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Citi Trends Inc - Quarter Report: 2009 August (Form 10-Q)

Table of Contents

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

x

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

 

 

For the quarterly period ended August 1, 2009

 

OR

 

 

o

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

 

Commission File Number  000-51315

 

CITI TRENDS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

DELAWARE

 

52-2150697

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

(I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization)

 

Identification No.)

 

 

 

104 Coleman Boulevard

 

 

Savannah, Georgia

 

31408

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (912) 236-1561

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes  x No  o

 

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

 

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

 

Large Accelerated Filer o

 

Accelerated Filer x

 

 

 

Non-Accelerated Filer o

 

Smaller Reporting Company o

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes  o No  x

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Class

 

Outstanding at August 12, 2009

Common Stock, $.01 par value

 

14,690,583 shares

 

 

 



Table of Contents

 

CITI TRENDS, INC.

FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

PAGE
NUMBER

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1

Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Balance Sheets (unaudited) August 1, 2009 and January 31, 2009

3

 

 

 

 

Condensed Statements of Operations (unaudited) Twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2009 and August 2, 2008

4

 

 

 

 

Condensed Statements of Operations (unaudited) Thirteen weeks ended August 1, 2009 and August 2, 2008

4

 

 

 

 

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) Twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2009 and August 2, 2008

5

 

 

 

 

Notes to the Condensed Financial Statements (unaudited)

6

 

 

 

Item 2

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

10

 

 

 

Item 3

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

14

 

 

 

Item 4

Controls and Procedures

14

 

 

 

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1

Legal Proceedings

15

 

 

 

Item 1A

Risk Factors

15

 

 

 

Item 2

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

15

 

 

 

Item 3

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

15

 

 

 

Item 4

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

15

 

 

 

Item 5

Other Information

15

 

 

 

Item 6

Exhibits

16

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

17

 

2



Table of Contents

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements.

 

Citi Trends, Inc.

 

Condensed Balance Sheets

August 1, 2009 and January 31, 2009

(Unaudited)

 

(in thousands, except share data)

 

 

 

August 1,

 

January 31,

 

 

 

2009

 

2009

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

36,361

 

$

33,516

 

Short-term investment securities

 

42,468

 

 

Inventory

 

88,829

 

86,259

 

Prepaid and other current assets

 

8,973

 

10,625

 

Income tax receivable

 

504

 

 

Deferred tax asset

 

3,722

 

3,447

 

Total current assets

 

180,857

 

133,847

 

Property and equipment, net

 

59,741

 

58,861

 

Long-term investment securities

 

 

43,825

 

Goodwill

 

1,371

 

1,371

 

Deferred tax asset

 

2,892

 

2,480

 

Other assets

 

481

 

405

 

Total assets

 

$

245,342

 

$

240,789

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

46,129

 

$

52,295

 

Accrued expenses

 

12,072

 

11,478

 

Accrued compensation

 

8,264

 

7,514

 

Current portion of capital lease obligations

 

562

 

1,403

 

Income tax payable

 

 

682

 

Layaway deposits

 

1,808

 

564

 

Total current liabilities

 

68,835

 

73,936

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

8,836

 

8,646

 

Total liabilities

 

77,671

 

82,582

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 32,000,000 shares; 14,845,679 shares issued as of August 1, 2009 and 14,698,852 shares issued as of January 31, 2009; 14,679,929 shares outstanding as of August 1, 2009 and 14,533,102 outstanding as of January 31, 2009

 

145

 

145

 

Paid-in-capital

 

72,554

 

70,950

 

Retained earnings

 

95,137

 

87,277

 

Treasury stock, at cost; 165,750 shares as of August 1, 2009 and January 31, 2009

 

(165

)

(165

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

167,671

 

158,207

 

Commitments and contingencies (note 7)

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

245,342

 

$

240,789

 

 

See accompanying notes to the condensed financial statements (unaudited).

 

3



Table of Contents

 

Citi Trends, Inc.

Condensed Statements of Operations

Twenty-six Weeks Ended August 1, 2009 and August 2, 2008

(Unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

August 1,

 

August 2,

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

Net sales

 

$

254,702

 

$

236,651

 

Cost of sales

 

154,920

 

144,964

 

Gross profit

 

99,782

 

91,687

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

79,127

 

73,118

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

8,828

 

7,781

 

Income from operations

 

11,827

 

10,788

 

Interest income

 

244

 

1,425

 

Interest expense

 

(69

)

(162

)

Unrealized loss on investment securities

 

(57

)

 

Income before income tax expense

 

11,945

 

12,051

 

Income tax expense

 

4,085

 

4,037

 

Net income

 

$

7,860

 

$

8,014

 

Basic net income per common share

 

$

0.54

 

$

0.56

 

Diluted net income per common share

 

$

0.54

 

$

0.56

 

Net income attributable to common shares

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

7,700

 

$

7,927

 

Diluted

 

$

7,700

 

$

7,928

 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

14,342

 

14,071

 

Diluted

 

14,370

 

14,248

 

 

Citi Trends, Inc.

Condensed Statements of Operations

Thirteen Weeks Ended August 1, 2009 and August 2, 2008

(Unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

August 1,

 

August 2,

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

Net sales

 

$

111,605

 

$

115,655

 

Cost of sales

 

69,011

 

70,731

 

Gross profit

 

42,594

 

44,924

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

38,994

 

36,877

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

4,455

 

4,078

 

Income (loss) from operations

 

(855

)

3,969

 

Interest income

 

105

 

557

 

Interest expense

 

(28

)

(75

)

Unrealized gain on investment securities

 

671

 

 

Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)

 

(107

)

4,451

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

(38

)

1,605

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(69

)

$

2,846

 

Basic net income (loss) per common share

 

$

(0.00

)

$

0.20

 

Diluted net income (loss) per common share

 

$

(0.00

)

$

0.20

 

Net income (loss) attributable to common shares

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

(69

)

$

2,807

 

Diluted

 

$

(69

)

$

2,808

 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

14,365

 

14,095

 

Diluted

 

14,365

 

14,279

 

 

See accompanying notes to the condensed financial statements (unaudited).

 

4



Table of Contents

 

Citi Trends, Inc.

 

Condensed Statements of Cash Flow

Twenty-six Weeks Ended August 1, 2009 and August 2, 2008

(Unaudited)

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

August 1,

 

August 2,

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

Operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

7,860

 

$

8,014

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

8,828

 

7,781

 

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

 

254

 

8

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(687

)

(1,568

)

Noncash stock-based compensation expense

 

1,004

 

973

 

Excess tax benefits from stock-based payment arrangements

 

(685

)

(465

)

Unrealized loss on auction rate securities

 

57

 

 

Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Inventory

 

(2,570

)

(2,910

)

Prepaid and other current assets

 

1,652

 

(1,504

)

Other assets

 

(76

)

(40

)

Accounts payable

 

(6,166

)

(45

)

Accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities

 

784

 

(855

)

Accrued compensation

 

750

 

1,546

 

Income tax receivable / payable

 

(501

)

100

 

Layaway deposits

 

1,244

 

982

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

11,748

 

12,017

 

Investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of investment securities

 

 

(4,000

)

Sales/redemptions of investment securities

 

1,300

 

5,775

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(9,962

)

(12,747

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(8,662

)

(10,972

)

Financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Repayments on capital lease obligations

 

(841

)

(785

)

Excess tax benefits from stock-based payment arrangements

 

685

 

465

 

Proceeds from the exercise of stock options

 

268

 

333

 

Cash used to settle equity instruments granted under stock-based payment arrangements

 

(353

)

(70

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(241

)

(57

)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

2,845

 

988

 

Cash and cash equivalents:

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of period

 

33,516

 

6,203

 

End of period

 

$

36,361

 

$

7,191

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for interest

 

$

59

 

$

151

 

Cash paid for income taxes

 

$

5,273

 

$

5,505

 

 

See accompanying notes to the condensed financial statements (unaudited).

 

5



Table of Contents

 

Citi Trends, Inc.

Notes to the Condensed Financial Statements (unaudited)

August 1, 2009

 

1. Basis of Presentation

 

Citi Trends, Inc. (the “Company”) is a rapidly growing, value-priced retailer of urban fashion apparel and accessories for the entire family.  As of August 1, 2009, the Company operated 370 stores in 23 states.

 

The condensed balance sheet as of August 1, 2009, the condensed statements of operations for the twenty-six and thirteen-week periods ended August 1, 2009 and August 2, 2008, and the condensed statements of cash flows for the twenty-six week periods ended August 1, 2009 and August 2, 2008 have been prepared by the Company without audit. The condensed balance sheet as of January 31, 2009 has been derived from the audited financial statements as of that date, but does not include all required year end disclosures.  In the opinion of management, such statements include all adjustments considered necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position as of August 1, 2009 and January 31, 2009, and its results of operations and cash flows for all periods presented.  It is suggested that these condensed financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2009.

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.  Operating results for the interim periods ended August 1, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending January 30, 2010.

 

The following contains references to years 2009 and 2008, which represent fiscal years ending or ended on January 30, 2010 (fiscal 2009) and January 31, 2009 (fiscal 2008), respectively. Fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008 both have 52-week accounting periods.

 

2. Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and use assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

The most significant estimates made by management include those made in the valuation of inventory, investment securities, stock-based compensation, property and equipment, and income taxes. Management periodically evaluates estimates used in the preparation of the financial statements for continued reasonableness. Appropriate adjustments, if any, to the estimates used are made prospectively based on such periodic evaluations.

 

3. Earnings per Share

 

Basic earnings per common share amounts are calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share amounts are calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the additional dilution for all potentially dilutive securities, such as stock options and nonvested restricted stock.  During loss periods, diluted earnings per share amounts are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.

 

In accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 128, Earnings per Share, the Company calculates the dilutive effect of stock-based compensation arrangements using the treasury stock method.  This method assumes that the proceeds the Company receives from the exercise of stock options are used to repurchase common shares in the market.  In accordance with SFAS No. 123R, Share-Based Payment, the Company includes as assumed proceeds the amount of compensation cost attributed to future services and not yet recognized, and the amount of tax benefits, if any, that would be credited to additional paid-in capital assuming exercise of outstanding options and vesting of nonvested restricted stock.  For the thirteen weeks ended August 1, 2009 and August 2, 2008, there were 67,000 and 77,000 options outstanding, respectively, to purchase shares of common stock excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because of antidilution.  For the twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2009 and August 2, 2008, there were 68,000 and 79,000 options outstanding, respectively, to purchase shares of common stock excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because of antidilution.

 

On February 1, 2009, the Company adopted FASB Staff Position Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) 03-6-1, “Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions are Participating Securities” (“FSP EITF 03-6-1”).  FSP EITF 03-6-1 addresses determinations as to whether instruments granted in share-based payment transactions are participating securities prior to vesting and, therefore, need to be included in the earnings allocation in computing earnings per share under the two-class method described in paragraphs 60 and 61 of SFAS No. 128.  Nonvested restricted stock awards granted to employees and non-employee directors contain nonforfeitable dividend rights and, therefore, are now considered participating securities in accordance with FSP EITF 03-6-1.  We have prepared our current and prior period earnings per share computations to exclude net income allocated to nonvested share awards.

 

6



Table of Contents

 

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

 

 

Twenty-six Weeks Ended

 

 

 

August 1, 2009

 

August 2, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic:

 

 

 

 

 

Numerator

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

7,860

 

$

8,014

 

Net income allocated to participating securities

 

(160

)

(87

)

Net income attributable to common stockholders-basic

 

$

7,700

 

$

7,927

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares

 

14,342

 

14,071

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to common stockholders per share-basic

 

$

0.54

 

$

0.56

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

Numerator

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

7,860

 

$

8,014

 

Net income allocated to participating securities

 

(160

)

(86

)

Net income attributable to common stockholders-diluted

 

$

7,700

 

$

7,928

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator for basic calculation

 

14,342

 

14,071

 

Effect of dilutive securities — stock options

 

28

 

177

 

Denominator for diluted calculation

 

14,370

 

14,248

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to common stockholders per share-diluted

 

$

0.54

 

$

0.56

 

 

 

 

Thirteen Weeks Ended

 

 

 

August 1, 2009

 

August 2, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic:

 

 

 

 

 

Numerator

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(69

)

$

2,846

 

Net income allocated to participating securities

 

 

(39

)

Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders-basic

 

$

(69

)

$

2,807

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares

 

14,365

 

14,095

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders per share-basic

 

$

(0.00

)

$

0.20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

Numerator

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(69

)

$

2,846

 

Net income allocated to participating securities

 

 

(38

)

Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders-diluted

 

$

(69

)

$

2,808

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator for basic calculation

 

14,365

 

14,095

 

Effect of dilutive securities — stock options

 

 

184

 

Denominator for diluted calculation

 

14,365

 

14,279

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders per share-diluted

 

$

(0.00

)

$

0.20

 

 

7



Table of Contents

 

4. Fair Value Measurement

 

SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the principal or most advantageous market at the measurement date. This statement also establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes observable and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value into three broad levels, which are described below:

 

Level 1:  Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for assets or liabilities. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs.

 

Level 2:  Observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted on active markets, but corroborated by market data.

 

Level 3:  Unobservable inputs are used when little or no market data is available. Level 3 inputs are given the lowest priority in the fair value hierarchy.

 

As of August 1, 2009, the Company had $38.1 million ($42.5 million at par value) of investments in municipal auction rate securities (“ARS”) issued by student loan funding organizations. The ARS are classified as trading securities and are reflected at estimated fair value. These securities are high-grade (at least AA-rated with one or more rating agencies) and approximately 79% are either guaranteed  by the Department of Education under the Federal Family Education Loan Program (35%) or backed by insurance companies, AMBAC Assurance Corporation (32%) or MBIA Insurance Corporation (12%). Historically, liquidity for investors in ARS was provided via an auction process that reset the interest rate every 35 days, allowing investors to either roll over their investments or sell them at par value. Beginning in February 2008, there was insufficient demand for these types of investments during the auctions and, as a result, these securities became illiquid. Although the auctions for the securities have failed, the Company has not experienced any defaults and continues to earn and receive interest on all of the investments still owned by the Company.

 

There was insufficient observable market information available as of August 1, 2009 to determine the fair value of the Company’s ARS. Accordingly, the Company estimated Level 3 fair values for these securities based on assumptions that market participants would use in their estimates of fair value. These assumptions included, among other things, discounted cash flow projections, the timing of expected future successful auctions or redemptions, collateralization of the underlying securities and the creditworthiness of the issuers and insurance companies.  Based on this Level 3 valuation, the ARS investments were valued at $38.1 million as of August 1, 2009, representing a $4.4 million decline from par value.

 

In November 2008, the Company accepted an offer (the “Right”) from UBS AG (“UBS”) allowing the Company to sell at par value the remaining ARS to UBS at anytime during a two-year period from June 30, 2010 through July 2, 2012.  In accepting the Right, the Company granted UBS the authority to sell or auction the ARS at par value at any time up until the expiration date of the Right and released UBS from any claims relating to the marketing and sale of ARS.  The ARS will continue to earn interest until they are liquidated.  The obligations of UBS under the Right are not secured by its assets and do not require UBS to obtain any financing to purchase the ARS.  UBS has disclaimed any assurance that it will have sufficient financial resources to satisfy its obligations under the Right.  If UBS does not have sufficient funding to buy back the ARS and no alternative buyers are located either through the auction process, issuer redemptions or other means, then the Company may not be able to access cash by selling these securities without incurring a loss of principal.

 

The Right represents a put option and is recognized as an instrument separate from the ARS.  The Company elected to account for this Right at fair value under SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.  The Right was valued at $4.3 million as of August 1, 2009 using a discounted cash flow approach that includes estimates of interest rates and the credit risk associated with UBS.  This valuation is based on unobservable inputs, therefore, represents a Level 3 fair value.  Prior to the acceptance of the Right, the ARS were classified as available-for-sale.  Upon acceptance of the Right, the ARS were reclassified to trading securities.  The ARS and the Right included in the August 1, 2009 condensed balance sheet are classified as current assets due to the expectation that liquidity will occur during the next twelve months through the Company’s exercise of the Right.

 

The following table provides a summary of activity for the Company’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2009 (in thousands):

 

 

 

Put Option Related to ARS

 

Auction Rate Securities

 

Balance as of January 31, 2009

 

$

4,901

 

$

38,924

 

Unrealized gain (loss) on investment securities included in earnings

 

(440

)

383

 

Sales/redemptions of investment securities

 

(119

)

(1,181

)

Balance as of August 1, 2009

 

$

4,342

 

$

38,126

 

 

8



Table of Contents

 

5. Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

The components of comprehensive income (loss) for all periods presented are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

Twenty-six Weeks Ended

 

Thirteen Weeks Ended

 

 

 

August 1, 2009

 

August 2, 2008

 

August 1, 2009

 

August 2, 2008

 

Net income (loss), as reported

 

$

7,860

 

$

8,014

 

$

(69

)

$

2,846

 

Other comprehensive loss:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net of tax of $209 and $1,093 in the 13 weeks and 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008, respectively

 

 

(1,695

)

 

(324

)

Comprehensive income (loss)

 

$

7,860

 

$

6,319

 

$

(69

)

$

2,522

 

 

6. Revolving Line of Credit

 

On March 25, 2009, the Company’s $35 million unsecured revolving credit facility with Bank of America was amended to extend the expiration date to March 24, 2010 and to lower the commitment to $20 million, reflecting the Company’s cash position and the fact that there had been no borrowings under the facility.  In addition, changes were made to the pricing of the facility, including an increase in the unused commitment fee from 0.15% to 0.25% and an amendment of  the interest rates. Loans under the facility now bear interest at either (a) a rate equal to the highest of (i) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%, (ii) LIBOR plus 1.0% and (iii) Bank of America’s prime rate, plus an applicable margin; or (b) a rate equal to LIBOR plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin, which increased 0.75% under the amendment, is dependent on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio and ranges from 0.75% to 1.25% for loans bearing interest at the rate described under (a) above and from 1.75% to 2.25% for loans bearing interest at the rate described under (b) above. The Company has had no borrowings under this facility.

 

7. Commitments and Contingencies

 

The Company from time to time is involved in various legal proceedings incidental to the conduct of its business, including claims by customers, employees or former employees.  While litigation is subject to uncertainties and the outcome of any litigated matter is not predictable, the Company is not aware of any legal proceedings pending or threatened against it that it expects to have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

 

8. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

The Company adopted the methods of fair value as described in SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, for financial assets and liabilities on February 3, 2008 and for non-financial assets and liabilities on February 1, 2009 and has incorporated the related staff positions and interpretations, including FSP SFAS 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly, which was issued in April 2009.  SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements.  The adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

As discussed in Note 3, the Company adopted FSP EITF 03-6-1 on February 1, 2009.  Implementation of FSP EITF 03-6-1 will change the way the Company calculates earnings per share and is expected to reduce basic and diluted earnings per share for the fiscal year ending January 30, 2010 by approximately $0.03.  All prior period earnings per share information must be adjusted retrospectively.  Previously reported basic and diluted earnings per share for the year ended January 31, 2009 will decrease by $0.02.

 

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP SFAS 107-1 and Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, which amends SFAS No. 107, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, and APB Opinion No. 28, Interim Financial Reporting,  to require an entity to provide interim disclosures about the fair value of all financial instruments within the scope of SFAS No. 107 and to include disclosures related to the methods and significant assumptions used in estimating those instruments.  This FSP is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009, and accordingly, the Company adopted it during the second quarter of 2009.  Adoption of this FSP had no material impact on the Company’s financial statements.  See Note 4 for these disclosures.

 

In May 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 165, Subsequent Events, which establishes general standards for accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. SFAS No. 165 requires the disclosure of the date through which an entity has evaluated subsequent events and the rationale for why that date was selected. This statement is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009, and accordingly, the Company adopted it during the second quarter of 2009.  In preparing these financial statements, the Company evaluated the events and transactions through the time of filing these financial statements with the SEC on August 28, 2009.

 

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In July 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 168, The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.  SFAS No. 168 establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (the “Codification”), which supersedes all existing accounting standards and will become the single source of authoritative non-governmental U.S. GAAP.  All other accounting literature not included in the Codification will be considered non-authoritative.  The Company will begin to use the new guidelines and numbering system prescribed by the Codification when referring to GAAP beginning in the third quarter of 2009 and there is not expected to be any impact on the Company’s financial statements since the Codification was not intended to change existing GAAP.

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

Except for specific historical information, many of the matters discussed in this Form 10-Q may express or imply projections of revenues or expenditures, statements of plans and objectives for future operations, growth or initiatives, statements of future economic performance, or statements regarding the outcome or impact of pending or threatened litigation. These, and similar statements, are forward-looking statements concerning matters that involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual performance of the Company to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these statements. All forward-looking information should be evaluated in the context of these risks, uncertainties and other factors. The words “believe,” “anticipate,” “project,” “plan,” “expect,” “estimate,” “objective,” “forecast,” “goal,” “intend,” “will likely result,” or “will continue” and similar words and expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. The Company believes the assumptions underlying these forward-looking statements are reasonable; however, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate, and therefore, actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.

 

The factors that may result in actual results differing from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: transportation and distribution delays or interruptions; changes in freight rates; the Company’s ability to negotiate effectively the cost and purchase of merchandise; inventory risks due to shifts in market demand; the Company’s ability to gauge fashion trends and changing consumer preferences; changes in consumer spending on apparel; changes in product mix; interruptions in suppliers’ businesses; interest rate fluctuations; a deterioration in general economic conditions caused by acts of war or terrorism or other factors; temporary changes in demand due to weather patterns; seasonality of the Company’s business; delays associated with building, opening and operating new stores; delays associated with building, opening, expanding or converting new or existing distribution centers; the future liquidity of auction rate securities; and other factors described in the section titled “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009 and in Part II, “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” and elsewhere in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q  and any amendments thereto and in the other documents the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including reports on Form 8-K.

 

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Form 10-Q. Except as may be required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this Form 10-Q or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Readers are advised, however, to read any further disclosures the Company may make on related subjects in its public disclosures or documents filed with the SEC.

 

Overview

 

We are a rapidly growing, value-priced retailer of urban fashion apparel and accessories for the entire family. Our merchandise offerings are designed to appeal to the preferences of fashion conscious consumers, particularly African-Americans. Originally our stores were located in the Southeast, and in recent years we expanded into the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions and the states of Texas and California. We operated 370 stores in both urban and rural markets in 23 states as of August 1, 2009.

 

We measure performance using key operating statistics. One of the main performance measures we use is comparable store sales growth. We define a comparable store as a store that has been opened for an entire fiscal year. Therefore, a store will not be considered a comparable store until its 13th month of operation at the earliest or until its 24th month at the latest. As an example, stores opened in fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2009 are not considered comparable stores in fiscal 2009. Relocated and expanded stores are included in the comparable store sales results. We also use other operating statistics, most notably average sales per store, to measure our performance. As we typically occupy existing space in established shopping centers rather than sites built specifically for our stores, store square footage (and therefore sales per square foot) varies by store. We focus on overall store sales volume as the critical driver of profitability. The average sales per store has increased over the years, as we have increased comparable store sales and opened new stores that are generally larger than our historical store base. Average sales per store increased from $0.8 million in fiscal 2000 to $1.4 million in fiscal 2008. In addition to sales, we measure gross profit as a percentage of sales and store operating expenses, with a particular focus on labor, as a percentage of sales. These results translate into store level contribution, which we use to evaluate overall performance of each individual store. Finally, we monitor corporate expenses against budgeted amounts.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Accounting Periods

 

The following discussion contains references to fiscal years 2009 and 2008, which represent fiscal years ending or ended on January 30, 2010 (fiscal 2009) and January 31, 2009 (fiscal 2008), respectively. Fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008 both have 52-week accounting periods. This discussion and analysis should be read with the condensed financial statements and the notes thereto.

 

Results of Operations

 

The following discussion of the Company’s financial performance is based on the condensed financial statements set forth herein. The nature of the Company’s business is seasonal. Historically, sales in the first and fourth quarters have been higher than sales achieved in the second and third quarters of the fiscal year. Expenses and, to a greater extent, operating income, vary by quarter. Results of a period shorter than a full year may not be indicative of results expected for the entire year. Furthermore, the seasonal nature of the Company’s business may affect comparisons between periods.

 

Twenty-six Weeks Ended August 1, 2009 and August 2, 2008

 

Net Sales.  Net sales increased $18.0 million, or 7.6%, to $254.7 million in the twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2009 from $236.7 million in the twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2008.  The increase in net sales was due primarily to 39 new stores opened since last year’s second quarter and 16 new stores opened in the first half of 2008 for which there was not a full twenty-six weeks of sales in 2008’s first half, partially offset by a 2.2% decrease in comparable store sales and the effect of closing four stores since last year’s second quarter. Comparable store sales were adversely affected by the comparison against last year’s first half which included the benefit of strong spending by our customers when they received their government stimulus checks.  In addition, approximately $1 million of sales are estimated to have shifted from the first half of this year to the first week of the third quarter due to later back-to-school sales tax holidays in eight of the states in which we operate.  Comparable stores include locations that have been relocated or expanded. There were five stores relocated or expanded in the first half of 2009 and nine stores relocated or expanded in fiscal 2008, all of which impacted comparable store sales. Sales in comparable relocated and expanded stores increased 11.0% in the first half of 2009, while sales in all other comparable stores decreased 2.8%. The 2.2% decrease in overall comparable store sales consisted of a 3.7% decrease in the number of customer transactions, partially offset by a 1.5% increase in the average customer purchase. Comparable store sales changes by major merchandise class were as follows in the first half of 2009:   Accessories +2%; Children’s +2%; Home +2%; Women’s -4%; Men’s -5%.

 

The new stores opened in 2008 and 2009, net of the closed stores, accounted for a $22.9 million increase in total sales, while the 2.2% sales decrease in the 315 comparable stores totaled $4.9 million.

 

Gross Profit.  Gross profit increased $8.1 million, or 8.8%, to $99.8 million in the first half of 2009 from $91.7 million last year.  The increase in gross profit is a result of the increase in sales, together with an improvement in the gross margin to 39.2% in this year’s first half from 38.7% last year.  The higher gross margin was the result of a 50 basis point reduction in inventory shrinkage as a percentage of sales due to steps taken to better control shrinkage, including a greater focus on problem stores by the store operations and loss prevention departments, the addition of sophisticated surveillance systems in high shrinkage stores, and lower inventory levels.  A reduction in freight costs resulting from lower gasoline prices and a slight increase in the initial markup on merchandise combined to offset a 40 basis point increase in markdowns that was a result of the negative comparable store sales.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $6.0 million, or 8.2%, to $79.1 million in the first half of 2009 from $73.1 million in last year’s first half.  The increase in these expenses was due primarily to additional store level, distribution and corporate costs arising from the opening of 39 new stores, net of the effect of closing four stores, since the end of last year’s second quarter.  As a percentage of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased in the first half to 31.1% from 30.9% last year, due primarily to the deleveraging effect that occurs on expenses as a percentage of sales when comparable store sales decrease while operating expenses are increasing at a normal rate of inflation. Expenses were managed well, increasing only 8.2% despite a 13% increase in store selling square footage since the second quarter of 2008.

 

Depreciation and Amortization.  Depreciation and amortization expense increased $1.0 million, or 13.5%, to $8.8 million in the first half of 2009 from $7.8 million in the first half of 2008, as the result of capital expenditures incurred for new and relocated/expanded stores and the expansion of the Darlington distribution center.

 

Interest Income.  Interest income decreased to $0.2 million from $1.4 million in the first half of 2008 due to a declining interest rate environment which affected our returns on auction rate securities as well as cash and cash equivalents.

 

Interest Expense.  Interest expense decreased to $69,000 in the first half of 2009 from $162,000 last year due to the normal decline in the interest portion of payments on our capital lease obligations as the principal portion of such obligations is reduced.

 

Unrealized Loss on Investment Securities.  An impairment loss of $57,000 on our investments in auction rate securities and a related put option is reflected in the first half of 2009.

 

Income Tax Expense.  The provision for income taxes increased 1.2% to $4.1 million in this year’s first half from $4.0 million in the first half of 2008 due to an increase in the effective income tax rate to 34.2% compared to 33.5% last year, partially offset by a slight decrease in pretax income.  The increase in the effective rate is a result of less tax-exempt interest income this year, as discussed above.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Net Income.  Net income decreased 1.9% to $7.9 million in the first half of 2009 from $8.0 million in last year’s first half due to the factors discussed above.

 

Thirteen Weeks Ended August 1, 2009 and August 2, 2008

 

Net Sales.  Net sales decreased $4.1 million, or 3.5%, to $111.6 million in the thirteen weeks ended August 1, 2009 from $115.7 million in the thirteen weeks ended August 2, 2008.  The decrease in net sales was due primarily to a 12.4% decrease in comparable store sales and the effect of closing four stores since last year’s second quarter, partially offset by 39 new stores opened since last year’s second quarter. Comparable store sales were adversely affected by the comparison against last year’s second quarter which included the benefit of strong spending by our customers when they received their government stimulus checks.  In addition, approximately $1 million of sales are estimated to have shifted from the second quarter to the first week of the third quarter due to later back-to-school sales tax holidays in eight of the states in which we operate.  Comparable stores include locations that have been relocated or expanded. There were five stores relocated or expanded in the first half of 2009 and nine stores relocated or expanded in fiscal 2008, all of which impacted comparable store sales in the second quarter of 2009. Sales in comparable relocated and expanded stores decreased 3.5% in this year’s second quarter, while sales in all other comparable stores decreased 12.8%. The 12.4% decrease in overall comparable store sales consisted of a 10.1% decrease in the number of customer transactions and a 2.3% decrease in the average customer purchase. Comparable store sales changes by major merchandise class were as follows in the second quarter of 2009:  Accessories -4%; Home -11%; Children’s -11%; Women’s -13%; Men’s -15%.

 

The new stores opened in 2008 and 2009, net of the closed stores, accounted for a $9.4 million increase in total sales, while the 12.4% sales decrease in the 315 comparable stores totaled $13.5 million.

 

Gross Profit.  Gross profit decreased $2.3 million, or 5.2%, to $42.6 million in the second quarter of 2009 from $44.9 million in last year’s second quarter.  The decrease in gross profit is a result of the decrease in sales, together with a decline in the gross margin to 38.2% in this year’s second quarter from 38.8% last year.  Merchandise markdowns were 130 basis points higher in the second quarter this year as a result of the decline in comparable store sales.  The increase in markdowns was partially offset by a 60 basis point improvement in inventory shrinkage due to the steps taken to better control shrinkage, including a greater focus on problem stores by the store operations and loss prevention departments, the addition of sophisticated surveillance systems in high shrinkage stores, and lower inventory levels.  The initial merchandise mark-up, combined with freight costs, improved 10 basis points in this year’s second quarter.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $2.1 million, or 5.7%, to $39.0 million in the second quarter of 2009 from $36.9 million in last year’s second quarter.  The increase in these expenses was due primarily to additional store level, distribution and corporate costs arising from the opening of 39 new stores, net of the effect of closing four stores, since last year’s second quarter.  As a percentage of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 34.9% in the second quarter of fiscal 2009 from 31.9% in the second quarter of fiscal 2008, due primarily to the deleveraging effect that occurs on expenses as a percentage of sales when comparable store sales decrease, while operating expenses are increasing at a normal rate of inflation. Expenses were managed well, increasing only 5.7% despite a 13% increase in store selling square footage since the second quarter of 2008.

 

Depreciation and Amortization.  Depreciation and amortization expense increased $0.4 million, or 9.2%, to $4.5 million in the second quarter of 2009 from $4.1 million in the second quarter of 2008, as the result of capital expenditures incurred for new and relocated/expanded stores.

 

Interest Income.  Interest income decreased to $105,000 in the second quarter of 2009 from $557,000 in last year’s second quarter due to a declining interest rate environment which affected our returns on auction rate securities as well as cash and cash equivalents.

 

Interest Expense.  Interest expense decreased to $28,000 in the second quarter of 2009 from $75,000 in the second quarter of 2008 due to the normal decline in the interest portion of payments on our capital lease obligations as the principal portion of such obligations is reduced.

 

Unrealized Gain on Investment Securities.  A reversal of $671,000 of the first quarter’s impairment loss of $728,000 on our investments in auction rate securities and a related put option is reflected in the second quarter of fiscal 2009 due primarily to an improvement in the credit spreads and liquidity associated with the ARS market.

 

Income Tax Expense (Benefit). Due to a loss in this year’s second quarter, an income tax benefit of $38,000 was recorded, whereas, the second quarter of 2008 included income tax expense of $1.6 million.

 

Net Income (Loss).  A net loss of $69,000 was recognized in the second quarter of 2009, compared to net income of $2.8 million in last year’s second quarter due to the factors discussed above.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Our cash requirements are primarily for working capital, expansion of our distribution infrastructure, construction of new stores, remodeling of our existing stores and the improvement of our information systems. Historically, we have met these cash requirements from cash flow from operations, short-term trade credit, borrowings under our revolving lines of credit, long-term debt, capital leases, and cash proceeds from our initial public offering.  We expect to be able to meet future cash requirements with cash flow from operations, short-term trade credit, existing cash balances and, if necessary, borrowings under our revolving credit facility.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Current Financial Condition. As of August 1, 2009, we had total cash and cash equivalents of $36.4 million compared with total cash and cash equivalents of $33.5 million as of January 31, 2009. Inventory represented 36.2% of our total assets as of August 1, 2009.  Management’s ability to manage our inventory can have a significant impact on our cash flows from operations during a given interim period or fiscal year. In addition, inventory purchases can be seasonal in nature, such as the purchase of warm-weather or Christmas-related merchandise.  Total inventories at the end of the second quarter of 2009 were up $3.5 million, or 4.1%, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2008, despite an increase in store selling square footage of 13%.  Inventory in comparable stores was 10.2% lower than at the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2008, due to our efforts to conservatively control our investment in inventory.

 

Cash Flows From Operating Activities. Net cash provided by operating activities was $11.7 million in the first half of fiscal 2009 compared to $12.0 million in the first half of fiscal 2008.  The main source of cash provided during the first half of this year was net income adjusted for noncash expenses such as depreciation and amortization, loss on disposal of property and equipment, deferred income taxes, stock-based compensation expense, and the unrealized loss on auction rate securities, totaling $17.3 million (compared to $15.2 million in last year’s first half).  Other significant sources of cash in the first half of fiscal 2009 were (1) a $1.7 million decrease in prepaid and other current assets (compared to a $1.5 million increase in the first half of fiscal 2008) due primarily to the timing of collecting receivables from landlords for tenant improvement reimbursements, and (2) a $1.2 million increase in layaway deposits (compared to a $1.0 million increase in last year’s first half) due to the seasonality of layaway transactions which are low at the end of our fiscal year, because all balances have to be redeemed by customers or they are cancelled by the middle of December each year.  Significant uses of cash included (1) a $6.2 million decrease in accounts payable (compared to $0.0 million in last year’s first half) due to the negative comparable store sales in the second quarter reducing the need to purchase inventory late in the quarter, which inventory purchases would have been included in accounts payable at the end of the second quarter, and (2) a $2.6 million increase in inventory (compared to $2.9 million in the first half of 2008) due to the opening of 16 stores in the first half of 2009, net of three store closings.

 

Cash Flows From Investing Activities. Cash used in investing activities was $8.7 million in the first half of fiscal 2009 compared to $11.0 million in the first half of fiscal 2008.  Purchases of property and equipment included in cash flows used in investing activities totaled $10.0 million and $12.8 million in the first half of fiscal 2009 and 2008, respectively, with the decrease being a result of capital expenditures in the first half of last year related to the expansion of the Darlington distribution center. Such capital expenditures in both years included routine amounts for new stores, relocated and expanded stores and other general corporate purposes. Sales of municipal auction rate securities, net of purchases, provided cash of $1.3 million and $1.8 million in the first half of fiscal 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

Cash Flows From Financing Activities. Cash flows from financing activities were insignificant in the first half of fiscal 2009 and 2008.

 

Cash Requirements

 

Our principal sources of liquidity consist of: (i) cash and cash equivalents (which equaled $36.4 million as of August 1, 2009); (ii) short-term trade credit; (iii) cash generated from operations on an ongoing basis as we sell our merchandise inventory; and (iv) a $20 million revolving credit facility. Trade credit represents a significant source of financing for inventory purchases and arises from customary payment terms and trade practices with our vendors.  Historically, our principal liquidity requirements have been for working capital and capital expenditure needs.

 

As of August 1, 2009, we had $38.1 million ($42.5 million at par value) of investments in municipal auction rate securities (“ARS”) issued by student loan funding organizations. These securities are high-grade (at least AA-rated with one or more rating agencies) and approximately 79% are either guaranteed by the Department of Education under the Federal Family Education Loan Program (35%) or backed by insurance companies, AMBAC Assurance Corporation (32%) or MBIA Insurance Corporation (12%). Historically, liquidity for investors in ARS was provided via an auction process that reset the interest rate every 35 days, allowing investors to either roll over their investments or sell them at par value. Beginning in February 2008, there was insufficient demand for these types of investments during the auctions and, as a result, these securities became illiquid. Although the auctions for the securities have failed, we have not experienced any defaults and continue to earn and receive interest on all of the investments that we still own.

 

In November 2008, we accepted an offer (the “Right”) from UBS AG (“UBS”) allowing us to sell at par value our remaining ARS to UBS at anytime during a two-year period from June 30, 2010 through July 2, 2012.  In accepting the Right, we granted UBS the authority to sell or auction the ARS at par value at any time up until the expiration date of the Right and released UBS from any claims relating to the marketing and sale of ARS.  We will continue to earn interest on the ARS until they are liquidated.  The obligations of UBS under the Right are not secured by its assets and do not require UBS to obtain any financing to purchase the ARS.  UBS has disclaimed any assurance that it will have sufficient financial resources to satisfy its obligations under the Right.  If UBS does not have sufficient funding to buy back the ARS and no alternative buyers are located either through the auction process, issuer redemptions or other means, then we may not be able to access cash by selling these securities without incurring a loss of principal.  The Right was valued at $4.3 million as of August 1, 2009.

 

We believe that our existing sources of liquidity will be sufficient to fund our operations and anticipated capital expenditures for at least the next 12 months.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. There have been no material changes to the Critical Accounting Policies outlined in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2008.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

We are exposed to financial market risks related to changes in interest rates connected with our revolving line of credit, which bears interest at variable rates. We cannot predict market fluctuations in interest rates. As a result, future results may differ materially from estimated results due to adverse changes in interest rates or debt availability. A hypothetical 100 basis point increase in prevailing market interest rates would not have materially impacted our financial position, results of operations or cash flows for the twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2009, because we did not borrow during this period of time.  We do not engage in financial transactions for trading or speculative purposes and have not entered into any interest rate hedging contracts.

 

We source all of our product from apparel markets in the United States in U.S. Dollars and, therefore, are not directly subject to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. However, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could affect our purchasing power with vendors that import merchandise to sell to us. We have not entered into forward contracts to hedge against fluctuations in foreign currency prices.

 

As of August 1, 2009, we had $38.1 million ($42.5 million at par value) of investments in municipal auction rate securities (“ARS”) issued by student loan funding organizations. These securities are high-grade (at least AA-rated with one or more rating agencies) and approximately 79% are either guaranteed by the Department of Education under the Federal Family Education Loan Program (35%) or backed by insurance companies, AMBAC Assurance Corporation (32%) or MBIA Insurance Corporation (12%). Historically, liquidity for investors in ARS was provided via an auction process that reset the interest rate every 35 days, allowing investors to either roll over their investments or sell them at par value. Beginning in February 2008, there was insufficient demand for these types of investments during the auctions and, as a result, these securities became illiquid. Although the auctions for the securities have failed, we have not experienced any defaults and continue to earn and receive interest on all of the investments that we still own.  However, interest rates have declined to levels that are much lower than in most of fiscal 2008.  As a result, interest income is expected to be significantly lower in fiscal 2009 than in fiscal 2008.

 

In November 2008, we accepted an offer (the “Right”) from UBS AG (“UBS”) allowing us to sell at par value our remaining ARS to UBS at anytime during a two-year period from June 30, 2010 through July 2, 2012.  In accepting the Right, we granted UBS the authority to sell or auction the ARS at par value at any time up until the expiration date of the Right and released UBS from any claims relating to the marketing and sale of ARS.  We will continue to earn interest on the ARS until they are liquidated.  The obligations of UBS under the Right are not secured by its assets and do not require UBS to obtain any financing to purchase the ARS.  UBS has disclaimed any assurance that it will have sufficient financial resources to satisfy its obligations under the Right.  If UBS does not have sufficient funding to buy back the ARS and no alternative buyers are located either through the auction process, issuer redemptions or other means, then we may not be able to access cash by selling these securities without incurring a loss of principal.  The Right was valued at $4.3 million as of August 1, 2009.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

 

We have carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of August 1, 2009 pursuant to Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 of the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer each concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under 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 has been accumulated and communicated to our management, including the officers who certify our financial reports, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding the required disclosures.

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended August 1, 2009 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

 

We are from time to time involved in various legal proceedings incidental to the conduct of our business, including claims by customers, employees or former employees. While litigation is subject to uncertainties and the outcome of any litigated matter is not predictable, we are not aware of any legal proceedings pending or threatened against us that we expect to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

 

There are no material changes to the Risk Factors described under the section “ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

The annual meeting of our shareholders was held on May 27, 2009.  The following proposals were submitted to a vote:

 

1)  The election of two directors to hold office until our annual meeting of shareholders in 2012 and until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified.  This proposal received the following number of votes:

 

 

 

Affirmative

 

Withheld

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R. David Alexander, Jr.

 

13,382,574

 

46,597

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patricia M. Luzier

 

12,940,128

 

489,043

 

 

The other members of our board of directors whose terms of office continued after the meeting are R. Edward Anderson, Brian P. Carney, Lawrence E. Hyatt and John S. Lupo.

 

2)  The approval of the Citi Trends, Inc. Annual Incentive Bonus Plan.  This proposal was approved with 13,331,398 shares voting for approval, 97,056 shares voting against approval, and 712 shares abstaining.

 

3)  The ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent auditors for fiscal year 2009.  This proposal was approved with 13,395,640 shares voting for approval, 33,508 shares voting against approval, and 23 shares abstaining.

 

Item 5. Other Information.

 

Not applicable.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Item  6. Exhibits.

 

10.1

 

Citi Trends, Inc. Annual Incentive Bonus Plan.*

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

 

 

 

32.1

 

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.* †

 


*       Filed herewith.

 

       Pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission Release No. 33-8238, this certification will be treated as “accompanying” this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and not “filed” as part of such report for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liability of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and this certification will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that the registrant specifically incorporates it by reference.

 

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Table of Contents

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, and the undersigned also has signed this report in his capacity as the Registrant’s Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer).

 

 

CITI TRENDS, INC.

 

 

 

Date: August 28, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Bruce D. Smith

 

Name:

Bruce D. Smith

 

Title:

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

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