Bassett Announces First Quarter 2008 Earnings

BASSETT, Va., April 10, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Bassett Furniture Industries
Inc. (Nasdaq:BSET) announced today its results of operations for its fiscal
quarter ended March 1, 2008.

Sales for the quarter ended March 1, 2008 were $81.6 million as compared to
$73.4 million for the quarter ended February 24, 2007 an increase of 11%. Due to
the Company's fiscal calendar, the quarter ending March 1, 2008 included 14
weeks compared to 13 weeks for the quarter ended February 24, 2007. The 2008
reported sales also have been positively impacted by reported revenue of $4.6
million due to a change in the Company's invoicing practices with respect to
freight for the delivery of wholesale furniture to our retail stores. In July of
2007, the Company began invoicing these customers on a fully landed basis such
that the dealer invoice price includes the freight charge for delivery. Gross
margins for the first quarter of 2008 and 2007 were 40.0% and 30.4%,
respectively. Excluding the effects of the above-mentioned invoicing change,
gross margins would have been 36.4%. This significant increase over 2007 results
from improved margins in both the wholesale and retail segments. Selling,
general and administrative expenses increased $1.8 million for the first quarter
of 2008 as compared to 2007 primarily due to additional company-owned retail
stores, partially offset by lower spending in the wholesale operation. The
Company reported net income of $0.5 million, or $0.04 per share for the quarter
ended March 1, 2008, as compared to a net loss of $(4.2) million, or $(0.35) per
share, for the quarter ended February 24, 2007. The results for the quarter
ended February 24, 2007 also included a $3.6 million pretax charge associated
with the closure of its wood furniture manufacturing facility in Bassett, Va.
Excluding the effects of this charge, the net loss for the first quarter of 2007
would have been $(2.0) million, or $(0.16) per share. A reconciliation of
adjusted net loss has been set forth below.

"Despite the continuing challenges presented by the overall U.S. economy, the
Company made progress during the first quarter by improving operating income by
$3.9 million, excluding the effects of the restructuring charge in 2007," said
Robert H. Spilman, Jr., Bassett's president and chief executive officer. "The
wholesale segment benefited from an increase in comparable shipments as compared
to the fourth quarter of 2007 and from the product mix changes and cost
reduction measures that were outlined last year. Additionally, losses
attributable to comparable corporate stores were reduced by approximately 40%,
largely driven by a 410 basis point improvement in year-over-year gross margins.
The consistency in marketing, selling culture, visual merchandising, and hiring
practices that now characterizes our corporate retail network is beginning to
provide the momentum that will ultimately provide the overall returns that we
are targeting.

"The Company continues its ongoing analysis of all corporate stores which
includes an evaluation of the real estate, lease terms, and future sales
potential of each location. Accordingly, two locations have been closed in the
last four months with another contemplated in the next 90 days. Furthermore, the
Company plans to convert two existing store locations to its new store format
and remodel three additional stores over the remainder of fiscal 2008. Total
capital allocation for these improvements will be in the $3 million range with
another $1 million earmarked for additional improvements to the entire network.

"We are encouraged by the sales results from the new store format. The Company
will closely monitor sales performance of these locations throughout the
remainder of the year. With this close monitoring, we believe we will have
adequate information in which to evaluate the sales productivity and the returns
generated from the new stores as we consider the level of investment that is
appropriate to dedicate to the concept in 2009 and beyond.

"We had an unusual amount of cash usage during the quarter which was primarily
due to the largest new product introduction in recent memory. Five new wood
collections made their debut in stores in January in addition to a new
assortment of occasional and leather upholstery. We are very pleased with the
sell through of these new product lines thus far. Despite this large revamping
of our product assortment, we were able to hold quarterly inventory levels
relatively flat. The Company expects to see significant reductions in inventory
levels as the year unfolds."

The Bassett Furniture retail store program had 131 stores in operation at the
end of the first quarter of 2008. Although management will continue to work
closely with its licensee stores to ensure the success of both the licensee and
Bassett, the Company expects that six to eight underperforming stores will close
during the remainder of 2008. The Company also expects over the remainder of
2008 that nine to ten licensee stores will remodel to incorporate certain
aspects of the new design.

Wholesale Segment

Net sales for the wholesale segment were $69.3 million for the first quarter of
2008 as compared to $62.3 million for the first quarter of 2007, an increase of
11%. Due to the Company's fiscal calendar, the quarter ended March 1, 2008
included 14 weeks compared to 13 weeks for the quarter ended February 24, 2007.
The 2008 reported sales also have been positively impacted by reported revenue
of $4.6 million due to a change in the Company's invoicing practices as
described above. Approximately 58% of wholesale shipments during the first
quarter of 2008 were imported products compared to 47% for first quarter of
2007. Gross margins for the wholesale segment were 30.3% for the first quarter
of 2008 as compared to 21.4% for the first quarter of 2007. Excluding the
effects of the invoicing change described above, gross margins for the first
quarter of 2008 would have been 25.3%, a 3.9 percentage point increase over
2007. This increase is primarily due to improved product mix associated with
increased imported product that carries a higher margin. With the continued
difficult furniture retail environment, the Company will continue to assess and
adjust its wholesale cost structure to match associated demand.

Retail Segment

Bassett's 32 corporate stores made progress despite difficult conditions at
retail with sales of $25.9 million in the first quarter of 2008 as compared to
$21.2 million in the first quarter of 2007. These sales increases have primarily
resulted from the additional Company owned stores acquired after the first
quarter of 2007 and a slight increase in comparable store sales (sales for
stores open for longer than one year). Gross margins for the quarter increased
4.1 percentage points due to improved pricing and promotional strategies,
coupled with less clearance sales activity as compared to 2007. The Company's
retail segment reduced its total operating losses by $0.3 million, a 13%
decrease. For our 27 comparable corporate stores, the Company reduced its
operating losses by approximately 40% in the first quarter of 2008 as compared
to the first quarter of 2007. The Company believes that the combination of new
product introductions, store prototype retrofits, better hiring and training of
design consultants and continued improved marketing efforts will lead to the
further improvement in retail operating results.

Other Income

Other income for the first quarter of 2008 was $0.2 million as compared to $0.9
million for 2007 primarily due to lower earnings on investments. In a turbulent
period for the financial markets, the Company's Alternative Asset Fund recorded
slightly positive increases in the net asset values for the quarter, but well
below the levels of the first quarter of 2007. Other income for the first
quarter of 2007 was negatively impacted by $(0.6) million of losses recorded on
the Company's former equity investment in BFD Northeast, LLC ("BFDNE"). On
February 28, 2007, the Company entered into an agreement with BFDNE whereby the
Company contributed its 30% interest in BFDNE to BFDNE in exchange for certain
assets of BFDNE's two stores in Boston, Massachusetts.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

Accounts receivable increased during the first quarter of 2008, due to both the
timing of shipments and payment terms associated with the January new product
rollout and the slower pace of collections from certain store licensees related
primarily to the overall retail environment. The Company continually assesses
its levels of bad debt reserves and recorded $0.8 million in bad debt expenses.
Although the Company believes it has adequate reserves for bad debts, it will
continue to work with its dealers to help limit bad debt exposure. The Company
expects several underperforming stores to close during the remainder of 2008,
thereby reducing future bad debt exposure.

The Company used $8.6 million of cash in operating activities during the first
quarter of 2008 primarily due to the continued difficult environment at retail
as well as increased cash requirements to fund the January new product rollout.
Representing one of the most extensive redesigns and rollouts in the Company's
recent history, the new product has been well-received at retail and should help
to fuel future sales growth. Due to the lead time to source the majority of the
new product, inventory and accounts payable balances were unusually high at the
end of fiscal 2007. The Company's inventory levels peaked in January and began
returning to more normalized levels during February. Management has targeted an
approximate $5 million inventory reduction plan for the remainder of 2008. The
Company's accounts payable balance was reduced by $6.4 million during the
quarter and has returned to a more sustainable level at the end February. The
Company also funded $2.4 million in dividends. These cash requirements were
funded through $7.0 million of investment sales, $2.8 million in dividends from
its investment in the International Home Furnishings Center and $4.0 million in
additional borrowings on the revolving credit facility.

In the fourth quarter of 2007, the Company announced the acquisition of the
operations of two stores in the Charleston, South Carolina area from a former
licensee and that it had begun the process of acquiring the land and building of
those stores. During the quarter ended March 1, 2008, the Company completed the
acquisition of the land and building for $6.8 million. The Company funded the
acquisition through additional real estate debt of $5.0 million and the use of
preexisting accounts receivable from the former licensee.

About Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc.

Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq:BSET), is a leading manufacturer and
marketer of high quality, mid-priced home furnishings. With approximately 130
Bassett stores, Bassett has leveraged its strong brand name in furniture into a
growing network of corporate and licensed stores that focus on providing
consumers with a friendly environment for buying furniture and accessories. The
most significant growth vehicle for Bassett continues to be the Company's
dedicated retail store program. Bassett's retail strategy includes affordable
custom-built furniture that is ready for delivery in the home within 30 days.
The stores also feature the latest on-trend furniture styles, more than 1,000
upholstery fabrics, free in-home design visits, and coordinated decorating
accessories. For more information, visit the Company's website at
bassettfurniture.com.

Certain of the statements in this release, particularly those preceded by,
followed by or including the words "believes," "expects," "anticipates,"
"intends," "should," "estimates," or similar expressions, or those relating to
or anticipating financial results for periods beyond the end of the first
quarter of fiscal 2008, constitute "forward looking statements" within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. For those
statements, Bassett claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward looking
statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In
many cases, Bassett cannot predict what factors would cause actual results to
differ materially from those indicated in the forward looking statements.
Expectations included in the forward-looking statements are based on preliminary
information as well as certain assumptions which management believes to be
reasonable at this time. The following important factors affect Bassett and
could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the
forward looking statements: economic, competitive, governmental and other
factors identified in Bassett's filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, and the effects of national and global economic or other conditions
and future events on the retail demand for home furnishings.

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations - Unaudited
(In thousands, except for per share data)

14 Weeks Ended 13 Weeks Ended
March 1, 2008 February 24, 2007
------------------ ------------------
Percent of Percent of
Amount Net Sales Amount Net Sales
------------------ ------------------

Net sales $81,599 100.0% $73,420 100.0%

Cost of sales 48,972 60.0% 51,109 69.6%
------------------ ------------------

Gross profit 32,627 40.0% 22,311 30.4%
------------------ ------------------

Selling, general and
administrative 27,606 33.8% 25,825 35.2%
Wholesale delivery expenses 4,609 5.6% -- --
Restructuring and impaired
asset charge -- -- 3,609 4.9%
------------------ ------------------

Income (loss) from
operations 412 0.5% (7,123) -9.7%

Other income, net 187 0.2% 910 1.2%
------------------ ------------------

Income (loss) before income
taxes 599 0.7% (6,213) -8.5%
Income tax (provision)
benefit (81) -0.1% 2,025 2.8%
------------------ ------------------

Net income (loss) $ 518 0.6% $(4,188) -5.7%
================== ==================

Basic earnings (loss) per
share: $ 0.04 $ (0.35)
======= =======

Diluted earnings (loss)
per share: $ 0.04 $ (0.35)
======= =======

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)

unaudited
March 1, Nov. 24,
Assets 2008 2007
---------- ----------
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,559 $ 3,538
Accounts receivable, net 42,092 38,612
Inventories 50,079 50,550
Deferred income taxes 6,898 6,001
Other current assets 10,268 12,421
---------- ----------
Total current assets 114,896 111,122
---------- ----------

Property and equipment, net 58,978 53,225
---------- ----------

Investments 68,025 76,924
Retail real estate 31,003 31,207
Notes receivable, net 14,489 14,128
Deferred income taxes 10,791 9,902
Other 12,370 14,195
---------- ----------
136,678 146,356
---------- ----------
Total assets $ 310,552 $ 310,703
========== ==========
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

Current liabilities
Accounts payable $ 19,686 $ 26,104
Customer deposits 9,089 8,894
Other accrued liabilities 21,124 21,596
---------- ----------
Total current liabilities 49,899 56,594
---------- ----------

Long-term liabilities
Post employment benefit obligations 14,391 14,493
Long-term revolving debt 14,000 10,000
Real estate notes payable 21,962 18,850
Distributions in excess of affiliate
earnings 14,015 12,244
Other long-term liabilities 5,206 3,670
---------- ----------
69,574 59,257
---------- ----------
Commitments and Contingencies

Stockholders' equity

Common stock 59,055 59,033
Retained earnings 129,135 131,725
Additional paid-in-capital 2,267 2,180
Accumulated other comprehensive income 622 1,914
---------- ----------
Total stockholders' equity 191,079 194,852
---------- ----------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 310,552 $ 310,703
========== ==========

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Unaudited
(In thousands)

14 Weeks Ended 13 Weeks Ended
March 1, 2008 February 24, 2007
----------------- -----------------
Operating activities:
Net income (loss) $ 518 $ (4,188)
Adjustments to reconcile net
income (loss) to net cash
used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 2,036 2,328
Equity in undistributed income
of investments and
unconsolidated affiliated
companies (883) (1,959)
Provision for restructuring and
asset impairment costs -- 3,609
Realized income from
investments (182) (434)
Provision for losses on
accounts and notes receivable 770 685
Deferred income taxes (78) (793)
Other, net (17) 187
Changes in operating assets and
liabilities
Accounts receivable (4,803) (5,929)
Inventories 471 3,518
Other current assets 1,947 (1,384)
Accounts payable and accrued
liabilities (8,403) 603
----------------- -----------------
Net cash used in operating
activities (8,624) (3,757)
----------------- -----------------
Investing activities:
Purchases of property and
equipment (199) (218)
Purchases of retail real estate (594) --
Proceeds from sales of property
and equipment 88 1,028
Acquisition of Charleston stores,
net (216) --
Proceeds from sales of
investments 11,761 5,591
Purchases of investments (4,739) (1,568)
Dividends from an affiliate 2,811 2,811
Net cash received on licensee
notes 281 464
Other, net (45) (728)
----------------- -----------------
Net cash provided by investing
activities 9,148 7,380
----------------- -----------------
Financing activities:
Borrowings under revolving credit
facility 4,000 1,000
Repayments of real estate notes
payable (176) (162)
Issuance of common stock 35 305
Cash dividends (2,362) (2,361)
----------------- -----------------
Net cash provided by (used in)
financing activities 1,497 (1,218)
----------------- -----------------

Change in cash and cash
equivalents 2,021 2,405

Cash and cash equivalents -
beginning of year 3,538 6,051
----------------- -----------------

Cash and cash equivalents - end
of quarter $ 5,559 $ 8,456
================= =================

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Segment Information - Unaudited
(In thousands)

14 Weeks Ended 13 Weeks Ended
March 1, 2008 February 24, 2007
----------------- -----------------
Net Sales
Wholesale $ 69,309 $ 62,346
Retail 25,927 21,183
Inter-company elimination (13,637) (10,109)
----------------- -----------------
Consolidated $ 81,599 $ 73,420
================= =================

Operating Income (loss)
Wholesale $ 2,883 $ (1,161)
Retail (2,057) (2,376)
Inter-company elimination (414) 23
Restructuring and impaired asset
charge -- (3,609)
----------------- -----------------
Consolidated $ 412 $ (7,123)
================= =================

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Reconciliation of Net Income as Reported
to Net Income as Adjusted (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except for per share data)

14 Weeks Ended Per 13 Weeks Ended Per
March 1, 2008 Share February 24, 2007 Share
------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss)
as reported $ 518 $ 0.04 $ (4,188) $(0.35)
Restructuring and
impaired asset
charge, net of
taxes -- -- 2,201 0.19
------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss)
as adjusted $ 518 $ 0.04 $ (1,987) $(0.16)
================================================
Adjustments to net income (loss) are net of income taxes at a 40% effective tax
rate.

The Company has included the "as adjusted" information because it uses, and
believes that others may use, such information in comparing the Company's
operating results from period to period. However, the items excluded in
determining the "as adjusted" information are significant components in
understanding and assessing the Company's overall financial performance for the
periods covered.

(BSET-E)

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CONTACT: Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc.
Investors
Barry C. Safrit, S.V.P., CFO
(276) 629-6757
(276) 629-6332 - Fax
Media
Jay S. Moore, Dir. of Communications
(336) 389-5513