Edgar Filing: CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING INC

Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 28, 2003

AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JULY 17, 2003

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 28, 2003

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-27677

CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

DELAWARE		33-0724325
(State or Other Jurisdiction		(I.R.S. Employer
of Incorporation or Organization)		Identification No.)

4645 MORENA BOULEVARD, SAN DIEGO, CA 92117

(Address, including Zip Code, of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)

(858) 587-1500

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨

Indicate by a check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

COMMON STOCK, par value $0.01 per share, number of shares outstanding as of July 14, 2003: 21,250,582 shares.

CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

		Page

ITEM 1.	CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

	Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 28, 2003 (unaudited) and September 28, 2002	2

	Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) for the three and nine months ended June 28, 2003 and June 29, 2002	3

	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the three and nine months ended June 28, 2003 and June 29, 2002	4

	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)	5

ITEM 2.	MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	8

ITEM 3.	QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK	13

ITEM 4.	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	14

	PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	15

ITEM 2.	CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS	15

ITEM 3.	DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES	15

ITEM 4.	SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS	15

ITEM 5.	OTHER INFORMATION	15

ITEM 6.	EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K	15

CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

	June 28, 2003			September 28, 2002
	(unaudited)			(audited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	17,458,738		$	13,553,480
Inventories		29,060,922			33,319,014
Other current assets		7,990,509			2,502,201
Deferred tax assets		4,900,000			4,300,000

Total current assets		59,410,169			53,674,695
Fixed assets, net		95,779,722			95,632,346
Goodwill		28,790,000			28,790,000
Other assets		1,329,749			1,405,928

Total assets	$	185,309,640		$	179,502,969

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable trade	$	15,838,838		$	24,928,743
Accounts payable other		5,192,540			5,444,806
Accrued payroll and related expense		3,792,170			2,372,134
Income and sales taxes payable		1,562,685			1,259,525
Other current liabilities		9,561,819			6,752,135

Total current liabilities		35,948,052			40,757,343
Deferred rent		9,206,469			8,376,994
Other liabilities		297,777			208,883
Deferred tax liabilities		5,700,000			1,600,000

Total liabilities		51,152,298			50,943,220
Commitments
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred Stock $0.01 par value, 3,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding		—			—
Common Stock $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding shares – 21,238,695 at June 28, 2003 and 21,210,707 at September 28, 2002		212,387			212,107
Additional paid-in capital		43,999,022			43,793,497
Deferred compensation		(90,000	)		(171,000	)
Retained earnings		90,035,933			84,725,145

Total stockholders’ equity		134,157,342			128,559,749

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	185,309,640		$	179,502,969

See accompanying notes.

CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	June 28, 2003			June 29, 2002			June 28, 2003			June 29, 2002
Net sales	$	107,185,543		$	101,956,349		$	333,612,882		$	299,964,241
Cost of goods sold, including buying, distribution and occupancy costs		80,893,361			74,060,688			252,471,872			216,947,189

Gross profit		26,292,182			27,895,661			81,141,010			83,017,052
Selling, general and administrative expenses		21,715,953			18,604,917			66,801,153			55,821,032
Store closing costs		—			—			5,500,000			—

Operating income		4,576,229			9,290,744			8,839,857			27,196,020
Other income(expense):
Interest income, net		26,059			13,335			57,464			97,050
Other charges, net		(55,964	)		(62,500	)		(191,112	)		(211,056	)

Total other expense		(29,905	)		(49,165	)		(133,648	)		(114,006	)

Income before income taxes		4,546,324			9,241,579			8,706,209			27,082,014
Income taxes		1,773,066			3,604,217			3,395,421			10,561,986

Net income	$	2,773,258		$	5,637,362		$	5,310,788		$	16,520,028

Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.13		$	0.27		$	0.25		$	0.79

Diluted	$	0.12		$	0.24		$	0.23		$	0.70

Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic		21,237,310			21,193,883			21,229,635			20,989,745

Diluted		23,462,555			23,877,320			23,480,988			23,704,176

See accompanying notes.

CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	June 28, 2003			June 29, 2002			June 28, 2003			June 29, 2002
Operating Activities
Net income	$	2,773,258		$	5,637,362		$	5,310,788		$	16,520,028
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		4,101,960			3,627,878			11,912,123			10,012,636
Deferred rent		140,170			791,256			829,475			2,179,725
Amortization of deferred compensation		27,000			27,000			81,000			81,000
Loss on impairment and disposal of assets		12,042			(1	)		3,247,838			23,744
Deferred income taxes		400,000			(400,000	)		3,500,000			(800,000	)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Inventories		5,622,455			(3,798,016	)		4,258,092			(5,448,732	)
Other current assets		53,253			(574,339	)		(5,488,308	)		(935,995	)
Accounts payable trade		(10,744,600	)		(258,254	)		(9,089,905	)		3,314,274
Accounts payable other		1,143,018			(2,243,428	)		(252,266	)		(3,720,969	)
Accrued payroll and related expense		1,472,631			1,130,373			1,420,036			1,867,800
Income and sales taxes payable		(3,737	)		145,967			337,896			(1,265,084	)
Other current liabilities		(681,752	)		51,441			2,809,684			2,152,341
Other liabilities		15,000			14,999			88,894			(75,588	)

Net cash provided by operating activities		4,330,698			4,152,238			18,965,347			23,905,180
Investing Activities
Purchases of fixed assets		(4,618,807	)		(4,297,825	)		(15,290,888	)		(23,359,348	)
Other assets		46,273			(26,498	)		59,730			(45,062	)

Net cash used in investing activities		(4,572,534	)		(4,324,323	)		(15,231,158	)		(23,404,410	)
Financing Activities
Payments on capital leases		—			—			—			(45,017	)
Proceeds from notes payable to bank		—			—			—			11,000,000
Payments on notes payable to bank		—			—			—			(11,000,000	)
Secondary stock offering costs		—			(450,000	)		—			(450,000	)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		6,999			231,446			171,069			1,104,442

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		6,999			(218,554	)		171,069			609,425

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(234,837	)		(390,639	)		3,905,258			1,110,195
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period		17,693,575			11,532,232			13,553,480			10,031,398

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period	$	17,458,738		$	11,141,593		$	17,458,738		$	11,141,593

See accompanying notes.

CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

1. Interim Financial Statements

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Charlotte Russe Holding, Inc. (the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Certain information and footnote disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited financial statements contain all material adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods indicated, and have been prepared in a manner consistent with the audited financial statements as of September 28, 2002.

Due to the seasonal nature of the Company’s business, the results of operations for the nine month period ended June 28, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of the results of a full fiscal year.

These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the footnotes for the fiscal year ended September 28, 2002 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 13, 2002.

2. Net Income Per Common Share

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, “Earnings Per Share,” the following table reconciles income and share amounts utilized to calculate basic and diluted net income per common share.

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	June 28, 2003			June 29, 2002			June 28, 2003			June 29, 2002
Net income	$	2,773,258		$	5,637,362		$	5,310,788		$	16,520,028

Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.13		$	0.27		$	0.25		$	0.79
Effect of dilutive stock options		0.00			(0.01	)		0.00			(0.03	)
Effect of dilutive warrants		(0.01	)		(0.02	)		(0.02	)		(0.06	)

Diluted	$	0.12		$	0.24		$	0.23		$	0.70

Weighted average number of shares:
Basic		21,237,310			21,193,883			21,229,635			20,989,745
Effect of dilutive stock options		466,324			797,508			477,252			844,326
Effect of dilutive warrants		1,758,921			1,885,929			1,774,101			1,870,105

Diluted		23,462,555			23,877,320			23,480,988			23,704,176

3. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In October 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”. This statement supercedes SFAS No. 121, “Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of” and amends Accounting Principles Board Statement No. 30, “Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions”. SFAS 144 requires that long-lived assets that are to be disposed of by sale be measured at the lower of book value or fair value less costs to sell. SFAS 144 retains the fundamental provisions of SFAS 121 for (a) recognition and measurement of the impairment of long-lived assets to be held and used and (b) measurement of long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale. The Company adopted the new standard on September 29, 2002, the beginning of fiscal 2003.

In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146 “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities”. This statement supercedes Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 94-3 “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)”. SFAS 146 requires that a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized when the liability is incurred. Under EITF 94-3, a liability is recognized at the date an entity commits to an exit plan. SFAS 146 also establishes that the liability should initially be measured and recorded at fair value. The provisions of SFAS 146 are effective for any exit and disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002, and the Company adopted the new standard on January 1, 2003.

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation- Transition and Disclosure- an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123”. This statement amends SFAS No. 123 “Accounting for Stock Based Compensation” to provide alternative methods of voluntarily transitioning to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. SFAS 148 also amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS 123 to require disclosure of the method used to account for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method on reported results in both annual and interim financial statements. The disclosure provisions were effective for the Company beginning with the Company’s second quarter of fiscal year 2003.

4. Store Closing Costs

During the second quarter of fiscal 2003, the Company decided to exit the Charlotte’s Room concept and initiated the closing process for the 10 Charlotte’s Room stores. During the third quarter all stores were closed and the Company expects to finalize all remaining issues prior to the end of the current fiscal year. In accordance with SFAS 146, the Company recorded a liability of $2.6 million which is included in the $5.5 million shown in the store closing costs line item on the accompanying statement of income for the nine months ended June 28, 2003. The following chart provides a detail of each major cost associated with the closing activity at June 28, 2003:

Description	Expected to be incurred		Incurred current quarter		Incurred to date
Contract termination costs	$	1,787,100	$	610,300	$	706,800
Employee termination		43,600		43,600		43,600
Other associated costs		769,300		509,300		509,300

Store closing costs	$	2,600,000	$	1,163,200	$	1,259,700

A reconciliation of the liability balance for the quarter is as follows:

Description	Beginning reserve balance		Current period expense		Costs paid or settled		Other adjustments			Ending reserve
Contract termination costs	$	1,690,600	$	—	$	610,300	$	—		$	1,080,300
Employee termination		100,000		—		43,600		56,400			—
Other associated costs		712,900		—		509,300		(56,400	)		260,000

Store closing costs	$	2,503,500	$	—	$	1,163,200	$	—		$	1,340,300

In accordance with SFAS 144, an impairment charge of $2.9 million was also recorded during the second quarter of fiscal 2003. The impairment charge reflected the difference between the carrying value and fair value of Charlotte’s Room assets. Fair value was based on estimated market valuations for those assets since their carrying value was not anticipated to be recoverable through future cash flows. The majority of the assets were disposed of during the third quarter at approximately the estimated fair value. The asset impairment charge of $2.9 million is included in the $5.5 million shown in the store closing costs line item on the accompanying statement of income for the nine months ended June 28, 2003.

5. Stock Based Compensation

The Company accounts for the issuance of stock option grants in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) No. 25 and related interpretations in accounting for stock options. In accordance with SFAS 148 the following pro-forma information has been determined as if the Company had accounted for its employee stock options under the fair value method of SFAS 123. For options granted through October 18, 1999, the fair value of options granted were estimated at the date of the grant using the minimum value option pricing model. For options granted from October 19, 1999 to June 28, 2003, the fair value of the options was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes method for option pricing. For purposes of the valuation, the following weighted average assumptions were used:

	For Fiscal Years
	2003		2002
Risk free interest rate	2.75	%	4.00	%
Dividend yield	0	%	0	%
Expected volatility	65	%	60	%
Weighted average expected life	4 years		4 years

The minimum value option pricing model is similar to the Black-Scholes option valuation model that was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable, except that it excludes the factor of volatility. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions. Because the Company’s employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management’s opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its employee stock options.

For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the options is amortized to expense over the vesting period of the related options. The Company’s pro forma information follows:

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	June 28, 2003		June 29, 2002		June 28, 2003		June 29, 2002
Net income as reported	$	2,773,258	$	5,637,362	$	5,310,788	$	16,520,028
SFAS 123 expense		173,179		326,380		718,446		1,055,701

Pro forma net income	$	2,600,079	$	5,310,982	$	4,592,342	$	15,464,327
Net income per share basic as reported	$	0.13	$	0.27	$	0.25	$	0.79
Pro forma	$	0.12	$	0.25	$	0.22	$	0.74
Net income per share diluted as reported	$	0.12	$	0.24	$	0.23	$	0.70
Pro forma	$	0.11	$	0.22	$	0.20	$	0.65

ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

We have made statements in this Quarterly Report that are forward-looking statements. In some cases you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “intends,” “predicts,” “future,” “potential,” or “continue,” the negative of these terms and other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions about us, may include, among other things, projections of our future financial performance, our anticipated growth strategies, anticipated trends in our business and consumer preferences especially with respect to the impact of economic weakness on consumer spending, as well as projections relating to our anticipated rate of new store openings, anticipated store opening costs, capital expenditures, inventory turnover rates and vendor delivery times. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results, level of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including those factors discussed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 13, 2002.

We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this Quarterly Report might not occur.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements and Notes thereto of the Company included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q. The following table sets forth our operating results, expressed as a percentage of net sales,

and store information for the periods indicated. These operating results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future period.

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	June 28, 2003		June 29, 2002		June 28, 2003		June 29, 2002
Net sales	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%
Cost of goods sold	75.5		72.6		75.7		72.3

Gross profit	24.5		27.4		24.3		27.7
Selling, general and administrative expenses	20.2		18.3		20.0		18.6
Store closing costs	0.0		0.0		1.6		0.0

Operating income	4.3		9.1		2.7		9.1
Interest income, net	0.0		0.0		0.0		0.0
Other charges, net	0.0		(0.1	)	(0.1	)	(0.1	)

Income before income taxes	4.3		9.0		2.6		9.0
Income taxes	1.7		3.5		1.0		3.5

Net income	2.6	%	5.5	%	1.6	%	5.5	%

Number of stores open at end of period	293		236		293		236

Three Months Ended June 28, 2003 Compared to the Three Months Ended June 29, 2002

Net Sales. Our net sales increased to $107.2 million from $102.0 million, an increase of $5.2 million, or 5.1%, over the prior fiscal year. This increase reflects $20.4 million of additional net sales from the 23 new stores opened during the three months ended June 28, 2003, as well as other stores opened in prior fiscal periods that did not qualify as comparable stores. This increase was partially offset by a 16.1% decrease in our comparable store sales, which resulted in decreased sales of $15.2 million compared to the same period last year.

Gross Profit. Gross profit represents net sales less cost of goods sold, which includes buying, distribution and occupancy costs. Our gross profit decreased to $26.3 million from $27.9 million, a decrease of $1.6 million, or 5.7%, from the same period last year. This decrease was the result of decreased gross profit margins despite higher net sales. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased to 24.5% from 27.4%. The decrease as a percentage of net sales was principally due to higher occupancy expenses partially offset by decreased markdowns and decreased expenses associated with operations of the Ontario, California distribution center that opened during the same period last year.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Our selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $21.7 million from $18.6 million, an increase of $3.1 million, or 16.7%, over the same period last year. This increase was attributable to increased corporate expenses and new store expansion. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 20.2% from 18.3%, primarily due to increased corporate expenses and increased store payroll expense.

Income Taxes. Our effective tax rate of 39.0% approximates our statutory income tax rate and is consistent with the tax rate utilized for fiscal year 2002.

Net Income. Our net income decreased to $2.8 million from $5.6 million, a decrease of $2.8 million, or 50.8%, from the same period last year. This decrease was primarily due to the increase in selling, general and administrative expenses and the decrease in gross profit.

Nine Months Ended June 28, 2003 Compared to the Nine Months Ended June 29, 2002

Net Sales. Our net sales increased to $333.6 million from $300.0 million, an increase of $33.6 million, or 11.2%, over the same period last year. This increase reflects $62.0 million of additional net sales from the 52 new stores opened during the nine months ended June 28, 2003, as well as other stores opened in prior fiscal years that did not qualify as comparable stores. This increase was partially offset by a 10.3% decrease in our comparable store sales, which resulted in decreased sales of $28.4 million 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 decreased to $81.1 million from $83.0 million, a decrease of $1.9 million, or 2.3%, from the same period last year. This decrease was the result of decreased gross profit margins despite higher net sales. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased to 24.3% from 27.7%. The decrease as a percentage of net sales was principally due to higher occupancy expenses and higher markdown expenses.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Our selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $66.8 million from $55.8 million, an increase of $11.0 million, or 19.7%, over the same period last year. This increase was attributable to new store expansion and increased corporate expenses. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 20.0% from 18.6%, primarily due to increased store payroll expense and increased corporate expenses.

Store Closing Costs. Store closing costs of $5.5 million are attributable to the closing of the Charlotte’s Room test concept for which there was no similar charge in the prior year.

Income Taxes. Our effective tax rate of 39.0% approximates our statutory income tax rate and is consistent with the tax rate utilized for fiscal year 2002.

Net Income. Our net income decreased to $5.3 million from $16.5 million, a decrease of $11.2 million, or 67.9%, from the same period last year. This decrease was primarily due to store closing costs and the increase in selling, general and administrative expenses.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our capital requirements result primarily from capital expenditures related to new store openings. We have historically satisfied our cash requirements principally through cash flow from operations, although we have also used borrowings under our unsecured credit facility. Due to rapid turnover of inventory, we generate trade payables and other accrued liabilities sufficient to offset most, if not all, of our working capital requirements, and this allows us to generally operate with limited working capital. As of June 28, 2003, we had net working capital of approximately $23.5 million which included cash and cash equivalents of $17.5 million.

Net cash provided by operations was $19.0 million for the nine months ended June 28, 2003 compared with $23.9 million during the nine months ended June 29, 2002. Cash flows from operating activities for the period were primarily generated by income from operations and changes in working capital account balances. Net cash used in investing activities was $15.2 million for the nine months ended June 28, 2003 compared with $23.4 million during the nine months ended June 29, 2002. Cash used in investing activities for the period primarily represents capital expenditures for store openings, store remodelings and fixtures. Cash used in investing for the nine months ended June 29, 2002 included $9.9 million related to the Ontario distribution center which opened in April of 2002.

In the nine months ended June 28, 2003 and June 29, 2002, we opened 52 and 48 new stores, respectively. During fiscal 2003, we plan to open up to 70 new Charlotte Russe and Rampage stores. We anticipate that total capital expenditures during fiscal 2003 will approximate $28.0 million. We plan to fund these expenditures with cash flows from operations, available cash balances and funds available under our revolving credit facility.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $0.2 million for the nine months ended June 28, 2003 compared with $0.6 million during the nine months ended June 29, 2002. Financing activities primarily represent the proceeds of stock option exercises.

Effective February 28, 2003, we obtained a $25.0 million unsecured revolving line of credit with Bank of America, N.A. to replace a previous $15.0 million facility. The new facility, as amended on July 9, 2003, is subject to certain restrictions and covenants and expires on March 1, 2006.

We believe that cash generated from operations, our current cash balances and funds available under our revolving credit facility will be sufficient to fund our store expansion program and working capital requirements for at least the next 12 months.

LETTERS OF CREDIT

Pursuant to the terms of the new unsecured revolving credit facility, the Company can issue up to $15.0 million of documentary or standby letters of credit. The outstanding commitments under this agreement at June 28, 2003 totaled approximately $4.2 million, including $1.7 million in standby letters of credit.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

The Company’s commitment to make future payments under long-term contractual obligations at June 28, 2003 was as follows:

	Payments Due by Period
Contractual Obligations	Total		Less than One year		1 to 3 years		3 to 5 years		More than 5 years
	(dollars in thousands)
Operating Leases	$	491,512	$	50,915	$	99,469	$	92,941	$	248,187
Purchase Obligations		14,917		14,917		—		—		—
Other Long-term Obligations		7,125		750		1,500		1,500		3,375

Total Contractual Obligations	$	513,554	$	66,582	$	100,969	$	94,441	$	251,562

INFLATION

We do not believe that inflation has had a material adverse impact on our business or operating results during the periods presented. There can be no assurance, however, that our business will not be affected by inflation in the future.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” discusses our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as revenues and expenses during the reported periods.

On an on-going basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments regarding inventories, receivables, fixed assets, intangible assets, accrued liabilities, income taxes and contingencies and litigation. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The results from this evaluation form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Under different assumptions or conditions, alternative estimates and judgments could be derived which would differ from the estimates being used by management. Actual results could differ from any or all of these estimates.

As a retailer of women’s apparel and accessories, our financial statements are affected by several critical accounting policies, many of which affect management’s use of estimates and judgments, as described in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We sell merchandise directly to retail customers and recognize revenue at the point of sale. Customers have the right to return merchandise to us, and we maintain a reserve for the financial impact of returns which occur subsequent to the current reporting period.

Our merchandise is initially offered for sale at a regular price, but is often marked down prior to the ultimate sale of all such units. We utilize the retail method of accounting for our inventory valuation that inherently reduces the inventories’ carrying value as markdowns are initiated. In addition, we maintain a reserve for the financial impact of markdowns that we believe are likely to be encountered in the future. Management estimates the markdown reserve based on several factors, including but not limited to, merchandise quantities, historical markdown percentages, and seasonal merchandise and future merchandise plans. If future demand or merchandise markdowns are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory adjustments may be required.

The Company also provides for estimated inventory losses for damaged, lost or stolen inventory for the period from the physical inventory to the financial statement date. These estimates are based on historical experience and other factors.

We have recorded a goodwill asset that arose from the acquisition of our business in September 1996. This asset is tested for possible impairment on at least an annual basis in accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangibles.” The carrying value of investments in our stores, principally leasehold improvements and equipment, and other operations is reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amounts might not be recoverable in accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”. During the second quarter we recorded

an impairment charge of $2.9 million related to the closure of our ten Charlotte’s Room test stores, and no other stores are contemplated for closure at this time. Should the business prospects for our company or stores deteriorate, write downs of other assets might be required.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146 “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities”. This statement supercedes Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 94-3 “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)”. SFAS 146 requires that a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized when the liability is incurred. Under EITF 94-3, a liability is recognized at the date an entity commits to an exit plan. SFAS 146 also establishes that the liability should initially be measured and recorded at fair value. The provisions of SFAS 146 are effective for any exit and disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002 and the Company adopted the new standard on January 1, 2003. A charge of $2.6 million was recorded for the nine months ended June 28, 2003 related to the closure of the Charlotte’s Room concept.

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation- Transition and Disclosure- an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123”. This statement amends SFAS No. 123 “Accounting for Stock Based Compensation” to provide alternative methods of voluntarily transitioning to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. SFAS 148 also amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS 123 to require disclosure of the method used to account for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method on reported results in both annual and interim financial statements. The interim disclosure requirements were implemented for the second quarter ended March 29, 2003.

ITEM 3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our market risks relate primarily to changes in interest rates. We borrow money, when necessary, on a revolving basis under our $25.0 million revolving credit facility to fund capital expenditures and other working capital needs. Our revolving credit facility carries a variable interest rate pegged to market indices and, therefore, our statements of operations and our cash flows may be impacted by changes in interest rates. As of June 28, 2003, there was no amount outstanding under the revolving credit facility.

Another component of interest rate risk involves the short-term investment of excess cash in short-term, investment-grade interest-bearing securities. These are considered to be cash equivalents and are shown that way on our balance sheets. Changes in interest rates affect the investment income we earn on our investments and, therefore, impact our cash flows and results of operations.

ITEM 4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Within the 90 days prior to the date of filing this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Disclosure Committee and the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Company’s periodic SEC filings. Subsequent to the date of that evaluation, there have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls, nor were any corrective actions required with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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

ITEM 2.

CHANGES IN SECURITIES

Unregistered Sales of Securities

None.

Dividends

We have never declared nor paid dividends on our common stock and we do not intend to pay any dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain earnings to finance future operations and expansion. Moreover, under the terms of the revolving credit facility and amendment, stock dividends and distributions are restricted to $5.0 million or less in any fiscal year. Cash dividends and capital stock redemptions are not permitted.

ITEM 3.

DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not applicable.

ITEM 4.

SUBMISSIONS OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

Not applicable.

ITEM 5.

OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable.

ITEM 6.

EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a) Exhibits:


10.29		First Amendment dated as of July 9, 2003, between Bank of America, N.A and Charlotte Russe, Inc. amending the Business Loan Agreement dated as of February 28, 2003.

99.1		Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

99.2		Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

(b) Reports on Form 8-K

Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 17, 2003, containing a copy of the Company’s press release dated July 17, 2003 titled “Charlotte Russe Announces Third Quarter Results and Names Mark Hoffman as C.E.O.”

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of San Diego, State of California, on the 17th day of July, 2003.

CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.

By:		/s/ DANIEL T. CARTER
		Daniel T. Carter Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Mark A. Hoffman, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Charlotte Russe Holding, Inc.;

Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:

designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”); and

presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Date: July 17, 2003

/s/ MARK A. HOFFMAN

Mark A. Hoffman

Chief Executive Officer

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Daniel T. Carter, certify that:

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Charlotte Russe Holding, Inc.;

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”); and

presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

Date: July 17, 2003

/s/ DANIEL T. CARTER

Daniel T. Carter

Chief Financial Officer

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