We are currently in a seasonally challenging period for furniture retailing; nevertheless, net sales are slightly positive versus the year ago period.
W.G. (Mickey) Holliman, Furniture Brands International Chairman and CEO

Furniture Brands International (FBN) Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer W.G. (Mickey) Holliman said today, "Business conditions remain as expected from early May when we last commented on current trends. We are currently in a seasonally challenging period for furniture retailing; nevertheless, net sales are slightly positive versus the year ago period."

Mr. Holliman concluded, "We reaffirm the guidance we gave in early May - net earnings per common share of 29 to 33 cents including the effect of 3 cents of previously disclosed restructuring, asset impairment and severance charges as well as the effect of 3 cents in increased interest expense due to the upfront recognition of the accounting gain on a cash flow hedge. We will report the actual results for the second quarter of 2006 on July 26, 2006."

Furniture Brands International is one of America's largest residential furniture companies.