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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 

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

 

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 26, 2005

 

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

 


 

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-27677

 


 

CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

DELAWARE   33-0724325
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

4645 MORENA BOULEVARD

SAN DIEGO, CA 92117

(Address, including Zip Code, of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)

 

(858) 587-1500

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 


 

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 (b) OF THE ACT: NONE

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 (g) OF THE ACT:

COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $0.01 PER SHARE

(Title of Each Class)

 


 

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  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act):    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

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

 

The number of shares of common stock outstanding as of May 3, 2005 was approximately 22,002,000

 



Table of Contents

CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION     
          Page

ITEM 1.

   CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     
     Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 26, 2005 (unaudited) and September 25, 2004 (audited)    3
     Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and six months ended March 26, 2005 (unaudited) and March 27, 2004 (unaudited)    4
     Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three and six months ended March 26, 2005 (unaudited) and March 27, 2004 (unaudited)    5
     Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)    6

ITEM 2.

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS    11

ITEM 3.

   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK    16

ITEM 4.

   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES    16
     PART II. OTHER INFORMATION     

ITEM 1.

   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS    17

ITEM 2.

   CHANGES IN SECURITIES    17

ITEM 3.

   DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES    18

ITEM 4.

   SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS    18

ITEM 5.

   OTHER INFORMATION    18

ITEM 6.

   EXHIBITS    18

 

2


Table of Contents

CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

    

March 26,

2005


   September 25,
2004


     (Unaudited)    (Restated)
ASSETS              

Current assets:

             

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 39,872,049    $ 30,713,343

Inventories

     44,628,866      49,154,877

Other current assets

     7,533,339      8,019,487

Deferred tax assets

     6,700,000      6,300,000
    

  

Total current assets

     98,734,254      94,187,707

Fixed assets, net

     175,825,422      177,518,053

Goodwill

     28,790,000      28,790,000

Other assets

     1,155,452      1,184,227
    

  

Total assets

   $ 304,505,128    $ 301,679,987
    

  

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY              

Current liabilities:

             

Accounts payable, trade

   $ 31,019,626    $ 25,703,097

Accounts payable, other

     3,260,006      8,749,782

Accrued payroll and related expense

     3,362,316      4,124,136

Income and sales taxes payable

     2,429,985      1,970,903

Other current liabilities

     10,773,798      10,548,758
    

  

Total current liabilities

     50,845,731      51,096,676

Deferred rent

     92,115,551      91,226,297

Other liabilities

     43,894      43,894

Deferred tax liabilities

     4,200,000      3,700,000
    

  

Total liabilities

     147,205,176      146,066,867

Commitments and contingencies

             

Stockholders’ equity:

             

Preferred Stock $0.01 par value, 3,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding

         

Common Stock $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding shares – 21,995,853 and 21,950,927 at March 26, 2005 and September 25, 2004, respectively.

     219,959      219,509

Additional paid-in capital

     50,316,596      50,029,794

Retained earnings

     106,763,397      105,363,817
    

  

Total stockholders’ equity

     157,299,952      155,613,120
    

  

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 304,505,128    $ 301,679,987
    

  

 

See accompanying notes.

 

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Table of Contents

CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended

    Six Months Ended

 
     March 26, 2005

    March 27, 2004

    March 26, 2005

    March 27, 2004

 
           (Restated)           (Restated)  

Net sales

   $ 126,976,031     $ 118,776,591     $ 276,958,156     $ 268,067,229  

Cost of goods sold, including buying, distribution and occupancy costs

     99,565,753       93,661,781       214,747,530       203,925,104  
    


 


 


 


Gross profit

     27,410,278       25,114,810       62,210,626       64,142,125  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     28,824,186       25,321,803       60,139,644       53,687,643  

Store closing costs

           (325,000 )           (325,000 )
    


 


 


 


Operating income (loss)

     (1,413,908 )     118,007       2,070,982       10,779,482  

Other income (expense):

                                

Interest income, net

     226,448       80,852       349,110       118,309  

Other charges, net

     (62,500 )     (74,268 )     (125,699 )     (149,904 )
    


 


 


 


Total other income (expense)

     163,948       6,584       223,411       (31,595 )
    


 


 


 


Income (loss) before income taxes

     (1,249,960 )     124,591       2,294,393       10,747,887  

Income taxes (benefit)

     (487,484 )     48,590       894,813       4,191,677  
    


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

   $ (762,476 )   $ 76,001     $ 1,399,580     $ 6,556,210  
    


 


 


 


Earnings (loss) per share:

                                

Basic

   $ (0.03 )   $ 0.00     $ 0.06     $ 0.31  
    


 


 


 


Diluted

   $ (0.03 )   $ 0.00     $ 0.06     $ 0.28  
    


 


 


 


Weighted average shares outstanding:

                                

Basic

     21,985,105       21,510,966       21,970,849       21,437,504  
    


 


 


 


Diluted

     21,985,105       23,899,664       23,999,733       23,827,491  
    


 


 


 


 

See accompanying notes.

 

4


Table of Contents

CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

(Unaudited)

 

    Three Months Ended

    Six Months Ended

 
    March 26, 2005

    March 27, 2004

    March 26, 2005

    March 27, 2004

 
          (Restated)           (Restated)  

Operating Activities

                               

Net income (loss)

  $ (762,476 )   $ 76,001     $ 1,399,580     $ 6,556,210  

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

                               

Depreciation and amortization

    8,141,945       6,914,002       15,925,378       13,408,747  

Amortization of construction allowances

    (2,577,724 )     (2,262,446 )     (4,829,195 )     (4,078,936 )

Landlord construction allowances

    3,585,453       2,730,911       4,985,051       6,775,274  

Deferred rent

    412,833       489,905       733,398       1,028,401  

Amortization of deferred compensation

    —         27,000       —         54,000  

Loss on impairment and disposal of assets

    (1,585 )     14,842       43,635       93,375  

Deferred income taxes

    (200,000 )     200,000       100,000       200,000  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

                               

Inventories

    (6,131,318 )     (3,434,563 )     4,526,011       (3,137,899 )

Other current assets

    582,428       1,809,050       486,148       2,515,994  

Accounts payable, trade

    11,056,338       10,811,409       5,316,529       9,860,142  

Accounts payable, other

    (1,862,142 )     (2,767,946 )     (5,489,776 )     (3,841,761 )

Accrued payroll and related expense

    (2,252,148 )     (1,457,093 )     (761,820 )     1,939,098  

Income and sales taxes payable

    (1,167,974 )     (3,405,835 )     496,749       1,676,644  

Other current liabilities

    (3,926,609 )     (3,593,558 )     225,040       735,954  

Other liabilities

                      5,000  
   


 


 


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

    4,897,021       6,151,679       23,156,728       33,790,243  

Investing Activities

                               

Purchases of fixed assets

    (7,035,742 )     (4,741,322 )     (14,232,121 )     (16,451,915 )

Other assets

    (3,059 )     (578,697 )     (15,486 )     (544,765 )
   


 


 


 


Net cash used in investing activities

    (7,038,801 )     (5,320,019 )     (14,247,607 )     (16,996,680 )

Financing Activities

                               

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

    196,186       241,982       249,585       1,219,149  
   


 


 


 


Net cash provided by financing activities

    196,186       241,982       249,585       1,219,149  
   


 


 


 


Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    (1,945,594 )     1,073,642       9,158,706       18,012,712  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period

    41,817,643       39,906,387       30,713,343       22,967,317  
   


 


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period

  $ 39,872,049     $ 40,980,029     $ 39,872,049     $ 40,980,029  
   


 


 


 


 

See accompanying notes.

 

5


Table of Contents

CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

1. Interim Financial Statements

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Charlotte Russe Holding, Inc. (the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Certain information and footnote disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited financial statements contain all material adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods indicated, and have been prepared in a manner consistent with the restated audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 25, 2004.

 

Due to the seasonal nature of the Company’s business, the results of operations for the three and six month periods ended March 26, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of the results of a full fiscal year.

 

These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the footnotes for the fiscal year ended September 25, 2004 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on May 5, 2005.

 

2. Restatement of Financial Statements

 

We reviewed our lease accounting practices in response to the letter issued on February 7, 2005 by the Office of the Chief Accountant of the SEC to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (the “SEC Letter”) expressing its views regarding certain operating lease accounting issues and their application under generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Our lease accounting practices had not changed materially over the years. Our external independent auditors had been aware of our lease accounting practices, similar to those used by many other companies in the retail and restaurant industries, and had not suggested that they were not in accordance with GAAP. When reviewed against GAAP as set forth in the SEC Letter, we determined that our historical method of accounting for construction period straight-line rent and landlord construction allowances was not in accordance with GAAP.

 

Specifically, we previously reflected the unamortized portion of construction allowances as a reduction of capital expenditures rather than recording those transactions as a deferred rent credit. In addition, we previously recognized straight-line rent expense for leases beginning on the rent commencement date (i.e., store opening date), which had the effect of excluding the build-out period from the calculation of the period over which rent is expensed.

 

As a result, we restated our previously issued audited financial statements, as follows:

 

    We no longer offset construction allowances against capital expenditures. The unamortized portion of construction allowances is recorded as a deferred rent credit rather than as a reduction to the cost of leasehold improvements. Depreciation expense has been increased to reflect the adjustment to capital expenditures with an equal and offsetting credit against rent expense during the contractual lease term.

 

    We no longer recognize rent in accordance with the contractual lease commencement dates. Straight-line rent is imputed starting when we receive possession of the leased property for construction purposes. Preopening expense is recognized during the construction period with an equal and offsetting credit against rent expense during the contractual lease term.

 

As a result, excluding tax impacts, the correction of this accounting required us to record additional deferred rent, increase fixed assets and adjust retained earnings on the consolidated balance sheets. In connection with the restatement of all prior periods for these changes in lease accounting practices, we also corrected for previously identified immaterial inter-quarterly errors by shifting these charges between appropriate quarters.

 

6


Table of Contents

CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—(Continued)

 

2. Restatement of Financial Statements (continued)

 

Following is a summary of the significant effects of these corrections on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of September 25, 2004 as well as on the Company’s consolidated statements of income and cash flows for the fiscal quarter and six months ended March 27, 2004:

 

Consolidated Statements of Income

 

    

As Previously

Reported


   Adjustments

    Restated

Three Months Ended March 27, 2004

                     

Cost of goods sold

   $ 93,767,147    $ (105,366 )   $ 93,661,781

Gross profit

     25,009,444      105,366       25,114,810

Operating income

     12,641      105,366       118,007

Income before income taxes

     19,225      105,366       124,591

Income taxes

     7,497      41,093       48,590

Net income

     11,728      64,273       76,001

Earnings per share – basic

   $ 0.00    $ 0.00     $ 0.00

Earnings per share – diluted

   $ 0.00    $ 0.00     $ 0.00

Six Months Ended March 27, 2004

                     

Cost of goods sold

   $ 203,883,718    $ 41,386     $ 203,925,104

Gross profit

     64,183,511      (41,386 )     64,142,125

Operating income

     10,820,868      (41,386 )     10,779,482

Income before income taxes

     10,789,273      (41,386 )     10,747,887

Income taxes

     4,207,816      (16,139 )     4,191,677

Net income

     6,581,457      (25,247 )     6,556,210

Earnings per share – basic

   $ 0.31    $ 0.00     $ 0.31

Earnings per share – diluted

   $ 0.28    $ 0.00     $ 0.28

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

    

As Previously

Reported


   Adjustments

    As Restated

September 25, 2004

                     

Fixed assets, net

   $ 107,491,922    $ 70,026,131     $ 177,518,053

Total assets

     231,653,856      70,026,131       301,679,987

Income and sales taxes payable

     1,979,900      (8,997 )     1,970,903

Other current liabilities

     10,620,758      (72,000 )     10,548,758

Total current liabilities

     51,177,673      (80,997 )     51,096,676

Deferred rent

     11,874,327      79,351,970       91,226,297

Deferred tax liabilities

     7,300,000      (3,600,000 )     3,700,000

Total liabilities

     70,395,894      75,670,973       146,066,867

Retained earnings

     111,008,659      (5,644,842 )     105,363,817

Total stockholders’ equity

     161,257,962      (5,644,842 )     155,613,120

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

     231,653,856      70,026,131       301,679,987

 

7


Table of Contents

CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—(Continued)

 

2. Restatement of Financial Statements (continued)

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

    

As Previously

Reported


    Adjustments

    As Restated

 

Three Months Ended March 27, 2004

                        

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 3,420,768     $ 2,730,911     $ 6,151,679  

Net cash used in investing activities

     (2,589,108 )     (2,730,911 )     (5,320,019 )

Six Months Ended March 27, 2004

                        

Net cash provided by operating activities

     27,014,969       6,775,274       33,790,243  

Net cash used in investing activities

     (10,221,406 )     (6,775,274 )     (16,996,680 )

 

3. Stock Based Compensation

 

The Company accounts for the issuance of stock option grants in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion (“APB”) No. 25 and related interpretations in accounting for stock options. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” encourages, but does not require the Company to record compensation cost for stock-based employee compensation plans at fair value. The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provision of SFAS No. 123. Accordingly, compensation expense has only been recognized for stock options granted to employees when the exercise price was below fair market value on the date of grant. Had compensation expense been recorded for options granted in the three and six months ended March 26, 2005 and March 27, 2004 using the fair value method under SFAS No. 123, the Company’s net income and basic and diluted earnings per share would have been decreased to the following proforma amounts:

 

     Three Months Ended

    Six Months Ended

 
     March 26,
2005


    March 27,
2004


    March 26,
2005


    March 27,
2004


 

Net income (loss) as reported

   $ (762,476 )   $ 76,001     $ 1,399,580     $ 6,556,210  

Less: stock-based compensation expense for all awards, net of related tax effects

     (176,066 )     (279,380 )     (298,953 )     (564,250 )
    


 


 


 


Pro forma net income (loss)

   $ (938,542 )   $ (203,379 )   $ 1,100,627     $ 5,991,960  
    


 


 


 


Basic earnings (loss) per share

   $ (0.03 )   $ 0.00     $ 0.06     $ 0.31  

Pro forma

   $ (0.04 )   $ (0.01 )   $ 0.05     $ 0.28  

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

   $ (0.03 )   $ 0.00     $ 0.06     $ 0.28  

Pro forma

   $ (0.04 )   $ (0.01 )   $ 0.05     $ 0.25  

 

8


Table of Contents

CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—(Continued)

 

3. Stock Based Compensation (continued)

 

Pro forma information regarding net income is required by SFAS No. 123, and has been determined as if the Company had accounted for its employee stock options under the fair value method of that Statement. For options granted through October 18, 1999, the fair value of options granted were estimated at the date of grant using the minimum value option pricing model. Following the Company’s initial public offering, the fair value of the options granted was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The following weighted average assumptions were used for those periods:

 

     Three Months Ended

    Six Months Ended

 
     March 26,
2005


    March 27,
2004


    March 26,
2005


    March 27,
2004


 

Risk free interest rate

   4.05 %   3.20 %   4.05 %   3.20 %

Dividend yield

                

Expected volatility

   55.0 %   66.0 %   55.0 %   66.0 %

Weighted average expected life

   4 years     4 years     4 years     4 years  

 

The minimum value option-pricing model is similar to the Black-Scholes option-pricing model except that it excludes the factor of volatility. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions. Because the Company’s employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management’s opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its employee stock options.

 

4. Net Income Per Common Share

 

Basic earnings per share is calculated based on the weighted average outstanding common shares. Diluted earnings per share is calculated based on the weighted average outstanding shares and potentially dilutive stock options and warrants. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, “Earnings Per Share,” the following table reconciles income and share amounts utilized to calculate basic and diluted net income per common share.

 

     Three Months Ended

   Six Months Ended

 
     March 26,
2005


    March 27,
2004


   March 26,
2005


   March 27,
2004


 

Net income (loss)

   $ (762,476 )   $ 76,001    $ 1,399,580    $ 6,556,210  
    


 

  

  


Earnings (loss) per share:

                              

Basic

   $ (0.03 )   $ 0.00    $ 0.06    $ 0.31  

Effect of dilutive stock options

                     (0.01 )

Effect of dilutive warrants

                     (0.02 )
    


 

  

  


Diluted

   $ (0.03 )   $ 0.00    $ 0.06    $ 0.28  
    


 

  

  


Weighted average number of shares:

                              

Basic

     21,985,105       21,510,966      21,970,849      21,437,504  

Effect of dilutive stock options

           560,476      233,692      566,746  

Effect of dilutive warrants

           1,828,222      1,795,192      1,823,241  
    


 

  

  


Diluted

     21,985,105       23,899,664      23,999,733      23,827,491  
    


 

  

  


 

9


Table of Contents

CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—(Continued)

 

4. Net Income Per Common Share (continued)

 

The calculation of dilutive shares excludes the effect of the following options and warrants that are considered anti-dilutive:

 

     Three Months Ended

   Six Months Ended

     March 26,
2005


   March 27,
2004


   March 26,
2005


   March 27,
2004


Anti-dilutive options

   2,759,630    229,965    538,495    229,625
    
  
  
  

 

5. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2004, the FASB issued Statement 123R, “Share-Based Payment,” to be effective for interim or annual periods beginning after June 15, 2005; thereby, becoming effective beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 for the company. On April 4, 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission announced the adoption of a new rule that amended the compliance date for Statement 123R to be effective for the first annual period beginning after June 15, 2005, thereby, becoming effective in the first quarter of fiscal 2006 for the Company. Statement 123R requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options and purchases under employee stock purchase plans, to be recognized as an operating expense in the income statement. The cost is recognized over the requisite service period based on fair values measured on grant dates, and the new standard may be adopted using either the modified prospective transition method or the modified retrospective transition method. We are currently evaluating our share-based employee compensation programs, the potential impact of this statement on our consolidated financial position and results of operations, and alternative adoption methods.

 

6. Commitments and Contingencies

 

On December 14, 2004 plaintiff David Phillips, on behalf of himself and purportedly on behalf of a class of others similarly situated, filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California against us and two of our officers, alleging violations of federal securities laws related to declines in our stock price in connection with various statements and alleged omissions to the public and to the securities markets, and seeking damages therefore. To date, two follow-on actions have been filed in the same court alleging substantially similar claims, and on April 25, 2005 all these claims were consolidated into a single action. We believe that the allegations in this action is without merit and intend to defend vigorously against these claims.

 

Other than the foregoing, from time to time, we may be involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of our operations. As of the date of this filing, we are not engaged in any legal proceedings that are expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

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

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

We have made statements in this Quarterly Report that are forward-looking statements. You can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate” and “continue” or similar words. These forward-looking statements may also use different phrases. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events. These forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions about us, may include, among other things, projections of our future results of operations or of our financial condition, our anticipated growth strategies, successful repositioning of our Rampage brand, integration of our recently hired senior executives, and general and regional economic conditions, industry trends, consumer demands and preferences, competition from other retailers and uncertainties generally associated with women’s apparel and accessory retailing, including those factors discussed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 5, 2005.

 

There may be events in the future that we are not able to accurately predict or which we do not fully control that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including shopping mall traffic and shopping patterns, timing of openings for new shopping malls or our stores, fashion trends, national or regional economic influences, and weather.

 

We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q might not occur.

 

RESTATEMENT OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

We reviewed our lease accounting practices in response to the letter issued on February 7, 2005 by the Office of the Chief Accountant of the SEC to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (the “SEC Letter”) expressing its views regarding certain operating lease accounting issues and their application under generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Our lease accounting practices had not changed materially over the years. Our external independent auditors had been aware of our lease accounting practices, similar to those used by many other companies in the retail and restaurant industries, and had not suggested that they were not in accordance with GAAP. When reviewed against GAAP as set forth in the SEC Letter, we determined that our historical method of accounting for construction period straight-line rent and landlord construction allowances was not in accordance with GAAP.

 

Specifically, we previously reflected the unamortized portion of construction allowances as a reduction of capital expenditures rather than recording those transactions as a deferred rent credit. In addition, we previously recognized straight-line rent expense for leases beginning on the rent commencement date (i.e., store opening date), which had the effect of excluding the build-out period from the calculation of the period over which rent is expensed.

 

As a result, we restated our previously issued audited financial statements, as follows:

 

    We no longer offset construction allowances against capital expenditures. The unamortized portion of construction allowances is recorded as a deferred rent credit rather than as a reduction to the cost of leasehold improvements. Depreciation expense has been increased to reflect the adjustment to capital expenditures with an equal and offsetting credit against rent expense during the contractual lease term.

 

    We no longer recognize rent in accordance with the contractual lease commencement dates. Straight-line rent is imputed starting when we receive possession of the leased property for construction purposes. Preopening expense is recognized during the construction period with an equal and offsetting credit against rent expense during the contractual lease term.

 

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As a result, excluding tax impacts, the correction of this accounting required us to record additional deferred rent, increase fixed assets and adjust retained earnings on the consolidated balance sheets. In connection with the restatement of all prior periods for these changes in lease accounting practices, we also corrected for previously identified immaterial inter-quarterly errors by shifting these charges between appropriate quarters.

 

See Note 2: “Restatement of Financial Statements” to the financial statements for a summary of the effects of the restatement on the Company’s balance sheet as of September 25, 2004 and the Company’s statements of income and cash flows for the fiscal quarter and six months ended March 27, 2004. The accompanying Management’s Discussion and Analysis gives effect to these corrections.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements and Notes thereto of the company included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The following table sets forth our operating results, expressed as a percentage of net sales and store information for the periods indicated. These operating results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future period.

 

     Three Months Ended

    Six Months Ended

 
     March 26,
2005


    March 27,
2004


    March 26,
2005


    March 27,
2004


 

Net sales

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %

Cost of goods sold

   78.4     78.9     77.5     76.1  
    

 

 

 

Gross profit

   21.6     21.1     22.5     23.9  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   22.7     21.3     21.8     20.0  

Store closing costs

   0.0     (0.3 )   0.0     (0.1 )
    

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

   (1.1 )   0.1     0.7     4.0  

Interest income, net

   0.2     0.1     0.1     0.0  

Other charges, net

   (0.1 )   (0.1 )   0.0     0.0  
    

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

   (1.0 )   0.1     0.8     4.0  

Income taxes (benefit)

   (0.4 )   0.0     0.3     1.6  
    

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   (0.6 )%   0.1 %   0.5 %   2.4 %
    

 

 

 

Number of stores open at end of period

   372     335     372     335  
    

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 26, 2005 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 27, 2004

 

Net Sales. Our net sales increased to $127.0 million from $118.8 million, an increase of $8.2 million, or 6.9%, over the same quarter last year. This increase reflects $11.8 million of additional net sales from the 4 new stores opened during the three months ended March 26, 2005, as well as other stores opened in prior fiscal periods that did not qualify as comparable stores. This increase was partially offset by a 3.1% decrease in comparable store sales, which resulted in decreased sales of $3.6 million compared to the same quarter in the prior fiscal year.

 

Gross Profit. Gross profit represents net sales less cost of goods sold, which includes buying, distribution and occupancy costs. Our gross profit increased to $27.4 million from $25.1 million, an increase of $2.3 million, or 9.1%, from the same quarter last year. This increase was the result of higher sales and improved gross profit margins. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit increased to 21.6% from 21.1%. The increase in gross profit as a percentage of net sales was principally due to lower markdowns and shrinkage expenses as well as higher initial mark-ups. These improvements were slightly offset by higher occupancy expenses, as these relatively fixed charges were spread over a smaller average store sales base.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Our selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $28.8 million from $25.3 million, an increase of $3.5 million, or 13.8%, over the same quarter last year. This increase was attributable to increased store-level expenses associated with new store expansion and increased

 

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corporate expenses, specifically higher payroll, professional fees and other operating expenses. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 22.7% from 21.3%, primarily due to increased store and central office payroll expenses.

 

Income Taxes. Our effective tax rate of 39.0% approximates our statutory income tax rate and is consistent with the tax rate utilized for fiscal year 2004.

 

Net Income. Our net loss was approximately $762,000 compared to net income of approximately $76,000 for the same quarter last year. This decline was due to increased selling, general and administrative expenses, partially offset by an increase in gross profit and an increase in income tax benefit accruals.

 

Six Months Ended March 26, 2005 Compared to the Six Months Ended March 27, 2004

 

Net Sales. Our net sales increased to $277.0 million from $268.1 million, an increase of $8.9 million, or 3.3%, over the same period last year. This increase reflects $26.2 million of additional net sales from the 12 new stores opened during the six months ended March 27, 2005, as well as other stores opened in prior fiscal periods that did not qualify as comparable stores. This increase was partially offset by a 6.8% decrease in comparable store sales, which resulted in a decrease in sales of $17.3 million compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year.

 

Gross Profit. Gross profit represents net sales less cost of goods sold, which includes buying, distribution and occupancy costs. Our gross profit decreased to $62.2 million from $64.1 million, a decrease of $1.9 million, or 3.0%, over the same period last year. This decrease was the result of increased store occupancy costs partially offset by higher gross profit margins. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased to 22.5% from 23.9%. The decrease as a percentage of net sales was principally due to the impact of higher store occupancy costs as these relatively fixed charges were spread over smaller average sales per store. This decrease was partially offset by higher initial mark-ups and reduced shrinkage expense.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Our selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $60.1 million from $53.7 million, an increase of $6.4 million, or 12.0%, over the same period last year. This increase was attributable to new store expansion and increased corporate expenses specifically higher payroll and other operating expenses. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 21.8% from 20.0%, primarily due to increased store payroll and store-level operating expenses.

 

Store Closing Costs. Our store closing costs reported last year reflects a $325,000 reversal of the Charlotte’s Room reserve for closing costs based upon a revision to the estimate of the reserve requirement.

 

Income Taxes. Our effective tax rate of 39.0% approximates our statutory income tax rate and is consistent with the tax rate utilized for fiscal year 2004.

 

Net Income. Our net income decreased to $1.4 million from $6.6 million for the same period last year. This decline was due to a decrease in gross profit and an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses, partially offset by reduced income tax expense.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Our working capital requirements vary consistent with the seasonality of our business. Our capital requirements result primarily from capital expenditures related to new store openings. We have historically satisfied our cash requirements principally through cash flow from operations, although in some prior years we have also used borrowings under prior credit facilities in the past for acquisitions, including our acquisition and the acquisition of the Rampage stores. Due to the rapid turnover of our inventory, we generate trade payables and other accrued liabilities sufficient to offset most of our working capital requirements, and this allows us to generally operate with limited working capital. As of March 26, 2005, we had working capital of approximately $47.9 million which included cash and cash equivalents of $39.9 million.

 

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Our net cash provided by operations was $23.2 million and $33.8 million for the six months ended March 26, 2005 and March 27, 2004, respectively. The decrease was primarily due to lower net income and increased investment in working capital accounts, partially offset by a higher non-cash adjustment for depreciation expense and reduction in inventories. Our net cash used in investing activities was $14.2 million and $17.0 million for the six months ended March 26, 2005 and March 27, 2004, respectively. The primary component related to purchases of fixed assets, which consists of new store openings, the upgrade of our information systems and other corporate expenditures.

 

The decrease in capital expenditures was primarily due to opening fewer new stores in fiscal 2005 to date. In the six months ended March 26, 2005 and March 27, 2004, we opened 12 and 24 new stores, respectively. During fiscal 2005, we plan to open up to 49 new Charlotte Russe stores and one Rampage store. After taking into account new store construction, existing store remodeling, distribution center expenditures, and other corporate capital projects, total capital expenditures for fiscal year 2005 are projected to range from approximately $35.0 to $40.0 million, of which $14.2 million was spent during the six months ended March 26, 2005.

 

Our net cash provided by financing activities was $250,000 and $1.2 million for the six months ended March 26, 2005 and March 27, 2004, respectively. Financing activities primarily consists of the proceeds of stock option exercises.

 

We have a $25.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility with Bank of America, N.A. The facility is subject to certain restrictions and covenants and expires on March 1, 2006. Interest on the revolving credit facility is payable quarterly, at the Company’s option, at either (i) the Bank’s Base Rate, as defined, or (ii) the Bank’s Eurodollar Rate plus 1.00%, subject to certain adjustments. At March 26, 2005, there was no outstanding debt under the revolving credit facility. The agreement requires that the Company maintain certain financial ratios on a quarterly basis, sets limits on stock repurchases and capital spending and restricts future liens and indebtedness, sales of assets and dividend payments. We have consistently achieved compliance with the covenant requirements in the past, although modifications to the original agreement have been necessary and the bank has been cooperative. In light of our recent financial performance, achieving covenant requirements may become more challenging in the future and further modifications by the bank can not be assured. As of March 26, 2005, we were in compliance with the terms of the bank credit agreement.

 

We believe that cash flows from operations, our current cash balance and funds available under our revolving credit facility will be sufficient to meet our working capital needs and contemplated capital expenditure requirements for fiscal 2005. If our cash flow from operations should decline significantly, it may be necessary for us to seek additional sources of capital or reduce planned new store openings.

 

LETTERS OF CREDIT

 

Pursuant to the terms of the $25.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility, we can issue up to $15.0 million of documentary or standby letters of credit. The outstanding commitments under this agreement at March 26, 2005 totaled approximately $3.9 million, including $2.5 million in standby letters of credit.

 

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CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

 

Our commitment to make future payments under long-term contractual obligations was as follows, as of March 26, 2005:

 

     Total

   Less
Than 1
Year


   1-3 Years

   3-5 Years

   After 5
Years


     (dollars in thousands)

Contractual Obligations:

                                  

Operating leases

   $ 470,684    $ 64,604    $ 128,955    $ 122,515    $ 154,610

Other long-term obligations

     5,813      563      1,500      1,500      2,250
    

  

  

  

  

     $ 476,497    $ 65,167    $ 130,455    $ 124,015    $ 156,860
    

  

  

  

  

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

 

“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” discusses our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as revenues and expenses during the reported periods.

 

On an on-going basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments regarding inventories, receivables, fixed assets, intangible assets, accrued liabilities, income taxes and contingencies and litigation. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The results from this evaluation form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Under different assumptions or conditions, alternative estimates and judgments could be derived which would differ from the estimates being used by management. Actual results could differ from any or all of these estimates.

 

As a retailer of women’s apparel and accessories, our financial statements are affected by several critical accounting policies, many of which affect management’s use of estimates and judgments, as described in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We sell merchandise directly to retail customers and recognize revenue at the point of sale. Customers have the right to return merchandise to us, and we maintain a reserve for the financial impact of returns which occur subsequent to the current reporting period.

 

Our merchandise is initially offered for sale at a regular price, but is often marked down prior to the ultimate sale of all such units. We utilize the retail method of accounting for our inventory valuation that inherently reduces the inventories’ carrying value as markdowns are initiated. In addition, we maintain a reserve for the financial impact of markdowns that we believe are likely to be encountered in the future. If actual demand or market conditions are more or less favorable than those projected by management, the level of the reserve for future markdowns would be subject to change in subsequent reporting periods.

 

We also provide for estimated inventory losses for damaged, lost or stolen inventory for the period from the last physical inventory to the financial statement date. These estimates are based on historical experience and other factors.

 

We have recorded a goodwill asset that arose from the acquisition of our business in September 1996. This asset is tested for possible impairment on at least an annual basis in accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangibles.” The carrying value of investments in our stores, principally leasehold improvements and equipment, and other operations is reviewed for impairment on at least an annual basis in accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” In prior years, we established reserves for stores which have been closed, and no other stores are contemplated for closure at this time.

 

We record rent expense on noncancellable leases containing known future scheduled rent increases on a straight-line basis over the respective leases beginning when we receive possession of the leased property for construction purposes. The difference between rent expense and rent paid is accounted for as deferred rent. Landlord construction allowances and other such lease incentives are recorded as deferred lease credits, and are amortized on a straight-line basis as a reduction to rent expense.

 

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RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

In December 2004, the FASB issued Statement 123R, “Share-Based Payment,” to be effective for interim or annual periods beginning after June 15, 2005; thereby, becoming effective beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 for the company. On April 4, 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission announced the adoption of a new rule that amended the compliance date for Statement 123R to be effective for the first annual period beginning after June 15, 2005, thereby, becoming effective in the first quarter of fiscal 2006 for the Company. Statement 123R requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options and purchases under employee stock purchase plans, to be recognized as an operating expense in the income statement. The cost is recognized over the requisite service period based on fair values measured on grant dates, and the new standard may be adopted using either the modified prospective transition method or the modified retrospective transition method. We are currently evaluating our share-based employee compensation programs, potential impact of this statement on our consolidated financial position and results of operations, and alternative adoption methods.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Our market risks relate primarily to changes in interest rates. We bear this risk in two specific ways. First, our revolving credit facility carries a variable interest rate that is tied to market indices and, therefore, our statement of income and our cash flows will be exposed to changes in interest rates. As of March 26, 2005, we had no borrowings against our credit facility. However, we may borrow additional funds under our revolving credit facility as needed.

 

The second component of interest rate risk involves the short-term investment of excess cash in short-term, investment-grade interest-bearing securities. These investments are considered to be cash equivalents and are shown that way on our balance sheet. If there are changes in interest rates, those changes would affect the investment income we earn on these investments and, therefore, impact our cash flows and results of operations.

 

We believe our market risk exposure is immaterial.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the management of Charlotte Russe Holding, Inc. (the “Management”), including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.

 

An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Management, including the CEO and CFO, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). In performing this evaluation, Management reviewed the Company’s lease accounting practices in response to the letter issued on February 7, 2005 by the Office of the Chief Accountant of the SEC to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (the “SEC Letter”) expressing its views regarding certain operating lease accounting issues and their application under generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The Company’s lease accounting practices had not changed materially over the years. The Company’s external

 

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independent auditors had been aware of our prior lease accounting practices, similar to those used by many other companies in the retail and restaurant industries, and had not suggested they were not in accordance with GAAP. When reviewed against GAAP as set forth in the SEC Letter, the Company determined that its historical method of accounting for construction period straight-line rent and landlord construction allowances was not in accordance with GAAP. As a result of changing its historical lease accounting practices to conform to GAAP as set forth in the SEC Letter, Management concluded that the Company’s previously reported fixed assets and deferred lease credits had been understated and that previously issued financial statements should be restated. Because of this change in its lease accounting practices, the Company concluded that it had a material weakness in the effectiveness of controls over the selection and monitoring of appropriate practices used in accounting for leases and tenant allowances during the quarter. However, during the second quarter ended March 26, 2005, the Company remediated the material weakness in internal control and the ineffectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures by conducting a review of its lease accounting practices, establishing new lease-related accounting policies, and correcting its method of accounting for landlord construction allowances and construction period straight-line rent. As a result, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer each concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 26, 2005.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

Other than changes to our lease accounting practices noted above, there were no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 26, 2005 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

 

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

On December 14, 2004 plaintiff David Phillips, on behalf of himself and purportedly on behalf of a class of others similarly situated, filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California against us and two of our officers, alleging violations of federal securities laws related to declines in our stock price in connection with various statements and alleged omissions to the public and to the securities markets, and seeking damages therefore. To date, two follow-on actions have been filed in the same court alleging substantially similar claims, and on April 25, 2005 all these claims were consolidated into a single action. We believe that the allegations in this action is without merit and intend to defend vigorously against these claims.

 

Other than the foregoing, from time to time, we may be involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of our operations. As of the date of this filing, we are not engaged in any legal proceedings that are expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES

 

Unregistered Sales of Securities

 

None.

 

Dividends

 

We have never declared nor paid dividends on our common stock and we do not intend to pay any dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain earnings to finance future operations and expansion. Moreover, under the terms of the revolving credit facility and amendment, stock dividends and distributions are prohibited. Cash dividends and capital stock redemptions are not permitted.

 

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ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 4. SUBMISSIONS OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

We held our Annual Meeting on February 8, 2005. At the Annual Meeting, seven directors were elected to the Board of Directors with 20,769,208 votes tendered or 94.5% of shares outstanding. There were 1,210,545 shares not voted with no abstentions or broker non-votes.

 

Name of Director


   Votes For

   Votes Withheld

Bernard Zeichner

   15,371,687    5,397,521

Mark A. Hoffman

   15,374,069    5,395,139

Paul R. Del Rossi

   19,756,063    1,013,145

W. Thomas Gould

   19,755,923    1,013,285

Allan W. Karp

   15,191,541    5,577,667

Leonard H. Mogil

   19,792,861    976,347

David J. Oddi(1)

   15,191,641    5,577,567

 

  (1) Mr. Oddi submitted his resignation as a director of the Company, effective April 5, 2005. Mark J. Rivers was appointed to the Company’s board of directors, effective April 6, 2005.

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

 

(a) Exhibits:

 

31.1    Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
31.2    Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
32.1    Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
32.2    Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of San Diego, State of California, on the 5th day of May, 2005.

 

CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.

By:

 

/s/    DANIEL T. CARTER        


   

Daniel T. Carter

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

 

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