CBK 10-Q - Q1 2014


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549
 


 
FORM 10-Q
 
(Mark One)
 
ý                   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended May 3, 2014
 
or
 
o                TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from to
 
Commission File No. 001-31390
 
CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
 
06 - 1195422
(State or other jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
 
Identification No.)
 
 
 
2400 Xenium Lane North, Plymouth, Minnesota
 
55441
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (763) 551-5000
 

 Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
 

 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  ý  YES  o  NO
 
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).  ý  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 Act).  o  YES  ý  NO
 
As of May 30, 2014 there were 36,426,797 shares of the registrant's common stock outstanding.
 





CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
PART I
 
 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements:
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) as of May 3, 2014 and February 1, 2014
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the Thirteen Weeks Ended May 3, 2014 and May 4, 2013
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) for the Thirteen Weeks Ended May 3, 2014 and May 4, 2013
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the Thirteen Weeks Ended May 3, 2014 and May 4, 2013
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
 
 
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
 
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
 
 
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II
 
 
OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
 
 
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
 
 
 
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
 
 
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
 
 
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
 
 
 
Item 5.
Other Information
 
 
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
 
 
 
 
Signatures
 
 
 


1



PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)
 
 
May 3, 2014
 
February 1, 2014
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS
 
 

 
 

Current assets:
 
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
29,534

 
$
41,074

Short-term investments
 
10,003

 
12,982

Accounts receivable
 
5,915

 
2,428

Merchandise inventories
 
50,158

 
44,877

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
9,146

 
7,408

Income taxes receivable
 
545

 
310

Total current assets
 
105,301

 
109,079

Property, equipment and improvements, net
 
37,757

 
36,458

Long-term investments
 
1,456

 
3,143

Other assets
 
287

 
298

Total assets
 
$
144,801

 
$
148,978

 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 

 
 

Current liabilities:
 
 

 
 

Accounts payable
 
$
15,623

 
$
23,198

Accrued salaries, wages and related expenses
 
5,816

 
6,322

Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities
 
23,092

 
23,748

Total current liabilities
 
44,531

 
53,268

Non-current liabilities:
 
 

 
 

Deferred lease incentives
 
5,464

 
4,773

Deferred rent obligations
 
3,291

 
2,860

Other non-current liabilities
 
1,166

 
1,140

Total non-current liabilities
 
9,921

 
8,773

 
 
 
 
 
Commitments
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
Stockholders’ equity:
 
 

 
 

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

 

Common stock — $0.01 par value, 74,000 shares authorized, 46,218 and 46,214 shares issued, and 36,427 and 36,423 shares outstanding at May 3, 2014 and February 1, 2014, respectively
 
461

 
461

Additional paid-in capital
 
123,209

 
122,416

Retained earnings
 
79,385

 
76,768

Common stock held in treasury, 9,791 shares at cost at May 3, 2014 and February 1, 2014
 
(112,711
)
 
(112,711
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
5

 
3

Total stockholders’ equity
 
90,349

 
86,937

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
144,801

 
$
148,978

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


2


CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
 
 
May 3, 2014
 
May 4, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
 
$
103,366

 
$
108,519

 
Costs and expenses:
 
0

 
 
 
Merchandise, buying and occupancy
 
65,461

 
71,436

 
Selling, general and administrative
 
32,206

 
32,716

 
Depreciation and amortization
 
2,907

 
3,445

 
Restructuring and impairment
 

 
140

 
Total costs and expenses
 
100,574

 
107,737

 
Operating income
 
2,792

 
782

 
Other expense
 
(52
)
 
(63
)
 
Income before income taxes
 
2,740

 
719

 
Income tax provision
 
124

 
90

 
Net income
 
$
2,616

 
$
629

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
   Net income
 
$
0.07

 
$
0.02

 
   Basic shares outstanding
 
36,279

 
36,198

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
   Net income
 
$
0.07

 
$
0.02

 
   Diluted shares outstanding
 
37,239

 
37,183

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

3


CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands)
(unaudited)


 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
 
 
May 3, 2014
 
May 4, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
2,616

 
$
629

 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities arising during the period, net of taxes of $0 for the thirteen week periods ending May 3, 2014 and May 4, 2013, respectively
 
1

 
(8
)
 
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
 
1

 
(8
)
 
Comprehensive income
 
$
2,617

 
$
621

 

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


4



CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
 
May 3, 2014
 
May 4, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 

 
 

Net income
 
$
2,616

 
$
629

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

 
 

Depreciation and amortization
 
2,907

 
3,445

Impairment of store assets
 

 
140

Amortization of discount on investments
 
19

 

Amortization of financing costs
 
18

 
19

Deferred lease-related liabilities
 
781

 
(418
)
Stock-based compensation expense
 
841

 
790

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 

 
 

Increase in accounts receivable
 
(3,487
)
 
(1,828
)
Increase in merchandise inventories
 
(5,281
)
 
(340
)
Increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
(1,738
)
 
(1,007
)
Increase in income taxes receivable
 
(235
)
 
(10
)
(Increase) decrease in other assets
 
(7
)
 
3

Decrease in accounts payable
 
(7,574
)
 
(4,247
)
Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities
 
(910
)
 
3,761

Increase in other liabilities
 
115

 
30

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
 
(11,935
)
 
967

 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 

 
 

Purchases of property, equipment and improvements
 
(4,206
)
 
(1,040
)
Purchases of available-for-sale investments
 

 
(9,460
)
Redemptions of available-for-sale investments
 
4,649

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
 
443

 
(10,500
)
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 

 
 

Shares redeemed for payroll taxes
 
(88
)
 
(201
)
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted stock
 
40

 
4

Net cash used in financing activities
 
(48
)
 
(197
)
 
 
 
 
 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
 
(11,540
)
 
(9,730
)
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
41,074

 
40,739

 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
29,534

 
$
31,009

 
 
 
 
 

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

5



CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)


NOTE 1Basis 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. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. have been condensed or omitted, pursuant to such rules and regulations. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and related notes included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014.

The results of operations for the interim periods shown in this report are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full fiscal year. In the opinion of management, the information contained herein reflects all adjustments, consisting only of normal adjustments, except as otherwise stated in these notes, necessary to present fairly our financial position as of May 3, 2014 and May 4, 2013, and our results of operations and our cash flows for the thirteen-week periods ended May 3, 2014 and May 4, 2013.

Recently issued accounting pronouncements

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. This update requires that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. The guidance is effective for the Company's interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or disclosures.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).  This update clarifies the principles for revenue recognition in transactions involving contracts with customers.   The guidance will be effective for the Company’s interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is not permitted.   The Company has not yet evaluated what impact, if any, the adoption of this guidance may have on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or disclosures.   


6



NOTE 2Investments
 
Investments as of May 3, 2014 consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
 
 
Amortized Cost
 
Unrealized Gains
 
Unrealized Losses
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term investments:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Available-for-sale securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Certificates of deposit
 
$
3,080

 
$

 
$
1

 
$
3,079

Commercial paper
 
3,698

 
1

 

 
3,699

 Corporate bonds
 
1,620

 
2

 

 
1,622

U.S. Agency securities
 
1,603

 

 

 
1,603

Total short-term investments
 
10,001

 
3

 
1

 
10,003

Long-term investments:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Available-for-sale securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Municipal bonds
 
219

 
2

 

 
221

Corporate bonds
 
834

 
1

 

 
835

U.S. Agency securities
 
400

 

 

 
400

Total long-term investments
 
1,453

 
3

 

 
1,456

Total investments
 
$
11,454

 
$
6

 
$
1

 
$
11,459


The Company had $16.1 million of investments as of February 1, 2014. During the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014, there were no purchases of available-for-sale securities and approximately $4.6 million of maturities and sales of available-for-sale securities. During the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013, there were approximately $9.5 million purchases of available-for-sale securities and no sales or maturities of available-for-sale securities. There were no other-than-temporary impairments of available-for-sale securities during the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014 and May 4, 2013, respectively.

Expected maturities of the Company's investments are as follows (in thousands):
 
 
May 3, 2014
Due in one year or less
 
$
10,003

Due after one year through five years
 
1,456

Total investment securities
 
$
11,459


NOTE 3Merchandise Inventories and Sources of Supply
 
Merchandise inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
 
May 3, 2014
 
February 1, 2014
Merchandise - in store/e-commerce
 
$
45,652

 
$
35,324

Merchandise - in transit
 
4,506

 
9,553

Total merchandise inventories
 
$
50,158

 
$
44,877


The Company does not have long-term purchase commitments or arrangements with any of its suppliers or agents. During the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014 and May 4, 2013, one of our suppliers accounted for approximately 27% and 19% of our purchases, respectively. A second supplier provided approximately 10% and 6% of our purchases during the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014 and May 4, 2013, respectively. No other vendor supplied greater than 10% of the Company's merchandise purchases during the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014 or May 4, 2013.








7





NOTE 4Property, Equipment and Improvements, Net
 
Property, equipment and improvements, net consisted of the following (in thousands): 
Description
 
Estimated Useful Life
 
May 3, 2014
 
February 1, 2014
Land
 
 
$
1,597

 
$
1,597

Corporate office, distribution center and related building improvements
 
25 years
 
12,433

 
12,426

Store leasehold improvements
 
Shorter of the useful life or term of related lease, typically 10 years
 
47,870

 
52,591

Store furniture and fixtures
 
3 to 10 years
 
70,084

 
76,264

Corporate office and distribution center furniture, fixtures and equipment
 
7 years
 
5,086

 
5,069

Computer and point of sale hardware and software
 
3 to 5 years
 
34,124

 
34,808

Construction in progress
 
 
5,276

 
1,892

   Total property, equipment and improvements, gross
 
 
 
176,470

 
184,647

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
 
 
 
(138,713
)
 
(148,189
)
   Total property, equipment and improvements, net
 
 
 
$
37,757

 
$
36,458


The Company reviews long-lived assets with definite lives at least annually, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. As a result of an impairment analysis, which included the evaluation of individual under-performing stores and assessing the recoverability of the carrying value of the improvements and equipment related to each of the stores, there were no long-lived asset impairments recorded during the thirteen week period ended May 3, 2014. The Company recorded approximately $0.1 million for long-lived asset impairments during the thirteen week period ended May 4, 2013.

The Company's assessment of the recoverability of the carrying value of its assets involves the projection of future cash flows, which requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions. Differences in circumstances or estimates could produce significantly different results.

NOTE 5Accrued Liabilities
 
Other accrued liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands): 
 
 
May 3, 2014
 
February 1, 2014
Gift card and store credit liabilities
 
$
6,069

 
$
8,078

Accrued Friendship Rewards Program loyalty liability
 
4,105

 
4,020

Accrued income, sales and other taxes payable
 
2,716

 
1,517

Accrued occupancy-related expenses
 
1,799

 
2,101

Sales return reserve
 
2,026

 
835

Other accrued liabilities
 
6,377

 
7,197

   Total other accrued liabilities
 
$
23,092

 
$
23,748


NOTE 6Credit Facility
 
On July 12, 2012, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement (the "Credit Facility") with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association ("Wells Fargo") as Lender. The Credit Facility replaced the Company's prior credit facility with Wells Fargo. The Credit Facility provides the Company with revolving credit loans of up to $50.0 million in the aggregate, subject to a borrowing base formula based primarily on eligible credit card receivables, inventory and real estate, as such terms are defined in the Credit Facility, and up to $10.0 million of which may be drawn in the form of standby and documentary letters of credit. The Credit Facility expires in July 2017.


8



The Company recorded approximately $0.4 million of deferred financing costs in the second quarter of fiscal 2012 in connection with the Credit Facility. The deferred financing costs have been recorded within other assets on the consolidated balance sheet and are being amortized as interest expense over the related term of the Credit Facility. 

Borrowings under the Credit Facility will generally accrue interest at a rate ranging from 2.0% to 2.5% over the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") or 1.0% to 1.5% over Wells Fargo's Prime rate, based on the amount of Excess Availability, as such term is defined in the Credit Facility. Letters of credit fees range from 1.5% to 2.5%, depending upon Excess Availability.
  
The Credit Facility contains certain affirmative and negative covenants. The affirmative covenants include certain reporting requirements, maintenance of properties, payment of taxes and insurance, compliance with laws, environmental compliance and other provisions customary in such agreements. Negative covenants limit or restrict, among other things, secured and unsecured indebtedness, fundamental changes in the business, investments, liens and encumbrances, transactions with affiliates and other matters customarily restricted in such agreements. 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. The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of May 3, 2014.
 
The Credit Facility contains events of default that include failure to pay principal or interest when due, failure to comply with the covenants set forth in the Credit Facility, bankruptcy events, cross-defaults and the occurrence of a change of control, subject to the grace periods, qualifications and thresholds as specified in the Credit Facility. If an event of default under the Credit Facility occurs and is continuing, the loan commitments may be terminated and the principal amount outstanding, together with all accrued unpaid interest and other amounts owing in respect thereof, may be declared immediately due and payable.

The Credit Facility permits the payment of dividends to the Company's shareholders in limited circumstances. If certain financial conditions are met, the Company may declare and pay dividends not to exceed $10.0 million in any fiscal year. The Company may also declare and pay an additional one-time dividend payment to shareholders in an amount not to exceed $5.0 million.

The Company's obligations under the Credit Facility are secured by the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries pursuant to a Security Agreement, dated July 12, 2012 (the "Security Agreement"). Pursuant to the Security Agreement, the Company pledged substantially all of its assets as collateral security for the loans to be made pursuant to the Credit Facility, including accounts owed to the Company, bank accounts, inventory, other tangible and intangible personal property, real estate (including corporate office/distribution center), intellectual property (including patents and trademarks), and stock or other evidences of ownership of 100% of all of the Company's subsidiaries.

The Company had no revolving credit loan borrowings under the Credit Facility during each of the thirteen week periods ended May 3, 2014 or May 4, 2013. Historically, the Company's credit facility has been utilized only to open letters of credit. The total borrowing base at May 3, 2014 was approximately $44.0 million. As of May 3, 2014, the Company had open on-demand letters of credit of approximately $1.0 million. Accordingly, after reducing the borrowing base for the open letters of credit and the required minimum availability of the greater of $3.0 million, or 10.0% of the borrowing base, the net availability of revolving credit loans under the Credit Facility was approximately $38.6 million at May 3, 2014.

NOTE 7Income Taxes
 
The Company's liability for unrecognized tax benefits associated with uncertain tax positions is recorded within other non-current liabilities. As of both May 3, 2014 and February 1, 2014, the Company's liability for unrecognized tax benefits was approximately $0.8 million. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate as of May 3, 2014 and February 1, 2014 were $0.6 million and $0.5 million, respectively.  The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as components of income tax. At May 3, 2014 and February 1, 2014, approximately $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively, was accrued for the potential payment of interest and penalties.
 
The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income taxes and the income tax obligations of various state and local jurisdictions.  Fiscal 2011 is currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"). The transition period, fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2013 remain subject to examination by the IRS. With few exceptions, the Company is not subject to state income tax examination by tax authorities for taxable years prior to fiscal 2009.  As of May 3, 2014, the Company had no other ongoing audits and does not expect the liability for unrecognized tax benefits to significantly increase or decrease in the next twelve months.

9




As of May 3, 2014, the Company had a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets. Deferred income tax assets represent potential future income tax benefits. Realization of these assets is ultimately dependent upon future taxable income. The Company has incurred a net cumulative loss as measured by the results of the current year and the prior two years. ASC 740 “Income Taxes,” requires that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on all available evidence, it is considered more likely than not that some or all of the recorded deferred tax assets will not be realized in a future period. Forming a conclusion that a valuation allowance is not needed is difficult when negative evidence such as cumulative losses exists. As a result of management's evaluation, there was insufficient positive evidence to overcome the negative evidence related to the Company's cumulative losses. Accordingly, the Company has continued to maintain a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets since the third quarter of the fiscal year ended February 26, 2011; recording the valuation allowance does not have any impact on cash and does not prevent the Company from using the deferred tax assets in future periods when profits are realized.
 
As of May 3, 2014, the Company has federal and state net operating loss carryforwards which will reduce future taxable income. Approximately $25.1 million in net federal tax benefits are available from these loss carryforwards and an additional $1.0 million is available in net tax credit carryforwards. Included in the federal net operating loss is approximately $1.8 million of loss generated by deductions related to equity-based compensation, the tax effect of which will be recorded to additional paid in capital. The state loss carryforwards will result in net state tax benefits of approximately $2.3 million. The federal net operating loss carryovers will expire in November 2031 and beyond. The state net operating loss carryforwards will expire in November 2014 and beyond. 

NOTE 8Earnings Per Share

The Company calculates earnings per share ("EPS") under the guidance in ASC 260-10, "Earnings per Share," which clarifies that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to receive dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are considered participating securities, and thus, should be factored into the two-class method of computing EPS. Participating securities under this statement include the Company's unvested employee restricted stock awards with time-based vesting, which receive nonforfeitable dividend payments.
 
The calculation of EPS for common stock shown below excludes the income attributable to these unvested employee restricted stock awards from the numerator and excludes the dilutive impact of these shares from the denominator.
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
 
 
May 3, 2014
 
May 4, 2013
 
Numerator (in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Christopher & Banks Corporation
 
$
2,616

 
$
629

 
Income allocated to participating securities
 
(11
)
 
(2
)
 
Net income available to common shareholders
 
$
2,605

 
$
627

 
Denominator (in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic
 
36,279

 
36,198

 
Dilutive shares
 
960

 
985

 
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding - diluted
 
37,239

 
37,183

 
Net earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
0.07

 
$
0.02

 
Diluted
 
$
0.07

 
$
0.02

 
 
Total stock options of approximately 3.1 million and 3.3 million were excluded from the shares used in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014 and May 4, 2013, respectively, as they were anti-dilutive.

NOTE 9Fair Value Measurements

Under ASC 820-10 "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures," fair value is defined as the exit price, or the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the measurement date. ASC 820-10 also establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of

10



observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability and are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company's assumptions about the factors market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability that are developed based upon the best information available in the circumstances.

The hierarchy is broken down into three levels. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in an active market, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active and inputs (other than quoted prices) that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

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

For the thirteen week period ended May 3, 2014, fair value under ASC 820-10 applied to the Company's available-for-sale securities. These financial assets are carried at fair value following the requirements of ASC 820-10.
  
The following table provides information by level for the Company's available-for-sale securities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of May 3, 2014 (in thousands): 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements
Using Inputs Considered as
Description
 
Fair Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Short-term investments:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Certificates of deposit
 
$
3,079

 
$

 
$
3,079

 
$

Commercial paper
 
3,699

 

 
3,699

 

  Corporate bonds
 
1,622

 

 
1,622

 

  U.S. Agency securities
 
1,603

 

 
1,603

 

Total current assets
 
10,003

 

 
10,003

 

Long-term investments:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Municipal bonds
 
221

 

 
221

 

  Corporate bonds
 
835

 

 
835

 

U.S. Agency securities
 
400

 

 
400

 

Total non-current assets
 
1,456

 

 
1,456

 

Total assets
 
$
11,459

 
$

 
$
11,459

 
$


The Company's available-for-sale securities were valued based on quoted prices for similar assets in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets in which there were fewer transactions. The Company had $16.1 million of investments as of February 1, 2014 and there were no transfers of assets between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value measurement hierarchy during the thirteen week periods ended May 3, 2014 and May 4, 2013. According to its policy, the Company recognizes transfers into levels and transfers out of levels on the date of the event or when a change in circumstances causes a transfer.
  
Assets that are Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis:
 
There were no impairment charges on long-lived assets for the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014. During the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013, long-lived assets held and used with a carrying amount of approximately $0.1 million were written down to their fair value of $5 thousand, resulting in an impairment charge of approximately $0.1 million, which was included in earnings for the period.

The Company determines fair value by a discounted cash flow analysis. 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. The challenging economic environment, combined with the continued instability in the housing market and general economic uncertainty impacting the retail industry, makes it reasonably possible that additional long-lived asset impairments could be identified and recorded in future periods.


11



NOTE 10Legal Proceedings
 
The Company is subject, from time to time, to various claims, lawsuits or actions that arise in the ordinary course of business.  Although the amount of any liability that could arise with respect to any current proceedings cannot, in management’s opinion, be accurately predicted, any such liability is not expected to have a material adverse impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

NOTE 11Segment Reporting
 
In the table below, the Retail Operations reportable segment includes activity generated by our retail store locations (Christopher & Banks, C.J. Banks, Missy Petite Women ("MPW") and Outlet stores) as well as our eCommerce business. The “Corporate/Administrative” column, which primarily represents operating activity at the corporate office and distribution center facility, is presented to allow for reconciliation of segment-level net sales, operating income (loss) and total assets to consolidated net sales, operating income (loss) and total assets. Segment operating income (loss) includes only net sales, merchandise gross margin and direct store expenses with no allocation of corporate overhead.

During the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014 the Company recorded no charges related to restructuring and impairment as compared to a net charge of approximately $0.1 million related to restructuring and impairment for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013. The impairment costs in fiscal 2013 included approximately $0.1 million of expense related to store-level asset impairment charges and are included in the operating income for the Retail Operations segment for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013.
(in thousands)
 
Retail Operations
 
Corporate/Administrative
 
Consolidated
Thirteen Weeks Ended May 3, 2014
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net sales
 
$
103,366

 
$

 
$
103,366

Depreciation and amortization
 
2,266

 
641

 
2,907

Operating income (loss)
 
17,647

 
(14,855
)
 
2,792

Total assets
 
97,025

 
47,776

 
144,801

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended May 4, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
 
$
108,519

 
$

 
$
108,519

Depreciation and amortization
 
2,452

 
993

 
3,445

Operating income (loss)
 
15,690

 
(14,908
)
 
782

Total assets
 
101,003

 
35,337

 
136,340

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 12Related Party Transactions
 
The Company or its subsidiaries have for the past several years purchased goods directly from G-III Apparel Group Ltd. (“G-III”) or its related entities as well as engaged the services of two G-III subsidiaries as buying agent. On January 3, 2011, Morris Goldfarb, the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of G-III, became a director of the Company. On June 27, 2013, Mr. Goldfarb ceased to be a member of the Board as he did not stand for re-election at the Company's annual meeting of stockholders. Payments made by the Company and its subsidiaries to G-III and its related entities aggregated approximately $0.5 million and $0.4 million for the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014 and May 4, 2013, respectively. As of May 3, 2014 and February 1, 2014, the Company had a balance due to G-III or its related entities of less than $0.1 million and approximately $0.1 million, respectively.


12



ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations ("MD&A") should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes included in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q and the consolidated financial statements, notes and MD&A contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal period ended February 1, 2014.

Executive Overview
 
Christopher & Banks Corporation, a Delaware corporation, is a Minneapolis-based retailer of women’s apparel and accessories, which operates retail stores and two eCommerce sites through its wholly-owned subsidiaries. As of May 3, 2014, we operated 547 stores in 43 states, including 317 Christopher & Banks ("CB") stores, 126 C.J. Banks ("CJ") stores, 71 Missy, Petite, Women ("MPW") stores and 33 outlet stores. Our Christopher & Banks brand offers unique fashions and accessories featuring exclusively designed, coordinated 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 and outlet stores offer an assortment of both Christopher & Banks and C.J. Banks apparel servicing the missy, petite and women customer in one location. We also operate e-commerce web sites for our two brands at www.christopherandbanks.com and www.cjbanks.com which, in addition to offering the apparel and accessories found in our stores, also offer exclusive sizes and styles available only online.

We believe we have a unique opportunity to address the needs of our customer by embracing her demographic, women who generally range in age from 45 to 60, which is largely overlooked by other retailers. Our overall strategy for our two brands, Christopher & Banks and C.J. Banks, is to offer a compelling, evolving merchandise assortment through our stores and eCommerce web sites in order to satisfy our customers' expectations for style, quality, value, versatility and fit, while providing knowledgeable and personalized customer service.

Outlook for 2014

Second quarter 2014
 
Our results of operations for the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014 reflect continued momentum in our strategic initiatives despite the challenges presented by the severe winter weather experienced during the first half of the quarter. While there is some continued uncertainty associated with the current macro-economic environment, which may result in increased promotional activity in our industry, we anticipate same-store sales to increase in the low to mid-single digit range for the thirteen weeks ending August 2, 2014, compared to the prior year's comparable thirteen-week period. This is after taking into account a comparable store sales increase of 7.7% for the second quarter last year.

We expect to achieve approximately 100 to 150 basis points of gross margin expansion in the second quarter, as compared to last year's second quarter. The anticipated improvement is expected to result largely from improved merchandise margins. We expect selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expense dollars for the second quarter of fiscal 2014 to be between $32.5 million and $33.0 million, compared to the $31.5 million of SG&A expense reported in the second quarter last year. Included in the second quarter of 2014 is approximately $400 thousand of increased marketing expense in support of increased direct mail, first-time investments in public relations and social media, along with expanded customer research.

We expect inventory levels in the second quarter of fiscal 2014 to remain higher than the levels for the comparable prior year period, at a level similar to the dollars per square foot increase at the end of the first quarter.

We anticipate opening six new outlet stores and three new MPW stores in the second quarter. We also plan on converting 14 CB and CJ stores to seven MPW stores, closing four CB stores and replacing them with four new MPW stores, and converting 53 CB stores to MPW stores by adding CJ product to the assortment during the second quarter.

Fiscal 2014

Looking ahead, additional opportunities to enhance our merchandise offerings, further engage our customer, and broaden our reach with our marketing programs are expected to result in continued improvement in store productivity. We also plan to accelerate our MPW strategy and end the year with approximately 190 locations in this format, as these stores continue to deliver strong returns.


13



We expect average store count to be down approximately 8% for the full fiscal year, and average square footage for the full fiscal year to decline by approximately 5% as compared to the prior year. Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $23 million to $25 million for the fiscal year, reflecting new store openings, MPW relocations and the addition of new fixtures in all stores.

We expect to have a significant amount of store activity in fiscal 2014. During the year we plan to close 22 CB and CJ stores and convert them into 11 MPW stores in an existing store location; to close 22 CB and CJ stores and relocate to 11 new MPW stores; and to close 11 CB stores and replace each with a new MPW store in a nearby location. In addition, we currently have identified 23 sites for new stores in fiscal 2014 - consisting of 10 MPW stores and 13 outlets. We also anticipate adding CJ product to an additional 32 CB stores during the third quarter, in addition to the 53 we added to in May. We expect to end the fiscal year with 545 to 550 stores, which will equate to a 1% increase in total square footage as compared to the end of fiscal 2013. This is down slightly from our prior guidance due to the acceleration of collapsing and combining CB and CJ stores into MPW stores.

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

Same-store sales

Our same-store sales data is calculated based on the change in net sales for stores that have been open for more than 13 full months and includes stores, if any, that have been relocated within the same mall. Stores where square footage has been changed by more than 25 percent are excluded from the same-store sales calculation for 13 full months following the change. Stores closed during the year are included in the same-store sales calculation only for the full months of the year the stores were open. In addition, sales which are initiated in stores but fulfilled through our e-commerce websites are included in the calculation of same-store sales.

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

As we continue to implement our strategy of converting many of our existing stores to MPW stores, those converted stores are dropping out of our comparable store base for 13 months. As a result, we are also monitoring changes in sales per square foot for the entire store base. For the first quarter, sales per square foot increased by 3.0% as compared to the same period last year. Another metric of store productivity we are monitoring is gross margin per square foot, which increased by approximately 10% in the first quarter as compared to the prior year period.

Merchandise, buying and occupancy costs
 
Merchandise, buying and occupancy costs, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, as a percentage of net sales, measure whether we are appropriately optimizing the price of our merchandise and markdown utilization.

Merchandise, buying and occupancy costs include the cost of merchandise, markdowns, shrink, freight, buyer and distribution center salaries, buyer travel, rent and other occupancy-related costs, various merchandise design and development costs, miscellaneous merchandise expenses and other costs related to our distribution network.
 
Operating income

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

Cash flow and liquidity

We evaluate cash flow from operations, investing activities and financing activities in determining the sufficiency of our cash position. Cash flow from operations has historically been sufficient to provide for our uses of cash. We expect to operate our business and execute our strategic initiatives principally with funds generated from operations.

14




On July 12, 2012, we and our two subsidiaries, Christopher & Banks, Inc. and Christopher & Banks Company, entered into a Credit Agreement (the "Credit Facility") with Wells Fargo Bank National Association ("Wells Fargo") as Lender. If necessary, we could utilize this Credit Facility for any additional liquidity needs, subject to compliance with the financial covenant and its other terms and provisions. For further discussion on the Credit Facility, refer to the Capital Resources section.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
Our critical accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 of the notes to consolidated financial statements contained within our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal period ended February 1, 2014. There have been no material changes in our critical accounting policies or estimates in the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014. Management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S.

Results of Operations

Thirteen Weeks Ended May 3, 2014 Compared to Thirteen Weeks Ended May 4, 2013
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
May 3, 2014
 
May 4, 2013
 
Change
 
 
$ (in thousands)
 
% of Sales
 
$ (in thousands)
 
% of Sales
 
$
 
%
Net sales
 
$
103,366

 
100.0
 %
 
$
108,519

 
100.0
%
 
$
(5,153
)
 
(4.7
)%
Merchandise, buying and occupancy
 
65,461

 
63.3

 
71,436

 
65.8

 
(5,975
)
 
(8.4
)
Selling, general and administrative
 
32,206

 
31.2

 
32,716

 
30.1

 
(510
)
 
(1.6
)
Depreciation and amortization
 
2,907

 
2.8

 
3,445

 
3.3

 
(538
)
 
(15.6
)
Restructuring and impairment
 

 

 
140

 
0.1

 
(140
)
 
(100.0
)
Total costs and expenses
 
100,574

 
97.3

 
107,737

 
99.3

 
(7,163
)
 
(6.6
)
Operating income
 
2,792

 
2.7

 
782

 
0.7

 
2,010

 
257.0

Other expense
 
(52
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(63
)
 

 
11

 
(17.5
)
Income before income taxes
 
2,740

 
2.7

 
719

 
0.7

 
2,021

 
281.1

Income tax provision
 
124

 
0.1

 
90

 
0.1

 
34

 
37.8

Net income
 
$
2,616

 
2.5
 %
 
$
629

 
0.6
%
 
$
1,987

 
315.9
 %

Net Sales.  Net sales for the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014 were $103.4 million, a decrease of $5.2 million, or 4.7%, from net sales of $108.5 million for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013. The decrease in net sales was primarily a result of operating an average of 54, or 8.9%, fewer stores than during the comparable period last year. Our store count totaled 547 as of May 3, 2014, compared to 603 at May 4, 2013.

Same-store sales decreased 0.2% for the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014, when compared to the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013; this follows a 23.4% same-store sales increase in last year's first quarter. The decrease in same-store sales was primarily a result of temporary store closings, shortened store hours and lower traffic due to the unseasonably cold weather and snow that impacted the majority of our store base for the first half of the fiscal quarter. Nearly two-thirds of our store base was impacted at one point or another by weather during the first half of the first quarter.

eCommerce sales during the quarter were $11.6 million, down 5.5% from $12.2 million during the first quarter last year, as indicated below. The decrease is a result of lower store-initiated sales due to weather issues, as well as lower levels of clearance inventory.

For the quarter, traffic declined by approximately 11% while all other metrics improved. Conversion rates were up 4.2%, while units per transaction ("UPTs") increased 3.8% and average unit retails rose 5.3%, suggesting that our merchandise assortments continue to resonate well with our customer, especially in light of the highly promotional environment.


15



            
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
May 3, 2014

 
May 4, 2013

Net sales (in thousands):
 
 
 
Retail stores
$
91,808

 
$
96,293

 
 
 
 
eCommerce (1)
11,558


12,226

 
 
 
 
Total net sales
$
103,366


$
108,519


  (1) amounts include both direct eCommerce sales and store-initiated sales.

Merchandise, Buying and Occupancy Costs.  Merchandise, buying and occupancy costs, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, were $65.5 million, or 63.3% of net sales, for the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014, compared to $71.4 million, or 65.8% of net sales, for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013, resulting in approximately 250 basis points of improvement in gross profit margin for the quarter.
 
The improvement in gross margin was driven by higher merchandise margins resulting mainly from fewer markdowns combined with improved initial product mark-up, consistent with our strategy to increase the level of core merchandise sold at regular retail pricing.
  
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, for the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014 were $32.2 million, or 31.2% of net sales, compared to $32.7 million, or 30.1% of net sales, for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses was the result of reduced store payroll expense to align with lower mall traffic trends, offset by increased marketing investments in direct mail.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2013, we increased our direct marketing efforts. In the first quarter of fiscal 2014, marketing as a percentage of net sales was approximately 2.7%, compared to 2.0% in the prior year period. We have been pleased with the return on our investment in direct mail campaigns as it has provided us an effective means to drive current customers as well as inactive, or lapsed, customers into our stores and to our websites.

Depreciation and Amortization.  Depreciation and amortization expense was $2.9 million, or 2.8% of net sales, for the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014, compared to $3.4 million, or 3.3% of net sales, for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013. The decrease in the amount of depreciation and amortization expense primarily resulted from operating on average 8.9% fewer stores in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2013. In addition, the continued maturing of our store base has resulted in more fully depreciated assets and lower depreciation expense.
 
Restructuring and Impairment. We had no restructuring and impairment expenses in the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014. We recorded non-cash impairment charges of approximately $0.1 million related to one store in the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013.

Operating Income.  As a result of the foregoing factors, we reported operating income of approximately $2.8 million, or 2.7% of net sales, for the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014, compared to operating income of $0.8 million, or 0.7% of net sales, for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013.
 
Other Expense. Other expense of $52 thousand for the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014 primarily consisted of fees associated with our Credit Facility, which was slightly offset by interest income from our investments. For the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013, other expense of $63 thousand consisted primarily of fees associated with our Credit Facility.
 
Income Taxes.  We recorded income tax expense of approximately $0.1 million, with an effective tax rate of 4.5%, for the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014. For the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013, we recorded income tax expense of approximately $0.1 million, with an effective tax rate of 12.5%. Our effective rates reflect the ongoing impact of the valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets. Management will continue to evaluate the need for the valuation allowance based on the Company's current operating performance and other relevant factors.
 

16



Net Income.  As a result of the foregoing factors, we reported net income of $2.6 million, or 2.5% of net sales and $0.07 per diluted share, for the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014, compared to net income of $0.6 million, or 0.6% of net sales and $0.02 per diluted share, for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash flow and liquidity

We evaluate cash flow from operations, investing activities and financing activities in determining the sufficiency of our cash position. Cash flow from operations has historically been sufficient to provide for our uses of cash. We expect to operate our business and execute our strategic initiatives principally with funds generated from operations and, if necessary, from our Credit Facility, subject to compliance with the Credit Facility's financial covenant and its other terms and provisions.

Based on our current plans for fiscal 2014, we believe cash flows from operating activities and working capital will be sufficient to meet our operating and capital expenditure requirements for the fiscal year. We do not anticipate the need to utilize our Credit Facility for any liquidity needs in fiscal 2014, other than to maintain and open letters of credit in the normal course of business. Our operating plan for fiscal 2014 contemplates positive same store sales and improvements in merchandise margins when compared to fiscal 2013. The plan is dependent on our ability to consistently deliver merchandise that is appealing to our customers at a profitable price, and to manage our costs effectively, in order to satisfy our working capital and other operating cash requirements. Our operating plan is based on a number of assumptions which involve significant judgment and estimates of future performance. If our net sales, gross margins and operating results fall short of our expectations, we may be required to access some, if not all, of our Credit Facility, and potentially require other sources of financing to fund our operations.

We continually monitor our performance and liquidity and would take steps intended to improve our financial position if trends indicated a future need to borrow under the Credit Facility. Steps we may consider include: modifying our operating plan, seeking to reduce costs further, decreasing our cash spend and/or capital expenditures, as well as evaluating alternatives and opportunities to obtain additional sources of liquidity through the debt or equity markets. It is possible these actions may not be sufficient or available or, if available, available on terms acceptable to us.

The following table summarizes our cash flows for the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014 and May 4, 2013 (in thousands):
 
 
May 3, 2014
 
May 4, 2013
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
 
$
(11,935
)
 
$
967

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
 
443

 
(10,500
)
Net cash used in financing activities
 
(48
)
 
(197
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
 
$
(11,540
)
 
$
(9,730
)
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

Thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014

Net cash used in operating activities in the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014 totaled $11.9 million. This compares to net cash provided by operating activities of $1.0 million in the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013. We reported net income of $2.6 million for the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014, compared to net income of $0.6 million for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013.

Significant fluctuations in our working capital accounts in the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014 included a $5.3 million increase in merchandise inventories, a $7.6 million decrease in accounts payable, a $1.7 million increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets, a $3.5 million increase in accounts receivable and a $0.9 million decrease in accrued liabilities. The increase in merchandise inventories related to an increased investment in core inventory coupled with a planned increase in inventory on hand at the end of the quarter for C.J. Banks product to be added to 53 Christopher & Banks stores early in the second quarter. The decrease in accounts payable related to timing of inventory receipts earlier in the quarter compared to the prior year period. The increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets primarily related to increases in IT-related contracts, advertising and rent partially offset by a decrease in store supplies. The increase in accounts receivable primarily resulted from tenant allowances on new stores, partially offset by a decrease in accounts payable debit balances. In addition, more of our sales were tendered on our private label credit card in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 compared to the prior year period, which has resulted in an increase in payment card receivables.

17




The decrease in accrued liabilities primarily related to lower accruals for performance-based incentive compensation as compared to the prior year which included management retention bonuses, somewhat offset by the timing of payroll periods. The decrease also includes lower gift card accruals, as we typically experience higher purchase activity in the fourth quarter followed by net redemptions throughout the remainder of the following year.

The remainder of the change in cash used in operating activities was substantially the result of the net earnings realized in the first quarter, after adjusting for non-cash charges including depreciation and amortization, store asset impairment, deferred lease related liabilities and stock-based compensation expense, combined with various changes in our other operating assets and liabilities.

Thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013

Net cash provided by operating activities in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 totaled $1.0 million, an improvement of $27.5 million from net cash used in operating activities of $26.5 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. We reported net income of $0.6 million for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013, compared to a net loss of $13.4 million for the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012, which included a $0.8 million benefit relating to impairment and restructuring charges.

Significant fluctuations in our working capital accounts in the first thirteen weeks of fiscal 2013 included a $4.2 million decrease in accounts payable, a $3.8 million increase in accrued liabilities, a $1.8 million increase in accounts receivable, and a $1.0 million increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets. The decrease in accounts payable related to shifts in the timing of merchandise receipts and inventory payments as we had accelerated some spring inventory deliveries at the end of fiscal 2012. The increase in accrued liabilities related to accruals for performance-based incentive compensation and additional accrued payroll related to a shift in the timing of payroll periods. In addition, higher sales taxes payable was offset by a decrease in our liability for outstanding gift cards, as gift card redemptions exceeded issuances in the first quarter of fiscal 2013.

The increase in accounts receivable in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 primarily resulted from higher payment card receivables due to greater sales recorded in the week prior to the end of that quarter as compared to sales in the week prior to the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2012. In addition, more of our sales were tendered on our private label credit card in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 compared to the prior year period, which has also resulted in an increase in payment card receivables. The increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets primarily related to an increase in prepaid rent due to the timing of store rent payments.

The remainder of the change in cash provided by operating activities was substantially the result of the net earnings realized in the first quarter, after adjusting for non-cash charges, including depreciation and amortization, store asset impairment, deferred lease related liabilities and stock-based compensation expense, combined with various other changes in our other operating assets and liabilities.

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

Thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014

Net cash provided by investing activities in the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014 totaled $0.4 million, a change of $10.9 million from net cash used in investing activities of $10.5 million during the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013. Net cash provided by investing activities in the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014 consisted of $4.2 million of capital expenditures, offset by $4.6 million of maturities of available-for-sale investments. We opened two new stores and closed or converted 25 existing stores in the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014. We also made investments in our information technology infrastructure and visual merchandising displays and fixtures.

Thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013

Net cash used in investing activities in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 totaled $10.5 million, a decrease of $17.9 million from net cash provided by investing activities of $7.4 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2012. Net cash used in investing activities in the first quarter consisted of $9.5 million of purchases of available-for-sale investments and $1.0 million of capital expenditures. We opened one new store in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 and made investments in our information technology infrastructure and visual merchandise displays and fixtures.



18



Net cash used in financing activities

Thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014

Net cash used in financing activities in the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014 totaled approximately $48 thousand, a change of approximately $0.1 million from net cash used in financing activities of $0.2 million in the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013. In the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014, net cash used in financing activities primarily related to the issuance of shares for stock option exercises, offset by shares which were surrendered to us by stock plan participants in order to satisfy withholding tax obligations on the vesting of restricted stock awards.

Thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013

Net cash used in financing activities in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 totaled approximately $0.2 million, a decrease of approximately $0.2 million from $22 thousand in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. In both periods, primarily all of the net cash used in financing activities pertained to payment of payroll taxes related to shares which were surrendered to us by stock plan participants in order to satisfy withholding tax obligations related to the vesting of restricted stock awards.

Capital Resources
 
On July 12, 2012, we and our two subsidiaries, Christopher & Banks, Inc. and Christopher & Banks Company, entered into a Credit Facility with Wells Fargo which replaced our prior credit facility with Wells Fargo. The Credit Facility provides us with revolving credit loans of up to $50.0 million in the aggregate, subject to a borrowing base formula based primarily on eligible credit card receivables, inventory and real estate, as such terms are defined in the Credit Facility, and up to $10.0 million of which may be drawn in the form of standby and documentary letters of credit. The Credit Facility expires in July 2017.

We had no revolving credit loan borrowings under the Credit Facility during fiscal 2014 or fiscal 2013. Historically, our credit facility has been utilized only to open letters of credit. The total borrowing base at May 3, 2014 was approximately $44.0 million. As of May 3, 2014, we had open on-demand letters of credit of approximately $1.0 million. Accordingly, after reducing the borrowing base for the open letters of credit and the required minimum availability of the greater of $3.0 million, or 10.0% of the borrowing base, the net availability of revolving credit loans under the Credit Facility was approximately $38.6 million at May 3, 2014.

See Note 6 - Credit Facility for additional details regarding our Credit Facility.

Sourcing
 
We directly imported approximately 36% and 26% of our merchandise purchases during the thirteen week periods ended May 3, 2014 and May 4, 2013, respectively. A significant amount of our merchandise was manufactured overseas in each of these fiscal years, primarily in China. This reliance on sourcing from foreign countries may cause us to be exposed to certain risks as indicated below and in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Import restrictions, including tariffs and quotas, and changes in such restrictions, could affect the importation of apparel and might result in increased costs, delays in merchandise receipts or reduced supplies of apparel available to us, and could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. Our merchandise flow could also be adversely affected by political instability in any of the countries where our merchandise is manufactured or by changes in the United States government’s policies toward such foreign countries. In addition, merchandise receipts could be delayed due to interruptions in air, ocean and ground shipments.

We do not have long-term purchase commitments or arrangements with any of our suppliers or buying agents. One of our suppliers accounted for approximately 27%, and 19% of our purchases during the thirteen week periods ended May 3, 2014 and May 4, 2013, respectively. A second supplier provided approximately 10% and 6% of our purchases during the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014 and May 4, 2013, respectively. No other vendor supplied greater than 10% of the Company's merchandise purchases during the thirteen month periods ended May 3, 2014 and May 4, 2013.

We currently expect product costs to remain relatively stable for the remainder of fiscal 2014.




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Quarterly Results and Seasonality
 
Our quarterly results may fluctuate significantly depending on a number of factors, including general economic conditions, the competitive environment, 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 our promotional events.

Inflation
 
We do not believe that inflation had a material effect on our results of operations for the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014.

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 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal period ended February 1, 2014, which could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated.
 
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 period ended February 1, 2014, 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. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
The market risk inherent in our financial instruments and in our financial position represents the potential loss arising from adverse changes in interest rates. We are potentially exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates relating to our Credit Facility with Wells Fargo Bank. Loans under the Credit Facility bear interest at a rate ranging from 2.0% to 2.5% over the LIBOR or 1.0% to 1.5% over Wells Fargo's prime rate, based on the amount of Excess Availability as such term is defined in the Credit Facility.
 
We enter into certain purchase obligations outside the U.S., which are denominated and settled in U.S. dollars. Therefore, we have only minimal exposure to foreign currency exchange risks. We do not hedge against foreign currency risks and believe that our foreign currency exchange risk is immaterial. We do not have any derivative financial instruments and do not hold any derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

We are exposed to limited market risk from changes in interest rates relating to our investments. The potential immediate loss to us that would result from a hypothetical 1% change in interest rates would not be expected to have a material impact on our earnings or cash flows.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

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


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(b) Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014 that have materially affected, or are 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. Although the amount of any liability that could arise with respect to any current proceedings cannot, in management’s opinion, be accurately predicted, any such liability is not expected to have a material adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information discussed in this report, the factors described in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal period ended February 1, 2014 should be considered as they could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. There have not been any material changes with respect to the risks described in our 2013 Form 10-K, but 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.


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 May 3, 2014
Period
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)
 
Average Price Paid per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
2/2/14 - 3/1/14
 

 
$

 

 
$

3/2/14 - 4/5/14
 
5,574

 
6.50

 

 

4/6/14 - 5/3/14
 
8,120

 
6.43

 

 

Total
 
13,694

 
6.46

 

 


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

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
 
Not applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.






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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
Exhibit
 
Description
10.1
 
Form of Performance Award Agreement under the Christopher & Banks Corporation Second Amended and Restated 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report of Form 8-K filed March 14, 2014)
31.1*
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2*
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1*
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2*
 
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101*
 
Financial statements from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Christopher & Banks Corporation for the fiscal quarter ended May 3, 2014, 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 Income, (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: June 12, 2014
By:
/s/ LuAnn Via
 
 
LuAnn Via
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
Dated: June 12, 2014
By:
/s/ Peter G. Michielutti
 
 
Peter G. Michielutti
 
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
(Principal Financial Officer)
 


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