Exhibit 99.1
FOR: |
| Christopher & Banks Corporation |
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APPROVED BY: |
| Bill Prange |
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| Chairman and |
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| (763) 551-5000 |
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For Immediate Release |
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CONTACT: |
| Investor Relations: |
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| Cara O’Brien |
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| Financial Dynamics |
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| (212) 850-5600 |
CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION REPORTS
FIRST QUARTER RESULTS
Minneapolis, MN, June 22, 2004– Christopher & Banks Corporation (NYSE: CBK) today reported results for the first quarter ended May 29, 2004.
Net sales increased 10% to $102.6 million from $93.4 million last year, while same store sales declined 5%. Net income was $10.2 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, compared to net income of $11.1 million, or $0.29 per diluted share, for the quarter ended May 31, 2003.
The Company opened 33 new stores and closed one store in the first quarter, bringing the total number of stores as of May 29, 2004 to 566 compared to 472 stores as of May 31, 2003.
Bill Prange, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Our first quarter performance was disappointing primarily due to continued softness in the sweater category. June same-store sales are currently tracking down 7%. We expect some improvement in July same-store sales as we have a higher level of clearance inventory. We believe that in August we will begin to see the positive effect from adjustments we have made to our merchandise assortment.”
Mr. Prange concluded, “Our solid balance sheet and significant cash flow from operations, evidenced by $87.6 million in cash and short term investments at the end of the quarter, provide a solid foundation as we implement changes to improve our sales performance.”
The Company also announced that it repurchased 548,000 shares of common stock in June. This brings the total number of shares purchased under its $25 million share repurchase program to 1,394,000 shares.
The Company will discuss its first quarter results in a conference call scheduled for today, June 22, 2004 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The conference call will be simultaneously broadcast live over the Internet at http://www.christopherandbanks.com.
Christopher & Banks Corporation is a Minneapolis-based specialty retailer of women’s clothing providing exclusive fashions under the Christopher & Banks and C.J. Banks labels. Currently, the Company operates 571 stores in 42 states. For more information on Christopher & Banks Corporation, visit the Company’s website at www.christopherandbanks.com.
This release contains forward-looking statements regarding future performance of the Company. The achievement of such results is subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including changes in economic, market and weather conditions, the effect of consumer tastes and spending habits, the realization of expected economies gained through the use of private label and direct import merchandise, management of growth and other factors outside the Company’s control, including factors discussed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s analysis only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date hereof.
Financial Tables to Follow
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CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION
COMPARATIVE INCOME STATEMENT
FOR THE QUARTERS ENDED MAY 29, 2004 AND MAY 31, 2003
(in thousands, except per-share data)
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| Quarter Ended |
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| May 29, |
| May 31, |
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| (Unaudited) |
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Net sales |
| $ | 102,625 |
| $ | 93,373 |
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Merchandise, buying and occupancy |
| 58,515 |
| 50,091 |
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Gross profit |
| 44,110 |
| 43,282 |
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Selling, general and administrative |
| 24,653 |
| 22,698 |
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Depreciation and amortization |
| 3,147 |
| 2,650 |
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Operating income |
| 16,310 |
| 17,934 |
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Interest income |
| 258 |
| 216 |
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Income before income taxes |
| 16,568 |
| 18,150 |
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Income tax provision |
| 6,395 |
| 7,006 |
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Net income |
| $ | 10,173 |
| $ | 11,144 |
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Basic earnings per share: |
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Net income |
| $ | 0.27 |
| $ | 0.30 |
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Basic shares outstanding |
| 37,506 |
| 37,229 |
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Diluted earnings per share: |
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Net income |
| $ | 0.27 |
| $ | 0.29 |
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Diluted shares outstanding |
| 38,136 |
| 38,033 |
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CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION
COMPARATIVE BALANCE SHEET
(in thousands)
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| May 29, |
| February 28, |
| May 31, |
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| (Unaudited) |
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| (Unaudited) |
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ASSETS |
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Current assets: |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
| $ | 38,791 |
| $ | 34,955 |
| $ | 22,178 |
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Short-term investments |
| 48,855 |
| 53,844 |
| 49,834 |
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Merchandise inventories |
| 34,833 |
| 31,300 |
| 25,970 |
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Other current assets |
| 7,656 |
| 6,243 |
| 7,353 |
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Total current assets |
| 130,135 |
| 126,342 |
| 105,335 |
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Property, equipment and improvements, net |
| 81,905 |
| 80,122 |
| 71,945 |
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Other assets |
| 145 |
| 83 |
| 70 |
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Total assets |
| $ | 212,185 |
| $ | 206,547 |
| $ | 177,350 |
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LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY |
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Current liabilities: |
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Accounts payable |
| $ | 6,471 |
| $ | 6,823 |
| $ | 3,825 |
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Accrued liabilities |
| 14,276 |
| 13,479 |
| 13,249 |
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Income taxes payable |
| 5,768 |
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| 4,799 |
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Total current liabilities |
| 26,515 |
| 20,302 |
| 21,873 |
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Other liabilities |
| 8,629 |
| 8,443 |
| 4,681 |
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Stockholders’ equity: |
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Common stock |
| 423 |
| 422 |
| 416 |
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Additional paid-in capital |
| 59,786 |
| 59,308 |
| 52,565 |
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Retained earnings |
| 151,924 |
| 143,265 |
| 118,089 |
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Common stock held in treasury |
| (35,092 | ) | (25,193 | ) | (20,274 | ) | |||
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Total stockholders’ equity |
| 177,041 |
| 177,802 |
| 150,796 |
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Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity |
| $ | 212,185 |
| $ | 206,547 |
| $ | 177,350 |
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