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Fleetwood Reports Fiscal 2008 Third Quarter, Year-To-Date Results

-Net Loss Narrows Sharply Despite Lower Revenues-

RIVERSIDE, Calif., March 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: FLE) announced today the results for its fiscal 2008 third quarter and first nine months ended January 27, 2008.

Consolidated revenues for the quarter were down 20 percent to $355.5 million from $443.2 million in last year's third quarter. Despite the reduction in revenues, the Company's operating loss narrowed to $11.2 million from an operating loss of $24.9 million in the third quarter of the prior year. The net loss was reduced to $16.4 million, or $0.25 per share, compared with a net loss of $29.9 million, or $0.47 per share, in last year's third quarter.

Operating results for the third quarter included $5.4 million, or $0.08 per share, related to gains from the sale of idle facilities partially offset by severance costs. Last year's third quarter financial results included $4.1 million of asset impairment and severance charges, or $0.06 per share.

"Considering the pressure on revenues in the most recently completed quarter, the improvement to our bottom-line results is noteworthy," said Elden L. Smith, Fleetwood's president and chief executive officer. "Gross profit margin was up, operating and warranty expenses were down, and labor efficiencies improved. These results are a reflection of the dedicated efforts of our experienced operating team and its ability to manage our businesses during a seasonally slow period that was made more challenging by difficult market conditions. All of our businesses have been impacted by recent consumer uncertainty. Our success in managing costs can be seen clearly in the 13 percent reduction in year-to-date operating expenses compared with the previous year and the 28 percent reduction from the same three quarters of fiscal 2005."

For the first nine months of fiscal 2008, consolidated revenues were down 10 percent to $1.36 billion from $1.50 billion in the same period last year. The operating loss for the first three quarters was $0.8 million compared with $48.4 million in the same period of fiscal 2007. The net loss in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 was $19.9 million, or $0.31 per share, compared with a net loss of $50.7 million, or $0.79 per share, for the same period last year.

RV Group Results

The RV Group incurred a lower operating loss of $4.2 million for the third quarter compared with a $15.8 million operating loss in the comparable period of the prior year. The improved results stemmed from an increase in gross profit and a decline in operating expenses. Revenues were off 22 percent in the quarter to $254.2 million from $324.0 million in the same period of the prior year.

The motor home division sustained an operating loss of $1.2 million in the quarter compared to operating income of $5.3 million in the same quarter last year, primarily due to a 16 percent drop in revenues. The travel trailer division recorded a $1.9 million operating loss, a substantial improvement from the prior year's operating loss of $17.5 million, on revenues that were down 44 percent. The results included $5.9 million in gains related to the sale of idled properties, partially offset by severance costs of $0.6 million. The operating loss for the folding trailer division was reduced to $1.2 million from an operating loss of $3.5 million in last year's third quarter, on revenues that were up 11 percent to $15.9 million.

The RV Group reported an operating loss of $1.3 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2008 on revenues of $946.8 million, compared with an operating loss of $44.0 million on revenues of $1.06 billion in the comparable period last year. Improved travel trailer results were the largest contributor to this turnaround but all of the businesses made progress from the prior year.

"Our product lineup has improved and been well accepted, and we have exciting introductions planned for the new model year," Smith said. "We also are enthusiastic about the potential for Fleetwood Financial Services, a strategic alliance with Bank of America to provide wholesale and retail financing. This alliance, which was announced earlier this week, should enable us to drive sales and increase market share of our RV products. Although interest in the RV lifestyle continues to be high, sales in our industry are highly dependent upon consumer confidence and, with the current uncertainty in the economy, RV sales remain soft."

Housing Group Results

Despite lower revenues, the Housing Group reduced its third quarter operating loss to $2.6 million in the current year third quarter from $7.8 million in the third quarter of the prior year. Last year's results included asset impairment charges of $2.8 million in connection with an idle plant. Quarterly revenues were off 11 percent to $96.5 million from $108.7 million in the prior-year third quarter.

For the first nine months of the fiscal year, the Housing Group generated $7.1 million in operating income on revenues of $390.4 million, versus an operating loss of $4.3 million on revenues of $401.3 million for the first nine months of the prior fiscal year.

"Home shipments in the manufactured housing industry fell below 100,000 in 2007, creating a low that very few industry followers predicted," Smith said. "The sector is being adversely affected by widespread problems in the lending environment for conventional housing and the resulting slowdown in that market. Our industry experienced similar circumstances eight years ago and has since been subject to stricter lending standards. Growing conservatism in lending criteria for site-built housing will eventually level the playing field and may assist in a recovery of the manufactured housing industry. Meanwhile, we have successfully adjusted our cost structure to compete more profitably in this market and we are pursuing growth through our relatively new modular division, Trendsetter Homes. Our greatest success to date in this division has been in building military base housing. Very little of this business is reflected in our third quarter revenues, but at the end of the third quarter we secured a contract to build the second phase of living-space modules for barracks at Fort Bliss, and this week we secured a contract to supply similar modules at Ft. Sill. These contracts will positively affect sales in our fourth quarter and beyond."

Corporate Outlook

On December 15, 2008, the holders of the Company's 5% convertible senior subordinated debentures that have a face value of $100 million have the right to require Fleetwood to repurchase them at par with cash or by issuing common stock. Anticipating that the rights will be exercised, the Company plans to meet a sizable portion of the obligation with existing cash, cash proceeds from the disposition of idle or excess properties, and cash available from operations. The remaining obligation is expected to be financed well before December with the proceeds of debt and/or equity transactions without significant incremental change over the current fully diluted share count (which presently includes approximately 8.5 million shares that underlie the 5% debentures).

"We expect that market conditions, which have deteriorated in the last several months, will continue to be soft for both of our industries through the fourth fiscal quarter," Smith said. "Because short-term economic signs are not positive, we have slowed production and are prepared for a sluggish spring, with fourth quarter revenues again expected to be down significantly from last year. We expect that motor home sales will be especially impacted as dealers match their orders to retail sales and adjust their inventory levels. Given our more streamlined cost structure, however, core operating expenses (before considering any positive impact from ongoing real estate dispositions or prior-year restructuring costs) are expected to be significantly reduced from the prior year and be at similar levels to the third quarter. Overall, results will be heavily influenced by uncertain market conditions and dealer sentiment."

Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call with interested parties at 10:30 a.m. PST/1:30 p.m. EST on Thursday, March 6, 2008. The call will be broadcast live on the Company's website, http://www.fleetwood.com under Investor Relations, and over the Internet at http://www.streetevents.com and http://www.earnings.com.

About Fleetwood

Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc. is a leading producer of recreational vehicles and manufactured homes through its subsidiaries. This Fortune 1000 company, headquartered in Riverside, Calif., is dedicated to providing quality, innovative products that offer exceptional value to its customers. Fleetwood operates facilities strategically located throughout the nation, including recreational vehicle, manufactured housing and supply subsidiary plants. For more information, visit the Company's website at http://www.fleetwood.com.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements and information based on the beliefs of Fleetwood's management as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, Fleetwood's management. Such statements, including those regarding the potential for Fleetwood Financial Services to drive sales, the potential for a recovery in manufactured housing, and the projected fourth quarter results, reflect the current views of Fleetwood with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, including risk factors identified in Fleetwood's 10-K and other SEC filings. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the lack of assurance that we will regain sustainable profitability in the foreseeable future; the effect of ongoing weakness in both the manufactured housing and recreational vehicle markets; the effect of a decline in home equity values, volatile fuel prices and interest rates, global tensions, employment trends, stock market performance, availability of financing generally, and other factors that can have a negative impact on consumer confidence, which in turn may reduce demand for our products, particularly recreational vehicles; the availability and cost of wholesale and retail financing for both manufactured housing and recreational vehicles; our ability to comply with financial tests and covenants on existing debt obligations; our ability to obtain, on reasonable terms if at all, the financing we will need in the future to execute our business strategies and to meet the repayment terms of our outstanding convertible debt instruments, including the 5% convertible senior subordinated debentures, which the company may have to repurchase in December 2008; potential dilution associated with equity financings we may undertake to raise additional capital; the cyclical and seasonal nature of both the manufactured housing and recreational vehicle industries; expenses and uncertainties associated with the entry into new business segments or the manufacturing, development, and introduction of new products; the potential for excessive retail inventory levels in the manufactured housing and recreational vehicle industries; the volatility of our stock price; repurchase agreements with floorplan lenders, which could result in increased costs; potential increases in the frequency of product liability, wrongful death, class action, and other legal actions; and the highly competitive nature of our industries.

                              (tables to follow)



                           Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc.
                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                  (Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
                                   (Unaudited)

                               13 Weeks Ended             39 Weeks Ended
                          January 27,   January 28,  January 27,   January 28,
                              2008         2007         2008          2007
    Net sales:
      RV Group              $254,156     $323,976     $946,789   $1,059,793
      Housing Group           96,467      108,687      390,371      401,332
      Supply Group             4,875       10,509       18,715       38,391
                             355,498      443,172    1,355,875    1,499,516

    Cost of products sold    306,423      384,597    1,145,934    1,294,172
      Gross profit            49,075       58,575      209,941      205,344

    Operating expenses        65,676       79,439      217,574      250,858
    Other operating (income)
     expense, net             (5,427)       4,063       (6,881)       2,873
                              60,249       83,502      210,693      253,731

      Operating loss         (11,174)     (24,927)        (752)     (48,387)
    Other income (expense):
      Investment income        1,187        1,269        3,726        4,701
      Interest expense        (6,161)      (5,942)     (18,346)     (18,773)
      Other, net                   -            -            -       18,530
                              (4,974)      (4,673)     (14,620)       4,458

    Loss from continuing
     operations before
     income taxes            (16,148)     (29,600)     (15,372)     (43,929)
    Provision for income
     taxes                      (122)         (70)      (4,023)      (4,841)
    Loss from continuing
     operations              (16,270)     (29,670)     (19,395)     (48,770)

    Loss from discontinued
     operations, net             (87)        (235)        (521)      (1,973)

    Net loss                $(16,357)    $(29,905)    $(19,916)    $(50,743)


    Basic and diluted loss
     per common share:
    Loss from continuing
     operations                $(.25)      $(.46)       $(.30)        $(.76)
    Loss from discontinued
     operations                    -        (.01)        (.01)         (.03)

    Net loss per common share  $(.25)      $(.47)       $(.31)        $(.79)

    Weighted average common
     shares                   64,255      63,937       64,219        63,933



                           Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc.
                      CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                             (Amounts in thousands)
                                   (Unaudited)

                                         January 27,  October 28,  January 28,
    ASSETS                                    2008        2007         2007

    Cash                                     $20,089     $47,477      $9,722
    Marketable investments                    24,990      24,754      24,005
    Receivables                              118,717     121,678     139,131
    Inventories                              183,236     183,591     198,243
    Deferred taxes, net                        9,160       7,239      13,104
    Other current assets                       9,051       9,499      13,782
        Total current assets                 365,243     394,238     397,987

    Property, plant and equipment, net       160,338     175,958     198,059
    Deferred taxes, net                       42,362      44,283      52,367
    Cash value of company-owned life
     insurance, net                           15,227      20,215      23,113
    Goodwill                                   6,316       6,316       6,316
    Other assets                              39,378      40,240      43,073

        Total assets                        $628,864    $681,250    $720,915

    LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

    Accounts payable                         $35,552     $41,293     $53,328
    Employee compensation and benefits        35,601      46,040      39,423
    Federal and state income taxes             3,874       2,212       1,315
    Product warranty reserves                 38,723      41,453      45,015
    Insurance reserves                        20,326      20,149      17,616
    Accrued interest                           4,768       5,428       6,689
    Other short-term borrowings                8,362      10,056      19,785
    5% convertible senior subordinated
     debentures                              100,000         -           -
    Other current liabilities                 61,885      68,175      64,959
        Total current liabilities            309,091     234,806     248,130

    Deferred compensation and retirement
     benefits                                 21,646      25,840      28,703
    Product warranty reserves                 20,410      21,816      22,165
    Insurance reserves                        36,314      35,990      34,341
    5% convertible senior subordinated
     debentures                                  -       100,000     100,000
    6% convertible subordinated
     debentures                              160,142     160,142     160,142
    Other long-term debt                      17,482      18,811       3,880

        Total liabilities                    565,085     597,405     597,361

    Commitments and contingencies

    Shareholders' equity:
      Common stock                            64,257      64,250      64,041
      Additional paid-in capital             496,533     495,754     492,034
      Accumulated deficit                   (495,110)   (478,753)   (435,976)
      Accumulated other comprehensive
       income (loss)                          (1,901)      2,594       3,455

           Total shareholders' equity         63,779      83,845     123,554

           Total liabilities and
            shareholders' equity            $628,864    $681,250    $720,915



                           Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc.
                  BUSINESS SEGMENT AND UNIT SHIPMENT INFORMATION
                          (Dollar amounts in thousands)
                                   (Unaudited)

                                   13 Weeks Ended          39 Weeks Ended
                              January 27,  January 28, January 27, January 28,
                                 2008        2007         2008        2007
    REVENUES:
      Motor homes               $192,259    $227,851    $729,716    $683,724
      Travel trailers             46,007      81,786     157,631     307,585
      Folding trailers            15,890      14,339      59,442      68,484
    RV Group                     254,156     323,976     946,789   1,059,793
    Housing Group                 96,467     108,687     390,371     401,332
    Supply Group                   4,875      10,509      18,715      38,391

                                $355,498    $443,172  $1,355,875  $1,499,516

    OPERATING INCOME (LOSS):
      Motor homes                $(1,164)     $5,252     $16,943        $633
      Travel trailers             (1,861)    (17,543)    (17,620)    (41,881)
      Folding trailers            (1,206)     (3,532)       (606)     (2,726)
    RV Group                      (4,231)    (15,823)     (1,283)    (43,974)
    Housing Group                 (2,588)     (7,770)      7,126      (4,319)
    Supply Group                  (1,943)       (727)       (923)      1,392
    Corporate and other           (2,412)       (607)     (5,672)     (1,486)

                                $(11,174)   $(24,927)      $(752)   $(48,387)

    UNITS SOLD:
    Recreational vehicles -
      Motor homes                  1,530       1,838       6,088       6,110
      Travel trailers              2,170       4,350       7,781      17,469
      Folding trailers             1,872       1,868       6,476       7,899
                                   5,572       8,056      20,345      31,478

    Housing -
      HUD                          2,522       2,827       9,706      10,200
      MOD                              5           -         560           -
                                   2,527       2,827      10,266      10,200

    Total Company shipments        8,099      10,883      30,611      41,678

     Contact:  Lyle Larkin, Vice President - Treasurer (951) 351-3535
               Kathy A. Munson, Director - Investor Relations (951) 351-3650

SOURCE Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc.

CONTACT: Lyle Larkin, Vice President - Treasurer, +1-951-351-3535, or Kathy A. Munson, Director - Investor Relations , +1-951-351-3650, both of Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc./

Web site: http://www.fleetwood.com

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