CBK 10-Q - Q1 2013


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


 
FORM 10-Q
 
(Mark One)
 
ý                   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended May 4, 2013
 
or
 
o                TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from to
 
Commission File No. 001-31390
 
CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
 
06 - 1195422
(State or other jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
 
Identification No.)
 
 
 
2400 Xenium Lane North, Plymouth, Minnesota
 
55441
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (763) 551-5000
 

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

 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  ý  YES  o  NO
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  ý  YES  o  NO
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer  o
 
Accelerated filer  x
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer  o
 
Smaller reporting company  o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  o  YES  ý  NO
 
As of May 31, 2013, 36,318,762 shares of the registrant's common stock were outstanding.
 





CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
PART I
 
 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements:
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) as of May 4, 2013 and February 2, 2013
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the Thirteen Weeks Ended May 4, 2013 and April 28, 2012
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) for the Thirteen Weeks Ended May 4, 2013 and April 28, 2012
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the Thirteen Weeks Ended May 4, 2013 and April 28, 2012
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
 
 
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
 
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
 
 
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II
 
 
OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
 
 
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
 
 
 
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
 
 
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
 
 
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
 
 
 
Item 5.
Other Information
 
 
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
 
 
 
 
Signatures
 

 


1



PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)
 
 
May 4, 2013
 
February 2, 2013
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS
 
 

 
 

Current assets:
 
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
31,009

 
$
40,739

Short-term investments
 
4,467

 

Accounts receivable
 
5,458

 
3,630

Merchandise inventories
 
43,044

 
42,704

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
7,830

 
6,823

Income taxes receivable
 
415

 
405

Total current assets
 
92,223

 
94,301

Property, equipment and improvements, net
 
38,753

 
41,230

Long-term investments
 
4,985

 

Other assets
 
379

 
401

Total assets
 
$
136,340

 
$
135,932

 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 

 
 

Current liabilities:
 
 

 
 

Accounts payable
 
$
18,339

 
$
22,586

Accrued salaries, wages and related expenses
 
7,877

 
4,217

Other accrued liabilities
 
23,497

 
23,410

Total current liabilities
 
49,713

 
50,213

Non-current liabilities:
 
 

 
 

Deferred lease incentives
 
5,450

 
5,665

Deferred rent obligations
 
2,839

 
2,959

Other non-current liabilities
 
1,659

 
1,629

Total non-current liabilities
 
9,948

 
10,253

 
 
 
 
 
Commitments
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
Stockholders’ equity:
 
 

 
 

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

 

Common stock — $0.01 par value, 74,000 shares authorized, 46,109 and 46,755 shares issued, and 36,318 and 36,964 shares outstanding at May 4, 2013 and February 2, 2013, respectively
 
461

 
467

Additional paid-in capital
 
120,230

 
119,632

Retained earnings
 
68,707

 
68,078

Common stock held in treasury, 9,791 shares at cost at May 4, 2013 and February 2, 2013
 
(112,711
)
 
(112,711
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(8
)
 

Total stockholders’ equity
 
76,679

 
75,466

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
136,340

 
$
135,932

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


2


CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
 
May 4, 2013
 
April 28, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
 
$
108,519

 
$
93,622

Costs and expenses:
 
 

 
 

Merchandise, buying and occupancy
 
71,436

 
71,969

Selling, general and administrative
 
32,716

 
30,825

Depreciation and amortization
 
3,445

 
5,031

Restructuring and impairment
 
140

 
(797
)
Total costs and expenses
 
107,737

 
107,028

Operating income (loss)
 
782

 
(13,406
)
Other income (expense)
 
(63
)
 
54

Income (loss) before income taxes
 
719

 
(13,352
)
Income tax provision
 
90

 
60

Net income (loss)
 
$
629

 
$
(13,412
)
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings (loss) per common share:
 
 

 
 

   Basic
 
$
0.02

 
$
(0.38
)
   Diluted
 
$
0.02

 
$
(0.38
)
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
 
 

 
 

   Basic
 
36,198

 
35,590

   Diluted
 
37,183

 
35,590

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

3


CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)


 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
 
May 4, 2013
 
April 28, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
629

 
$
(13,412
)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
 
 
 
 
Unrealized holding losses on securities arising during the period, net of taxes of $0 and $1 as of May 4, 2013 and April 28, 2012, respectively
 
(8
)
 
(2
)
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net loss, net of taxes of $12
 

 
(19
)
Total other comprehensive income loss
 
(8
)
 
(21
)
Comprehensive income (loss)
 
$
621

 
$
(13,433
)

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


4



CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
 
May 4, 2013
 
April 28, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 

 
 

Net income (loss)
 
$
629

 
$
(13,412
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
 
 

 
 

Depreciation and amortization
 
3,445

 
5,031

Impairment of store assets
 
140

 
139

Amortization of premium on investments
 

 
(72
)
Amortization of financing costs
 
19

 

Deferred lease related liabilities
 
(418
)
 
(1,059
)
Stock-based compensation expense
 
790

 
490

Loss on disposal of assets
 

 
15

Gain (loss) on investments, net
 

 
(26
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 

 
 

Increase in accounts receivable
 
(1,828
)
 
(1,234
)
Increase in merchandise inventories
 
(340
)
 
(5,000
)
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
(1,007
)
 
109

(Increase) decrease in income taxes receivable
 
(10
)
 
174

Decrease in other assets
 
3

 
98

Decrease in accounts payable
 
(4,247
)
 
(2,294
)
Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities
 
3,761

 
(7,363
)
Decrease in lease termination liabilities
 

 
(2,068
)
Increase in other liabilities
 
30

 
3

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
 
967

 
(26,469
)
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 

 
 

Purchases of property, equipment and improvements
 
(1,040
)
 
(1,665
)
Proceeds from sale of furniture, fixtures and equipment
 

 
23

Purchases of available-for-sale investments
 
(9,460
)
 

Redemptions of available-for-sale investments
 

 
9,041

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
 
(10,500
)
 
7,399

 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 

 
 

Shares redeemed for payroll taxes
 
(201
)
 
(22
)
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted stock
 
4

 

Net cash used in financing activities
 
(197
)
 
(22
)
 
 
 
 
 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
 
(9,730
)
 
(19,092
)
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
40,739

 
40,782

 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
31,009

 
$
21,690

 
 
 
 
 

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

5




CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


NOTE 1Basis of Presentation
 
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q have been prepared by Christopher & Banks Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “Christopher & Banks”, “the Company”, “we” or “us”) pursuant to the current rules and regulations of the United States ("U.S.") Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. have been condensed, or omitted, pursuant to such rules and regulations. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and related notes included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2013.

The results of operations for the interim periods shown in this report are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full fiscal year. In the opinion of management, the information contained herein reflects all adjustments, consisting only of normal adjustments, except as otherwise stated in these notes, necessary to present fairly our financial position as of May 4, 2013 and February 2, 2013, our results of operations for the thirteen-week periods ended May 4, 2013 and April 28, 2012 and our cash flows for the thirteen-week periods ended May 4, 2013 and April 28, 2012.


Recently issued accounting pronouncements

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. This update requires that companies present either in a single note or parenthetically on the face of the financial statements, the effect of significant amounts reclassified from each component of accumulated other comprehensive income based on its source and the income statement line items affected by the reclassification. If a component is not required to be reclassified to net income in its entirety, companies would instead cross reference to the related footnote for additional information. The guidance will be effective for the Company’s interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012, and applied prospectively. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or disclosures.


Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications were made within the operating section of the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for prior year amounts included in other accrued liabilities that had been reclassified to accounts payable to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications have no impact on previously reported net loss, current liabilities or net cash flows from operating activities.

In addition, the Company has classified the change in certain deferred lease-related liabilities (deferred lease incentives and deferred rent obligations) as an adjustment to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities on the consolidated statement of cash flows. Prior year amounts previously reported as a change in operating assets and liabilities within the operating activities section of the consolidated statement of cash flows have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. The reclassification has no impact on previously reported net loss, current liabilities or net cash flows from operating activities.


6




NOTE 2Investments
 
Investments as of May 4, 2013 consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
 
 
Amortized Cost
 
Unrealized Gains
 
Unrealized Losses
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term investments:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Available-for-sale securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Certificates of deposit
 
$
2,420

 
$
1

 
$
3

 
$
2,418

Commercial paper
 
2,049

 

 

 
2,049

Total short-term investments
 
4,469

 
1

 
3

 
4,467

Long-term investments:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Available-for-sale securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporate bonds
 
2,508

 

 
5

 
2,503

U.S. Agency securities
 
2,483

 

 
1

 
2,482

Total long-term investments
 
4,991

 

 
6

 
4,985

Total investments
 
$
9,460

 
$
1

 
$
9

 
$
9,452


The Company had no investments as of February 2, 2013. During the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013, there were approximately $9.5 million of purchases of available-for-sale securities and no proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale securities. During the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012 there were no purchases of available-for-sale securities and proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale securities were approximately $9.0 million. There were no other-than-temporary impairments of available-for-sale securities during the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013 and April 28, 2012.

Expected maturities of the Company's investments are as follows (in thousands):
 
 
May 4, 2013
Due in one year or less
 
$
4,467

Due after one year through five years
 
4,985

Total investment securities
 
$
9,452



NOTE 3Merchandise Inventories and Sources of Supply
 
Merchandise inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
 
May 4, 2013
 
February 2, 2013
Merchandise - in store/e-Commerce
 
$
38,622

 
$
32,978

Merchandise - in transit
 
4,422

 
9,726

Total merchandise inventories
 
$
43,044

 
$
42,704


The Company does not have long-term purchase commitments or arrangements with any of its suppliers or agents. During the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013 and April 28, 2012, one of our suppliers accounted for approximately 21%, and 20% of our purchases, respectively. No other vendor supplied greater than 10% of the Company's merchandise purchases for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013 or April 28, 2012.

Although the Company has strong relationships with these vendors, there can be no assurance that these relationships can be maintained in the future or that these vendors will continue to supply merchandise to the Company. If there should be any significant disruption in the supply of merchandise from these vendors, management believes that production could be shifted to other suppliers so as to continue to secure the required volume of product. Nevertheless, it is possible that any significant disruption in supply could have a material adverse impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.




7





NOTE 4Property, Equipment and Improvements, Net
 
Property, equipment and improvements, net consisted of the following (in thousands): 
Description
 
Estimated Useful Life
 
May 4, 2013
 
February 2, 2013
Land
 
 
$
1,597

 
$
1,597

Corporate office, distribution center and related building improvements
 
25 years
 
12,323

 
12,323

Store leasehold improvements
 
Shorter of the useful life or term of related lease, typically 10 years
 
56,528

 
57,954

Store furniture and fixtures
 
3 to 10 years
 
72,151

 
73,865

Corporate office and distribution center furniture, fixtures and equipment
 
7 years
 
5,550

 
5,550

Computer and point of sale hardware and software
 
3 to 5 years
 
34,727

 
34,746

Construction in progress
 
 
1,810

 
1,040

   Total property, equipment and improvements, gross
 
 
 
184,686

 
187,075

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
 
 
 
(145,933
)
 
(145,845
)
   Total property, equipment and improvements, net
 
 
 
$
38,753

 
$
41,230

 
The Company reviews long-lived assets with definite lives at least annually, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. As a result of an impairment analysis, which included the evaluation of individual under-performing stores and assessing the recoverability of the carrying value of the improvements and equipment related to the stores, the Company recorded approximately $0.1 million for long-lived asset impairments during each of the thirteen-week periods ended May 4, 2013 and April 28, 2012.

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


NOTE 5Accrued Liabilities
 
Other accrued liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands): 
 
 
May 4, 2013
 
February 2, 2013
Gift card and store credit liabilities
 
$
6,130

 
$
8,282

Accrued Friendship Rewards Program loyalty liability
 
3,992

 
3,928

Accrued income, sales and other taxes payable
 
2,895

 
1,962

Accrued occupancy-related expenses
 
1,379

 
674

Other accrued liabilities
 
9,101

 
8,564

   Total other accrued liabilities
 
$
23,497

 
$
23,410











8





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

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

Borrowings under the Credit Facility will generally accrue interest at a rate ranging from 2.0% to 2.5% over the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or 1.0% to 1.5% over Wells Fargo's prime rate, based on the amount of Excess Availability, as such term is defined in the Credit Facility. Letters of credit fees range from 1.5% to 2.5%, depending upon Excess Availability.
  
The Credit Facility contains certain affirmative and negative covenants. The affirmative covenants include certain reporting requirements, maintenance of properties, payment of taxes and insurance, compliance with laws, environmental compliance and other provisions customary in such agreements. Negative covenants limit or restrict, among other things, secured and unsecured indebtedness, fundamental changes in the business, investments, liens and encumbrances, transactions with affiliates and other matters customarily restricted in such agreements. The sole financial covenant contained in the Credit Facility requires the Company to maintain availability at least equal to the greater of (a) ten percent (10%) of the borrowing base or (b) $3.0 million.
 
The Credit Facility contains events of default that include failure to pay principal or interest when due, failure to comply with the covenants set forth in the Credit Facility, bankruptcy events, cross-defaults and the occurrence of a change of control, subject to the grace periods, qualifications and thresholds as specified in the Credit Facility. If an event of default under the Credit Facility occurs and is continuing, the loan commitments may be terminated and the principal amount outstanding, together with all accrued unpaid interest and other amounts owing in respect thereof, may be declared immediately due and payable.

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

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

The Company had no revolving credit loan borrowings under the Credit Facility during the first quarter of fiscal 2013 or under its current or previous credit facility in fiscal 2012. Historically, the Company's credit facility has been utilized only to open letters of credit. The total borrowing base at May 4, 2013 was approximately $35.9 million. As of May 4, 2013, the Company had open on-demand letters of credit of approximately $3.5 million. Accordingly, after reducing the borrowing Base for the open letters of credit and the required minimum availability of the greater of $3.0 million, or 10.0% of the borrowing base, the net availability of revolving credit loans under the Credit Facility was approximately $28.7 million at May 4, 2013.








9





NOTE 7Stockholders' Equity and Stock-Based Compensation
 
The Company maintains the following stock plans approved by its shareholders: the 1997 Stock Incentive Plan (the "1997 Plan"), the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2005 Plan") and the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the "2006 Plan"). Under these plans, the Company may grant options to purchase common stock to its employees and non-employee members of the Board at a price not less than 100% of the fair market value of the common stock on the option grant date. In general, options granted to employees typically vest ratably over three years and are exercisable up to 10 years from the date of grant, and options granted to Directors vest ratably over approximately three years and are exercisable up to 10 years from the grant date.

The Company may also grant shares of restricted stock to its employees and non-employee members of the Board. The grantee cannot transfer the shares before the respective shares vest. Shares of nonvested restricted stock are considered to be currently issued and outstanding. Restricted stock grants to employees generally have original vesting schedules of one to three years, while restricted grants to Directors typically vest six months after the date of grant.

Black-Scholes assumptions

We use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to value our stock options for grants to our employees and non-employee directors. Using this option-pricing model, the fair value of each stock option award is estimated on the date of grant and is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, as the stock options are subject to pro-rata vesting. The expected volatility assumption is based on the historical volatility of our stock over a term equal to the expected term of the option granted. The expected term of stock option awards granted is derived from our historical experience and represents the period of time that awards are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free interest rate is based on the implied yield on a U.S. Treasury constant maturity with a remaining term equal to the expected term of the option granted.
 
The weighted average assumptions relating to the valuation of stock options granted during the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013 and April 28, 2012 were as follows.  
 
 
May 4, 2013
 
April 28, 2012
Expected dividend yield
 
—%
 
—%
Expected volatility
 
75.60%
 
73.60%
Risk-free interest rate
 
0.76 - 0.84%
 
1.0%
Expected term
 
5.0 years
 
4.9 years

Stock-Based Compensation Activity — Stock Options
 
The following tables present a summary of stock option activity for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013
 
 
Number of Shares
 
Weighted Average Exercise Price
 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
 
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life
Outstanding, beginning of period
 
3,696,094

 
$
4.89

 
 
 
 
Granted
 
91,633

 
6.25

 
 
 
 
Exercised
 
(2,273
)
 
1.91

 
 
 
 
Canceled - Vested
 

 

 
 
 
 
Canceled - Unvested (Forfeited)
 

 

 
 
 
 
Outstanding, end of period
 
3,785,454

 
$
4.93

 
$
11,064

 
8.53 years
Vested and expected to vest, end of period
 
3,321,650

 
$
5.13

 
$
9,457

 
8.41 years
Exercisable, end of period
 
1,168,596

 
$
8.24

 
$
2,025

 
6.62 years

10



 
 
Number of Shares
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested, beginning of period
 
2,865,360

 
$
1.83

Granted
 
91,633

 
3.82

Vested
 
(340,135
)
 
1.97

Forfeited
 

 

Nonvested, end of period
 
2,616,858

 
1.88


The weighted average fair value for options granted during the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013 and April 28, 2012 was $3.82 and $1.13, respectively. The fair value of options vesting during the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013 and April 28, 2012 was approximately $1.97 and $4.06, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013 was $11,000. There were no options exercised during the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012.

The total pre-tax compensation expense related to all stock-based awards for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013 and April 28, 2012 was approximately $0.8 million and $0.5 million, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense is included in merchandise, buying and occupancy expense for the buying and distribution employees, and in selling, general and administrative expense for all other employees.

As of May 4, 2013, there was approximately $3.3 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested stock options granted, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.2 years.

Stock-Based Compensation Activity — Restricted Stock
 
The following table presents a summary of restricted stock activity for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013
 
 
Number of Shares
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
Nonvested, beginning of period
 
819,902

 
$
2.89

 
 
Granted
 
55,954

 
6.25

 
 
Vested
 
(84,366
)
 
4.66

 
 
Forfeited
 
(674,833
)
 
2.51

 
 
Nonvested, end of period
 
116,657

 
5.44

 
$
805


The weighted average fair value for restricted stock granted during the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013 and April 28, 2012 was $6.25 and $1.91, respectively. The total fair value of restricted stock vesting during the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013 and April 28, 2012 was approximately $0.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of restricted stock vesting during the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013 and April 28, 2012 was approximately $0.5 million and $0.1 million, respectively. As of May 4, 2013, there was approximately $0.4 million of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to nonvested restricted stock awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.2 years.


NOTE 8Income Taxes
 
The Company's liability for unrecognized tax benefits associated with uncertain tax positions is recorded within other non-current liabilities. As of May 4, 2013 and February 2, 2013, our liability for unrecognized tax benefits was approximately $1.0 million. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate as of May 4, 2013 and February 2, 2013 were $0.5 million and $0.7 million, respectively. The balance above at May 4, 2013 includes $0.1 million of tax positions for which the ultimate deductibility is highly certain but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductibility. Because of the impact of deferred income tax accounting, other than for interest and penalties, the disallowance of the shorter deductibility period would not affect the effective income tax rate but would accelerate the payment of cash to the taxing authority to an earlier period. We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as components of income tax.  At May 4, 2013 and February 2, 2013, approximately $0.3 million and $0.3 million, respectively, was accrued for the potential payment of interest and penalties.
 

11




The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income taxes and the income tax obligations of various state and local jurisdictions. Fiscal 2010, 2011, the transition period and fiscal 2012 remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. With few exceptions, the Company is not subject to state income tax examination by tax authorities for taxable years prior to fiscal 2008. As of May 4, 2013, the Company had no ongoing audits in various jurisdictions and does not expect the liability for unrecognized tax benefits to significantly increase or decrease in the next twelve months.

As of May 4, 2013, the Company had a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets. Deferred income tax assets represent potential future income tax benefits. Realization of these assets is ultimately dependent upon future taxable income. The Company has incurred a net cumulative loss as measured by the results of the current year and the prior two years. ASC 740 “Income Taxes,” requires that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on all available evidence, it is considered more likely than not that some or all of the recorded deferred tax assets will not be realized in a future period. Forming a conclusion that a valuation allowance is not needed is difficult when negative evidence such as cumulative losses exists. As a result of management's evaluation, there was insufficient positive evidence to overcome the negative evidence related to the Company's cumulative losses. Accordingly, the Company has continued to maintain a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets since the third quarter of the fiscal year ended February 26, 2011; recording the valuation allowance does not have any impact on cash and does not prevent the Company from using the deferred tax assets in the future when profits are realized.
 
As of May 4, 2013, the Company has federal and state net operating loss carryforwards which will reduce future taxable income.  Approximately $28.8 million in net federal tax benefits are available from these loss carryforwards and an additional $0.7 million is available in net tax credit carryforwards. Included in the federal net operating loss is approximately $1.5 million of loss generated by deductions related to equity-based compensation, the tax effect of which will be recorded to additional paid in capital.  The state loss carryforwards will result in net state tax benefits of approximately $2.7 million. The federal net operating loss carryovers will expire in November 2031 and beyond. The state net operating loss carryforwards will expire in November 2014 and beyond. Additionally, the Company has charitable contribution carryforwards that will expire in 2014.


NOTE 9Earnings Per Share

We calculate earnings per share under the guidance in ASC 260-10, "Earnings per Share," which clarifies that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to receive dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are considered participating securities, and thus, should be included in the two-class method of computing earnings per share ("EPS"). Participating securities under this statement include our unvested employee restricted stock awards with time-based vesting, which receive nonforfeitable dividend payments.
 
The calculation of EPS for common stock shown below excludes the income attributable to these unvested employee restricted stock awards from the numerator and excludes the dilutive impact of these shares from the denominator.
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
 
May 4, 2013
 
April 28, 2012
Numerator (in thousands):
 
 

 
 

Net income (loss) attributable to Christopher & Banks Corporation
 
$
629

 
$
(13,412
)
Income allocated to participating securities
 
(2
)
 

Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
 
$
627

 
$
(13,412
)
Denominator (in thousands):
 
 

 
 

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic
 
36,198

 
35,590

Dilutive shares
 
985

 

Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding - diluted
 
37,183

 
35,590

Net earnings (loss) per common share:
 
 

 
 

Basic
 
$
0.02

 
$
(0.38
)
Diluted
 
$
0.02

 
$
(0.38
)
 
Total stock options of approximately 3.3 million and 2.5 million were excluded from the shares used in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013 and April 28, 2012, respectively, as they were anti-dilutive.



12




NOTE 10Fair Value Measurements

Under ASC 820-10 "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures," fair value is defined as the exit price, or the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the measurement date. ASC 820-10 also establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability and are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of us. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect our assumptions about the factors market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability that are developed based upon the best information available in the circumstances.

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

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

For the thirteen-week period ended May 4, 2013, fair value under ASC 820-10 applied to our available-for-sale securities. These financial assets are carried at fair value following the requirements of ASC 820-10.
  
The following table provides information by level for the Company's available-for-sale securities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of May 4, 2013 (in thousands): 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements
Using Inputs Considered as
Description
 
Fair Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Short-term investments:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Certificates of deposit
 
$
2,418

 
$

 
$
2,418

 
$

Commercial paper
 
2,049

 

 
2,049

 

Total current assets
 
4,467

 

 
4,467

 

Long-term investments:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Municipal bonds
 
2,503

 

 
2,503

 

U.S. Agency securities
 
2,482

 

 
2,482

 

Total non-current assets
 
4,985

 

 
4,985

 

Total assets
 
$
9,452

 
$

 
$
9,452

 
$



The Company's available-for-sale securities were valued based on quoted prices for similar assets in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets in which there were fewer transactions. The Company had no investments as of February 2, 2013 and there were no transfers of assets between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value measurement hierarchy during the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013 and April 28, 2012. According to Company policy we recognize transfers into levels and transfers out of levels on the date of the event or when a change in circumstances causes a transfer.
  
Assets that are Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis:
 
Long-lived assets held and used with a carrying amount of approximately $0.1 million were written down to their fair value of $5,000, resulting in an impairment charge of approximately $0.1 million which was included in earnings for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013. Long-lived assets held and used with a carrying amount of approximately $0.2 million were written down to their fair value of $34,000, resulting in an impairment charge of approximately $0.1 million, which was included in earnings for the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012.




13





The Company determines fair value by a discounted cash flow analysis. In determining future cash flows, the Company uses its best estimate of future operating results which requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including estimated sales, merchandise margin and expense levels, and the selection of an appropriate discount rate, therefore differences in the estimates or assumptions could produce significantly different results. The current challenging economic environment, combined with the continued instability in the housing market and general economic uncertainty affecting the retail industry, makes it reasonably possible that additional long-lived asset impairments could be identified and recorded in future periods.


NOTE 11Legal Proceedings
 
The Company is subject, from time to time, to various claims, lawsuits or actions that arise in the ordinary course of business.  Although the amount of any liability that could arise with respect to any current proceedings cannot, in management’s opinion, be accurately predicted, any such liability is not expected to have a material adverse impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or liquidity.


NOTE 12Segment Reporting
 
In the table below, the “Christopher & Banks/C.J. Banks” reportable segment includes activity generated by Christopher & Banks and C.J. Banks operations. The “Corporate/Administrative” column, which primarily represents operating activity at the corporate office and distribution center facility, is presented to allow for reconciliation of segment-level net sales, operating income (loss) and total assets to consolidated net sales, operating income (loss) and total assets. Segment operating income (loss) includes only net sales, merchandise gross margin and direct store expenses with no allocation of corporate overhead.

During the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013 and April 28, 2012, the Company recorded a net charge (benefit) of approximately $0.1 million and $(0.8) million, respectively, related to restructuring and impairment which included $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively of expense related to store-level asset impairment charges included in the operating income (loss) for the Christopher & Banks/C.J. Banks segment for each period.
(in thousands)
 
Christopher & Banks/C.J. Banks
 
Corporate/Administrative
 
Consolidated
Thirteen Weeks Ended May 4, 2013
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net sales
 
$
108,519

 
$

 
$
108,519

Depreciation expense
 
2,452

 
993

 
3,445

Operating income (loss)
 
15,690

 
(14,908
)
 
782

Total assets
 
101,003

 
35,337

 
136,340

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended April 28, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
 
$
93,622

 
$

 
$
93,622

Depreciation expense
 
3,916

 
1,115

 
5,031

Operating loss
 
(1,940
)
 
(11,466
)
 
(13,406
)
Total assets
 
99,626

 
40,644

 
140,270

 


NOTE 13Related Party Transactions
 
The Company or its subsidiaries have for the past several years purchased goods from G-III Apparel Group Ltd. (“G-III”) or its related entities.  On January 3, 2011, Morris Goldfarb, the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of G-III, became a director of the Company. Payments made by the Company and its subsidiaries to G-III and its related entities aggregated approximately $0.4 million and $0.3 million for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013 and April 28, 2012, respectively. As of May 4, 2013 and February 2, 2013, the Company had a balance due to G-III or its related entities of approximately $0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively.



14





NOTE 14 — Subsequent Events

On May 9, 2013, Christopher & Banks Corporation entered into an amendment to the Rights Agreement, dated as of July 5, 2012, as amended, by and between the Company and Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, Inc., as Rights Agent.

The Amendment changed the expiration date of the Series A Junior participating Preferred Stock Purchase Rights issued pursuant to the rights Agreement from July 5, 2014 to May 9, 2013. Accordingly, the Rights expired at the close of business on May 9, 2013 and the Rights Agreement has been terminated and is of no further force and effect. The Rights will be de-listed from the New York Stock Exchange and de-registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.


15



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

The following management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations ("MD&A") should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes included in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q and the consolidated financial statements, notes and MD&A contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal period ended February 2, 2013.

Executive Overview
 
Christopher & Banks Corporation, a Delaware corporation, is a Minneapolis-based retailer of women’s apparel and accessories, which operates retail stores through its wholly-owned subsidiaries. As of May 4, 2013, we operated 603 stores in 44 states, including 379 Christopher & Banks stores, 156 C.J. Banks stores, 43 Missy, Petite, Women ("MPW") stores (formerly referred to as "Dual" stores) and 25 outlet stores. Our Christopher & Banks brand offers unique fashions and accessories featuring exclusively designed, coordinated assortments of women’s apparel in sizes 4 to 16 and in petite sizes 4P to 16P. Our C.J. Banks brand offers similar assortments of plus size women’s apparel in sizes 14W to 26W. Our MPW and outlet stores offer an assortment of both Christopher & Banks and C.J. Banks apparel servicing the missy, petite and plus size customer in one location. We also operate e-Commerce web sites for our two brands at www.christopherandbanks.com and www.cjbanks.com which, in addition to offering the apparel and accessories found in our stores, also offer exclusive sizes and styles available only online.

We believe we have a unique opportunity to address the needs of our customer by embracing her demographic, women who generally range in age from 45 to 60, which is largely overlooked by other retailers. Our overall strategy for our two brands, Christopher & Banks and C.J. Banks, is to offer a compelling, versatile, reasonably priced assortment of unique and classic apparel through our stores and e-Commerce web sites in order to satisfy women of all sizes expectations for style, quality, value and fit, while providing exceptional, personalized customer service.

Fiscal 2013 First Quarter Summary
 
In the first quarter of fiscal 2013, we made significant progress on our strategic initiatives, which are described more fully below. We were pleased with the continued momentum we achieved in our business in the first quarter of fiscal 2013, as we worked to execute the strategic plan which was established and enhanced over the past 18 months.

For the first quarter of fiscal 2013 (the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013), total net sales increased 15.9% to $108.5 million from $93.6 million for the comparable period ended April 28, 2012 (the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012). Same store sales increased 23.4% for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013, when compared to the thirteen weeks ended May 5, 2012. This compared to a 14.6% decrease for the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2013. We believe that our product offerings were well received by our customers, as they responded favorably to the combination of style, quality and value in our merchandise assortments. The increase in same store sales was driven by strong rates of customer conversion combined with growth in our average dollar sale. Customer traffic levels were down slightly compared to the first quarter last year as unseasonable weather impacted our business throughout the quarter. This was particularly true in the second half of April, including the final two days of our semi-annual Friends and Family promotional event. In addition, we were less promotional than in the prior year period, when we were clearing through product designed and ordered before implementation of our current strategic initiatives.

Gross margin improved by 1,110 basis points to 34.2% for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013, from 23.1% for the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012. Approximately two-thirds of the 1,110 basis point improvement in gross margin was driven by higher merchandise margins. This was due mainly to lower markdowns combined with a modest increase in initial product mark-up. The remaining improvement in gross margin resulted from positive leverage of buying and occupancy costs associated with the increase in same store sales.

We ended the first quarter of fiscal 2013 with total cash, cash equivalents and investments of $40.5 million, no long-term debt and no borrowings under our $50 million credit facility. Total inventory was $43.0 million at May 4, 2013, compared to $44.5 million as of April 28, 2012. In-store inventory per store, which excludes in-transit and e-commerce inventory, was approximately 6.9% higher at May 4, 2013 when compared to the end of last year's first fiscal quarter. The increase in per-store inventory is attributable to the higher inventory levels required to support anticipated fiscal 2013 second quarter sales levels. Our inventory balance at May 4, 2013 was current, with approximately 75% of product consisting of April 2013 and more recent merchandise deliveries and basic core product.



16




Fiscal 2013 Second Quarter Outlook
 
Our results of operations for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013 reflect the benefits of our strategic initiatives, including improved same store sales and margin improvement compared to the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012. While we recognize that there is some continued uncertainty associated with the current macro-economic environment, we anticipate same store sales will increase approximately 8% to 10% in the second quarter of fiscal 2013 (thirteen weeks ending August 3, 2013) compared to the thirteen-week period ended August 4, 2012.

We also expect to achieve approximately 450 to 550 basis points of gross margin improvement in the second quarter, as compared to the comparable prior year period. We expect approximately three-quarters of the anticipated improvement will be due to improved merchandise margins and approximately one-quarter will be due to positive leverage of occupancy expense. In addition, in the second quarter of fiscal 2013, we expect selling, general and administrative expense dollars to increase when compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2012, due to increased investments in marketing and store systems. For the full fiscal year, we expect a slight positive leverage of selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of sales. In addition, we plan to accrue for performance-based incentive compensation in the second quarter of fiscal 2013, which did not occur in the second quarter of fiscal 2012 and record the remaining expense related to the management retention plan put in place in July 2012. As a result, we anticipate selling, general and administrative expense to increase as a percent of sales in the second quarter, when compared to the comparable prior year period, and be in the range of 30.5% to 31.0%.

We expect inventory levels in the second quarter of fiscal 2013 will be in line with our anticipated increase in same store sales. In addition, we are now planning for fiscal 2013 capital expenditures to be approximately $10.0 million to $10.5 million for the full year, an increase of approximately $1.0 million from our previously stated expectations. We expect to open five new outlet stores and two new MPW stores in fiscal 2013 as well as convert twelve existing stores to six MPW stores. We also continue to plan to make additional investments in our information technology infrastructure, including upgraded software and peripheral hardware at the point-of-sale, visual product displays and fixtures to further enhance the presentation of our merchandise and other investments in our stores, corporate office and distribution center facility.

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

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


Strategic Initiatives

We are working to execute our strategic initiatives described below while fostering an overall environment of operational excellence. This includes maintaining focus on consistently achieving our financial goals, resulting in a concentrated effort to return to profitability and maintain positive cash flow; maximizing gross profit through enhancing the productivity of our inventory; recognition and retention of top talent throughout our organization; and alignment of our technology priorities to enable and support the business.






17



Merchandise Strategy

Continue to create well-balanced merchandise assortments

Over the past 18 months, our merchant team has focused on developing a well-balanced merchandise assortment. This includes editing the number of unique styles offered, reducing retail ticket prices to levels more in-line with our traditional offerings and providing styles that better align with our customers' fashion taste. They have been building assortments with fewer styles that are more balanced by increasing the amount of 'good' and 'better' product offerings and decreasing the number of 'best' offerings. This involved increasing the penetration of core product in our deliveries, including basic knit layering pieces and classic bottoms, increasing the representation of mid-priced 'better' selections, such as printed tees and novelty jackets and sweaters, while reducing the number of higher priced 'best' offerings. Our goal is to continue to reduce the overall number of unique styles we carry, allowing us to present a more focused and compelling product assortment with fewer, more relevant selections.

In fiscal 2013, we plan to continue to reduce the number of unique styles offered by approximately 30% and increase the depth provided in key merchandise categories. Focus will be placed on the core knit business and providing the appropriate balance of unique novelty and more basic styles. We are reintroducing a classic cotton shirt business with increased breadth of color offerings in key silhouettes. Our bottoms business will concentrate on delivering consistent fit, versatility and comfort. We will also continue to grow the penetration of vests and jackets in our assortments, balancing casual and wear-to-work styles at opening price points and more unique styles at better and best retail prices. Emphasis will also continue to be placed on our key categories of jewelry and scarves within our accessories offerings with an overall focus on providing comprehensive outfitting options.

Maintain price/value correlation

One of our primary goals last year was to mitigate markdown levels by offering more attractive opening price points and simplifying the number of price points offered to our customers. This change in our approach to pricing supports our 'good, better, best' balanced product offerings. As we increased the penetration of core product offerings in our assortments, we were able to drive sales volume by offering more styles at attractive opening price points that our customers have begun to accept without steep discounting or markdowns. In addition, we reduced the number of price points across all categories to simplify the shopping experience.

We continue to be committed to offering our customers value every day. All product offerings, including those falling into our 'better' and 'best' classifications, have been priced at levels that are intended to be more attractive to our customers. We plan to continue to offer this pricing strategy in fiscal 2013 and believe this will continue to result in improved net sales, reduced markdowns, higher average unit retail selling prices and increased gross profit.

Optimize inventory productivity and margin performance

Our goal is to maximize inventory productivity through focused and timely markdown management, refined analysis of the appropriate merchandise receipt level required to drive sales and improved margins and ongoing refinement of the appropriate timing and number of major product deliveries.

Historically, we have developed and delivered a full, unique merchandise assortment to our stores on a monthly basis. In order to simplify and accelerate our product development process, beginning in September 2012, we reduced the number of major product deliveries to our stores by half. These deliveries reflect increased depth with a greater number of units of key styles.

As we move through fiscal 2013, we will continue to review the frequency and timing of our merchandise deliveries to optimize inventory turns and margin performance. We will also continue to evaluate and refine the amount and timing of product flow between major assortment deliveries to ensure the appropriate balance of consistently providing fresh colors and styles to our stores.

Enhance promotional strategy

We have analyzed our promotional cadence and adjusted our markdown strategy in an effort to minimize and reverse the significant merchandise margin erosion we experienced in the first half of fiscal 2012. While we anticipate that, in order to be competitive, we will need to continue to be promotional, we continue to test and implement more targeted, unique, pre-planned promotions in an effort to improve merchandise margins and lessen our reliance on store-wide promotional events. We are also continuing to develop product that will support specific promotional events and deliver improved margin performance.

18



In addition, we have adopted a more focused and timely approach to our markdown process that quickly addresses underperforming styles on a unique basis in an effort to utilize our markdowns as efficiently as possible. We are also placing a greater emphasis on liquidating merchandise in-store and utilizing our Outlet stores as a liquidation channel for older product deliveries rather than utilizing a third party liquidator.

Maximize sourcing partnerships

We believe it is critical to analyze and reduce our vendor base in order to become more meaningful to our sourcing resources and obtain more competitive product pricing and enhanced service. At the same time, we are working to ensure our vendor matrix is balanced to reduce potential risks associated with reliance on limited resources. We will also continue to leverage fabric purchases across product offerings to minimize cost of goods and continue to work with current and new suppliers to identify opportunities to shorten product lead times, increase efficiencies in merchandise flow and enhance our ability to react more quickly to current selling trends in-season.

Customer/Marketing Strategy

Customer communication/customer relationship management/loyalty program

Our marketing efforts continue to be focused on maximizing the benefits of our customer relationship management ("CRM") system and Friendship Rewards Loyalty Program to strengthen personalized communication with our customers and build stronger connections with them. Friendship Rewards is a point-based program where members earn points based on purchases. After reaching a certain level of accumulated points, members are rewarded with a certificate which may be applied towards purchases at our stores or web sites. The program has helped us build our CRM database, allowing us to reach more customers through e-mail and direct mail. In fiscal 2013, we plan to place greater importance on communicating with our customers via direct mail with fashion and promotional messages designed to drive increased traffic to our store locations and web sites. In addition, we will continue to stress grass roots marketing efforts, such as in-store fashion shows and calling campaigns, as another means of increasing customer traffic.

Grow private label credit card program

During the first quarter of fiscal 2012, we launched a private label credit card program with a sponsoring bank which provides for the issuance of credit cards bearing the Christopher & Banks and C.J. Banks brands. The program has been a successful tool to attract new customers and to re-engage customers who had not shopped with us for a period of twelve months or longer, and we plan to leverage this program further in fiscal 2013 by incorporating private label credit card statement inserts into our direct marketing efforts to drive repeat purchasing.

We currently have approximately 375,000 private label credit card holders accounting for approximately 20% of our sales. Given the success of this program and the loyalty of our card holders, we plan to begin accepting payments in-store in the second quarter of fiscal 2013. This will make it more convenient for customers to maintain their accounts while driving additional traffic to our stores.

Emphasis on e-commerce business

We plan to increase the emphasis on our e-commerce business in fiscal 2013 as we believe we have opportunity to increase traffic by leveraging our existing customer base and acquiring new customers through investments in technology and expertise. During the first quarter of fiscal 2013, we made several key investments in our e-commerce business, launching our new e-commerce platform and adding resources to our team, including a new Vice President of E-commerce and Digital Marketing. The new platform is hosted by our third-party e-commerce provider and provides increased efficiencies in site management, including visual merchandising and campaign management. Going forward, we also plan to continue to fine-tune our on-line exclusive product assortments to capitalize on our strength in denim, wear-to-work and thematic merchandise. We also intend to offer various bottom lengths, including petite and tall, while increasing testing of extended sizes and new merchandise categories.








19



Stores/Real Estate Strategy

Improve sales productivity

In an effort to drive improved sales productivity, we continue to strive to enhance our customer in-store experience. We have focused our associates on strengthening our selling culture while providing more knowledgeable and personalized service to our customers. We have refined and reintroduced a selling program that includes a significant focus on grass roots connections with our customers and improving our store associates' product knowledge through more frequent collaboration with our merchant team.

We strive to deliver exceptional, personalized customer service in a warm and inviting store environment. In addition, we continue to refine and add new visual merchandising elements to our stores to maximize merchandise displays, highlight outfitting options and provide more compelling window presentations incorporating both product and marketing messages, in order to drive increased numbers of new and existing customers into our stores.

Continue focus on pilot test stores and incorporate learnings

We initiated a store pilot program in fiscal 2012 to test various strategies, including optimizing inventory and staffing levels, adding a key item table program and more updated fixtures. We also started a new employee incentive program to improve service and drive customer conversion. In the first quarter of fiscal 2013, we added 34 additional stores to the pilot program, bringing the total number of test stores to 101 as of May 4, 2013. In the first quarter of fiscal 2013, our pilot test stores experienced approximately 1,500 basis points of incremental same store sales performance when compared to the stores in the balance of the chain.

Given the success of the pilot program, we have begun to roll out some of the learnings from the pilot program to the broader base of stores. Going forward, we will continue to maintain a base of control stores to test and evaluate various new initiatives including grass roots and other marketing programs, updated visual fixtures and further optimization of staffing and inventory levels.
  
Real Estate

We are focused on refining and optimizing our real estate strategy, including continuing to identify and close underperforming locations and taking a methodical and disciplined approach to new store openings. During the first quarter of fiscal 2013, we closed eight stores, four of which were converted into two MPW stores. We also opened one new MPW store during the quarter and, as of May 4, 2013, we operated 603 stores consisting of 379 Christopher & Banks stores, 156 C.J. Banks stores, 43 MPW stores and 25 outlet stores.

Over the longer term, we expect store count expansion to primarily be driven by adding outlet stores. Our plan for full-price stores is to focus on finding opportunities to convert existing Christopher & Banks and C.J. Banks locations to MPW stores where we believe we can better serve our customer by providing our full complement of missy, petite and plus sizes in a single location.

We currently plan to open five new outlet stores and two new MPW stores in fiscal 2013. We also plan to convert a total of 12 existing locations to six MPW stores during the year. As we continue to close underperforming locations, we anticipate our average store count will decrease by approximately 9% in the second quarter and approximately 8% for the full fiscal year.

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

Same store sales

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

20





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

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

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

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

Cash flow and liquidity

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

Based on our current plans for fiscal 2013, we believe cash flows from operating activities and working capital to be sufficient to meet our operating and capital expenditures requirements for the fiscal year. We do not anticipate the need to utilize our Credit Facility for any liquidity needs in fiscal 2013, other than to maintain and open letters of credit in the normal course of business. Our operating plan for fiscal 2013 contemplates positive same store sales and improvements in merchandise margins when compared to fiscal 2012. The plan is dependent on our ability to consistently deliver merchandise that is appealing to our customers at a profitable price, and to manage our costs effectively, in order to satisfy our working capital and other operating cash requirements. Our operating plan is based on a number of assumptions which involve significant judgment and estimates of future performance. If our net sales, gross margins and operating results fall short of our expectations, we may be required to access some, if not all, of our Credit Facility, and potentially require other sources of financing to fund our operations.

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



Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
Our critical accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 of the notes to consolidated financial statements contained within our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal period ended February 2, 2013. There have been no material changes in our critical accounting policies or estimates in the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013. Management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.


21




Results of Operations

Thirteen Weeks Ended May 4, 2013 Compared to Thirteen Weeks Ended April 28, 2012
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
May 4, 2013
 
April 28, 2012
 
Change
 
 
$ (in thousands)
 
% of Sales
 
$ (in thousands)
 
% of Sales
 
$
 
%
Net sales
 
$
108,519

 
100.0
%
 
$
93,622

 
100.0
 %
 
$
14,897

 
15.9
 %
Merchandise, buying and occupancy
 
71,436

 
65.8

 
71,969

 
76.9

 
(533
)
 
(0.7
)
Selling, general and administrative
 
32,716

 
30.1

 
30,825

 
32.9

 
1,891

 
6.1

Depreciation and amortization
 
3,445

 
3.3

 
5,031

 
5.4

 
(1,586
)
 
(31.5
)
Restructuring and impairment
 
140

 
0.1

 
(797
)
 
(0.9
)
 
937

 
(117.6
)
Total costs and expenses
 
107,737

 
99.3

 
107,028

 
114.3

 
709

 
0.7

Operating income (loss)
 
782

 
0.7

 
(13,406
)
 
(14.3
)
 
14,188

 
(105.8
)
Other income (expense)
 
(63
)
 

 
54

 
0.1

 
(117
)
 
(216.7
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
719

 
0.7

 
(13,352
)
 
(14.3
)
 
14,071

 
(105.4
)
Income tax provision
 
90

 
0.1

 
60

 
0.1

 
30

 
50.0

Net income (loss)
 
$
629

 
0.6
%
 
$
(13,412
)
 
(14.3
)%
 
$
14,041

 
(104.7
)%

Net Sales.  Net sales for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013 were $108.5 million, an increase of $14.9 million or 15.9%, from net sales of $93.6 million for the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012. The increase in net sales was a result of higher same store sales, partially offset by a decrease in the number of stores operated during the quarter.

Same store sales increased 23.4% for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013, when compared to the thirteen weeks ended May 5, 2012. We believe that our product offerings were well received by our customers, as they responded favorably to the combination of style, quality and value in our merchandise assortments. The increase in same store sales was driven by strong rates of customer conversion combined with growth in our average dollar sale. Customer traffic levels were down slightly when compared to the first quarter last year as unseasonable weather impacted our business throughout the first quarter.

As a result of restructuring our store portfolio in fiscal 2012, and continued closures of underperforming locations, we operated an average of 10.5% fewer stores in the first quarter of fiscal 2013, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2012. Our store count totaled 603 as of May 4, 2013, compared to 665 at April 28, 2012.
  
Merchandise, Buying and Occupancy Costs.  Merchandise, buying and occupancy costs, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, were $71.4 million, or 65.8% of net sales for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013, compared to $72.0 million, or 76.9% of net sales, for the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012, resulting in approximately 1,110 basis points of improvement in gross profit margin for the quarter.
 
Approximately two-thirds of the 1,110 basis point improvement in gross margin was driven by higher merchandise margins resulting mainly from lower markdowns combined with a modest increase in initial product mark-up. Our customers responded favorably to the balance of style, quality and value provided in our merchandise assortments in the first quarter of fiscal 2013, resulting in reduced levels of markdowns required to drive customer traffic and clear inventory. In addition, we were less promotional than in the prior year period, when we were clearing through product designed and ordered before implementation of our current strategic initiatives.

The remaining improvement in gross margin resulted from positive leverage of buying and occupancy costs associated with the increase in same store sales in the first quarter.
  
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013 were $32.7 million, or 30.1% of net sales, compared to $30.8 million, or 32.9% of net sales, for the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012, resulting in approximately 280 basis points of positive leverage.



22




The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses is a result of investments in marketing and store staffing. In the first quarter of fiscal 2013, we increased our direct marketing efforts, while we executed almost no direct marketing in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. We have been pleased with the return on our investment in direct mail and we believe it also offers us an effective means to drive inactive, or lapsed, customers back into our stores and to our web sites.

In the first quarter, we continued to invest in and analyze our store staffing levels in order to optimize productivity. Additionally, we accrued performance-based incentive compensation in the first quarter of fiscal 2013, while there was no accrual for performance-based bonuses in the prior year period. We also accrued expense in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 related to the executive retention plan which was established in July 2012. The cost of this plan is being expensed ratably over the twelve-month retention period from July 2012 through June 2013.

Depreciation and Amortization.  Depreciation and amortization expense was $3.4 million, or 3.3% of net sales, for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013, compared to $5.0 million, or 5.4% of net sales, for the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012. The decrease in the amount of depreciation and amortization expense primarily resulted from operating approximately 10.5% fewer stores in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2012. In addition, the continued maturing of our store base has resulted in more fully depreciated assets and lower depreciation expense.
 
Restructuring and Impairment. In the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013, we recorded non-cash impairment charges of approximately $0.1 million related to one store, while we recorded a net benefit of approximately $0.8 million related to asset impairment and restructuring charges in the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012. In the first quarter of fiscal 2012, we recorded a credit of approximately $1.4 million related to 18 stores where amounts recorded for net lease termination liabilities exceeded the actual settlements negotiated with landlords. We also recorded approximately $0.5 million of additional net lease termination liabilities related to three stores that we closed in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. In addition, we recognized approximately $0.1 million of non-cash asset impairment charges related to five stores we plan to continue to operate.

Operating Income (Loss).  As a result of the foregoing factors, we reported operating income of $0.8 million, or 0.7% of net sales, for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013, compared to an operating loss of $13.4 million, or 14.3% of net sales, for the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012.
 
Other Income (Expense). Other expense of $63 thousand for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013 primarily consisted of fees associated with our credit facility. For the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012, other income of $0.1 million consisted of interest income.
 
Income Taxes.  We recorded income tax expense of approximately $0.1 million, with an effective tax rate of 12.5%, for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013. For the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012, we recorded an income tax expense of $0.1 million, with an effective tax rate of (0.5)%. Our effective tax rates reflect the ongoing impact of the valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets.
 
Net Income (Loss).  As a result of the foregoing factors, we reported net income of $0.6 million, or 0.6% of net sales and $0.02 per diluted share, for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013, compared to a net loss of $13.4 million, or 14.3% of net sales and $(0.38) per share, for the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash flow and liquidity

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

Based on our current plans for fiscal 2013, we believe cash flows from operating activities and working capital will be sufficient to meet our operating and capital expenditures requirements for the fiscal year. We do not anticipate the need to utilize our Credit Facility for any liquidity needs in fiscal 2013, other than to maintain and open letters of credit in the normal course of business. Our operating plan for fiscal 2013 contemplates positive same store sales and improvements in merchandise margins when compared to fiscal 2012. The plan is dependent on our ability to consistently deliver merchandise that is appealing to our customers at a profitable price, and to manage our costs effectively, in order to satisfy our working capital and

23



other operating cash requirements. Our operating plan is based on a number of assumptions which involve significant judgment and estimates of future performance. If our net sales, gross margins and operating results fall short of our expectations, we may be required to access some, if not all, of our Credit Facility, and potentially require other sources of financing to fund our operations.

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

The following table summarizes our cash flows for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013 and April 28, 2012 (in thousands):
 
 
May 4, 2013
 
April 28, 2012
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
 
$
967

 
$
(26,469
)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
 
(10,500
)
 
7,399

Net cash used in financing activities
 
(197
)
 
(22
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
 
$
(9,730
)
 
$
(19,092
)
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

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

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

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

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

Net cash used in operating activities totaled $26.5 million in the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012, a decrease of approximately $27.7 million from net cash provided by operating activities of $1.2 million in the thirteen weeks ended May 28, 2011. The decrease was the result of a decrease in net earnings in the first thirteen weeks of fiscal 2012, compared to the thirteen weeks ended May 28, 2011, combined with changes in our working capital accounts. We reported a net loss of $13.4 million for the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012, compared to net income of $1.9 million for the thirteen weeks ended May 28, 2011.
Significant fluctuations in our working capital accounts in the first thirteen weeks of fiscal 2012 included a $5.0 million increase in merchandise inventory, a $2.3 million decrease in accounts payable, a $7.4 million decrease in accrued liabilities and a $2.1 million decrease in the lease termination fee liability. The increase in inventory was the result of seasonal increases in in-store inventory. The decrease in accounts payable was a function of the timing of merchandise receipts and payments.

24




The decrease in accrued liabilities was due mainly to reductions in our accrued wages, salaries, and related expenses, as well as seasonal reductions in our gift card liability.
The remainder of the change in cash used in operating activities in the first quarter of fiscal 2012 was substantially the result of the net loss realized during the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012, after adjusting for non-cash charges, including depreciation and amortization, store asset impairment and stock-based compensation expense, combined with various other changes in our other operating assets and liabilities.

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

Net cash used in investing activities in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 totaled $10.5 million, a decrease of $17.9 million from net cash provided by investing activities of $7.4 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2012. Net cash used in investing activities in the first quarter consisted of $9.5 million of purchases of available-for-sale investments and $1.0 million of of capital expenditures. We opened one new store in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 and made investments in our information technology infrastructure and visual merchandise displays and fixtures. We plan to fund approximately $10.0 million to $10.5 million of total capital expenditures in fiscal 2013. We expect to open four to five new outlet stores and two new MPW stores in fiscal 2013, as well as to convert a total of 12 existing stores to six MPW stores. We also continue to plan to make additional investments in our information technology infrastructure including upgraded software and peripheral hardware at the point-of-sale, visual product displays and fixtures to further enhance the presentation of our merchandise as well as other investments in our stores, corporate office and distribution center facility.

Net cash provided by investing activities totaled $7.4 million for the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012, an increase of $1.8 million from cash provided by investing activities of $5.6 million for the thirteen weeks ended May 28, 2011. Net cash provided by investing activities in the first thirteen weeks of fiscal 2012 consisted of $9.0 million of sales of investments, partially offset by $1.7 million of capital expenditures. Six new stores were opened in the first quarter of fiscal 2012.

Net cash used in financing activities

Net cash used in financing activities in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 totaled approximately $0.2 million, a decrease of approximately $0.2 million from $22,000 in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. In both periods, primarily all of the net cash used in financing activities pertaining to payment of payroll taxes related to shares which were surrendered to us by stock plan participants in order to satisfy withholding tax obligations related to the vesting of restricted stock awards.

Net cash used in financing activities for the first thirteen weeks of fiscal 2012 was approximately $22,000, a decrease of $2.1 million from the thirteen weeks ended May 28, 2011. In the quarter ended May 28, 2011, approximately $2.2 million was used to fund the payment of a quarterly cash dividend. In December 2011, we announced that the Board suspended the payment of a quarterly dividend.

Credit facility
 
On July 12, 2012, Christopher & Banks Corporation and its two subsidiaries, Christopher & Banks, Inc. and Christopher & Banks Company (collectively the “Borrowers”), entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Credit Facility”) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”) as Lender. The Credit Facility replaced our prior credit facility with Wells Fargo. The Credit Facility provides us with revolving credit loans of up to $50.0 million in the aggregate, subject to a borrowing base formula based primarily on eligible credit card receivables, inventory and real estate, as defined in the Credit Facility, and up to $10.0 million of which may be drawn in the form of standby and documentary letters of credit. The Credit Facility expires in July 2017.

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

Borrowings under the Credit Facility will generally accrue interest at a rate ranging from 2.0% to 2.5% over the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or 1.0% to 1.5% over Wells Fargo's prime rate, based on the amount of Excess Availability as such term is defined in the Credit Facility. Letters of credit fees range from 1.5% to 2.5%, depending upon Excess Availability.


25



The Credit Facility contains certain affirmative and negative covenants. The affirmative covenants include certain reporting requirements, maintenance of properties, payment of taxes and insurance, compliance with laws, environmental compliance and other provisions customary in such agreements. Negative covenants limit or restrict, among other things, secured and unsecured indebtedness, fundamental changes in the business, investments, liens and encumbrances, transactions with affiliates and other matters customarily restricted in such agreements. The sole financial covenant contained in the Credit Facility requires us to maintain availability at least equal to the greater of (a) ten percent (10%) of the Borrowing Base or (b) $3.0 million.

The Credit Facility permits the payment of dividends to the Company's shareholders in limited circumstances. If certain financial conditions are met, the Company may declare and pay dividends not to exceed $10.0 million in any fiscal year. The Company may also declare and pay an additional one-time dividend payment to shareholders in an amount not to exceed $5.0 million.
The Credit Facility contains events of default that include failure to pay principal or interest when due, failure to comply with the covenants set forth in the Credit Facility, bankruptcy events, cross-defaults and the occurrence of a change of control, subject to the grace periods, qualifications and thresholds as specified in the Credit Facility. If an event of default under the Credit Facility occurs and is continuing, the loan commitments may be terminated and the principal amount outstanding, together with all accrued unpaid interest and other amounts owing in respect thereof, may be declared immediately due and payable.
 
Our obligations under the Credit Facility are secured by the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries pursuant to a Security Agreement, dated July 12, 2012 (the “Security Agreement”). Pursuant to the Security Agreement, we pledged substantially all of our assets as collateral security for the loans to be made pursuant to the Credit Facility, including accounts owed to us, bank accounts, inventory, other tangible and intangible personal property, intellectual property (including patents and trademarks), and stock or other evidences of ownership of 100% of all of the Company's subsidiaries.

We had no revolving credit loan borrowings under the Credit Facility during the first quarter of fiscal 2013 or under our current or previous credit facility in fiscal 2012. Historically, our credit facility has been utilized only to open letters of credit. The total borrowing base at May 4, 2013 was approximately $35.9 million. As of May 4, 2013, we had open on-demand letters of credit of approximately $3.5 million. Accordingly, after reducing the borrowing Base for the open letters of credit and the required minimum availability of the greater of $3.0 million, or 10.0% of the borrowing base, the net availability of revolving credit loans under the Credit Facility was approximately $28.7 million at May 4, 2013.


Sourcing
 
We directly imported approximately 26% of our merchandise purchases in the first quarter of fiscal 2013, compared to approximately 22% in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. A significant amount of our merchandise was manufactured overseas in each of these fiscal years, primarily in China and Indonesia.  This reliance on sourcing from foreign countries may cause us to be exposed to certain risks as indicated below and in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Import restrictions, including tariffs and quotas, and changes in such restrictions, could affect the importation of apparel and might result in increased costs, delays in merchandise receipts or reduced supplies of apparel available to us, and could have an adverse effect on our financial conditions, results of operations and liquidity. Our merchandise flow could also be adversely affected by political instability in any of the countries where our merchandise is manufactured or by changes in the United States government’s policies toward such foreign countries. In addition, merchandise receipts could be delayed due to interruptions in air, ocean and ground shipments.

We do not have long-term purchase commitments or arrangements with any of our suppliers or agents. One of our suppliers accounted for approximately 21%, and 20%, of our purchases during the first quarters of fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, respectively. No other vendor supplied greater than 10% of the Company's merchandise purchases during the thirteen month periods ended May 4, 2013 and April 28, 2012. Our vendors produce the majority of the goods sold to us in China and Indonesia, consistent with our overall vendor base. Although we have strong relationships with these vendors, there can be no assurance that these relationships can be maintained in the future or that these vendors will continue to supply merchandise to us. If there should be any significant disruption in the supply of merchandise from these vendors, management believes that it will be able to shift production to other suppliers so as to continue to secure the required volume of product. Nevertheless, it is possible that any significant disruption in supply could have a material adverse impact on our financial position or results of operations.

We currently expect product costs to remain relatively stable in fiscal 2013.

26




Quarterly Results and Seasonality
 
Our quarterly results may fluctuate significantly depending on a number of factors, including general economic conditions, consumer confidence, customer response to our seasonal merchandise mix, timing of new store openings, adverse weather conditions, and shifts in the timing of certain holidays and shifts in the timing of promotional events.

Inflation
 
We do not believe that inflation had a material effect on our results of operations for the first quarter of fiscal 2013.

Forward-Looking Statements
 
We may make forward-looking statements reflecting our current views with respect to future events and financial performance.  These forward-looking statements, which may be included in reports filed under the Exchange Act, in press releases and in other documents and materials as well as in written or oral statements made by or on behalf of the Company, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including those discussed in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal period ended February 2, 2013, which could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated.
 
The words or phrases “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “expect,” “should,” “anticipate,” “forecast,” “intend” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21e of the Exchange Act and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as enacted by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“PSLRA”). In particular we desire to take advantage of the protections of the PSLRA in connection with the forward-looking statements made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
 
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date such statements are made. In addition, we wish to advise readers that the factors listed in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal period ended February 2, 2013, as well as other factors, could affect our performance and could cause our actual results for future periods to differ materially from any opinions or statements expressed. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.



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


ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

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

27




(b) Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.



PART II

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
We are subject, from time to time, to various claims, lawsuits or actions that arise in the ordinary course of business. Although the amount of any liability that could arise with respect to any current proceedings cannot, in management’s opinion, be accurately predicted, any such liability is not expected to have a material adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.


ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes to the factors discussed in Part I, "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal period ended February 2, 2013.


ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The following table sets forth information concerning purchases of our common stock for the quarter ended May 4, 2013
Period
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)
 
Average Price Paid per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
2/3/13 - 3/2/13
 
16,569

 
$
6.46

 

 
$

3/3/13 - 4/6/13
 

 

 

 

4/7/13 - 5/4/13
 
12,742

 
6.27

 

 

Total
 
29,311

 
6.38

 

 


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


ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.


ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
 
Not applicable.



ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.


28





ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
Exhibit
 
Description
3.1
 
Certificate of Elimination of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, as filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on May 9, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 9, 2013)
4.1
 
Amendment, dated as of May 9, 2013, to Rights Agreement, dated as of July 5, 2012, as amended, by and between Christopher & Banks Corporation and Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 9, 2013)
10.1
 
Amendment No. 1, dated May 2, 2013, to the Employment Agreement between Christopher & Banks Corporation and LuAnn Via entered into as of October 29, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 3, 2013)
31.1*
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2*
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1*
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2*
 
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101**
 
Financial statements from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Christopher & Banks Corporation for the fiscal quarter ended May 4, 2013, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language ("XBRL"): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations; (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

*   Filed with this report.
 
** Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Section 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 18 of the Securities Act of 1934 and otherwise are not subject to liability under these sections.


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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION
 
 
 
 
Dated: June 13, 2013
By:
/s/ LuAnn Via
 
 
LuAnn Via
 
 
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
Dated: June 13, 2013
By:
/s/ Peter G. Michielutti
 
 
Peter G. Michielutti

 
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
 
 
(Principal Financial Officer)
 


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