Reports First Quarter Diluted EPS of $0.05
Announces Extension of Its Credit Facility
MINNEAPOLIS -- June 30, 2011 -- Christopher & Banks Corporation (NYSE: CBK), a specialty women's apparel retailer, today reported results for the 2012 fiscal first quarter ended May 28, 2011. The Company also announced that it completed an amendment to its existing $50 million credit facility that extends the facility's maturity to June 30, 2014.
Results for the First Quarter Ended May 28, 2011
* Total net sales were $123.8 million, as compared to $126.2 million for the
first quarter of fiscal 2011. Same store sales decreased 2% in the first
quarter of fiscal 2012.
* Gross profit was $43.0 million for the quarter, as compared to $53.4
million in the first quarter of fiscal 2011. Gross margin was 34.7% for
the first quarter of fiscal 2012, as compared to 42.3% in the first
quarter of fiscal 2011.
* Operating income totaled $2.0 million, or 1.6% of sales, as compared to
operating income of $10.6 million, or 8.4% of sales, in the same period
last year.
* Net income for the quarter totaled $1.9 million, or $0.05 per diluted
share, reflecting an effective tax rate of 8.7%, which is significantly
lower than the statutory rate due to the Company's recognition of a full
valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets in the third quarter
of fiscal 2011. The lower tax rate benefited diluted earnings per share by
approximately $0.02 in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. Net income for
the first quarter of fiscal 2011 totaled $6.3 million, or $0.18 per
diluted share, including an effective tax rate of 41.1%.
Larry Barenbaum, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "During the first quarter, we continued to make progress on our key initiatives to improve the business. A modest selection of new product reflecting our updated styling was delivered in May and demonstrated stronger sell-through than we have seen during the past several seasons, and we are encouraged that we are on the right track with our merchandise initiatives. We remain extremely focused on evolving our merchandising strategy to update our assortment to better align with our customers' tastes, which will be fully reflected in our fall deliveries. In addition, we have initiatives under way to strengthen our marketing efforts and enhance our in-store experience. While near term we expect the competitive environment to remain promotional, we remain confident that we are moving the Company in a direction that will lead to improved sales and profitability over the long term."
First Quarter Balance Sheet Highlights and Capital Expenditures
The Company ended the first quarter of fiscal 2012 with total cash, cash-equivalents and investments of $101.3 million. Inventory, excluding e-Commerce inventory, was flat on a per-store basis at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2012, as compared to the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2011. The Company's balance sheet remains strong and management believes that its cash, cash-equivalents and investments are sufficient to meet the Company's liquidity needs for the current fiscal year. Capital expenditures totaled approximately $3.5 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2012 as the Company opened eight outlet stores and six dual stores during the quarter.
Second Quarter Fiscal 2012 Outlook
* The Company expects same-store sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2012
to be flat to a low single digit increase as compared to the second
quarter of fiscal 2011.
* Total gross margin for the second quarter of fiscal 2012 is expected to
decline by approximately 350 to 450 basis points, as compared to the
second quarter of fiscal 2011.
* The dollar amount of SG&A expense is expected to increase modestly in the
second quarter of fiscal 2012, as compared to the first quarter of fiscal
2012, as the Company increases its investment in marketing and store
payroll.
* Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $18 million for
fiscal 2012.
* The Company currently plans to open approximately 31 new stores and close
approximately 35 existing stores in fiscal 2012.
Amendment and Extension of Existing Credit Facility
The Company has executed an Amendment to its Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (the "Credit Facility"). The $50 million Credit Facility was extended three years, with a new maturity date of June 30, 2014. Going forward, the interest rate on borrowings under the Credit Facility will consist of the three-month LIBOR plus 2%, reset daily. The Company currently has no borrowings under the Credit Facility and historically has only used the Credit Facility to open letters of credit.
Conference Call Information
The Company will discuss its first quarter results in a conference call scheduled for today, June 30, 2011, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time. The conference call will be simultaneously broadcast live over the Internet at http://www.christopherandbanks.com. An online archive of the broadcast will be available within one hour of the completion of the call and will be accessible at http://www.christopherandbanks.com until July 8, 2011. In addition, an audio replay of the call will be available shortly after its conclusion and will be archived until July 8, 2011. This call may be accessed by dialing (877) 870-5176 and using the passcode 2175867.
About Christopher & Banks
Christopher & Banks Corporation is a Minneapolis-based specialty retailer of women's clothing. As of June 30, 2011, the Company operates 773 stores in 46 states consisting of 506 Christopher & Banks stores, 243 stores in their plus size clothing division CJ Banks, nine dual-concept stores and 15 outlet stores. The Company also operates the www.ChristopherandBanks.com and www.CJBanks.com e-Commerce websites.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements, made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements may use the words "expect", "anticipate", "plan", "intend", "project", "believe" and similar expressions and include the statements (i) that the Company continues to make progress on its key initiatives to improve the business; (ii) that the Company is encouraged that it is on the right track with its merchandise initiatives; (iii) that the Company remains extremely focused on evolving its merchandising strategy to update its assortment to better align with its customers' tastes, which will be fully reflected in the fall deliveries; (iv) that the Company has initiatives under way to strengthen its marketing efforts and enhance the in-store experience; (v) that in the near term the Company expects the competitive environment to remain promotional; (vi) that the Company remains confident that it is moving in a direction that will lead to improved sales and profitability over the long term; (vii) that the Company believes that its cash, cash-equivalents and investments are sufficient to meet its liquidity needs for the current fiscal year; (viii) that the Company expects a flat to a low single digit increase in same-store sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2012, as compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2011; (ix) that for the second quarter of fiscal 2012 the Company expects total gross margin to decline by approximately 350 to 450 basis points, as compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2011; (x) that the Company expects the dollar amount of SG&A expense to increase modestly in the second quarter of fiscal 2012, as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2012; (xi) that capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $18.0 million for fiscal 2012; and (xii) that the Company currently plans to open approximately 31 new stores and close approximately 35 existing stores in fiscal 2012. These statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to a number of uncertainties and risks, as well as assumptions that, if they do not fully materialize or prove incorrect, could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from estimates or projections contained in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) the inherent difficulty in forecasting consumer buying and retail traffic patterns which may be affected by factors beyond our control, such as a weakness in overall consumer demand; adverse weather, economic or political conditions; and shifts in consumer tastes or spending habits that result in reduced sales; (ii) lack of acceptance of the Company's fashions, including its seasonal fashions; (iii) the ability of the Company's infrastructure and systems to adequately support our operations; (iv) effectiveness of the Company's brand awareness, marketing programs and efforts to enhance the in-store experience; (v) the possibility that, because of poor customer response to our merchandise, management may determine it is necessary to sell merchandise at lower than expected margins or at a loss; (vi) the failure to successfully implement the Company's strategic and tactical plans; (vii) general economic conditions could lead to a reduction in store traffic and in consumer spending on women's apparel; (viii) fluctuations in the levels of the Company's sales, expenses or earnings; and (ix) risks associated with the performance and operations of the Company's Internet operations.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which are based on current expectations and speak only as of the date of this release. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement at any time for any reason.
Certain other factors that may cause actual results to differ from such forward-looking statements are included in the Company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available on the Company's website under "Investor Relations" and you are urged to carefully consider all such factors.
CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION
UNAUDITED COMPARATIVE INCOME STATEMENT
FOR THE QUARTERS ENDED
MAY 28, 2011 AND MAY 29, 2010
(in thousands, except per share data)
Quarter Ended
---------------------
May 28, May 29,
2011 2010
--------- ---------
Net sales $ 123,832 $ 126,235
Costs and expenses:
Merchandise, buying and occupancy 80,826 72,857
Selling, general and administrative 35,430 36,199
Depreciation and amortization 5,584 6,530
--------- ---------
Total costs and expenses 121,840 115,586
--------- ---------
Operating income 1,992 10,649
Interest income 79 116
--------- ---------
Income before income taxes 2,071 10,765
Income tax provision 180 4,425
--------- ---------
Net income $ 1,891 $ 6,340
========= =========
Basic earnings per share:
Net income $ 0.05 $ 0.18
========= =========
Basic shares outstanding 35,482 35,306
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Diluted earnings per share:
Net income $ 0.05 $ 0.18
========= =========
Diluted shares outstanding 35,533 35,607
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Dividends per share $ 0.06 $ 0.06
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CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION
UNAUDITED COMPARATIVE BALANCE SHEET
(in thousands)
May 28, May 29,
2011 2010
--------- ---------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 48,315 $ 38,730
Short-term investments 25,803 60,962
Merchandise inventories 34,808 34,543
Other current assets 16,596 14,260
--------- ---------
Total current assets 125,522 148,495
--------- ---------
Property, equipment and improvements, net 74,461 92,884
--------- ---------
Other assets:
Long-term investments 27,179 15,172
Other 274 8,396
--------- ---------
Total other assets 27,453 23,568
--------- ---------
Total assets $ 227,436 $ 264,947
========= =========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 11,688 $ 7,443
Accrued liabilities 26,400 24,672
Other current liabilities - 3,704
--------- ---------
Total current liabilities 38,088 35,819
--------- ---------
Other liabilities:
Deferred lease incentives 14,937 18,371
Other 9,819 12,259
--------- ---------
Total other liabilities 24,756 30,630
--------- ---------
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock 456 456
Additional paid-in capital 115,377 114,163
Retained earnings 161,396 196,567
Common stock held in treasury (112,711) (112,711)
Accumulated other comprehensive income 74 23
--------- ---------
Total stockholders' equity 164,592 198,498
--------- ---------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 227,436 $ 264,947
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CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION
UNAUDITED COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE QUARTERS ENDED
MAY 28, 2011 AND MAY 29, 2010
(in thousands)
Quarter Ended
----------------------
May 28, May 29,
2011 2010
-------- --------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 1,891 $ 6,340
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 5,584 6,530
Deferred income taxes - (946)
Stock-based compensation expense 586 638
Other 42 (34)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Increase in accounts receivable (3,172) (1,602)
Decrease in merchandise inventories 4,403 3,953
Increase in other current assets (1,054) (591)
(Increase) decrease in other assets 40 (2)
Decrease in accounts payable (3,395) (6,124)
Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities (3,530) 386
Decrease in deferred lease incentives (45) (1,207)
Decrease in other liabilities (170) (440)
-------- --------
Net cash provided by operating activities 1,180 6,901
-------- --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, equipment and (3,464) (3,395)
improvements
Purchases of investments (38,017) (22,034)
Sales of investments 47,041 22,026
-------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing 5,560 (3,403)
activities -------- --------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid (2,137) (2,134)
Other - 293
-------- --------
Net cash used in financing activities (2,137) (1,841)
-------- --------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 4,603 1,657
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 43,712 37,073
-------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 48,315 $ 38,730
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