Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended August 2, 2008

Or

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

 

Commission File Number  

Registrant, State of Incorporation Address

and Telephone Number

 

I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.

333-42427   J. CREW GROUP, INC.   22-2894486

(Incorporated in Delaware)

 

 

770 Broadway

New York, New York 10003

Telephone: (212) 209-2500

 

 

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 check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

Large Accelerated Filer  x    Accelerated Filer  ¨    Non-Accelerated Filer  ¨    Small Reporting Company  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in 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.

Outstanding at August 29, 2008:

62,432,255 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share

 

 

 

 


Table of Contents

J.CREW GROUP, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS – FORM 10-Q

 

         Page
Number
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION   
Item 1.   Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited):   
  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at August 2, 2008 and February 2, 2008 (unaudited)    3
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007 (unaudited)

   4
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2008 and August  4, 2007 (unaudited)

   6
  Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements    7
Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    10
Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    17
Item 4.   Controls and Procedures    18
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION   
Item 1.   Legal Proceedings    18
Item 1A.   Risk Factors    18
Item 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    18
Item 3.   Defaults Upon Senior Securities    18
Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    18
Item 5.   Other Information    18
Item 6.   Exhibits    18

 

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PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

J.CREW GROUP, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except share data)

 

     August 2,
2008
    February 2,
2008
 
Assets     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 113,438     $ 131,510  

Merchandise inventories

     197,833       158,525  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     39,086       33,293  

Prepaid income taxes

     12,025       1,194  

Refundable income taxes

     8,600       8,600  
                

Total current assets

     370,982       333,122  
                

Property and equipment—at cost

     338,652       305,014  

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (154,760 )     (136,722 )
                
     183,892       168,292  

Deferred income taxes, net

     20,266       20,188  

Other assets

     12,532       13,994  
                

Total assets

   $ 587,672     $ 535,596  
                
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity     

Accounts payable

   $ 117,009     $ 101,277  

Other current liabilities

     75,994       93,796  
                

Total current liabilities

     193,003       195,073  

Deferred credits

     73,484       67,600  

Long-term debt

     100,000       125,000  

Other liabilities

     7,829       7,601  
                

Total liabilities

     374,316       395,274  
                

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Common stock ($.01 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 63,626,112 and 62,823,940 shares issued; 62,372,504 and 61,574,862 shares outstanding)

     637       628  

Additional paid-in capital

     578,718       554,127  

Accumulated deficit

     (362,566 )     (411,208 )

Treasury stock, at cost (1,253,608 and 1,249,078 shares held)

     (3,433 )     (3,225 )
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     213,356       140,322  
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 587,672     $ 535,596  
                

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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J.CREW GROUP, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except for share data)

 

     Thirteen weeks ended
     August 2,
2008
   August 4,
2007

Revenues:

     

Net sales

   $ 325,493    $ 294,124

Other

     10,782      10,607
             

Total revenues

     336,275      304,731

Cost of goods sold, including buying and occupancy costs

     198,543      171,554
             

Gross profit

     137,732      133,177

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     106,199      96,054
             

Income from operations

     31,533      37,123

Interest expense—net

     1,430      2,858
             

Income before income taxes

     30,103      34,265

Provision for income taxes

     11,980      13,630
             

Net income

   $ 18,123    $ 20,635
             

Income per share:

     

Basic

   $ 0.29    $ 0.34
             

Diluted

   $ 0.28    $ 0.32
             

Weighted average shares outstanding:

     

Basic

     61,693      60,316
             

Diluted

     64,346      63,806
             

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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J.CREW GROUP, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except for share data)

 

     Twenty-six weeks ended
     August 2,
2008
   August 4,
2007

Revenues:

     

Net sales

   $ 655,535    $ 581,703

Other

     21,318      20,340
             

Total revenues

     676,853      602,043

Cost of goods sold, including buying and occupancy costs

     379,234      330,303
             

Gross profit

     297,619      271,740

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     213,040      190,244
             

Income from operations

     84,579      81,496

Interest expense—net

     3,800      6,300
             

Income before income taxes

     80,779      75,196

Provision for income taxes

     32,155      29,912
             

Net income

   $ 48,624    $ 45,284
             

Income per share:

     

Basic

   $ 0.79    $ 0.75
             

Diluted

   $ 0.76    $ 0.71
             

Weighted average shares outstanding:

     

Basic

     61,443      60,024
             

Diluted

     64,171      63,698
             

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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J.CREW GROUP, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

     Twenty-six weeks ended  
     August 2,
2008
    August 4,
2007
 

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 48,624     $ 45,284  

Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment

     18,571       15,455  

Amortization of deferred financing costs

     1,472       828  

Share-based compensation

     4,230       3,199  

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation plans

     (12,722 )     (18,432 )

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Merchandise inventories

     (39,308 )     (17,890 )

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     (5,793 )     (5,105 )

Other assets

     (10 )     25  

Accounts payable and other liabilities

     3,814       14,138  

Income taxes

     2,054       25,001  
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     20,932       62,503  
                

Cash flow used in investing activities:

    

Capital expenditures

     (34,171 )     (31,672 )
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Repayments of long-term debt

     (25,000 )     (25,000 )

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation plans

     12,722       18,432  

Proceeds from share-based compensation plans

     7,653       7,793  

Costs incurred in connection with amended and restated credit agreement

     —         (1,284 )

Repurchase of common shares

     (208 )     —    
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (4,833 )     (59 )
                

(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (18,072 )     30,772  

Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period

     131,510       88,900  
                

Cash and cash equivalents—end of period

   $ 113,438     $ 119,672  
                

Supplemental cash flow information:

    

Income taxes paid

   $ 30,380     $ 5,081  
                

Interest paid

   $ 2,863     $ 6,597  
                

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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J.CREW GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007

(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)

1. Basis of Presentation

The condensed consolidated financial statements presented herein include the accounts of J.Crew Group, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (“Group” or the “Company”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of August 2, 2008, the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007, and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007 have been prepared by the Company and have not been audited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows, have been made.

Certain information and footnote disclosure normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the consolidated financial statements filed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2008 (“fiscal 2007”).

The results of operations for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full fiscal year.

2. Share-Based Compensation

Effective January 29, 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), using the modified prospective transition method. Under this method, share-based compensation recognized in the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007 includes compensation cost for all share-based awards: (i) not vested as of January 29, 2006, and (ii) granted subsequent to January 29, 2006, based on the estimated grant date fair value using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Company recognizes compensation expense for stock option awards and restricted stock awards on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award. There have been no significant changes subsequent to the end of fiscal 2007 in the methods or assumptions used to measure share-based awards.

A summary of the impact of share-based awards on our financial condition and results of operations is as follows:

 

     Thirteen Weeks Ended    Twenty-six Weeks Ended
     August 2,
2008
   August 4,
2007
   August 2,
2008
   August 4,
2007

Share-based compensation(1)

   $ 2,166    $ 1,938    $ 4,230    $ 3,199
                           

Proceeds from exercise of stock option

   $ 835    $ 2,842    $ 6,822    $ 6,876

Proceeds from issuance of common stock under ASPP

     831      917      831      917
                           

Proceeds from share-based compensation plans

   $ 1,666    $ 3,759    $ 7,653    $ 7,793
                           

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation plans(2)

   $ 2,629    $ 8,284    $ 12,722    $ 18,432
                           

 

(1) included in selling, general and administrative expenses.
(2) included in stockholders’ equity.

 

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3. Income Taxes

Group files a consolidated federal income tax return, which includes all of its wholly owned subsidiaries. Each subsidiary files separate, or combined where required, state tax returns in required jurisdictions. Tax years ending January 2002 through January 2006 are currently under audit by the IRS. The results of these audits are not expected to have a significant effect on the results of operations or financial position. Various state and local jurisdiction tax authorities are in the process of examining income tax returns of Group’s subsidiaries for various tax years ranging from 2001 to 2005.

The Company has $7.8 million in unrecognized tax benefits, reflected in other liabilities, including interest and penalties. The amount, if recognized, that would affect the effective tax rate is $4.3 million. While the Company expects the amount of unrecognized tax benefits to change in the next twelve months, the change is not expected to have a significant effect on the estimated effective annual tax rate, the results of operations or financial position.

It is the Company’s policy to recognize interest income and expense related to income taxes as a component of interest expense, and penalties as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses. The amount of interest and penalties accrued at August 2, 2008 is $1.3 million.

4. Debt and Credit Agreements

Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following:

 

     August 2,
2008
   February 2,
2008

Term loan

   $ 100,000    $ 125,000

Less current portion

     —        —  
             

Total long-term debt

   $ 100,000    $ 125,000
             

On May 15, 2006 (the “Closing Date”), J. Crew Operating Corp. (“Operating”), as borrower, Group and certain of Operating’s direct and indirect subsidiaries, as guarantors, entered into a Credit and Guaranty Agreement (the “Credit and Guaranty Agreement”) with certain lenders named therein as lenders, Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P. (“GSCP”) and Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. as joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners, GSCP as administrative agent and collateral agent, Bear Stearns Corporate Lending Inc. as syndication agent and Wachovia Bank, National Association as documentation agent.

The total amount of the term loan (the “Term Loan”) borrowed by Operating under the Credit and Guaranty Agreement on the Closing Date was $285.0 million. Borrowings bear interest, at the Company’s option, at the base rate plus a margin of 0.75% or at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.75% per annum, payable quarterly. All borrowings will mature on May 15, 2013.

The Company is required to make the following annual principal payments: (i) 1% of the original principal balance of the Term Loan due quarterly and (ii) an amount equal to 50% of excess cash flow, as defined in the agreement, due within 90 days of the fiscal year-end. The Company made a voluntary prepayment of $25.0 million in the first quarter of 2008. Aggregate voluntary prepayments are in excess of the required principal payments.

Credit Agreements

Credit Facility

On May 4, 2007, Group and certain of its subsidiaries, as guarantors, and Operating and certain of its subsidiaries, as borrowers, entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Facility”) with Citicorp USA, Inc. (“Citicorp”), as administrative agent, Citicorp, as collateral agent, and Bank of America, N.A. and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as syndication agents.

The Credit Facility provides for revolving loans and letters of credit of up to $200 million, which amount may be increased up to $250 million subject to certain conditions. Borrowings bear interest, at the Company’s option, at floating interest rates based on Citibank N.A.’s prime rate plus a margin of up to 0.25% or LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.0% to 1.25%. The total amount of availability is limited to the sum of: (a) 100% of qualified cash, (b) 90% of eligible receivables, (c) 92.5% of the net recovery percentage of inventories (as determined by periodic inventory appraisals) for the period August 1 through December 31, or 90% of the net recovery percentage of inventories for the period January 1 through July 31, and (d) 65% of the fair market value of eligible real estate. The Credit Facility expires on May 4, 2013. Excess availability at August 2, 2008 was $192.7 million. There were no short-term borrowings during the first six months of fiscal 2008 or fiscal 2007.

 

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Borrowings under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by the Company and certain of its subsidiaries, and are secured by a perfected first priority security interest in substantially all of the Company’s assets and those of certain of its subsidiaries. The Credit Facility includes restrictions on the Company’s ability and the ability of certain of its subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness and liens, pay dividends or make other distributions, make investments, dispose of assets and merge. If excess availability under the Credit Facility is less than $20 million at any time, then the Company’s fixed charge coverage ratio for the most recently ended period of four consecutive fiscal quarters may not be less than 1.10 to 1.00.

If an event of default occurs under the Credit Facility, the lenders may declare all amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility immediately due and payable. In such event, the lenders may exercise any rights and remedies they may have by law or agreement, including the ability to cause all or any part of the collateral securing the Credit Facility to be sold.

Demand Letter of Credit Facility

On October 31, 2007, Operating entered into an unsecured, demand letter of credit facility with The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (“HSBC”) which provides for the issuance of up to $35 million of documentary letters of credit on a no fee basis. Outstanding letters of credit were $19.8 million and availability was $15.2 million at August 2, 2008 under this facility.

5. Income Per Share

The calculation of basic and diluted income per share is presented as follows:

 

     Thirteen Weeks Ended    Twenty-six Weeks Ended
     August 2,
2008
   August 4,
2007
   August 2,
2008
   August 4,
2007

Net income

   $ 18,123    $ 20,635    $ 48,624    $ 45,284
                           

Income per share:

           

Basic

   $ 0.29    $ 0.34    $ 0.79    $ 0.75
                           

Diluted

   $ 0.28    $ 0.32    $ 0.76    $ 0.71
                           

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

           

Basic

     61,693      60,316      61,443      60,024
                           

Diluted

     64,346      63,806      64,171      63,698
                           

The number of shares of potentially dilutive securities excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share are as follows:

 

     Thirteen Weeks Ended    Twenty-six Weeks Ended
     August 2,
2008
   August 4,
2007
   August 2,
2008
   August 4,
2007

Stock options

   2,303    16    2,213    16

Unvested restricted stock

   8    —      8    —  
                   

Total

   2,311    16    2,221    16
                   

6. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. SFAS No. 157 establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for the Company beginning February 1, 2009. The Company has not yet determined the impact, if any, from the adoption of this new accounting standard.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. SFAS No. 159 permits entities to elect to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value and establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between entities that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 159 was effective for the Company beginning February 3, 2008. SFAS No. 159 did not impact the financial condition or results of operations of the Company.

 

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Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains “forward-looking statements,” which include information concerning our plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events, future revenues or performance, capital expenditures, financing needs and other information that is not historical information. Many of these statements appear, in particular, under the headings “Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” When used in this report, the words “estimate,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “believe” and variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, our examination of historical operating trends, are based upon our current expectations and various assumptions. We believe there is a reasonable basis for our expectations and beliefs, but there can be no assurance that we will realize our expectations or that our beliefs will prove correct.

There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this report. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed as forward-looking statements are set forth in this report, including but not limited to those under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2008 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. There may be other factors of which we are currently unaware or deem immaterial that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements.

All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf apply only as of the date they are made and are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements included in this report. Except as may be required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date they were made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 

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

This document should be read in conjunction with the Management’s Discussion and Analysis section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2008 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. When used herein, the terms “Group,” “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to J. Crew Group, Inc., including consolidated subsidiaries.

Executive Overview

J.Crew is a nationally recognized apparel and accessories brand that we believe embraces a high standard of style, craftsmanship, quality and customer service, while projecting an aspirational American lifestyle. On the basis of data collected on our Internet channel customers, we believe our customer base consists primarily of affluent, college-educated, professional and fashion-conscious women and men.

We have two primary sales channels: Stores, which consists of our retail and factory stores, and Direct, which consists of our catalog and our Internet website at www.jcrew.com. At August 2, 2008, we operated 210 retail stores (including four crewcuts® and nine Madewell® stores) and 66 factory stores, compared to 185 retail stores (including three crewcuts stores and five Madewell stores) and 53 factory stores at August 4, 2007.

The following is a summary of our revenues for the thirteen and twenty-six week periods ended August 2, 2008 (second quarter and first half of fiscal 2008) and August 4, 2007 (second quarter and first half of fiscal 2007):

 

     Thirteen Weeks Ended    Twenty-six Weeks Ended
(Dollars in millions)    August 2,
2008
   August 4,
2007
   August 2,
2008
   August 4,
2007

Stores

   $ 242.3    $ 219.6    $ 471.4    $ 420.6

Direct

     83.2      74.5      184.1      161.1
                           

Net sales

     325.5      294.1      655.5      581.7

Other

     10.8      10.6      21.3      20.3
                           

Total revenues

   $ 336.3    $ 304.7    $ 676.8    $ 602.0
                           

 

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The following is a brief summary of second quarter fiscal 2008 highlights:

 

   

Revenues totaled $336.3 million, reflecting a 10% increase over prior year revenues of $304.7 million.

 

   

Comparable store sales decreased 0.4%.

 

   

Direct net sales increased 12% to $83.2 million.

 

   

Income from operations decreased 15% to $31.5 million.

 

   

We opened four J.Crew retail stores, three J.Crew factory stores and two Madewell stores.

 

   

We implemented certain Direct channel systems upgrades such as a new platform for our website, a new order management system in our call center and a new warehouse management system. These systems upgrades impacted our ability to capture, process, ship and service customer orders.

The following is a brief summary of first half fiscal 2008 highlights:

 

   

Revenues totaled $676.8 million, reflecting a 12% increase over prior year revenues of $602.0 million.

 

   

Comparable store sales increased 1%.

 

   

Direct net sales increased 14% to $184.1 million.

 

   

Income from operations increased 4% to $84.6 million.

 

   

A voluntary prepayment of $25.0 million was made under the Term Loan.

 

   

We opened eight J.Crew retail stores, five J.Crew factory stores and three Madewell stores.

How We Assess the Performance of Our Business

In assessing the performance of our business, we consider a variety of performance and financial measures. A key measure for determining how our business is performing is comparable store sales, which reflect net sales at stores that have been open for at least twelve months. In the first quarter of fiscal 2008, we refined our comparable stores sales calculation to include the impact of more significant remodelings of our stores. This refinement did not significantly change the decrease in comparable store sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2008.

A complete description of the measures we use to assess the performance of our business appears in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2008 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Results of Operations—Second quarter of Fiscal 2008 Compared to Second quarter of Fiscal 2007

 

     Thirteen Weeks Ended
August 2, 2008
    Thirteen Weeks Ended
August 4, 2007
    Increase / (Decrease)  
(Dollars in millions)    Amount    Percent of
Revenues
    Amount    Percent of
Revenues
    Dollars     Percentage  

Revenues

   $ 336.3    100.0 %   $ 304.7    100.0 %   $ 31.6     10.4 %

Gross profit

     137.7    41.0 %     133.2    43.7 %     4.5     3.4 %

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     106.2    31.6 %     96.1    31.5 %     10.1     10.6 %

Income from operations

     31.5    9.4 %     37.1    12.2 %     (5.6 )   (15.1 )%

Interest expense, net

     1.4    0.4 %     2.9    0.9 %     (1.5 )   (50.0 )%

Income taxes

     12.0    3.6 %     13.6    4.5 %     (1.6 )   (12.1 )%

Net income

   $ 18.1    5.4 %   $ 20.6    6.8 %   $ (2.5 )   (12.2 )%

Revenues

Revenues for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 (the thirteen weeks ended August 2, 2008) increased $31.6 million, or 10.4%, to $336.3 million from $304.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2007 (the thirteen weeks ended August 4, 2007). We believe the increase in revenues for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 resulted from the additional number of store locations compared to the prior comparable period, the continuing appeal of our expanded product line in both Stores and Direct and our continuing commitment to customer service.

Stores sales increased $22.7 million, or 10.3%, to $242.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 from $219.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2007. Comparable store sales decreased $0.8 million, or 0.4%, to $211.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 from $212.4 million in the comparable period last year. Non-comparable store sales were $30.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2008.

 

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Direct sales increased $8.7 million, or 11.6%, to $83.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 from $74.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2007. During the second quarter of fiscal 2008 we implemented certain Direct channel systems upgrades which impacted our ability to capture, process, ship and service customer orders. As a result, our Direct sales growth rate was lower than recent quarterly trends. We expect the impact of the systems upgrades to continue into the second half of fiscal 2008. The number of catalog pages circulated in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 increased 6% from the comparable period last year. This increase was primarily due to a shift in the timing of circulating catalogs at quarter end. We continue to see a shift of orders placed on the phone to the Internet. We evaluate the efficiency of our circulation strategies on a continuing basis and make adjustments as we deem appropriate. The following table summarizes net sales of the Direct channel:

 

     Thirteen Weeks Ended
(Dollars in millions)    August 2,
2008
   August 4,
2007

Internet

   $ 71.1    $ 57.3

Phone

     12.1      17.2
             

Total Direct net sales

   $ 83.2    $ 74.5
             

The approximate percentage of our sales by product category, based on our internal merchandising system, is as follows:

 

     Thirteen Weeks Ended  
     August 2,
2008
    August 4,
2007
 

Apparel:

    

Women’s

   65 %   65 %

Men’s

   20 %   20 %

Children’s

   2 %   2 %

Accessories

   13 %   13 %
            
   100 %   100 %
            

The increase in Stores and Direct sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 was primarily driven by an increase in sales of women’s apparel. This increase was largely driven by sales of sweaters, knits and skirts. Sales of men’s apparel and accessories also increased during the period. We offer children’s apparel in shops within our retail stores, stand-alone stores and our Direct channel. As of August 2, 2008, we operated 39 crewcuts shop-in-shops and four stand-alone stores, as compared to 26 shop-in-shops and three stand-alone stores as of August 4, 2007.

Other revenues, which consist primarily of shipping and handling fees and royalties, increased to $10.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 from $10.6 million in the comparable period last year. The increase resulted primarily from an increase in shipping and handling fees attributable to the increase in Direct sales. However, this increase was negatively impacted as a result of providing free or upgraded shipping to improve customer service during our Direct channel systems upgrades. We expect the impact of the systems upgrades to continue into the second half of fiscal 2008.

Gross Profit

Gross profit increased $4.5 million to $137.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 from $133.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2007. This increase resulted from the following factors:

 

(Dollars in millions)       

Increase in revenues

   $ 17.5  

Decrease in merchandise margin

     (5.3 )

Increase in buying and occupancy costs

     (7.7 )
        
   $ 4.5  
        

Gross margin decreased to 41.0% in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 from 43.7% in the second quarter of fiscal 2007. The decrease in gross margin was driven by approximately (i) a 150 basis point decline in merchandise margin, due primarily to increased

 

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markdowns, customer accommodations associated with our Direct channel systems upgrades and increased freight expenses, and (ii) a 120 basis point increase in buying and occupancy costs as a percentage of revenues. We expect the impact of the systems upgrades to continue into the second half of fiscal 2008.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $10.1 million, or 10.6%, to $106.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 from $96.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2007. This increase primarily resulted from:

 

   

an increase in Direct and Stores operating expenses—primarily payroll and payroll related expenses—of $10.3 million, which includes unanticipated expenses of $1.5 million related to our Direct channel systems upgrades. We expect the impact of the systems upgrades to continue into the second half of fiscal 2008;

 

   

an increase in catalog paper, postage and printing costs of $2.3 million; offset by

 

   

a decrease in share-based and incentive compensation of $4.2 million.

As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 31.6% in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 from 31.5% in the comparable period last year, primarily due to the above mentioned items.

Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense, net of interest income, decreased $1.5 million to $1.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 from $2.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2007. This decrease primarily reflects our lower average outstanding debt in fiscal 2008 resulting from voluntary prepayments under the Term Loan.

Income Taxes

The income tax provision for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 and 2007 reflects the estimated annual effective tax rate of 39.8%.

Net Income

Net income decreased $2.5 million to $18.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 from $20.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2007. This decrease was due to a $4.5 million increase in gross profit driven by the 10.4% increase in revenues, a $1.5 million decrease in interest expense, a $1.6 million decrease in the provision for income taxes, more than offset by a $10.1 million increase in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Results of Operations – First Half of Fiscal 2008 Compared to First Half of Fiscal 2007

 

     Twenty-six Weeks Ended
August 2, 2008
    Twenty-six Weeks Ended
August 4, 2007
    Increase / (Decrease)  
(Dollars in millions)    Amount    Percent of
Revenues
    Amount    Percent of
Revenues
    Dollars     Percentage  

Revenues

   $ 676.9    100.0 %   $ 602.0    100.0 %   $ 74.9     12.4 %

Gross profit

     297.6    44.0 %     271.7    45.1 %     25.9     9.5 %

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     213.0    31.5 %     190.2    31.6 %     22.8     12.0 %

Income from operations

     84.6    12.5 %     81.5    13.5 %     3.1     3.8 %

Interest expense, net

     3.8    0.6 %     6.3    1.0 %     (2.5 )   (39.7 )%

Income taxes

     32.2    4.8 %     29.9    5.0 %     2.3     7.5 %

Net income

   $ 48.6    7.2 %   $ 45.3    7.5 %   $ 3.3     7.4 %

Revenues

Revenues for the first half of fiscal 2008 (the twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2008) increased $74.9 million, or 12.4%, to $676.9 million from $602.0 million in the first half of fiscal 2007 (the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2007). We believe the increase in revenues for the first half of fiscal 2008 resulted from the additional number of store locations compared to the prior comparable period, the continuing appeal of our expanded product line in both Stores and Direct and our continuing commitment to customer service.

Stores sales increased $50.8 million, or 12.1%, to $471.4 million in the first half of fiscal 2008 from $420.6 million in the first half of fiscal 2007. Comparable store sales increased $3.9 million, or 1.0%, to $411.7 million in the first half of fiscal 2008 from $407.8 million in the comparable period last year. Non-comparable store sales were $59.7 million in the first half of fiscal 2008.

 

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Direct sales increased $23.0 million, or 14.3%, to $184.1 million in the first half of fiscal 2008 from $161.1 million in the first half of fiscal 2007. During the second quarter of fiscal 2008 we implemented certain Direct channel systems upgrades which impacted our ability to capture, process, ship and service customer orders. As a result, our Direct sales growth rate was lower than recent quarterly trends. We expect the impact of the systems upgrades to continue into the second half of fiscal 2008. The number of catalog pages circulated in the first half of fiscal 2008 increased 1% from the comparable period last year. We continue to see a shift of orders placed on the phone to the Internet. We evaluate the efficiency of our circulation strategies on a continuing basis and make adjustments as we deem appropriate. The following table summarizes net sales of the Direct channel:

 

     Twenty-six Weeks Ended
(Dollars in millions)    August 2,
2008
   August 4,
2007

Internet

   $ 157.7    $ 123.0

Phone

     26.4      38.1
             

Total Direct net sales

   $ 184.1    $ 161.1
             

The approximate percentage of our sales by product category, based on our internal merchandising system, is as follows:

 

     Twenty-six Weeks Ended  
     August 2,
2008
    August 4,
2007
 

Apparel:

    

Women’s

   67 %   66 %

Men’s

   18 %   19 %

Children’s

   2 %   2 %

Accessories

   13 %   13 %
            
   100 %   100 %
            

The increase in Stores and Direct sales in the first half of fiscal 2008 was primarily driven by an increase in sales of women’s apparel. This increase was largely driven by sales of sweaters, knits and pants. Sales of men’s apparel and accessories also increased during the period. We offer children’s apparel in shops within our retail stores, stand-alone stores and our Direct channel. As of August 2, 2008, we operated 39 crewcuts shop-in-shops and four stand-alone stores, as compared to 26 shop-in-shops and three stand-alone stores as of August 4, 2007.

Other revenues, which consist primarily of shipping and handling fees and royalties, increased to $21.3 million in the first half of fiscal 2008 from $20.3 million in the comparable period last year. The increase resulted primarily from an increase in shipping and handling fees attributable to the increase in Direct sales. However, this increase was negatively impacted as a result of providing free or upgraded shipping to improve customer service during our Direct channel systems upgrades. We expect the impact of the systems upgrades to continue into the second half of fiscal 2008.

Gross Profit

Gross profit increased $25.9 million to $297.6 million in the first half of fiscal 2008 from $271.7 million in the first half of fiscal 2007. This increase resulted from the following factors:

 

(Dollars in millions)       

Increase in revenues

   $ 42.6  

Decrease in merchandise margin

     (1.4 )

Increase in buying and occupancy costs

     (15.3 )
        
   $ 25.9  
        

Gross margin decreased to 44.0% in the first half of fiscal 2008 from 45.1% in the first half of fiscal 2007. The decrease in gross margin was driven by approximately (i) a 20 basis point decline in merchandise margin and (ii) a 90 basis point increase in buying and occupancy costs as a percentage of revenues. We expect the impact of the systems upgrades to continue into the second half of fiscal 2008.

 

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Table of Contents

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $22.8 million, or 12.0%, to $213.0 million in the first half of fiscal 2008 from $190.2 million in the first half of fiscal 2007. This increase primarily resulted from:

 

   

an increase in Direct and Stores operating expenses – primarily payroll and payroll related expenses – of $20.5 million, which includes unanticipated expenses of $1.5 million related to our Direct channel systems upgrades. We expect the impact of the systems upgrades to continue into the second half of fiscal 2008;

 

   

an increase in catalog paper, postage and printing costs of $4.7 million; offset by

 

   

a decrease in share-based and incentive compensation of $4.6 million.

As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 31.5% in the first half of fiscal 2008 from 31.6% in the comparable period last year, primarily due to the above mentioned items.

Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense, net of interest income, decreased $2.5 million to $3.8 million in the first half of fiscal 2008 from $6.3 million in the first half of fiscal 2007. This decrease primarily reflects our lower average outstanding debt in fiscal 2008 resulting from voluntary prepayments under the Term Loan.

Income Taxes

The income tax provision for the first half of fiscal 2008 and 2007 reflects the estimated annual effective tax rate of 39.8%.

Net Income

Net income increased $3.3 million to $48.6 million in the first half of fiscal 2008 from $45.3 million in the first half of fiscal 2007. This increase was due to a $25.9 million increase in gross profit driven by the 12.4% increase in revenues, a $2.5 million decrease in interest expense, offset by a $22.8 million increase in selling, general and administrative expenses, and a $2.3 million increase in the provision for income taxes.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations and borrowings under the Credit Facility (as defined below). Our primary cash needs are (a) funding working capital requirements, (b) making capital expenditures in connection with opening new stores, enhancing information technology systems and expanding our distribution centers, and (c) meeting debt service requirements . The most significant components of our working capital are cash and cash equivalents, merchandise inventories, accounts payable and other current liabilities.

Operating Activities

 

     Twenty-six Weeks Ended  
     August 2,
2008
    August 4,
2007
 
     (amounts in millions)  

Net income

   $ 48.6     $ 45.3  

Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operations:

    

Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment

     18.6       15.4  

Amortization of deferred financing costs

     1.5       0.8  

Share-based compensation

     4.2       3.2  

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation plans

     (12.7 )     (18.4 )

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

     (39.3 )     16.2  
                

Net cash provided by operations

   $ 20.9     $ 62.5  
                

Cash provided by operating activities in the first half of fiscal 2008 was $20.9 million and consisted of (i) net income of $48.6 million, (ii) adjustments to net income of $24.3 million, offset by (iii) changes in operating assets and liabilities (including the impact of excess tax benefits from share-based compensation plans) of $52.0 million due primarily to (a) increases in inventories due

 

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Table of Contents

primarily to anticipated sales increases and (b) an increase in prepaid income taxes as a result of $30.4 million of tax payments in the first half of fiscal 2008 compared to $5.1 million in the first half of fiscal 2007 due to the lapse of net operating loss carry-forwards and a decreased tax benefit from share-based compensation plans.

Cash provided by operating activities in the first half of fiscal 2007 was $62.5 million and consisted of (i) net income of $45.3 million, (ii) adjustments to net income of $19.4 million, offset by (iii) changes in operating assets and liabilities (including the impact of excess tax benefits from share-based compensation plans) of $2.2 million due to normal business fluctuations.

Investing Activities

Capital expenditures were $34.2 million in the first half of fiscal 2008 compared to $31.7 million in the first half of fiscal 2007. Capital expenditures for the opening of new stores were $16.6 million and $13.2 million in the first half of fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, respectively. Capital expenditures are planned at approximately $80 to $85 million for fiscal 2008, including approximately $35 to $40 million for new stores, $20 to $25 million for information technology enhancements and the remainder for store renovations and refurbishments and general corporate purposes.

Financing Activities

 

     Twenty-six Weeks Ended  
     August 2,
2008
    August 4,
2007
 
     (amounts in millions)  

Repayments of long-term debt

   $ (25.0 )   $ (25.0 )

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation plans

     12.7       18.4  

Proceeds from share-based compensation plans

     7.7       7.8  

Costs incurred in connection with amended and restated credit agreement

     —         (1.3 )

Repurchase of common shares

     (0.2 )     —    
                

Net cash used in financing activities

   $ (4.8 )   $ (0.1 )
                

Cash used in financing activities in the first half of fiscal 2008 was $4.8 million due to (i) a voluntary principal payment under the Term Loan of $25.0 million, offset primarily by (ii) excess tax benefits from share-based compensation plans of $12.7 million and (iii) proceeds from share-based compensation plans of $7.7 million.

Cash used in financing activities in the first half of fiscal 2007 was $0.1 million due to (i) a voluntary principal payment under the Term Loan of $25.0 million, (ii) costs incurred in connection with the amended and restated credit agreement of $1.3 million, offset by (iii) excess tax benefits from share-based compensation plans of $18.4 million and (iv) . proceeds from share-based compensation plans of $7.8 million

Amended and Restated Credit Agreement

On May 4, 2007, J. Crew Group, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, as guarantors, and Operating and certain of its subsidiaries, as borrowers, entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Facility”) with Citicorp USA, Inc. (“Citicorp”), as administrative agent, Citicorp, as collateral agent, and Bank of America, N.A. and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as syndication agents.

The Credit Facility provides for revolving loans and letters of credit of up to $200 million, which amount may be increased up to $250 million subject to certain conditions. Borrowings bear interest, at the Company’s option, at floating interest rates based on Citibank N.A.’s prime rate plus a margin of up to 0.25% or LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.0% to 1.25%. The total amount of availability is limited to the sum of: (a) 100% of qualified cash, (b) 90% of eligible receivables, (c) 92.5% of the net recovery percentage of inventories (as determined by periodic inventory appraisals) for the period August 1 through December 31, or 90% of the net recovery percentage of inventories for the period January 1 through July 31, and (d) 65% of the fair market value of eligible real estate. The Credit Facility expires on May 4, 2013.

Borrowings under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by the Company and certain of its subsidiaries, and are secured by a perfected first priority security interest in substantially all of the Company’s assets and those of certain of its subsidiaries. The Credit Facility includes restrictions on the Company’s ability and the ability of certain of its subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness and liens, pay dividends or make other distributions, make investments, dispose of assets and merge. If excess availability under the Credit Facility is less than $20 million at any time, then the Company’s fixed charge coverage ratio for the most recently ended period of four consecutive fiscal quarters may not be less than 1.10 to 1.00.

 

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Table of Contents

If an event of default occurs under the Credit Facility, the lenders may declare all amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility immediately due and payable. In such event, the lenders may exercise any rights and remedies they may have by law or agreement, including the ability to cause all or any part of the collateral securing the Credit Facility to be sold.

There were no short-term borrowings during the first half of fiscal 2008 or fiscal 2007. There was $192.7 million of excess availability under the Credit Facility at August 2, 2008.

Demand Letter of Credit Facility

On October 31, 2007, Operating entered into an unsecured, demand letter of credit facility with HSBC which provides for the issuance of up to $35 million of documentary letters of credit on a no fee basis. Outstanding letters of credit were $19.8 million and availability was $15.2 million at August 2, 2008 under this facility.

Liquidity and Capital Resources Outlook

Management anticipates that capital expenditures in fiscal 2008 will be approximately $80 to $85 million, primarily for opening 42 new stores, information technology enhancements, store renovations and refurbishments and general corporate purposes. Management believes that the Company’s current cash position, cash flow from operations and availability under the Credit Facility will be adequate to finance working capital needs, planned capital expenditures and debt service obligations for the next twelve months. Our ability to fund our operations and make planned capital expenditures, to make scheduled debt payments, and to remain in compliance with the financial covenants under our debt agreements depends on our future operating performance, cash flow and financing activities, which in turn, are subject to prevailing economic conditions and to financial, business and other factors, some of which are beyond our control.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

We enter into documentary letters of credit to facilitate the international purchase of merchandise. We also enter into standby letters of credit to secure certain of our obligations, including insurance programs and duties related to import purchases. As of August 2, 2008, we had the following obligations under letters of credit in future periods:

 

     Total    Within
1 Year
   2-3
Years
   4-5
Years
   After 5
Years
     (amounts in millions)

Letters of Credit

              

Standby

   $ 7.3    $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 7.3

Documentary

     19.8      19.8      —        —        —  
                                  
   $ 27.1    $ 19.8    $ —      $ —      $ 7.3
                                  

We have converted a substantial amount of international merchandise purchases to open account from letters of credit thereby reducing the dollar amount of outstanding documentary letters of credit.

Seasonality

Our business is seasonal. As a result, our revenues fluctuate from quarter to quarter. We have four distinct selling seasons that align with our four fiscal quarters. Revenues are usually substantially higher in our fourth fiscal quarter, particularly December, as customers make holiday purchases. Approximately 30% of our revenues in fiscal year 2007 occurred in the fourth quarter. Our working capital requirements also fluctuate throughout the year, increasing substantially in September and October in anticipation of holiday season inventory requirements.

Critical Accounting Policies

A summary of our critical accounting policies is included in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2008 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our principal market risk relates to interest rate sensitivity, which is the risk that future changes in interest rates will reduce our net income or net assets. Our variable rate debt consists of borrowings under the Credit Facility and the Term Loan. The interest rates under the Credit Facility are a function of Citigroup’s prime rate or LIBOR, and the interest rates under the Term Loan are a function of a base rate or LIBOR. A one percentage point change in the interest rate on our variable rate debt would result in a change in income before income taxes of approximately $100,000 for each $10.0 million of borrowings under the Credit Facility and approximately $1.0 million for the $100.0 million of borrowings under the Term Loan.

 

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We have a licensing agreement in Japan that provides for royalty payments in yen based on sales of J.Crew merchandise. We have entered into forward foreign exchange contracts from time to time in order to minimize this risk. At August 2, 2008, there were no forward foreign exchange contracts outstanding. In February 2008, we provided notice that we do not intend to renew the licensing agreement, which expires in January 2009.

We also enter into letters of credit to facilitate the international purchase of merchandise. The letters of credit are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars. Outstanding letters of credit at August 2, 2008 were $27.1 million, including $7.3 million of standby letters of credit.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms.

There were no changes in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is a party to routine litigation arising in the ordinary course of its business. Although the amount of any liability that could arise with respect to these actions cannot be accurately predicted, in the Company’s opinion, any such liability will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, consolidated results of operations or liquidity.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2008.

 

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

 

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

None.

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit No.

 

Document

    Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws

3.1

  Certificate of Incorporation of J. Crew Group, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the S-1/A Registration Statement filed on October 11, 2005.

3.2

  Bylaws of J. Crew Group, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Form 8-K/A filed on October 17, 2005.

 

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Table of Contents

Exhibit No.

 

Document

10.1

  Standard Form of Restricted Stock Grant Agreement (Time-Based Vesting). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed on July 17, 2008.

10.2

  Standard Form of Restricted Stock Grant Agreement (Performance-Based Vesting). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K filed on July 17, 2008.

10.3

  Standard Form of Stock Option Grant Agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 8-K filed on July 17, 2008.
  Certifications

Exhibit No.

 

Document

31.1*

  Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2*

  Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1**

  Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

* Filed herewith.
** Furnished herewith.

 

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Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

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

 

  J. CREW GROUP, INC.
  (Registrant)
Date: September 10, 2008   By:  

/s/ Millard S. Drexler

    Millard S. Drexler
    Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Date: September 10, 2008   By:  

/s/ James S. Scully

    James S. Scully
    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

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Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

 

Document

    Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws
  3.1   Certificate of Incorporation of J. Crew Group, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the S-1/A Registration Statement filed on October 11, 2005.
  3.2   Bylaws of J. Crew Group, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Form 8-K/A filed on October 17, 2005.
10.1   Standard Form of Restricted Stock Grant Agreement (Time-Based Vesting). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed on July 17, 2008.
10.2   Standard Form of Restricted Stock Grant Agreement (Performance-Based Vesting). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K filed on July 17, 2008.
10.3   Standard Form of Stock Option Grant Agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 8-K filed on July 17, 2008.
  Certifications
31.1*   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2*   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1**   Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

* Filed herewith.
** Furnished herewith.

 

21

Section 302 CEO Certification

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Millard S. Drexler, certify that:

 

  1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of J. Crew Group, Inc.;

 

  2. Based on my knowledge, this 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 report;

 

  3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this 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 report;

 

  4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, 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 report is being prepared;

 

  b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: September 10, 2008

 

/s/ MILLARD S. DREXLER

Millard S. Drexler
Chief Executive Officer
Section 302 CFO Certification

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, James S. Scully, certify that:

 

  1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of J. Crew Group, Inc.;

 

  2. Based on my knowledge, this 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 report;

 

  3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this 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 report;

 

  4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, 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 report is being prepared;

 

  b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: September 10, 2008

 

/s/ JAMES S. SCULLY

James S. Scully
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Section 906 CEO and CFO Certification

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the quarterly report of J.Crew Group, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended August 2, 2008 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), we, Millard S. Drexler, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and James S. Scully, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of each of our knowledge:

 

  1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

  2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: September 10, 2008

 

/s/ MILLARD S. DREXLER

Millard S. Drexler
Chief Executive Officer

/s/ JAMES S. SCULLY

James S. Scully
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 1350) and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.