Table of Contents

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

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

 

For the quarterly period ended November 26, 2011

 

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 Number 001-31390

 

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 No.)

 

2400 Xenium Lane North, Plymouth, Minnesota

 

55441

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

(763) 551-5000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Not Applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

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  x  NO  o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  YES  x  NO  o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer o

 

Accelerated filer x

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

Smaller reporting company 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 x

 

As of December 23, 2011, 36,003,563 shares of the registrant’s common stock were outstanding.

 

 

 



Table of Contents

 

CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION

 

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page

PART I –
FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements:

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
As of November 26, 2011, February 26, 2011 and November 27, 2010

3

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended November 26, 2011 and November 27, 2010

4

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
For the Nine Months Ended November 26, 2011 and November 27, 2010

5

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
For the Nine Months Ended November 26, 2011 and November 27, 2010

6

 

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

7

 

 

 

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

19

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

31

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

32

 

 

 

PART II –
OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

32

 

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

32

 

 

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

35

 

 

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

35

 

 

 

Item 4.

(Removed and Reserved)

35

 

 

 

Item 5.

Other Information

35

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

36

 

 

 

 

Signatures

37

 

 

 

 

Index to Exhibits

38

 

2



Table of Contents

 

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

November 26,

 

February 26,

 

November 27,

 

 

 

2011

 

2011

 

2010

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

34,495

 

$

43,712

 

$

30,578

 

Short-term investments

 

22,242

 

33,060

 

53,482

 

Accounts receivable

 

7,500

 

3,967

 

6,123

 

Merchandise inventories

 

58,173

 

39,211

 

45,973

 

Prepaid expenses

 

4,037

 

1,989

 

2,960

 

Income taxes receivable

 

997

 

6,439

 

3,918

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current assets

 

127,444

 

128,378

 

143,034

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, equipment and improvements, net

 

59,085

 

76,647

 

83,955

 

Long-term investments

 

17,987

 

28,824

 

18,200

 

Other assets

 

278

 

314

 

314

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

204,794

 

$

234,163

 

$

245,503

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

32,143

 

$

15,149

 

$

7,803

 

Accrued salaries, wages and related expenses

 

5,433

 

7,883

 

6,485

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

23,110

 

21,931

 

20,040

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

60,686

 

44,963

 

34,328

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred lease incentives

 

14,115

 

14,982

 

16,518

 

Deferred rent obligations

 

6,528

 

7,457

 

7,942

 

Other

 

2,842

 

2,532

 

3,377

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total non-current liabilities

 

23,485

 

24,971

 

27,837

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Common stock — $0.01 par value, 74,000 shares authorized, 45,683, 45,432 and 45,438 shares issued and 35,892, 35,641 and 35,647 shares outstanding at November 26, 2011, February 26, 2011 and November 27, 2010, respectively

 

457

 

454

 

454

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

116,927

 

114,909

 

115,095

 

Retained earnings

 

115,886

 

161,642

 

180,521

 

Common stock held in treasury, 9,791 shares at cost at November 26, 2011, February 26, 2011, and November 27, 2010, respectively

 

(112,711

)

(112,711

)

(112,711

)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

64

 

(65

)

(21

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

120,623

 

164,229

 

183,338

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

204,794

 

$

234,163

 

$

245,503

 

 

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

 

3



Table of Contents

 

CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

November 26,

 

November 27,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

123,896

 

$

120,947

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Merchandise, buying and occupancy

 

97,056

 

77,549

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

37,552

 

37,585

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

5,314

 

6,010

 

Impairment and restructuring

 

12,199

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

 

152,121

 

121,144

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating loss

 

(28,225

)

(197

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income

 

104

 

120

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

 

(28,121

)

(77

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax provision

 

118

 

9,149

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(28,239

)

$

(9,226

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(0.79

)

$

(0.26

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic shares outstanding

 

35,585

 

35,379

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(0.79

)

$

(0.26

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted shares outstanding

 

35,585

 

35,379

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends per share

 

$

0.06

 

$

0.06

 

 

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

 

4



Table of Contents

 

CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

November 26,

 

November 27,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

343,957

 

$

348,521

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Merchandise, buying and occupancy

 

246,285

 

215,941

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

107,487

 

107,579

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

17,164

 

18,974

 

Impairment and restructuring

 

12,199

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

 

383,135

 

342,494

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

 

(39,178

)

6,027

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income

 

259

 

363

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

(38,919

)

6,390

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax provision

 

412

 

11,813

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(39,331

)

$

(5,423

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(1.11

)

$

(0.15

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic shares outstanding

 

35,542

 

35,360

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(1.11

)

$

(0.15

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted shares outstanding

 

35,542

 

35,360

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends per share

 

$

0.18

 

$

0.18

 

 

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

 

5



Table of Contents

 

CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

November 26,

 

November 27,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(39,331

)

$

(5,423

)

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

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

17,164

 

18,974

 

Impairment of store assets

 

11,445

 

 

Amortization of premium on investments

 

113

 

338

 

Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation

 

 

(300

)

Deferred income taxes

 

 

11,180

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

2,158

 

1,513

 

Loss on disposal of furniture, fixtures and equipment

 

 

288

 

Gain on investments, net

 

(62

)

(81

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Increase in accounts receivable

 

(3,533

)

(1,878

)

Increase in merchandise inventories

 

(18,961

)

(7,477

)

Increase in prepaid expenses

 

(2,048

)

(1,318

)

(Increase) decrease in income taxes receivable

 

5,441

 

(3,224

)

(Increase) decrease in other assets

 

36

 

(30

)

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable

 

17,060

 

(5,699

)

Decrease in accrued liabilities

 

(854

)

(1,600

)

Decrease in deferred lease incentives

 

(867

)

(3,060

)

Decrease in other liabilities

 

(1,035

)

(1,379

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

(13,274

)

824

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property, equipment and improvements

 

(11,113

)

(7,260

)

Purchases of investments

 

(81,271

)

(57,183

)

Sales of investments

 

103,005

 

63,058

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

10,621

 

(1,385

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Exercise of stock options

 

 

183

 

Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation

 

 

300

 

Shares redeemed for payroll taxes

 

(138

)

 

Dividends paid

 

(6,426

)

(6,417

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(6,564

)

(5,934

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

(9,217

)

(6,495

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

43,712

 

37,073

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

34,495

 

$

30,578

 

 

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

 

6


 


Table of Contents

 

CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 1 — BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q have been prepared by Christopher & Banks Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “Christopher & Banks”, “the Company”, “we”, “us” or “our”) pursuant to the current 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 condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 26, 2011.

 

The results of operations for the interim periods shown in this report are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full fiscal year.  In the opinion of management, the information contained herein reflects all adjustments, consisting only of normal adjustments, except as otherwise stated in these notes, necessary to present fairly our financial position as of November 26, 2011, February 26, 2011 and November 27, 2010, our results of operations for the three and nine month periods ended November 26, 2011 and November 27, 2010 and our cash flows for the nine month periods ended November 26, 2011 and November 27, 2010.

 

Revision to Fiscal 2010 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

 

In connection with the preparation of our financial statements for the fiscal year ended February 26, 2011, we determined that cash flows from the redemption of our investments in auction rate securities should be classified as cash inflows from investing activities.  We previously classified certain of these cash flows as cash inflows from operating activities.

 

We have revised our statement of cash flows for the nine months ended November 27, 2010 to properly classify proceeds from the redemption of our investments of Auction Rate Securities (“ARS”) as cash inflows from investing activities.  The effect of this revision was to decrease cash provided by operating activities by $14.9 million and decrease cash used in investing activities by $14.9 million, hence there was no impact on the net change in cash and cash equivalents or on our total balance of cash and cash equivalents as previously reported.  We have concluded that this correction is immaterial to the financial statements taken as a whole.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-04 “Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in US GAAP and IFRS.”  ASU 2011-04 amends ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement,” by expanding existing disclosure requirements for fair value measurements and modifying certain definitions in the guidance, which may change how the fair value measurement guidance of ASC 820 is applied.  ASU 2011-04 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and must be applied prospectively.  We are in the process of evaluating ASU 2011-04 and its impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, “Presentation of Comprehensive Income.”  ASU 2011-05 amends Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 220-10, “Comprehensive Income”, and requires that all changes in comprehensive income be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements, and also requires the presentation of reclassification adjustments on the face of the financial statements from other comprehensive income to net income.  ASU 2011-05 is effective for the first interim or annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2011.  Early adoption is permitted.  We are in the process of evaluating ASU 2011-05 and its impact on the presentation of our consolidated financial statements.   We do not expect these changes to impact the consolidated financial statements other than the change in presentation.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

 

In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU 2009-13, “Multiple Deliverable Revenue Arrangements.” ASU 2009-13 amends ASC 605-10, “Revenue Recognition,” and addresses accounting for multiple-deliverable arrangements to enable vendors to account for products or services (deliverables) separately rather than as a combined unit, and provides guidance regarding how to measure and allocate arrangement consideration to one or more units of accounting.  The adoption of ASU 2009-13 at the beginning of fiscal 2012 had no impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

NOTE 2 — RESTRUCTURING

 

On November 11, 2011 we announced that following the  review by our Board of Directors (“Board”) of an in-depth analysis  of our store portfolio conducted by management and an outside advisor, the Board approved a plan to close approximately 100 stores, most of which are underperforming.  The majority of the stores are targeted to close by the end of January 2012.  Additionally, we plan to restructure the occupancy costs of a majority of our remaining stores and accelerate plans to convert or consolidate a number of existing Christopher & Banks and CJ Banks stores into dual format stores. The store closings are estimated to result in the termination of approximately 10% of our overall part-time and full-time store sales associates.  The Company also reduced its corporate office headcount by approximately 7% and its store operations field management team by approximately 13% during October 2011.

 

During the quarter ended November 26, 2011, the Company performed an impairment analysis on certain store assets triggered by the significant decline in merchandise margins during the third quarter of fiscal 2012 and the projected continuation of this trend into the fourth quarter as well as the in-depth review of our store portfolio referenced above.  The Company recorded a pre-tax restructuring and non-cash asset impairment charge of approximately $12.2 million for the three and nine month periods ended November 26, 2011.  The charge consisted of a non-cash charge of approximately $7.4 million of asset impairment charges related to stores the majority of which are planned to close by the end of January 2012, a non-cash charge of approximately $4.0 million related to store level asset impairment for stores which the Company will continue to operate and a $0.8 million charge related to severance charges for field management and corporate office personnel who were terminated in October 2011 and for store associates who will be terminated as a result of the store closures.  As of November 26, 2011 severance related accruals of approximately $0.7 million were included in accrued salaries, wages, and related expenses on the consolidated balance sheet.

 

We expect to incur cash charges of approximately $3.0 million to $5.0 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 primarily for lease termination fees and related charges to exit the approximately 100 stores planned for closure.  Some of these payments may extend into the first and second quarters of our next fiscal year based on the timing of termination negotiations with landlords. In the fourth quarter we anticipate paying the majority of the severance that was recorded in the third quarter related to field management and store associates impacted by the closing stores.

 

NOTE 3 — INVESTMENTS

 

Investments consisted of the following (in thousands)

 

 

 

Nov 26, 2011

 

 

 

Amortized

 

Unrealized

 

Unrealized

 

Estimated

 

Description

 

Cost

 

Gains

 

Losses

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial paper

 

$

2,700

 

 

 

$

 

$

2,700

 

Municipal bonds

 

5,559

 

24

 

3

 

5,580

 

U.S. Agency securities

 

13,945

 

17

 

 

13,962

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total short-term investments

 

22,204

 

41

 

3

 

22,242

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal bonds

 

17,919

 

87

 

19

 

17,987

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total long-term investments

 

17,919

 

87

 

19

 

17,987

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total investments

 

$

40,123

 

$

128

 

$

22

 

$

40,229

 

 

8



Table of Contents

 

 

 

Feb 26, 2011

 

 

 

Amortized

 

Unrealized

 

Unrealized

 

Estimated

 

Description

 

Cost

 

Gains

 

Losses

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variable rate demand obligations

 

$

6,505

 

$

 

$

 

$

6,505

 

Commercial paper

 

5,794

 

 

3

 

5,791

 

Municipal bonds

 

16,118

 

15

 

1

 

16,132

 

U.S. Agency securities

 

4,631

 

1

 

 

4,632

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total short-term investments

 

33,048

 

16

 

4

 

33,060

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal bonds

 

18,714

 

37

 

91

 

18,660

 

U.S. Agency securities

 

10,162

 

2

 

 

10,164

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total long-term investments

 

28,876

 

39

 

91

 

28,824

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total investments

 

$

61,924

 

$

55

 

$

95

 

$

61,884

 

 

 

 

Nov 27, 2010

 

 

 

Amortized

 

Unrealized

 

Unrealized

 

Estimated

 

Description

 

Cost

 

Gains

 

Losses

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variable rate demand obligations

 

$

32,835

 

$

 

$

 

$

32,835

 

Municipal bonds

 

20,638

 

12

 

3

 

20,647

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total short-term investments

 

53,473

 

12

 

3

 

53,482

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal bonds

 

18,244

 

45

 

89

 

18,200

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total long-term investments

 

18,244

 

45

 

89

 

18,200

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total investments

 

$

71,717

 

$

57

 

$

92

 

$

71,682

 

 

We account for our investments in accordance with ASC 320-10, “Investments — Debt and Equity Securities.”  As of November 26, 2011, our available-for-sale investment securities were comprised of municipal bonds, commercial paper and U.S. Agency securities.  These securities were classified as available-for-sale as we did not enter into these investments for speculative purposes or intend to actively buy and sell the securities in order to generate profits on differences in price.  Our primary investment objective is preservation of principal.  During the first nine months of fiscal 2012, purchases of available-for-sale securities totaled approximately $81.3 million, while proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale securities were approximately $103.0 million.  Gross realized gains and losses on the sale of available-for-sale securities during the nine months ended November 26, 2011 were not material.

 

Our available-for-sale securities are reviewed for possible impairment at least quarterly, or more frequently if circumstances arise which in management’s estimation may indicate impairment.  When the fair value of the securities declines below the amortized cost basis, impairment is indicated and it must be determined whether it is other-than-temporary.  Impairment is considered to be other-than-temporary if we (i) intend to sell the security, (ii) will more likely than not be forced to sell the security before recovering its cost, or (iii) do not expect to recover the securities’ amortized cost basis.  If the decline in fair value is considered other-than-temporary, the cost basis of the security is adjusted to its fair market value and the realized loss is reported in earnings.  Subsequent increases or decreases in fair value considered other than temporary are reported in equity as other comprehensive income (loss).  As of November 26, 2011, there were no other-than-temporary impairments of our available-for-sale securities.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Expected maturities of our investments are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

November 27,

 

 

 

2011

 

 

 

 

 

Due in one year or less

 

$

22,242

 

Due after one year through three years

 

17,420

 

Due greater than three years

 

567

 

 

 

 

 

Total investment securities

 

$

40,229

 

 

We had $6.5 million and $32.8 million of Variable Rate Demand Obligations (“VRDO”) as of February 26, 2011 and November 27, 2010, respectively.  These investments maintain a constant par value, have variable rates of return tied to short-term interest rates which reset weekly, and may be tendered for sale upon notice to the trustee.  Although our VRDO were issued and rated as long-term securities, with maturities ranging from 2013 through 2041, they were priced and traded as short-term investments as each VRDO contained a put feature, which was supported by highly rated financial institutions.  We classified our VRDO as short-term investments maturing in one year or less as we expected to realize the proceeds from our VRDO within that time period.  We liquidated our remaining holdings of VRDO in the first quarter of fiscal 2012 and had no investments in VRDO as of November 26, 2011.

 

NOTE 4 — MERCHANDISE INVENTORIES AND SOURCES OF SUPPLY

 

Our merchandise inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

November 26,

 

February 26,

 

November 27,

 

Description

 

2011

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Merchandise - in store/e-Commerce

 

$

54,489

 

$

34,186

 

$

43,668

 

Merchandise - in transit

 

3,684

 

5,025

 

2,305

 

 

 

$

58,173

 

$

39,211

 

$

45,973

 

 

We do not have long-term purchase commitments or arrangements with any of our suppliers or agents.  During the quarter ended November 26, 2011, one of our vendors supplied approximately 16% of our merchandise purchases and a second vendor supplied approximately 13% of our merchandise purchases.  We purchased approximately 23% and 18% of our merchandise from these two vendors, respectively, during the quarter ended November 27, 2010 and a third vendor supplied approximately 16% of our merchandise purchases during this quarter.  For the nine months ended November 26, 2011, we purchased approximately 18% of our merchandise from one vendor and no other vendor supplied greater than 10% of our purchases for the first three quarters of our current fiscal year.  During the first nine months of fiscal 2011 three vendors supplied 27%, 17% and 11% of our merchandise, respectively.

 

Although we have strong relationships with these vendors, there can be no assurance that these relationships can be maintained in the future or that the vendors will continue to supply merchandise to us.  If there should be any significant disruption in the supply of merchandise from these vendors, management believes that it will be able to shift production to other suppliers so as to continue to secure the required volume of product.  Nevertheless, it is possible that any significant disruption in supply could have a material adverse impact on our financial position or results of operations.

 

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Table of Contents

 

NOTE 5 — ACCRUED LIABILITIES

 

Other accrued liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

November 26,

 

February 26,

 

November 27,

 

Description

 

2011

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gift card and store credit liabilities

 

$

6,152

 

$

10,150

 

$

6,545

 

Accrued merchandise inventory receipts not yet invoiced

 

4,030

 

1,872

 

2,020

 

Accrued Friendship Rewards loyalty liabilities

 

3,496

 

2,938

 

2,910

 

Accrued income, sales and other taxes payable

 

2,644

 

2,017

 

3,299

 

Accrued occupancy-related expenses

 

1,018

 

1,145

 

1,234

 

Other

 

5,770

 

3,809

 

4,032

 

 

 

$

23,110

 

$

21,931

 

$

20,040

 

 

NOTE 6 — CREDIT FACILITY

 

We maintain an Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Facility (the “Credit Facility” or “Facility”) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”).  The Credit Facility provides us with access to revolving credit loans and letters of credit of up to $50 million, in the aggregate, subject to a borrowing base formula based on inventory levels.

 

Interest under the Credit Facility is payable monthly in arrears.  The Credit Facility carries a facility fee of 0.25%, based on the unused portion as defined in the agreement, a collateral monitoring fee and a guaranteed service charge.  Borrowings under the Credit Facility are collateralized by our equipment, intangible assets, inventory, inventory letters of credit and letter of credit rights.  We had no revolving credit loan borrowings under the Credit Facility during the first nine months of fiscal 2012 or during fiscal 2011.  Historically, we have utilized the Credit Facility only to open letters of credit.  The borrowing base at November 26, 2011 was $28.0 million.  As of November 26, 2011, we had open on-demand letters of credit in the amount of $1.0 million.  Accordingly, the availability of revolving credit loans under the Credit Facility was $27.0 million at November 26, 2011.

 

On June 29, 2011, we entered into the Sixth Amendment to the Credit Facility (the “Sixth Amendment”) with Wells Fargo.  The Sixth Amendment extended the maturity date of the Credit Facility by three years from June 30, 2011 to June 30, 2014.  In addition, the Sixth Amendment changed the interest calculation under the Credit Facility.  Previously, interest was calculated based on either the prime rate minus 0.25% or the one, three or six month London Interbank Market Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) based on the length of time the corresponding advance was outstanding.  Under the Sixth Amendment, interest is calculated based on the three-month LIBOR plus 2.0%, reset daily.

 

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Table of Contents

 

The Credit Facility 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, 2011, the most recent measurement date, we were in compliance with all financial covenants under the Credit Facility.  However, in light of our current business trends  it is possible that we could fall out of compliance with one or more of these financial covenants as they are currently structured either at the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 or at the end of the first or second quarters of our next fiscal year. Failure to remain in compliance with the financial covenants could constrain our operating flexibility and would impact our ability to fund our business operations through use of the Credit Facility.  While we do not currently anticipate the need to borrow against our Credit Facility in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, in light of these current business trends we are pursuing options to enhance our financial flexibility including amending the financial covenants under the Credit Facility.  Any amendment of the Credit Facility may increase the cost of credit provided under the Facility and have a potential adverse impact on our results of operations.

 

We will continue to monitor our performance and liquidity.  If we believe it is appropriate or necessary to borrow under the Credit Facility or to obtain additional liquidity, we will take further steps intended to improve the Company’s financial position, which could include modifying our operating plan, seeking to further reduce costs, decrease cash spend and/or capital expenditures, or evaluating alternatives and opportunities to obtain additional sources of liquidity through the debt or equity markets.  It is possible these actions may not be sufficient or available or, if available, available on favorable terms.

 

NOTE 7 — STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718-10, “Stock Compensation.” Under various plans, we may grant options to purchase common stock to employees and non-employee members of our Board of Directors at a price not less than 100% of the fair market value of our common stock on the option grant date.  In general, options granted to employees vest over three to five years and are exercisable up to ten years from the date of grant, and options granted to Directors vest over a three year period and are exercisable up to ten years from the grant date.

 

We also may grant shares of restricted stock to our employees and non-employee members of our Board.  The grantee cannot transfer the shares before the respective shares vest.  Shares of non-vested restricted stock are considered to be currently issued and outstanding.  Restricted stock grants to employees have original vesting schedules of three to seven years, while restricted grants to Directors are fully vested on the date of grant.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Our restricted stock awards are generally subject to forfeiture if employment or service terminates prior to the lapse of the restrictions.  In addition, certain of our restricted stock awards have performance-based vesting provisions and are subject to forfeiture in whole or in part if these performance conditions are not achieved.  We assess, on an ongoing basis, the probability of whether the performance criteria will be achieved and, once it is deemed probable, we begin recognizing compensation expense over the relevant performance period.  For those awards not subject to performance criteria, we expense the cost of the restricted stock awards, which is determined to be the fair market value of the shares at the date of grant, on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.  The fair market value of our restricted stock is determined based on the closing price of our common stock on the grant date.

 

Total pre-tax compensation expense related to stock-based awards for the three months ended November 26, 2011 and November 27, 2010 was approximately $0.5 million and ($0.1) million, respectively.  For the nine months ended November 26, 2011 and November 27, 2010, pre-tax stock-based compensation expense totaled approximately $2.2 million and $1.5 million, respectively.

 

Methodology Assumptions

 

We use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to value our stock options for grants to our employees and non-employee directors.  Using this option-pricing model, the fair value of each stock option award is estimated on the date of grant and is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, as the stock options are subject to pro-rata vesting.  The expected volatility assumption is based on the historical volatility of our stock over a term equal to the expected term of the option granted.  The expected term of stock option awards granted is derived from our historical exercise experience and represents the period of time that awards are expected to be outstanding.  The risk-free interest rate is based on the implied yield on a U.S. Treasury constant maturity with a remaining term equal to the expected term of the option granted.

 

The weighted average assumptions relating to the valuation of our stock options granted during the three and nine month periods ended November 26, 2011 and November 27, 2010 were as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

November 26,

 

November 27,

 

November 26,

 

November 27,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Expected dividend yield

 

6.04

%

3.26

%

4.02

%

3.04

%

Expected volatility

 

72.38

%

71.10

%

71.06

%

70.25

%

Risk-free interest rate

 

0.93

%

1.20

%

2.05

%

2.24

%

Expected term in years

 

5.0

 

5.0

 

5.0

 

4.93

 

 

Stock-Based Compensation Activity

 

The following table presents a summary of our stock option activity for the nine months ended November 26, 2011:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

Aggregate

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Number

 

Average

 

Intrinsic

 

Weighted

 

Remaining

 

 

 

of

 

Exercise

 

Value

 

Average

 

Contractual

 

 

 

Shares

 

Price

 

(in thousands)

 

Fair Value

 

Life

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding, beginning of period

 

2,572,735

 

$

8.70

 

$

 

$

3.59

 

 

 

Vested

 

750,152

 

14.83

 

 

5.60

 

 

 

Unvested

 

1,822,583

 

6.18

 

 

2.76

 

 

 

Granted

 

478,399

 

6.10

 

 

2.76

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canceled - vested (expired)

 

(122,449

)

14.78

 

 

5.27

 

 

 

Canceled - unvested (forfeited)

 

(105,364

)

6.47

 

 

2.92

 

 

 

Outstanding, end of period

 

2,823,321

 

8.08

 

 

3.40

 

8.12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vested

 

756,862

 

13.71

 

 

5.32

 

5.41

 

Unvested

 

2,066,459

 

6.02

 

 

2.70

 

9.11

 

Exercisable, end of period

 

756,862

 

13.01

 

 

5.32

 

5.41

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

The aggregate intrinsic value in the preceding table represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between our closing stock price on the last trading day of the quarter and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options as of the last trading day of the quarter) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on November 26, 2011.

 

The following table presents a summary of our restricted stock activity for the nine months ended November 26, 2011:

 

 

 

Number

 

Weighted

 

 

 

of

 

Average

 

 

 

Shares

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unvested, beginning of period

 

183,070

 

$

8.22

 

Granted

 

380,033

 

6.16

 

Vested

 

(146,867

)

6.92

 

Canceled - unvested (forfeited)

 

(103,997

)

7.87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unvested, end of period

 

312,239

 

$

6.44

 

 

The total fair value of shares of restricted stock that vested during the nine months ended November 26, 2011 and November 27, 2010 was approximately $0.4 million and $1.5 million, respectively.  As of November 26, 2011, there was approximately $3.3 million of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.1 years.

 

NOTE 8 — INCOME TAXES

 

As of November 26, 2011, our liability for unrecognized tax benefits associated with uncertain tax positions was approximately $1.8 million and the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate was $1.3 million. We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as components of income tax expense. At November 26, 2011, we had accrued approximately $0.8 million for the potential payment of interest and penalties.

 

We are subject to U.S. federal income tax and the income tax of various state and local jurisdictions.  Fiscal years 2008 through 2011 remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service.  With few exceptions, we are not subject to state income tax examination by tax authorities for taxable years prior to fiscal 2007.  At November 26, 2011, we had ongoing audits in various jurisdictions.  We do not believe that the resolution of these examinations will have a significant impact on our liability for unrecognized tax benefits.

 

As of November 26, 2011, we had a full valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets.  Deferred income tax assets represent potential future income tax benefits.  Realization of these assets is ultimately dependent upon future taxable income.  We have incurred a net cumulative loss as measured by the results of the prior three years.  ASC 740 “Income Taxes,” requires that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on all available evidence, it is considered more likely than not that some or all of the recorded deferred tax assets will not be realized in a future period.  Forming a conclusion that a valuation allowance is not needed is difficult when negative evidence such as cumulative losses exists.  As a result of our evaluation, we have concluded that there is insufficient positive evidence to overcome the negative evidence related to our cumulative losses.  Accordingly, we have maintained the full valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets established in the third quarter of fiscal 2011.  Recording the valuation allowance does not prevent us from using the deferred tax assets in the future when profits are realized.

 

As of November 26, 2011, we had federal and state net operating loss carryforwards which will reduce future taxable income.  Approximately $0.6 million in federal tax benefits are available from these loss carryforwards and an additional $0.5 million is available in tax credit carryforwards.  The state loss carryforwards will result in state tax benefits of approximately $0.4 million.  The federal net loss carryforwards expire in 2031.  The state net loss carryforwards will expire beginning in fiscal 2014 and in subsequent years.  Additionally, we have charitable contribution carryforwards that will expire in fiscal 2014.

 

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Table of Contents

 

NOTE 9 — EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

We calculate earnings per share under the guidance in ASC 260-10, “Earnings per Share,” which clarifies that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to receive dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are considered participating securities, and thus, should be included in the two-class method of computing earnings per share (“EPS”).  Participating securities under this statement include our unvested employee restricted stock awards with time-based vesting, which receive nonforfeitable dividend payments.

 

The calculation of EPS for common stock shown below excludes the income attributable to these unvested employee restricted stock awards from the numerator and excludes the dilutive impact of these shares from the denominator.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

November 26,

 

November 27,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Numerator (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss attributable to Christopher & Banks Corporation

 

$

(28,239

)

$

(9,226

)

Income allocated to participating securities

 

(13

)

(19

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss available to common shareholders

 

$

(28,252

)

$

(9,245

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic

 

35,585

 

35,379

 

Dilutive shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding - diluted

 

35,585

 

35,379

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

(0.79

)

$

(0.26

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted

 

$

(0.79

)

$

(0.26

)

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

November 26,

 

November 27,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Numerator (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss attributable to Christopher & Banks Corporation

 

$

(39,331

)

$

(5,423

)

Income allocated to participating securities

 

(39

)

(23

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss available to common shareholders

 

$

(39,370

)

$

(5,446

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic

 

35,542

 

35,360

 

Dilutive shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding - diluted

 

35,542

 

35,360

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

(1.11

)

$

(0.15

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted

 

$

(1.11

)

$

(0.15

)

 

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Table of Contents

 

Stock options of 2.8 million were excluded from the shares used in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three and nine month periods ended November 26, 2011 as they were anti-dilutive.  Stock options of approximately 1.4 million and 1.6 million were excluded from the shares used in the computation of diluted EPS for the three and nine month periods ended November 27, 2010 as they were anti-dilutive.

 

NOTE 10 — FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

Under ASC 820-10, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” fair value is defined as the exit price, or the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the measurement date.  ASC 820-10 also establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available.  Observable inputs are inputs market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability and are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of us.  Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect our assumptions about the factors market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability that are developed based upon the best information available in the circumstances.  The hierarchy is broken down into three levels.  Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.   Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active and inputs (other than quoted prices) that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.  Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.   Categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis:

 

For the nine month periods ended November 26, 2011 and November 27, 2010, fair value under ASC 820-10 applied to our available-for-sale securities.  These financial assets are carried at fair value following the requirements of ASC 820-10.

 

The following tables provide information by level for assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

 

 

Fair Value at

 

Using Inputs Considered as

 

Description

 

November 26, 2011

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term Investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial paper

 

$

2,700

 

$

 

$

2,700

 

$

 

Municipal bonds

 

5,580

 

 

5,580

 

 

U.S. Agency securities

 

13,962

 

 

13,962

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total short-term investments

 

22,242

 

 

22,242

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal bonds

 

17,987

 

 

17,987

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total long-term investments

 

17,987

 

 

17,987

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

40,229

 

$

 

$

40,229

 

$

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

 

 

Fair Value at

 

Using Inputs Considered as

 

Description

 

February  26, 2011

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term Investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variable rate demand obligations

 

$

6,505

 

$

 

$

6,505

 

$

 

Commercial paper

 

5,791

 

 

5,791

 

 

 

Municipal bonds

 

16,132

 

 

16,132

 

 

 

U.S. Agency securities

 

4,632

 

 

4,632

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total short-term investmennts

 

33,060

 

 

33,060

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal bonds

 

18,660

 

 

18,660

 

 

U.S. Agency securities

 

10,164

 

 

10,164

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total long-term investments

 

28,824

 

 

28,824

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

61,884

 

$

 

$

61,884

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

 

 

Fair Value at

 

Using Inputs Considered as

 

Description

 

November 27, 2010

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variable rate demand obligations

 

$

32,835

 

$

 

$

32,835

 

$

 

Municipal bonds

 

20,647

 

 

20,647

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total short-term investments

 

53,482

 

 

53,482

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal bonds

 

18,200

 

 

18,200

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total long-term investments

 

18,200

 

 

18,200

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

71,682

 

$

 

$

71,682

 

$

 

 

Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value:

 

Available-for-sale securities:  As of November 26, 2011, our available-for-sale securities were valued based on quoted prices for similar assets in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets in which there were fewer transactions.

 

Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis:

 

We measure certain assets and liabilities at fair value on a non-recurring basis.  Specifically, our nonfinancial long-lived asset groups are measured at fair value for impairment assessments.   The Company utilizes the income approach to determine fair value.  Key assumptions utilized include future sales, gross profit margin occupancy expenses, and discount rates.  The table below segregates non-financial assets and liabilities as of November 26, 2011 that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis in periods subsequent to initial recognition into the most appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to determining the fair value at the measurement date (in thousands).  There were no impairment charges related to assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis recorded during the nine months ended November 27, 2010.

 

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Total

 

 

 

Fair Value at

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

Gains (Losses)

 

 

 

November 26,

 

Using Inputs Considered as

 

Nine Months Ended

 

Description

 

2011

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

November 26, 2011

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-lived assets held and used

 

$

1,298

 

$

 

$

 

$

1,298

 

$

(11,451

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

NOTE 11 — COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

Comprehensive income consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

November 26,

 

November 27,

 

November 26,

 

November 27,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

(28,239

)

$

(9,226

)

$

(39,331

)

$

(5,423

)

Fair value adjustment on investments

 

(59

)

(102

)

129

 

(60

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

 

$

(28,298

)

$

(9,328

)

$

(39,202

)

$

(5,483

)

 

NOTE 12 — LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

We are subject, from time to time, to various claims, lawsuits or actions that arise in the ordinary course of business.  Although the amount of any liability that could arise with respect to any current proceedings cannot, in our opinion, be accurately predicted, the range of reasonably possible losses on these matters, individually and in the aggregate, is not expected to have a material adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

NOTE 13 — SEGMENT REPORTING

 

We operate in the retail apparel industry in which we primarily design, source and sell women’s apparel catering to customers who are typically between 45 to 60 years of age.  We have identified two operating segments (Christopher & Banks and C.J. Banks) as defined by ASC 820, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.”  Our Christopher & Banks and C.J. Banks operating segments have been aggregated into one reportable segment based on the similar nature of products sold, methods of sourcing, merchandising and distribution processes involved, target customers, and economic characteristics of the two brands.

 

In the table below, the “Christopher & Banks/C.J. Banks” reportable segment includes activity generated by our Christopher & Banks and C.J. Banks operations.  The “Corporate/Administrative” column, which primarily represents operating activity at our corporate office and distribution center, is presented to allow for reconciliation of segment-level net sales, operating income and total assets to our consolidated net sales, operating income and total assets.  Segment operating income includes only net sales, merchandise gross margin and direct store expenses with no allocation of corporate overhead.

 

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Segment Reporting (in thousands):

 

 

 

Christopher & Banks/

 

Corporate/

 

 

 

 

 

C.J. Banks

 

Administrative

 

Consolidated

 

Three Months Ended November 26, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

123,896

 

$

 

$

123,896

 

Operating income (loss)

 

(13,917

)

(14,308

)

(28,225

)

Total assets

 

107,599

 

97,195

 

204,794

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended November 27, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

120,947

 

$

 

$

120,947

 

Operating income (loss)

 

14,413

 

(14,610

)

(197

)

Total assets

 

141,748

 

103,755

 

245,503

 

 

Segment Reporting (in thousands):

 

 

 

Christopher & Banks/

 

Corporate/

 

 

 

 

 

C.J. Banks

 

Administrative

 

Consolidated

 

Nine Months Ended November 26, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

343,957

 

$

 

$

343,957

 

Operating income (loss)

 

1,460

 

(40,638

)

(39,178

)

Total assets

 

107,599

 

97,195

 

204,794

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended November 27, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

348,521

 

$

 

$

348,521

 

Operating income (loss)

 

46,904

 

(40,877

)

6,027

 

Total assets

 

141,748

 

103,755

 

245,503

 

 

ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

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 and the consolidated financial statements, notes and MD&A contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 26, 2011.

 

Executive Overview

 

Christopher & Banks Corporation, a Delaware corporation, is a Minneapolis-based retailer of women’s apparel and accessories, which operates retail stores through its wholly-owned subsidiaries. As of November 26, 2011, we operated 774 stores in 45 states, including 471 Christopher & Banks stores, 237 C.J. Banks stores, 43 dual concept stores and 23 outlet stores. As discussed below, we announced on November 11, 2011 our intent to close approximately 100 stores the majority of which are planned to close by January 2012.

 

Our Christopher & Banks brand offers distinctive fashions featuring exclusively designed, coordinated assortments of women’s apparel in sizes four to 16.  Our C.J. Banks brand offers similar assortments of women’s apparel in sizes 14W to 26W.  Our dual concept and outlet stores offer an assortment of both Christopher & Banks and C.J. Banks apparel servicing the petite, missy and women-size customer in one location. We also operate e-Commerce web sites for our two brands at www.christopherandbanks.com and www.cjbanks.com which, in addition to offering the apparel and accessories found in our stores, also offer exclusive sizes and styles available only online.

 

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We strive to provide our customers quality apparel at a reasonable price with a consistent fit.  Our overall strategy for our two brands, Christopher & Banks and C.J. Banks, is to offer a compelling, evolving assortment of unique and classic apparel through our stores and e-Commerce web sites in order to satisfy our customers’ expectations for style, quality, value and fit, while providing exceptional, personalized customer service.

 

Fiscal 2012 Third Quarter Summary

 

The Company reported essentially flat same-store sales and a net loss of $28.2 million, or $0.79 per share, for the third quarter of fiscal 2012.  Increases in customer traffic levels and flat rates of conversion (the percentage of customers who enter our stores and make a purchase, as compared to the total number of customers entering our stores) resulted in an increase in the number of transactions per store.  This was essentially offset by a decrease in our average dollar sale resulting from decreases in the number of units sold per transaction and in the average unit selling price when compared to last year.

 

We experienced a significant reduction in merchandise margins in the third quarter when compared to the third quarter last year which was the result of a considerable increase in promotional activity as we took deeper markdowns to drive sales and clear through slower selling product.  Our merchandise margins were also impacted by year-over-year increases in product costs of approximately 30% in the third quarter which we were not able to pass on to our customers, as there was poor acceptance of many of our product offerings at the full retail price.

 

We ended the quarter with cash, cash equivalents, and short and long-term investments of $74.7 million, compared to $102.3 million as of November 27, 2010.  Total inventory was $58.2 million at November 26, 2011, compared to $46.0 million at November 27, 2010.  The increase in inventory was largely due to higher e-commerce inventory and to a shift in payment terms made by the Company in February 2011, which became effective in the second quarter of fiscal 2012.  In-store inventory per-store, which excludes e-commerce and in-transit inventory, increased 8% at the end of the third quarter this year, compared to the end of the third quarter last year.

 

Outlook and Initiatives

 

Our results of operations for the quarter and nine months ended November 26, 2011 reflect difficulties in improving net sales and in maintaining an acceptable gross margin, particularly given the level of our aggressive promotional activity.  We expect these trends will continue throughout the fourth quarter as further aggressive promotional activity will be required to clear residual fall and holiday merchandise deliveries.  In addition, we anticipate margins will continue to be pressured in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 and into the beginning of our next fiscal year as we do not expect to be able to pass on the full impact of higher product costs to our customers, given the general reaction of our customers to full retail ticket prices in the second half of this fiscal year.

 

Based on our current plans for the fourth quarter and next fiscal year, we believe cash flows from operating activities, working capital and borrowing availability under our Credit Facility will be sufficient to meet our operating and capital expenditure requirements for the next twelve months.  While, we expect to see a continuation of challenging sales and gross profit margin trends in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 and in the beginning of the Company’s next fiscal year, our operating plan ultimately contemplates improvements in net sales per store, operating results and cash flows from operations and is dependent on our ability to consistently deliver merchandise that is appealing to our customer on a competitive and profitable basis and to effectively manage our costs in order to satisfy our working capital and other operating cash requirements.

 

The ability to achieve our operating plan is based on a number of assumptions which involve significant judgment and estimates of future performance.  If our sales, gross margins and operating results continue to fall short of our expectations we may be required to access some, if not all, of our Credit Facility and potentially require other sources of financing to fund our operations.  We will continue to monitor our performance and liquidity and, if we believe it is appropriate or necessary to borrow under the Credit Facility or obtain additional liquidity, we will take further steps intended to improve the Company’s financial position, such as by modifying our operating plan, seeking to further reduce costs, decrease cash spend and/or capital expenditures, or evaluating alternatives and opportunities to obtain additional sources of liquidity through the debt or equity markets.  It is possible these actions may not be sufficient or available or, if available, available on favorable terms.

 

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Merchandising/Talent

 

On December 14, 2011 we announced that Joel Waller joined Christopher & Banks as President for a one-year term.  Mr. Waller brings extensive retail experience to our organization having served as CEO for Wilson’s Leather and Wet Seal.  While his initial focus will be on product development, sourcing and merchandising, Mr. Waller also brings significant management and operational experience to our organization that we believe will assist us in revitalizing our business in our efforts to return to profitability.

 

In addition to adding Mr. Waller, we have recently reestablished the position of Divisional General Merchandise Manager in our merchandise area.  We have added two Divisional General Merchandise Managers, one for the Christopher & Banks division and one for the C.J. Banks division.  One was an internal promotion, while the other is a new hire and both bring strong retail experience and merchandising disciplines to our merchant team.  With the recent addition of a new President and the reestablishment of the Divisional General Merchandise Manager positions we are reevaluating our merchandising and sourcing strategies.  While that process is in the early stages, we would anticipate that additional actions will be implemented to reduce our product costs and improve gross margins.

 

In addition, our merchant team is currently focused on developing apparel offerings that are better aligned with the fashion-quality-value equation that our customers expect.  They are targeting a more focused assortment, balancing the product in terms of categories, color and pattern, fashion and price.  Action is also being taken to reduce product costs in order to price our merchandise at a level that is more acceptable to our customers while still improving our gross margins, as compared to our recent trends, through a good-better-best pricing structure.  The merchant team has recently completed a review of our late spring product deliveries and has made various edits and price adjustments.  They are now focused on the July and August merchandise assortments, which are currently in development.  Our merchant team will continue to review and evaluate our product offerings for next fiscal year in an effort to offer the uniqueness, versatility and value in our product assortments that will resonate with our customers.

 

We have taken a more conservative approach to planning our merchandise purchases in an effort to mitigate ongoing merchandise margin deterioration.  The Company continues to work with its product sourcing vendors to identify opportunities for cost savings and has begun to see some reduction in the costs of raw materials for goods to be delivered in our next fiscal year.  In addition, we will be working on shortening our product development time to allow for greater ability to react to current selling trends and provide more clarity in our decision-making.

 

Restructuring/Store Closing Initiative

 

On November 11, 2011 we announced that subsequent to a review of an in-depth analysis of our store portfolio, the Board approved a plan to close approximately 100 stores, most of which are underperforming.  The majority of these stores are planned to close by the end of January 2012 and are expected to positively impact results of operations in our next fiscal year.  This group of stores generated store-level operating losses of approximately $7 million, which included approximately $3 million of depreciation expense, on a trailing 12 month basis through November 26, 2011.  In addition, we are seeking to restructure the occupancy costs of a majority of our remaining stores and accelerate plans to convert or consolidate a number of existing Christopher & Banks and CJ Banks stores into more productive dual-concept stores.  The store closings are estimated to result in the termination of approximately 10% of our overall full-time and part-time store sales associate positions.  The Company also reduced its corporate office headcount by approximately 7% and its store operations field management team by approximately 13% during October 2011, which is expected to reduce payroll expense by approximately $2.0 million on an annual basis.

 

The Company recorded a pre-tax restructuring and non-cash asset impairment charge of approximately $12.2 million for the three and nine month periods ended November 26, 2011.  The charge consisted of a non-cash charge of approximately $7.4 million of asset impairment charges related to stores which are planned to close by the end of January 2012, a non-cash charge of approximately $4.0 million related to store level asset impairments for stores which the company will continue to operate and a $0.8 million charge related to severance charges for field management and corporate office personnel who were terminated in October 2011 and for field associates who will be terminated as a result of the store closures.  In the fourth quarter we anticipate paying the majority of the severance that was recorded in the third quarter related to field management and store associates impacted by the closing stores.

 

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We expect to incur cash charges of approximately $3.0 million to $5.0 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 related mainly to lease termination fees and related charges to exit the approximately 100 stores planned for closure by the end of January 2012.  Some of these payments may extend into the first and second quarters of our next fiscal year based on the timing of termination negotiations with landlords.

 

Real Estate

 

In addition to the store closing/restructuring initiative, we have reevaluated our overall real estate strategy including converting and combining existing Christopher & Banks and C.J. Banks locations into more productive dual-concept stores and reducing the number of new dual and outlet store openings. We opened 12 new dual stores, 20 Outlet stores, and one Christopher & Banks store in the first three quarters of fiscal 2012.  A majority of the new dual stores represent strategic repositioning or combinations of existing Christopher & Banks and CJ Banks locations.  During the first three quarters of fiscal 2012, we closed 17 Christopher & Banks stores, 15 C.J. Banks stores, and one dual store.  In the third quarter we also converted approximately 30 stand-alone Christopher & Banks stores into dual store locations in order to improve the productivity of these stores by supplementing their existing missy product assortments with petite and women’s size merchandise.  In approximately 25 of the 100 centers where we are closing a store by the end of January 2012, the remaining sister store will be converted into a dual store location in order to continue to serve all of our missy, petite and women-size customers in those locations.  Looking forward to our next fiscal year, we intend to conserve cash by minimizing capital expenditures related to new store openings.  New store projects will be limited to strategic repositioning and combinations of existing Christopher & Banks and C.J. Banks stores and opening outlet locations in markets where we deem it is strategically important to maintain a store location.

 

Customer Experience

 

We have re-introduced a selling program that focuses on grassroots clientelling and improved product knowledge to promote a more focused selling culture.  In addition, we continue to evaluate, refine and add new visual elements to our stores presentation of merchandise and product outfitting options to promote sales.

 

Marketing

 

We anticipate spending between 1.5% and 1.7% of net sales on marketing in fiscal 2012.  Through the third quarter of fiscal 2012, we have spent approximately 1.6% of net sales on marketing.  Our marketing efforts will continue to be focused on communicating with our customers primarily through direct mail and targeted email campaigns.  Though we plan to continue to utilize direct mail campaigns to communicate with customers, they will be employed on a limited basis in the fourth quarter and in the early part of our next fiscal year in order to reduce the level of these expenditures and to conserve cash.  In the second quarter of fiscal 2012, we introduced a new brand look and feel with a goal of ensuring consistency in our brand messaging.

 

E-commerce

 

Over the past few years, we have experienced continued growth in our E-commerce sales.  We are focused on continuing to grow this business channel and increase the rate of growth.  During the quarter, we increased our promotional activity in the E-commerce channel to lift customer conversion and increase sales.  We continue to offer extended women’s sizes and petites, plus dresses and outerwear in this channel.

 

Other Developments

 

Our Board elected Lisa W. Pickrum to our Board effective June 1, 2011.  Effective July 27, 2011 Robert Ezrilov’s term as director ended and Mr. Ezrilov did not seek reelection and retired from the Board.  As of November 26, 2011, the Board consisted of eight directors, seven of whom are independent directors.

 

Key Performance Indicators

 

Our management evaluates the following items, which are considered key performance indicators, in assessing our performance:

 

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Same-store sales

 

Our 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.  Stores where square footage has been changed by more than 25 percent are excluded from the same-store sales calculation for 13 full months.  In addition, stores which are closed and converted to a different store concept resulting in a significant change in the product mix are also excluded from the calculation of same-store sales for 13 full months.  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.  In addition, sales which are initiated in stores but fulfilled through our e-Commerce websites are included in the calculation of same store sales.

 

Management considers same-store sales to be an important indicator of our performance.  Same-store sales results are important in achieving leveraging of costs, including store payroll, store occupancy, depreciation and other general and administrative expenses.  Year-over-year increases in same-store sales contribute to greater leveraging of costs, while declining same-store sales contribute to deleveraging of costs.  Same-store sales results also have a direct impact on our total net sales, cash, cash equivalents, investments and working capital.

 

Merchandise, buying and occupancy costs

 

Merchandise, buying and occupancy costs, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, measure whether we are appropriately optimizing the price of our merchandise.  Merchandise, buying and occupancy costs include the cost of merchandise, markdowns, shrink, freight, buyer and distribution center salaries, buyer travel, rent and other occupancy-related costs, various merchandise design and development costs, miscellaneous merchandise expenses and other costs related to our distribution network.

 

Operating income

 

Our management views operating income as a key indicator of our success.  The key drivers of operating income are same-store sales, merchandise, buying and occupancy costs and our ability to control our other operating costs.

 

Store productivity

 

Store productivity measures are evaluated by management in assessing the operational performance of individual stores and include measuring sales per square foot, average unit retail selling price, average number of transactions on a per store basis, number of units per transaction, average retail dollars per transaction, customer traffic and conversion rates.

 

Inventory turnover

 

Our 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.

 

Cash flow and liquidity

 

Management evaluates free cash flow and cash flow from operations, investing activities and financing activities in determining the sufficiency of our cash position.  Cash flow from operations has historically been sufficient to provide for our uses of cash.  We expect to operate our business and execute our strategic initiatives principally with funds generated from operations and, if necessary, from our revolving Credit Facility, subject to compliance with the applicable financial covenants.

 

We expect to see a continuation of challenging sales and gross profit margin trends in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 and, as a result, expect our year-end cash balance to be down from last year.  The gross profit margin trend may continue into the first part of our next fiscal year.  We expect to see potential for margin improvement in our next fiscal year as our recent merchandise and sourcing initiatives take effect which, if realized, will further improve our liquidity in the absence of continued deterioration in our business trends.  Our operating plan ultimately contemplates improvements in net sales, operating results and cash flows from operations and is dependent on our ability to consistently deliver merchandise that is appealing to our customer on a competitive and profitable basis and to effectively manage our costs to satisfy our working capital and other operating cash requirements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

The ability to achieve our operating plan is based on a number of assumptions which involve significant judgment and estimates of future performance.  While our strategic initiatives are designed to improve sales and operating results, their effect has not yet been fully realized, and our overall operating results have fallen short of our expectations.  Given the recent addition of a new President and the recent addition of two Divisional General Merchandise Managers, we are also reevaluating our merchandise and sourcing processes and procedures and expect that changes will be made that are intended to improve gross margins.  However, if these initiatives fail to achieve the expected results and our sales, gross margins and operating results continue to fall short of our expectations, our cash flows may not be sufficient to meet our cash requirements at all times in our next fiscal year and we may need to borrow under the Credit Facility and seek other sources of liquidity.  In order to provide the Company with greater financial flexibility the Board approved the suspension of the payment of a quarterly dividend which the Company announced on December 14, 2011.

 

We will continue to monitor our performance and liquidity, and if we believe it is appropriate or necessary to borrow under the Credit Facility or to obtain additional liquidity, we will take further steps intended to improve the Company’s financial position, which could include modifying our operating plan, seeking to further reduce costs, decrease cash spend and/or capital expenditures, or evaluating alternatives and opportunities to obtain additional sources of liquidity through the debt or equity markets.  It is possible these actions may not be sufficient or available or, if available, available on favorable terms.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Our critical accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 of the notes to consolidated financial statements contained within our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 26, 2011.  There have been no material changes in our critical accounting policies or estimates in the nine months ended November 26, 2011. Management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to customer product returns, inventories, income taxes, customer loyalty programs, medical and workers’ compensation claims and contingencies.  We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe 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.

 

We review long-lived assets with definite lives at least annually, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable.  An impairment analysis was performed during the third quarter of fiscal 2012 due to the significant decline in merchandise margins during the quarter and the projected continuation of this trend into the fourth quarter as well as the in-depth review of our store portfolio that was conducted during the third quarter of fiscal 2012.  During the quarter ended November 26, 2011, an asset impairment charge of approximately $11.4 million was recorded related to stores which have been identified for closure the majority of which are planned to close by the end of January 2012 as well as stores which we plan continue to operate.

 

As of November 26, 2011, we had a full valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets.  Deferred income tax assets represent potential future income tax benefits.  Realization of these assets is ultimately dependent upon future taxable income.  We have incurred a net cumulative loss as measured by the results of the prior three years.  ASC 740 “Income Taxes,” requires that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on all available evidence, it is considered more likely than not that some or all of the recorded deferred tax assets will not be realized in a future period.  Forming a conclusion that a valuation allowance is not needed is difficult when negative evidence such as cumulative losses exists.  As a result of our evaluation, we have concluded that there is insufficient positive evidence to overcome the negative evidence related to our cumulative losses.  Accordingly, we have maintained the full valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets established in the third quarter of fiscal 2011.  Recording the valuation allowance does not prevent us from using the deferred tax assets in the future when profits are realized.

 

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Results of Operations

 

The following table sets forth condensed consolidated income statement data expressed as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated: 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

November 26,

 

November 27,

 

November 26,

 

November 27,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Net sales

 

100.0

 

100.0

 

100.0

 

100.0

 

Merchandise, buying and occupancy costs

 

78.3

 

64.1

 

71.6

 

61.9

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

30.3

 

31.1

 

31.3

 

31.0

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

4.3

 

4.9

 

5.0

 

5.4

 

Impairment and restructuring

 

9.9

 

 

3.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

(22.8

)

(0.1

)

(11.4

)

1.7

 

Other income

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

Income tax provision

 

0.1

 

7.6

 

0.1

 

3.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

(22.8

)

(7.6

)

(11.4

)

(1.6

)

 

Three Months Ended November 26, 2011 Compared to Three Months Ended November 27, 2010

 

Net Sales. Net sales for the three months ended November 26, 2011 were $123.9 million, an increase of approximately $3.0 million, or 2.4%, from $120.9 million for the three months ended November 27, 2010.  While same store sales were essentially flat for the quarter, the increase in net sales was generated primarily from increases in revenues at our Christopher & Banks and C.J. Banks e-Commerce web sites.  Sales from new stores opened during the first nine months of fiscal 2012 were essentially offset by reductions from closing stores.  We operated 774 stores at November 26, 2011, compared to 789 stores as of November 27, 2010.

 

Same store sales for the quarter ended November 27, 2011 were essentially flat.  Increased customer traffic levels and flat rates of conversion drove a 9% increase in transactions per average store.  This was essentially offset by a 9% decrease in the average dollar sale resulting from decreases in the number of units sold per transaction and in the average unit selling price.

 

A smaller increase in the liability related to points and reward certificates earned by customers in conjunction with our Friendship Rewards loyalty program in the third quarter of fiscal 2012, compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2011, also contributed to the increase in net sales.

 

Merchandise, Buying and Occupancy Costs.  Merchandise, buying and occupancy costs, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, were $97.1 million, or 78.3% of net sales, during the third quarter of fiscal 2012, compared to $77.5 million, or 64.1% of net sales, during the same period in fiscal 2011.  This resulted in an approximate 1,400 basis point decrease in our gross profit margin during the quarter, driven primarily by declines in our merchandise margins.

 

Our merchandise margins decreased by approximately 1,500 basis points in the third quarter of fiscal 2012, when compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2011, driven by a 1,200 basis point increase in markdown expense as a percent of net sales.  Promotional activity increased considerably as we took deeper markdowns to drive sales and clear through slower selling product due to poor customer acceptance of the product at its full ticket or at a slightly reduced price.  Our merchandise margins were also impacted by year-over-year increases in product costs of approximately 30%, related to improvements in garment construction and enhanced styling elements, along with higher prices for cotton and synthetic fibers and increased production labor and transportation costs in the third quarter of fiscal 2012 which we were not able to pass on to our customers.  The changes above were offset slightly by positive leverage of buying and occupancy expenses associated with the flat same store sales for the quarter.

 

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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, for the three months ended November 26, 2011 were $37.6 million, or 30.3% of net sales, compared to $37.6 million, or 31.1% of net sales, for the three months ended November 27, 2010.  Increases in stock-based compensation expense and E-commerce-related marketing expenditures during the third quarter of fiscal 2012, as compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2011, were offset by reduced severance, medical and insurance costs for the same period compared to last year.

 

The third quarter of fiscal 2011 also contained reversals of incentive compensation and stock-based compensation expense related to corporate incentive plans and forfeitures of equity awards in connection with the separation of our former Chief Executive Officer.  Additionally, the third quarter of fiscal 2011 included severance charges of approximately $1.0 million related to the separation of our former Chief Executive Officer.

 

Depreciation and Amortization.  Depreciation and amortization was $5.3 million, or 4.3% of net sales, in the third quarter of fiscal 2012, compared to $6.0 million, or 4.9% of net sales, in the third quarter of fiscal 2011.  The decrease in depreciation and amortization is primarily the result of operating fewer stores and the impairment of store assets recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011.

 

Impairment and Restructuring.  As a result of an asset impairment analysis performed during the third quarter, we recorded long-lived store-level asset impairment charges of approximately $11.4 million related to underperforming stores approved for closure in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 as well as stores which we plan to continue to operate.  We also recorded approximately $0.8 million of severance charges related to closing stores and a reduction in force involving corporate office and field management personnel in October 2011.  No impairment charges were recorded during the third quarter of fiscal 2011.

 

Operating Income.  As a result of the foregoing factors, we recorded an operating loss of $28.2 million, or 22.8% of net sales, for the quarter ended November 26, 2011, compared to an operating loss of $0.2 million, or 0.1% of net sales, for the quarter ended November 27, 2010.

 

Other Income.  For the three months ended November 26, 2011, interest income was $0.1 million, compared to $0.1 million for the three months ended November 27, 2010.

 

Income Taxes.  Income tax expense in the third quarter of fiscal 2012 was $0.1 million, with an effective tax rate of (0.04%), compared to income tax expense of $9.1 million, in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 which included a charge of $12.9 million to establish a full valuation allowance on the Company’s net deferred tax assets.  Our effective tax rate in the third quarter of fiscal 2012 also reflected the ongoing impact of the full valuation allowance on our net deferred tax assets.

 

Net Income.  As a result of the foregoing factors, we recorded a net loss of $28.2 million, or 22.8% of net sales and $0.79 per diluted share, for the three months ended November 26, 2011, compared to a net loss of $9.2 million, or 7.6% of net sales and $0.26 per diluted share, for the three months ended November 27, 2010.

 

Nine Months Ended November 26, 2011 Compared to Nine Months Ended November 27, 2010

 

Net Sales. Net sales for the nine months ended November 26, 2011 were $344.0 million, a decrease of approximately $4.5 million, or 1.3%, from $348.5 million for the nine months ended November 27, 2010.  The decrease in net sales was driven by a 3% decrease in same-store sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2012.  The decrease in net sales was partially offset by increases in revenues at our Christopher & Banks and C.J. Banks e-commerce web sites during the first nine months of fiscal 2012, compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2011.  In addition we realized a smaller increase in the liability related to points and reward certificates earned by customers in conjunction with our Friendship Rewards loyalty program throughout the first three quarters of fiscal 2012, as compared to the first three quarters of fiscal 2011.

 

We operated 774 stores at November 26, 2011, compared to 789 stores as of November 27, 2010.

 

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Merchandise, Buying and Occupancy Costs.  Merchandise, buying and occupancy costs, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, were $246.3 million, or 71.6% of net sales, during the nine months ended November 27, 2011, compared to $215.9 million, or 61.9% of net sales, during the same period in fiscal 2011, resulting in an approximate 970 basis point decrease in our gross margin during the first three quarters of fiscal 2012 driven primarily by declines in our merchandise margins.

 

Our merchandise margins decreased by approximately 975 basis points in the first three quarters of fiscal 2012, when compared to the first three quarters of fiscal 2011, driven by a 825 basis point increase in markdown expense as a percent of net sales.  Promotional activity was increased considerably as we took deeper markdowns to drive sales and clear through slower selling product due to poor customer acceptance of the product at its full ticket or a slightly reduced retail price.  Our merchandise margins were also impacted by year-over-year increases in product costs in fiscal 2012, related to improvements in garment construction and enhanced styling elements, along with higher prices for cotton and synthetic fibers and increased production labor and transportation costs in fiscal 2012 which we were not able to pass on to our customers.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, for the nine months ended November 26, 2011 were $107.5 million, or 31.3% of net sales, compared to $107.6 million, or 31.0% of net sales, for the nine months ended November 27, 2010.  Increases in store selling expenses, marketing costs and stock-based compensation expense were offset by reductions in medical expense and severance costs for the first nine months of fiscal 2012 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2012.  Fiscal 2011 results included charges of approximately $1.5 million related to severance costs for the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer in connection with their separation of employment with the Company.

 

Depreciation and Amortization.  Depreciation and amortization was $17.2 million, or 5.0% of net sales, in the first nine months of fiscal 2012, compared to $19.0 million, or 5.4% of net sales, in the first nine months of fiscal 2011.  The decrease in depreciation and amortization is primarily the result of the impairment of store assets recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011.

 

Impairment and Restructuring.  As a result of an asset impairment analysis performed during the third quarter, we recorded long-lived store-level asset impairment charges of approximately $11.4 million related to underperforming stores approved for closure in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 as well as stores which we plan to continue to operate.  We also recorded approximately $0.8 million of severance charges related to closing stores and a reduction in force involving corporate office and field management personnel in October 2011.  No impairment or restructuring charges were recorded during the first nine months of fiscal 2011.

 

Operating Income.  As a result of the foregoing factors, we recorded an operating loss of $39.2 million, or 11.4% of net sales, for the nine months ended November 26, 2011, compared to operating income of $6.0 million, or 1.7% of net sales, for the quarter ended November 27, 2010.

 

Other Income.  For the nine months ended November 26, 2011, interest income was $0.3 million, compared to $0.4 million for the nine months ended November 27, 2010.

 

Income Taxes.  Income tax expense in the first nine months of fiscal 2012 was $0.4 million, with an effective tax rate of (1.1%), compared to income tax expense of $11.8 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2011 which included a charge of $12.9 million to establish a full valuation allowance on the Company’s net deferred tax assets.  Our effective tax rate in the first nine months of fiscal 2012 reflected the ongoing impact of the full valuation allowance on our net deferred tax assets.

 

Net Income.  As a result of the foregoing factors, we recorded a net loss of $39.3 million, or 11.4% of net sales and $1.11 per diluted share, for the nine months ended November 26, 2011, compared to a net loss of $5.4 million, or 1.6% of net sales and $0.15 per diluted share, for the three months ended November 27, 2010.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Cash flow and liquidity

 

Management evaluates free cash flow and cash flow from operations, investing activities and financing activities in determining the sufficiency of our cash position.  Cash flow from operations has historically been sufficient to provide for our uses of cash.  We expect to operate our business and execute our strategic initiatives principally with funds generated from operations and, if necessary, from our revolving Credit Facility, subject to compliance with the applicable financial covenants.

 

We expect to see a continuation of challenging sales and gross profit margin trends in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 and, as a result, expect our year-end cash balance to be down from last year.  The gross profit margin trend may continue into the first part of our next fiscal year however we expect to experience some improvement in our cash flows as we start to see the effects of tighter inventory buys.  We also expect to see potential for margin improvement in our next fiscal year as our recent merchandise and sourcing initiatives take effect which, if realized, will further improve our liquidity in the absence of continued deterioration in our business trends.  Our operating plan ultimately contemplates improvements in net sales, operating results and cash flows from operations and is dependent on our ability to consistently deliver merchandise that is appealing to our customer on a competitive and profitable basis and to effectively manage our costs to satisfy our working capital and other operating cash requirements.

 

The ability to achieve our operating plan is based on a number of assumptions which involve significant judgment and estimates of future performance.  While our strategic initiatives are designed to improve sales and operating results, their effect has not yet been fully realized, and our overall operating results have fallen short of our expectations.  Given the recent addition of a new President and the recent additions of two Divisional General  Merchandise Managers, we are also reevaluating our merchandise and sourcing processes and procedures and expect that changes will be made that are intended to improve gross margins.  However, if these initiatives fail to achieve the expected results and our sales, gross margins and operating results continue to fall short of our expectations, our cash flows may not be sufficient to meet our cash requirements at all times in our next fiscal year and we may need to borrow under the Credit Facility and seek other sources of liquidty.

 

While we do not currently anticipate the need to borrow against our Credit Facility in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, in light of these current business trends we are pursuing options to enhance our financial flexibility including amending the financial covenants under the Credit Facility.  Any amendment of the Credit Facility may increase the cost of credit provided under the Facility and have a potential adverse impact on our operations.  In addition, in order to provide the Company with greater financial flexibility the Board approved the suspension of a quarterly dividend which the Company announced on December 14, 2011.

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

Net cash used in operating activities totaled $13.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2012, a decrease of approximately $14.1 million from net cash provided by operating activities of $0.8 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2011.  The decrease was the result of a decrease in net earnings in the first nine months of fiscal 2012, compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2011, offset by changes in our working capital accounts.  We reported a net loss of $39.3 million for the nine months ended November 26, 2011, compared to a net loss of $5.4 million for the nine months ended November 27, 2010.

 

Significant fluctuations in our working capital accounts in the first nine months of fiscal 2012 included a $19.0 million increase in inventory and a $17.1 million increase in accounts payable.  The increases in inventory and accounts payable were a result of an 8% increase in per-store inventory as well as increased in-transit and e-commerce inventory combined with a change during the second quarter of fiscal 2012 in the company’s payment terms and a shift in the timing of inventory receipts and payments.  In addition, product costs increased approximately 30% in the third quarter of fiscal 2012, compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2011.

 

The remainder of the change in cash used in operating activities was substantially the result of net loss realized during the first nine months of fiscal 2012, after adjusting for non-cash charges, including depreciation and amortization expense, store impairments and stock-based compensation expense and various changes in our other operating assets and liabilities.

 

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Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

Net cash provided by investing activities totaled $10.6 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2012, an increase of $12 million from cash used in investing activities of $1.4 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2011.  Net cash provided by investing activities in the first nine months of fiscal 2012 consisted of $21.7 million of net sales of investments, partially offset by $11.1 million of capital expenditures.  We opened 33 new stores during the first nine months of the year including one Christopher & Banks store, 20 new outlet stores and 12 new dual stores.  We expect to fund approximately $2.5 million of additional capital expenditures in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 primarily related to stores scheduled to open during the first quarter of our next fiscal year as well as expenditures related to our information technology systems and in-store visual displays.

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

Net cash used in financing activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2012 was approximately $6.5 million, an increase of $0.6 million from $5.9 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2011.  In the first nine months of fiscal 2012, approximately $6.4 million was used to fund the payment of three quarterly cash dividends.

 

On December 14, 2011, we announced that the Board suspended the payment of a quarterly dividend.

 

Credit facility

 

We maintain an Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Facility (the “Credit Facility” or “Facility”) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”).  The Credit Facility provides us with access to revolving credit loans and letters of credit of up to $50 million, in the aggregate, subject to a borrowing base formula based on inventory levels.

 

Interest under the Credit Facility is payable monthly in arrears.  The Credit Facility carries a facility fee of 0.25%, based on the unused portion as defined in the agreement, a collateral monitoring fee and a guaranteed service charge.  Borrowings under the Credit Facility are collateralized by our equipment, intangible assets, inventory, inventory letters of credit and letter of credit rights.  We had no revolving credit loan borrowings under the Credit Facility during the first nine months of fiscal 2012 or during fiscal 2011.  Historically, we have utilized the Credit Facility only to open letters of credit.  The borrowing base at November 26, 2011 was $28.0 million.  As of November 26, 2011, we had open on-demand letters of credit in the amount of $1.0 million.  Accordingly, the availability of revolving credit loans under the Credit Facility was $27.0 million at November 26, 2011.

 

On June 29, 2011, we entered into the Sixth Amendment to the Credit Facility (the “Sixth Amendment”) with Wells Fargo.  The Sixth Amendment extended the maturity date of the Credit Facility by three years from June 30, 2011 to June 30, 2014.  In addition, the Sixth Amendment changed the interest calculation under the Credit Facility.  Previously, interest was calculated based on either the prime rate minus 0.25% or the one, three or six month London Interbank Market Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) based on the length of time the corresponding advance was outstanding.  Under the Sixth Amendment, interest is calculated based on the three-month LIBOR plus 2.0%, reset daily.

 

The Credit Facility 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, 2011, the most recent measurement date, we were in compliance with all financial covenants under the Credit Facility.  However, in light of our current business trends  it is possible that we could fall out of compliance with one or more of these financial covenants as they are currently structured either at the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 or at the end of the first or second quarters of our next fiscal year. Failure to remain in compliance with the financial covenants could constrain our operating flexibility and would impact our ability to fund our business operations through use of the Credit Facility.  While we do not currently anticipate the need to borrow against our Credit Facility in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, in light of these current business trends we are pursuing options to enhance our financial flexibility including amending the financial covenants under the Credit Facility.  Any amendment of the Credit Facility may increase the cost of credit provided under the Facility and have a potential adverse impact on our results of operations.

 

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We will continue to monitor our performance and liquidity.  If we believe it is appropriate or necessary to borrow under the Credit Facility or to obtain additional liquidity, we will take further steps intended to improve the Company’s financial position, which could include modifying our operating plan, seeking to further reduce costs, decrease cash spend and/or capital expenditures, or evaluating alternatives and opportunities to obtain additional sources of liquidity through the debt or equity markets.  It is possible these actions may not be sufficient or available or, if available, available on favorable terms

 

Merchandise Sourcing

 

We directly imported approximately 24% and 11% of our total merchandise purchases during the nine month periods ended November 26, 2011 and November 27, 2010, respectively.  Substantially all of our remaining merchandise purchases were made from U.S. based companies which import the goods from overseas.  This reliance on sourcing from foreign countries may cause us to be exposed to certain risks as indicated below and as discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 26, 2011 and updated in Part II, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.

 

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 us, and could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.  Our merchandise flow could also be adversely affected by political instability in any of the countries where our 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.

 

We do not have long-term purchase commitments or arrangements with any of our suppliers or agents.  During the quarter ended November 26, 2011, one of our vendors supplied approximately 16% of our merchandise purchases and a second vendor supplied approximately 13% of our merchandise purchases.  We purchased approximately 23% and 18% of our merchandise from these two vendors, respectively, during the quarter ended November 27, 2010 and a third vendor supplied approximately 16% of our merchandise purchases during this quarter.  For the nine months ended November 26, 2011, we purchased approximately 18% of our merchandise from one vendor and no other vendor supplied greater than 10% of our purchases for the first three quarters of our current fiscal year.  During the first nine months of fiscal 2011 three vendors supplied 27%, 17% and 11% of our merchandise, respectively.

 

Although we have strong relationships with these vendors, there can be no assurance that these relationships can be maintained in the future or that the vendors will continue to supply merchandise to us.  If there should be any significant disruption in the supply of merchandise from these vendors, management believes that it will be able to shift production to other suppliers so as to continue to secure the required volume of product.  Nevertheless, it is possible that any significant disruption in supply could have a material adverse impact on our financial position or results of operations.

 

Quarterly Results and Seasonality

 

Our quarterly results may fluctuate significantly depending on a number of factors, including general economic conditions, timing of promotional events and new store openings, adverse weather conditions, shifts in the timing of certain holidays and customer response to our seasonal merchandise mix.

 

Inflation

 

In the first nine months of fiscal 2012, our merchandise costs were impacted by higher prices for cotton and synthetic fibers, along with increased production labor and transportation costs.  In addition, improvements in quality, construction, and fit also resulted in higher product costs.  Although we passed some of these price increases on to our customers in fiscal 2012, there was resistance to higher prices.  As a result, we intend to increase our efforts to provide quality merchandise to our customers at an attractive price, which will likely result in continued pressure on merchandise margins.

 

Management does not believe that inflation had a material effect on our results of operations for the first nine months of fiscal 2011.

 

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Forward-Looking Statements

 

We may make forward-looking statements reflecting our current views with respect to future events and financial performance.  These forward-looking statements, which may be included in reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), including this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, in press releases and in other documents and materials as well as in written or oral statements made by or on behalf of the Company, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including those discussed in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 26, 2011, which could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated.

 

The words or phrases “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “expect, “ “anticipate,” “forecast,” “plans to,” “intend,” “intends” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21e of the Exchange Act and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as enacted by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“PSLRA”).  In particular, we desire to take advantage of the protections of the PSLRA in connection with the forward-looking statements made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date such statements are made.  In addition, we wish to advise readers that the factors listed in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 26, 2011, as well as other factors, could affect our performance and could cause our actual results for future periods to differ materially from any opinions or statements expressed about such future performance or results.  We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

ITEM 3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

The market risk inherent in our financial instruments and in our financial position represents the potential loss arising from adverse changes in interest rates.  Our results of operations could be negatively impacted by decreases in interest rates on our investments.

 

We are potentially exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates relating to our Credit Facility with Wells Fargo Bank.  Loans under the Credit Facility bear interest at Wells Fargo’s prime rate, 3.25% as of November 26, 2011, less 0.25%, or the one, three, or six month LIBOR rate, based on the length of time the advance is outstanding.

 

We enter into certain purchase obligations outside the United States, which are denominated and settled in U.S. dollars.  Therefore, we have only minimal exposure to foreign currency exchange risks.  We do not hedge against foreign currency risks and believe that our foreign currency exchange risk is immaterial.

 

We do not have any derivative financial instruments and do not hold any derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

 

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ITEM 4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

(a)       Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, management has evaluated the effectiveness and design of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report (the “Evaluation Date”).  Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in applicable rules and forms, and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

 

(b)       Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

 

There have not been any changes in our 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 nine months ended November 26, 2011 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

We are subject, from time to time, to various claims, lawsuits or actions that arise in the ordinary course of business.  Although the amount of any liability that could arise with respect to any current proceedings cannot, in our opinion, be accurately predicted, the range of reasonably possible losses on these matters, individually and in the aggregate, is not expected to have a material adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

 

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the following risk factors which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results.  We have updated the risk factor discussion to reflect changes during the nine months ended November 26, 2011 in addition to the risk factors set forth in and more fully described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 26, 2011 and in other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These risk factors, which contain forward-looking information, should be read in conjunction with Item 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and the condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this Quarterly Report.

 

Additional risks and uncertainties that are not currently known or are currently deemed immaterial may also adversely affect the business, financial condition, or future results of the Company.

 

Our failure to reverse declining gross margins would have a material adverse impact on our business, profitability and liquidity.

 

We experienced declines in our overall gross margin over the past several fiscal quarters.  If we are unable to reverse this trend, we believe that our working capital and cash flows from operating activities would not be sufficient to meet our operating requirements and we would be required to access some, if not all, of our credit facility and potentially require other sources of financing to fund our operations.

 

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The sufficiency and availability of our sources of liquidity may be affected by a variety of factors.

 

The sufficiency and availability of our sources of liquidity may be affected by a variety of factors, including, without limitation: (i) the level of our operating cash flows, which are impacted by consumer acceptance of our merchandise, general economic conditions and the level of consumer discretionary spending; and (ii) our ability to maintain borrowing availability and to comply with applicable covenants contained in our Credit Facility.

 

As a specialty retailer dependent upon consumer discretionary spending, we have been adversely affected by the current economic environment, which has impacted our sales, margins, cash flows, liquidity, results of operations and financial condition. Our ability to become profitable and to generate positive cash flows is dependent upon many factors, including improvement in economic conditions and consumer spending and our ability to execute successfully our long-term financial plan and strategic initiatives. There can be no assurance that our cash flows from operations will be sufficient at all times to support our Company without additional financing or credit availability.

 

Should we be unable to borrow under the Credit Facility in the future, it is possible, depending on the cause of our inability to borrow, that we may not have sufficient cash resources for our operations and our liquidity would be significantly impaired, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our Credit Facility contains borrowing base and other provisions that may restrict our ability to access it.

 

Lower than expected sales that negatively impact our cash flows could require us to borrow under our existing Credit Facility. Although we currently do not have any borrowings under this facility, we currently use it periodically for letters of credit which reduces the amount available for borrowings. The actual amount of credit that is available from time to time under our Credit Facility is limited to a borrowing base amount that is determined according to the value of eligible inventory, as reduced by certain reserve amounts per the terms of the Credit Facility. Consequently, it is possible that, should we need to access our Credit Facility, it may not be available in full. Moreover, under our Credit Facility, we are subject to various covenants and requirements. Should we be unable to comply with certain of the covenants and requirements in the Credit Facility, we may be unable to borrow under our Credit Facility.

 

Access to additional financing from the capital markets may be limited.

 

Primarily as a result of our operating losses during this fiscal year, our cash, cash equivalents and investments has decreased from $102.3 million at November 27, 2010 to $74.7 million at November 26, 2011.  While we have availability under our Credit Facility to bolster our liquidity, we may need additional capital to fund our operations, particularly if our operating results and cash flows from operating activities do not improve substantially compared to recent periods or if the Credit Facility were unavailable.   The sale of additional equity securities or convertible debt securities would result in additional dilution to our stockholders. If we borrow under our Credit Facility or incur other debt, our expenses will increase and we could be subject to additional covenants that may restrict our operating flexibility.   Newly issued securities may have rights, preferences and privileges that are senior or otherwise superior to those of our common stock.   There is no assurance that equity or debt financing will be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us.  Without sufficient liquidity, we will be more vulnerable to further downturns in our business or the general economy, we may not be able to react to changes in our business or to take advantage of opportunities as they arise and we could be forced to curtail our operations, all of which could result in material adverse consequences to our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

If we are unable to anticipate or react to changing consumer preferences in a timely manner and offer a compelling product at an attractive price, our sales, gross margins and results of operations would be adversely impacted.

 

Forecasting consumer demand for our merchandise is difficult.  In addition, our merchandise assortment differs from season to season and at any given time our assortment may not resonate with our customers.  On average, we begin the design process for apparel six to eight months before the merchandise is available to customers, and we typically begin to make purchase commitments four to six months in advance of delivery to stores.  These lead times make it difficult for us to respond quickly to changes in the demand for our products or to adjust the cost of the product in response to customers’ fashion or price preferences.  Any missteps may affect merchandise desirability, gross margins and inventory levels.  Our failure to anticipate, identify or react appropriately in a timely manner to changes in customers’ preferences could lead to lower sales, missed opportunities and higher inventories.  This in turn could lead to more frequent and larger markdowns, which could result in lower sales and gross margins, reduce our profits and negatively impact our results of operations.

 

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Increasing our store productivity will be largely dependent upon our success in continuing to rationalize our existing store portfolio as well as in maintaining or increasing customer traffic in our stores.

 

Our ability to increase the productivity of our stores will be largely dependent upon our ability to continue to rationalize our existing store portfolio as well as our ability to generate customer traffic to our stores and to convert that traffic into sales.

 

In November 2011, we announced our plan to close approximately 100 stores.  We plan to close the majority of these stores by the end of January 2012. We also announced our intention to restructure the occupancy costs at the majority of our remaining stores. We expect that this reduction in store locations will help to increase our store productivity by eliminating overlap in certain markets and allowing management to focus its resources, such as store merchandise inventories and capital expenditures, on a more streamlined and productive store base. If we are unable to execute successfully on this program to the extent or within the time that we expect or, if the restructured occupancy costs or improvements in store productivity are not at the level that we expect, our revenues, margins, liquidity and results of operations could be adversely affected.

 

Customer traffic depends upon our ability to promote our brand successfully with our existing customers and potential new customers through our strategic initiatives, providing merchandise that satisfies customer demand in terms of price, quality, fit and in-stock position, predicting fashion trends for our customers and providing an appealing shopping environment and experience. There can be no assurance that our efforts to generate customer traffic in our stores and the resulting sales from that traffic will be successful or at the levels we would expect, which could negatively impact our sales and store productivity and may leave us with excess inventory. We may need to respond to any declines in customer traffic or sales generated from such traffic by increasing markdowns or initiating or continuing additional promotions to attract customers to our stores, which would adversely impact our margins and operating results.

 

The costs to close underperforming stores may be significant and may negatively impact our cash flows and our results of operations.

 

We regularly assess our portfolio of stores for profitability, and we close certain underperforming stores when appropriate under the circumstances. Our current real estate plans include closing a number of underperforming stores in order to reduce operating losses and to achieve improved long-term performance of our store base.  All of our stores are leased, with original lease terms continuing for up to ten years, and we can have significant annual rent and other amounts due under a lease.  In closing underperforming stores, we negotiate with landlords to mitigate the amount of remaining lease obligations.  There is no assurance we will reach acceptable negotiated lease settlements.  As a result, costs to close underperforming stores may be significant and may negatively impact our cash flows and our results of operations. The estimated costs and charges associated with store closings are also based on management’s assumptions and projections, and actual amounts may vary materially from our forecasts and expectations. Additionally, while our goal in closing certain stores is to increase the productivity of our store portfolio, reductions in our overall number of stores will directly impact our net sales.

 

If our store’s long-lived assets become impaired, we may need to record significant non-cash impairment charges.

 

We monitor the performance and productivity of our store portfolio. When we determine that a store is underperforming or is to be closed, we reassess the recoverability of the store’s long-lived assets, which in some cases can result in an impairment charge. When a store is identified for impairment analysis, we estimate the fair value of the store assets using an income approach, which is based on estimates of future operating cash flows at the store level. These estimates, which include estimates of future net store sales, direct store expenses, and non-cash store adjustments, are based on the experience and knowledge of management, including historical store operating results.  These estimates can be affected by factors that can be difficult to predict, such as future operating results, customer activity and future economic conditions, and require management to apply judgment. We have announced our intention to close approximately 100 stores which is aimed at increasing the productivity of our remaining stores. In addition to any other potential or actual future store closings or any negative trends in store performance, any decision to close, consolidate or downsize a store in connection with this program may result in additional future impairments of store assets.

 

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If, for any reason, we do not meet the NYSE continued listing requirements, our common stock could be delisted.

 

The continued listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) require, among other things, that the average closing price of our common stock be above $1.00 for over 30 consecutive trading days, and that our market capitalization meet certain minimum levels. To date this fiscal year through January 3, 2012, the lowest closing price for our stock during trading on the NYSE has been $2.19 per share; we have, therefore, been in compliance with the NYSE’s listing requirements.  Should we become non-compliant, we generally would have a specified period of time to cure any non-compliance, and we would intend to take steps to cure any such non-compliance should we fall below the NYSE’s requirements.  If, at the end of any cure period, however, we were unable to satisfy the NYSE criteria for continued listing, our common stock would be subject to delisting, which may reduce the liquidity and market price of our common stock and reduce the number of investors willing to hold or acquire our common stock.

 

ITEM 2.

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY

SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Number

 

Approximate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of Shares

 

Dollar Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchased as

 

of Shares that May

 

 

 

Total Number

 

Average

 

Part of Publicly

 

Yet Be Purchased

 

 

 

of Shares

 

Price Paid

 

Announced Plans

 

Under the Plans

 

Period

 

Purchased (1)

 

per Share

 

or Programs

 

or Programs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

August 28, 2011-September 24 2011

 

2,115

 

$

4.48

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 25, 2011-October 29, 2011

 

1,340

 

$

3.18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 30, 2011-November 26, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

3,455

 

$

3.98

 

 

 

 


(1)          The shares of common stock in this column represent shares that were surrendered to us by stock plan participants in order to satisfy withholding tax obligations related to restricted stock awards.

 

ITEM 3.

DEFAULTS UPON

SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None.

 

ITEM 4.

(REMOVED AND RESERVED)

 

 

ITEM 5.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

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Table of Contents

 

ITEM 6.

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

 

 

 

101.INS^

 

XBRL Instance

 

 

 

101.SCH^

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

 

 

 

101.CAL^

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation

 

 

 

101.DEF^

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition

 

 

 

101.LAB^

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label

 

 

 

101.PRE^

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation

 


* Filed with this report.

^ Pursuant to rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Section 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 18 of the Securities Act of 1934 and otherwise are not subject to liability under these sections.

 

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Table of Contents

 

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, 2012

By

/s/ LARRY C. BARENBAUM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Larry C. Barenbaum

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dated:

January 5, 2012

By

/s/ MICHAEL J. LYFTOGT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael J. Lyftogt

 

 

 

Senior Vice President,

 

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

37



Table of Contents

 

CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

101.INS^

 

XBRL Instance

 

 

 

101.SCH^

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

 

 

 

101.CAL^

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation

 

 

 

101.DEF^

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition

 

 

 

101.LAB^

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label

 

 

 

101.PRE^

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation

 


* Filed with this report.

^ Pursuant to rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Section 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 18 of the Securities Act of 1934 and otherwise are not subject to liability under these sections.

 

38