Liz Claiborne cautious on 4Q estimates

NEW YORK Liz Claiborne today pre-announced an expected earnings loss of 25 cents to 35 cents per share for the year 2007, compared to diluted earnings per share of $2.46 for the full year 2006. The company added that adjusted diluted EPS for the year 2007 are currently estimated to be in the range of $1.25 to $1.35, compared to previous adjusted diluted EPS guidance of $1.70 to $1.80. Adjusted diluted EPS were $2.99 for the year 2006.

Liz Claiborne reported that net sales for the year 2007 were approximately $4.6 billion, a decrease of 1.4% from the comparable 2006 year. According to the company, the predicted results reflect continued weakness in the partnered brands segment, which includes the brands under strategic review, partially offset by positive performance in the direct brands segment.

For the fourth quarter of 2007, the company expects to report a loss per share of 90 cents to $1.00, compared to diluted EPS of 71 cents for the fourth quarter 2006. Adjusted diluted EPS for the fourth quarter of 2007 is currently estimated to be in the range of 15 cents to 25 cents compared to adjusted diluted EPS of 94 cents for the fourth quarter 2006. Net sales for the fourth quarter of 2007 were approximately $1.2 billion, a decrease of 3% from the comparable 2006 period.

William McComb, ceo of Liz Claiborne, said: "While 2007 marked a very difficult period, we see the fundamentals in this company heading in the right direction. We are steadfast in our commitment to rebase our costs, to invest in design and retail capabilities, and to complete our strategic review by the end of the first quarter. The conservative view we are taking in our 2008 guidance-specifically around our partnered brands performance-is only prudent given the challenging retail environment."