain insurance carriers to our expenses for our earnings enhancement programreimburse past environmental remediation costs, which was recorded in the second quarter of 2006.
·  Decrease of $1.0$3.1 million (after-tax) for share-based compensation expense in 2006 related to stock options.

In addition to the above listed items, we experienced improvement in all of our major divisions, with the largest increase coming from our Wholesale Operations segment. Specialty Retail improved its operating results after eliminating underperforming stores last year. Famous Footwear improved upon the prior year as a result of a larger store base and improved gross profit rate resulting from our inventory freshness and velocity initiatives.

Net earnings increased $17.3 million, or 221%, to $25.2 million in the first half as compared to $7.9 million in the first half of the prior year. The following are some of the more significant factors impacting the comparison of net earnings for the first half:
·  Increase of $9.6 million related to tax expense on the repatriation of foreign earnings in the first quarter of 2005.
·  Increase of $4.4 million (after-tax) related to insurance recoveries, described above.options, as required by SFAS No 123(R).
·  Decrease of $2.1$2.3 million (after-tax) for share-based compensation expense in the third quarter of 2006 related to stock options.charges for an executive early retirement agreement.
·  Decrease of $1.4 million (after-tax) related to charges in 2006 for our planned exit of the Bass business.
·  Decrease of $1.2 million (after-tax) related to our expenses for our earnings enhancement program recorded in 2006.
·  Increase of $1.8 million (after-tax) related to expenses incurred in 2005 to close underperforming Naturalizer stores and consolidate certain administrative functions.
·  Increase of $0.6 million (after-tax) related to a bridge loan fee recorded in 2005 in connection with the financing for the Bennett acquisition.

2224

After consideration of the above listed factors, the Company’s net earnings in the quarter and year to date have benefited from improved operating earnings at Famous Footwear and the more productive store base at Specialty Retail, which closed underperforming stores in 2005.


FAMOUS FOOTWEAR
 

Thirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-six Weeks EndedThirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
July 29, 2006 July 30, 2005 July 29, 2006 July 30, 2005October 28, 2006 October 29, 2005 October 28, 2006 October 29, 2005
($ millions, except sales
per square foot)
($ millions, except sales
per square foot)
% of
Net
Sales
   
% of
Net
Sales
   
% of
Net
Sales
   
% of
Net
Sales
($ millions, except salesper square foot)
% of
Net
Sales
   
% of
Net
Sales
   
% of
Net
Sales
   
% of
Net
Sales
Operating Results
                                      
Net sales$292.7 100.0% $286.2 100.0% $595.0 100.0% $575.0 100.0%$366.3 100.0% $328.1 100.0% $961.3 100.0% $903.0 100.0%
Cost of goods sold 160.8 54.9%  160.5 56.1%  331.5 55.7%  320.1 55.7% 199.1 54.4%  183.6 56.0%  530.7 55.2%  503.6 55.8%
Gross profit 131.9 45.1%  125.7 43.9%  263.5 44.3%  254.9 44.3% 167.2 45.6%  144.5 44.0%  430.6 44.8%  399.4 44.2%
Selling and administrative expenses 120.0 41.0%  116.4 40.7%  235.7 39.6%  229.1 39.8% 127.6 34.8%  118.3 36.1%  363.2 37.8%  347.4 38.5%
Operating earnings$11.9 4.1% $9.3 3.2% $27.8 4.7% $25.8 4.5%$39.6 10.8% $26.2 7.9% $67.4 7.0% $52.0 5.7%
                                    
Key Metrics
                                    
Same-store sales % change (0.1)%   2.2%    0.9%    1.8%   8.2%   2.1%    3.5%    1.9%  
Same-store sales $ change$(0.3)   $5.5  ��$5.0   $9.6  $25.7   $6.1   $30.8   $15.7  
Sales change from new and closed stores, net$6.8   $10.9   $15.0   $23.5  $12.5   $10.3   $27.5   $33.7  
                                  
Sales per square foot$44   44   $89   $88  $54   50   $142   $138  
Square footage (thousand sq. ft.) 6,706   6,540    6,706    6,540   6,819   6,603    6,819    6,603  
                                  
Stores opened 28   15   38    35   26   23   64    58  
Stores closed 17   9   28    21   10   13   38    34  
Ending stores 963   933   963    933   979   943   979    943  
                 

Net Sales
Net sales increased $6.5$38.2 million, or 2.2%11.7%, to $292.7$366.3 million in the secondthird quarter of 2006 as compared to $286.2$328.1 million in the secondthird quarter of the prior year. This increase is attributable to higher sales from new stores, partially offset by the strong back-to-school season, an 8.2% same-store sales decrease of 0.1%. The same-store decrease was attributable to lower customer traffic coming into the stores.gain and a higher store count. The ratio of customers making purchases however, increased, and salesas well as the number of pairs per transaction also increased.and the average unit retail prices. Famous Footwear benefited from sales improvements in virtually all footwear categories except athletics, and the women’s junior category performed particularly well.categories. During the secondthird quarter of 2006, we opened 2826 new stores and closed 17,10, resulting in 963979 stores at the end of the secondthird quarter as compared to 933943 at the end of the secondthird quarter of the prior year. Sales per square foot were $44, the same asincreased to $54, up a year ago.ago from $50.

Net sales increased $20.0$58.3 million, or 3.5%6.5%, to $595.0$961.3 million in the first halfnine months of 2006 as compared to $575.0$903.0 million in the first halfnine months of the prior year. This increase is attributable to higher sales from new stores andthe strong back-to-school selling season, the same-store sales increase of 0.9%. As with3.5% and the second quarter, sales of all footwear categories increased, except for athletic.higher store count. During the first halfnine months of 2006, we opened 3864 new stores and closed 28,38, resulting in 963979 stores at the end of the first halfnine months as compared to 933943 at the end of the first halfnine months of the prior year. Sales per square foot were $89,$142, slightly largerhigher than a year ago.

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 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 net sales due to stores that have been opened or closed during the period and are thereby excluded from the same-store sales calculation.

23

Gross Profit
Gross profit increased $6.2$22.7 million, or 4.9%15.7%, to $131.9$167.2 million in the secondthird quarter of 2006 as compared to $125.7$144.5 million in the secondthird quarter of the prior year. The increase reflects both a larger store basevolume and a rate increase. The volume increase is due to the higher sales during the back-to-school season and a higher store count. As a percent of sales, our gross profit rate which was 45.1%45.6% in the secondthird quarter of 2006, up from 43.9%44.0% in the secondthird quarter of the prior year. The improvement in the rate was due to aggressivea fresher inventory base prior to the back-to-school season. Inventory was more current and therefore, lower markdowns takenwere necessary to sell through the inventory. In addition, after realigning our corporate structure in the second third
25

quarter of 20052006, the Company recognized $1.0 million of income related to closed-up footwear and athletic footwearour initial recognition of gift card breakage (i.e. gift cards sold where the likelihood of redemption by the customer is remote). We will continue to recognize income from gift card breakage in order to better position the division forfuture. However, the back to school season.amount of income recognized in future quarters will be less than the amount recognized in the third quarter of 2006.

Gross profit increased $8.6$31.2 million, or 3.4%7.8%, to $263.5$430.6 million in the first halfnine months of 2006 as compared to $254.9$399.4 million in the first halfnine months of the prior year. The increase in the gross profit is due to the higher sales base and larger store count.same factors as those described above for the third quarter. As a percentage of net sales, the gross profit rate of 44.3% was the same as44.8% increased from 44.2% for the first halfnine months of the prior year.

Selling and Administrative Expenses
Selling and administrative expenses increased $3.6$9.3 million, or 3.0%7.9%, to $120.0$127.6 million for the secondthird quarter of 2006 as compared to $116.4$118.3 million in the secondthird quarter of the prior year. This increase is primarily attributable to increasedthe higher sales volume and a higher store count resulting in higher retail facilities costs, which are driven by store growth, and higher selling costs. In addition, the division recognized $0.2 million ofhigher bonus expense, related to stock options in 2006, as required by SFAS 123R, with no stock option expense recorded in the prior year. As a percentage of net sales, sellingwhich is based on financial performance, and administrative costs have increased to 41.0% from 40.7% last year.

Selling and administrative expenses increased $6.6 million, or 2.9%, to $235.7 million for the first half of 2006 as compared to $229.1 million in the first half of the prior year. This increase is primarily attributable to increased retail facilities costs, which are driven by store growth. In addition, the division recognized $0.4$0.2 million of expense related to stock options in 2006, as required by SFAS 123R, with no stock option expense recorded in the prior year. As a percentage of net sales, selling and administrative costs have decreased to 39.6%34.8% from 39.8%36.1% last year,year.

Selling and administrative expenses increased $15.8 million, or 4.6%, to $363.2 million for the first nine months of 2006 as compared to $347.4 million in the division leveraged itsfirst nine months of the prior year. This increase is primarily attributable to the higher sales, the higher store count, higher bonus expense base over higherand $0.6 million of stock option expense. As a percentage of net sales.sales, selling and administrative costs have decreased to 37.8% from 38.5% last year.

Operating Earnings
Operating earnings increased $2.6$13.4 million, or 28.4%51.1%, to $11.9$39.6 million for the secondthird quarter of 2006 as compared to $9.3$26.2 million in the secondthird quarter of the prior year. The increase in operating earnings was due to the higher sales andvolume resulting from the strong back-to-school selling season, a higher gross profit rate.rate and a better leveraging of the expense base.

Operating earnings increased $2.0$15.4 million, or 7.8%29.6%, to $27.8$67.4 million for the first halfnine months of 2006 as compared to $25.8$52.0 million in the first halfnine months of the prior year. The increase in operating earnings was due toyear, driven by the higher sales and better leveraging of the expense base.higher gross profit.


WHOLESALE OPERATIONS
 

Thirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-six Weeks EndedThirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
July 29, 2006 July 30, 2005 July 29, 2006 July 30, 2005October 28, 2006 October 29, 2005 October 28, 2006 October 29, 2005
($ millions)
  
% of
Net
Sales
   
% of
Net
Sales
   
% of
Net
Sales
   
% of
Net
Sales
  
% of
Net
Sales
   
% of
Net
Sales
   
% of
Net
Sales
   
% of
Net
Sales
Operating Results
                                  
Net sales$227.2 100.0% $207.4 100.0% $444.0 100.0% $388.7 100.0%$242.3 100.0% $226.5 100.0% $686.3 100.0% $615.1 100.0%
Cost of goods sold 163.2 71.8%  142.4 68.7%  315.1 71.0%  267.2 68.7% 171.2 70.6%  159.3 70.3%  486.3 70.9%  426.4 69.3%
Gross profit 64.0 28.2%  65.0 31.3%  128.9 29.0%  121.5 31.3% 71.1 29.4%  67.2 29.7%  200.0 29.1%  188.7 30.7%
Selling and administrative expenses 44.9 19.8%  48.7 23.5%  95.7 21.5%  87.7 22.6% 51.1 21.1%  48.0 21.2%  146.8 21.3%  135.7 22.1%
Operating earnings$19.1 8.4% $16.3 7.8% $33.2 7.5% $33.8 8.7%$20.0 8.3% $19.2 8.5% $53.2 7.8% $53.0 8.6%
                                    
Key Metrics
                                    
Unfilled order position at end of period$269.3   $263.5            $287.7   $298.7            
                 

24

Net Sales
Net sales increased $19.8$15.8 million, or 9.5%7.0%, to $227.2$242.3 million in the secondthird quarter of 2006 as compared to $207.4$226.5 million in the secondthird quarter of the prior year. We experienced higher sales in our private label, Children’s, Naturalizer LifeStride,and Dr. Scholl’s and private label product, which were partially offset by continuing weaknessdeclines in our Bass division. We recentlybusiness, which we announced in the second quarter that we are exiting the Bass business at the end of 2006 due to poor operating performance.performance, and in our Carlos by Carlos Santana and Via Spiga brands.


26


Net sales increased $55.3$71.2 million, or 14.2%11.6%, to $444.0$686.3 million in the first halfnine months of 2006 as compared to $388.7$615.1 million in the first halfnine months of the prior year. The increase in sales was driven by the inclusion of the Bennett business, which accounted for $57.6$61.3 million of the increase, for the full period in 2006 as compared to a partial period in the first halfnine months of 2005. In addition, we experienced higher sales in our LifeStride, Carlos by Carlos Santana and women’s private label, divisions,Dr. Scholl’s and Naturalizer product, but lower sales in our Bass and children’s divisions. Sales of children’s product in the first half of 2006 were negatively impacted by the timing of our children’s licenses, which are generally driven by major children’s movies and/or events.division.

Gross Profit
Gross profit decreased $1.0increased $3.9 million, or 1.5%5.9%, to $64.0$71.1 million in the secondthird quarter of 2006 as compared to $65.0$67.2 million in the secondthird quarter of the prior year. As a percentage of net sales, our gross profit rate declined to 28.2%29.4% in the secondthird quarter from 31.3%29.7% in the secondthird quarter of the prior year. Despite a larger sales base, gross profit and the gross profit rate areis lower due primarily to lower margins on sales of Bass, Franco Sarto and Via Spiga Etienne Aignerfootwear and Bass footwear.higher markdowns. In addition, there was a larger mix of mass merchant and private label product sales, which carry a lower gross profit rate than our branded product. However, our Naturalizer division experienced higher gross profit rates as we have implemented a new business model for this brand, which focuses on a continuous flow of smaller quantities of new goods versus large pre-season sell-ins, thereby minimizing markdowns and allowances.

Gross profit increased $7.4$11.3 million, or 6.1%6.0%, to $128.9$200.0 million in the first halfnine months of 2006 as compared to $121.5$188.7 million in the first halfnine months of the prior year, driven in part by the increase in net sales and the inclusion of Bennett for the entire period in 2006 and only the period since acquisition (April 22, 2005) in the prior year. However,In addition, as discussed above, we have experienced higher gross profit rates on Naturalizer product due to a new business model. As a percentage of net sales, our gross profit rate declined to 29.0%29.1% in the first halfnine months from 31.3%30.7% in the first halfnine months of the prior year. This decline was dueis attributable to the same factors that affected the secondthird quarter.

Selling and Administrative Expenses
Selling and administrative expenses decreased $3.8increased $3.1 million, or 7.7%6.6%, to $44.9$51.1 million for the secondthird quarter of 2006 as compared to $48.7$48.0 million in the secondthird quarter of the prior year, primarily drivenyear. The division recognized $0.6 million of expense related to stock options in 2006, as required by efficiencies gained by consolidating certain Bennett administrative functions. In addition,SFAS 123R, with no stock option expense recorded in the prior year, we incurred a $0.6 million restructuring charge to streamline certain Naturalizer wholesale operations.year. As a percent of sales, selling and administrative expenses decreased from 23.5%21.2% last year to 19.8%21.1% this year, reflecting better leveraging of the sales base, in particular the Bennett business acquired on April 22, 2005.

Selling and administrative expenses increased $8.0$11.1 million, or 9.1%8.2%, to $95.7$146.8 million for the first halfnine months of 2006 as compared to $87.7$135.7 million in the first halfnine months of the prior year. The increase is due primarily to the inclusion of Bennett’s selling and administrative expenses, including the amortization of intangible assets, for the entire first halfnine months of 2006 as compared to approximately one quarter during the first halfa partial year in 2005. The division also recognized $1.7 million of 2005.expense related to stock options in 2006. As a percent of sales, selling and administrative expenses decreased from 22.6%22.1% last year to 21.5%21.3% this year, reflecting better leveraging of the sales base.

Operating Earnings
Operating earnings increased $2.8$0.8 million, or 17.2%4.1%, to $19.1$20.0 million for the secondthird quarter of 2006 as compared to $16.3$19.2 million in the secondthird quarter of the prior year. The third quarter of 2006 includes incremental operating losses of $2.3 million related to the planned exit of the Bass business. The improvement in operating earnings is primarily the result of the benefits achieved in the new Naturalizer business model which focuses onand a continuous flowbetter leveraging of smaller quantities of new goods versus large pre-season sell-ins, thereby minimizing markdowns and allowances, and the decrease in selling and administrative expenses.expense base.

Operating earnings decreased $0.6increased $0.2 million, or 1.7%0.4%, to $33.2$53.2 million for the first halfnine months of 2006 as compared to $33.8$53.0 million in the first halfnine months of the prior year. The declineincrease in operating earnings is primarilydue to the result ofsame factors listed above that affected the lower gross profit rate.third quarter.


2527



SPECIALTY RETAIL
 

Thirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-six Weeks Ended Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
July 29, 2006 July 30, 2005 July 29, 2006 July 30, 2005 October 28, 2006 October 29, 2005 October 28, 2006 October 29, 2005
($ millions, except for sales per square foot)
   
% of
Net
Sales
   
% of
Net
Sales
   
% of
Net
Sales
   
% of
Net
Sales
($ millions, except for sales per square foot)
  
% of
Net
Sales
   
% of
Net
Sales
   
% of
Net
Sales
   
% of
Net
Sales
Operating Results
Operating Results
$                 
Operating Results
$                 
Net salesNet sales 59.5 100.0% $57.9 100.0% $115.9 100.0% $111.1 100.0%Net sales 68.2 100.0% $63.1 100.0% $184.1 100.0% $174.3 100.0%
Cost of goods soldCost of goods sold 31.3 52.6%  32.9 56.8%  61.3 52.8%  61.2 55.1%Cost of goods sold 36.5 53.5%  35.3 55.9%  97.8 53.1%  96.6 55.4%
Gross profitGross profit 28.2 47.4%  25.0 43.2%  54.6 47.2%  49.9 44.9%Gross profit 31.7 46.5%  27.8 44.1%  86.3 46.9%  77.7 44.6%
Selling and administrative expensesSelling and administrative expenses 29.7 49.8%  30.5 52.7%  59.0 51.0%  58.9 53.0%Selling and administrative expenses 30.7 45.1%  34.8 55.2%  89.7 48.7%  93.7 53.8%
Operating loss$(1.5)(2.4)% $(5.5)(9.5)% $(4.4)(3.8)% $(9.0)(8.1)%
Operating earnings (loss)Operating earnings (loss)$1.0 1.4% $(7.0)(11.1)% $(3.4)(1.8)% $(16.0)(9.2)%
                                       
Key Metrics
Key Metrics
                   
Key Metrics
                   
Same-store sales % changeSame-store sales % change (2.7)%    0.1%    (1.1)%    0.1%  Same-store sales % change 6.0%    2.5%    1.4%    1.0%  
Same-store sales $ changeSame-store sales $ change$(1.0)  $0.1   $(0.7)  $0.2  Same-store sales $ change$2.6   $1.2   $1.9   $1.3  
Sales change from new and closed stores, netSales change from new and closed stores, net$(4.4)   $1.2   $(7.9)  $1.2  Sales change from new and closed stores, net$(5.7)  $2.0   $(13.7)  $3.3  
Impact of changes in Canadian exchange rate on salesImpact of changes in Canadian exchange rate on sales$1.8   $1.6   $2.8   $2.8  Impact of changes in Canadian exchange rate on sales$1.1   $1.3   $3.9   $4.2  
Increase in sales of
e-commerce subsidiary
Increase in sales of
e-commerce subsidiary
$5.2   $3.0   $10.6   $6.8  
Increase in sales of
e-commerce subsidiary
$7.1   $4.2   $17.7   $10.9  
                                       
Sales per square foot, excluding e-commerce subsidiarySales per square foot, excluding e-commerce subsidiary$86   $84   $163   $161  Sales per square foot, excluding e-commerce subsidiary$102   $83   $275   $244  
Square footage (thousand sq. ft.)Square footage (thousand sq. ft.) 525    565    525    565  Square footage (thousand sq. ft.) 507    636    507    636  
                                     
Stores acquired upon Bennett acquisitionStores acquired upon Bennett acquisition -   -    -    12  Stores acquired upon Bennett acquisition -   -    -    12  
Stores openedStores opened 1   4    2    5  Stores opened 1   32    3    37  
Stores closedStores closed 8   13    11    23  Stores closed 8   20    19    43  
Ending storesEnding stores 305   369    305   369  Ending stores 298   381    298   381  
                 

Net Sales
Net sales increased $1.6$5.1 million, or 2.8%8.0%, to $59.5$68.2 million in the secondthird quarter of 2006 as compared to $57.9$63.1 million in the secondthird quarter of the prior year. Same-store sales decreased 2.7%. Our improvement in net sales was due to growth in sales at our e-commerce subsidiary, a same-store increase of 6.0%, and the favorable impact of the Canadian exchange rate, partially offset by a lower store count. Sales at our e-commerce subsidiary, Shoes.com, Inc., increased $5.2$7.1 million, or 78%82.0%, to $11.9$15.8 million in the secondthird quarter compared to $6.7$8.7 million in last year’s secondthird quarter. The favorable impact of the Canadian exchange rate improved net sales by $1.8 million. We opened 1 new store and closed 8 during the quarter resulting in 305298 stores at the end of the quarter compared to 369381 last year. This large decrease reflects the closing of 95 underperforming Naturalizer stores over the last three quarters ofduring 2005.

Net sales increased $4.8$9.8 million, or 4.3%5.6%, to $115.9$184.1 million in the first halfnine months of 2006 as compared to $111.1$174.3 million in the first halfnine months of the prior year. Same-store sales decreased 1.1%. Our improvement in net sales was primarily due to growth in sales at Shoes.com,our e-commerce subsidiary, the favorable impact of the Canadian exchange rate, and a same-store increase of 1.4%, partially offset by a lower store count. Sales at Shoes.com increased $10.6$17.7 million, or 79%80.3%, to $23.9$39.7 million in the first halfnine months compared to $13.3$22.0 million in last year’s first half. The favorable impact of the Canadian exchange rate increased net sales by $2.8 million.nine months.


26


Gross Profit
Gross profit increased $3.2$3.9 million, or 12.7%13.8%, to $28.2$31.7 million in the secondthird quarter of 2006 as compared to $25.0$27.8 million in the secondthird quarter of the prior year. The increase in gross profit is due both to the higher sales base. In addition, asbase and a higher gross profit rate. As a percentage of net sales, our gross profit rate increased to 47.4%46.5% in the secondthird quarter from 43.2%44.1% in the year ago quarter, reflecting higher gross profit rates in our Naturalizer stores as compared to the prior year.year, due in part to the closure of 95 underperforming stores in 2005.

Gross profit increased $4.7$8.6 million, or 9.6%11.1%, to $54.6$86.3 million in the first halfnine months of 2006 as compared to $49.9$77.7 million in the first halfnine months of the prior year. The increase in gross profit is due both to the higher sales base. In addition, asbase and a higher gross profit rate. As a percentage of net sales, our gross profit rate increased to 47.2%46.9% in the first halfnine months from 44.9%44.6% in the first nine months of the prior year, ago quarter, driven by better marginsreflecting higher gross profit rates in our Naturalizer stores.

28

Selling and Administrative Expenses
Selling and administrative expenses decreased $0.8$4.1 million, or 2.8%11.9%, to $29.7$30.7 million for the secondthird quarter of 2006 as compared to $30.5$34.8 million in the secondthird quarter of the prior year. InThe primary reason for this decrease is the secondinclusion of $4.3 million in the third quarter of 2005, we recorded charges of $2.1 million related tothe prior year for our initiative to close underperforming Naturalizer retail stores and consolidate certain administrative functions. Offsetting this change, was the impact of the strengthening Canadian exchange rate, which had the effect of increasing expenses approximately $0.8 million on a U.S. dollar basis in the second quarter. In addition, we have incurredthe resulting lower store count reduced ongoing retail facilities costs and marketing expense and higher costs at our Shoes.com business to support the sales growth. The division also recognized $0.1 million of expense related to stock options in 2006. As a percent of sales, selling and administrative expenses decreased from 52.7%55.2% last year to 49.8%45.1% this year as a result of the above named factors and the effect of a more productive store base.

Selling and administrative expenses increased $0.1decreased $4.0 million, or 0.3%4.2%, to $59.0$89.7 million for the first halfnine months of 2006 as compared to $58.9$93.7 million in the first halfnine months of the prior year. The non-recurrenceprimary reason for this decrease is the inclusion of charges$6.4 million in the second and third quarters of the prior year to close underperforming Naturalizer retail stores and consolidate certain administrative functions totaling $2.1 million recorded infunctions. In addition, the prior year impacted this comparison.resulting lower store count reduced ongoing retail facilities costs and marketing expense. Offsetting the store closing charges, a strengthening Canadian exchange rate had the effect of increasing expenses on a U.S. dollar basis by $1.4$1.9 million. In addition, we have incurred higher costs at our Shoes.com business to support the sales growth. The division also recognized $0.2 million of expense related to stock options in 2006. As a percent of sales, selling and administrative expenses decreased from 53.0%53.8% last year to 51.0%48.7% this year as a result of the above named factors.

Operating Earnings
Specialty Retail’sRetail had operating loss decreased to $1.5earnings of $1.0 million in the secondthird quarter of 2006 as compared to a loss of $5.5$7.0 million in the secondthird quarter of the prior year, which included charges of $5.2 million to close stores. The segment improved its operating results as a result of increased sales, strong gross profit rates, and the non-recurrence of the 2005 charge to close underperforming stores.

Specialty Retail’s operating loss decreased to $3.4 million in the first nine months of 2006 as compared to a loss of $16.0 million in the first nine months of the prior year. The segment improved its operating results as a result of increased sales, strong gross profit rates, and the non-recurrence of the 2005 charge of $7.6 million to close underperforming Naturalizer retail stores.

Specialty Retail’s operating loss decreased to $4.4 million in the first half of 2006 as compared to a loss of $9.0 million in the first half of the prior year. The segment improved its operating results as a result of increased sales, strong gross profit rates, and the non-recurrence of the 2005 charge to close underperforming Naturalizer retail stores.


OTHER SEGMENT
 

The Other segment includes unallocated corporate administrative and other costs. Unallocated corporate administrative and other costs were $3.3increased $11.5 million to $18.5 million in the secondthird quarter of 2006 as compared to $9.3from $7.0 million in the secondthird quarter of the prior year. The primary contributorDuring the third quarter of 2006, we recorded incremental charges of $3.7 million related to this reduction is the income recorded for insurance recoveries associated with our Redfield site, which resulted in income of $7.3 million, net of relatedan executive early retirement agreement. In addition, we have incurred higher legal fees in the second quarter of 2006. We experienced costs related to our strategic earnings enhancement program, which resulted in a charge of $1.4 million in the Other segment in the second quarter of 2006.pending litigation, as well as higher costs for recruiting, charitable contributions and incentive compensation. We also experienced higher share-based incentive compensation costs recorded in the current year, including the impact of adopting SFAS 123R, which resulted in an additional $0.3 million of costs at the corporate level, related to stock options in the secondthird quarter of 2006.

Unallocated corporate administrative and other costs were $11.8increased $6.6 million to $30.3 million in the first halfnine months of 2006 as compared to $16.8$23.7 million in the first halfnine months of the prior year. The insurance recoveries described above were the primary contributor to this reduction. We experienced costs related to our strategic earnings enhancement program, which resulted in a charge of $1.4 million in the first halfnine months of 2006. We also experienced higher share-based incentive compensation costs recorded in the current year, including the impact of adopting SFAS 123R, which resulted in an additional $0.7$1.1 million of costs related to stock options.

In addition, we have experienced higher costs related to legal fees, recruiting, and incentive compensation plans, as well as costs related to an early retirement agreement.

2729



LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 

Borrowings

      
($ millions)
July 29,
2006
 
July 30,
2005
 
Increase/
(Decrease)
 
October 28,
2006
 
October 29,
2005
 
Increase/
(Decrease)
 
Borrowings under revolving credit agreement$50.0 $129.0 $(79.0)$20.5 $117.5 $(97.0)
Senior notes 150.0  150.0  -  150.0  150.0  -- 
Total debt$200.0 $279.0 $(79.0)$170.5 $267.5 $(97.0)

Total debt obligations have decreased by $79.0$97.0 million, or 28.3%36.3%, to $200.0$170.5 million at July 29,October 28, 2006, as compared to $279.0$267.5 million at July 30,October 29, 2005. The decrease in total debt obligations is due to the repatriation of cash from our foreign subsidiaries in the last two quarters of 2005 and the associated decline in borrowings under our revolving credit agreement. Interest expense decreased $0.8$1.0 million, or 15.4%17.4%, to $4.4$4.3 million in the secondthird quarter of 2006 from $5.2$5.3 million in the secondthird quarter of the prior year, due to lower average borrowings on our revolving credit facility.

To fund a portion of the Bennett acquisition, on April 22, 2005, we issued $150 million of 8.75% senior notes due 2012. The Senior Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by each of our subsidiaries that is an obligor under our senior secured credit facility. Interest is payable on May 1 and November 1 of each year. The Senior Notes mature on May 1, 2012, but are callable any time on or after May 1, 2009, at specified redemption prices plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Senior Notes also contain certain restrictive covenants, including, among other things, restrictions on the payment of dividends, the incurrence of additional indebtedness, the guarantee or pledge of our assets, certain investments, and our ability to merge or consolidate with another entity or sell substantially all of our assets. We are in compliance with all required covenants.

We have a Revolving Credit Agreement that provides for a maximum line of credit of $350 million, subject to a calculated borrowing base. Borrowing availability under the Credit Agreement is based upon the sum of eligible accounts receivable and inventory, less outstanding borrowings, letters of credit and applicable reserves. The Credit Agreement expires in 2009, and our obligations are secured by our accounts receivable and inventory. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a variable rate determined based upon the level of availability under the Credit Agreement. If availability falls below specified levels, we would then be subject to certain financial covenants. In addition, if availability falls below $25 million and the fixed charge coverage ratio is less than 1.0 to 1, we would be in default. The Credit Agreement also contains certain other covenants and restrictions.restrictions, with which we are in compliance.

At July 29,October 28, 2006 we had $50.0$20.5 million of borrowings outstanding and $18.1$13.0 million in letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Agreement. Total additional borrowing availability was approximately $281.9$314.2 million at July 29,October 28, 2006. We believe that borrowing capacity under the Credit Agreement will be adequate to meet our operational needs and capital expenditure plans for the foreseeable future.

Working Capital and Cash Flow
        
Twenty-six Weeks Ended   Thirty-nine Weeks Ended   
($ millions)
July 29, 2006 July 30, 2005 
Increase/
(Decrease)
 October 28, 2006 October 29, 2005 
Increase/
(Decrease)
 
         
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities$36.6 $49.1 $(12.5)$95.2 $81.9 $13.3 
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities (46.4) (222.6) 176.2  (60.2) (232.0) 171.8 
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities 6.4  131.0  (124.6) (21.9) 118.2  (140.1)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 0.1  0.1  -  0.1  0.6  (0.5)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents$(3.3)$(42.4)$39.1 $13.2 $(31.3)$44.5 

The major variances in cash provided (used) in the table above relate to the acquisition of Bennett in April 2005, which was reflected as an investing activity, and the related issuance of the $150 million senior notes, issued in conjunction with the Bennett acquisition, which was reflected as a financing activity. We have also reduced our borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility, as discussed earlier. Further, in 2006, we have received cash benefits related to the proceeds of stock options exercised and the tax benefit for share based plans totaling $11.0$14.4 million as compared to $2.4$2.9 million in the prior year.

2830

A summary of key financial data and ratios at the dates indicated is as follows:
     
July 29, 2006 July 30, 2005 January 28, 2006     
     October 28, 2006 October 29, 2005 January 28, 2006
Working capital ($ millions)
$276.1 $275.9 $267.4$308.0 $299.4 $267.4
          
Current ratio1.69:1 1.69:1 1.75:11.97:1 1.93:1 1.75:1
          
Total debt as a percentage of total capitalization29.9% 41.2% 31.5%25.4% 39.0% 31.5%

Working capital at July 29,October 28, 2006 was $276.1$308.0 million, which was $8.7$40.6 million higher than at January 28, 2006, and $0.2$8.6 million higher than at July 30,October 29, 2005. Our current ratio, the relationship of current assets to current liabilities, decreasedincreased to 1.691.97 to 1 compared to 1.75 to 1 at January 28, 2006, and remained flat compared1.93 to July 30,1 at October 28, 2005. The reductionincrease in the current ratio since January 28, 2006 reflects the paymentseasonal nature of $22.7 million relatedour business, with our third quarter representing our highest seasonal quarter for earnings and cash generation. The current ratio is comparable to the first contingent performance period under the termsthat of the Bennett acquisition, which was paid in the first quarter of 2006.prior year’s third quarter. Our debt-to-capital ratio, the ratio of our debt obligations to the sum of our debt obligations and shareholders’ equity decreased to 29.9%25.4% at the end of the quarter from 41.2%39.0% at the end of the year-ago quarter, reflecting the decrease in borrowings under our revolving credit agreement since JulyOctober 2005. At July 29,October 28, 2006, we had $31.0$47.5 million of cash and cash equivalents, of which the majority represents cash and cash equivalents of our Canadian and other foreign subsidiaries.

As described in Note 3 to the condensed consolidated financial statements, the Company may pay up to an additional $17.5 million in contingent payments related to the Bennett acquisition. We made the first performance payment of $22.7 million during the first quarter of 2006. The remaining payments may be earned upon the achievement of certain performance targets over fiscal years 2006 and 2007. At this time, we do not anticipate that any payment will be made for the 2006 performance period. The Company expects to have sufficient liquidity available to make such contingent payments, should they become due.

As described in the Overview section and in Note 6 to the condensed consolidated financial statements, we initiated a strategic earnings enhancement program designed to increase earnings through cost reductions and efficiency initiatives and reallocating resources and investment to drive consumer preference. Key elements of the plan include: i) restructuring administrative and support areas; ii) redesigning logistics and distribution platforms; iii) reorganizing to eliminate operational redundancies; iv) realigning strategic priorities; and v) refining the supply chain process and enhancing inventory utilization. We are in the early stages of developing these earnings improvement initiatives, but estimate that these initiatives will generate a minor amount of after-tax savings in 2006, $10-12 million in 2007 with continuing annual after-tax savings of approximately $17-20 million, beginning in 2008. The costs to implement these programs are estimated to be in the range of $32-$34-$3738 million ($20-21-$23 million on an after-tax basis) with these costs incurred in the second half of 2006 and in 2007. In addition, it is expected that incremental capital costs will be required to implement several of the initiatives, but additional planning is required to estimate the level of such expenditures. We incurred charges of approximately $2.0 million ($1.2 million on an after-tax basis) on a cumulative basis in the second quarter of 2006, related to this program.

As described in Note 13 to the Overview section,condensed consolidated financial statements, in the second quarter of 2006, we reached agreements with certain insurance carriers to recover environmental remediation costs associated with our Redfield facility. Wefacility and recorded income related to these recoveries, net of related legal expenses, of $7.3 million, in the second quarter of 2006.million. We continue to pursue recovery of additional remediation costs from other insurance carriers. However, the amount of such future recoveries and the timing of receipt of such recoveries is not certain.

At the end of fiscal 2006, our license to market Bass footwear expires. As described in the Overview section, we recently announced that we will not renew the license and will accordingly exit this business at the end of 2006. We incurred $2.3 million of incremental operating costs ($1.4 million on an after-tax basis) in the third quarter related to the Bass exit and estimate that we will incur incrementalan additional $1.5 million ($0.9 million on an after-tax losses of approximately $2.1 million inbasis) during the second half of 2006 to exit this business.fourth quarter.

We paid dividends of $0.08 and $0.067 per share in the secondthird quarter of 2006 and the secondthird quarter of 2005, respectively.


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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
 

The following accounting policy related to gift cards has been added to our critical accounting policies and estimates since the end of the most recent fiscal year. For further information on other critical accounting policies and estimates, see Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 28, 2006. No other 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

Gift Cards
The Company sells gift cards to its customers in its retail stores and through its web sites. The Company’s gift cards do not have an expiration date or inactivity fees. The Company recognizes revenue from gift cards when: (i) the gift card is redeemed by the customer; or (ii) the likelihood of the gift card being redeemed by the customer is remote (gift card breakage) and the Company determines that it does not have a legal obligation to remit the value of unredeemed gift cards to the relevant jurisdictions. The Company determines its gift card breakage rate based upon historical redemption patterns. The Company recognizes gift card breakage at its Famous Footwear division during the 24 month period following the sale of the gift card, according to the Company’s historical redemption pattern. Gift card breakage income is included in net sales in the consolidated statements of earnings. At this time, the Company only recognizes breakage income for its Famous Footwear division. The Company will recognize gift card breakage at its other divisions once adequate historical data have been accumulated.

During the third quarter of 2006, after realigning our Annual Report on Form 10-Kcorporate structure, the Company began recognizing gift card breakage income. During the third quarter of 2006, we recognized $1.0 million of gift card breakage income. We will continue to recognize income from gift card breakage for our Famous Footwear division in the year ended January 28,future; however, the amount of income recognized in future quarters will be less than the amount recognized in the third quarter of 2006.


RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 

In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), “AccountingAccounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109,” which seeks to reduce the diversity in practice associated with the accounting and reporting for uncertainty in income tax positions. This Interpretation prescribes a comprehensive model for the financial statement recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and the Company will adopt the new requirements in its fiscal first quarter of 2007. The cumulative effects, if any, of adopting FIN 48 will be recorded as an adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company has not yet determinedcontinues to evaluate the impact if any, of adopting FIN 48, but does not expect the impact on its consolidated financial statements.statements to be material.

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 158 (“FAS 158”), “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R)”. FAS 158 requires a company to recognize in its balance sheet an asset for a defined benefit postretirement plan’s overfunded status or a liability for a plan’s underfunded status. FAS 158 also requires that a plan’s assets and obligations be measured as of the end of the employer’s fiscal year for determination of funded status. Changes in funded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan will be recognized in comprehensive income in the year which the changes occur. The majority of the provisions of FAS 158 are effective at the end of fiscal years ending after December 15, 2006. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting FAS 158, but anticipates that the adoption of FAS 158 will result in an immaterial balance sheet adjustment at the end of fiscal 2006.


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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 

This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements and expectations regarding the Company’s future performance and the future performance of its brands. Such statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These include (i) the preliminary nature of estimates of the costs and benefits of the strategic earnings enhancement plan, which are subject to change as the Company refines these estimates over time; (ii) intense competition within the footwear industry; (iii) rapidly changing consumer demands and fashion trends and purchasing patterns, which may be influenced by consumers' disposable income, which in turn can be influenced by general economic conditions; (iv) customer concentration and increased consolidation in the retail industry; (v) the Company's ability to successfully implement its strategic earnings enhancement plan; (vi) political and economic conditions or other threats to continued and uninterrupted flow of inventory from China and Brazil, where the Company relies heavily on third-party manufacturing facilities for a significant amount of its inventory; (vii) the Company's ability to attract and retain licensors and protect its intellectual property; (viii) the Company's ability to secure leases on favorable terms; (ix) the Company's ability to maintain relationships with current suppliers; and (x) the uncertainties of pending litigation. The Company’s reports to the SecuritySecurities and Exchange Commission contain detailed information relating to such factors.factors, including, without limitation, the information under the caption “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 28, 2006 and the information under the caption “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this Form 10-Q, which information is incorporated by reference herein. The Company does not undertake any obligation or plan to update these forward-looking statements, even though its situation may change. In Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 28, 2006, 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 DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

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 January 28, 2006.


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ITEM 4
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
It is the Chief Executive Officer's and Chief Financial Officer's ultimate responsibility to ensure we maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit 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 and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our 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 our internal auditors.

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. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide a reasonable level of assurance that their objectives are achieved. As of July 29,October 28, 2006, management of the Company, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based upon and as of the date of that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

33

As previously reported, Andrew M. Rosen, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer retired from his executive position effective October 28, 2006. Mr. Rosen continues to serve as a senior advisor to the Company pursuant to the terms of an Early Retirement Agreement. Mark E. Hood has been appointed the Company’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective October 30, 2006. Mr. Rosen’s retirement and Mr. Hood’s appointment are not anticipated to have a significant effect on internal controls over financial reporting.

There have been no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended July 29,October 28, 2006, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


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. All legal costs associated with litigation are expensed as incurred.

Information regarding Legal Proceedings is set forth within Note 1213 of the condensed consolidated financial statements and incorporated by reference herein.


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ITEM 1A
RISK FACTORS

Changes to our risk factors since the most recent fiscal year end are shown below. No other material changes have occurred since the end of the most recent fiscal year. For further information, see Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 28, 2006.

We may be unable to successfully implement our strategic earnings enhancement plan.

As previously announced, we have begun to review and implement strategic initiatives as part of our strategic earningearnings enhancement plan, with the goal of increasing earnings and reallocating resources and investment to drive consumer preference. If we are not able to implement our strategic earnings enhancement plan effectively by, among other things:

·  restructuring administrative and support areas;
·  redesigning logistics and distribution platforms;
·  eliminating operational redundancies;
·  realigning strategic priorities; and
·  refining the supply chain process and enhancing inventory utilization,

our business and results of operations could be adversely affected.


34


ITEM 2
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The following table provides information relating to our repurchases of common stock during the secondthird quarter of 2006:

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)
 
          
April 30, 2006 - May 27, 2006 105,554 (2)37.74 (2)-  1,606,650 
            
May 28, 2006 - July 1, 2006 -  - -  1,606,650 
            
July 2, 2006 - July 29, 2006 -  - -  1,606,650 
            
Total 105,554 $37.74 -  1,606,650 
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)
 
          
July 30, 2006 - August 26, 2006 185 (2)32.60 (2)-  1,606,650 
            
August 27, 2006 - September 30, 2006 4,314 (2) 32.99(2) -  1,606,650 
            
October 1, 2006 - October 28, 2006 -  - -  1,606,650 
            
Total 4,499 (2)$32.97(2)-  1,606,650 
(1)  In May 2000, the Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of up to 3 million shares of our outstanding common stock. We 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, 1,393,350 shares have been repurchased and the remaining availability is 1,606,650 shares as of the end of the period. Our repurchases of common stock are limited under our debt agreements.

(2)  Represents shares that were tendered by employees related to certain share-based awards. These shares were tendered in satisfaction of the exercise price of stock options and/or to satisfy minimum tax withholding amounts for non-qualified stock options, restricted stock and stock performance awards. Accordingly, these share purchases are not considered a part of our publicly announced stock repurchase program.


ITEM 3
DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.
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ITEM 4
SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

The information in Item 4 of Part II of our Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended April 29, 2006 is incorporated herein by reference.None.


ITEM 5
OTHER INFORMATION

As previously reported, Andrew M. Rosen, ExecutiveMark E. Hood has been appointed as the Company’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer ofeffective October 30, 2006. Mr. Hood replaces Andrew M. Rosen, who retired from his executive position effective October 28, 2006. Mr. Rosen continues to serve as a senior advisor to the Company notifiedpursuant to the Companyterms of his decision to retire effective on February 3, 2007 (the “Retirement Date”). Mr. Rosen will continue in his present position until the earlier of thean Early Retirement Date or the date the Company hires an individual to fill Mr. Rosen’s role.Agreement.

35



ITEM 6
EXHIBITS

Exhibit
No.
  
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of the Company incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3(a) to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 4, 2002 and filed June 14, 2002.
3.2 Bylaws of the Company as amended through May 25, 2006, incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed May 26, 2006.
10.1* Early Retirement Agreement dated as of October 9, 2006 by and between Brown Shoe Company, Inc. Incentive and Stock Compensation Plan of 2002, as amended,Andrew M. Rosen, incorporated herein by reference tofrom Exhibit B10.1 to the registrant’s definitive proxy statementCompany’s Form 8-K dated April 17,October 10, 2006.
10.2*Severance Agreement, effective October 30, 2006, between the Company and Mark E. Hood, incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated October 30, 2006.
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.

*Denotes management contract or compensatory plan arrangements.

33



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: September 5,December 1, 2006 /s/ Andrew M. RosenMark E. Hood
  
ExecutiveSenior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
on behalf of the Registrant and as the
Principal Financial Officer

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