UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): November 26, 2019

  

Citi Trends, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware 000-51315 52-2150697
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

104 Coleman Boulevard, Savannah, Georgia  31408
(Address of principal executive offices)  (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (912) 236-1561

 

Former name or former address, if changed since last report: Not applicable

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (See General Instruction A.2 below):

 

¨Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

¨Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

¨Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

¨Pre- commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, $0.01 par value CTRN Nasdaq Stock Market

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

 

Emerging growth company              ¨

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.                                                 ¨

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.02.Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

 

On November 26, 2019, Citi Trends, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release reporting its financial results for its third quarter ended November 2, 2019. A copy of the press release is attached to this Current Report on Form 8-K (“Current Report”) as Exhibit 99.1, the contents of which are incorporated herein solely for purposes of this Item 2.02 disclosure.

 

The information in this Item 2.02, including the press release attached to this Current Report, is being furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of such section. The information in this Item 2.02, including the press release, shall not be incorporated by reference into any filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in any such filing.

 

Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

 

On November 26, 2019, the Company announced the election of Peter R. Sachse, a current member of the Company’s Board of Directors and the Special Advisor to the CEO, to the position of Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective as of December 9, 2019. Bruce D. Smith will resign as Chief Executive Officer, effective as of December 9, 2019, but, as previously disclosed, will continue to serve as President and Secretary and remain a member of the Company’s Board of Directors until February 1, 2020.

 

Mr. Sachse, age 61, has served as a director of the Company and the Special Advisor to the CEO of the Company since June 2019. Mr. Sachse also serves as director at the Sachse Family Fund, an early stage investor in digital startups, since March 2017. Previously, Mr. Sachse spent 34 years in various positions at Macy’s, Inc., including as the Chief Growth Officer from February 2016 until January 2017, Chief of Innovation and Business Development from February 2015 to February 2016, Chief Stores Officer from February 2012 to February 2015, Chief Marketing Officer from February 2009 to February 2012 (a title which he also held from June 2003 to May 2007), and President of Corporate Marketing from May 2007 to February 2009. Mr. Sachse was also Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the macys.com division of Macy’s, Inc. from April 2006 to February 2012. Mr. Sachse has served as a director of Mattress Firm since February 2019, and previously served as a director of XO Group Inc., a media and technology company that provides content, tools, products and services for couples who are planning weddings, creating a home, and starting a family, from February 2010 until December 2018 and from October 2006 through April 2007, and as an observer to the board from April 2007 to February 2010. Mr. Sachse also previously served as a director of Charitybuzz Inc., a for-profit internet company that raises funds for nonprofit organizations through online charity auctions with celebrities and brands, from 2012 until 2015. Prior to serving in these roles, Mr. Sachse was President and Chief Operating Officer of The Bon Marche, a department store chain launched in Seattle. He began his retail career with Macy’s, Inc. in Kansas City. He also served as Executive Vice President/General Merchandise Manager at Macy’s East and later as Vice Chair/Director of Stores of Macy’s East.

 

In connection with his election as Interim Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Sachse will receive base compensation of 54,166.67 per month, and will receive a $70,000 starting bonus. Mr. Sachse will be eligible to receive an annual cash bonus for fiscal year 2020 based upon achievement of certain performance goals, with a target amount equal to 100% of his annualized base compensation and an opportunity to earn up to 200% of the target amount to the extent performance goals are exceeded. In addition, Mr. Sachse will be granted a fully vested stock award having a value of $400,000, with the number of shares determined based on the stock price on December 9, 2019. Mr. Sachse will be eligible for additional awards of restricted stock units (RSUs) having an aggregate value of $800,000 as of December 9, 2019, to be granted in nine monthly installments, with the number of RSUs granted in each installment determined by dividing $88,889 by the stock price on December 9, 2019, with each grant contingent on Mr. Sachse serving as Interim Chief Executive Officer on the grant date. The RSUs will vest and convert to shares in three equal installments on December 9, 2020, December 9, 2021 and December 9, 2022, subject to Mr. Sachse continuing to serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer or as a member of the Board of Directors on the vesting date.

 

 

 

 

A copy of the press release announcing the election of Mr. Sachse is filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K, and the portion of the press release relating to such election is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 8.01.Other Events.

 

On November 26, 2019, the Company also announced that the Company’s Board of Directors has approved a share repurchase program authorizing the Company to repurchase up to $25 million of its common stock (the “Share Repurchase Program”). Repurchases under the Share Repurchase Program may be made at management’s discretion from time to time, with no time limit, on the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, in each case subject to compliance with all Securities and Exchange Commission rules and other legal requirements, and may be made in part under one or more Rule 10b5-1 plans, which permit stock repurchases at times when the Company might otherwise be precluded from doing so.

 

Item 9.01Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d)            Exhibits.

 

Exhibit No.   Description
     
99.1   Press Release dated November 26, 2019

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

  CITI TRENDS, INC.
     
Date: November 26, 2019 By: /s/ Stuart C. Clifford
  Name: Stuart C. Clifford
  Title: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

CITI TRENDS ANNOUNCES THIRD QUARTER 2019 RESULTS

AND NEXT STEPS UNDER ITS CAPITAL RETURN PROGRAM

 

Comparable store sales increase 2.6% in the quarter; full-year guidance raised

 

Plans to annually grow store base by 25 to 30 stores and remodel 50 stores

 

Peter Sachse named Interim CEO

 

Authorizes $25 million share repurchase program

  

SAVANNAH, GA (November 26, 2019) — Citi Trends, Inc. (NASDAQ: CTRN) today reported unaudited results for the third quarter of fiscal 2019.

 

Financial Highlights – Third quarter ended November 2, 2019

 

Total sales in the third quarter ended November 2, 2019 increased 4.4% to $183.1 million, compared with $175.4 million in the third quarter ended November 3, 2018. Comparable store sales increased 2.6% in the quarter.

 

The Company had a net loss of $(1.1) million, or $(0.09) per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2019, compared with a net loss of $(0.5) million, or $(0.04) per diluted share, in last year’s third quarter. Selling, general and administrative expenses in this year’s third quarter included approximately $0.7 million of costs associated with the planned CEO transition and Board changes that were reported previously. Such expenses had an adverse impact on loss per diluted share of $0.05 during the quarter.

 

During the third quarter, the Company opened six new stores, relocated or expanded two stores and closed two stores, ending the period with 566 stores in operation.

 

Financial Highlights – First three quarters ended November 2, 2019

 

Total sales in the first three quarters of fiscal 2019 increased 0.4% to $570.9 million, compared with $568.4 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2018. Comparable store sales decreased 1.2% in the first three quarters of this year.

 

In the first three quarters of 2019, the Company had net income of $7.1 million on a GAAP basis, or $8.0 million when adjusted for proxy contest-related expenses*, compared with net income in last year’s first three quarters of $14.0 million. Earnings per diluted share in the first three quarters of 2019 were $0.60 on a GAAP basis, or $0.67 when adjusted for proxy contest-related expenses*, compared with earnings per diluted share of $1.06 in the first three quarters of 2018.

  

 

 

 

 

 

CTRN Announces Third Quarter 2019 Results and

Next Steps Under its Capital Return Program

Page 2

November 26, 2019

 

Strategic Initiatives Update

 

Bruce Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “In the third quarter, we continued to make meaningful progress with our strategic initiatives. Our ongoing efforts to shift the merchandise mix more towards the growing accessory and home categories contributed to our best comparable store sales result since last year’s second quarter. In addition to the strength in non-apparel sales in the third quarter, we were also encouraged to see positive comparable store sales in our Ladies’ and Men’s apparel categories with a significantly leaner inventory investment.”

 

Smith further noted, “Comparable store sales increased 2.6% in the quarter, with October registering the largest increase, benefiting from an accelerated shift towards our non-apparel merchandise. Importantly, the sales gains were achieved on inventories in comparable stores that were 7% lower than at the end of last year’s third quarter. Given the high quality of our inventory, coupled with the recent sales momentum, including solid trends thus far in the fourth quarter, we are optimistic about the upcoming holiday season.”

 

Smith continued, “Lisa Powell, our new Chief Merchandising Officer, has now been with the Company for almost two months and is keenly focused on continuing our positive momentum in the areas of merchandising, planning and allocation, while Peter Sachse, Special Advisor to the CEO, has continued to work with management on the strategic initiatives that were outlined last quarter.

 

In connection with that work, we have prepared a roadmap to implement these strategies, which includes a plan for the organizational structure, resources and systems needed to achieve our goals related to the profitable growth of comparable store sales and new stores.

 

A critical portion of this roadmap involves the accelerated shift in our merchandise mix towards non-apparel, which includes moving aggressively to more gift-giving merchandise during the holiday season and expanded home assortments throughout the year. Fixtures have been added to our stores to accommodate this shift, and we are encouraged by the early results.

 

In addition, the roadmap contemplates the optimization of our real estate opportunities over the next three years, as we aim to open 25 to 30 new stores annually and complete major remodels in 50 existing stores each year. We have already approved 14 new store locations to be opened in 2020 and expect to perform major remodels in 20 stores in January 2020, followed closely by 30 more stores in the second quarter of 2020.”

 

Guidance

 

The Company is increasing the lower end of its full year fiscal 2019 earnings per diluted share guidance, resulting in a range of $1.40 to $1.50 when adjusted for proxy-contest related expenses*, which includes an assumption that comparable store sales will increase in a range of 2% to 4% in the fourth quarter of 2019.

 

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CTRN Announces Third Quarter 2019 Results and

Next Steps Under its Capital Return Program

Page 3

November 26, 2019

 

Leadership Transition

 

The Board of Directors today announced that Peter Sachse, a member of the Company’s Board of Directors and the current Special Advisor to the CEO, has been appointed as the Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective as of December 9, 2019. The Board is continuing its search for a permanent CEO. Mr. Smith intends to remain with the Company as its President until February 1, 2020 and will assist Mr. Sachse in all matters that relate to the implementation of the Company’s strategic plan.

 

“We are pleased that Peter has accepted the role of Interim CEO to continue the momentum that he and Bruce have helped create since Peter stepped into the role of Special Advisor to the CEO in June of this year,” said Citi Trends’ Board Chairman, Brian Carney. “It allows us to continue to execute on the strategic initiatives within our three-year roadmap while being very thoughtful about finding the right permanent CEO for Citi Trends. And, we are very pleased that Bruce will continue to assist Peter in those duties through the end of our fiscal year, creating a smooth transition as we capitalize on the positive changes that are occurring in our business.”

 

Capital Return Program

 

During the first three quarters of 2019, the Company repurchased 563,000 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $9.7 million, completing its most recent authorization. The Company’s Board of Directors today announced the authorization of another $25 million share repurchase program as the next step in its expanded capital return program. The Company expects to fund the share repurchase program from cash on hand.

 

In addition, the Company announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.08 per common share, payable on December 24, 2019, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 10, 2019.

 

Mr. Carney commented, “The Board’s action today, authorizing an additional $25 million share repurchase program, is another extension of the capital return program that was initiated in 2015 and expanded in 2017, resulting in returns of capital to shareholders totaling $107 million to date in the form of dividends and share repurchases. Such actions demonstrate the Board’s confidence in our business and its commitment to rewarding stockholders while maintaining the financial flexibility needed to invest in and grow our business.”

 

Investor Conference Call and Webcast

 

Citi Trends will host a conference call today at 9:00 a.m. ET. The number to call for the live interactive teleconference is (303) 223-4396. A replay of the conference call will be available until December 3, 2019, by dialing (402) 977-9140 and entering the passcode, 21932471.

 

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CTRN Announces Third Quarter 2019 Results and

Next Steps Under its Capital Return Program

Page 4

November 26, 2019

 

The live broadcast of Citi Trends' conference call will be available online at the Company's website, www.cititrends.com, under the Investor Relations section, beginning today at 9:00 a.m. ET. The online replay will follow shortly after the call and will be available for replay for one year.

 

During the conference call, the Company may discuss and answer questions concerning business and financial developments and trends that have occurred after quarter-end. The Company’s responses to questions, as well as other matters discussed during the conference call, may contain or constitute information that has not been disclosed previously.

 

About Citi Trends

 

Citi Trends, Inc. is a value-priced retailer of urban fashion apparel and accessories for the entire family. The Company operates 566 stores located in 33 states. Citi Trends’ website address is www.cititrends.com. CTRN-G

 

*Non-GAAP Financial Measure

 

The non-GAAP financial measures discussed herein are reconciled to their corresponding GAAP measures at the end of this press release.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

All statements other than historical facts contained in this news release, including statements regarding the Company’s future financial results and position, business policy and plans, objectives of management for future operations and our intentions and ability to pay dividends and complete any share repurchase authorizations, are forward-looking statements that are subject to material risks and uncertainties. The words "believe," "may," "could," "plans," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "expect," “upcoming,” “trend” and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such language. Statements with respect to earnings, sales or new store guidance are forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are subject to the finalization of the Company’s quarter-end financial and accounting procedures, are not guarantees of future performance or results and are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Actual results or developments may differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors which are discussed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those set forth under the heading “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2019. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, uncertainties relating to economic conditions, growth risks, consumer spending patterns, competition within the industry, competition in our markets and the ability to anticipate and respond to fashion trends. Any forward-looking statements by the Company, with respect to guidance, the Company’s intention to declare and pay dividends, the repurchase of shares pursuant to a share repurchase program, or otherwise, are intended to speak only as of the date such statements are made. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Company does not undertake to publicly update any forward-looking statements in this news release or with respect to matters described herein, whether as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise.

 

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CTRN Announces Third Quarter 2019 Results and

Next Steps Under its Capital Return Program

Page 5

November 26, 2019

 

Contact: Bruce Smith
President and Chief Executive Officer
  (912) 443-2075

 

 5 

 

 

 

CITI TRENDS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

   Thirteen Weeks Ended   Thirteen Weeks Ended 
   November 2, 2019   November 3, 2018 
   (unaudited)   (unaudited) 
Net sales  $183,050   $175,364 
           
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below)   (114,579)   (110,420)
Selling, general and administrative expenses   (65,539)   (61,189)
Depreciation   (4,520)   (4,600)
Asset impairment   -    (180)
Loss from operations   (1,588)   (1,025)
Interest income   421    321 
Interest expense   (39)   (39)
Loss before income taxes   (1,206)   (743)
Income tax benefit   122    237 
Net loss  $(1,084)  $(506)
           
Basic net loss per common share  $(0.09)  $(0.04)
Diluted net loss per common share  $(0.09)  $(0.04)
           
Weighted average number of shares outstanding          
Basic   11,636    12,780 
Diluted   11,636    12,780 

  

   Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended   Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended 
   November 2, 2019   November 3, 2018 
   (unaudited)   (unaudited) 
Net sales  $570,912   $568,395 
           
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below)   (357,429)   (350,231)
Selling, general and administrative expenses   (191,975)   (186,478)
Depreciation   (13,741)   (14,250)
Asset impairment   (472)   (1,122)
Income from operations   7,295    16,314 
Interest income   1,214    979 
Interest expense   (117)   (114)
Income before income taxes   8,392    17,179 
Income tax expense   (1,311)   (3,152)
Net income  $7,081   $14,027 
           
Basic net income per common share  $0.60   $1.06 
Diluted net income per common share  $0.60   $1.06 
           
Weighted average number of shares outstanding          
Basic   11,831    13,224 
Diluted   11,842    13,269 

 

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CITI TRENDS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

   November 2, 2019   November 3, 2018 
   (unaudited)   (unaudited) 
Assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents  $23,731   $28,378 
Short-term investment securities   32,305    42,939 
Inventory   135,395    139,699 
Prepaid and other current assets   16,774    15,282 
Property and equipment, net   55,704    55,643 
Operating lease right of use assets (1)   154,267    - 
Long-term investment securities   16,272    10,320 
Other noncurrent assets   7,802    7,947 
Total assets  $442,250   $300,208 
           
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:          
Accounts payable  $71,699   $68,342 
Accrued liabilities   23,631    25,836 
Current operating lease liabilities (1)   41,659    - 
Other current liabilities   2,208    2,106 
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities (1)   120,485    - 
Noncurrent liabilities   1,921    8,001 
Total liabilities   261,603    104,285 
           
Total stockholders' equity   180,647    195,923 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity  $442,250   $300,208 

   

(1)  Lease assets and liabilities recorded in connection with the adoption of ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842)

 

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CITI TRENDS, INC.

 

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP BASIS OPERATING RESULTS TO

ADJUSTED NON-GAAP OPERATING RESULTS

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

The Company makes reference in this release to net income adjusted for proxy contest-related expenses and earnings per diluted share adjusted for proxy contest-related expenses for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019.  The Company believes that excluding proxy contest expenses and their related tax effects from its financial results reflects operating results that are more indicative of the Company's ongoing operating performance while improving comparability to prior and future periods, and as such, may provide investors with an enhanced understanding of the Company's past financial performance and prospects for the future.  This information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income or earnings per diluted share prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

 

   Thirteen Weeks Ended November 2, 2019 
   As Reported   Adjustment (1)   As Adjusted 
   (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (unaudited) 
Net sales  $183,050   $               -   $183,050 
                
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below)   (114,579)   -    (114,579)
Selling, general and administrative expenses   (65,539)   -    (65,539)
Depreciation   (4,520)   -    (4,520)
Asset impairment   -    -    - 
Loss from operations   (1,588)   -    (1,588)
Interest income   421    -    421 
Interest expense   (39)   -    (39)
Loss before income taxes   (1,206)   -    (1,206)
Income tax benefit   122    -    122 
Net loss  $(1,084)  $-   $(1,084)
                
Basic net loss per common share  $(0.09)       $(0.09)
Diluted net loss per common share  $(0.09)       $(0.09)
                
Weighted average number of shares outstanding               
Basic   11,636         11,636 
Diluted   11,636         11,636 

 

   Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended November 2, 2019 
   As Reported   Adjustment (1)   As Adjusted 
   (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (unaudited) 
Net sales  $570,912   $-   $570,912 
                
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below)   (357,429)   -    (357,429)
Selling, general and administrative expenses   (191,975)   1,042    (190,933)
Depreciation   (13,741)   -    (13,741)
Asset impairment   (472)   -    (472)
Income from operations   7,295    1,042    8,337 
Interest income   1,214    -    1,214 
Interest expense   (117)   -    (117)
Income before income taxes   8,392    1,042    9,434 
Income tax expense   (1,311)   (163)   (1,474)
Net income  $7,081   $879   $7,960 
                
Basic net income per common share  $0.60        $0.67 
Diluted net income per common share  $0.60        $0.67 
                
Weighted average number of shares outstanding               
Basic   11,831         11,831 
Diluted   11,842         11,842 

 

(1)  Proxy contest expenses and related tax effects

 

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