EX-99.1 2 dex991.htm PRESS RELEASE Press Release

Exhibit 99.1

CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING REPORTS FISCAL 2009 SECOND QUARTER AND

SIX MONTH FINANCIAL RESULTS

Achieves Second Quarter 2009 Non-GAAP Earnings Per Diluted Share of $0.04

 

 

SAN DIEGO, April 16, 2009 - Charlotte Russe Holding, Inc. (Nasdaq: CHIC) today announced financial results for the second quarter and six months ended March 28, 2009.

Second quarter fiscal 2009 net sales increased 3.3% to $191.2 million, compared to $185.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2008. Comparable store sales for the period decreased 8.0%. Net loss for the 2009 second quarter was $0.8 million, or $0.04 per diluted share compared to net income of $4.2 million, or $0.17 per diluted share for the same period in 2008. In the second quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company recorded cash charges of $1.5 million for expenses related to proxy solicitation, management transition and severance, as well as costs related to the review of strategic alternatives and subsequent sale process. The Company also recorded a non-cash charge of $1.6 million for store impairment. Diluted earnings per share, excluding the aforementioned expenses, were $0.04. At quarter-end, comparable store inventories were down 18.4%. The Company opened one new store during the period.

Net sales for the six month period ended March 28, 2009 were $431.9 million compared to $423.3 million in the same period of fiscal 2008. Comparable store sales for the period decreased 8.6%. Net loss for the first six months of fiscal 2009 was $3.7 million, or $0.18 per diluted share compared to net income of $18.2 million, or $0.73 per diluted share, in the year ago period. In the first six months of fiscal 2009, the Company recorded cash charges of $3.8 million for expenses related to proxy solicitation, management transition and severance, as well as costs related to the review of strategic alternatives and subsequent sale process. The Company also recorded a non-cash charge of $1.6 million for store impairment. Diluted loss per share, excluding the aforementioned expenses, was $0.03.

 

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At March 28, 2009, the Company had $51 million in cash and no long-term debt. Cash flow from operations in the first six months of fiscal 2009 totaled $17.7 million.

 

     Second Quarter Ended    Six Months Ended
(in thousands, except per share data)    March 28,
2009
    March 29,
2008
   March 28,
2009
    March 29,
2008

Net sales

   $ 191,224     $ 185,076    $ 431,906     $ 423,295

GAAP net (loss) income

   $ (820 )   $ 4,240    $ (3,731 )   $ 18,234

GAAP net (loss) income per share:

         

Basic

   $ (0.04 )   $ 0.17    $ (0.18 )   $ 0.73

Diluted

   $ (0.04 )   $ 0.17    $ (0.18 )   $ 0.73

Non-GAAP net (loss) income (1)

   $ 838     $ 4,885    $ (541 )   $ 18,771

Non-GAAP net (loss) income per share:

         

Basic

   $ 0.04     $ 0.20    $ (0.03 )   $ 0.75

Diluted

   $ 0.04     $ 0.19    $ (0.03 )   $ 0.75

 

(1) Please refer to the financial statements portion of this press release for an explanation of the non-GAAP financial measures contained in the table above and a reconciliation of such measures to the comparable GAAP financial measures.

“Our results for the second quarter reflect our aggressive actions to reduce inventories, limit our promotional activity and lower expenses,” said John D. Goodman, Chief Executive Officer. “This drove better than anticipated gross margin performance and resulted in non-GAAP diluted earnings per share significantly above our previous financial guidance.”

Mr. Goodman continued, “We are encouraged by the progress we have made toward transforming Charlotte Russe into a top-tier specialty retailer. We are enhancing our merchandise assortments, delivering a more cohesive and compelling presentation in stores, providing an engaging shopping experience for the customer and supporting our brand positioning with aspirational marketing. As we continue to execute on our strategic and operational initiatives, we believe our efforts will strengthen our competitive position, enabling Charlotte Russe to capture a greater share of the fast fashion market over the long-term.

“While we are encouraged by the progress we are making, we recognize the environment makes our task particularly challenging. We are remaining focused on our core strategies and are committed to maintaining financial discipline. We expect to build momentum in the coming quarters and look forward to generating further improvement during the remainder of the year. We’re in a strong financial position, with $51 million of cash and no debt, affording us the financial flexibility to pursue our plans and create long-term shareholder value.”

 

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Outlook

For the third quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company expects comparable store sales to be in the negative low-single to positive low-single digit range versus a comparable store sales decline of 6.5% in the third quarter of fiscal 2008. Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share are expected to be in the range of $0.17 to $0.27, exclusive of anticipated charges related to proxy solicitation, management transition and severance, as well as the review of strategic alternatives and subsequent sale process. This compares to diluted earnings per share of $0.31 in the prior year period.

Conference Call Information

A conference call to discuss 2009 second quarter results is scheduled for today, Thursday, April 16, 2009, at 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time (4:30 Eastern Time). The call will be hosted by John Goodman, Chief Executive Officer, Emilia Fabricant, President and Chief Merchandising Officer, and Fred Silny, Chief Financial Officer. To access the call, please dial (888) 841-5034 approximately ten minutes prior to the start of the call. The conference call will also be webcast live and archived at www.charlotterusse.com. A telephone replay of this call will be available until April 23, 2009, and can be accessed by dialing (800) 642-1687 and entering code 89467054.

About Charlotte Russe

Charlotte Russe Holding, Inc. is a mall-based specialty retailer of fashionable, value-priced apparel and accessories targeting young women in their teens and twenties. As of March 28, 2009, the Company operated 496 stores in 45 states and Puerto Rico. For more information about the Company, please visit http://www.charlotterusse.com.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Charlotte Russe Holding, Inc. filed a definitive proxy statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on March 23, 2009 relating to Charlotte Russe’s solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of Charlotte Russe with respect to the Charlotte Russe 2009 annual meeting of stockholders. Charlotte Russe and its directors and certain of its officers and other employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies for the 2009 annual meeting. The proxy statement contains detailed information regarding the names, affiliation and interests of individuals who may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies of Charlotte Russe’s stockholders. Charlotte Russe has filed a proxy statement and other relevant documents, including a white proxy card. CHARLOTTE RUSSE

 

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ADVISES SECURITY HOLDERS TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT HAVE BEEN AND WILL BE FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Charlotte Russe’s proxy statement and other relevant documents may be obtained without charge from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and from Charlotte Russe at www.charlotterusse.com. You may also obtain a free copy of Charlotte Russe’s definitive proxy statement by writing to the Corporate Secretary at 4645 Morena Boulevard, San Diego, California 92117.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995: Except for the historical information contained herein, this press release contains forward-looking statements. Such statements include, but are not limited to, projections of the Company’s third quarter financial results, as well as the impact of the Company’s business strategies, including future growth, customer penetration and value creation. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or from any results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks that the Company will not achieve anticipated financial results or comparable store sales increases, the Company will not be able to execute its new strategic plan as intended, the Company will not open new Charlotte Russe stores or remodel existing stores in the numbers or on the schedule anticipated, general and regional economic conditions, industry trends, consumer demands and preferences, competition from other retailers and uncertainties generally associated with women’s apparel and accessory retailing. A complete description of these factors, as well as others that could affect the Company’s business, is set forth in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

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CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(amounts in 000's, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

     Second Quarter Ended    Six Months Ended
     March 28,
2009
    March 29,
2008
   March 28,
2009
    March 29,
2008

Net Sales

   $ 191,224     $ 185,076    $ 431,906     $ 423,295

Cost of goods sold

     145,901       138,678      336,530       309,711
                             

Gross profit

     45,323       46,398      95,376       113,584

Selling, general & administrative expenses

     46,951       41,932      101,879       86,980
                             

Operating (loss) income

     (1,628 )     4,466      (6,503 )     26,604

Interest income, net

     82       1,060      239       2,014
                             

(Loss) income before income taxes

     (1,546 )     5,526      (6,264 )     28,618

Income tax (benefit) expense

     (726 )     1,286      (2,533 )     10,384
                             

Net (loss) income

   $ (820 )   $ 4,240    $ (3,731 )   $ 18,234
                             

(Loss) income per share—basic:

         

(Loss) income per basic share

   $ (0.04 )   $ 0.17    $ (0.18 )   $ 0.73
                             

(Loss) income per share—diluted:

         

(Loss) income per diluted share

   $ (0.04 )   $ 0.17    $ (0.18 )   $ 0.73
                             

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

     20,925       24,909      20,908       24,898
                             

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

     20,925       25,086      20,908       25,051
                             

 

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CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(amounts in 000's, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

     Second Quarter Ended
     March 28, 2009    March 29, 2008
     As Reported
(GAAP)
    Adjustments
(1)(2)
    Adjusted
(non-GAAP)
(1)(2)
   As Reported
(GAAP)
   Adjustments
(1)(2)
    Adjusted
(non-GAAP)
(1)(2)

Net Sales

   $ 191,224     $ —       $ 191,224    $ 185,076      $ 185,076

Cost of goods sold

     145,901       (52 )     145,849      138,678        138,678
                                            

Gross profit

     45,323       52       45,375      46,398        46,398

Selling, general & administrative expenses

     46,951       (3,075 )     43,876      41,932      (840 )     41,092
                                            

Operating (loss) income

     (1,628 )     3,127       1,499      4,466      840       5,306

Interest income, net

     82       —         82      1,060      —         1,060
                                            

(Loss) income before income taxes

     (1,546 )     3,127       1,581      5,526      840       6,366

Income tax (benefit) expense

     (726 )     1,469       743      1,286      195       1,481
                                            

Net (loss) income

   $ (820 )   $ 1,658     $ 838    $ 4,240    $ 645     $ 4,885
                                            

(Loss) income per share—basic:

              

(Loss) income per basic share

   $ (0.04 )     $ 0.04    $ 0.17      $ 0.20
                                

(Loss) income per share—diluted:

              

(Loss) income per diluted share

   $ (0.04 )     $ 0.04    $ 0.17      $ 0.19
                                

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

     20,925         20,925      24,909        24,909

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

     20,925         21,172      25,086        25,086
                                

 

(1) In the second quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company recorded cash charges of $1.5 million related to expenses for proxy solicitation, management transition and severance, as well as costs associated with the review of strategic alternatives and subsequent sale process, and a non-cash charge of $1.6 million for store impairment. In the second quarter of fiscal 2008, the Company recorded a non-cash charge for store impairment. An adjustment has also been reflected for the related tax impact.

 

(2) This earnings release contains non-GAAP financial measures. Pursuant to the requirements of Regulation G, the Company has provided reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. The Company believes presenting its 2009 results excluding expenses for proxy solicitation, management transition and severance, as well as costs associated with the review of strategic alternatives and subsequent sale process, and a non-cash charge for store impairment, which is on a non-GAAP basis, provides useful additional information to investors. The Company believes that the exclusion of such amounts facilitates the comparability of the Company’s results from period to period and provides a basis for comparing current results against future results by eliminating amounts that it believes are not comparable between periods. The Company will use its results excluding these amounts to evaluate its operating performance and to discuss its business with investment institutions, the Company’s Board of Directors and others. These non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 

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CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(amounts in 000's, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

     Six Months Ended
     March 28, 2009     March 29, 2008
     As Reported
(GAAP)
    Adjustments
(1)(2)
    Adjusted
(non-GAAP)
(1)(2)
    As Reported
(GAAP)
   Adjustments
(1)(2)
    Adjusted
(non-GAAP)
(1)(2)

Net Sales

   $ 431,906     $ —       $ 431,906     $ 423,295      $ 423,295

Cost of goods sold

     336,530       (52 )     336,478       309,711        309,711
                                             

Gross profit

     95,376       52       95,428       113,584        113,584

Selling, general & administrative expenses

     101,879       (5,304 )     96,575       86,980      (840 )     86,140
                                             

Operating (loss) income

     (6,503 )     5,356       (1,147 )     26,604      840       27,444

Interest income, net

     239       —         239       2,014        2,014
                                             

(Loss) income before income taxes

     (6,264 )     5,356       (908 )     28,618      840       29,458

Income tax (benefit) expense

     (2,533 )     2,166       (367 )     10,384      303       10,687
                                             

Net (loss) income

   $ (3,731 )   $ 3,190     $ (541 )   $ 18,234    $ 537     $ 18,771
                                             

(Loss) income per share—basic:

             

(Loss) income per basic share

   $ (0.18 )     $ (0.03 )   $ 0.73      $ 0.75
                                 

(Loss) income per share—diluted:

             

(Loss) income per diluted share

   $ (0.18 )     $ (0.03 )   $ 0.73      $ 0.75
                                 

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

     20,908         20,908       24,898        24,898

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

     20,908         20,908       25,051        25,051
                                 

 

(1) In the first half of fiscal 2009, the Company recorded cash charges of $3.8 million related to expenses for proxy solicitation, management transition and severance, as well as costs associated with the review of strategic alternatives and subsequent sale process, and a non-cash charge of $1.6 million for store impairment. In the first half of fiscal 2008, the Company recorded a non-cash charge for store impairment. An adjustment has also been reflected for the related tax impact.

 

(2) This earnings release contains non-GAAP financial measures. Pursuant to the requirements of Regulation G, the Company has provided reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. The Company believes presenting its 2009 results excluding expenses for proxy solicitation, management transition and severance, as well as costs associated with the review of strategic alternatives and subsequent sale process, and a non-cash charge for store impairment, which is on a non-GAAP basis, provides useful additional information to investors. The Company believes that the exclusion of such amounts facilitates the comparability of the Company’s results from period to period and provides a basis for comparing current results against future results by eliminating amounts that it believes are not comparable between periods. The Company will use its results excluding these amounts to evaluate its operating performance and to discuss its business with investment institutions, the Company’s Board of Directors and others. These non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 

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CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(amounts in 000's)

(unaudited)

 

     March 28,
2009
   March 29,
2008
ASSETS      

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 51,259    $ 125,324

Inventories

     48,659      53,241

Landlord allowances receivable

     1,043      5,978

Prepaid rent expense

     —        174

Other current assets

     14,100      4,283

Deferred tax assets

     7,479      6,380
             

Total current assets

     122,540      195,380

Fixed assets, net

     212,124      213,587

Goodwill

     28,790      28,790

Other assets

     823      1,043

Deferred taxes

     3,267      1,340
             

Total assets

   $ 367,544    $ 440,140
             
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY      

Accounts payable, trade

   $ 35,119    $ 36,100

Accounts payable, other

     4,450      6,839

Accrued payroll and related expense

     6,891      7,452

Income and sales taxes payable

     2,741      3,820

Other current liabilities

     10,957      10,724
             

Total current liabilities

     60,158      64,935

Deferred rent

     115,449      107,210

Other liabilities

     1,490      762
             

Total liabilities

     177,097      172,907

Total stockholders’ equity

     190,447      267,233
             

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 367,544    $ 440,140
             

 

Contact:

Investors:

Christine Greany

The Consumer Group, LLC

+1-858-523-1732

Media:

Stephanie Pillersdorf / Kara Findlay

Sard Verbinnen & Co.
+1-212-687-8080

 

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