CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORP - Quarter Report: 2019 November (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
þ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended November 2, 2019
or
☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
001-31390 | 06 - 1195422 |
(Commission File Number) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
(Registrant, State of Incorporation or Organization, Address of Principal Executive Officers and Telephone Number)
CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION
(a Delaware corporation)
2400 Xenium Lane North
Plymouth, Minnesota 55441
763-551-5000
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. þ YES ☐ NO
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). þ YES ☐ NO
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company”, and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ¨ | Accelerated filer ¨ |
Non-accelerated filer ý | Smaller reporting company ý |
Emerging growth company ¨ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). ☐ YES þ NO
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the last practicable date.
Class | Outstanding at December 6, 2019 | Trading Symbol | Name of each exchange on which registered | |||
Common stock, par value $.01 per share | 38,417,294 | CBKC | OTCQX |
CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||
1
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
(amounts in thousands)
November 2, 2019 | February 2, 2019 | |||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
Current assets: | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 2,150 | $ | 10,239 | ||||
Accounts receivable | 4,642 | 2,767 | ||||||
Merchandise inventories | 46,394 | 41,039 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 4,188 | 3,372 | ||||||
Income taxes receivable | 334 | 268 | ||||||
Total current assets | 57,708 | 57,685 | ||||||
Non-current assets: | ||||||||
Property, equipment and improvements, net | 26,560 | 31,643 | ||||||
Operating lease assets | 115,329 | — | ||||||
Deferred income taxes | 499 | 499 | ||||||
Other assets | 565 | 1,276 | ||||||
Total non-current assets | 142,953 | 33,418 | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 200,661 | $ | 91,103 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||||||||
Current liabilities: | ||||||||
Accounts payable | $ | 23,577 | $ | 17,834 | ||||
Short-term borrowings | 4,550 | — | ||||||
Current portion of long-term lease liabilities | 26,760 | — | ||||||
Accrued salaries, wages and related expenses | 3,449 | 4,954 | ||||||
Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities | 21,470 | 25,894 | ||||||
Total current liabilities | 79,806 | 48,682 | ||||||
Non-current liabilities: | ||||||||
Deferred lease incentives | — | 6,267 | ||||||
Long-term lease liabilities | 106,146 | 6,661 | ||||||
Other non-current liabilities | 2,006 | 8,970 | ||||||
Total non-current liabilities | 108,152 | 21,898 | ||||||
Commitments and contingencies | ||||||||
Stockholders’ equity: | ||||||||
Preferred stock — $0.01 par value, 1,000 shares authorized, none outstanding | — | — | ||||||
Common stock — $0.01 par value, 74,000 shares authorized, 48,722 and 48,365 shares issued, and 38,419 and 38,386 shares outstanding at November 2, 2019 and February 2, 2019, respectively | 452 | 481 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 129,273 | 128,714 | ||||||
Retained earnings | (4,147 | ) | 4,137 | |||||
Common stock held in treasury, 10,303 and 9,979 shares at cost at November 2, 2019 and February 2, 2019 | (112,875 | ) | (112,809 | ) | ||||
Total stockholders’ equity | 12,703 | 20,523 | ||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 200,661 | $ | 91,103 |
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
2
CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED)
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
Thirteen Weeks Ended | Thirty-nine Weeks Ended | |||||||||||||||
November 2, | November 3, | November 2, | November 3, | |||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 94,061 | $ | 91,288 | $ | 260,724 | $ | 264,607 | ||||||||
Merchandise, buying and occupancy costs | 62,135 | 64,095 | 178,710 | 185,198 | ||||||||||||
Gross profit | 31,926 | 27,193 | 82,014 | 79,409 | ||||||||||||
Other operating expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative | 29,271 | 30,488 | 86,213 | 89,911 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 1,997 | 2,463 | 6,578 | 7,796 | ||||||||||||
Impairment of store assets | — | 2,999 | 311 | 2,999 | ||||||||||||
Total other operating expenses | 31,268 | 35,950 | 93,102 | 100,706 | ||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | 658 | (8,757 | ) | (11,088 | ) | (21,297 | ) | |||||||||
Interest expense, net | (138 | ) | (37 | ) | (405 | ) | (136 | ) | ||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | 520 | (8,794 | ) | (11,493 | ) | (21,433 | ) | |||||||||
Income tax provision | 33 | 23 | 113 | 129 | ||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 487 | $ | (8,817 | ) | $ | (11,606 | ) | $ | (21,562 | ) | |||||
Other comprehensive income, net of tax | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
Comprehensive income (loss) | $ | 487 | $ | (8,817 | ) | $ | (11,606 | ) | $ | (21,562 | ) | |||||
Basic income (loss) per share: | ||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 0.01 | $ | (0.24 | ) | $ | (0.31 | ) | $ | (0.58 | ) | |||||
Basic shares outstanding | 37,495 | 37,602 | 37,755 | 37,459 | ||||||||||||
Diluted income (loss) per share: | ||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 0.01 | $ | (0.24 | ) | $ | (0.31 | ) | $ | (0.58 | ) | |||||
Diluted shares outstanding | 37,552 | 37,602 | 37,755 | 37,459 |
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
3
CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
(amounts in thousands)
Thirteen Weeks Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Treasury | Common Stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares Held | Amount Held | Shares Outstanding | Amount Outstanding | Additional Paid-in Capital | Retained Earnings | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
August 3, 2019 | 10,303 | $ | (112,875 | ) | 38,336 | $ | 451 | $ | 129,118 | $ | (4,634 | ) | $ | 12,060 | |||||||||||
Total comprehensive income | — | — | — | — | — | 487 | 487 | ||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures | — | — | 83 | 1 | (2 | ) | — | (1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | — | — | — | — | 157 | — | 157 | ||||||||||||||||||
November 2, 2019 | 10,303 | $ | (112,875 | ) | 38,419 | $ | 452 | $ | 129,273 | $ | (4,147 | ) | $ | 12,703 |
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Treasury | Common Stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares Held | Amount Held | Shares Outstanding | Amount Outstanding | Additional Paid-in Capital | Retained Earnings | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
February 2, 2019 | 9,979 | $ | (112,809 | ) | 38,386 | $ | 481 | $ | 128,714 | $ | 4,137 | $ | 20,523 | ||||||||||||
Total comprehensive loss | — | — | — | — | — | (11,606 | ) | (11,606 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures | — | — | 357 | 3 | (11 | ) | — | (8 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | — | — | — | — | 570 | — | 570 | ||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition of common stock held in treasury, at cost | 324 | (66 | ) | (324 | ) | (32 | ) | — | — | (98 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Cumulative effect of accounting change | — | — | — | — | — | 3,322 | 3,322 | ||||||||||||||||||
November 2, 2019 | 10,303 | $ | (112,875 | ) | 38,419 | $ | 452 | $ | 129,273 | $ | (4,147 | ) | $ | 12,703 |
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Thirteen Weeks Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Treasury | Common Stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares Held | Amount Held | Shares Outstanding | Amount Outstanding | Additional Paid-in Capital | Retained Earnings | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
August 4, 2018 | 9,791 | $ | (112,711 | ) | 38,432 | $ | 481 | $ | 128,236 | $ | 24,232 | $ | 40,238 | ||||||||||||
Total comprehensive loss | — | — | — | — | — | (8,817 | ) | (8,817 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures | — | — | 16 | 1 | (14 | ) | — | (13 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | — | — | — | — | 284 | — | 284 | ||||||||||||||||||
November 3, 2018 | 9,791 | $ | (112,711 | ) | 38,448 | $ | 482 | $ | 128,506 | $ | 15,415 | $ | 31,692 |
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Treasury | Common Stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares Held | Amount Held | Shares Outstanding | Amount Outstanding | Additional Paid-in Capital | Retained Earnings | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
February 3, 2018 | 9,791 | $ | (112,711 | ) | 37,834 | $ | 475 | $ | 127,652 | $ | 34,993 | $ | 50,409 | ||||||||||||
Total comprehensive loss | — | — | — | — | — | (21,562 | ) | (21,562 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures | — | — | 614 | 7 | (34 | ) | — | (27 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | — | — | — | — | 888 | — | 888 | ||||||||||||||||||
Cumulative effect of accounting change | — | — | — | — | — | 1,984 | 1,984 | ||||||||||||||||||
November 3, 2018 | 9,791 | $ | (112,711 | ) | 38,448 | $ | 482 | $ | 128,506 | $ | 15,415 | $ | 31,692 |
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
5
CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(amounts in thousands)
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended | ||||||||
November 2, 2019 | November 3, 2018 | |||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||
Net loss | $ | (11,606 | ) | $ | (21,562 | ) | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 6,578 | 7,796 | ||||||
Impairment of store assets | 311 | 2,999 | ||||||
Amortization of financing costs | 46 | 47 | ||||||
Lease expense | 19,320 | — | ||||||
Deferred lease-related liabilities | — | (854 | ) | |||||
Stock-based compensation expense | 570 | 888 | ||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
Accounts receivable | (1,875 | ) | (1,023 | ) | ||||
Merchandise inventories | (5,355 | ) | (6,423 | ) | ||||
Prepaid expenses and other assets | (712 | ) | (1,290 | ) | ||||
Income taxes (payable) receivable | (66 | ) | 16 | |||||
Accounts payable | 5,787 | 4,904 | ||||||
Accrued liabilities | (2,717 | ) | (3,076 | ) | ||||
Lease liabilities | (20,954 | ) | — | |||||
Other liabilities | (230 | ) | (313 | ) | ||||
Net cash used in operating activities | (10,903 | ) | (17,891 | ) | ||||
Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||
Purchases of property, equipment and improvements | (1,632 | ) | (2,744 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from sale of assets | — | 13,329 | ||||||
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities | (1,632 | ) | 10,585 | |||||
Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||
Shares redeemed for payroll taxes | (6 | ) | (27 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from short-term borrowings | 15,400 | 9,100 | ||||||
Payments of short-term borrowings | (10,850 | ) | (9,100 | ) | ||||
Payments of deferred financing costs | — | (235 | ) | |||||
Acquisition of common stock held in treasury, at cost | (98 | ) | — | |||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 4,446 | (262 | ) | |||||
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (8,089 | ) | (7,568 | ) | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 10,239 | 23,077 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 2,150 | $ | 15,509 | ||||
Supplemental cash flow information: | ||||||||
Interest paid | $ | 405 | $ | 141 | ||||
Income taxes paid | $ | 263 | $ | 130 | ||||
Accrued purchases of equipment and improvements | $ | 93 | $ | 803 |
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
6
CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
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” or “us”) pursuant to the current rules and regulations of the United States ("U.S.") Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Accordingly, certain information and disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. have been omitted, pursuant to such rules and regulations. These unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, except the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of February 2, 2019 derived from the Company's audited financial statements, should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and related notes included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2019.
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, considered necessary to present fairly our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows as of November 2, 2019, November 3, 2018 and for all periods presented.
Recently issued accounting pronouncements
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement - Disclosure Framework (Topic 820). The updated guidance improves the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The updated guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting the updated provisions.
Recently adopted accounting pronouncements
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The Company adopted the new standard, ASC 842, Leases, and all related amendments on February 3, 2019 using the "Comparatives Under 840 Option" for all leases in which we applied the previous standard, ASC 840, Leases, and recognized the effects of applying ASC 842 as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of February 3, 2019. We elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other things, allowed us to carryforward the historical lease classification. In addition, we elected certain practical expedients and accounting policies including the lessee practical expedient to not separate lease components. We made an accounting policy election to keep leases with an initial term of 12 months or less off of the balance sheet. We recognize those lease payments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Adoption of the standard resulted in the recognition of operating lease assets and operating lease liabilities of $134.9 million and $153.9 million, respectively, as of February 3, 2019. The operating lease asset recorded at adoption of the standard represents the capitalization of operating lease assets and the reclassification of prepaid rent and leasehold acquisition costs, offset by the reclassification of straight-line rent accruals, tenant improvement allowances and vacant space reserves. At adoption, we recorded an adjustment to retained earnings of $3.3 million, which includes the recognition of the deferred gain on the sale-leaseback transaction of our corporate headquarters facility. Additional information and disclosures required by the new standard are contained in Note 9 - Leases.
In August 2018, the SEC adopted a final rule under SEC Release No. 33-10532, Disclosure Update and Simplification that amends certain disclosure requirements that were redundant, duplicative, overlapping, outdated or superseded. The amendments also expanded the disclosure requirements on the analysis of shareholders' equity for interim financial statements, in which registrants must now analyze changes in shareholders’ equity, in the form of reconciliation, for the current and comparative year-to-date periods, with subtotals for each interim period. This final rule was effective on November 5, 2018. As of the first quarter of Fiscal 2019, the Company has adopted all relevant disclosure requirements, including the shareholders’ equity interim disclosures.
We reviewed all other significant newly-issued accounting pronouncements and concluded they are either not applicable to our operations or that no material effect is expected on our consolidated financial statements as a result of future adoption.
7
NOTE 2 — Revenue
Merchandise sales
We sell merchandise through our brick and mortar and eCommerce sales channels. Revenues are recognized when control of the promised merchandise is transferred to our customers. Within our brick and mortar sales channel, control is transferred at the point of sale. Within our eCommerce sales channel, control is transferred upon delivery of the merchandise to our customers. Shipping revenues associated with the eCommerce channel are recognized upon the completion of the delivery. The revenue recorded reflects the consideration that we expect to receive in exchange for our merchandise. The Company has elected, as an accounting policy, to exclude from the transaction price all taxes assessed by governmental authorities imposed on merchandise sales.
Right of return
As part of our merchandise sales, we offer customers a right of return on merchandise that lapses, after a specified period of time, based on the original purchase date. The Company estimates the amount of sales that may be returned by our customers and records this estimate as a reduction of revenue in the period in which the related revenues are recognized. We utilize historical and industry data to estimate the total return liability. Conversely, the reduction in revenue results in a corresponding reduction in merchandise, buying and occupancy costs which results in a contract asset for the anticipated merchandise returned. The total reduction in revenue from estimated returns was $1.8 million for the period ended November 2, 2019, and $1.2 million for the period ended February 2, 2019. These amounts are included within accrued liabilities and other current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Friendship rewards program
The Company established the Friendship Rewards Program as a loyalty program where customers earn points towards future discount certificates based on their purchase activity. We have identified the additional benefits received from this program as a separate performance obligation within a sales contract in the form of the discount certificates earned by customers. Accordingly, we assess any incremental discounts issued to our customers through the program and allocate a portion of the transaction price associated with merchandise sales from loyalty program members to the future discounts earned. The transaction price allocated to future discounts is recorded as deferred revenue until the discounts are used or forfeited. In addition, the Company estimates breakage on the points earned within the program that will not be used by customers for future discounts. The Company estimates breakage based on the historical redemption rate and considers industry trends. Breakage is recorded as a reduction to the deferred revenue associated with the program. As of November 2, 2019, and February 2, 2019, the Company recorded $4.8 million and $3.8 million, respectively, in deferred revenue associated with the program, which is included in accrued liabilities and other current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Gift card revenue
The Company sells gift cards to customers which can be redeemed for merchandise within our brick and mortar and eCommerce sales channels. Gift cards are recorded as deferred revenue when issued and are subsequently recorded as revenue upon redemption. The Company estimates breakage related to gift cards when the likelihood of redemption is remote. This estimate utilizes historical trends based on the vintage of the gift card. Breakage on gift cards is recorded as revenue in proportion to the rate of gift card redemptions by vintage. As of November 2, 2019, and February 2, 2019, the Company had $2.2 million and $4.6 million, respectively, of deferred revenue associated with the issuance of gift cards. The deferred gift card revenue is included in accrued liabilities and other current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Private label credit card
The Company offers a private label credit card ("PLCC") which bears the Christopher and Banks brand name offered under an agreement with Comenity Bank. Pursuant to this agreement, there are several obligations on behalf of Comenity Bank that impact the recording of revenue.
In connection with extending the term of the agreement, the Company received a signing bonus. We have determined that the benefits associated with signing the agreement are recognized over time throughout its term. This is the most accurate depiction of the transfer of services as the customer receives and consumes the benefits by obtaining and having the ability to use financing through Comenity Bank for purchases within our brick and mortar and eCommerce sales channels throughout the agreement's term. The deferred signing bonus is included in other liabilities and is being recognized in net sales ratably over the term of the contract.
8
The other revenue based on customer usage of the card is recognized in net sales in the periods in which the related customer transaction occurs. As of November 2, 2019, the Company had $1.4 million recorded as deferred revenue associated with the signing bonus, of which $0.3 million is included in accrued liabilities and other current liabilities and the remaining $1.1 million is included in other non-current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of February 2, 2019, the Company had $1.6 million recorded as deferred revenue associated with the signing bonus, of which $0.3 million is included in accrued liabilities and other current liabilities and the remaining $1.3 million is included in other non-current liabilities of the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company recorded $0.1 million and $0.2 million into revenue for the thirteen and thirty-nine-week periods ended November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018, respectively, associated with the signing bonus.
The Company records revenue associated with royalties received for purchases made using the PLCC. Royalty revenue is recognized based on the total amount to which we have a right to invoice in accordance with the practical expedient included in ASC 606. Accordingly, royalty revenue is recognized in the period in which the related purchases are recognized.
The Company receives a performance bonus based on the total amount of new PLCC accounts that are opened during the year. We have determined that this is a form of variable consideration. Variable consideration is recorded if, in the Company’s judgment, it is probable that a significant future reversal of revenue under the contract will not occur.
Disaggregation of revenue
The following table provides information about disaggregated revenue by sales channel. All revenue illustrated below is included within our one reportable segment.
Thirteen Weeks Ended | Thirty-nine Weeks Ended | |||||||||||||||||
November 2, 2019 | November 3, 2018 | November 2, 2019 | November 3, 2018 | |||||||||||||||
Brick and mortar stores | $ | 74,483 | $ | 69,245 | $ | 205,130 | $ | 204,015 | ||||||||||
eCommerce sales | 20,098 | 22,338 | 1 | 55,696 | 60,348 | 1 | ||||||||||||
Other | (520 | ) | (295 | ) | (102 | ) | 244 | |||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 94,061 | $ | 91,288 | $ | 260,724 | $ | 264,607 |
(1) | Includes approximately $3.6 million and $8.4 million of 2018 revenues for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended, respectively, from orders placed in store and fulfilled from another location. For 2019, similar sales are included in brick and mortar stores. |
Amounts included within other revenue relate to revenues earned from our private label credit card, net of any revenue adjustments and accruals.
Contract balances
The following table provides information about contract assets and liabilities from contracts with customers (in thousands):
Contract Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||
November 2, 2019 | February 2, 2019 | |||||||||||||||
Current | Non-Current | Current | Non-Current | |||||||||||||
Right of return | $ | 1,771 | $ | — | $ | 1,176 | $ | — | ||||||||
Friendship Rewards Program | 4,802 | — | 3,768 | — | ||||||||||||
Gift card revenue | 2,234 | — | 4,646 | — | ||||||||||||
Private label credit card | 274 | 1,142 | 274 | 1,348 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 9,081 | $ | 1,142 | $ | 9,864 | $ | 1,348 |
The Company recognized revenue of $1.2 million and $0.8 million in the thirteen-week periods ended November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018, respectively, related to contract liabilities recorded at the beginning of the period. The Company recognized revenue of $3.6 million and $4.0 million in the thirty-nine-week periods ended November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018, respectively, related to contract liabilities recorded at the beginning of the period. Such revenues were comprised of the redemption and forfeiture of Friendship Rewards Program discount certificates, redemption of gift cards, and amortization of the PLCC signing bonus. As of November 2, 2019, and February 2, 2019, the Company did not have any material contract assets.
9
For the thirteen and thirty-nine-week periods ended November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018, the Company did not recognize any revenue resulting from changes in the estimated variable consideration to be received associated with performance obligations satisfied or partially satisfied in prior periods.
Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations
The following table includes the estimated revenue expected to be recognized in future periods related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied as of November 2, 2019:
Remainder of | ||||||||||||
Fiscal 2019 | Fiscal 2020 | Thereafter | ||||||||||
Private label credit card | $ | 69 | $ | 274 | $ | 1,073 | ||||||
Total | $ | 69 | $ | 274 | $ | 1,073 |
Contract Costs
The Company has not incurred any costs to obtain or fulfill a contract.
NOTE 3 — Property, Equipment and Improvements, Net
Property, equipment and improvements, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
Description | November 2, 2019 | February 2, 2019 | ||||||
Store leasehold improvements | $ | 50,271 | $ | 50,305 | ||||
Store furniture and fixtures | 70,396 | 70,815 | ||||||
Corporate office and distribution center furniture, fixtures and equipment | 6,450 | 6,179 | ||||||
Computer and point of sale hardware and software | 33,637 | 33,098 | ||||||
Construction in progress | 146 | 419 | ||||||
Total property, equipment and improvements, gross | 160,900 | 160,816 | ||||||
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization | (134,340 | ) | (129,173 | ) | ||||
Total property, equipment and improvements, net | $ | 26,560 | $ | 31,643 |
Long-lived assets are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.
When evaluating long-lived assets for potential impairment, we first compare the carrying value of the asset to the asset's estimated future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges). If the sum of the estimated future cash flows is less than the carrying value of the asset, we calculate an impairment loss. The impairment loss calculation compares the carrying value of the asset to the asset's estimated fair value, which is typically based on estimated discounted future cash flows. We recognize an impairment loss if the amount of the asset's carrying value exceeds the asset's estimated fair value. If we recognize an impairment loss, the adjusted carrying amount of the asset becomes its new cost basis. For a depreciable long-lived asset, the new cost basis is depreciated over the remaining useful life of that asset.
When reviewing long-lived assets for impairment, we group long-lived assets with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. For long-lived assets deployed at store locations, we review for impairment at the individual store level.
Our impairment loss calculations involve uncertainty because they require management to make assumptions and to apply judgment to estimate future cash flows and asset fair values, including estimating useful lives of the assets and selecting the discount rate that reflects the risk inherent in future cash flows. If actual results are not consistent with our estimates and assumptions used in estimating future cash flows and asset fair values, we may be exposed to losses that could be material.
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Even though sales increased and operating income was positive during the quarter ended November 2, 2019, the Company performed an impairment analysis during the period in order to ensure that no significant impairments existed of leasehold improvements, store furniture and fixtures, and right-of-use operating lease assets at certain under-performing stores. As a result of this analysis, no significant impairments were identified for the third quarter of 2019. During the second quarter of 2019, the Company recorded $0.3 million long-lived asset impairment charge. The Company recorded $3.0 million long-lived asset impairment during the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended November 3, 2018.
Sale-Leaseback
On April 27, 2018, the Company completed the sale of and entered into an agreement to leaseback its corporate headquarters facility, which includes its distribution center, in Plymouth, Minnesota. The agreement provided for the sale of the facility for a purchase price of $13.7 million and the subsequent leaseback of the facility for a 15-year period. The lease is classified as an operating lease. As a result of this transaction, the Company recorded a deferred gain of $7.7 million. During Fiscal 2018, the Company recognized the deferred gain on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. At the beginning of Fiscal 2019, the remaining $7.3 million of the deferred gain was recorded as an adjustment to retained earnings with the adoption of ASC 842, Leases.
As part of the transaction, the Company deposited $1.7 million in escrow for certain repairs to the building. As of November 2, 2019, and February 2, 2019, $0.5 million and $0.8 million, respectively, remained in escrow for repairs to the building. This amount is considered to be restricted cash and is included within cash and cash equivalents on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
NOTE 4 — Accrued Liabilities
Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
November 2, 2019 | February 2, 2019 | |||||||
Gift card and store credit liabilities | $ | 2,234 | $ | 4,646 | ||||
Accrued Friendship Rewards Program loyalty liability | 4,802 | 3,768 | ||||||
Accrued income, sales and other taxes payable | 1,707 | 911 | ||||||
Accrued occupancy-related expenses | 786 | 3,700 | ||||||
Sales return reserve | 1,771 | 1,176 | ||||||
eCommerce obligations | 4,799 | 6,194 | ||||||
Other accrued liabilities | 5,371 | 5,499 | ||||||
Total accrued liabilities and other current liabilities | $ | 21,470 | $ | 25,894 |
NOTE 5 — Credit Facility
The Company is party to an amended and restated credit agreement ("the Credit Facility") with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association ("Wells Fargo"), as lender. On August 3, 2018, the Company entered into a second amendment ("Second Amendment") to the Credit Facility.
The Second Amendment, among other changes, (i) extended the term of the Credit Facility to August 3, 2023; and (ii) supplemented the existing $50.0 million revolving Credit Facility by adding a new $5.0 million revolving "first-in, last-out" tranche credit facility (the "FILO Facility"), subject to borrowing base restrictions applicable to the FILO Facility. The Company must draw under the FILO Facility before making any borrowings under the revolving Credit Facility.
Loans under the FILO Facility will bear interest based on quarterly excess available under the Borrowing Base as defined in the Credit Facility. The interest rate under the FILO Facility will be either (i) the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus 3.00% for FILO loans that are LIBOR loans; or (ii) 2.00% above the Base Rate for FILO loans that are Base Rate loans as such terms are defined in the Credit Facility. Borrowings under the Credit Facility will generally accrue interest at a rate ranging from 1.50% to 1.75% over the LIBOR or 0.50% to 0.75% over the Wells Fargo Prime Rate based on the amount of Average Daily Availability for the Fiscal Quarter immediately preceding each Adjustment Date, as such terms are defined in the Credit Facility. The Company has the ability to select between the LIBOR or prime based rate at the time of the cash advance. The Credit Facility has an unused commitment fee of 0.25%.
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In addition to these changes, the Second Amendment eliminates availability against the Company's real property, which was the subject of a sale-leaseback transaction on April 27, 2018. The Company expensed approximately $46 thousand of deferred financing costs during the thirty-nine week period ended November 2, 2019 in connection with the Credit Agreement. The deferred financing costs have been combined with the balance of the deferred financing costs remaining from the prior amendment on September 8, 2014. Deferred financing costs are included in other assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and are being amortized as interest expense over the related term of the Second Amendment.
The Credit Facility contains customary events of default and various affirmative and negative covenants. The sole financial covenant contained in the Credit Facility requires the Company to maintain Availability at least equal to the greater of (a) ten percent (10%) of the borrowing base or (b) $3.0 million. In addition, the Credit Facility permits the payment of dividends to the Company's stockholders if certain financial conditions are met. The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants and other financial provisions of the Credit Facility as of November 2, 2019.
The Company's obligations under the Credit Facility are secured by the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company has pledged substantially all of its assets as collateral security for the loans, including accounts owed to the Company, bank accounts, inventory, other tangible and intangible personal property, intellectual property (including patents and trademarks), and stock or other evidences of ownership of 100% of all of the Company's subsidiaries.
There were $4.6 million and zero in outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility as of November 2, 2019 and February 2, 2019, respectively. The capped borrowing base at November 2, 2019 was approximately $43.9 million. As of November 2, 2019, the Company had open on-demand letters of credit of approximately $10.8 million. Accordingly, after reducing the capped borrowing base, current borrowings of $4.6 million, open letters of credit and the required minimum availability of the greater of $3.0 million, or $3.9 million (10.0% of the revolving loan cap), the net availability of revolving credit loans under the Credit Facility was approximately $24.6 million at November 2, 2019.
NOTE 6 — Income Taxes
For the thirteen weeks ended November 2, 2019, the Company recorded income tax expense of $33 thousand, or an effective tax rate of 6.3%, versus income tax expense of $23 thousand, or an effective tax rate of (0.3)% for the same period of Fiscal 2018. For the thirty-nine weeks ended August 3, 2019, the Company recorded income tax expense of $113 thousand, or an effective rate of (1.0)%, versus income tax expense of $129 thousand, or an effective rate of (0.6)%, for the same period of Fiscal 2018. The income tax provisions for the Fiscal 2019 and 2018 periods are primarily driven by state taxes.
As of November 2, 2019, the possibility of future cumulative losses still exists. Accordingly, the Company has continued to maintain a valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets. A small deferred tax asset was allowed to remain related to certain state tax benefits. As of February 2, 2019, the Company has gross federal and state net operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards of approximately $145.5 million and $73.6 million, respectively. A portion of the federal net operating loss carryforwards will begin to expire in 2032 while the other portion can be carried forward indefinitely. The state net operating loss carryforwards have carryforward periods of 5 to 20 years and begin to expire in the current year. The Company also has federal tax credits of $859 thousand which will begin to expire in 2030 and gross charitable contribution carryforwards of $726 thousand that will begin to expire in 2020.
Sections 382 and 383 of the Internal Revenue Code limit the annual utilization of certain tax attributes, including net operating loss carryforwards, incurred prior to a change in ownership. If the Company were to experience an ownership change, as defined by Sections 382 and 383, its ability to utilize its tax attributes could be substantially limited. Depending on the severity of the annual NOL limitation, the Company could permanently lose its ability to use a significant number of its accumulated NOLs.
The Company's liability for unrecognized tax benefits associated with uncertain tax provisions is recorded within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets in Other non-current liabilities. There has been no material change in the reserve for unrecognized tax benefits since the end of the previous year. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as components of income tax expense. We do not expect any significant changes to the amount of unrecognized tax benefits in the next twelve months.
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and local jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company or its subsidiaries are no longer subject to examination prior to tax years before Fiscal 2011. The Company does not have any ongoing income tax audits that are anticipated to have a material impact on the financial statements.
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NOTE 7 — Earnings Per Share
The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) shown on the face of the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations:
Thirteen Weeks Ended | Thirty-nine Weeks Ended | |||||||||||||||
November 2, | November 3, | November 2, | November 3, | |||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||
Numerator (in thousands): | ||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to Christopher & Banks Corporation | $ | 487 | $ | (8,817 | ) | $ | (11,606 | ) | $ | (21,562 | ) | |||||
Denominator (in thousands): | ||||||||||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic | 37,495 | 37,602 | 37,755 | 37,459 | ||||||||||||
Dilutive shares | 57 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding - diluted | 37,552 | 37,602 | 37,755 | 37,459 | ||||||||||||
Net income (loss) per common share: | ||||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.01 | $ | (0.24 | ) | $ | (0.31 | ) | $ | (0.58 | ) | |||||
Diluted | $ | 0.01 | $ | (0.24 | ) | $ | (0.31 | ) | $ | (0.58 | ) |
Total stock options of approximately 4.4 million and 4.2 million were excluded from the shares used in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the thirteen-week periods ended November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018, as they were anti-dilutive. Total stock options of approximately 4.6 million and 4.1 million were excluded from the shares used in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the thirty-nine-week periods ended November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018, as they were anti-dilutive.
NOTE 8 — Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are categorized using defined hierarchical levels directly related to the amount of subjectivity associated with the inputs to fair value measurements, as follows:
Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are significant to the fair value of the asset or liability.
Assets that are Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis:
The following table summarizes certain information for non-financial assets for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 and the fiscal year ended February 2, 2019, that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis in periods subsequent to an initial recognition period. The Company places amounts into the most appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to determine the fair value at the measurement date.
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | |||||||
Long-Lived Assets Held and Used (in thousands): | November 2, 2019 | February 2, 2019 | ||||||
Carrying value | $ | 510 | $ | 4,829 | ||||
Fair value measured using Level 3 inputs | 199 | 445 | ||||||
Impairment charge | $ | 311 | $ | 4,384 |
Approximately $0.2 million of the Fiscal 2019 impairment charge reduced the carrying value of operating lease assets. The remainder of the Fiscal 2019 and 2018 impairment charges reduced the carrying value of fixed assets.
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All of the fair value measurements included in the table above were based on significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). The Company determines fair value for measuring assets on a non-recurring basis using a discounted cash flow approach as discussed in Note 3, Property, Plant and Equipment. In determining future cash flows, the Company uses its best estimate of future operating results, which requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including estimated sales, merchandise margin and expense levels, and the selection of an appropriate discount rate; therefore, differences in the estimates or assumptions could produce significantly different results. General economic uncertainty impacting the retail industry and continuation of recent trends in company performance makes it reasonably possible that additional long-lived asset impairments could be identified and recorded in future periods.
Fixed asset fair values were derived using a discounted cash flow ("DCF") model to estimate the present value of net cash flows that the asset or asset group is expected to generate. The key inputs to the DCF model generally included our forecasts of net cash generated from revenue, expenses and other significant cash outflows, such as capital expenditures, as well as an appropriate discount rate. In the case of assets for which the impairment was the result of restructuring activities, no future cash flows have been assumed as the assets will cease to be used and expected sale values are nominal.
n
NOTE 9 — Leases
The Company leases its store locations and vehicles under operating leases. The store lease terms, including rental period, renewal options, escalation clauses and rent as a percentage of sales, vary among the leases. Most store leases require the Company to pay real estate taxes and common area maintenance charges. In addition, we have lease agreements that contain both lease and non-lease components. We have elected to combine lease and non-lease components for all classes of assets.
Maturities of our lease liabilities as of November 2, 2019 are as follows:
(in thousands) | Lease Liabilities(1) | |||
Remainder of 2019 | $ | 9,439 | ||
2020 | 32,922 | |||
2021 | 26,863 | |||
2022 | 23,204 | |||
2023 | 22,142 | |||
Thereafter | 45,203 | |||
Total lease payments | 159,773 | |||
Less: Imputed interest | (26,867 | ) | ||
Present value of lease liabilities | 132,906 | |||
Less: Current lease liabilities | (26,760 | ) | ||
Long-term lease liabilities | $ | 106,146 |
(1) | Includes retail stores and the corporate headquarters facility, including the distribution center. |
Maturities of our lease liabilities as of February 2, 2019 (under ASC 840, Leases) were as follows:
(in thousands) | Lease Liabilities(1) | |||
2019 | $ | 36,965 | ||
2020 | 25,887 | |||
2021 | 21,386 | |||
2022 | 18,439 | |||
2023 | 17,811 | |||
Thereafter | 38,827 | |||
Total lease payments | $ | 159,315 |
(1) | Includes retail stores and the corporate headquarters facility, including the distribution center. |
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The weighted average remaining lease terms and discount rates for all leases as of November 2, 2019 were as follows:
Remaining lease term and discount rate: | November 2, 2019 | ||
Weighted average remaining lease term (years) | 5.9 | ||
Weighted average discount rate | 5.9 | % |
Operating expense for the thirteen weeks ended November 2, 2019 totaled approximately $9.5 million, with $0.8 million of that amount representing operating lease variable rent that was recorded in cost of sales. In addition, all but $10 thousand of the $8.7 million of non-variable operating lease rent is included in cost of sales. Ten thousand of operating lease expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses. For the thirteen weeks ended November 2, 2019, cash lease payments were $9.8 million, and right of use assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities were $5.2 million.
Operating expense for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 totaled approximately $30.2 million, with $1.6 million of that amount representing operating lease variable rent that was recorded in cost of sales. In addition, all but $61 thousand of the $28.6 million of non-variable operating lease expense is included in cost of sales. Sixty-one thousand of operating lease expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses. For the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019, cash lease payments were $31.1 million, and right of use assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities were $7.8 million.
NOTE 10 — Legal Proceedings
We are subject, from time to time, to various claims, lawsuits or actions that arise in the ordinary course of business. We accrue for loss contingencies associated with outstanding litigation or legal claims for which management has determined it is probable that a loss contingency exists and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. If we determine an unfavorable outcome is not probable or reasonably estimable, we do not accrue a potential loss contingency.
On August 14, 2019, Mark Gottlieb, a Company stockholder, filed a purported class action lawsuit against Jonathan Duskin; Seth Johnson; Keri Jones; Kent Kleeberger; William Sharpe, III; Joel Waller and Laura Weil (the "Named Directors"), B. Riley FBR, Inc. and B. Riley Financial Inc., in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware (the "Court of Chancery"), on behalf of himself and all stockholders who held shares as of December 20, 2018. The lawsuit alleges that the Named Directors breached their duty of loyalty in connection with the Company's rejection in December of 2018, of an unsolicited bid to acquire the Company. The lawsuit further alleges that the B. Riley firms aided and abetted the asserted breach of the duty of loyalty by the Named Directors. The Company believes the Complaint is without merit. The Named Directors, and the Company on their behalf, together with the B. Riley firms, intend to defend the lawsuit vigorously. On September 18, 2019, the Director Defendants filed a motion to dismiss the Plaintiff's complaint for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. The motion has been briefed by Plaintiff and the Defendants and oral argument on the motion is scheduled before the Court of Chancery on February 13, 2020.
The ultimate resolution of legal matters can be inherently uncertain and, for some matters, we may be unable to predict the ultimate outcome, determine whether a liability has been incurred or make an estimate of the reasonably possible liability that could result from an unfavorable outcome because of these uncertainties. We do not, however, currently believe that the resolution of any pending matter will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2019 and our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Unless otherwise noted, transactions and other factors significantly impacting our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity are discussed in order of magnitude.
Executive Overview
We are a specialty retailer of privately branded women's apparel and accessories. We offer our customer an assortment of unique, classic and versatile clothing that fits her everyday needs at a good value.
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We operate an integrated, omni-channel platform that provides our customer the ability to shop when and where she wants, including online or at our retail and outlet stores. This approach allows our customers to browse, purchase, return, or exchange our merchandise through the channel that is optimal for her.
As of November 2, 2019, we operated 455 stores in 44 states, including 310 Missy, Petite, Women ("MPW") stores, 80 outlet stores, 34 Christopher & Banks ("CB") stores, and 31 C.J. Banks ("CJ") stores. Our CB brand offers unique fashions and accessories featuring exclusively designed assortments of women’s apparel in sizes 4 to 16 and in petite sizes 4P to 16P. Our C.J. Banks brand offers similar assortments of women’s apparel in sizes 14W to 26W. Our MPW concept and outlet stores offer an assortment of both CB and CJ apparel servicing the Missy, Petite and Women-sized customer in one location.
Strategic Priorities
Our overall business strategy is to build sustainable, long-term revenue growth and consistent profitability through the following strategic initiatives:
• | Enhance the customer shopping experience; |
• | Improve marketing and promotional effectiveness; |
• | Leverage omni-channel capabilities; |
• | Build loyalty and grow our customer file; |
• | Optimize our real estate portfolio; and |
• | Right-size our cost structure. |
Enhance the Customer Shopping Experience
We are committed to enhancing our customer's shopping experience by providing a well curated product assortment that is presented in a way that is easier for her to shop. We are focused on improving the flow and depth of our inventory buys which are intended to help her build an outfit and drive units per transaction. Additionally, we have recently launched a new Style and Selling model to support our store associates in providing even better service and importantly drive sales.
Improve Marketing and Promotional Effectiveness
Our goals include executing disciplined markdown management, leveraging improved analytics to inform what types and depth of promotions and targeted offers are used and to increase our return on marketing investments.
Leverage Omni-Channel Capabilities
Our integrated, omni-channel strategy is designed to provide customers with a seamless retail experience, allowing her to shop whenever, however and wherever she chooses. In January of 2018, we launched “Buy online, ship to store,” and in November of 2018, we launched “Buy online, ship from store.” As of November 2019, we are fulfilling eCommerce orders from approximately 375 of our stores. We launched “Buy online, pick up in store” during the first quarter of Fiscal 2019. These flexible fulfillment options not only meet a customer need, they allow us to better leverage our inventory across our entire chain.
Build Loyalty and Grow our Customer File
We have a very loyal customer base that is highly engaged. Our uniquely designed product, our value positioning and our customer service are key differentiators for us and contribute to the loyalty of our customers with approximately 90% of our active customers participating in our loyalty rewards program.
We continue to focus on maximizing the benefits of our customer relationship management (“CRM”) database, Friendship Rewards Loyalty Program (“Friendship Rewards”), and private-label credit card program to strengthen engagement with our customers. Our Friendship Rewards program, in conjunction with our CRM system, allows us to personalize communications and customize our offers. We continue to leverage our direct and digital marketing channels to encourage additional customer visits and increased spending per visit.
To grow our active customer file, we intend to reallocate our marketing spend in an effort to drive acquisition of new customers, reactivate lapsed customers, and also capitalize on market disruptions. In addition, we intend to refresh our Friendship Rewards program and to continue to leverage that program. Finally, we plan to capitalize on our unique positioning in the market to drive engagement with customers on a grass roots level.
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Optimize our Real Estate Portfolio
Between 2011 and 2015 we consolidated our store formats and reduced our store count by 33% in an effort to improve store productivity. Additionally, approximately 44% of our stores have a potential lease action arising during Fiscal 2019 and 57% before the end of Fiscal 2020. This should provide us with flexibility to close underperforming stores and the opportunity to renegotiate occupancy costs where applicable. To this end, we engaged a leading national third-party real estate consulting firm during the first quarter to assist us in lease restructuring and to accelerate and increase occupancy cost savings. As a result of these lease restructuring efforts, we expect approximately $2.0 million in occupancy cost savings in Fiscal 2019 and an additional $6.6 million in Fiscal 2020.
Right-size our Cost Structure
We intend to take a holistic approach in driving cost reductions. To help us in accomplishing this we have hired a third-party, non-merchandise procurement specialist to assist us in analyzing relationships and negotiating cost reductions. In addition, we intend to continue to aggressively negotiate rent reductions, optimize our marketing spend, review and reduce our corporate overhead and reduce our shipping and fulfillment expense.
Performance Measures
Management evaluates our financial results based on the following key measures of performance:
Comparable sales
Comparable sales is a measure that highlights the sales performance of our store channel and eCommerce channel by measuring the changes in sales over the comparable, prior-year period of equivalent length.
Our comparable sales calculation includes merchandise sales for:
• | Stores operating for at least 13 full months; |
• | Stores relocated within the same center; and |
• | eCommerce sales. |
Our comparable sales calculation excludes:
• | Stores converted to the MPW format for 13 full months post conversion. |
We believe our eCommerce operations are interdependent with our brick-and-mortar store sales and, as such, we believe that reporting combined store and eCommerce comparable sales is a more appropriate presentation. Our customers are able to browse merchandise in one channel and consummate a transaction in a different channel. At the same time, our customers have the option to return merchandise to a store or our third-party distribution center, regardless of the original channel used for purchase.
Comparable sales measures can vary across the retail industry. As a result, our comparable sales calculation is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
Other performance metrics
To supplement our comparable sales performance measure, we also monitor changes in net sales, net sales per store, net sales per gross square foot, gross profit, gross margin rate, operating income, cash, inventory and liquidity.
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Third Quarter Fiscal 2019 Results of Operations
The following table presents selected consolidated financial data for the third quarter of Fiscal 2019 as compared to the third quarter of Fiscal 2018:
Thirteen Weeks Ended | Net Change | Percent of Net Sales | |||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | November 2, 2019 | November 3, 2018 | Amount | Percent | November 2, 2019 | November 3, 2018 | |||||||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 94,061 | $ | 91,288 | $ | 2,773 | 3.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | |||||||||
Merchandise, buying and occupancy costs | 62,135 | 64,095 | (1,960 | ) | (3.1 | )% | 66.1 | % | 70.2 | % | |||||||||||
Gross profit | 31,926 | 27,193 | 4,733 | 17.4 | % | 33.9 | % | 29.8 | % | ||||||||||||
Other operating expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative | 29,271 | 30,488 | (1,217 | ) | (4.0 | )% | 31.1 | % | 33.4 | % | |||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 1,997 | 2,463 | (466 | ) | (18.9 | )% | 2.1 | % | 2.7 | % | |||||||||||
Impairment of store assets | — | 2,999 | (2,999 | ) | (100.0 | )% | — | % | 3.3 | % | |||||||||||
Total other operating expenses | 31,268 | 35,950 | (4,682 | ) | (13.0 | )% | 33.2 | % | 39.4 | % | |||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | 658 | (8,757 | ) | 9,415 | (107.5 | )% | 0.7 | % | (9.6 | )% | |||||||||||
Interest expense, net | (138 | ) | (37 | ) | (101 | ) | 273.0 | % | (0.1 | )% | — | % | |||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | 520 | (8,794 | ) | 9,314 | (105.9 | )% | 0.6 | % | (9.6 | )% | |||||||||||
Income tax provision | 33 | 23 | 10 | 43.5 | % | — | % | — | % | ||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 487 | $ | (8,817 | ) | $ | 9,304 | (105.5 | )% | 0.5 | % | (9.7 | )% |
Thirteen Weeks Ended | ||||||
Rate trends as a percentage of net sales | November 2, 2019 | November 3, 2018 | ||||
Gross margin | 33.9 | % | 29.8 | % | ||
Selling, general, and administrative | 31.1 | % | 33.4 | % | ||
Depreciation and amortization | 2.1 | % | 2.7 | % | ||
Operating income (loss) | 0.7 | % | (9.6 | )% |
Third Quarter Fiscal 2019 Summary
• | Net sales increased 3.0% compared to the same period last year due to increases in the number of transactions and average unit retail. These increases were partially offset by declines in units per transaction and in the average number of stores. |
• | Comparable sales increased 4.5% following a 7.5% decrease in the same period last year. |
• | eCommerce sales increased 10.5% following a 10.7% increase in the same period last year. |
• | Gross margin rate improved 415 basis points compared to last year's third quarter primarily due to increased merchandise margin and lower occupancy costs, partially offset by higher shipping costs related to our ship from store initiative. |
• | SG&A expense was $1.2 million, or 4.0%, less than last year's third quarter due primarily to lower expenses for compensation, medical benefits, and eCommerce. |
• | Net income totaled $0.5 million, or a $0.01 income per share, compared to a net loss for the prior year's third quarter of $8.8 million, or a $(0.24) loss per share. |
• | As of November 2, 2019 and August 3, 2019, we held $2.2 million of cash and cash equivalents. Bank borrowings were $4.6 million as of the end of the third quarter versus $3.5 million at the end of the second quarter. |
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Net Sales
The components of the 3.0% net sales increase in the third quarter Fiscal 2019 as compared to the third quarter of Fiscal 2018 were as follows:
Thirteen Weeks Ended | |||
Sales driver change components | November 2, 2019 | ||
Number of transactions | 3.6 | % | |
Average unit retail | 3.1 | % | |
Units per transaction | (2.7 | )% | |
Other sales | (1.0 | )% | |
Total sales driver change | 3.0 | % |
Thirteen Weeks Ended | |||
Comparable sales | November 2, 2019 | ||
Comparable sales | 4.5 | % |
Net sales increased primarily due to a 3.6% increase in the number of transactions and a 3.1% increase in average unit retail. These increases were partially offset by a 2.7% decline in units per transaction.
To supplement our comparable sales measure, we also monitor changes in other store sales metrics as illustrated in the table below:
Thirteen Weeks Ended | |||
Store metrics | November 2, 2019 | ||
Net sales per store % change | 3.3 | % | |
Net sales per square foot % change | 2.5 | % |
Net sales per store and net sales per square foot for the third quarter of Fiscal 2019 each increased primarily as a result of the 3.6% increase in the number of transactions as compared to the third quarter of the prior year and a 3.1% increase in average dollar spend per transaction, partially offset by a 2.7% reduction in units per transaction, in each case, as compared to the third quarter last year.
Store count, openings, closings, and square footage for our stores were as follows:
Store Count | Square Footage (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
August 3, | MPW | November 2, | Avg. Store | November 2, | August 3, | |||||||||||||||||||
Stores by Format | 2019 | Open | Close | Conversions | 2019 | Count | 2019 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||
MPW | 310 | 1 | (1 | ) | 310 | 310 | 1,229 | 1,227 | ||||||||||||||||
Outlet | 80 | — | — | — | 80 | 80 | 321 | 321 | ||||||||||||||||
Christopher and Banks | 34 | — | — | — | 34 | 34 | 112 | 112 | ||||||||||||||||
C.J. Banks | 31 | — | — | — | 31 | 31 | 111 | 111 | ||||||||||||||||
Total Stores | 455 | 1 | (1 | ) | — | 455 | 455 | 1,773 | 1,771 |
(1) | Square footage presented in thousands |
Average store count in the third quarter of Fiscal 2019 was 455 stores compared to an average store count of 461 stores in the third quarter of Fiscal 2018, a decrease of 1.4%. Average square footage in the third quarter of Fiscal 2019 decreased 0.5% compared to the third quarter of Fiscal 2018.
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Gross Profit
Gross margin rate improved 415 basis points compared to the same period last year primarily due to increased merchandise margin and lower occupancy costs, partially offset by higher shipping costs related to our ship from store initiative.
Selling, General, and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses
SG&A expense decreased by $1.2 million due to lower expenses for compensation, medical benefits, and eCommerce. As a percent of net sales, SG&A decreased approximately 2.3%.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense decreased primarily due to the sale-leaseback of the corporate facility in April 2018, a decrease in average store count and lower depreciation due to impairment charges on store-related fixed assets taken in the third and fourth quarters of Fiscal 2018, as well as in the second quarter of Fiscal 2019.
Operating Income
Our $9.4 million improvement in operating income in the third quarter of Fiscal 2019 compared to the third quarter of Fiscal 2018 was due to the $4.7 million increase in gross profit, the $1.2 million decrease in SG&A expenses, the $0.5 million decrease in depreciation expense, and the absence of the $3.0 million impairment charge that was recorded in the third quarter of Fiscal 2018.
Interest expense, net
The increase in net interest expense was due to a higher level of average borrowings from our Credit Facility during the third quarter of Fiscal 2019 compared to the comparable quarter of Fiscal 2018.
Income Tax Provision
Income tax expense recorded for the thirteen weeks ended November 2, 2019 was $33 thousand compared to income tax expense of $23 thousand for the same period of Fiscal 2018. Our effective tax rate was 6.3% for the thirteen weeks ended November 2, 2019 compared to (0.3)% in the same period last year.
Net earnings
Our $9.3 million improvement in net earnings during the third quarter of Fiscal 2019 compared to our net loss in the third quarter of 2018 was due to the $4.7 million increase in gross profit, the $1.2 million decrease in SG&A expenses, the $0.5 million decrease in depreciation expense and the absence of the $3.0 million impairment charge that was recorded in the third quarter of Fiscal 2018. These amounts were partially offset by the $0.1 million increase in interest expense.
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Year-to-Date Fiscal 2019 Result of Operations
The following table presents selected consolidated financial data for the thirty-nine weeks of Fiscal 2019 as compared to the thirty-nine weeks of Fiscal 2018:
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended | Net Change | Percent of Net Sales | |||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | November 2, 2019 | November 3, 2018 | Amount | Percent | November 2, 2019 | November 3, 2018 | |||||||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 260,724 | $ | 264,607 | $ | (3,883 | ) | (1.6 | )% | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | ||||||||
Merchandise, buying and occupancy costs | 178,710 | 185,198 | (6,488 | ) | (3.5 | )% | 68.5 | % | 70.0 | % | |||||||||||
Gross profit | 82,014 | 79,409 | 2,605 | 3.3 | % | 31.5 | % | 30.0 | % | ||||||||||||
Other operating expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative | 86,213 | 89,911 | (3,698 | ) | (4.1 | )% | 33.1 | % | 34.0 | % | |||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 6,578 | 7,796 | (1,218 | ) | (15.6 | )% | 2.5 | % | 2.9 | % | |||||||||||
Impairment of store assets | 311 | 2,999 | (2,688 | ) | (89.6 | )% | 0.1 | % | 1.1 | % | |||||||||||
Total other operating expenses | 93,102 | 100,706 | (7,604 | ) | (7.6 | )% | 35.7 | % | 38.1 | % | |||||||||||
Operating loss | (11,088 | ) | (21,297 | ) | 10,209 | (47.9 | )% | (4.3 | )% | (8.0 | )% | ||||||||||
Interest expense, net | (405 | ) | (136 | ) | (269 | ) | 197.8 | % | (0.2 | )% | (0.1 | )% | |||||||||
Loss before income taxes | (11,493 | ) | (21,433 | ) | 9,940 | (46.4 | )% | (4.4 | )% | (8.1 | )% | ||||||||||
Income tax provision | 113 | 129 | (16 | ) | (12.4 | )% | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||
Net loss | $ | (11,606 | ) | $ | (21,562 | ) | $ | 9,956 | (46.2 | )% | (4.5 | )% | (8.1 | )% |
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended | ||||||
Rate trends as a percentage of net sales | November 2, 2019 | November 3, 2018 | ||||
Gross margin | 31.5 | % | 30.0 | % | ||
Selling, general, and administrative | 33.1 | % | 34.0 | % | ||
Depreciation and amortization | 2.5 | % | 2.9 | % | ||
Operating loss | (4.3 | )% | (8.0 | )% |
Year-to-Date Fiscal 2019 Summary
• | Net sales decreased 1.6% compared to the same period last year primarily due to declines in average unit retail, units per transaction and average number of stores. These declines were partially offset by increases in the number of transactions. |
• | Comparable sales decreased 0.9% following a 0.9% decrease in the same period last year. |
• | eCommerce sales increased 6.8% following a 10.7% increase in the same period last year. |
• | Gross margin percentage improved 145 basis points compared to the same period last year as improvements in merchandise margin and occupancy expenses were offset by higher shipping costs relating to our ship from store initiative. |
• | SG&A expense was $3.7 million, or 4.1%, less than the same period last year due to lower expenses for compensation, medical benefits, professional services and eCommerce, and the sale of a claim regarding credit card interchange fees in the second quarter. These expense decreases were partially offset by increases in insurance and recruiting and training expenses. |
• | Net loss totaled $11.6 million, or $(0.31) loss per share, compared to a net loss for the same period last year of $21.6 million, or a $(0.58) loss per share. |
• | As of November 2, 2019, we held $2.2 million of cash and cash equivalents, compared to $10.2 million as of February 2, 2019. Bank borrowings were $4.6 million as of the end of the third quarter versus zero at February 2, 2019. |
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Net Sales
The components of the 1.6% net sales decrease in the thirty-nine weeks of Fiscal 2019 as compared to the thirty-nine weeks of Fiscal 2018 were as follows:
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended | |||
Sales driver change components | November 2, 2019 | ||
Number of transactions | 1.7 | % | |
Average unit retail | (1.7 | )% | |
Units per transaction | (1.3 | )% | |
Other sales | (0.3 | )% | |
Total sales driver change | (1.6 | )% |
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended | |||
Comparable sales | November 2, 2019 | ||
Comparable sales | (0.9 | )% |
Net sales decreased primarily due to a 1.7% decrease in average unit retail and a 1.3% decline in units per transaction. These decreases were partially offset by a 1.7% increase in the number of transactions.
To supplement our comparable sales measure, we also monitor changes in other store sales metrics as illustrated in the table below:
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended | |||
Store metrics | November 2, 2019 | ||
Net sales per store % change | (2.3 | )% | |
Net sales per square foot % change | (3.0 | )% |
Net sales per store and net sales per square foot for the thirty-nine weeks of Fiscal 2019 each declined primarily from the 1.7% reduction of average dollar spend per transaction and 1.3% reduction in units per transaction, partially offset by a 1.7% increase in the number of transactions compared to the same period last year.
Store count, openings, closings, and square footage for our stores were as follows:
Store Count | Square Footage (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
February 2, | MPW | November 2, | Avg. Store | November 2, | February 2, | |||||||||||||||||||
Stores by Format | 2019 | Open | Close | Conversions | 2019 | Count | 2019 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||
MPW | 312 | 3 | (4 | ) | (1 | ) | 310 | 311 | 1,229 | 1,227 | ||||||||||||||
Outlet | 80 | 1 | (1 | ) | — | 80 | 80 | 321 | 321 | |||||||||||||||
Christopher and Banks | 33 | 1 | — | — | 34 | 34 | 112 | 109 | ||||||||||||||||
C.J. Banks | 30 | 1 | — | — | 31 | 31 | 111 | 109 | ||||||||||||||||
Total Stores | 455 | 6 | (5 | ) | (1 | ) | 455 | 456 | 1,773 | 1,766 |
(1) | Square footage presented in thousands |
Average store count in the thirty-nine weeks of Fiscal 2019 was 456 stores compared to an average store count of 462 stores in the thirty-nine weeks of Fiscal 2018, a decrease of 1.3%. Average square footage in the thirty-nine weeks of Fiscal 2019 decreased 0.6% compared to the thirty-nine weeks of Fiscal 2018.
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Gross Profit
Gross margin percentage improved 145 basis points compared to the same period last year as improved merchandise margin and lower occupancy expenses were offset by higher shipping costs related to our ship from store initiative.
Selling, General, and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses
SG&A expense decreased by $3.7 million due to lower expenses for compensation, medical benefits, eCommerce, professional services and the sale of a claim regarding credit card interchange fees in the second quarter. These expenses were partially offset by increases in insurance and recruiting and training expenses. As a percent of net sales, SG&A decreased by approximately 0.9%.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense decreased primarily due to the sale-leaseback of the corporate facility in April 2018, a 1.3% decrease in average store count and lower depreciation due to impairment charges on store-related fixed assets taken in the third and fourth quarters of Fiscal 2018, as well as in the second quarter of Fiscal 2019.
Operating Loss
Our operating loss decreased 47.9% in the thirty-nine weeks of Fiscal 2019 compared to the thirty-nine weeks of Fiscal 2018 due to the $2.6 million increase in gross profit, the $3.7 million decline in SG&A expense, the $1.2 million decline in depreciation expense and the $2.7 million decline in asset impairment charges.
Interest expense, net
The increase in net interest expense was due to a higher level of average borrowings from our Credit Facility during the thirty-nine weeks of Fiscal 2019 compared to the comparable thirty-nine weeks of Fiscal 2018.
Income Tax Provision
Income tax expense recorded for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 was $113 thousand compared to $129 thousand for the same period of Fiscal 2018. Our effective tax rate was (1.0)% for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 compared to (0.6)% in the same period last year.
Net earnings
Our net loss decrease in the thirty-nine weeks of Fiscal 2019 compared to our net loss in the thirty-nine weeks of Fiscal 2018 was primarily due to net sales and gross margin increases, decreases in SG&A expense, depreciation expenses, and store impairment charges. These improvements were partially offset by higher net interest expense.
Fiscal 2019 Outlook
Based on improved top line results third quarter-to-date, the Company is maintaining its Fiscal 2019 guidance.
For the full year of Fiscal 2019, the Company expects:
• | Net sales to be flat to up 2% as the result of expanded omni-channel capabilities, enhancements to the overall product assortment, and more impactful marketing promotions intended to drive customer file growth; |
• | Gross margin expansion of 100 to 200 basis points as a result of improved inventory management, including supply chain and omni-channel initiatives, greater disciplines around promotions and the continued reduction of occupancy costs; the gross margin guidance reflects the impact of recently announced tariffs; |
• | SG&A as a percentage of sales to decline 100 to 150 basis points due to ongoing cost reduction initiatives; and |
• | To end the fiscal year with positive cash and no outstanding borrowings under its Credit Facility. |
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash flow and liquidity
Summary
We expect to operate our business and execute our strategic initiatives principally with funds generated from operations and from our Credit Facility, subject to compliance with a financial covenant and other terms of the Company's Credit Facility with Wells Fargo.
As of November 2, 2019, our bank borrowings totaled $4.6 million, with $24.6 million of availability under the Company's Credit Facility. Our cash and cash equivalents balance as of November 2, 2019 was $2.2 million, compared to $10.2 million as of February 2, 2019.
Cash Flows
The following table summarizes our cash flows from operating, investing, and financing activities for the first thirty-nine weeks of Fiscal 2019 compared to the first thirty-nine weeks of 2018:
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended | ||||||||
(in thousands) | November 2, 2019 | November 3, 2018 | ||||||
Net cash used in operating activities | $ | (10,903 | ) | $ | (17,891 | ) | ||
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities | (1,632 | ) | 10,585 | |||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 4,446 | (262 | ) | |||||
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | $ | (8,089 | ) | $ | (7,568 | ) |
Operating Activities
The $7.0 million decrease in cash used in operating activities in the first thirty-nine weeks of Fiscal 2019 compared to the first thirty-nine weeks of Fiscal 2018 was primarily due to the improvement in the net loss and changes in working capital. The positive effect of these items was partially offset by changes in non-cash expense and lease-related items. Working capital fluctuations are a reflection of seasonal patterns and a change in the timing of accounts payable and payroll accruals.
Investing Activities
Cash used in investing activities for the current period was $1.6 million as compared to an increase of cash of $10.6 million last year. The $12.2 million change is primarily attributable to proceeds of $13.3 million from the sale of the corporate facility as part of a sale-leaseback transaction in April 2018. Capital expenditures for the first thirty-nine weeks of Fiscal 2019 were approximately $1.6 million, which primarily reflected investments in technology associated with our eCommerce initiatives and merchandising capabilities, and expenditures supporting new stores.
Financing Activities
The increase in cash provided by financing activities between Fiscal 2019 and 2018 was due to net borrowings of $4.6 million on the Company's Credit Facility during the third quarter of Fiscal 2019 and was, partially offset by repurchases of the Company's common stock.
Sources of Liquidity
Funds generated by operating activities, available cash and cash equivalents and our Credit Facility are our most significant sources of liquidity. We believe that our sources of liquidity will be sufficient to sustain operations and to finance anticipated capital investments and strategic initiatives over the next twelve months. However, in the event our liquidity is not sufficient to meet our operating needs, we may be required to limit our spending. There can be no assurance that we will continue to generate cash flows at or above current levels or that we will be able to maintain our ability to borrow under our existing facilities or obtain additional financing, if necessary, on favorable terms.
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The Credit Facility with Wells Fargo was most recently amended and extended on August 3, 2018. The current expiration date is August 3, 2023. The Credit Facility amendment in 2018 supplemented the Company’s existing $50.0 million revolving Credit Facility by adding a new $5.0 million revolving “first-in, last-out” (“FILO Facility”) tranche, subject to the borrowing base restrictions applicable to the FILO Facility.
In addition to these changes, the amendment eliminates availability against the Company’s real property, which was the subject of a sale-leaseback transaction during Fiscal 2018.
The capped borrowing base at November 2, 2019 was approximately $43.9 million. As of November 2, 2019, the Company had open on-demand letters of credit of approximately $10.8 million. Accordingly, after reducing the capped borrowing base for current borrowings of $4.6 million, open letters of credit and the required minimum availability of the greater of $3.0 million, or $3.9 million (10.0% of the revolving loan cap), the net availability of revolving credit loans under the Credit Facility was approximately $24.6 million at November 2, 2019.
See Note 5 - Credit Facility for additional details regarding our Credit Facility.
Exchange Listing
As previously disclosed, the Company received notice from the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) on April 17, 2019 that the Company was not in compliance with certain NYSE listing standards which require minimum market capitalization to be in excess of $15.0 million over a 30-day consecutive trading period. The Company exercised its right to seek review of this determination by a Committee of the Board of Directors of the Exchange and a hearing before that Committee was scheduled for July 18, 2019. Following discussions with representatives of the NYSE, on July 17, 2019, the Company withdrew its appeal given its current market capitalization was below $15.0 million. In connection therewith, trading in the Company’s common stock on the NYSE was suspended following the close of the NYSE market on Wednesday, July 17, 2019. On July 18, 2019, the Company’s common stock began trading on the OTC Markets Group under the symbol “CBKC”. On July 17, 2019, the NYSE filed a Form 25 with the Securities & Exchange Commission to effect the formal delisting of the Company’s common stock from the NYSE, which became effective July 29, 2019. The Form 25 filing did not cause the removal of any shares of the Company’s common stock from registration under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The Company remains subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act. The Company believes that the delisting of its common stock from the NYSE, as well as the related process leading up to delisting, has had a negative impact on the Company’s common stock market price as well as on the liquidity of its common stock.
Sourcing
There have been no material changes to our ratio of imports to total merchandise purchases or concentration of supplier purchases in the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended November 2, 2019 compared to the Fiscal 2018 year ended February 2, 2019.
Quarterly Results and Seasonality
Our quarterly results may fluctuate significantly depending on a number of factors, including general economic conditions, consumer confidence, customer response to our seasonal merchandise mix, timing of new store openings, adverse weather conditions, and shifts in the timing of certain holidays and shifts in the timing of promotional events.
Inflation
We do not believe that inflation had a material effect on our results of operations for the thirty-nine-week period ended November 2, 2019.
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 Exchange Act, 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 - Risk Factors of our Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2019, which could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated.
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The words or phrases “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “expect,” “should,” “anticipate,” “forecast,” “intend” 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 2, 2019, 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 in the quarterly report on Form 10-Q. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
For a discussion of our exposure to, and management of our market risks, see Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2019. There have been no material changes to our exposure to, and management of our market risks in the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended November 2, 2019.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
The Company carried out an evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this report (the “Evaluation Date”), under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13(a)-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) of the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of November 2, 2019 the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective at the reasonable assurance level.
Changes in Internal Controls
There were no significant changes in our internal controls that could materially affect our disclosure controls and procedures subsequent to the Evaluation Date. Furthermore, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended November 2, 2019 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II
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. We accrue for loss contingencies associated with outstanding litigation or legal claims for which management has determined it is probable that a loss contingency exists and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. If we determine an unfavorable outcome is not probable or reasonably estimable, we do not accrue a potential loss contingency.
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On August 14, 2019, Mark Gottlieb, a Company stockholder, filed a purported class action proceeding against Jonathan Duskin; Seth Johnson; Keri Jones; Kent Kleeberger; William Sharpe, III; Joel Waller and Laura Weil (the "Named Directors"), B. Riley FBR, Inc. and B. Riley Financial Inc., in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware, on behalf of himself and all stockholders who held shares as of December 20, 2018. The lawsuit alleges that the Named Directors breached their duty of loyalty in connection with the Company's rejection in December of 2018, of an unsolicited bid to acquire the Company. The lawsuit further alleges that the B. Riley firms aided and abetted the asserted breach of the duty of loyalty by the Named Directors. The Company believes the Complaint is without merit. The Named Directors, and the Company on their behalf, together with the B. Riley firms, intend to defend the lawsuit vigorously. On September 18, 2019, the Director Defendants filed a motion to dismiss the Plaintiff's complaint for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. The motion has been briefed by Plaintiff and the Defendants and oral argument on the motion is scheduled before the Court of Chancery on February 13, 2020.
The ultimate resolution of legal matters can be inherently uncertain and, for some matters, we may be unable to predict the ultimate outcome, determine whether a liability has been incurred or make an estimate of the reasonably possible liability that could result from an unfavorable outcome because of these uncertainties. We do not, however, currently believe that the resolution of any pending matter will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information discussed in this report, the risk factors described in “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal period ended February 2, 2019, should be considered as they could materially affect our business, financial condition or operating results. These are not the only risks facing our company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results. In addition to the risks described in our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K, we also note the following:
We do not meet the requirements for continued qualification for trading on the OTCQX Marketplace of the OTC Markets Group.
Our current stock is currently traded on the OTCQX Marketplace of the OTC Markets Group. On July 24, 2019, we were notified that our market capitalization has stayed below $5 million for more than 30 consecutive calendar days and thus no longer meets the requirements for continued qualification for the OTCQX per the "OTCQX Rules for U.S. Companies" (the "Rules"), section 3.2 (b) (2). To remain eligible for trading on the OTCQX U.S. tier under this section of the Rules, the Company must have (i) a minimum bid price of $0.10 per share as of the close of business for at least one of every 30 consecutive calendar days; (ii) a market capitalization of at least $5 million for at least one of every 30 consecutive calendar days; and (iii) at least two Market Makers publishing price quotations on OTC Link ATS within 90 days of the Company joining the OTCQX (the "Requirements"). The OTC Markets Group has given the Company a cure period of until January 20, 2020 to regain compliance with this section of the Rules. If the Company is unable to cure the deficiency within the timeframe provided, the Company will be moved to the OTC Pink Market.
On August 26, 2019, we were notified by the OTCQX that our bid price has closed below $0.10 for more than 30 consecutive days and thus no longer meets the requirements for continued qualification under section 3.2 (b) (1) of the Rules. To remain eligible for trading on the OTCQX U.S. tier, the Company must meet the Requirements. The OTC Markets Group is giving the Company a cure period of until February 20, 2020 to regain compliance with this section of the Rules. If the Company is unable to cure the deficiency within the timeframe provided, the Company will be moved to the OTC Pink Market. On September 25, 2019, the OTC Markets notified us that we have regained compliance with Section 3.2 (b) (1) by having a closing bid price of at least $0.10 for ten (10) consecutive days.
If the Company's stock were to begin trading on the OTC Pink Market it could, among other things: reduce the liquidity and possibly even the market price of our common stock; and result in limited availability for market quotations for our common stock.
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Changes in U.S. trade policies, including the imposition of tariffs on apparel or accessories and a potential resulting trade war, could have a material adverse impact on our business.
Most of our merchandise is produced in foreign countries, primarily in China, making the price and availability of our merchandise susceptible to international trade risks and other international conditions. The imposition of tariffs, duties, border adjustment taxes or other trade restrictions by the United States could also result in the adoption of new or increased tariffs or other trade restrictions by other countries. Recently, the current U.S. administration and China have imposed significant tariffs on goods imported from the other's country, and more recently, the United States announced a plan to impose the additional tariffs on apparel and accessories. These recently announced tariffs as well as additional tariffs or trade restrictions that are implemented by the United States or other countries, could have a significant adverse impact on the cost of our goods, the prices at which we offer them for sale and our overall financial performance. The adoption and expansion of trade restrictions and tariffs, quotas and embargoes, the occurrence of a trade war, or other governmental action related to tariffs or trade agreements or policies, has the potential to adversely impact the cost of and demand for our products, our overall costs, our customers, our suppliers and the world economy, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, operational results, financial position and cash flows.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
The following table sets forth information concerning purchases of our common stock for the quarter ended November 2, 2019:
Total Number of | Maximum Number of | |||||||||||||
Shares Purchased as | Shares that May Yet | |||||||||||||
Total Number of | Part of Publicly | Be Purchased Under | ||||||||||||
Shares | Average Price | Announced Plans or | the Plans or | |||||||||||
Period | Purchased (1) | Paid per Share | Programs | Programs | ||||||||||
8/4/19 - 8/31/19 | 2,126 | $ | 0.07 | — | $ | — | ||||||||
9/1/2019 - 10/5/2019 | 7,712 | 0.09 | — | — | ||||||||||
10/6/2019 - 11/2/2019 | 6,585 | 0.11 | — | — | ||||||||||
Total | 16,423 | — | — |
(1) | The shares of common stock in this column represent shares surrendered to us by stock plan participants in order to satisfy minimum withholding tax obligations related to the vesting of restricted stock awards. |
The following table summarizes information in connection with purchases made by, or on behalf of, the Company or any
affiliated purchaser of the Company, of shares of the Company’s common stock during the 13-week period ended November 2, 2019.
Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (1) | Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Program | ||||||||||
8/4/19 - 8/31/19 | — | $ | — | — | $ | 1,802,932 | ||||||||
9/1/2019 - 10/5/2019 | — | — | — | 1,802,932 | ||||||||||
10/6/2019 - 11/2/2019 | — | — | — | 1,802,932 | ||||||||||
Total | — | — | — |
(1) | On December 20, 2018, the Company announced that the Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program to purchase up to $2.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock during the period ending December 31, 2019. The shares may be repurchased from time to time through open market purchases, block transactions, privately negotiated transactions or derivative transactions in a manner consistent with applicable securities laws and regulations. |
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
Exhibit No. | Exhibit Description | |
31.1* | ||
31.2* | ||
32.1* | ||
32.2* | ||
101* | Financial statements from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Christopher & Banks Corporation for the fiscal quarter ended November 2, 2019, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language ("XBRL"): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations; (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements |
* Filed with this report
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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: December 11, 2019 | By: | /s/ Keri L. Jones | |
Keri L. Jones | |||
President, Chief Executive Officer | |||
(Principal Executive Officer) | |||
Dated: December 11, 2019 | By: | /s/ Richard Bundy | |
Richard Bundy | |||
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer | |||
(Principal Financial Officer) |
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