Form 10-Q for Charlotte Russe Holding, Inc.
Table of Contents

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 27, 2004

 

¨ 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 April 9, 2004 was approximately 21,524,000.

 



Table of Contents

CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.

 

TAB LE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

          Page

ITEM 1.    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     
     Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 27, 2004 (unaudited) and September 27, 2003 (audited)    2
     Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended March 27, 2004 (unaudited) and March 29, 2003 (unaudited)    3
     Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three and six months ended March 27, 2004 (unaudited) and March 29, 2003 (unaudited)    4
     Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)    5
ITEM 2.    MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS    9
ITEM 3.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK    13
ITEM 4.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES    14
     PART II. OTHER INFORMATION     
ITEM 1.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS    15
ITEM 2.    CHANGES IN SECURITIES    15
ITEM 3.    DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES    15
ITEM 4.    SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS    15
ITEM 5.    OTHER INFORMATION    15
ITEM 6.    EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K    15

 

1


Table of Contents

CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

    

March 27,

2004


    September 27,
2003


 
     (Unaudited)        

ASSETS

                

Current assets:

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 40,980,029     $ 22,967,317  

Inventories

     37,644,811       34,506,912  

Other current assets

     2,894,129       5,410,123  

Deferred tax assets

     5,800,000       5,300,000  
    


 


Total current assets

     87,318,969       68,184,352  

Fixed assets, net

     100,316,252       100,018,536  

Goodwill

     28,790,000       28,790,000  

Other assets

     1,872,398       1,371,894  
    


 


Total assets

   $ 218,297,619     $ 198,364,782  
    


 


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                

Current liabilities:

                

Accounts payable, trade

   $ 30,788,406     $ 20,928,264  

Accounts payable, other

     2,615,371       6,457,132  

Accrued payroll and related expense

     4,465,854       2,526,756  

Income and sales taxes payable

     3,620,315       2,320,337  

Other current liabilities

     10,622,221       9,886,267  
    


 


Total current liabilities

     52,112,167       42,118,756  

Deferred rent

     10,933,875       9,946,860  

Other liabilities

     317,777       312,777  

Deferred tax liabilities

     6,300,000       5,600,000  
    


 


Total liabilities

     69,663,819       57,978,393  

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 – 21,524,220 and 21,290,182 at March 27, 2004 and September 27, 2003, respectively

     215,242       212,902  

Additional paid-in capital

     46,108,154       44,498,540  

Deferred compensation

     (9,000 )     (63,000 )

Retained earnings

     102,319,404       95,737,947  
    


 


Total stockholders’ equity

     148,633,800       140,386,389  
    


 


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 218,297,619     $ 198,364,782  
    


 


 

See accompanying notes.

 

2


Table of Contents

CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended

    Six Months Ended

 
     March 27, 2004

    March 29, 2003

    March 27, 2004

    March 29, 2003

 

Net sales

   $ 118,776,591     $ 93,098,703     $ 268,067,229     $ 226,427,339  

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

     93,767,147       74,841,538       203,883,718       171,578,511  
    


 


 


 


Gross profit

     25,009,444       18,257,165       64,183,511       54,848,828  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     25,321,803       20,752,893       53,687,643       45,085,200  

Store closing costs

     (325,000 )     5,500,000       (325,000 )     5,500,000  
    


 


 


 


Operating income (loss)

     12,641       (7,995,728 )     10,820,868       4,263,628  

Other income (expense):

                                

Interest income, net

     80,852       22,598       118,309       31,405  

Other charges, net

     (74,268 )     (72,649 )     (149,904 )     (135,148 )
    


 


 


 


Total other expense

     6,584       (50,051 )     (31,595 )     (103,743 )
    


 


 


 


Income (loss) before income taxes

     19,225       (8,045,779 )     10,789,273       4,159,885  

Income taxes (benefit)

     7,497       (3,137,854 )     4,207,816       1,622,355  
    


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

   $ 11,728     $ (4,907,925 )   $ 6,581,457     $ 2,537,530  
    


 


 


 


Earnings (loss) per share:

                                

Basic

   $ 0.00     $ (0.23 )   $ 0.31     $ 0.12  
    


 


 


 


Diluted

   $ 0.00     $ (0.23 )   $ 0.28     $ 0.11  
    


 


 


 


Weighted average shares outstanding:

                                

Basic

     21,510,966       21,236,375       21,437,504       21,225,797  
    


 


 


 


Diluted

     23,899,664       21,236,375       23,827,491       23,494,120  
    


 


 


 


 

See accompanying notes.

 

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Table of Contents

CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended

    Six Months Ended

 
     March 27, 2004

    March 29, 2003

    March 27, 2004

    March 29, 2003

 

Operating Activities

                                

Net income (loss)

   $ 11,728     $ (4,907,925 )   $ 6,581,457     $ 2,537,530  

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

                                

Depreciation and amortization

     4,651,556       3,909,443       9,329,811       7,810,163  

Deferred rent

     595,271       179,560       987,015       689,305  

Amortization of deferred compensation

     27,000       27,000       54,000       54,000  

Loss on impairment and disposal of assets

     14,842       3,072,136       93,375       3,235,796  

Deferred income taxes

     200,000       3,100,000       200,000       3,100,000  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

                                

Inventories

     (3,434,563 )     (9,505,060 )     (3,137,899 )     (1,364,363 )

Other current assets

     1,809,050       (3,683,531 )     2,515,994       (5,541,561 )

Accounts payable, trade

     10,811,409       6,702,297       9,860,142       1,654,695  

Accounts payable, other

     (2,767,946 )     189,766       (3,841,761 )     (1,395,284 )

Accrued payroll and related expense

     (1,457,093 )     (2,040,109 )     1,939,098       (52,595 )

Income and sales taxes payable

     (3,446,928 )     (5,874,529 )     1,692,783       341,633  

Other current liabilities

     (3,593,558 )     (324,832 )     735,954       3,491,436  

Other liabilities

     —         58,894       5,000       73,894  
    


 


 


 


Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     3,420,768       (9,096,890 )     27,014,969       14,634,649  

Investing Activities

                                

Purchases of fixed assets

     (2,010,411 )     (6,203,399 )     (9,676,641 )     (10,672,081 )

Other assets

     (578,697 )     (45,781 )     (544,765 )     13,457  
    


 


 


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (2,589,108 )     (6,249,180 )     (10,221,406 )     (10,658,624 )

Financing Activities

                                

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     241,982       131,570       1,219,149       164,070  
    


 


 


 


Net cash provided by financing activities

     241,982       131,570       1,219,149       164,070  
    


 


 


 


Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     1,073,642       (15,214,500 )     18,012,712       4,140,095  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period

     39,906,387       32,908,075       22,967,317       13,553,480  
    


 


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period

   $ 40,980,029     $ 17,693,575     $ 40,980,029     $ 17,693,575  
    


 


 


 


 

See accompanying notes.

 

 

4


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 audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 27, 2003.

 

Due to the seasonal nature of the Company’s business, the results of operations for the three and six month periods ended March 27, 2004 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 27, 2003 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 19, 2003 and Form 10-K/A, filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on March 12, 2004.

 

2. 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 27, 2004 and March 29, 2003 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 27,
2004


    March 29,
2003


    March 27,
2004


    March 29,
2003


 

Net income (loss) as reported

   $ 11,728     $ (4,907,925 )   $ 6,581,457     $ 2,537,530  

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

     (279,380 )     (278,160 )     (564,250 )     (570,350 )
    


 


 


 


Pro forma net income (loss)

   $ (267,652 )   $ (5,186,085 )   $ 6,017,207     $ 1,967,180  
    


 


 


 


Basic earnings (loss) per share

   $ 0.00     $ (0.23 )   $ 0.31     $ 0.12  

Pro forma

   $ (0.01 )   $ (0.24 )   $ 0.28     $ 0.09  

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

   $ 0.00     $ (0.23 )   $ 0.28     $ 0.11  

Pro forma

   $ (0.01 )   $ (0.24 )   $ 0.25     $ 0.08  

 

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Table of Contents

CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.

 

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

 

2. 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 27,
2004


    March 29,
2003


    March 27,
2004


    March 29,
2003


 

Risk free interest rate

   3.20 %   2.75 %   3.20 %   2.75 %

Dividend yield

   —       —       —       —    

Expected volatility

   66.0 %   65.0 %   66.0 %   65.0 %

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.

 

3. 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 27,
2004


   March 29,
2003


    March 27,
2004


    March 29,
2003


 

Net income (loss)

   $ 11,728    $ (4,907,925 )   $ 6,581,457     $ 2,537,530  
    

  


 


 


Earnings (loss) per share:

                               

Basic

   $ 0.00    $ (0.23 )   $ 0.31     $ 0.12  

Effect of dilutive stock options

     —        —         (0.01 )     —    

Effect of dilutive warrants

     —        —         (0.02 )     (0.01 )
    

  


 


 


Diluted

   $ 0.00    $ (0.23 )   $ 0.28     $ 0.11  
    

  


 


 


Weighted average number of shares:

                               

Basic

     21,510,966      21,236,375       21,437,504       21,225,797  

Effect of dilutive stock options

     560,476      —         566,746       487,439  

Effect of dilutive warrants

     1,828,222      —         1,823,241       1,780,884  
    

  


 


 


Diluted

     23,899,664      21,236,375       23,827,491       23,494,120  
    

  


 


 


 

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Table of Contents

CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.

 

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

 

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

 

     Three Months Ended

   Six Months Ended

     March 27,
2004


   March 29,
2003


   March 27,
2004


   March 29,
2003


Anti-dilutive options

   229,965    1,153,733    229,625    893,191
    
  
  
  

 

4. Recent Accounting Pronouncement

 

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Interpretation No. 46 (“FIN 46”), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,” in January 2003, and a revised interpretation of FIN 46 (“FIN 46-R”) was issued in December 2003. FIN 46 requires certain variable interest entities to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary of the entity if the equity investors in the entity do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. The provisions of FIN 46 are effective immediately for all arrangements entered into after January 31, 2003. Since January 31, 2003, the Company has not invested in any entities it believes are variable interest entities for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. For all arrangements entered into after January 31, 2003, the Company is required to continue to apply FIN 46 through the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2004. The Company is required to adopt the provisions of FIN 46-R for those arrangements in the second quarter of fiscal 2004. For arrangements entered into prior to February 1, 2003, the Company is required to adopt the provisions of FIN 46-R in the second quarter of fiscal 2004. The adoption of FIN No. 46 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

5. Store Closing Costs

 

During fiscal 2003, the Company decided to exit the Charlotte’s Room concept and closed all 10 Charlotte’s Room stores. In accordance with SFAS No. 146, the Company recorded a liability of $2.6 million and recognized an impairment charge of $2.9 million for total store closing costs of $5.5 million, before the effect of income taxes. During fiscal 2003, the final settlement was estimated to be $4.9 million and was included in the results of operations for the fiscal year ended September 27, 2003.

 

The $2.9 million impairment charge reflected the difference between the carrying value and fair value of Charlotte’s Room assets, principally leasehold improvements. Fair value was based on estimated market valuations for those assets since their carrying value was not anticipated to be recoverable through future cash flows. The majority of these assets were disposed of during the third quarter at approximately the estimated fair value.

 

During the second quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company revised the estimate of the reserve requirement for Charlotte’s Room closure costs. As a result, the Company recorded a reversal of the reserve to income in the amount of $325,000. This income was included in the results of operations for the quarter ended March 27, 2004.

 

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Table of Contents

CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.

 

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

 

A reconciliation of the initial reserve to the ending liability, as of March 27, 2004, is as follows:

Description


   Initial
Reserve
Estimate


   Revisions
to Estimate
Based
Upon Final
Costs


    Costs Paid or
Settled


    Other
Adjustments


    Ending
Reserve


Contract termination costs

   $ 1,787,100    $ (490,677 )   $ (1,153,285 )   $ —       $ 143,138

Employee termination

     100,000      —         (18,055 )     (81,945 )     —  

Other associated costs

     712,900      (434,323 )     (433,900 )     160,171       4,846
    

  


 


 


 

Store closing costs

   $ 2,600,000    $ (925,000 )   $ (1,605,240 )   $ 78,226     $ 147,984
    

  


 


 


 

 

6. Commitments and Contingencies

 

From time to time, the Company may be involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of its operations. As of the date of this filing, the Company is not engaged in any legal proceedings that are expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

 

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Table of Contents
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. In some cases you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “intends,” “predicts,” “future,” “potential,” or “continue,” the negative of these terms and other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions about us, may include, among other things, projections of our future financial performance, our anticipated growth strategies, anticipated trends in our business and consumer preferences especially with respect to the impact of economic weakness on consumer spending, as well as projections relating to our anticipated rate of new store openings, anticipated store opening costs, capital expenditures, inventory turnover rates and vendor delivery times. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results, level of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including those factors discussed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 12, 2004.

 

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 may not occur.

 

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 27,
2004


    March 29,
2003


    March 27,
2004


    March 29,
2003


 

Net sales

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %

Cost of goods sold

   78.9     80.4     76.1     75.8  
    

 

 

 

Gross profit

   21.1     19.6     23.9     24.2  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   21.4     22.3     20.0     19.9  

Store closing costs

   (0.3 )   5.9     (0.1 )   2.4  
    

 

 

 

Operating income

   0.0     (8.6 )   4.0     1.9  

Interest income, net

   0.1     0.0     0.0     0.0  

Other charges, net

   (0.1 )   0.0     0.0     (0.1 )
    

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

   0.0     (8.6 )   4.0     1.8  

Income taxes (benefit)

   0.0     (3.3 )   1.5     0.7  
    

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   0.0 %   (5.3 )%   2.5 %   1.1 %
    

 

 

 

Number of stores open at end of period

   335     280     335     280  
    

 

 

 

 

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Three Months Ended March 27, 2004 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 29, 2003

 

Net Sales. Our net sales increased to $118.8 million from $93.1 million, an increase of $25.7 million, or 27.6%, over the same period last year. This increase reflects $22.5 million of additional net sales from the 6 new stores opened during the three months ended March 27, 2004, as well as other stores opened in prior fiscal periods that did not qualify as comparable stores. Our comparable store sales increased by 3.5% and contributed $3.2 million to the net sales increase during the three months ended March 27, 2004 as 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 increased to $25.0 million from $18.3 million, an increase of $6.7 million, or 37.0%, over the same period last year. This increase was the result of higher net sales and improved gross profit margins. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit increased to 21.1% from 19.6%. The increase as a percentage of net sales was principally due to higher initial mark-ups and the impact of leveraging store occupancy costs, distribution costs and buying expenses as we achieved higher average sales per store. These improvements were partially offset by higher markdown and shrinkage expenses.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Our selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $25.3 million from $20.8 million, an increase of $4.5 million, or 22.0%, over the same period last year. This increase was attributable to new store expansion and increased corporate expenses. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 21.3% from 22.3%, primarily due to the impact of leveraging corporate expenses over increased sales and improvements in store operating expenses.

 

Store Closing Costs. Our store closing costs reflects a $325,000 reversal of the Charlotte’s Room reserve for closing costs based upon a revision to the estimate for 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 2003.

 

Net Income. Our net income increased to approximately $12,000 from a loss of $4.9 million for the same quarter last year. This increase was primarily due to the reduction in store closing costs and increase in gross profit, which was partially offset by an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses and a reduction in income tax benefit accruals.

 

Six Months Ended March 27, 2004 Compared to the Six Months Ended March 29, 2003

 

Net Sales. Our net sales increased to $268.1 million from $226.4 million, an increase of $41.7 million, or 18.4%, over the same period last year. This increase reflects $47.6 million of additional net sales from the 24 new stores opened during the six months ended March 27, 2004, as well as other stores opened in prior fiscal periods that did not qualify as comparable stores. This increase was partially offset by a 2.8% decrease in comparable store sales, which resulted in a decrease in sales of $5.9 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 increased to $64.2 million from $54.8 million, an increase of $9.4 million, or 17.0%, over the same period last year. This increase was the result of higher net sales and improved gross profit margins. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased to 23.9% from 24.2%. 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, and increased markdown expense. This decrease was partially offset by higher initial mark-ups.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Our selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $53.7 million from $45.1 million, an increase of $8.6 million, or 19.1%, over the same period last year. This

 

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increase was attributable to new store expansion and increased corporate expenses. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 20.0% from 19.9%, primarily due to increased store payroll and corporate expenses.

 

Store Closing Costs. Our store closing costs 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 2003.

 

Net Income. Our net income increased to $6.6 million from $2.5 million for the same period last year. The increase was primarily due to the reduction in store closing costs and an increase in gross profit, which was partially offset by an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses and income tax expense.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

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 we have also used borrowings under our unsecured credit facility. Due to the rapid turnover of inventory, we generate trade payables and other accrued liabilities sufficient to offset most, if not all, of our working capital requirements, and this allows us to generally operate with limited working capital. As of March 27, 2004, we had working capital of approximately $35.2 million which included cash and cash equivalents of $41.0 million.

 

Net cash provided by operations was $27.0 million for the six months ended March 27, 2004 compared with $14.6 million during the six months ended March 29, 2003. Cash flows from operating activities for the period were primarily generated by income from operations and changes in working capital account balances, specifically increases in accounts payable, trade, increases in accrued payroll and other current liabilities, offset by decreases in inventories and accounts payable, other. Net cash used in investing activities was $10.2 million for the six months ended March 27, 2004, compared with $10.7 million in the six months ended March 29, 2003. Cash used in investing activities primarily represents capital expenditures for store openings, store remodeling, and fixtures.

 

In the six months ended March 27, 2004 and March 29, 2003, we opened 24 and 29 new stores, respectively. During fiscal 2004, we plan to open approximately 50 new Charlotte Russe and Rampage stores. We project that total capital expenditures during fiscal 2004 will be approximately $28.0 million, of which $9.7 million has been spent during the six months ended March 27, 2004. We plan to fund these expenditures with cash flows from operations, available cash balances and funds available under our revolving credit facility.

 

Net cash provided by financing activities was $1.2 million for the six months ended March 27, 2004 compared with $164,000 for six months ended March 29, 2003. Financing activities represent the proceeds of stock option exercises.

 

Effective February 28, 2003, the Company obtained a $25.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility (the “new credit facility”) to replace the previous $15.0 million unsecured revolving credit agreement with another lender. The new credit facility, as amended on July 9, 2003, is subject to certain restrictions and covenants and matures on March 1, 2006. Interest on the new 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 27, 2004, there was no outstanding debt under the new credit facility. The new credit facility requires that the Company maintain certain financial ratios on a quarterly basis and restricts future liens and indebtedness, sales of assets and prohibits dividend payments. As of March 27, 2004, the Company is in compliance with the terms of the credit facility.

 

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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 2004. If our cash flow from operations should decline significantly, it may be necessary for us to seek additional sources of capital.

 

LETTERS OF CREDIT

 

Pursuant to the terms of the $25.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility, the Company can issue up to $15.0 million of documentary or standby letters of credit. The outstanding commitments under this agreement at March 27, 2004 totaled approximately $3.5 million, including $2.6 million in standby letters of credit.

 

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

 

The Company’s commitment to make future payments under long-term contractual obligations was as follows, as of March 27, 2004:

 

Contractual Obligations:    Total

   Less
Than 1
Year


   1-3 Years

   3-5 Years

   After 5
Years


     (dollars in thousands)

Operating leases

   $ 457,231    $ 61,513    $ 118,374    $ 114,086    $ 163,258

Other long-term obligations

     6,563      750      1,500      1,500      2,813
    

  

  

  

  

     $ 463,794    $ 62,263    $ 119,874    $ 115,586    $ 166,071
    

  

  

  

  

 

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, which we believe are likely to be encountered in the future. If actual demand or

 

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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 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 values of investments in our stores (principally leasehold improvements and equipment) and other assets are 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.

 

During fiscal 2003, we decided to exit the Charlotte’s Room concept and closed 10 Charlotte’s Room stores. In accordance with SFAS No. 146, the Company recorded a liability of $2.6 million and recognized an impairment charge of $2.9 million for total store closing costs of $5.5 million, before the effect of income taxes. The final settlement of charges is currently estimated to be $4.6 million. As a result, $600,000 was reversed into income during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003, and $325,000 was reversed into income in the second quarter of fiscal 2004. The $2.9 million impairment charge reflected the difference between the carrying value and fair value of Charlotte’s Room assets. Fair value was based on estimated market valuations for those assets since their carrying value was not anticipated to be recoverable through future cash flows. These assets were disposed of during the third quarter of fiscal 2003 at approximately the estimated fair value.

 

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT

 

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Interpretation No. 46 (“FIN 46”), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,” in January 2003, and a revised interpretation of FIN 46 (“FIN 46-R”) was issued in December 2003. FIN 46 requires certain variable interest entities to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary of the entity if the equity investors in the entity do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. The provisions of FIN 46 are effective immediately for all arrangements after January 31, 2003. Since January 31, 2003, we have not invested in any entities it believes are variable interest entities for which we are the primary beneficiary. For all arrangements entered into entered into after January 31, 2003, we were required to continue to apply FIN 46 through the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2004. We were required to adopt the provisions of FIN 46-R for those arrangements in the second quarter of fiscal 2004. For arrangements entered into prior to February 1, 2003, we were required to adopt the provisions of FIN 46-R in the second quarter of fiscal 2004. The adoption of FIN No. 46 did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

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 27, 2004, we had no borrowings against our credit facility. However, we may borrow additional funds under our revolving credit facility as needed.

 

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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

 

Based upon an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Disclosure Committee and management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(b) and 15d-15(b) the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the three month period ended March 27, 2004, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

 

During the three month period ended March 27, 2004, there were no significant changes in our internal controls over financial reporting or in other factors that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal controls over financial reporting, nor were there any corrective actions required with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

 

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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

From time to time, we may be involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of its 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.

 

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 10, 2004. At the Annual Meeting, seven directors were elected to the Board of Directors with 19,327,974 votes tendered or 89.9% of shares outstanding. There were 1,213,084 shares not voted with no abstentions or broker non-votes.

 

Name of Director


   Votes For

   Votes Withheld

Bernard Zeichner

   16,754,659    3,540,227

Mark A. Hoffman

   16,940,863    3,354,023

Paul R. Del Rossi

   19,167,199    1,127,687

W. Thomas Gould

   19,022,399    1,272,487

Allan W. Karp

   17,701,178    2,593,708

Leonard H. Mogil

   19,022,399    1,272,487

David J. Oddi

   17,715,178    2,579,708

 

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*

 

(b) Reports on Form 8-K

 

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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 16th day of April, 2004.

 

CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.

By:   /s/    DANIEL T. CARTER        
   
   

Daniel T. Carter

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

 

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