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Haggar Posts increase for quarter

From: ASAP

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Haggar Corp. (NASDAQ: HGGR) announced results for the third quarter ended June 30, 2002, which saw the Company increase its sales by 3% for the quarter.

For the third quarter of fiscal 2002, Haggar reported net sales of $111,215,000 and net income of $460,000, or $0.07 on a diluted per share basis. This compares to the third quarter of 2001, in which the Company reported $108,151,000 in net sales and net income of $1,028,000, or income of $0.15 on a diluted per share basis.

For the nine months ended June 30, 2002, Haggar reported net sales of $348,605,000 and income of $3,757,000 or $0.59 on an earnings per share basis, before giving effect to the following previously announced items which include the cumulative impact of a change in accounting principle for goodwill for $15,578,000 or $2.42 per share, a $1,000,000 charge for the closure of its Weslaco, Texas cutting operation of $0.09 per share, and the revision of the Company's estimate on the 2001 Edinburg, Texas facility writeoff, which reversed $2,157,000 to income or $0.20 per share. This compares to the first nine months of fiscal 2001, in which the Company reported $323,798,000 in net sales and income of $2,898,000, or $0.45 on a per share basis, before giving effect to the reorganization charge for $20,800,000 or $2.20 per share relating primarily to the closing of its last domestic sewing facility on March 26, 2001. The proforma diluted earnings per share increased by 31% for the nine month period ending June 30, 2002, as compared to the same period in 2001. The net loss for the nine months ended June 30, 2002, was $11,109,000 or a diluted per share loss of $1.73. This compares to the first nine months of fiscal 2001, in which the net loss was $11,402,000 or a diluted per share loss of $1.75.

J. M. Haggar, III, the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We are pleased with our market share increases. Our new product offerings combined with increased sell through at retail with our key customers have resulted in these sales increases of 3% for the quarter and an 8% increase for the nine month period ending June 30, 2002. Our strategy of strong brands -- Haggar, Claiborne, DKNY plus a world-class private brand organization is paying off. Pricing pressures at retail continue to impact our gross margins in the short term, however we are growing market share which is key to our long term success."

Frank Bracken, President and Chief Operating Officer, added, "We introduced our new 'Comfort Fit' product to more retailers this quarter and the responses have continued to be outstanding. Initial sell-throughs at retail have been excellent, selling at rates of 50 to 70% better than departmental averages. We believe this product will be another phenomenal success for Haggar. Based on this success, we are introducing Haggar Comfort Fit pants for women in Spring 2003."

David Tehle, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, noted, "The Company reduced its inventory by $8.6 million to $95.3 million as of the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2002, as compared to $103.9 million as of the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2001. Additionally, debt has been reduced by $33.3 million to $34.1 million as compared to the same period in fiscal 2001 of $67.4 million, due to increasing control of working capital."

The Haggar Board of Directors continued the $0.05 per share quarterly dividend. The dividend will be payable on August 19, 2002, to shareholders of record as of August 5, 2002.

The statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such statements; the results could be affected by, among other things, general business conditions, the impact of competition, the seasonality of the Company's business, labor relations, governmental regulations, unexpected judicial decisions, and inflation. In addition, the financial results for the quarter just ended do not necessarily indicate the results that may be expected for any future quarters or for any fiscal year. Investors also should consider other risks and uncertainties discussed in documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Additionally, the Company will file a Form 8K with the Securities and Exchange Commission tomorrow with its latest financial projections for fiscal 2002. The Company has not modified its previously announced annual projections for fiscal 2002, which the Company filed on July 15, 2002.

Haggar Clothing Co., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Haggar Corp., is a leading marketer of men's casual and dress apparel and women's sportswear, with global headquarters in Dallas, TX. Haggar markets in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, South Africa, and Indonesia. Haggar also holds exclusive licenses in the United States to use the Claiborne(R) trademark and in the United States and Canada to use the DKNY(R) trademark to manufacture, market, and sell men's shorts and pants in men's classification pant departments.

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