ITEM 1. BUSINESS
General
Charlotte Russe is a growing, mall-based specialty retailer of fashionable, value-priced apparel and accessories. We are focused on providing exciting, fashion-forward merchandise that appeals to customers across age and socioeconomic boundaries, with a core emphasis on the lifestyle trends of young women in their teens and twenties. Our stores offer merchandise at value-oriented prices and the majority of our merchandise is sold under our proprietary Charlotte Russe labels, including Charlotte Russe, Refuge and blu Chic. The remainder of our merchandise consists of nationally-recognized brands popular with our customers. As of September 27, 2008, we operated 487 Charlotte Russe stores throughout 45 states and Puerto Rico.
Last year, our Board of Directors initiated a comprehensive review of strategy and operations and determined -- with the assistance of experienced third-party retail consultants -- that significant changes were necessary to improve operational performance and build greater value for stockholders. Based on this review, our Board moved aggressively to develop a strategic plan aimed at transforming Charlotte Russe into a high-performing, top-tier specialty retailer.
As a part of our strategic plan, in November 2008, we announced the completion of an extensive search process and the hiring of a new management team assembled to address a number of operational, merchandising and inventory performance issues. John D. Goodman was named Chief Executive Officer, Emilia Fabricant was named President and Chief Merchandising Officer and Frederick G. Silny was named Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Corporate Secretary. This team joined Edward Wong, Chief Operating Officer, and Sandra Tillett, Executive Vice President, Store Operations, to form a well-qualified leadership team.
The Board and new management team are focused on implementing and further strengthening the strategic plan with emphasis on brand positioning, merchandise assortment, inventory optimization, real estate strategy and capital utilization to establish the necessary foundation for a new start in 2009.
Our Strategy
We have begun to apply measures designed to strengthen the Charlotte Russe brand, bring new operating discipline to the organization and create an elevated platform for growth. Our strategic plan focuses on the following:
Brand Positioning. We are further identifying our customer’s lifestyle and shopping preferences to better meet her needs and increase her spend and redefining our brand image and visibility.
Merchandise Assortment. We are redefining product selection with greater emphasis on trend-right fashion and value for sophisticated shoppers.
Inventory Optimization. We are improving productivity throughout the buying, planning and allocation process and resetting receipt flow and markdown cadence.
Real Estate Strategy. We are determining optimal store size, locations, layout/design and allocation of resources across the fleet to enhance profitability across all stores.
Capital Utilization. We are instilling a more disciplined and return-oriented approach to capital allocation, and establishing tools, metrics and procedures to improve visibility.
In fiscal 2009, our Board of Directors and management team will continue to refine and implement the elements of our new strategic focus.
Our Stores
Charlotte Russe stores are predominantly located in mall locations catering to different socioeconomic, demographic and cultural profiles, and average approximately 7,100 square feet. In fiscal 2008, we opened 57 stores and closed two. Consistent with our new strategic plan, we are taking a conservative and thoughtful approach to new store
development. We expect to open 20-25 new stores in fiscal 2009, reflecting our decision to pull back from the aggressive pace of recent years as we focus on improving the productivity of our existing stores and driving enhanced performance.
Accordingly, we seek to identify favorable store locations in existing or new markets with criteria that include:
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a careful assessment of mall traffic;
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the performance of other retailers within the mall and in particular those serving our target customers;
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the proposed location within the mall;
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population and demographic characteristics of the area; and
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projected profitability and cash return on investment.
The number of our stores located in each state is shown in the following map:
The following table provides the number of Charlotte Russe stores, by geographic region, for each of the last five fiscal years:
Our Customers
Charlotte Russe’s customer is a vibrant young fashion-conscious woman aged 16-29 who desires current fashion trends at substantial value. A recent in-depth assessment of our target consumers revealed that our customer is passionate about achieving the right look and knowledgeable about current brands and styles. Our customer is outfit driven, and uses footwear, accessories and jewelry to complete her ensemble. Our research also revealed that our existing customer set is loyal to Charlotte Russe and that we have an excellent opportunity to build on our existing relationship to capture more of her fashion spend.
Our Marketing and Visual Merchandising
Beginning in fiscal 2009, we plan to implement a range of strategic brand development and marketing and promotional events designed to enhance brand awareness and build market share. This effort will include a number of new programs, such as developing video and text messaging campaigns which feature proprietary content on YouTube and MySpace, as well as on-screen footage in key movie theaters. In addition, we have formed an exclusive marketing partnership with renowned stylist Eric Daman and have named Susie Castillo, actress and former Miss USA, as brand ambassador.
As part of our Board-initiated review of operations, we determined that we can significantly increase the cross shopping behavior of our customers. We believe this can be accomplished by placing greater emphasis on our visual merchandising throughout the store and by timing receipt flow across merchandise categories to enable the achievement of an integrated fashion point-of-view. We are focused on ensuring that our merchandise presentation communicates a clear fashion point-of-view to our customers and encourages the purchase of coordinated outfits.
Our Merchandise Planning, Allocation and Distribution
We also are in the process of implementing changes to improve our buying and inventory management process to ensure our merchandise planning and allocation team works closely with our merchants and store personnel to meet the requirements of individual stores, as well as our e-commerce website, for appropriate merchandise in sufficient quantities.
This team is also responsible for managing inventory levels, allocating merchandise to stores and replenishing inventory based upon information generated by our management information systems. We have upgraded our assortment planning systems and processes to support assortment planning capability and greater accuracy in our merchandise plans. We believe this effort will help drive sales as a result of having the right product at the right locations. Our merchandise is distributed through our 265,000 square foot distribution facility in Ontario, California, which we opened in April 2002, and strategic third party distributors. Utilizing this expanded distribution network, we do not expect any capacity limitations servicing our store growth goals.
Our Business Seasonality
We have historically experienced and expect to continue to experience seasonal and quarterly fluctuations in our net sales and operating income. As is the case with many retailers of apparel and related merchandise, our business is subject to seasonal influences, characterized by strong sales during the back-to-school, Easter and winter holiday seasons. The strength of each of these three seasons generally provides relatively balanced sales during our first, third and fourth fiscal quarters. We typically experience lower net sales and net income during the second quarter of each fiscal year.
Our Information Technology Systems
We are investing in and continually upgrading our information technology systems, as we believe those systems are critical to implementing our business strategy in an efficient manner. Our information technology systems address an array of operations information. Over the last several years we have implemented a new inventory software system (2006), a new point-of-sale register system and an e-commerce website (2007) and new markdown optimization and workforce management systems (2008).
Our Intellectual Property
We believe that our trademarks are important to our success. Our Charlotte Russe, Refuge, blu Chic and Heart Moon Star trademarks are registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Our Competition
We compete with other retailers for vendors, customers, suitable retail locations and qualified associates. Our stores currently compete with other mall-based retailers focused on teenage and young adult women such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Hot Topic, Forever 21 and Wet Seal.
Our Employees
As of September 27, 2008, we employed 10,454 employees of which 8,183 were classified as part-time. The number of part-time employees fluctuates depending on our seasonal needs. None of our employees are represented by a labor union.
Our Corporate Information
We are subject to the information requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act; therefore, we file periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Such reports, proxy statements and other information may be obtained by visiting the Public Reference Room of the SEC at 100 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549 or by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains an Internet site at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically.
Our Internet address is http://www.charlotterusse.com. We make available through our Internet website our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports and amendments are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC.
Our principal executive offices are located at 4645 Morena Boulevard, San Diego, California 92117. Our telephone number is (858) 587-1500. We were founded in 1975 and incorporated in 1996 under Delaware law.
ITEM 1A.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
You should consider carefully the following information about the risks described below, together with the other information contained in this annual report on Form 10-K and in our other filings with the SEC, before you decide to buy or maintain an investment in our common stock. We believe the risks described below are the risks that are material to us as of the date of this annual report. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations and future growth prospects would likely be materially and adversely affected. In these circumstances, the market price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of the money you paid to buy our common stock.
Decline in general economic conditions may lead to reduced consumer demand for our apparel and accessories.
Consumer spending habits, including spending for the fashionable apparel and related accessories that we sell, are affected by, among other things, prevailing economic conditions, levels of employment, salaries and wage rates, consumer confidence and consumer perception of economic conditions. The current challenges facing the United States economy and the presently uncertain economic outlook have adversely affected consumer spending habits and mall traffic and are likely to continue to do so in the foreseeable future, which could continue to impact our net sales and cause us to slow our expansion plans. If economic conditions continue to worsen it may be necessary for us to seek additional sources of capital and to substantially reduce planned new store openings and other capital projects. Due to the current credit crisis and other negative macroeconomic indicators, additional sources of capital may not be available on favorable terms, if at all. If adequate sources of capital are not available on favorable terms, we may be required to further reduce planned new store openings and other capital projects.
Our success depends on our ability to identify and rapidly respond to consumer fashion tastes.
The fashion retail industry is subject to rapidly evolving fashion trends and shifting consumer demands. Accordingly, our success is heavily dependent both on the priority our target customers place on fashion and on our ability to anticipate, identify and capitalize upon emerging fashion trends in a timely manner. If we do not anticipate, identify or react appropriately and timely to changes in styles, trends, desired images or brand preferences, it may lead to, among other things, excess inventories and higher markdowns, as well as decreased appeal of our Charlotte Russe brand.
We intend to continue to open new stores, which could strain our resources and cause us to operate our business less effectively.
Our growth will largely depend on successfully opening and operating new stores. We opened 57 new Charlotte Russe stores and closed 2 stores for a net total of 55 additional stores in fiscal 2008. This represented a 13% net increase from the number of Charlotte Russe stores open at the end of fiscal 2007. We intend to continue to increase our number of stores for at least the next several years, although we expect to modulate our growth rate in the near term due to the challenging economic climate at the present time.
In order to support our planned expansion we will need to continually monitor and upgrade our management information and other systems. This expansion also will place increased demand on our managerial, operational and administrative resources. These increased demands and operating complexities could cause us to operate our business less effectively, which in turn could cause deterioration in the financial performance of our individual stores and our company as a whole and slow our new store growth.
Our planned expansion involves a number of risks that could prevent or delay the successful opening of new stores as well as impact the performance of our existing stores.
Our ability to open and operate new stores successfully depends on many factors, including, among others, our ability to:
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identify suitable store locations, the availability of which is outside of our control;
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negotiate acceptable lease terms, including desired tenant improvement allowances;
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source sufficient levels of inventory to meet the needs of new stores;
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hire, train and retain store personnel;
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successfully integrate new stores into our existing operations; and
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identify and satisfy the fashion preferences of new geographic areas.
In addition, some of our new stores will be opened in regions of the United States in which we currently have few or no stores. The expansion into new markets may present competitive, merchandising and distribution challenges that are different from those currently encountered in our existing markets. Any of these challenges could adversely affect our business and results of operations. In addition, to the extent our new store openings are in existing markets, we may experience reduced net sales volumes in existing stores in those markets.
Our stores are heavily dependent on the customer traffic generated by shopping malls.
Most of our store locations are not sufficiently concentrated to make significant marketing expenditures cost effective. As a result, we depend heavily on locating our stores in prominent locations within successful shopping malls in order to generate customer traffic. We cannot control the development of new shopping malls, the availability or cost of appropriate locations within existing or new shopping malls or the financial viability or success of individual shopping malls. If mall operators experience financial difficulties or bankruptcy, including as a result of the current challenges facing the United States economy, customer traffic in the affected malls could decrease, which in turn could adversely affect our sales and results of operations.
We rely on our management team to implement our business strategy successfully.
Our success depends to a significant extent upon the services of our key personnel, including senior management, who are “at will” employees and make significant contributions to our business. In recent months, we hired three new executive officers and promoted two members of management to executive officer positions. This new management team is focused on pursuing our new strategic plan and executing on its key areas. If any of our key personnel were to leave us, such a loss could reduce future sales, increase costs or both. Our success in the future will also depend upon our ability to attract, integrate, train and retain talented and qualified personnel.
Our market share may be adversely impacted at any time by a significant number of competitors.
We operate in a highly competitive environment characterized by low barriers to entry. We compete against a diverse group of retailers, including national and local specialty retail stores, regional retail chains, traditional department stores and, to a lesser extent, mass merchandisers. Our market share and results of operations may be adversely impacted by this significant number of competitors. Many of our competitors also are larger and have substantially greater resources than we do.
We rely on our good relationships with vendors to implement our business strategy successfully.
Our business is dependent on continued good relations with our vendors. In particular, we believe that we generally are able to obtain attractive pricing and other terms from vendors because we are perceived as a desirable customer. Our merchandise strategy also relies in large part on our ability to obtain much of our merchandise from our vendors within one to two months from the date of order. Our failure to maintain good relations with our vendors could increase our exposure to changing fashion cycles, which may in turn lead to increased inventory markdown rates.
The price of our common stock could fluctuate or decline substantially due to fluctuations in our comparable store sales and quarterly results of operations or other factors.
Our quarterly results of operations for our individual stores have fluctuated in the past and can be expected to continue to fluctuate in the future, which could cause the price of our common stock to fluctuate or decline substantially. For instance, our quarterly comparable store sales percentages for the Charlotte Russe stores have ranged as high as positive 4.8% and as low as negative 6.5% over the last eight fiscal quarters. Our net sales and operating results are typically lower in the second quarter of our fiscal year due to the traditional retail slowdown immediately following the winter holiday season. Our comparable store sales and quarterly results of operations are affected by a variety of factors, including:
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general economic conditions, such as the current credit crisis and associated economic downturn, and, in particular, the retail sales environment;
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calendar shifts of holiday or seasonal periods;
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our ability to maintain appropriate inventory levels;
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fashion trends;
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changes in our merchandise mix and timing of promotional events;
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the timing of new store openings and the relative proportion of new stores to mature stores;
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actions by competitors or mall anchor tenants; and
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weather conditions.
In addition, announcements by other retailers, the trading volume of our common stock, changes in estimates of our performance by securities analysts, repurchases of our common stock or other strategic transactions, acquisition proposals and the general condition of the financial markets could cause our stock price to fluctuate substantially.
The failure to efficiently complete any upgrades or enhancements to certain of our technology and information systems could negatively impact our business.
The efficient operation of our business is heavily dependent on information systems. In particular, we rely upon technology and information systems for inventory control, point-of-sale processing and other critical information. We periodically review, improve and, under certain circumstances, replace information systems to provide enhanced support to all operating areas. If such upgrades and enhancements are not successfully implemented, then the current systems may not be able to continue to adequately support our information requirements.
The loss of, or disruption of operations in our distribution center could negatively impact our business.
Our merchandise is distributed through our facility that uses automated systems for sorting apparel and shipping merchandise. We depend on the orderly operation of our facility and distribution processes, as well as sufficient shipping resources. Disruptions in these operations due to fire, earthquake or other catastrophic events, employee matters, shipping problems or other events could result in delays in the delivery of merchandise to our stores.
The effects of war or acts of terrorism could adversely affect our business.
The continued threat of terrorism, heightened security measures and military action in response to acts of terrorism has disrupted commerce and has intensified concerns regarding the United States economy. Any further acts of terrorism, particularly directed at malls, or new or extended hostilities may disrupt commerce and undermine consumer confidence, which could negatively impact our sales by causing mall traffic or consumer spending to decline.
Failure of our suppliers to use acceptable ethical business practices could negatively impact our business.
It is our policy to require our suppliers to operate in compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations regarding working conditions, employment practices, environmental compliance and trademark and copyright licensing. However, we do not control their labor and other business practices. If one of our suppliers violates labor or other laws or implements labor or other business practices that are regarded as unethical, the shipment of finished products to us could be interrupted, orders could be canceled, relationships could be terminated and our reputation could be damaged. If one of our suppliers fails to procure necessary license rights to trademarks, copyrights or patents, legal action could be taken against us that could impact the salability of our inventory and expose us to financial obligations to a third party. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our sales and results of operations.
Our business could be adversely impacted by unfavorable international conditions.
We receive apparel and other merchandise from foreign sources, both purchased directly in foreign markets and indirectly through domestic vendors with foreign sources. To the extent that any of our vendors are located overseas or rely on overseas sources for a large portion of their products, any event causing a disruption of imports, including the imposition of import restrictions, could harm our ability to source product. This disruption could materially limit the merchandise that we would have available for sale and reduce our revenues and earnings. The flow of merchandise from our vendors could also be adversely affected by financial or political instability, or war, in or affecting any of the countries in which the goods we purchase are manufactured or through which they flow.
Trade restrictions in the form of tariffs or quotas, or both, that are applicable to the products that we sell also could affect the import of those products and could increase the cost and reduce the supply of products available to us. Any material increase in tariff levels, or any material decrease in quota levels or available quota allocation, could negatively impact our business. Further, changes in tariffs or quotas for merchandise imported from individual foreign countries could lead us to shift our sources of supply among various countries. Any shift we might undertake in the future could result in a disruption of our sources of supply and lead to a reduction in our revenues and earnings. Supply chain security initiatives undertaken by the United States government that impede the normal flow of product could also negatively impact our business.
We may be liable for any defaults with respect to the leases for our Rampage stores disposed of in fiscal 2006.
In fiscal 2006, we sold the lease rights, store fixtures and equipment for 43 Rampage store locations to Forever 21 Retail, Inc. Forever 21, Inc., the parent company of Forever 21 Retail, guaranteed Forever 21 Retail’s obligations under the leases that it assumed in connection with the transaction. In the event Forever 21 Retail or Forever 21 defaults on their obligations under certain of these leases or the guarantee, we may be liable for any damages or costs associated with such a default, which could adversely impact our future results.
ITEM 1B.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Like other seasoned issuers, we from time to time receive written comments from the staff of the SEC regarding our periodic or current reports under the Exchange Act. There are no comments that remain unresolved that we received not less than 180 days before the end of our 2008 fiscal year to which this Form 10-K relates.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
We operated 487 stores throughout 45 states and Puerto Rico as of September 27, 2008. We currently lease all of our store locations. Most leases have an initial term of at least ten years and do not contain options to extend the lease. Our leases, however, often allow for termination by us generally after three years if sales at an affected store do not exceed specified levels, although in many instances we are required to pay back a portion of any landlord allowances received.
We lease approximately 125,000 square feet of space for our executive offices in San Diego, California, under a lease that expires in August 2010. We also lease approximately 10,300 square feet of additional administrative office space near our main facility in San Diego under a lease that expires in June 2010. In addition, we lease approximately 265,000 square feet of space for our distribution center in Ontario, California, under a lease that expires in July 2012. We believe our distribution capacity at the Ontario facility and the use of third party logistics partners should be sufficient to accommodate our expected store growth through the next several years.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
From time to time, we may be involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of our operations. On June 11, 2008, a complaint was filed against us in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, by two former store employees (Shannon Palm and Kayla Lovato). The complaint is styled as a class action and the causes of action arise out of allegations of failure to pay overtime compensation, failure to provide meal and rest breaks, requiring employees to purchase store product and violations relating to form of payment of wages. The complaint seeks unspecified damages, penalties and attorneys’ fees. We have filed a motion for judgment on the pleadings to preclude the majority of the claims from proceeding as a class action that has not yet been ruled on. We intend to vigorously defend the case. The outcome of this action is uncertain, and no amounts have been accrued with respect to this matter as of the date of this filing. As of the date of this filing, we are not engaged in any other legal proceedings that are expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information and Holders
Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol “CHIC.” The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the reported high and low sales prices per share of our common stock on the NASDAQ Stock Market:
As of December 4, 2008, the number of holders of record of our common stock was 26. The closing price of our common stock on the NASDAQ Stock Market on December 4, 2008 was $5.71 per share.
Dividends
We have never declared nor paid dividends on our common stock. We currently intend to retain earnings to finance future operations and fund store expansion. Moreover, under the terms of our credit facility, stock dividends and distributions are restricted.
Performance Measurement Comparison
The material in this section is not “soliciting material,” is not deemed “filed” with the SEC, and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of Charlotte Russe under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act.
The following graph shows a comparison of the five year total cumulative returns of an investment of $100 in cash (i) in our common stock on September 27, 2003, (ii) the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and (iii) the Standard & Poor’s Apparel Retail Index. The comparisons in the graph are required by the SEC and are not intended to forecast or be indicative of the possible future performance of our common stock. The graph assumes that all dividends have been reinvested (to date, we have not declared any dividends).
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected consolidated financial data set forth below is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read in conjunction with, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K.
(1) Due to the discontinuance of the Rampage stores in fiscal 2006, the results of these stores have been segregated and reclassified as discontinued operations and are excluded from amounts shown in this table unless otherwise noted.
(2) See Notes 1 and 11 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements for the method used to calculate the earnings per share and weighted average shares outstanding.
(3) Our average square footage per store is based on all Charlotte Russe stores open at the end of the period.
(4) Our comparable store sales percentages are based on net sales for Charlotte Russe stores beginning on the first day of the month following the fourteenth full month of sales. In addition, stores with square footage expansion of greater than 20% upon remodeling are excluded for the 14 full months following completion of the remodel.
(5) Our average store sales are based on the time weighted average of all Charlotte Russe stores open in the period. Fiscal 2006 was a 53-week year. Adjusting out the extra week in fiscal 2006, average store sales would have been $1,866 per store.
(6) Our sales per square foot consist of net sales divided by the time weighted average of gross square footage of all Charlotte Russe stores open in the period. Fiscal 2006 was a 53-week year. Adjusting out the extra week in fiscal 2006, sales per square foot would have been $262 per store.
ITEM 7.
ITEM 7. 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 should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K. The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. See “Important Factors Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in this annual report on Form 10-K. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including those set forth under “Risk Factors” in this annual report on Form 10-K.
OVERVIEW
In the five fiscal years ended September 27, 2008, we grew from 256 stores to 487 stores, representing a compound annual growth rate of 13.7%, and increased our annual revenues from $371.7 million in fiscal 2003 to $823.3 million in fiscal 2008, representing a compound annual growth rate of 17.2%.
From a historical perspective, from fiscal 2001 to the middle of fiscal 2004, we experienced successive quarters of comparable store sales declines that reduced our average annual sales per store by over 20%. Most of our store level expenses, such as rent and occupancy costs, are generally fixed in nature and they rose as a percentage of sales for these periods as these costs were being spread over a smaller average sales base. In response, the then-current management team undertook a series of initiatives in late fiscal 2003 intended to improve merchandise assortment and enhance in-store execution. During this period, the management team focused on increasing the average store volumes, re-leveraging store rent and occupancy expenses and improving financial performance, while investing in infrastructure to support long term growth.
Under favorable economic conditions, comparable store sales trends improved in late fiscal 2005 and during each quarter of fiscal 2006. We experienced improved selling of apparel and accessories merchandise and achieved a comparable store sales increase of 15.3% during fiscal 2006, as compared to an increase of 0.3% during fiscal 2005. As expected, the increase in our average store volumes improved our expense ratios and we achieved improved financial results in fiscal 2006.
With continued favorable conditions, comparable store sales trends improved for the first three quarters of fiscal 2007, growing 2.5%, however, as consumer spending and traffic weakened, fourth quarter comparable sales declined 5.3%. The fourth quarter decline partially offset the increase of the first three quarters, resulting in a comparable store sales increase of 0.5% for the fiscal year 2007.
During fiscal 2007, we improved our product margins by 1.2 percentage points, driven by higher initial mark-ups and lower markdowns. These improvements were primarily due to improved product pricing, increased import penetration and successful inventory management. Operating margin declined from 8.7% in fiscal 2006 to 7.3% in fiscal 2007. The existence of a 53rd week in fiscal 2006 was responsible for 0.4 percentage points, or almost 30%, of the reduction. The remainder of the decline was due to the growth in expenses outpacing the 0.5% comparable stores sales increase.
Due to a deteriorating economic environment, for the full year, comparable store sales declined 1.5% from the prior year. Comparable store sales in fiscal 2008 increased 1.5% and 2.5%, respectively, in the first two quarters of the year but declined 6.5 % and 3.9%, respectively, in the last two quarters of the year, reflecting the general slowdown in consumer spending and the increasingly difficult economic conditions.
Due to the inability to continue achieving economies of scale and the beginning of erosion in productivity, in 2007, the Board of Directors initiated a comprehensive review of strategy and operations and determined-with the assistance of experienced third-party retail consultants-that significant changes were necessary to improve operational performance and build greater value for stockholders. Based on this review, our Board moved aggressively to develop a strategic plan aimed at transforming Charlotte Russe into a high-performing, top-tier specialty retailer, and assembled a new management team to address a number of operational, merchandising and inventory performance issues.
Economic conditions further deteriorated throughout 2008 and the Board’s continued review of operations revealed merchandising issues that required aggressive markdowns in the fourth quarter. This led to a decline in product margins of 1.1 percentage points for 2008. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales declined 2.1 percentage points in the 2008 fiscal year as a result of the reduction in gross margins as well as our fixed store and occupancy costs being spread over a reduced sales base.
Operating margin declined from 7.3% in fiscal 2007 to 3.3% in fiscal 2008. The decline was in part due to the increase in markdowns and the growth in expenses outpacing the 1.5% comparable stores sales decline. We generally target a 3-4% comparable store sales increase in order to leverage our operating expenses such as store payroll, rent and occupancy and other store operating expense. In addition, we incurred costs associated with the impairment of the assets at 24 stores and the transition costs related to the changes in senior management and actions to recruit and retain key executives. The effect of these two items reduced our operating margin by 1.3%.
In fiscal 2008, we opened 57 new stores, closed 2 stores and remodeled 15 stores. We expect to open 20-25 new stores in fiscal 2009, reflecting our decision to pull back from the aggressive pace of recent years as we implement a new strategic plan and focus on improving the productivity of our existing stores and driving enhanced performance.
We use a number of key performance indicators to evaluate our business, including the following:
(1) Our average store sales are based on the time weighted average of all Charlotte Russe stores open in the period. Fiscal 2006 was a 53-week year. Adjusting out the extra week in fiscal 2006, average store sales would be $1,866,000 per store.
Recent Developments
As a part of our new strategic plan, in November 2008, our Board of Directors assembled a new management team to address a number of operational, merchandise and inventory performance issues. The new team included John D. Goodman, Chief Executive Officer; Emilia Fabricant, President and Chief Merchandising Officer; and Frederick G. Silny, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Corporate Secretary, and joined Edward Wong, Chief Operating Officer, and Sandra Tillett, Executive Vice President, Store Operations. This management team is focused on pursuing the new strategic plan and executing on its five key areas: brand positioning, merchandising assortment, inventory management, real estate strategy and capital utilization.
Also in November 2008, we received an unsolicited proposal by KarpReilly Capital Partners LP and H.I.G. Capital, LLC to acquire all of the outstanding shares of our common stock at a valuation range of between $9.00 and $9.50 per share. Consistent with its fiduciary duties and in consultation with its independent financial and legal advisors, our Board of Directors reviewed and considered the proposal in due course and determined that it was not in the best interests of our stockholders to enter into discussions regarding an acquisition with KarpReilly Capital Partners and H.I.G. Capital. On November 24, 2008, KarpReilly Capital Partners and H.I.G. Capital withdrew their proposal to pursue an acquisition of Charlotte Russe on the previously proposed terms. We may receive additional acquisition proposals in the future that will require the time and attention of our Board of Directors and management, which may prevent them from focusing on the implementation of our strategic plan and the execution of our business.
Discontinued Operations
We acquired the Rampage chain in fiscal 1998 as an additional growth vehicle for our company that would target young women seeking contemporary fashion assortments. While this business was successful and profitable through fiscal 2003, the business trends turned negative and we experienced operating losses from these stores during fiscal 2004 and thereafter. Our effort to reposition these stores to more effectively compete with other aspirationally-branded retailers, despite some modest success in fiscal 2005, was not financially successful.
Based upon a review of the carrying value of the long-lived assets of the Rampage stores compared with the estimated future discounted and non-discounted cash flows from their operations, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $22.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2006. This charge represented a write down of substantially all of the carrying value of the Rampage long-lived assets. During the subsequent quarter, we completed an evaluation of the strategic alternatives for the Rampage stores. That review indicated that certain assets for a majority of the 64 Rampage stores could be sold based upon specific interest shown by other retailers, while the remaining stores could either be closed or converted to the Charlotte Russe format. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, we sold the lease rights, store fixtures and equipment associated with 43 Rampage store locations for approximately $13.6 million. Of the remaining 21 Rampage stores in operation at the beginning of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, we converted eight stores into Charlotte Russe locations and returned 13 properties back to their respective landlords prior to the end of fiscal 2006.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth our operating results, expressed as a percentage of sales, and store information for the periods indicated.
Fiscal Year Ended September 27, 2008 (52 weeks) Compared to Fiscal Year Ended September 29, 2007 (52 weeks)
Net Sales. Our net sales increased to $823.3 million from $740.9 million, an increase of $82.4 million, or 11.1%, over the prior fiscal year. This increase reflects $93.1 million of additional net sales from the new stores opened during fiscal 2008 as well as other stores opened in prior fiscal years that did not qualify as comparable stores. This increase was partially offset by a 1.5% decrease in comparable store sales, which resulted in $10.7 million of lower sales compared to the prior fiscal year.
Gross Profit. Gross profit represents net sales less cost of goods sold, which includes buying, distribution and occupancy costs. Our gross profit increased to $208.9 million from $204.2 million, an increase of $4.7 million, or 2.3%, over the prior fiscal year. This increase in amount was primarily the result of higher net sales. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased to 25.4% from 27.5%, or 2.1 percentage points, from the prior fiscal year. The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of net sales was principally due to de-leveraging of store rent and occupancy costs, as these expenses increased more than the increase in average store sales volume (1.3 percentage point impact) and lower product margin (1.1 percentage point impact) partially offset by operational improvements in our Distribution Center (0.3 percentage point impact). The lower product margin was primarily due to higher markdowns (1.2 percentage point impact), lower initial mark-ups (0.4 percentage point impact) and increases in e-commerce processing fees driven by the growth in this business (0.3 percentage point impact) partially offset by improvements in freight costs (0.5 percentage point impact) and lower inventory shrinkage (0.3 percentage point impact).
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Our selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $175.1 million from $149.9 million, an increase of $25.2 million, or 16.8 %, over the prior fiscal year. This increase in amount was attributable to new store expansion and increased corporate expenses, including higher store payroll and operating expenses and higher central office payroll expenses, as well as transition costs related to the changes in senior management. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 21.3% from 20.2%, or 1.1 percentage points, from the prior fiscal year. The increase in expenses as a percentage of net sales was principally due to higher outside professional fees (0.5 percentage point impact), an increase in store payroll expenses (0.3 percentage point impact), expenses related to the changes in senior management (0.3 percentage point impact), higher home office payroll (0.2 percentage points) and all other factors (0.1 percentage point impact), partially offset by lower store asset write-off expense due to the prior year’s point-of-sale implementation (0.3 percentage point impact).
Transition costs. Included in selling, general and administrative expenses in fiscal 2008 were $4.1 million of cash and non-cash transition costs related to the changes in senior management and actions to recruit and retain key executives and managers. There were no transition costs in fiscal 2007.
Impairment of Long-Lived Asset (excluding losses on disposals). There were $6.9 million of asset impairment charges in fiscal 2008. These charges were attributable to 24 Charlotte Russe stores and were based on our recoverability of assessments of the carrying value of long-lived assets conducted in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, or SFAS, No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” There were no impairment charges in fiscal 2007.
Income Taxes. Our effective tax rate for fiscal 2008 and 2007 of 38.6% approximated our statutory income tax rate.
Income from Continuing Operations. Our income from continuing operations decreased to $18.2 million from $36.3 million, a decrease of $18.1 million, or 50.0%, from the prior fiscal year. The decrease was primarily due to lower gross margins, higher professional fees and other corporate office expenses and the impact of asset impairments and transition costs.
Fiscal Year Ended September 29, 2007 (53 weeks) Compared to Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2006 (52 weeks)
Net Sales. Our net sales increased to $740.9 million from $681.5 million, an increase of $59.4 million, or 8.7%, over the prior fiscal year. This increase reflects $ 67.8 million of additional net sales from the new stores opened during fiscal 2007 as well as other stores opened in prior fiscal years that did not qualify as comparable stores. This increase also benefited from a 0.5% increase in comparable store sales, which resulted in additional sales, on a 52-week basis, of $3.1 million compared to the prior fiscal year. Offsetting these increases was the fact that, consistent with our fiscal year policy, fiscal 2006 included an extra week of business as the fiscal year end was reset at September 30, 2006. Our net sales in 2006 included $11.5 million of sales generated during this additional week in fiscal 2006.
Gross Profit. Gross profit represents net sales less cost of goods sold, which includes buying, distribution and occupancy costs. Our gross profit increased to $204.2 million from $189.8 million, an increase of $14.4 million, or 7.6%, over the prior fiscal year. This increase in amount was primarily the result of higher net sales. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased to 27.5% from 27.9%, or 0.4 percentage points, from the prior fiscal year. The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of net sales was principally due to de-leveraging of store rent and occupancy costs (1.4 percentage point impact) and slightly higher distribution center and buying expenses (0.2 percentage point impact), partially offset by higher product margins (1.2 percentage points) primarily due to higher initial mark-ups (0.9 percentage point impact) and lower markdowns (0.5 percentage point impact), offset by other operating factors (0.2 percentage point impact).
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Our selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $149.9 million from $130.8 million, an increase of $19.1 million, or 14.6%, over the prior fiscal year. This increase in amount was attributable to new store expansion and increased corporate expenses, including higher store payroll and operating expenses and higher central office payroll and related expenses. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 20.2% from 19.2%, or 1.0 percentage point, from the prior fiscal year. The increase in expenses as a percentage of net sales was principally due to an increase in store payroll expenses (0.4 percentage point impact) and store operating expenses (0.2 percentage point impact) and higher home office payroll and other expenses (0.4 percentage point impact).
Income Taxes. Our effective tax rate for fiscal 2007 of 38.6% approximated our statutory income tax rate. It is lower than the 39.7% rate utilized in the prior fiscal year due to a favorable adjustment in fiscal 2007 to the prior year’s stock-based compensation tax benefit.
Income from Continuing Operations. Our income from continuing operations decreased to $36.3 million from $37.2 million, a decrease of $0.9 million, or 2.3%, from the prior fiscal year. The decrease was primarily attributable to the additional week included in our fiscal 2006 results due to the fiscal year calendar change. Our income from continuing operations included $2.4 million of income generated during this additional week in fiscal 2006. When compared on a 52- week basis, income from continuing operations increased $1.7 million, primarily due to higher gross margins partially offset by the growth in operating expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses.
Loss on Discontinued Operations. As a result of their disposition, our Rampage stores met the criteria in fiscal 2006 to be classified as discontinued operations as defined by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. All of the stores were shut down in fiscal 2006 and all of the related financial impacts occurred in fiscal 2006, therefore we had no profit or loss in fiscal 2007 from discontinued operations. In fiscal 2006 the loss from discontinued operations was $12.0 million.
QUARTERLY RESULTS AND SEASONALITY
We have historically experienced and expect to continue to experience seasonal and quarterly fluctuations in our net sales and operating income. As is the case with many retailers of apparel and related merchandise, our business is subject to seasonal influences, characterized by strong sales during the back-to-school, Easter and winter holiday seasons. The strength of each of these three seasons generally provides relatively balanced sales during our first, third and fourth fiscal quarters. We typically experience lower net sales and net income during the second quarter of each fiscal year. Our quarterly results of operations may fluctuate significantly as a result of a variety of factors, including the timing of new store openings, fashion trends and shifts in timing of certain holidays, as well as other factors discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in this annual report on Form 10-K.
The following table includes our unaudited quarterly results of operations data for each of the eight quarters during the two-year period ended September 27, 2008. This data has been derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements. We believe that this information has been prepared on the same basis as our audited consolidated financial statements and that all necessary adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, have been included to present fairly the selected quarterly information when read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and the notes to those statements included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our working capital requirements vary consistent with the seasonality of our business. Our capital requirements result primarily from capital expenditures related to new store openings, store remodels and information technology expenditures. We have historically satisfied our cash requirements principally through cash flow from operations. Due to the rapid turnover of our inventory, we generate trade payables and other accrued liabilities sufficient to offset most of our working capital requirements, and this allows us to generally operate with limited working capital investment. As of September 27, 2008, we had working capital of approximately $55.9 million which included cash and cash equivalents of $45.5 million. Our cash equivalents have a weighted average maturity of 39 days and an average credit quality of Aaa as defined by Moody’s. At September 27, 2008, all cash equivalents are invested in money market funds with an objective of seeking current income consistent with capital preservation and maintenance of a high degree of liquidity. These funds purchase only first-tier securities including obligations issued by the U.S. Treasury and foreign governments, commercial paper, and notes and bonds issued by U.S. and foreign corporations. At September 27, 2008, we did not hold auction rate securities.
The following chart provides a summary of our sources and uses of cash during the past three fiscal years.
In fiscal 2008, our net cash provided by operating activities increased $52.7 million over the prior fiscal year. The increase was due to differences in the timing of rent payments between the periods ($24.1 million), a smaller increase of inventory levels during the current year versus the prior year due to the effort to bring inventories in line with the current business conditions ($11.1 million), a larger increase in trade and other accounts payable ($9.9 million) and the net effect of all other factors ($7.6 million).
Net cash used in investing activities primarily consists of capital expenditures. It decreased $23.2 million during fiscal 2008 as a result of fewer remodeled stores in fiscal 2008 than in fiscal 2007, 15 versus 32 remodels ($11.2 million), expenditures in fiscal 2007 for new point-of-sale registers installed in stores beginning in the second quarter of fiscal 2007 ($9.4 million) and all other factors ($2.6 million).
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities consists primarily of the repurchase of our shares and cash and income tax benefits associated with stock options. It decreased $76.6 million in fiscal 2008 largely due to the purchase in April 2008 of 4,080,000 shares of our common stock in a modified “Dutch Auction” tender offer. The shares were purchased at a price of $18.00 per share, for a total cash expenditure of $73,440,000, excluding fees and expenses related to the tender offer. A decline in the number of stock option exercises during fiscal 2008 versus fiscal 2007 also contributed to the reduction in net cash provided by financing activities.
We expect to continue to invest in capital expenditures to support our growth, although at a lower rate than the last several years. After taking into account new store construction, existing store remodeling and other store and corporate capital projects, total capital expenditures for fiscal 2009 are projected to be approximately $35.0 million.
We currently have a $40.0 million secured revolving credit facility, referred to as the Credit Facility, with Bank of America, N.A., which expires on June 30, 2010. Under the terms of the Credit Facility, we may borrow up to the maximum borrowing limit of $40.0 million less any outstanding letters of credit, and we have set the initial loan ceiling amount at $30.0 million. Interest on the Credit Facility is payable quarterly, at our option, at either (i) the Bank’s prime rate plus 0.50% to 1.00% or (ii) 1.00% to 1.50% over the average interest settlement rate for deposits in the London interbank market banks subject to certain adjustments. Our ability to receive loan advances under the Credit Facility is subject to our continued compliance with various covenants, representations and warranties, and conditions, including but not limited to negative covenants against the incurrence of debt or liens. The Credit Facility also contains events of default customary for facilities of this type and provides that, upon the occurrence of an event of default, payment of all outstanding loans may be accelerated and/or the lenders’ commitments may be terminated. Pursuant to this agreement, we and our wholly-owned subsidiaries have (i) provided an unconditional guarantee of the full and punctual payment of obligations under the Credit Facility, (ii) pledged certain of our securities to the collateral agent as security for the full payment and performance of our obligations under the Credit Facility and (iii) granted a security interest in essentially all of our personal property as security for the full payment and performance of our obligations under the Credit Facility. At September 27, 2008, there was $11.2 million outstanding under the Credit Facility to secure letters of credit and we were in compliance with the terms of the bank credit agreement. As of September 27, 2008, we had $18.8 million of borrowing availability under the Credit Facility.
We believe that our cash flows from operations, our current cash balance and the funds available under our Credit Facility will be sufficient to meet our working capital needs and contemplated capital expenditure requirements through fiscal 2009. If our cash flow from operations should decline significantly, it may be necessary for us to seek additional sources of capital or to reduce planned new store openings, store remodels or other expenditures. Due to the current credit crisis and other negative macroeconomic indicators, additional sources of capital may not be available on favorable terms, if at all. If adequate sources of capital are not available on favorable terms, we may be required to further reduce planned new store openings and other capital projects.
CONTRACTUAL AND COMMERCIAL OBLIGATIONS
Our commitment to make future payments under long-term contractual obligations and commercial obligations as of September 27, 2008 was as follows:
During fiscal 2006, we sold lease rights for 43 locations that were formerly operated as Rampage stores to Forever 21 Retail, Inc., and its parent company guaranteed its obligations under the leases it assumed. In the event of default, we could be liable for obligations associated with 39 real estate leases which have future lease payments (undiscounted) of approximately $33.2 million through the end of fiscal 2016 which are not reflected in the tables above. The scheduled future minimum rentals for these leases over the next three fiscal years and thereafter are $8.6 million, $8.2 million, $7.1 million and $9.3 million, respectively. We believe that the likelihood of material liability being triggered under these leases is remote, and no liability has been accrued for these contingent lease obligations as of September 27, 2008.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” discusses our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as revenues and expenses during the reported periods.
As a retailer of women’s apparel and accessories, our financial statements are affected by several critical accounting policies, many of which affect management’s use of estimates and judgments, as described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
On an on-going basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments regarding revenues, inventories, long-lived assets, intangible assets, accrued liabilities, stock-based compensation, self-insurance programs, income taxes and contingencies and litigation. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances and discusses the development, selection and disclosure of its estimates and judgments with our Audit Committee. The results from this evaluation form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Under different assumptions or conditions, alternative estimates and judgments could be derived which would differ from the estimates being used by management. Actual results could differ from any or all of these estimates.
Revenue
We sell merchandise directly to retail customers and generally recognize revenue at the point of sale. Customers have the right to return merchandise to us, and we maintain a reserve for the financial impact of returns which occur subsequent to the current reporting period.
Our policy with respect to gift cards is to record revenue as the gift cards are redeemed for merchandise. Prior to their redemption, unredeemed gift cards are recorded as a liability and are included within other current liabilities. We adjust the gift card liability balances on a quarterly basis to recognize estimated unredeemed amounts under the redemptive recognition method. This method records gift card breakage as additional sales on a proportional basis over the redemption period based on historical redemption trends. Such adjustments are included in net sales and operating income.
Inventory
Our merchandise is initially offered for sale at a regular price, but is often marked down prior to the ultimate sale of all units that were purchased. We utilize the retail method of accounting for our inventory valuation, which inherently reduces the carrying value of inventory as permanent markdowns are initiated. In addition, we maintain a reserve for the financial impact of markdowns that we believe are likely to be encountered in the future. If actual demand or market conditions are more or less favorable than those projected by management, the level of the reserve for future markdowns would be subject to change in subsequent reporting periods.
We also provide for estimated inventory losses for damaged, lost or stolen inventory for the period from the last physical inventory to the financial statement date. These estimates are based on historical experience and other factors.
We receive certain allowances from our vendors primarily related to distribution center handling expenses or defective merchandise. These allowances are reflected as a reduction of merchandise inventory in the period they are received and allocated to cost of sales during the period in which the items were sold.
Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets
We have recorded a goodwill asset of $32.9 million that arose from the acquisition of our business in September 1996. Subsequent amortization of $4.1 million reduced its carrying value to $28.8 million. This asset is tested for possible impairment on at least an annual basis in accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangibles,” utilizing discounted cash flow valuation techniques and reference to the market value of our outstanding common stock. No impairment adjustments have been required to date.
In accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” we assess the impairment of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors considered important that could trigger an impairment review include a significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, a significant change in the manner of the use of the asset or a significant negative industry or economic trend. Upon determining that the carrying value of long-lived assets may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more of the above indicators of impairment, we estimate the future cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets. An impairment charge is recorded if the carrying value of the asset exceeds the estimated future cash flows.
Operating Leases
We record rent expense on non-cancellable leases containing known future scheduled rent increases on a straight-line basis over the respective leases beginning when we receive possession of the leased property for construction purposes. The difference between rent expense and rent paid is accounted for as deferred rent. Landlord construction allowances and other such lease incentives are recorded as deferred lease credits, and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease as a reduction to rent expense.
Stock-Based Compensation
We estimate the fair value of stock options granted using the Black-Scholes option-pricing formula and a multiple option award approach. This fair value is then amortized over the requisite service periods of the awards. This option-pricing model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the option’s expected life, price volatility of the underlying stock, risk free interest rate and expected dividend rate. As stock-based compensation expense is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment,” requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures were estimated based on historical experience.
Self-Insurance Liabilities
Based on our assessment of risk and cost efficiency, we self-insure and purchase insurance policies to provide for workers’ compensation, employee group medical benefits, general liability, property losses and director’s and officer’s liability. We estimate risks and record a liability based upon historical claim experience, insurance deductibles, severity factors and other actuarial assumptions. While we believe that our risk assessments are appropriate, to the extent that future occurrences and claims differ from our historical experience, additional charges for insurance may be recorded in future periods.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes using the liability method as prescribed by SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the differences between the financial statement carrying value of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Inherent in the measurement of these deferred balances are certain judgments and interpretations of existing tax law and other published guidance. No valuation allowance has been provided for deferred tax assets, since we anticipate that the full amount of these assets should be realized in the future. Our effective tax rate considers our judgment of expected tax liabilities in the various taxing jurisdictions within which we are subject to tax. The recorded amounts of income tax are subject to adjustment upon audit, changes in interpretation and changes in judgment utilized in determining estimates.
Effective September 30, 2007, we adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109,” or FIN 48. In accordance with FIN 48, we recognize tax benefits only when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. If the recognition threshold is met, we measure the tax benefit as the largest amount which is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We consider many factors when evaluating and estimating our tax positions and tax benefits, which may require periodic adjustments and which may not accurately anticipate actual outcomes.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of September 27, 2008, we did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. In addition, we do not engage in trading activities involving non-exchange traded contracts. As such, we are not materially exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in these relationships.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Information with respect to recent accounting pronouncements is incorporated by reference to Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended September 27, 2008.
ITEM 7A.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Our market risk relates primarily to changes in interest rates. We bear this risk in two specific ways. First, the Credit Facility carries a variable interest rate that is tied to market indices and, therefore, our statement of income and our cash flows will be exposed to changes in interest rates. As of September 27, 2008, we had $11.2 million outstanding under the Credit Facility to secure letters of credit.
The second component of interest rate risk involves the short-term investment of excess cash in short-term, investment-grade interest-bearing securities. These investments are considered to be cash equivalents and are shown that way on our balance sheet. If there are changes in interest rates, those changes would affect the investment income we earn on these investments and, therefore, impact our cash flows and results of operations.
We believe our market risk exposure is minimal.
ITEM 8.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Information with respect to this item is incorporated by reference to Item 15 of Part IV of this annual report on Form 10-K, “Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.”
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as such item is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 27, 2008 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
During our fourth fiscal quarter ended September 27, 2008, there has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER
FINANCIAL REPORTING
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). With the supervision and participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework and the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of September 27, 2008.
Our independent auditor, Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has issued a report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Charlotte Russe Holding, Inc.
We have audited Charlotte Russe Holding, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 27, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Charlotte Russe Holding, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, Charlotte Russe Holding, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 27, 2008, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Charlotte Russe Holding, Inc. as of September 27, 2008 and September 29, 2007, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 27, 2008 of Charlotte Russe Holding, Inc. and our report dated December 1, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
San Diego, California
December 1, 2008
ITEM 9B.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Information with respect to this item is incorporated by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or an amendment to the Form 10-K, in either case to be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year.
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of our officers, directors and employees and a Code of Ethics for Financial Employees that applies to our Chief Executive Officer and employees serving in a finance, accounting or investor relations capacity. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and the Code of Ethics for Financial Employees are available on our website at http://www.charlotterusse.com. If we make any substantive amendments to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics or grant any waiver from a provision of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics to any executive officer or director, we will promptly disclose the nature of the amendment or waiver on our website, as well as via any other means then required by the NASDAQ listing standards or applicable law.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information with respect to this item is incorporated by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or an amendment to the Form 10-K, in either case to be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Information with respect to this item is incorporated by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or an amendment to the Form 10-K, in either case to be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The shares disclosed in column “(c)” in the schedule below include 164,772 shares of common stock issuable under our 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Please see Note 3 in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for more information regarding our equity compensation plans.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Information with respect to this item is incorporated by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or an amendment to the Form 10-K, in either case to be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year.
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Information with respect to this item is incorporated by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or an amendment to the Form 10-K, in either case to be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year.
PART IV
ITEM 15.
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) (1)
The financial statements listed in the “Index to Financial Statements” are filed as part of this report.
(a) (2)
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission other than the ones included are not required under the related instructions or are not applicable, and therefore, have been omitted.
(a) (3)
The exhibits are listed in the Exhibit Index, which is incorporated herein by reference.
(b)
See Item 15(a) (3) above.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this annual report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of San Diego, State of California, on the 9th day of December, 2008.
CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.
/s/ JOHN D. GOODMAN
John D. Goodman
Chief Executive Officer
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints John D. Goodman and Frederick G. Silny, and each of them acting individually, as his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, each with full power of substitution, for him or her in any and all capabilities, to sign any and all amendments to this annual report on Form 10-K and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of each to act alone, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully for all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his, her or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this annual report on Form 10-K has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Charlotte Russe Holding, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Charlotte Russe Holding, Inc. as of September 27, 2008 and September 29, 2007, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 27, 2008. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15 (a) (2). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Charlotte Russe Holding, Inc. at September 27, 2008 and September 29, 2007, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 27, 2008, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Charlotte Russe Holding, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 27, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated December 1, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
San Diego, California
December 1, 2008
CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
See accompanying notes.
CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
See accompanying notes.
CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
See accompanying notes.
CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
See accompanying notes.
CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Organization
Charlotte Russe Holding, Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated in Delaware in July 1996. On September 27, 1996, the Company was capitalized through the issuance of common stock and long-term debt. Effective September 27, 1996, the Company acquired all of the stock of Lawrence Merchandising Corporation, a California corporation, and its affiliates, Lawrence Merchandising Corporation of Nevada and Lawrence Merchandising Corporation of Nevada II, both Nevada corporations (collectively, the “Predecessor” companies) for approximately $35.0 million in cash. In addition, the Company repaid $5.0 million of the Predecessor’s short-term borrowings concurrent with the consummation of the purchase transaction. The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. The excess of the aggregate purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired of approximately $32.9 million was recognized as goodwill.
Description of Business
The Company is comprised entirely of specialty retail operations. It distributes and sells apparel and accessories to young women through its mall-based retail concepts which are branded as Charlotte Russe. As of September 27, 2008, the Company operated 487 Charlotte Russe retail stores in 45 states and Puerto Rico.
From fiscal 1998 to fiscal 2006 the Company operated a second concept targeting young women seeking contemporary fashion assortments under the name Rampage. A total of 64 stores were operated at the beginning of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006. To focus on the growth of its core Charlotte Russe concept, the Company sold the lease rights, store fixtures and equipment associated with 43 Rampage store locations during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006. Of the remaining 21 Rampage stores, the Company converted eight stores into Charlotte Russe locations and returned 13 properties back to the respective landlords prior to the end of fiscal 2006. The results of the Rampage concept are reported as discontinued operations in these financial statements.
The Company has evaluated the guidance provided by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” and has aggregated its business into one reportable segment.
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements, prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, include the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of all wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Fiscal Year
The Company’s fiscal year is the 52 or 53 week period ending on the last Saturday in September. All years presented contained 52 weeks, except for fiscal 2006 which contained 53 weeks.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and disclosed in the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Inventories
Inventories consist primarily of apparel and accessories purchased for resale. Inventories are accounted for by the retail inventory method. The cost of inventory is determined at the lower of the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method or market.
Fixed Assets
Fixed assets are stated at cost. Depreciation of fixtures and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally five to seven years. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets or the term of the lease, whichever is shorter. Maintenance, repairs and minor remodels are charged to expense when incurred. Upon disposition of an asset, its accumulated depreciation is deducted from the original cost and any gain or loss is reflected in current operations. Depreciation expense for the fiscal years ended September 27, 2008, September 29, 2007 and September 30, 2006 amounted to $43,816,969, $36,545,667 and $31,302,413, respectively.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost over the fair value of net assets acquired. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” the Company is required to test goodwill annually for impairment or more frequently if events and circumstances warrant, utilizing a test that begins with an estimate of the fair value of the reporting unit. The Company tests goodwill annually and whenever events or circumstances occur indicating that goodwill might be impaired. As of September 27, 2008, the Company’s analysis indicated no impairment.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
In accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of its assets might not be recoverable, the Company, using its best estimates based upon reasonable and supportable assumptions and projections, reviews the carrying value of long-lived assets for impairment.
Impairment for long-lived assets to be held is measured by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to its fair value. Impairment is reviewed at the lowest levels for which there are identifiable cash flows that are independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets. The Company performs such analysis on an individual store basis and estimates fair values based on an analysis of discounted cash flows. The Company measures impairment for long-lived assets to be disposed of at the lower of the carrying amount or net realizable value (fair market value less cost to dispose). See Note 2 for a discussion of the $22.5 million impairment charge taken in the second quarter of fiscal 2006 associated with the Rampage long-lived assets. There was no impairment in fiscal 2007. During fiscal 2008, the Company recorded a $6.9 million impairment charge against the carrying values of the long-lived assets for 24 stores.
In fiscal 2008, the Company reviewed individual store performance by projecting forecasted sales over each store’s remaining lease term, and calculating each store’s discounted cash flow. This discounted cash flow was compared to the carrying value of each store’s assets. Of the Company’s 487 stores, 24 resulted in an asset carrying value being greater than the estimated discounted cash flow. The assets of these 24 stores were written down to zero, as the Company believes the carrying value of these assets are not recoverable.
Deferred Rent
Rent expense on non-cancellable leases containing known future scheduled rent increases is recorded on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective leases beginning when the Company receives possession of the leased property for construction purposes. The difference between rent expense and rent paid is accounted for as deferred rent. Landlord construction allowances and other such lease incentives are recorded as deferred lease credits and are amortized on a straight-line basis as a reduction to rent expense over the life of the lease.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method as prescribed by SFAS No. 109 “Accounting for Income Taxes.” Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the differences between the financial statement
carrying value of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Inherent in the measurement of these deferred balances are certain judgments and interpretations of existing tax law and other published guidance. No valuation allowance has been provided for deferred tax assets, since management anticipates that the full amount of these assets should be realized in the future. The Company’s effective tax rate considers the judgment of expected tax liabilities in the various taxing jurisdictions within which it is subject to tax.
Effective September 30, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”). In accordance with FIN 48, the Company recognizes tax benefits only when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. If the recognition threshold is met, the Company measures the tax benefit as the largest amount which is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company considers many factors when evaluating and estimating its tax positions and tax benefits, which may require periodic adjustments and which may not accurately anticipate actual outcomes.
Revenue Recognition
The Company sells merchandise directly to retail customers and generally recognizes revenue at the point of sale. Customers have the right to return merchandise to the Company, and the Company maintains a reserve for the financial impact of returns which occur subsequent to the current reporting period.
The Company’s policy with respect to gift cards is to record revenue as the gift cards are redeemed for merchandise. Prior to their redemption, unredeemed gift cards are recorded as a liability and are included within other current liabilities. The Company adjusts the gift card liability balances on a quarterly basis to recognize estimated unredeemed amounts under the redemptive recognition method. This method records gift card breakage as additional sales on a proportional basis over the redemption period based on historical redemption trends. Such adjustments are included in net sales and operating income.
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.
Vendor Allowances
The Company receives certain allowances from its vendors primarily related to distribution center handling expenses or defective merchandise. These allowances are reflected as a reduction of merchandise inventory in the period they are received and allocated to cost of sales during the period in which the items are sold.
Store Pre-opening Costs
Costs incurred in connection with the opening of a new store are expensed as incurred.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is calculated based on the weighted average outstanding common shares. Diluted earnings per share is calculated based on the weighted average outstanding shares and potentially dilutive stock options and warrants.
Comprehensive Income
The Company reports comprehensive income in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income.” SFAS No. 130 established standards for the reporting and display of comprehensive income. Components of comprehensive income could include net income, foreign currency translation adjustments and gains or losses associated with investments available for sale. There was no difference between net income and comprehensive income for any of the periods presented.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Financial instruments, including cash equivalents, accounts payable, accrued expenses and income tax payable are carried at cost, which management believes approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. There was no long-term debt at September 27, 2008 or September 29, 2007.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) EITF 03-6-1, “Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities”. FSP EITF 03-6-1 states that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and shall be included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. FSP EITF 03-6-1 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and interim periods within those years. FSP EITF 03-6-1 requires that all prior-period earnings per share data presented shall be adjusted retrospectively to conform to the provisions of the FSP. The Company is in the process of evaluating the potential impact of this pronouncement on earnings per share calculations.
In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles,” SFAS No. 162 identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles to be used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States. SFAS No. 162 is effective as of November 15, 2008 for financial statements presented in conformity with GAAP in the United States. The adoption of SFAS No. 162 did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.
In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157.” FSP FAS 157-2 delays the effective date of SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). For purposes of FSP FAS 157-2, nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities would include all assets and liabilities other than those meeting the definition of a financial asset or financial liability as defined in paragraph 6 of SFAS No. 157. FSP FAS 157-2 defers the effective date for items within its scope to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company is in the process of determining the impact that the adoption of this pronouncement will have on its results of operations and financial position.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements-an amendment of ARB No. 51.” SFAS No. 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards for the non-controlling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. The guidance will become effective as of the beginning of a company’s fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2008. As of September 27, 2008, the Company does not have any consolidated subsidiaries in which there is a non-controlling interest.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations.” SFAS No. 141(R) establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer of a business recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree. SFAS No. 141(R) also provides guidance for recognizing and measuring the goodwill acquired in the business combination and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. This statement is effective for the Company with respect to business combination transactions for which the acquisition date is after December 31, 2008.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities - Including an amendment of FASB Statement 115.” SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The guidance will become effective as of the beginning of a company’s fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of SFAS No. 159 will have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” SFAS No. 157 provides guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities and only applies when other standards require or permit the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities. It does not expand the use of fair value measurement. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is in the process of determining the impact that the adoption of this pronouncement will have on its results of operations and financial position.
2. Discontinued Operations
The Company’s efforts to reposition the Rampage stores proved unsuccessful and management determined that sufficient indicators of impairment of the Rampage long-lived assets existed as of March 25, 2006. These assets principally consisted of the store leasehold improvements, store fixtures and store equipment. As a result, a $22.5 million non-cash impairment charge was recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2006 to write down substantially all of the carrying value of the Rampage long-lived assets as of March 25, 2006.
During the third quarter of fiscal 2006, management completed an evaluation of the strategic alternatives for the Rampage stores. That review indicated that certain assets for a majority of the 64 Rampage stores could be sold, based upon specific interest shown by other retailers, while the remaining stores could either be closed or converted to the Charlotte Russe format. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, the lease rights, store fixtures and equipment associated with 43 Rampage store locations were sold for approximately $13.6 million. Of the remaining 21 Rampage stores in operation at the beginning of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company converted eight stores into Charlotte Russe locations and returned 13 properties back to their respective landlords prior to the end of fiscal 2006.
As a result, operating results for all Rampage stores have been segregated and shown as discontinued operations in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. Details of those results were as follows:
3. Stock-Based Compensation and Equity
Stock Plan Activity
Under the 1999 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), the Company grants restricted stock, restricted units and stock options to purchase common stock to some of its employees and non-employee directors at prices equal to or greater than the market value of the common stock on the date of grant. Although the Plan also allows for issuance of stock appreciation rights and unrestricted stock awards, no such awards have been granted. Historically, stock options generally vested ratably over five years and expired after 10 years. Starting in fiscal 2008, options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units generally vest over three years and options expire after 10 years. Outstanding awards that were previously granted under predecessor plans also remain in effect in accordance with their terms. Stock option activity for the past three fiscal years is as follows:
Intrinsic value is defined as the difference between the relevant current market value of the common stock and the grant price for options with exercise prices less than the market values on such dates. Cash received from stock options exercised during fiscal 2008 was $0.8 million and the actual tax benefit realized from these exercises was $0.1 million.
Options outstanding and exercisable at September 27, 2008 were as follows:
The weighted average remaining term of options outstanding and exercisable at September 27, 2008 was 4.1 years. Subject to adjustments for stock splits and similar events, there are a total of 3,250,000 shares of common stock authorized under the Plan. Of the 3,250,000 shares of common stock authorized, 895,408 were available for future issuance at September 27, 2008. There were 164,772 shares of common stock available for future purchase under the Company’s 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) at September 27, 2008.
Restricted Stock
The following table summarizes the status of our restricted stock activity for fiscal 2008 and 2007, which includes both time-based and market-based restricted stock (in thousands, except per-share data):
The fair values of restricted share awards were based on the Company’s fair market value at the time of grant. At September 27, 2008, unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted stock grants totaled approximately $0.6 million and will be recognized over a weighted average vesting period of approximately two years. The restricted shares awarded during fiscal 2008 vest in equal monthly and annual installments over one and three year periods, respectively.
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Expense
Prior to the beginning of fiscal 2006, the Company did not record compensation expense for its stock-based compensation plans, except for options granted just prior to the Company’s initial public offering for 120,000 shares, as such treatment was permitted under the provisions of Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” related interpretations, and SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” The Company provided the requisite pro forma disclosures and complied with provisions of SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosures.”
Effective the beginning of fiscal 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment,” using the modified prospective transition method. Under this transition method, compensation expense includes options vesting for (1) share-based payments granted prior to, but not vested as of September 24, 2005, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS No. 123; (2) share-based payments granted after September 24, 2005, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R); and (3) shares sold under the ESPP after September 24, 2005, based on calculations of fair value which are similar to how stock option valuations are made. Because this transition method was selected, results of prior periods have not been restated.
The Company recognized the following stock-based compensation expense for its stock option, restricted stock awards and employee stock purchase plans during fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006:
As of September 27, 2008, there was $2.9 million (before any related tax benefit) of unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested share-based compensation that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.2 years.
Stock Purchase Plan
On September 27, 1999, the Company approved the adoption of the ESPP, which authorized up to 350,000 shares of common stock available for employee purchase through payroll deductions at 85% of fair market value. All eligible employees of the Company may participate. Eligibility is defined as those employees who have completed at least six months of employment and work at least 20 hours per week, except for employees who own common stock or options on such common stock that represents 5% or more of the Company’s total equity ownership. There were 19,051, 11,747 and 17,108 shares of common stock issued under the ESPP during the fiscal years ended September 27, 2008, September 29, 2007 and September 30, 2006, respectively.
Warrants
In conjunction with the issuance of two senior subordinated note agreements in September 1996 with affiliated investors that were paid off in June 1999, the Company issued warrants to purchase 1,964,410 shares of common stock at $1.00 per share. The number of shares of common stock issuable under these warrants was increased by an aggregate of 1,030 shares pursuant to certain anti-dilution provisions. The warrants were fully exercised during September 2006 with the issuance of 1,965,440 shares of common stock upon receipt of $1,964,410.
Shares Reserved for Future Issuance
Calculation of Fair Value of Stock Options
The Company estimates the fair value of stock options granted using the Black-Scholes option valuation model and a multiple option award approach. The expected life of options represents the period of time the options are expected to be outstanding and is based on historical trends and other subjective factors. The expected stock volatility is based on the average of historical volatility of the Company’s common stock and other subjective factors. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time awards are granted, and the expected dividend rate takes into account the absence of any historical payments and management’s intention to retain all earnings for future operations and expansion.
The following table presents the weighted average assumptions used in the pricing model for stock options granted during the following periods:
4. Fixed Assets
A summary of fixed assets is as follows:
5. Credit Arrangement
On June 24, 2005, the Company entered into a $40.0 million secured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with Bank of America, N.A., which expires on June 30, 2010. Under the terms of the Credit Facility, the Company may borrow up to the maximum borrowing limit of $40.0 million less any outstanding letters of credit, and the Company has set the initial loan ceiling amount at $30.0 million. Interest on the Credit Facility is payable quarterly, at the Company’s option, at either (i) the Bank’s prime rate plus 0.50% to 1.00%, or (ii) 1.00% to 1.50% over the average interest settlement rate for deposits in the London interbank market banks (“Eurodollar Rate”) subject to certain adjustments. The Company’s ability to receive loan advances under the Credit Facility is subject to the continued compliance with various covenants, representations, warranties, and conditions, including but not limited to negative covenants against the incurrence of debt or liens. The Credit Facility also contains events of default customary for facilities of this type and provides that, upon the occurrence of an event of default, payment of all outstanding loans may be accelerated and/or the lenders’ commitments may be terminated. Pursuant to this agreement, the Company and the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries have (i) provided an unconditional guarantee of the full and punctual payment of obligations under the Credit Facility, (ii) pledged certain of the securities of the Company’s subsidiaries to the collateral agent as security for the full payment and performance of the Company’s obligations under the Credit Facility and (iii) granted a security interest in essentially all of the Company’s personal property as security for the full payment and performance of the obligations under the Credit Facility. At September 27, 2008, there was $11.2 million outstanding under the Credit Facility to secure letters of credit and the Company was in compliance with the terms of the bank credit agreement. As of September 27, 2008, the Company had $18.8 million of borrowing availability under the Credit Facility.
Pursuant to the terms of the Credit Facility, the Company can issue up to $20.0 million of documentary or standby letters of credit. The Company is charged a fee equal to the Bank’s Eurodollar Rate for the average daily face amount of outstanding letters of credit and customary issuance and amendment charges. Fees are paid quarterly in arrears and charges are paid as incurred.
6. Commitments and Contingencies
Leases
The Company leases its retail stores, distribution centers and office facilities under various non-cancelable operating leases that expire between 2009 and 2018. Under certain retail store leases, the Company is required to pay the greater of a minimum lease payment or 5% to 13% of annual sales volume. Rent expense, including reimbursement of the Company’s proportional share of common area maintenance expenses, for the years ended September 27, 2008, September 29, 2007 and September 30, 2006 amounted to $137.1 million, $118.5 million and $100.7 million, respectively, including $5.2 million, $6.2 million and $6.5 million, respectively, of contingent rentals.
As of September 27, 2008, aggregate future minimum rentals are as follows:
During fiscal 2006, the Company sold lease rights for 43 locations that were formerly operated as Rampage stores to Forever 21 Retail, Inc., and its parent company guaranteed its obligations under the leases that it assumed. In the event of default, the Company could be liable for obligations associated with 39 real estate leases which have future lease payments (undiscounted) of approximately $33.2 million through the end of fiscal 2016 which are not reflected in the table above. The scheduled future minimum rentals for these leases over the next three fiscal years and thereafter are $8.6 million, $8.2 million, $7.1 million and $9.3 million, respectively. Management believes that the likelihood of material liability being triggered under these leases is remote, and no liability has been accrued for these contingent lease obligations as of September 27, 2008.
License Agreement
In conjunction with the acquisition of Rampage assets on September 30, 1997, the Company entered into a license agreement enabling the Company to operate stores under the Rampage name. The license fee was calculated as the greater of an annual fee (ranging from $600,000 to $750,000) or a percent of sales at stores operating under the Rampage name (ranging between 0.5% and 1.0%).
The license agreement had an initial term that expired in 2012. Consistent with the Company’s decision in 2006 to dispose of the Rampage stores, a termination of this agreement was negotiated which required the Company to pay an early termination fee of $1.4 million. License fees incurred during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2006 were $2,176,661 and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of income.
Litigation
From time to time, the Company may be involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of its operations. On June 11, 2008, a complaint was filed against the Company in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, by two former store employees (Shannon Palm and Kayla Lovato). The complaint is styled as a class action and the causes of action arise out of allegations of failure to pay overtime compensation, failure to provide meal and rest breaks, requiring employees to purchase store product and violations relating to form of payment of wages. The complaint seeks unspecified
damages, penalties and attorneys’ fees. The Company filed a motion for judgment on the pleadings to preclude the majority of the claims from proceeding as a class action that has not yet been ruled on. The Company intends to vigorously defend the case. The outcome of this action is uncertain, and no amounts have been accrued with respect to this matter as of the date of this filing. As of the date of this filing, the Company is not engaged in any other legal proceedings that are expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.
7. Income Taxes
Income taxes consist of the following:
A reconciliation of the calculated income tax provision based on statutory tax rates in effect and the effective tax rate follows:
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The Company has not recorded a valuation allowance for all periods presented as the utilization of the deferred tax assets is deemed to be more likely than not.
Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax liabilities and assets are as follows:
In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes-an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.” FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006.
The Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48 effective September 30, 2007. As a result, the Company adjusted its 2007 beginning retained earnings by the net impact of the derecognition of certain tax positions. The cumulative effects of applying this interpretation have been recorded as a decrease of $165,748 to retained earnings and an increase of $165,748 to income taxes payable.
The following table summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits:
Included in the unrecognized tax benefits of $1,020,814 at September 27, 2008, was $663,529 of tax benefits that, if recognized, would reduce the Company’s annual effective tax rate. The Company does not expect its unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly over the next 12 months. As of September 30, 2007, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $592,000 all of which, if recognized, would reduce the Company’s income tax expense and effective tax rate.
The Company’s policy is to recognize interest expense and penalties related to income tax matters as a component of income tax expense. The Company has accrued approximately $104,699 of interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions as of September 27, 2008. As of September 29, 2007, the total amount of accrued income tax-related interest and penalties was $29,000.
The Company is subject to periodic audits by domestic and foreign tax authorities. The Company’s tax years for September 24, 2005 and forward are subject to examination by the U.S. authorities and, with few exceptions, the Company’s tax years for September 30, 2004 and forward are subject to examinations by state tax authorities.
8. Supplemental Cash Flows Disclosures
9. Related Party Transactions
The Company, its then Chairman of the Board and two funds managed by Apax Partners, L.P. (“Apax”), entered into a stockholders’ agreement in 1999. This agreement provided that, among other things: (1) as long as Apax owned more than 25% of the Company’s outstanding shares, it would have the right to nominate three directors, and (2) as long as Apax owned at least 1,820,735 shares of Common Stock, including shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants, it would have the right to nominate two directors. The stockholders agreement also granted, subject to limitations and exceptions and only so long as Apax owned at least 1,820,735 shares, demand registration rights to Apax. The Company was responsible for certain costs of these registered offerings. Lastly, as long as Apax owned at least 1,820,735 shares, the Company was required to pay an annual fee of $250,000 in exchange for certain financial advisory services.
In conjunction with a securities offering in fiscal 2006, Apax’s holdings of the Company’s common stock were reduced below 1,820,735 shares, as a result of which provisions of the agreement with Apax discussed above are no longer in effect.
Pursuant to this agreement, the Company incurred financial advisory service fees of $250,000 in fiscal 2006. In addition, the Company incurred certain costs of a registered offering in which shares were sold by Apax of $400,000 during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2006. Given the historical nature of this obligation, these costs were treated as reductions to stockholders’ equity as an offset to proceeds received from shares sold by the Company, if any.
10. Employee Savings Plan
The Company has an Internal Revenue Code Section 401(k) profit-sharing plan (the “401(k) Plan”) for eligible employees. The 401(k) Plan is funded by employee contributions and provides for the Company to make discretionary contributions. The Company matches 25% of participants’ contributions up to 4% of eligible compensation. Amounts contributed and expensed under the 401(k) Plan were $165,766, $136,963 and $128,147 for the fiscal years ended September 27, 2008, September 29, 2007 and September 30, 2006, respectively.
11. Earnings Per Share
Dilutive securities include stock options and restricted stock subject to vesting. The calculation of dilutive shares excludes the effect of the following securities and warrants that are considered anti-dilutive:
12. Subsequent Events
On November 8, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors appointed John D. Goodman as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Emilia Fabricant as our President and Chief Merchandising Officer and Frederick G. Silny as our Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Corporate Secretary, each contingent and effective upon his or her commencement of employment. In addition, Mr. Goodman and Ms. Fabricant were appointed as directors, contingent and effective upon his or her commencement of employment. Mr. Silny commenced employment on November 10, 2008 and Mr. Goodman and Ms. Fabricant commenced employment on November 12, 2008.
The Company entered into offer letters with Mr. Goodman, Ms. Fabricant and Mr. Silny that provide for annual base salaries of $900,000, $600,000 and $400,000, respectively, which may not be decreased, except for decreases in base salary consistent with decreases applicable to all of the Company’s executive officers that occur after fiscal year 2009. Mr. Goodman, Ms. Fabricant and Mr. Silny also received signing bonuses of $285,000, $210,000 and $160,000, respectively, which vest monthly during the 12 months following commencement of employment and are subject to repayment of any unvested portion if the executive officer is terminated for cause or without good reason. The offer letters also provide for the executive officers to participate in the Company’s Executive Officer Compensation Program for fiscal 2009 with respect to cash incentive bonuses, which currently provides for annual cash incentive bonus targets for Mr. Goodman, Ms. Fabricant and Mr. Silny as follows: 50%, 100% and 150%; 50%, 75% and 100%; and 35%, 60% and 100%, respectively (as a minimum, midpoint and maximum percentage of annual base salary). Each executive officer will also be reimbursed for moving-related expenses (and eligible to receive an additional tax gross-up payment to the extent such reimbursement is taxable), subject to a $100,000 limitation in the case of Mr. Silny. If any of the executive officers’ employment is terminated without cause or for good reason, the executive officer is entitled to (i) 24 months (12 months in the case of Mr. Silny) of continued payment of his or her annual base salary in effect at the time of termination, (ii) a pro-rated bonus for the fiscal year in which the termination occurs equal to the bonus that would have been paid had the executive officer remained employed through the time such bonus is paid out, multiplied by a fraction equal to the number of days elapsed since the commencement of the applicable fiscal year (as of the date of termination) divided by 360, and all the earned, but unpaid bonuses with respect to the fiscal years preceding the fiscal year of termination, (iii) an extension of the post termination exercise period for vested stock options to six months and (iv) the provision of continued health insurance benefits for 24 months (12 months in the case of Mr. Silny) post termination, in each case provided certain conditions are met and subject to reduction due to interim earnings during the severance period or cessation in the event of obtaining new employment of equal or higher compensation prior to the end of the severance period. On November 12, 2008, Mr. Goodman received a non-qualified stock option to purchase 200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock and restricted stock units covering 91,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The exercise price per share of the stock option is $8.15 (the NASDAQ closing price of the Company’s common stock on November 12, 2008). The shares subject to the stock option and restricted stock units vest in equal yearly installments over a three-year period following the date of grant and the stock option expires 10 years from the date of grant. In addition, within 60 days of the date of commencement of his employment, Mr. Goodman will receive performance share units covering 53,500 shares of the Company’s common stock. Contingent on the satisfaction of performance goals established by the Compensation Committee and developed with Mr. Goodman’s input, and with a performance period of our 2009 fiscal year, the shares subject to the performance share units will vest in equal yearly installments over a four-year period following the date of commencement of Mr. Goodman’s employment.
Also on November 12, 2008, Ms. Fabricant received an incentive stock option to purchase 128,500 shares of the Company’s common stock and restricted stock units covering 46,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The exercise price per share of the stock option is $8.15 (the NASDAQ closing price of the Company’s common stock on November 12, 2008). The shares subject to the stock option and restricted stock units vest in equal yearly installments over a three-year period following the date of grant and the stock option expires 10 years from the date of grant.
On November 10, 2008, Mr. Silny received a non-qualified stock option to purchase 173,500 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price per share of $6.45 (the NASDAQ closing price of the Company’s common stock on November 10, 2008). The shares subject to the stock option vest in equal yearly installments over a three-year period following the date of grant and the stock option expires 10 years from the date of grant.
The shares subject to the awards granted, or to be granted, to Mr. Goodman, Ms. Fabricant and Mr. Silny will immediately vest and become fully exercisable upon a change of control, provided that, in the case of the performance share units to be granted to Mr. Goodman, the applicable performance goals have been met. Commencing in fiscal 2010, Mr. Goodman, Ms. Fabricant and Mr. Silny will be eligible to participate in the Company’s Executive Officer Compensation Program with respect to equity awards.
Leonard H. Mogil ceased serving as the Company’s Interim Chief Financial Officer concurrent with Mr. Silny’s commencement of employment on November 10, 2008 and ceased serving as the Company’s Interim Chief Executive Officer concurrent with Mr. Goodman’s commencement of employment on November 12, 2008. Mr. Mogil remains a member of the Board of Directors.
SCHEDULE II
CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Three fiscal years ended September 27, 2008
(amounts in thousands)
EXHIBIT INDEX
(a) Exhibits marked with an asterisk are filed herewith. The remainder of the exhibits have heretofore been filed with the SEC and are incorporated herein by reference.
+
Indicates management contract or compensatory plan.