San Francisco, CA March 20, 2006--Retailer Williams-Sonoma Inc., said quarterly profit rose as higher sales of its upscale housewares helped offset the impact of charges related to shutting down its chain of Hold Everything storage goods stores.
Net income for the fourth quarter, ended Jan. 29, was $120.8 million, or $1.02 per share, compared with $113.7 million, or 95 cents per share, a year ago.
Excluding special items, the company, best known for its namesake cookware stores as well as the Pottery Barn home decor and furniture business, earned $1.09 per share.
Separately, the company initiated a quarterly cash dividend of 10 cents per share, payable on May 24, to shareholders of record April 26.
