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CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORP - Quarter Report: 2011 August (Form 10-Q)

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 August 27, 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

 

Smaller reporting company o

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

 

 

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 September 24, 2011, 35,921,747 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 August 27, 2011, February 26, 2011 and August 28, 2010

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Income Statements (Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended August 27, 2011 and August 28, 2010

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Income Statements (Unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended August 27, 2011 and August 28, 2010

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended August 27, 2011 and August 28, 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

 

28

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

 

28

 

 

 

 

PART II –

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

 

28

 

 

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

 

29

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

29

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

30

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

(Removed and Reserved)

 

30

 

 

 

 

Item 5.

Other Information

 

30

 

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

 

30

 

 

 

 

 

Signatures

 

31

 

 

 

 

 

Index to Exhibits

 

32

 

2



Table of Contents

 

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

August 27,

 

February 26,

 

August 28,

 

 

 

2011

 

2011

 

2010

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

36,747

 

$

43,712

 

$

37,760

 

Short-term investments

 

35,263

 

33,060

 

58,231

 

Accounts receivable

 

5,938

 

3,967

 

5,136

 

Merchandise inventories

 

53,666

 

39,211

 

40,109

 

Prepaid expenses

 

3,356

 

1,989

 

3,213

 

Income taxes receivable

 

2,782

 

6,439

 

1,195

 

Current deferred tax asset

 

 

 

4,376

 

Total current assets

 

137,752

 

128,378

 

150,020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, equipment and improvements, net

 

72,943

 

76,647

 

88,466

 

Long-term investments

 

23,806

 

28,824

 

13,408

 

Deferred tax asset

 

 

 

8,600

 

Other assets

 

278

 

314

 

317

 

Total assets

 

$

234,779

 

$

234,163

 

$

260,811

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

31,617

 

$

15,149

 

$

11,841

 

Accrued salaries, wages and related expenses

 

6,544

 

7,883

 

7,890

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

22,236

 

21,931

 

17,129

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

60,397

 

44,963

 

36,860

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred lease incentives

 

14,256

 

14,982

 

17,245

 

Deferred rent obligations

 

6,909

 

7,457

 

8,372

 

Other

 

2,664

 

2,532

 

3,509

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total non-current liabilities

 

23,829

 

24,971

 

29,126

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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, 45,713, 45,432 and 45,635 shares issued and 35,922, 35,641 and 35,844 shares outstanding at August 27, 2011, February 26, 2011 and August 28, 2010, respectively

 

457

 

454

 

456

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

116,412

 

114,909

 

115,109

 

Retained earnings

 

146,272

 

161,642

 

191,890

 

Common stock held in treasury, 9,791 shares at cost at August 27, 2011, February 26, 2011 and August 28, 2010, respectively

 

(112,711

)

(112,711

)

(112,712

)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

123

 

(65

)

82

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

150,553

 

164,229

 

194,825

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

234,779

 

$

234,163

 

$

260,811

 

 

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

 

3



Table of Contents

 

CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

August 27,

 

August 28,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

96,230

 

$

101,340

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Merchandise, buying and occupancy

 

68,403

 

65,536

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

34,505

 

33,795

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

6,267

 

6,434

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

 

109,175

 

105,765

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating loss

 

(12,945

)

(4,425

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income

 

76

 

127

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

 

(12,869

)

(4,298

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax provision (benefit)

 

113

 

(1,760

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(12,982

)

$

(2,538

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic loss per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(0.37

)

$

(0.07

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic shares outstanding

 

35,520

 

35,354

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted loss per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(0.37

)

$

(0.07

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted shares outstanding

 

35,520

 

35,354

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 INCOME STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

August 27,

 

August 28,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

220,062

 

$

227,574

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Merchandise, buying and occupancy

 

149,229

 

138,393

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

69,936

 

69,994

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

11,851

 

12,964

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

 

231,016

 

221,351

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

 

(10,954

)

6,223

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income

 

155

 

243

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

(10,799

)

6,466

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax provision

 

293

 

2,664

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(11,092

)

$

3,802

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(0.31

)

$

0.11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic shares outstanding

 

35,512

 

35,329

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(0.31

)

$

0.11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted shares outstanding

 

35,512

 

35,525

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends per share

 

$

0.12

 

$

0.12

 

 

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)

 

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

August 27,

 

August 28,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(11,092

)

$

3,802

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

11,851

 

12,964

 

Amortization of premium on investments

 

35

 

243

 

Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation

 

 

(224

)

Deferred income taxes

 

 

(1,864

)

Stock-based compensation expense

 

1,631

 

1,646

 

Loss on disposal of furniture, fixtures and equipment

 

 

18

 

Gain on investments, net

 

(18

)

(56

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Increase in accounts receivable

 

(1,971

)

(891

)

Increase in merchandise inventories

 

(14,455

)

(1,613

)

Increase in prepaid expenses

 

(1,367

)

(1,571

)

(Increase) decrease in income taxes receivable

 

3,657

 

(576

)

Decrease in other assets

 

36

 

35

 

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable

 

16,534

 

(1,664

)

Decrease in accrued liabilities

 

(1,034

)

(3,048

)

Decrease in deferred lease incentives

 

(726

)

(2,333

)

Decrease in other liabilities

 

(416

)

(818

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

2,665

 

4,050

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property, equipment and improvements

 

(8,213

)

(5,488

)

Purchases of investments

 

(76,367

)

(37,696

)

Sales of investments

 

79,353

 

43,786

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

(5,227

)

602

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Exercise of stock options

 

 

84

 

Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation

 

 

224

 

Shares redeemed for payroll taxes

 

(124

)

 

Dividends paid

 

(4,279

)

(4,273

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(4,403

)

(3,965

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

(6,965

)

687

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

43,712

 

37,073

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

36,747

 

$

37,760

 

 

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 August 27, 2011, February 26, 2011 and August 28, 2010, our results of operations for the three and six month periods ended August 27, 2011 and August 28, 2010 and our cash flows for the six month periods ended August 27, 2011 and August 28, 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 six months ended August 28, 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 IFRSs.”  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 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, however these changes are not expected 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 — INVESTMENTS

 

Investments consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

Aug 27, 2011

 

 

 

Amortized

 

Unrealized

 

Unrealized

 

Estimated

 

Description

 

Cost

 

Gains

 

Losses

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial paper

 

$

5,898

 

$

 

$

2

 

$

5,896

 

Municipal bonds

 

10,132

 

23

 

4

 

10,151

 

U.S. Agency securities

 

19,196

 

20

 

 

19,216

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total short-term investments

 

35,226

 

43

 

6

 

35,263

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal bonds

 

19,061

 

159

 

10

 

19,210

 

U.S. Agency securities

 

4,578

 

18

 

 

4,596

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total long-term investments

 

23,639

 

177

 

10

 

23,806

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total investments

 

$

58,865

 

$

220

 

$

16

 

$

59,069

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

8



Table of Contents

 

 

 

Aug 28, 2010

 

 

 

Amortized

 

Unrealized

 

Unrealized

 

Estimated

 

Description

 

Cost

 

Gains

 

Losses

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variable rate demand obligations

 

$

28,320

 

$

 

$

 

$

28,320

 

Municipal commercial paper

 

1,000

 

 

 

1,000

 

Municipal bonds

 

23,087

 

13

 

4

 

23,096

 

U.S. Agency securities

 

5,800

 

19

 

4

 

5,815

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total short-term investments

 

58,207

 

32

 

8

 

58,231

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal bonds

 

13,295

 

119

 

6

 

13,408

 

Total investments

 

$

71,502

 

$

151

 

$

14

 

$

71,639

 

 

We account for our investments in accordance with ASC 320-10, “Investments — Debt and Equity Securities” and, accordingly, our investment securities have been characterized as either available-for-sale or trading.  As of August 27, 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 six months of fiscal 2012, purchases of available-for-sale securities totaled approximately $76.4 million, while proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale securities were approximately $79.4 million.  Gross realized gains and losses on the sale of available-for-sale securities during the six months ended August 27, 2011 were not material.

 

Our available-for-sale securities are reviewed for possible impairment at least quarterly, or more frequently if circumstances arise which 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 are reported in equity as other comprehensive income (loss).  As of August 27, 2011, there were no other-than-temporary impairments of our available-for-sale securities.

 

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

 

 

 

August 27,

 

 

 

2011

 

 

 

 

 

Due in one year or less

 

$

35,263

 

Due after one year through three years

 

22,192

 

Due greater than three years

 

1,614

 

 

 

 

 

Total investment securities

 

$

59,069

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

We had $6.5 million and $28.3 million of Variable Rate Demand Obligations (“VRDO”) as of February 26, 2011 and August 28, 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 August 27, 2011.

 

NOTE 3 — MERCHANDISE INVENTORIES AND SOURCES OF SUPPLY

 

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

 

 

 

August 27,

 

February 26,

 

August 28,

 

Description

 

2011

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Merchandise - in store/e-Commerce

 

$

46,585

 

$

34,186

 

$

37,180

 

Merchandise - in transit

 

7,081

 

5,025

 

2,929

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

53,666

 

$

39,211

 

$

40,109

 

 

We do not have long-term purchase commitments or arrangements with any of our suppliers or agents.  During the quarter ended August 27, 2011, one of our vendors supplied approximately 19% of our merchandise compared to 28% of our total merchandise purchases during the second quarter of fiscal 2011.  No other vendor supplied greater than 10% of our total merchandise purchases during the second quarter of fiscal 2012.  A second vendor supplied approximately 17% of our merchandise purchases during the second quarter of fiscal 2011.  For the six months ended August 27, 2011, the Company purchased approximately 20% of its merchandise from one vendor and 11% from another vendor, compared to 29% and 18% from these two vendors, respectively, during the first six months of fiscal 2011.

 

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.

 

NOTE 4 — PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND IMPROVEMENTS, NET

 

Property, equipment and improvements, net consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

Estimated

 

August 27,

 

February 26,

 

August 28,

 

Description

 

Useful Life

 

2011

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Land

 

 

$

1,597

 

$

1,597

 

$

1,597

 

Corporate office, distribution center and related building improvements

 

25 years

 

12,101

 

12,101

 

12,053

 

Store leasehold improvements

 

Term of related lease, typically 10 years

 

88,319

 

91,237

 

91,570

 

Store furniture and fixtures

 

3-10 years

 

108,388

 

110,754

 

110,664

 

Point of sale hardware and software

 

5 years

 

9,919

 

9,858

 

14,881

 

Computer hardware and software

 

3-5 years

 

26,919

 

26,858

 

24,736

 

Corporate office and distribution center furniture, fixtures and equipment

 

7 years

 

5,457

 

5,401

 

5,366

 

Construction in progress

 

 

 

4,737

 

465

 

4,193

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

257,437

 

258,271

 

265,060

 

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

 

 

(184,494

)

(181,624

)

(176,594

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net property, equipment and improvements

 

 

 

$

72,943

 

$

76,647

 

$

88,466

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

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.  While no impairments of long-lived assets were recorded in the six month period ended August 27, 2011, the current challenging economic environment, combined with continued instability in the housing and labor markets, and general economic uncertainty affecting the retail industry, make it reasonably possible that long-lived asset impairments could be identified and recorded in future periods.

 

NOTE 5 — ACCRUED LIABILITIES

 

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

 

 

 

August 27,

 

February 26,

 

August 28,

 

Description

 

2011

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gift card and store credit liabilities

 

$

6,727

 

$

10,150

 

$

7,118

 

Accrued merchandise inventory receipts not yet invoiced

 

4,668

 

1,872

 

2,048

 

Accrued Friendship Rewards loyalty liability

 

3,008

 

2,938

 

1,745

 

Accrued income, sales and other taxes payable

 

2,615

 

2,017

 

2,428

 

Accrued workers compensation liability

 

362

 

456

 

285

 

Accrued occupancy-related expenses

 

737

 

1,145

 

738

 

Other

 

4,119

 

3,353

 

2,767

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

22,236

 

$

21,931

 

$

17,129

 

 

NOTE 6 — CREDIT FACILITY

 

We maintain an Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Facility (the “Credit Facility”) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”).  The Credit Facility provides us with 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 six months of fiscal 2012 or fiscal 2011.  Historically, we have utilized the Credit Facility only to open letters of credit.  The borrowing base at August 27, 2011 was $29.5 million.  As of August 27, 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 $28.5 million at August 27, 2011.

 

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 August 27, 2011, the most recent measurement date, we were in compliance with all financial covenants under the Credit Facility.

 

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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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 generally vest over a three year period and are exercisable up to ten years from the grant date.

 

We may also grant shares of restricted stock to our employees and non-employee members of our Board of Directors.  The grantee cannot transfer the shares before the respective shares vest.  Shares of nonvested restricted stock are considered to be currently issued and outstanding.  Restricted stock grants to employees typically vest over a three year period, while restricted grants to Directors are fully vested on the date of grant.

 

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 each of the three months ended August 27, 2011 and August 28, 2010 was $1.0 million.   Total pre-tax compensation expense related to stock-based awards for each of the six months ended August 27, 2011 and August 28, 2010 was $1.6 million.

 

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 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 six month periods ended August 27, 2011 and August 28, 2010 were as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

August 27,

 

August 28,

 

August 27,

 

August 28,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Expected dividend yield

 

3.91

%

2.73

%

3.92

%

3.02

%

Expected volatility

 

71.02

%

70.73

%

70.99

%

70.15

%

Risk-free interest rate

 

1.52

%

1.78

%

2.11

%

2.36

%

Expected term in years

 

5.0

 

5.0

 

5.0

 

4.9

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

Stock-Based Compensation Activity

 

The following table presents a summary of our stock option activity for the six months ended August 27, 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

 

$

33

 

$

3.59

 

 

 

Vested

 

750,152

 

14.83

 

7

 

5.60

 

 

 

Unvested

 

1,822,583

 

6.18

 

26

 

2.76

 

 

 

Granted

 

457,541

 

6.25

 

 

2.84

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canceled - vested (expired)

 

(45,783

)

18.37

 

 

6.43

 

 

 

Canceled - unvested (forfeited)

 

(30,190

)

7.00

 

 

3.12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding, end of period

 

2,954,303

 

8.19

 

33

 

3.43

 

8.18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vested

 

810,778

 

13.76

 

13

 

5.29

 

5.10

 

Unvested

 

2,143,525

 

6.09

 

20

 

2.73

 

9.35

 

Exercisable, end of period

 

810,778

 

13.76

 

13

 

5.29

 

5.10

 

 

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) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on August 27, 2011.

 

The following table presents a summary of our restricted stock activity for the six months ended August 27, 2011:

 

 

 

Number

 

Weighted

 

 

 

of

 

Average

 

 

 

Shares

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unvested, beginning of period

 

183,070

 

$

8.22

 

Granted

 

371,786

 

6.24

 

Vested

 

(136,188

)

6.93

 

Canceled - unvested (forfeited)

 

(66,854

)

8.78

 

Unvested, end of period

 

351,814

 

$

6.52

 

 

The total fair value of shares of restricted stock that vested during the six months ended August 27, 2011 and August 28, 2010 was approximately $0.9 million and $1.3 million, respectively.  As of August 27, 2011, there was approximately $4.0 million of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.3 years.

 

NOTE 8 — INCOME TAXES

 

As of August 27, 2011, our liability for unrecognized tax benefits associated with uncertain tax positions was approximately $2.1 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 August 27, 2011, we had accrued approximately $0.7 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 August 27, 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.

 

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Table of Contents

 

At August 27, 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 August 27, 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.

 

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

 

 

 

August 27,

 

August 28,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Numerator (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss attributable to Christopher & Banks Corporation

 

$

(12,982

)

$

(2,538

)

Income allocated to participating securities

 

(14

)

(21

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss available to common shareholders

 

(12,996

)

(2,559

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic

 

35,520

 

35,354

 

Dilutive shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding - diluted

 

35,520

 

35,354

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

(0.37

)

$

(0.07

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted

 

$

(0.37

)

$

(0.07

)

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

August 27,

 

August 28,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Numerator (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Christopher & Banks Corporation

 

$

(11,092

)

$

3,802

 

Income allocated to participating securities

 

(24

)

(38

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) available to common shareholders

 

(11,116

)

3,764

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic

 

35,512

 

35,329

 

Dilutive shares

 

 

196

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding - diluted

 

35,512

 

35,525

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

(0.31

)

$

0.11

 

Diluted

 

$

(0.31

)

$

0.11

 

 

Stock options of approximately 2.9 million were excluded from the shares used in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three and six month periods ended August 27, 2011 as they were anti-dilutive.  Stock options of approximately 1.6 million and 1.5 million were excluded from the shares used in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three and six month periods ended August 28, 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 six month periods ended August 27, 2011 and August 28, 2010, fair value under ASC 820-10 applied to our available-for-sale securities, ARS and ARS rights.  These financial assets are carried at fair value following the requirements of ASC 820-10.

 

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Table of Contents

 

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

 

August 27, 2011

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term Investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial paper

 

5,896

 

$

 

$

5,896

 

$

 

Municipal bonds

 

10,151

 

 

10,151

 

 

U.S. Agency securities

 

19,216

 

 

19,216

 

 

Total short-term investments

 

35,263

 

 

35,263

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal bonds

 

19,210

 

 

19,210

 

 

U.S. Agency securities

 

4,596

 

 

4,596

 

 

Total long-term investments

 

23,806

 

 

23,806

 

 

Total assets

 

$

59,069

 

$

 

$

59,069

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 investments

 

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

 

August 28, 2010

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variable rate demand obligations

 

$

28,320

 

$

 

$

28,320

 

$

 

Municipal commercial paper

 

1,000

 

 

1,000

 

 

Municipal bonds

 

23,096

 

 

23,096

 

 

U.S. Agency securities

 

5,815

 

 

5,815

 

 

Total short-term investments

 

58,231

 

 

58,231

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal bonds

 

13,408

 

 

13,408

 

 

Total long-term investments

 

13,408

 

 

13,408

 

 

Total assets

 

$

71,639

 

$

 

$

71,639

 

$

 

 

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

 

Available-for-sale securities:  As of August 27, 2011, February 26, 2011 and August 28, 2010 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.  There were no impairment charges related to assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis recorded during the three and six months ended August 27, 2011 and August 28, 2010.

 

NOTE 11 — COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

Comprehensive income consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

August 27,

 

August 28,

 

August 27,

 

August 28,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(12,982

)

$

(2,538

)

$

(11,092

)

$

3,802

 

Fair value adjustment on investments

 

49

 

58

 

188

 

43

 

Total comprehensive income (loss)

 

$

(12,933

)

$

(2,480

)

$

(10,904

)

$

3,845

 

 

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 and accessories catering to customers who are typically between 45 to 55 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.

 

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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.

 

Segment Reporting (in thousands):

 

 

 

Christopher & Banks/

 

Corporate/

 

 

 

 

 

C.J. Banks

 

Administrative

 

Consolidated

 

Three Months Ended August 27, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

96,230

 

$

 

$

96,230

 

Operating income (loss)

 

333

 

(13,278

)

(12,945

)

Total assets

 

131,723

 

103,056

 

234,779

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended August 28, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

101,340

 

$

 

$

101,340

 

Operating income (loss)

 

7,688

 

(12,113

)

(4,425

)

Total assets

 

149,673

 

111,138

 

260,811

 

 

Segment Reporting (in thousands):

 

 

 

Christopher & Banks/

 

Corporate/

 

 

 

 

 

C.J. Banks

 

Administrative

 

Consolidated

 

Six Months Ended August 27, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

220,062

 

$

 

$

220,062

 

Operating income (loss)

 

15,375

 

(26,329

)

(10,954

)

Total assets

 

131,723

 

103,056

 

234,779

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended August 28, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

227,574

 

$

 

$

227,574

 

Operating income (loss)

 

32,490

 

(26,267

)

6,223

 

Total assets

 

149,673

 

111,138

 

260,811

 

 

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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 August 27, 2011, we operated 770 stores in 46 states, including 503 Christopher & Banks stores, 238 C.J. Banks stores, 19 outlet stores and ten dual concept stores.  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 plus 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.

 

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 Second Quarter Summary

 

The Company reported an 8% decrease in same-store sales and a loss of $0.37 per share for the second quarter of fiscal 2012.  Declines in customer traffic levels and conversion rates (the percentage of customers who enter our stores and make a purchase, as compared to the total number of customers entering our stores) contributed to the reduction in sales.  Promotional activity was increased during the quarter in an effort to drive customer traffic, increase transactions, lift customer conversion and clear slower moving product which resulted in reduced merchandise margins.  In addition, we continued our accelerated clearance markdown cadence in order to mark inventory out of stock on a more timely basis.

 

Our customers resisted increased prices, which were approximately 20% higher in the second quarter of fiscal 2012, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2011.  However, customers did respond favorably to distinctive items which also provided versatile wardrobe options, but not enough of our product assortment reflected these characteristics in the second quarter.

 

We ended the first half of fiscal 2012 with cash, cash equivalents, and short and long-term investments of $95.8 million, compared to $109.4 million as of August 28, 2010.  Total inventory was $53.7 million at August 27, 2011, compared to $40.1 at August 28, 2010.  Total inventory per store excluding e-commerce inventory was up approximately 30% at the end of the second quarter when compared to the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2011, while in-store inventory per store was up approximately 13% on a dollar basis.  The increase in total inventory per store excluding e-commerce was partially due to an increase in inventory-in-transit at the end of the second quarter resulting from shifts in the timing of merchandise receipts and a change in terms for a few key suppliers from FOB destination to FOB shipping point.

 

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Fiscal 2012 Outlook

 

Based on the sales and margin performance we experienced through the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2012, coupled with our limited ability to make adjustments in merchandise costs and cancellations due to long lead times, we anticipate we will need to continue to be highly promotional in the second half of the year.  During the third quarter, the Company is planning two large promotional events, which will have a significant impact on the Company’s results for the quarter.  As a result, merchandise margins will continue to face increasing pressure in the second half of fiscal 2012 which will have a significant negative impact on our results of operations in the third and fourth quarters and the Company currently anticipates an operating loss in the range of $11 million to $14 million for the third fiscal quarter.

 

Other Developments

 

Our Board of Directors elected Lisa W. Pickrum to our Board of Directors 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 of Directors.  As of August 27, 2011, the Board of Directors consisted of eight directors, seven of whom are independent directors.

 

Fiscal 2012 Initiatives

 

As the Company entered fiscal 2012, it developed and began implementing several key initiatives, with the goal of returning the Company to sales growth and profitability over the long-term.  The key elements of the program included a merchandise revitalization plan, a more sales-centric culture, a comprehensive brand marketing campaign, E-commerce growth and a real estate strategy focused on outlet and dual store expansion.

 

Merchandise

 

The Company’s merchandising efforts continue to evolve as there was a disappointing customer response to some of the early fall assortment, particularly at full retail price.  We are reevaluating our merchandise assortments to more effectively balance style, quality and price.  We will continue to modify our offerings and strive to add uniqueness, versatility and value to our product assortments.  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 early fiscal 2013.  We intend to maintain and enhance our commitment to offer quality merchandise to our customer at a reasonable price, while working to reduce the impact of merchandise cost increases.

 

Customer Experience

 

The Company has re-introduced a selling program that focuses on grassroots clientelling and improved product knowledge to promote a more focused selling culture.  In addition, the Company continues to evaluate, refine and add new visual elements to its stores presentation of merchandise and product outfitting options to promote sales.

 

Marketing

 

The Company anticipates spending between 1.5% and 1.7% of net sales on marketing in fiscal 2012.  The marketing efforts will continue to be focused on communicating with customers primarily through direct mail and targeted email campaigns.  Through the second fiscal quarter, the Company has delivered five direct mail pieces and anticipates five more for the remainder of fiscal 2012.  In the second fiscal quarter, the Company introduced a new brand look and feel with a goal of ensuring consistency in brand messaging.

 

E-commerce

 

Over the past few years, the Company has seen growth in its E-commerce sales and is focused on continuing to grow this business channel.  During the quarter, we have increased our promotional activity in the E-commerce channel to lift customer conversion and increase sales.  We continue to offer extended plus sizes and petites, plus dresses and outerwear.

 

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Real Estate

 

The Company is reevaluating its real estate strategy and in the second half of fiscal 2012 we are placing more focus on closing underperforming locations, converting and combining existing Christopher & Banks and C.J. Banks locations into more productive dual-concept stores, while reducing the number of new dual and outlet store openings. We opened 25 new stores in the first half of fiscal 2012, including one Christopher & Banks store, 16 outlet stores and eight dual stores. We closed 15 Christopher & Banks stores, 14 CJ Banks stores and one dual store, for a total of 30 store closures in the first half of the year. In the remainder of fiscal 2012, we plan to open four new outlet stores and four additional dual stores. We expect to close approximately 17 stores in the last two quarters of fiscal 2012 which will result in approximately 47 store closures for the year, which exceeds our original plan to close approximately 35 stores in fiscal 2012. The majority of the store closures in fiscal 2012 were executed in conjunction with lease expirations or early termination rights. The Company expects to operate 14 fewer stores at the end of fiscal 2012 as compared to the end of fiscal 2011. In addition, the Company currently plans to convert approximately 31 existing stand-alone Christopher & Banks stores into dual stores in the second half of fiscal 2012 in order to improve the productivity of these stores by supplementing their existing missy product assortments with petite and plus size merchandise.

 

Key Performance Indicators

 

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

 

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 sales per square foot, average unit retail selling price, average number of transactions per store, number of units per transaction, average retail dollars per transaction, customer traffic and conversion rates.

 

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Table of Contents

 

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 our cash, cash equivalents and short and long-term investments, combined with cash flows from operations, to be sufficient to fund anticipated capital expenditures, working capital and other requirements for liquidity during fiscal 2012.

 

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 six months ended August 27, 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.  While no impairments of long-lived assets were recorded in the six month period ended August 27, 2011, the current challenging economic environment, combined with continued instability in the housing and labor markets, and general economic uncertainty affecting the retail industry, make it reasonably possible that long-lived asset impairments could be identified and recorded in future periods.

 

As of August 27, 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

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

August 27,

 

August 28,

 

August 27,

 

August 28,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Net sales

 

100.0

 

100.0

 

100.0

 

100.0

 

Merchandise, buying and occupancy costs

 

71.1

 

64.7

 

67.8

 

60.8

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

35.9

 

33.3

 

31.8

 

30.7

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

6.5

 

6.3

 

5.4

 

5.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

 

(13.5

)

(4.3

)

(5.0

)

2.8

 

Other income

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

Income tax provision (benefit)

 

0.1

 

(1.7

)

0.1

 

1.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

(13.5

)

(2.5

)

(5.0

)

1.7

 

 

Three Months Ended August 27, 2011 Compared to Three Months Ended August 28, 2010

 

Net Sales. Net sales for the three months ended August 27, 2011 were $96.2 million, a decrease of $5.1 million, or approximately 5%, from $101.3 million for the three months ended August 28, 2010.  The decrease in net sales resulted from an 8% decrease in same store sales combined with a decrease in the number of stores we operated during the quarter.  These reductions were partially offset by increases in revenues at our Christopher & Banks and C.J. Banks e-Commerce web sites.

 

The 8% decrease in same store sales was driven by a decline in customer traffic and average transaction values combined with a decrease in the number of transactions per store.  Average transactions values were down in the second quarter of fiscal 2012 as compared to the prior year period, as our customers purchased fewer units per transaction at a slightly higher average price per unit.

 

We operated 770 stores at August 27, 2011, compared to 789 stores as of August 28, 2010.

 

Merchandise, Buying and Occupancy Costs.  Merchandise, buying and occupancy costs, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, were $68.4 million, or 71.1% of net sales, during the second quarter of fiscal 2012, compared to $65.5 million, or 64.7% of net sales, during the same period in fiscal 2011, resulting in an approximate 640 basis point decrease in our gross margin.

 

Our merchandise margins decreased by approximately 550 basis points in the second quarter of fiscal 2012, when compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2011, driven mainly by elevated markdown levels and increased promotional activity necessary to drive customer traffic and clear slower moving product.  To a lesser extent, increases in product costs related to higher prices for cotton and synthetic fibers, along with increased production labor and transportation costs, also contributed to the merchandise margin erosion encountered in the second quarter of fiscal 2012.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, for the three months ended August 27, 2011 were $34.5 million, or 35.9% of net sales, compared to $33.8 million, or 33.3% of net sales, for the three months ended August 28, 2010.  The approximate 2% increase in selling, general and administrative expenses primarily resulted from increases in marketing expenditures, e-commerce-related charges and store-related expenses offset by lower medical claims in the second quarter of fiscal 2012, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2011.

 

Depreciation and Amortization.  Depreciation and amortization was $6.3 million, or 6.5% of net sales, in the second quarter of fiscal 2012, compared to $6.4 million, or 6.3% of net sales, in the second quarter of fiscal 2011.

 

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Operating Income.  As a result of the foregoing factors, we recorded an operating loss of $12.9 million, or 13.5% of net sales, for the quarter ended August 27, 2011, compared to an operating loss of $4.4 million, or 4.3% of net sales, for the quarter ended August 28, 2010.

 

Other Income.  For the three months ended August 27, 2011, interest income was $76,000, compared to $127,000 for the three months ended August 28, 2010.  Other income for the second quarter of fiscal 2011 included $50,000 of gains related to the disposition of our Auction Rate Securities.

 

Income Taxes.  Income tax expense in the second quarter of fiscal 2012 was $0.1 million, with an effective tax rate of -0.9%, compared to income tax benefit of $1.8 million, with an effective tax rate of 40.9%, in the second quarter of fiscal 2011.  Our negative effective tax rate in the second quarter of fiscal 2012 resulted from state income taxes and reflects the ongoing impact of the full valuation allowance on our net deferred tax assets.

 

Net Loss.  As a result of the foregoing factors, we recorded a net loss of $13.0 million, or 13.5% of net sales and $0.37 per diluted share, for the three months ended August 27, 2011, compared to a net loss of $2.5 million, or 2.5% of net sales and $0.07 per diluted share, for the three months ended August 28, 2010.

 

Six Months Ended August 27, 2011 Compared to Six Months Ended August 28, 2010

 

Net Sales. Net sales for the six months ended August 27, 2011 were $220.1 million, a decrease of $7.5 million, or approximately 3%, from $227.6 million for the six months ended August 28, 2010.  The decrease in net sales resulted from a 5% decrease in same store sales combined with a decrease in the number of stores we operated during the first half of the year.  These reductions were partially offset by increases in revenues at our Christopher & Banks and C.J. Banks e-Commerce web sites.

 

The 5% decrease in same stores sales was driven by a decline in customer traffic and the number of transactions per store combined with a decrease in average transaction values.  Average transactions values were down in the first half of fiscal 2012 as compared to the prior year period as our customers purchased fewer units per transaction at a slightly higher average price per unit.

 

We operated 770 stores at August 27, 2011, compared to 789 stores as of August 28, 2010.

 

Merchandise, Buying and Occupancy Costs.  Merchandise, buying and occupancy costs, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, were $149.2 million, or 67.8% of net sales, during the first half of fiscal 2012, compared to $138.4 million, or 60.8% of net sales, during the same period in fiscal 2011, resulting in an approximate 700 basis point decrease in our gross margin.

 

Our merchandise margins decreased by approximately 670 basis points in the first half of fiscal 2012, when compared to the first half of fiscal 2011, driven mainly by elevated markdown levels and increased promotional activity necessary to drive customer traffic and clear slower moving product.  To a lesser extent, increases in product costs related to higher prices for cotton and synthetic fibers, along with increased production labor and transportation costs, also contributed to the merchandise margin erosion encountered in the first half of fiscal 2012.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, for the six months ended August 27, 2011 were $69.9 million, or 31.8% of net sales, compared to $70.0 million, or 30.7% of net sales, for the six months ended August 28, 2010.  Increases in marketing expenditures and store salaries expense were offset by savings in medical claims and severance charges during the first half of fiscal 2012 compared to the first half of fiscal 2011.

 

Depreciation and Amortization.  Depreciation and amortization was $11.9 million, or 5.4% of net sales, in the first half of fiscal 2012, compared to $13.0 million, or 5.7% of net sales, in the first half 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.

 

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Operating Income.  As a result of the foregoing factors, we recorded an operating loss of $11.0 million, or 5% of net sales, for the six months ended August 27, 2011, compared to operating income of $6.2 million, or 2.8% of net sales, for the six months ended August 28, 2010.

 

Other Income.  For the six months ended August 27, 2011, interest income was $155,000, compared to $243,000 for the six months ended August 28, 2010.  Other income for the first half of fiscal 2011 included $50,000 of gain related to the disposition of our Auction Rate Securities.

 

Income Taxes.  Income tax expense in the first half of fiscal 2012 was $0.3 million, with an effective tax rate of -2.7%, compared to income tax expense of $2.7 million, with an effective tax rate of 41.2%, in the first half of fiscal 2011.  Our negative effective tax rate in the first half of fiscal 2012 resulted from state income taxes and reflects the ongoing impact of the full valuation allowance on our net deferred tax assets.

 

Net Income (Loss).  As a result of the foregoing factors, we recorded a net loss of $11.1 million, or 5% of net sales and $0.31 per diluted share, for the six months ended August 27, 2011, compared to net income of $3.8 million, or 1.7% of net sales and $0.11 per diluted share, for the six months ended August 28, 2010.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Our principal on-going cash requirements are to fund working capital needs, such as purchasing merchandise inventory, financing the construction of new stores and remodeling certain existing stores and making information technology-related and other capital expenditures.  Merchandise purchases vary on a seasonal basis, typically peaking in the fall.  As a result, our cash requirements historically reach their peak in October or November, during our third fiscal quarter.  Conversely, our cash balances peak in January, during our fourth fiscal quarter, after the holiday season is completed.

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $2.7 million in the first six months of fiscal 2012, a decrease of approximately $1.4 million from $4.1 million in the first six months of fiscal 2011.  The decrease was primarily the result of a decrease in net earnings in the first half of fiscal 2012, compared to the first half of fiscal 2011, offset by fluctuations in our working capital accounts.  We reported a net loss of $11.1 million for the six months ended August 27, 2011, compared to net income of $3.8 million for the six months ended August 28, 2010.

 

Significant fluctuations in our working capital accounts in the first half of fiscal 2012 included a $14.5 million increase in inventory and a $16.5 million increase in accounts payable.  The increases in inventory and accounts payable were a result of seasonal fluctuations in inventory levels combined with a change in our merchandise vendor terms for several key suppliers from FOB destination to FOB shipping point.  The shift in terms resulted in an increase in inventory-in-transit and accounts payable of approximately $4.2 million at the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2012, compared to the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2011.

 

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

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $5.2 million for the first half of fiscal 2012, a change of $5.8 million from cash provided by investing activities of $0.6 million during the first half of fiscal 2011.  Net cash used in investing activities in the first six months of fiscal 2012 consisted of $8.2 million of capital expenditures which funded 25 new store openings during the first half of fiscal 2012 partially offset by $3.0 million of net sales of investments.

 

We expect to fund approximately $8 million of additional capital expenditures in the second half of fiscal 2012.  During the balance of the year we plan to open approximately four new outlet stores and four new dual stores.  We also plan to convert 31 existing Christopher & Banks stores into dual stores,.  In addition, we expect that a portion of these capital expenditures will relate to stores with planned openings in the first quarter of fiscal 2013.

 

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Net cash used in financing activities

 

Cash used in financing activities totaled $4.4 million for the six month period ended August 27, 2011, an increase of $0.4 million from $4.0 million of cash used in financing activities for the six month period ended August 28, 2010.  In the first six months of fiscal 2012, approximately $4.3 million was used in financing activities for the payment of two quarterly cash dividends.

 

We anticipate that our cash, cash equivalents and short and long-term investments, combined with cash flows from operations, will be sufficient to meet our capital expenditure, working capital and other requirements for liquidity in fiscal 2012.

 

Credit facility

 

We maintain an Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Facility (the “Credit Facility”) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”).  The Credit Facility provides us with 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 six months of fiscal 2012 or fiscal 2011.  Historically, we have utilized the Credit Facility only to open letters of credit.  The borrowing base at August 27, 2011 was $29.5 million.  As of August 27, 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 $28.5 million at August 27, 2011.

 

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 August 27, 2011, the most recent measurement date, we were in compliance with all financial covenants under the Credit Facility.

 

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 rate plus 2.0%, reset daily.

 

Merchandise Sourcing

 

We directly imported approximately 10% and 7% of our total merchandise purchases in the six month periods ended August 27, 2011 and August 28, 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.

 

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.

 

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We do not have long-term purchase commitments or arrangements with any of our suppliers or agents.  During the quarter ended August 27, 2011, one of our vendors supplied approximately 19% of our merchandise compared to 28% of our total merchandise purchases during the second quarter of fiscal 2011.  No other vendor supplied greater than 10% of our total merchandise purchases during the second quarter of fiscal 2012.  A second vendor supplied approximately 17% of our merchandise purchases during the second quarter of fiscal 2011.  For the six months ended August 27, 2011, the Company purchased approximately 20% of its merchandise from one vendor and 11% from another vendor, compared to 29% and 18% from these two vendors, respectively, during the first six months of fiscal 2011.

 

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 half 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.  While we passed some of these price increases on to our customers in fiscal 2012, there was resistance to the higher prices.  As a result, we intend to increase our efforts in the second half of the year to provide quality merchandise to our customers at an attractive price, which likely will 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 half of fiscal 2011.

 

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.

 

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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 the 3-month London Interbank Market Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 2.0%.  However, we had no revolving credit loan borrowings under the Credit Facility during the first six months of fiscal 2012 or fiscal 2011.  Given our existing liquidity position, we do not expect to utilize the Credit Facility in the reasonably foreseeable future other than to use letters of credit to support the import of merchandise.  The credit facility was amended on June 29, 2011 (see note 6 to the condensed consolidated financial statements).

 

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.

 

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 three months ended August 27, 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.

 

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ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

 

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the following risk factor which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results.  We have updated the risk factor discussion to reflect changes during the six months ended August 27, 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.

 

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

 

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

 

Forecasting consumer demand for our merchandise is difficult.  Our success largely depends on our ability to consistently gauge and respond on a timely basis to fashion trends and provide a balanced assortment of merchandise at a compelling price that results in sales at a healthy merchandise margin.  Customer tastes and fashion trends change rapidly.  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.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 29, 2011-June 25, 2011

 

719

 

$

5.52

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 26, 2011-July 30, 2011

 

678

 

$

6.44

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 30, 2011-August 27, 2011

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,397

 

$

5.97

 

 

 

 


(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.

 

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ITEM 3.

DEFAULTS UPON

SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None.

 

ITEM 4.

(REMOVED AND RESERVED)

 

ITEM 5.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

ITEM 6.

EXHIBITS

 

3.1

 

Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Christopher & Banks Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-174509) filed on May 26, 2011)

 

 

 

10.3*

 

Form of Indemnification Agreement between Christopher & Banks Corporation, its directors and certain of its executive officers

 

 

 

10.4*

 

Christopher & Banks Corporation Non-Employee Director Deferred Stock Plan

 

 

 

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 demmed 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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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: October 6, 2011

 

By

/s/ LARRY C. BARENBAUM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Larry C. Barenbaum

 

 

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dated: October 6, 2011

 

By

/s/ MICHAEL J. LYFTOGT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael J. Lyftogt

 

 

 

Senior Vice President,

 

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

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CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description

 

 

 

3.1

 

Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Christopher & Banks Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-174509) filed on May 26, 2011)

 

 

 

10.3*

 

Form of Indemnification Agreement between Christopher & Banks Corporation, its directors and certain of its executive officers

 

 

 

10.4*

 

Christopher & Banks Corporation Non-Employee Director Deferred Stock Plan

 

 

 

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 demmed 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.

 

32