UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

 

 

 

 

ý

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

 

 

 

For the quarterly period ended November 26, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

OR

 

 
 
 

o

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

 

 

 

For the transition period from                   to                  .

 

 

 

 

 

Commission File No. 0-19972

 

 

CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

06 - 1195422

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

(I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization)

 

Identification Number)

 

2400 Xenium Lane North, Plymouth, Minnesota

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

55441

(Zip Code)

 

(763) 551-5000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 


 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

YES   ý     NO   o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

YES   ý     NO   o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

YES   o     NO   ý

 

As of December 30, 2005, 36,150,358 shares of the registrant’s common stock were outstanding.

 

 



 

CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION

 

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

 

INDEX

 

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

 

PART I

 

 

 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet

 

 

 

As of November 26, 2005, February 26, 2005 and November 27, 2004 (Restated)

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Condensed Statement of Income

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended November 26, 2005 and November 27, 2004 (Restated)

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Condensed Statement of Income

 

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended November 26, 2005 and November 27, 2004 (Restated)

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Condensed Statement of Cash Flows

 

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended November 26, 2005 and November 27, 2004 (Restated)

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

 

7

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of

 

 

 

Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

14

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures

 

 

 

About Market Risk

 

21

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

 

21

 

 

 

 

 

PART II

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

 

21

 

 

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

 

22

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

22

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

22

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

22

 

 

 

 

Item 5.

Other Information

 

22

 

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

 

22

 

 

 

 

 

Signatures

 

23

 

2



 

CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

November 26,

 

February 26,

 

November 27,

 

 

 

2005

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Restated)

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

32,740,073

 

$

14,063,378

 

$

18,313,228

 

Short-term investments

 

36,830,400

 

46,748,329

 

23,000,000

 

Accounts receivable

 

7,580,787

 

3,744,488

 

8,124,548

 

Merchandise inventory

 

42,917,607

 

40,525,008

 

48,324,674

 

Other current assets

 

4,898,677

 

7,532,235

 

8,017,336

 

Total current assets

 

124,967,544

 

112,613,438

 

105,779,786

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, equipment and improvements, net

 

117,481,716

 

112,058,758

 

112,871,195

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

3,587,052

 

3,587,052

 

3,587,052

 

Intangible assets

 

711,736

 

793,611

 

820,903

 

Other

 

211,840

 

150,843

 

147,186

 

Total other assets

 

4,510,628

 

4,531,506

 

4,555,141

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

246,959,888

 

$

229,203,702

 

$

223,206,122

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

8,311,408

 

$

12,323,298

 

$

12,118,414

 

Accrued salaries, wages and related expenses

 

7,310,584

 

4,606,596

 

6,349,486

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

12,926,164

 

14,125,942

 

10,287,395

 

Total current liabilities

 

28,548,156

 

31,055,836

 

28,755,295

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred lease incentives

 

20,202,839

 

20,648,042

 

20,951,289

 

Deferred rent obligations

 

9,262,059

 

8,171,674

 

7,967,694

 

Other

 

3,375,856

 

6,119,284

 

4,926,697

 

Total other liabilities

 

32,840,754

 

34,939,000

 

33,845,680

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock – $0.01 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, none outstanding

 

 

 

 

Common stock – $0.01 par value, 74,000,000 shares authorized, 42,792,492, 42,503,590 and 42,492,340 shares issued and 36,007,756, 35,718,854 and 35,707,604 shares outstanding at November 26, 2005, February 26, 2005 and November 27, 2004, respectively

 

427,905

 

425,047

 

424,904

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

63,961,387

 

61,035,745

 

60,858,905

 

Retained earnings

 

181,757,780

 

162,324,168

 

159,897,432

 

Common stock held in treasury, 6,784,736 shares at cost at November 26, 2005, February 26, 2005 and November 27, 2004

 

(60,576,094

)

(60,576,094

)

(60,576,094

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

185,570,978

 

163,208,866

 

160,605,147

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

246,959,888

 

$

229,203,702

 

$

223,206,122

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.

 

3



 

CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

November 26,

 

November 27,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

(Restated)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

130,452,619

 

$

120,591,749

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Merchandise, buying and occupancy, exclusive of depreciation and amortization

 

78,065,827

 

75,139,111

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

33,782,503

 

29,042,424

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

4,712,359

 

4,154,327

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

 

116,560,689

 

108,335,862

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

13,891,930

 

12,255,887

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

449,340

 

189,629

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

14,341,270

 

12,445,516

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax provision

 

5,613,244

 

4,803,968

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

8,728,026

 

$

7,641,548

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

0.24

 

$

0.21

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic shares outstanding

 

35,944,554

 

35,679,893

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

0.24

 

$

0.21

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted shares outstanding

 

36,180,980

 

36,161,429

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends per share

 

$

0.04

 

$

0.04

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.

 

4



 

CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

November 26,

 

November 27,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

(Restated)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

363,937,108

 

$

319,590,181

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Merchandise, buying and occupancy, exclusive of depreciation and amortization

 

216,920,632

 

192,647,188

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

95,740,539

 

78,126,127

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

13,734,410

 

11,775,286

 

Total costs and expenses

 

326,395,581

 

282,548,601

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

37,541,527

 

37,041,580

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

1,236,333

 

689,585

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

38,777,860

 

37,731,165

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax provision

 

15,045,768

 

14,564,228

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

23,732,092

 

$

23,166,937

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

0.66

 

$

0.63

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic shares outstanding

 

35,843,776

 

36,526,270

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

0.66

 

$

0.63

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted shares outstanding

 

36,165,440

 

37,066,003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends per share

 

$

0.12

 

$

0.12

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.

 

5



 

CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

November 26,

 

November 27,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

(Restated)

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

23,732,092

 

$

23,166,937

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

13,643,254

 

11,536,224

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(2,671,687

)

1,121,522

 

Income tax benefit on exercise of stock options

 

1,204,063

 

366,479

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

128,432

 

 

Loss on disposal of furniture, fixtures and equipment

 

290,224

 

12,386

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisition:

 

 

 

 

 

Increase in merchandise inventory

 

(2,392,599

)

(15,435,525

)

Increase in accounts receivable

 

(3,836,299

)

(4,788,184

)

(Increase) decrease in other current assets

 

2,668,067

 

(4,942,880

)

Increase in other assets

 

(60,997

)

(64,911

)

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable

 

(4,068,021

)

5,004,993

 

Increase in accrued liabilities

 

1,504,210

 

3,066,222

 

Increase (decrease) in deferred lease incentives

 

(445,203

)

4,122,245

 

Increase in deferred rent obligations

 

1,090,385

 

1,463,712

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

30,785,921

 

24,629,220

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property, equipment and improvements

 

(19,324,680

)

(26,103,015

)

Proceeds from sale of furniture, fixtures and equipment

 

 

1,300

 

Acquisition, net of cash acquired

 

 

(7,425,856

)

Purchases of short-term investments

 

(38,842,729

)

(44,799,604

)

Redemptions of short-term investments

 

48,760,658

 

94,643,629

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

(9,406,751

)

16,316,454

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Exercise of stock options

 

1,596,005

 

1,187,818

 

Dividends paid

 

(4,298,480

)

(4,392,123

)

Acquisition of common stock held in treasury

 

 

(35,383,156

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(2,702,475

)

(38,587,461

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

18,676,695

 

2,358,213

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

14,063,378

 

15,955,015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

32,740,073

 

$

18,313,228

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes paid

 

$

14,190,768

 

$

16,180,970

 

Purchases of equipment and improvements, included in accounts payable at end of period

 

$

56,131

 

$

290,134

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.

 

6



 

CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 1 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

The unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements included in this Form 10-Q have been prepared by Christopher & Banks Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed, or omitted, pursuant to such rules and regulations.  These unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 26, 2005.

 

The results of operations for the interim periods shown in this report are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the fiscal year.  In the opinion of management, the information contained herein reflects all adjustments necessary to make the results of operations for the interim periods a fair statement of such operations.  All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.

 

NOTE 2 – RESTATEMENT OF PRIOR YEAR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

As disclosed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of the Company’s fiscal 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company restated its prior year financial statements to correct errors in certain lease-related accounting practices.  The following tables present a summary of the effects of the restatement on the Company’s consolidated condensed financial statements as of and for the three and nine month periods ended November 27, 2004:

 

 

 

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet

 

 

 

Previously

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reported

 

Adjustments

 

Restated

 

November 27, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, equipment and improvements, net

 

$

91,919,906

 

$

20,951,289

 

$

112,871,195

 

Deferred lease incentives

 

 

20,951,289

 

20,951,289

 

Deferred rent obligations

 

3,855,653

 

4,112,041

 

7,967,694

 

Deferred income taxes

 

6,328,007

 

(1,587,248

)

4,740,759

 

Retained earnings

 

162,422,225

 

(2,524,793

)

159,897,432

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Condensed Statement of Income

 

 

 

Previously

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reported

 

Adjustments

 

Restated

 

Three Months Ended November 27, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Merchandise, buying and occupancy

 

$

75,569,103

 

$

(429,992

)

$

75,139,111

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

3,475,561

 

678,766

 

4,154,327

 

Operating income

 

12,504,661

 

(248,774

)

12,255,887

 

Income before income taxes

 

12,694,290

 

(248,774

)

12,445,516

 

Income tax provision

 

4,899,995

 

(96,027

)

4,803,968

 

Net income

 

7,794,295

 

(152,747

)

7,641,548

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

 

$

0.22

 

$

(0.01

)

$

0.21

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

0.22

 

$

(0.01

)

$

0.21

 

 

7



 

 

 

Consolidated Condensed Statement of Income

 

 

 

Previously

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reported

 

Adjustments

 

Restated

 

Nine Months Ended November 27, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Merchandise, buying and occupancy

 

$

193,918,505

 

$

(1,271,317

)

$

192,647,188

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

9,881,813

 

1,893,473

 

11,775,286

 

Operating income

 

37,663,736

 

(622,156

)

37,041,580

 

Income before income taxes

 

38,353,321

 

(622,156

)

37,731,165

 

Income tax provision

 

14,804,381

 

(240,153

)

14,564,228

 

Net income

 

23,548,940

 

(382,003

)

23,166,937

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

 

$

0.64

 

$

(0.01

)

$

0.63

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

0.64

 

$

(0.01

)

$

0.63

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Condensed Statement of Cash Flows

 

 

 

Previously

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reported

 

Adjustments

 

Restated

 

Nine Months Ended November 27, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

18,613,503

 

$

6,015,717

 

$

24,629,220

 

Net cash provided by investing activities

 

22,332,171

 

(6,015,717

)

16,316,454

 

 

NOTE 3 – SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

 

Short-term investments consisted of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

November 26,

 

February 26,

 

November 27,

 

Description

 

Original Maturity Dates

 

2005

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate debt securities

 

Within one year

 

$

1,980,400

 

$

25,748,329

 

$

 

Auction rate securities

 

Variable

 

17,850,000

 

4,000,000

 

6,000,000

 

U.S. Government debt securities

 

Two to three years, callable within one year

 

17,000,000

 

17,000,000

 

17,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

36,830,400

 

$

46,748,329

 

$

23,000,000

 

 

NOTE 4 – MERCHANDISE INVENTORY

 

Merchandise inventory consisted of the following:

 

 

 

November 26,

 

February 26,

 

November 27,

 

Description

 

2005

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Merchandise - in store

 

$

37,116,141

 

$

31,950,213

 

$

39,173,777

 

Merchandise - in transit

 

6,190,893

 

9,400,419

 

9,744,399

 

Allowance for permanent markdowns

 

(389,427

)

(825,624

)

(593,502

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

42,917,607

 

$

40,525,008

 

$

48,324,674

 

 

The Company purchased approximately 30% and 36% of its merchandise from its largest overseas supplier during the first nine months of fiscal 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

8



 

NOTE 5 – PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND IMPROVEMENTS, NET

 

Property, equipment and improvements, net consisted of the following:

 

 

 

Estimated

 

November 26,

 

February 26,

 

November 27,

 

Description

 

Useful Life

 

2005

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Restated)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Land

 

 

$

1,596,898

 

$

1,596,898

 

$

1,596,898

 

Corporate office, distribution center and related building improvements

 

25 years

 

10,981,186

 

10,783,627

 

8,742,060

 

Store leasehold improvements

 

Term of related lease,
typically 10 years

 

71,408,305

 

67,175,045

 

63,754,988

 

Store furniture and fixtures

 

Three to 10 years

 

81,922,666

 

76,402,663

 

71,137,666

 

Point of sale hardware and software

 

Five years

 

7,587,798

 

7,028,545

 

6,949,397

 

Corporate office and distribution center furniture, fixtures and equipment

 

Seven years

 

2,477,238

 

2,352,583

 

2,278,899

 

Computer hardware and software

 

Three to five years

 

4,386,372

 

3,576,101

 

3,526,249

 

Construction in progress

 

 

9,256,914

 

3,064,048

 

10,916,855

 

 

 

 

 

189,617,377

 

171,979,510

 

168,903,012

 

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

 

 

72,135,661

 

59,920,752

 

56,031,817

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net property, equipment and improvements

 

 

 

$

117,481,716

 

$

112,058,758

 

$

112,871,195

 

 

NOTE 6 – ACQUISITION OF ACORN STORES

 

On November 1, 2004, the Company acquired the assets and assumed certain liabilities of Gilmore Brothers Inc., a privately held women’s specialty retailer operating stores under the name “Acorn,” for approximately $7.4 million in cash.  The Company funded the purchase from current cash balances and redemptions of short-term investments.  As of November 26, 2005, Acorn operated 24 stores in 10 states that offer upscale women’s fashions along with complementary jewelry and accessories under private and branded labels.

 

The transaction was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and accordingly, the results of operations of Acorn have been consolidated in the Company’s financial statements from the date of acquisition.    The total purchase price has been allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed from Gilmore Brothers, Inc., based on their respective estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition.  The purchase price allocation resulted in excess consideration, over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired, of approximately $3.6 million, which has been assigned to goodwill.

 

Pro forma financial information for Acorn has not been presented as the acquisition did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

NOTE 7 – GOODWILL

 

The Company recognizes the excess cost of an acquired entity over the net amount assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed as goodwill.  Goodwill will be tested for impairment on an annual basis in the fourth quarter and between annual tests whenever impairment is indicated.  Fair values are calculated based on an estimate of future cash flows, compared to the corresponding carrying value of the acquired entity, including goodwill.  Impairment losses will be recognized whenever the implied fair value is less than the carrying value of the related asset.  There were no impairments or other changes to the recorded amounts of goodwill for the periods presented.

 

9



 

NOTE 8 – INTANGIBLES

 

Intangible assets consisted of the following:

 

 

 

November 26,

 

February 26,

 

November 27,

 

 

 

2005

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Customer lists

 

$

830,000

 

$

830,000

 

$

830,000

 

Accumulated amortization

 

(118,264

)

(36,389

)

(9,097

)

 

 

$

711,736

 

$

793,611

 

$

820,903

 

 

Aggregate amortization expense for the nine months ended November 26, 2005 was $81,875.  Estimated aggregate amortization expense for fiscal 2006 and the next five fiscal years is as follows:

 

Fiscal 2006

 

$

109,167

 

Fiscal 2007

 

109,167

 

Fiscal 2008

 

100,278

 

Fiscal 2009

 

82,500

 

Fiscal 2010

 

82,500

 

Fiscal 2011

 

82,500

 

 

NOTE 9 – ACCRUED LIABILITIES

 

Other accrued liabilities consisted of the following:

 

 

 

November 26,

 

February 26,

 

November 27,

 

Description

 

2005

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gift card, certificate and store credit liability

 

$

5,645,681

 

$

8,523,420

 

$

4,275,179

 

Accrued occupancy related expenses

 

1,070,987

 

1,340,403

 

1,265,721

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

6,209,496

 

4,262,119

 

4,746,495

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

12,926,164

 

$

14,125,942

 

$

10,287,395

 

 

NOTE 10 – LONG-TERM DEBT

 

The Company maintains an Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Facility with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (the “Wells Fargo Revolver”).  In November 2005, the Wells Fargo Revolver was amended to increase the amount of revolving credit loans and letters of credit available to the Company from $40 million to $50 million, subject to a borrowing base formula based on inventory levels.  Additionally, the maturity date of the Wells Fargo Revolver was extended by two years to June 30, 2008.

 

Loans under the Wells Fargo Revolver bear interest at Wells Fargo’s floating rate, 7.0% as of November 26, 2005, plus 0.25%.  Interest is payable monthly in arrears.  The Wells Fargo Revolver carries a facility fee of 0.25% based on the unused portion as defined in the agreement.  Facility fees totaled $3,588 for the nine months ended November 26, 2005.  The credit facility is collateralized by the Company’s equipment, general intangibles, inventory, inventory letters of credit and letter of credit rights.  The Company had no revolving credit loan borrowings under the Wells Fargo Revolver during the first nine months of fiscal 2006.  Historically, the Wells Fargo Revolver has been utilized by the Company only to open letters of credit to facilitate the import of merchandise.  The borrowing base at November 26, 2005 was $32.1 million.  As of November 26, 2005, the Company had outstanding letters of credit in the amount of $13.7 million.  Accordingly, the availability of revolving credit loans under the Wells Fargo Revolver was $18.4 million at November 26, 2005.

 

10



 

The Wells Fargo Revolver contains certain restrictive covenants including restrictions on incurring additional indebtedness and limitations on certain types of investments, as well as requiring the maintenance of certain financial covenants.  As of November 26, 2005, the most recent measurement date, the Company was in compliance with all covenants of the Wells Fargo Revolver.

 

NOTE 11 – NET INCOME PER SHARE

 

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the applicable periods, while diluted EPS is computed based on the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares (dilutive stock options) outstanding.

 

The following is a reconciliation of the number of shares and per share amounts used in the basic and diluted EPS computations:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

November 26, 2005

 

November 27, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

Net

 

 

 

Net

 

 

 

 

 

Income

 

 

 

Income

 

 

 

Shares

 

Per Share

 

Shares

 

Per Share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Restated)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

35,944,554

 

$

0.24

 

35,679,893

 

$

0.21

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of dilutive stock options

 

236,426

 

 

481,536

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted

 

36,180,980

 

$

0.24

 

36,161,429

 

$

0.21

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

November 26, 2005

 

November 27, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

Net

 

 

 

Net

 

 

 

 

 

Income

 

 

 

Income

 

 

 

Shares

 

Per Share

 

Shares

 

Per Share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Restated)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

35,843,776

 

$

0.66

 

36,526,270

 

$

0.63

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of dilutive stock options

 

321,664

 

 

539,733

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted

 

36,165,440

 

$

0.66

 

37,066,003

 

$

0.63

 

 

Stock options of 2,854,649 and 1,622,249 were excluded from the shares used in the computation of diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended November 26, 2005 as they were anti-dilutive.  Stock options of 1,513,349 and 1,489,349 were excluded from the shares used in the computation of diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended November 27, 2004 as they were anti-dilutive.

 

NOTE 12 – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

The Company discloses stock-based compensation information in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (“SFAS No. 123”), “Accounting for Stock Based Compensation,” and No. 148 (“SFAS No. 148”), “Accounting for Stock Based Compensation Transition and Disclosure.”  SFAS No. 148, an amendment of SFAS No. 123, does not amend the provisions of SFAS No. 123 that permit entities to account for stock-based compensation under the intrinsic value method set forth by Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 (“APB No. 25”), “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.”  The Company has elected to continue to recognize compensation cost for its stock-based compensation plans in accordance with APB No. 25.  No compensation expense for stock options has been recognized as all options granted had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying stock on the date of grant.  The Company recognizes compensation expense related to restricted stock awards on the basis of the fair value of the stock, amortized over the vesting period.

 

11



 

During the first nine months of fiscal 2006, the Company awarded 23,500 shares of restricted stock to employees.  A restricted stock award is an award of common stock shares that is subject to certain restrictions during a specified period.  The Company holds the shares during the vesting period and the grantee cannot transfer the shares before the termination of that period.  The grantee is, however, entitled to vote the common shares and to receive dividends and other distributions on the shares.

 

If stock-based compensation cost had been determined based on the fair value methodology prescribed by SFAS No. 123 and SFAS No. 148, the Company’s net earnings and earnings per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated in the following table.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

November 26,

 

November 27,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

(Restated)

 

Net income - as reported

 

$

8,728,026

 

$

7,641,548

 

Add stock-based compensation expense included in net income, net of related tax effects

 

37,866

 

 

Less total stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value method, net of related tax effects

 

871,960

 

843,551

 

Net income - pro forma

 

$

7,893,932

 

$

6,797,997

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

$

0.24

 

$

0.21

 

Pro forma

 

$

0.22

 

$

0.19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

$

0.24

 

$

0.21

 

Pro forma

 

$

0.22

 

$

0.19

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

November 26,

 

November 27,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

(Restated)

 

Net income - as reported

 

$

23,732,092

 

$

23,166,937

 

Add stock-based compensation expense included in net income, net of related tax effects

 

78,608

 

 

Less total stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value method, net of related tax effects

 

2,375,015

 

2,484,072

 

Net income - pro forma

 

$

21,435,685

 

$

20,682,865

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

$

0.66

 

$

0.63

 

Pro forma

 

$

0.60

 

$

0.57

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

$

0.66

 

$

0.63

 

Pro forma

 

$

0.59

 

$

0.56

 

 

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility.

 

12



 

NOTE 13 – RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment,” which is a revision of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.”  The original effective date for adoption of SFAS No. 123R for the Company was August 28, 2005.  However, in April 2005 the SEC announced the adoption of a new rule that amends the effective date for SFAS No. 123R.  The SEC’s new rule allows companies to implement SFAS No. 123R at the beginning of their next fiscal year, instead of the next reporting period, that begins after June 15, 2005.  Therefore, the Company plans to adopt SFAS No. 123R effective for its 2007 fiscal year, which commences on February 26, 2006.  The Company is currently in the process of quantifying the impact the adoption of SFAS No. 123R will have on its financial position and results of operations.

 

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections.”  SFAS No. 154 replaces Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 20, “Accounting Changes,” and SFAS No. 3, “Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements,” and changes the requirements for the accounting for and reporting of a change in accounting principle.  SFAS No. 154 applies to all voluntary changes in accounting principle.  It also applies to changes required by an accounting pronouncement in the unusual instance that the pronouncement does not include specific transition provisions.  When a pronouncement includes specific transition provisions, those provisions should be followed.  SFAS No. 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005.  The Company will adopt SFAS No. 154 effective for its 2007 fiscal year, which commences on February 26, 2006.  The adoption of SFAS No. 154 is expected to have no impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

In June 2005, the Emerging Issues Task Force of the FASB reached a consensus on Issue No. 05-6, “Determining the Amortization Period for Leasehold Improvements” (“EITF 05-6”).  The guidance requires that leasehold improvements acquired in a business combination or purchased subsequent to the inception of a lease be amortized over the lesser of the useful life of the assets or a term that includes renewals that are reasonably assured at the date of the business combination or purchase.  The guidance is effective for periods beginning after June 29, 2005.  The adoption of EITF 05-6 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

In October 2005, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) 13-1, “Accounting for Rental Costs Incurred During a Construction Period.”  FSP 13-1 requires rental costs associated with ground or building operating leases that are incurred during a construction period to be recognized as rental expense.  FSP 13-1 applies to reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2005.  Retrospective application is permitted but not required.  The adoption of FSP 13-1 is not expected to impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

NOTE 14 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

On December 12, 2005, the Company announced the resignation of William J. Prange as its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.  Mr. Prange also resigned from the Company’s Board of Directors.  Larry C. Barenbaum, a director of the Company since 1992, assumed the position of Chairman of the Board.  In addition, the Company’s Board of Directors named Joseph E. Pennington as Chief Executive Officer.  Mr. Pennington had been President of the Company since 1999.

 

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company anticipates it will incur a pre-tax charge of approximately $1.4 million related to remaining contractual payments to Mr. Prange.  In addition, modification of certain stock options, which are out of the money, to accelerate the vesting and extend the exercise period is expected to result in additional fourth quarter pro forma pre-tax stock-based compensation expense of approximately $2.4 million, which would be reflected in the notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

13



 

ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

The following management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.  As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated condensed financial statements, the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet as of November 27, 2004, the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended November 27, 2004 and the Consolidated Condensed Statement of Cash Flows for the nine months ended November 27, 2004 have been restated for the effects of an error in the Company’s method of accounting for leases.  This MD&A gives effect to the restatement.

 

Executive Summary - Key Performance Indicators

 

The Company’s management evaluates the following items, which are considered key performance indicators, in assessing the Company’s performance:

 

Same-store sales

The Company’s same-store sales data is calculated based on the change in net sales for stores that have been open for more than 13 full months and includes stores, if any, that have been relocated within the same mall.  The Company typically does not expand or relocate stores within a mall.  Stores where square footage has been changed by more than 25% are excluded from the same-store sales calculation.  Stores closed during the year are included in the same-store sales calculation only for the full months of the year the stores were open.

 

Management considers same-store sales to be an important indicator of the Company’s performance.  Same-store sales results are important in achieving leveraging of costs, including store payroll, store occupancy, depreciation and other general and administrative expenses.  Positive same-store sales contribute to greater leveraging of costs while negative same-store sales contribute to deleveraging of costs.  Same-store sales also have a direct impact on the Company’s total net sales, cash and cash equivalents and working capital.

 

Merchandise, buying and occupancy costs, exclusive of depreciation and amortization

Merchandise, buying and occupancy costs, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, measure whether the Company is appropriately optimizing the price of its merchandise.  Merchandise, buying and occupancy costs include the cost of merchandise, markdowns, shrink, freight into and out from the Company’s distribution center, buyer and distribution center salaries, buyer travel, rent and other occupancy related costs, miscellaneous merchandise expenses and other costs related to the Company’s distribution network.  Any inability to obtain acceptable levels of initial markups or any significant increase in the Company’s markdowns could have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations.

 

Operating income

The Company’s management views operating income as a key indicator of the Company’s success.  The key drivers of operating income are same-store sales, cost of merchandise and the Company’s ability to control operating costs.

 

Store productivity

Store productivity, including sales per square foot, average unit retail price, number of transactions per store and number of units per transaction, is evaluated by management in assessing the operational performance of the Company.

 

Inventory turnover

The Company’s management evaluates inventory turnover as a measure of how productively inventory is bought and sold.  Inventory turnover is important as it can signal slow moving inventory, which can be critical in determining the need to take markdowns on merchandise.

 

14



 

Cash flow and liquidity

Management evaluates cash flow from operations, investing activities and financing activities in determining the sufficiency of the Company’s cash position.  Cash flow from operations has historically been sufficient to cover the Company’s uses of cash.  Management believes that cash flow from operations will be sufficient to fund anticipated capital expenditures and working capital requirements for the remainder of fiscal 2006 and throughout fiscal 2007.

 

Executive Overview

Christopher & Banks Corporation is a Minneapolis-based retailer of women’s specialty apparel, which operates stores through its wholly-owned subsidiaries; Christopher & Banks, Inc., Christopher & Banks Company and Christopher & Banks Services Company, collectively referred to as the “Company.”  As of November 26, 2005, the Company operated 707 stores in 45 states including 504 Christopher & Banks stores, 179 C.J. Banks stores and 24 Acorn stores.  The Company’s Christopher & Banks stores offer distinctive fashions featuring exclusively designed, coordinated assortments of sportswear and sweaters in sizes four to 16.  The Company’s C.J. Banks stores offer similar assortments of women’s specialty apparel in sizes 14W and up.  The Company’s Acorn stores offer upscale women’s fashions along with complementary jewelry and accessories under private and branded labels.

 

In the first nine months of fiscal 2006, the Company opened 40 new Christopher & Banks stores, 25 new C.J. Banks stores and four new Acorn stores, which completes the new store openings for the current fiscal year.   The Company closed four stores during the first nine months of fiscal 2006 and anticipates it will close one or two additional stores in the fourth quarter.  The Company plans to grow its store base by 12 to 15% in fiscal 2007, including opening approximately 10 to 15 new Acorn stores, 35 to 40 new Christopher & Banks locations and 40 to 45 new C.J. Banks stores.

 

On December 12, 2005, the Company announced the resignation of William J. Prange as its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.  Mr. Prange also resigned from the Company’s Board of Directors.  Larry C. Barenbaum, a director of the Company since 1992, assumed the position of Chairman of the Board.  In addition, the Company’s Board of Directors named Joseph E. Pennington as Chief Executive Officer.  Mr. Pennington had been President of the Company since 1999.

 

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company anticipates it will incur a pre-tax charge of approximately $1.4 million related to remaining contractual payments to Mr. Prange.  In addition, modification of certain stock options, which are out of the money, to accelerate the vesting and extend the exercise period is expected to result in additional fourth quarter pro forma pre-tax stock-based compensation expense of approximately $2.4 million, which would be reflected in the notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In September 2005, the Company announced that Joseph E. Pennington, current Chief Executive Officer and previous President and Chief Operating Officer, agreed to extend his employment contract with the Company to August 31, 2006.  Thereafter, Mr. Pennington will remain with the Company in a reduced capacity through February 28, 2008.  Additionally, the Company announced that Ralph C. Neal, Executive Vice President of Store Operations, agreed to extend his employment contract with the Company to April 30, 2006. Mr. Neal will continue to work with the Company in a reduced capacity through February 28, 2007.

 

The Company announced in November 2005 that it appointed Robert B. Mang to its Board of Directors.  Mr. Mang was most recently Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Galyan’s Trading Company, Inc. from 2000 to 2004 when he retired.  From 1997 to 2000, Mr. Mang was Chief Executive Officer of Monet Group, Inc.  Prior to joining Monet Group, Mr. Mang had more than 20 years of retail experience holding the Vice Chairman position with DFS Group and Chief Executive Officer or President positions with Woodward & Lothrop/John Wanamaker, The Bon Marche and Broadway Southwest.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The Company’s critical accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 of the notes to consolidated financial statements contained within the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.  Management’s discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations are based upon the Company’s consolidated condensed financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

15



 

On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to customer product returns, inventories, income taxes, medical claims and contingencies.  The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.  Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.  There has been no material changes in the Company’s critical accounting policies during the quarter or nine months ended November 26, 2005.

 

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

The Company has no stores located in Louisiana or Mississippi, one store located in northern Alabama and one store located in southeast Texas.  Accordingly, the direct impact of hurricanes Katrina and Rita have had an immaterial effect on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

 

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain items from the Company’s consolidated condensed statement of income expressed as a percentage of net sales:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

November 26,

 

November 27,

 

November 26,

 

November 27,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

(Restated)

 

 

 

(Restated)

 

Net sales

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

Merchandise, buying and occupancy costs, exclusive of depreciation and amortization

 

59.8

 

62.3

 

59.6

 

60.3

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

25.9

 

24.1

 

26.3

 

24.4

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

3.6

 

3.5

 

3.8

 

3.7

 

Operating income

 

10.7

 

10.1

 

10.3

 

11.6

 

Interest income

 

0.3

 

0.2

 

0.3

 

0.2

 

Income before income taxes

 

11.0

 

10.3

 

10.6

 

11.8

 

Income tax provision

 

4.3

 

4.0

 

4.1

 

4.6

 

Net income

 

6.7

%

6.3

%

6.5

%

7.2

%

 

Three Months Ended November 26, 2005 Compared to Three Months Ended November 27, 2004

 

Net Sales.  Net sales for the three months ended November 26, 2005 were $130.5 million, an increase of $9.9 million or 8%, from $120.6 million for the three months ended November 27, 2004.  The increase in net sales was due to an increase in the number of stores operated by the Company, partially offset by a 2% decrease in same-store sales.  The Company operated 707 stores at November 26, 2005, compared to 648 stores at November 27, 2004.  The 2% decline in same-store sales during the third quarter was largely a result of fewer transactions per store, offset by greater average transaction values.  Lower markdowns, which resulted in higher average selling prices, fueled the increase in transaction values.  Same-store sales increased by 1% for stores opened by the Company in fiscal 2003, 2004 and 2005, while the mature base of stores, opened in fiscal 2002 and earlier, reported a 3% decline in same-store sales.

 

The Company’s same-store sales data is calculated based on the change in net sales for stores that have been open for more than 13 full months and includes stores, if any, that have been relocated within the same mall.  The Company typically does not expand or relocate stores within a mall.  Stores where the square footage has been changed by more than 25% are excluded from the same-store sales calculation.  Stores closed during the year are included in the calculation of same-store sales only for the full months of the year the stores were open.

 

Sales from the Acorn stores acquired by the Company in fiscal 2005 will be included in the calculation of same-store sales starting in December 2005 after the Company has operated the stores for 13 full months.

 

16



 

Merchandise, Buying and Occupancy Costs, exclusive of depreciation and amortization.  Merchandise, buying expenses and occupancy costs, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, were $78.1 million, or 59.8% of net sales, during the third quarter of fiscal 2006, compared to $75.1 million, or 62.3% of net sales, during the same period in fiscal 2005.  The decline in merchandising, buying and occupancy costs as a percent of net sales was mainly attributable to decreased costs of merchandise resulting from reduced markdowns and improved initial markups.  The decrease in cost of merchandise was partially offset by an approximate 50 basis point increase in occupancy costs as a percent of net sales.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended November 26, 2005 were $33.8 million, or 25.9% of net sales, compared to $29.0 million, or 24.1% of net sales, for the three months ended November 27, 2004.  Approximately 60 basis points of the increase in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of net sales was a result of negative leverage of costs associated with Acorn.  The remaining 120 basis points of negative leverage related to other store level and corporate administrative costs which could not be leveraged with a 2% decrease in same-store sales.

 

Depreciation and Amortization.  Depreciation and amortization was $4.7 million, or 3.6% of net sales, in the third quarter of fiscal 2006, compared to $4.2 million, or 3.5% of net sales, in the third quarter of fiscal 2005. The increase in the amount of depreciation and amortization expense was a result of capital expenditures made in the past year.  The Company opened 40 new Christopher & Banks, 25 new C.J. Banks and four new Acorn stores in the first nine months of fiscal 2006.

 

Operating Income.  As a result of the foregoing factors, operating income for the three months ended November 26, 2005 was $13.9 million, or 10.7% of net sales, compared to operating income of $12.3 million, or 10.1% of net sales, for the three months ended November 27, 2004.

 

Interest Income.  For the quarter ended November 26, 2005, interest income increased to $449,340 from $189,629 for the quarter ended November 27, 2004.  The increase resulted from higher interest rates on short-term investments combined with a larger balance of cash equivalents and short-term investments in the third quarter of fiscal 2006 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2005.

 

Income Taxes.  Income tax expense in the third quarter of fiscal 2006 was $5.6 million, with an effective tax rate of 39.1%, compared to $4.8 million, with an effective tax rate of 38.6%, in the third quarter of fiscal 2005.  The increase in the effective tax rate was due to an increase in state income taxes resulting from the estimated mix of apportionment of the company’s income among the 45 states in which it operates.

 

Net Income.  As a result of the foregoing factors, net income for the three months ended November 26, 2005 was $8.7 million, or 6.7% of net sales and $0.24 per diluted share, compared to $7.6 million, or 6.3% of net sales and $0.21 per diluted share, for the three months ended November 27, 2004.

 

Nine Months Ended November 26, 2005 Compared to Nine Months Ended November 27, 2004

 

Net Sales.  Net sales for the nine months ended November 26, 2005 were $363.9 million, an increase of $44.3 million or 14%, from $319.6 million for the nine months ended November 27, 2004.  The increase in net sales resulted from an increase in the number of stores operated by the Company combined with a 1% increase in same-store sales.  The Company operated 707 stores at November 26, 2005, compared to 648 stores at November 27, 2004.  The 1% increase in same-store sales was partially driven by aggressive markdowns taken in the first quarter of fiscal 2006, combined with strong customer response to the Company’s assortment of woven tops, knit tops and denim bottoms in the second quarter, partially offset by a decrease in transactions per store in the third quarter.  The decrease in transactions in the third quarter was offset by greater average transaction values fueled by lower markdowns and higher average selling prices.

 

The Company’s same-store sales data is calculated based on the change in net sales for stores that have been open for more than 13 full months and includes stores, if any, that have been relocated within the same mall.  The Company typically does not expand or relocate stores within a mall.  Stores where the square footage has changed by more than 25% are excluded from the same-store sales calculation.  Stores closed during the year are included in the calculation of same-store sales only for the full months of the year that the stores were open.

 

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Sales from the Acorn stores acquired by the Company in fiscal 2005 will be included in the calculation of same-store sales in December 2005 after the Company has operated the stores for 13 full months.

 

Merchandise, Buying and Occupancy Costs, exclusive of depreciation and amortization.  Merchandise, buying and occupancy costs, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, were $216.9 million, or 59.6% of net sales, during the first nine months of fiscal 2006, compared to $192.6 million, or 60.3% of net sales, during the first nine months of fiscal 2005.  The approximate 70 basis point decrease in merchandising, buying and occupancy costs as a percent of net sales was mainly attributable to decreased costs of merchandise resulting from lower levels of markdowns and improved initial markups, offset by modestly higher occupancy costs.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  Selling, general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended November 26, 2005 were $95.7 million, or 26.3% of net sales, compared to $78.1 million, or 24.4% of net sales, for the nine months ended November 27, 2004.  The approximate 190 basis point increase in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of net sales was the result of negative leverage of costs related to Acorn, as well as other store level and corporate administrative costs which could not be leveraged with a 1% increase in same-store sales.

 

Depreciation and Amortization.  Depreciation and amortization was $13.7 million, or 3.8% of net sales, in the first nine months of fiscal 2006, compared to $11.8 million, or 3.7% of net sales, in the first nine months of fiscal 2005. The increase in depreciation and amortization expense was a result of capital expenditures made during the past year.  The Company opened 40 new Christopher & Banks, 25 new C.J. Banks and four new Acorn stores in the first nine months of fiscal 2006.

 

Operating Income.  As a result of the foregoing factors, operating income for the nine months ended November 26, 2005 was $37.5 million, or 10.3% of net sales, compared to operating income of $37.0 million, or 11.6% of net sales, for the nine months ended November 27, 2004.

 

Interest Income.   For the nine months ended November 26, 2005, interest income increased to $1.2 million from $689,585 for the nine months ended November 27, 2004.  The increase resulted from higher interest rates on short-term investments combined with a larger average balance of cash equivalents and short-term investments in the first three quarters of fiscal 2006 compared to the first three quarters of fiscal 2005.

 

Income Taxes.  Income tax expense in the first nine months of fiscal 2006 was $15.0 million, with an effective tax rate of 38.8%, compared to $14.6 million, with an effective tax rate of 38.6%, in the first nine months of fiscal 2005.  The increase in the effective tax rate was due to an increase in state income taxes resulting from the estimated mix of apportionment of the Company’s income among the 45 states in which it operates.

 

Net Income.  As a result of the foregoing factors, net income for the nine months ended November 26, 2005 was $23.7 million, or 6.5% of net sales and $0.66 per diluted share, compared to $23.2 million, or 7.2% of net sales and $0.63 per diluted share, for the nine months ended November 27, 2004.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company’s principal on-going cash requirements are to finance the construction of new stores and the remodeling of certain existing stores, to purchase merchandise inventory and to fund other working capital requirements.  Merchandise purchases vary on a seasonal basis, peaking in the fall.  As a result, the Company’s cash requirements historically reach their peak in October or November.  Conversely, cash balances reach their peak in January after the holiday season is completed.

 

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $30.8 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2006, up from $24.6 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2005.  Net cash used in investing activities included $19.3 million of capital expenditures, partially offset by net redemptions of short-term investments of approximately $9.9 million.  The Company opened 69 new stores and completed seven store remodels during the nine months ended November 26, 2005.

 

Net cash of $2.7 million was used by the Company in financing activities during the first nine months of fiscal 2006.  The Company paid three quarterly cash dividends which together totaled approximately $4.3 million. The Company received approximately $1.6 million in cash as certain of the Company’s officers, directors and key employees exercised stock options during the first nine months of fiscal 2006.

 

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The Company plans to fund approximately $3 million of capital expenditures during the last three months of fiscal 2006, most of which will relate to stores scheduled to open in the first quarter of fiscal 2007.  The Company currently plans to open approximately 85 to 100 new stores during fiscal 2007.  The Company expects its cash and short-term investments, combined with cash flows from operations, to be sufficient to meet its capital expenditure, working capital and other requirements for liquidity during the remainder of fiscal 2006 and throughout fiscal 2007.

 

The Company maintains an Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Facility with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (the “Wells Fargo Revolver”).  In November 2005, the Wells Fargo Revolver was amended to increase the amount of revolving credit loans and letters of credit available to the Company from $40 million to $50 million, subject to a borrowing base formula based on inventory levels.  Additionally, the maturity date of the Wells Fargo Revolver was extended by two years to June 30, 2008.

 

Loans under the Wells Fargo Revolver bear interest at Wells Fargo’s floating rate, 7.0% as of November 26, 2005, plus 0.25%.  Interest is payable monthly in arrears.  The Wells Fargo Revolver carries a facility fee of 0.25% based on the unused portion as defined in the agreement.  Facility fees totaled $3,588 for the nine months ended November 26, 2005.  The credit facility is collateralized by the Company’s equipment, general intangibles, inventory, inventory letters of credit and letter of credit rights.  The Company had no revolving credit loan borrowings under the Wells Fargo Revolver during the first nine months of fiscal 2006.  Historically, the Wells Fargo Revolver has been utilized by the Company only to open letters of credit to facilitate the import of merchandise.  The borrowing base at November 26, 2005 was $32.1 million.  As of November 26, 2005, the Company had outstanding letters of credit in the amount of $13.7 million.  Accordingly, the availability of revolving credit loans under the Wells Fargo Revolver was $18.4 million at November 26, 2005.

 

The Wells Fargo Revolver contains certain restrictive covenants including restrictions on incurring additional indebtedness and limitations on certain types of investments, as well as requiring the maintenance of certain financial covenants.  As of November 26, 2005, the most recent measurement date, the Company was in compliance with all covenants of the Wells Fargo Revolver.

 

Merchandise Sourcing

The Company directly imports approximately 90% of its total merchandise purchases.  This reliance on sourcing from foreign countries may cause the Company to be exposed to certain risks.  Import restrictions, including tariffs and quotas, and changes in such restrictions, could affect the import of apparel and might result in increased costs, delays in merchandise receipts or reduced supplies of apparel available to the Company and could possibly have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The Company’s merchandise flow could also be adversely affected by political instability in any of the countries where its merchandise is manufactured or by changes in the United States’ governmental policies toward such foreign countries.  In addition, merchandise receipts could be delayed due to interruptions in air, ocean and ground shipments.

 

Substantially all of the Company’s directly imported merchandise is manufactured in Southeast Asia.  The majority of these goods are produced in China, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Singapore.  The Company is not currently importing merchandise produced in the Middle East.

 

The Company purchased approximately 30% and 36% of its merchandise from its largest overseas supplier during the first nine months of fiscal 2006 and 2005, respectively.  Although the Company believes that its relationship with this particular vendor is good, there can be no assurance that this relationship can be maintained in the future or that the vendor will continue to supply merchandise to the Company.  If there should be any significant disruption in the supply of merchandise from this vendor, management believes that it can shift production to other suppliers so as to continue to secure the required volume of product.  Nevertheless, there is some potential that any such disruption in supply could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

 

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Quota Restrictions

On December 31, 2004, quota restrictions expired on the importing of apparel in the United States from foreign countries which are members of the World Trade Organization.  The effect this quota expiration will have on global sourcing patterns is uncertain, but is likely to cause further retail price deflation.  Management believes it can adjust to potential shifts in the availability of apparel following the expiration of these quotas.  However, the Company’s sourcing operations may be adversely affected by trade limits or political and financial instability resulting in the disruption of trade from exporting countries.

 

Quarterly Results and Seasonality

The Company’s sales reflect seasonal variation as sales in the third and fourth quarters, which include the fall and holiday seasons, generally have been higher than sales in the first and second quarters.  Sales and merchandise margins generated during the fall and holiday seasons have a significant impact on the Company’s annual results of operations.  Quarterly results may fluctuate significantly depending on a number of factors including adverse weather conditions, shifts in the timing of certain holidays, timing of new store openings and customer response to the Company’s seasonal merchandise mix.

 

Inflation

Although the operations of the Company are influenced by general economic conditions, the Company does not believe that inflation had a material effect on the results of operations during the three and nine months ended November 26, 2005 and November 27, 2004.

 

Forward Looking Information and Risk

Information contained in this Form 10-Q contains certain “forward-looking statements” which reflect the current view of the Company with respect to future events and financial performance.  Wherever used, terminology such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “estimate” or “continue”, or the negative thereof, or other variations thereon or comparable terminology reflect such forward-looking statements.  There are certain important factors that could cause results to differ materially from those anticipated by some of these forward-looking statements.  Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those matters discussed below and beginning on page 21 of the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 12, 2005.  Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainty.  The factors, among others, that could cause actual results to differ materially include:  changes in general economic conditions, including recessionary effects which may affect consumers’ spending and debt levels; the Company’s ability to execute its business plan including the successful expansion of its Christopher & Banks, C.J. Banks and Acorn concepts; the Company’s ability to open new stores on favorable terms and the timing of such store openings; the availability of quality store sites; the acceptance of the Company’s merchandising strategies by its target customers; the ability of the Company to anticipate fashion trends and consumer preferences; the loss of one or more of the Company’s key executives; the ability to hire and train qualified managerial employees and address management succession; continuity of a relationship with or purchases from major vendors, particularly those from whom the Company imports merchandise; increases in the cost of merchandise; timeliness of vendor production and deliveries; competitive  pressures on sales and pricing; increases in other costs which cannot be recovered through improved pricing of merchandise; and the adverse effect of weather conditions from time to time on consumers’ ability or desire to purchase new clothing.  Since the Company relies heavily on sourcing from foreign vendors, there are risks and uncertainties including transportation delays related to ocean, air and ground shipments, political instability, work stoppages, changes in import and export controls including quota restrictions and the expiration thereof.  The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this Form 10-Q.

 

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ITEM 3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

The market risk inherent in the Company’s financial instruments and in its financial position represents the potential loss arising from adverse changes in interest rates.  The Company’s results of operations could be negatively impacted by decreases in interest rates on its short-term investments.

 

The Company is potentially exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates relating to its Wells Fargo Revolver.  Loans under the Wells Fargo Revolver bear interest at Wells Fargo’s floating rate, 7.0% as of November 26, 2005, plus 0.25%.  However, the Company had no revolving credit loan borrowings under the Wells Fargo Revolver during the first nine months of fiscal 2006 and, given its existing liquidity position, does not expect to utilize the Wells Fargo Revolver in the near future except for its continuing use of the import letter of credit facility.

 

All of the Company’s purchase obligations with foreign suppliers are denominated in U.S. dollars.  Therefore, the Company has only minimal exposure to foreign currency exchange risks.  The Company does not hedge against foreign currency risks and believes that its foreign currency exchange risk is not significant.

 

The Company does not have any derivative financial instruments and does not hold any such instruments for trading purposes.

 

ITEM 4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

(a)          Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the Company’s management has evaluated the effectiveness and design of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based upon the foregoing, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective in timely alerting them to the material information relating to the Company required to be included in the Company’s periodic reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Exchange Act.

 

(b)          Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

 

There have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the three months ended November 26, 2005 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II.

 

ITEM 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

There are no material legal proceedings pending against the Company.

 

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ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

 

See page 21 of the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 12, 2005.

 

ITEM 2.

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY

SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

The Company did not repurchase any shares during the quarter ended November 26, 2005.

 

ITEM 3.

DEFAULTS UPON

SENIOR SECURITIES

 

There has been no default with respect to any indebtedness of the Company.

 

ITEM 4.

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO

A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during the three months ended November 26, 2005.

 

ITEM 5.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

ITEM 6.

EXHIBITS

 

(a)    Exhibits:

 

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

32.1

 

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

32.2

 

Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION

 

 

 

Dated:  January 5, 2006

By

 

/S/ JOSEPH E. PENNINGTON

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joseph E. Pennington

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signing on behalf of the

 

 

 

Registrant as principal

 

 

 

executive officer.

 

 

 

Dated: January 5, 2006

By

 

/S/ ANDREW K. MOLLER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Andrew K. Moller

 

 

 

Executive Vice President

 

 

 

and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signing on behalf of the

 

 

 

Registrant as principal

 

 

 

financial officer.

 

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