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 October 28, 2006

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  ¨    Accelerated Filer  ¨    Non-Accelerated Filer  x

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 November 29, 2006:

58,181,697 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 October 28, 2006 and January 28, 2006 (unaudited)    3
    

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months and nine months ended October 28, 2006 and October 29, 2005 (unaudited)

   4
    

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended October 28, 2006 and October 29, 2005 (unaudited)

   6
     Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)    7
Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    12
Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    21
Item 4.    Controls and Procedures    21
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION   
Item 1.    Legal Proceedings    22
Item 1A.    Risk Factors    22
Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    22
Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities    22
Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    22
Item 5.    Other Information    22
Item 6.    Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K    23

 

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Table of Contents

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

J.CREW GROUP, INC. AND

SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

    

October 28,

2006

   

January 28,

2006

 
    

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except for share data)

 
Assets     

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 72,475     $ 61,275  

Merchandise inventories

     174,687       116,191  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     30,144       29,132  

Refundable income taxes

     8,600       8,600  
                

Total current assets

     285,906       215,198  
                

Property and equipment - at cost

     277,221       252,328  

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (163,296 )     (142,920 )
                
     113,925       109,408  

Other assets

     14,074       12,715  
                

Total assets

   $ 413,905     $ 337,321  
                
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Deficit     

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 85,335     $ 75,833  

Other current liabilities

     64,341       64,031  

Federal and state income taxes

     5,087       2,677  

Current portion of long-term debt

     2,850       —    
                

Total current liabilities

     157,613       142,541  

Deferred credits

     64,278       57,956  

Long-term debt

     247,150       631,867  

Preferred stock

     —         92,800  

Stockholders’ deficit:

    

Common stock ($.01 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 60,474,560 and 27,757,289 shares issued; 59,239,833 and 26,522,562 shares outstanding)

     605       278  

Additional paid-in capital

     495,765       —    

Deferred compensation

     —         (2,655 )

Treasury stock, at cost (1,234,727 shares)

     (2,686 )     (2,686 )

Accumulated deficit

     (548,820 )     (582,780 )
                

Total stockholders’ deficit

     (55,136 )     (587,843 )
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit

   $ 413,905     $ 337,321  
                

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

J.CREW GROUP, INC. AND

SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

     Thirteen weeks ended  
    

October 28,

2006

  

October 29,

2005

 
    

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except for per
share data)

 

Revenues:

     

Net sales

   $ 268,520    $ 217,232  

Other

     7,055      6,130  
               
     275,575      223,362  

Cost of goods sold, including buying and occupancy costs

     147,703      125,513  
               

Gross profit

     127,872      97,849  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     94,690      75,843  
               

Income from operations

     33,182      22,006  

Interest expense – net

     5,172      18,478  
               

Income before income taxes

     28,010      3,528  

Income taxes

     2,000      500  
               

Net income

     26,010      3,028  

Preferred stock dividends

     —        (3,364 )
               

Net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders

   $ 26,010    $ (336 )
               

Income (loss) per share:

     

Basic

   $ 0.45    $ (0.01 )
               

Diluted

   $ 0.40    $ (0.01 )
               

Weighted average shares outstanding:

     

Basic

     58,036      24,726  
               

Diluted

     64,657      24,726  
               

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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J.CREW GROUP, INC. AND

SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

     Thirty-Nine weeks ended  
    

October 28,

2006

   

October 29,

2005

 
    

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except for per
share data)

 

Revenues:

    

Net sales

   $ 762,087     $ 643,149  

Other

     23,343       20,114  
                
     785,430       663,263  

Cost of goods sold, including buying and occupancy costs

     434,944       371,948  
                

Gross profit

     350,486       291,315  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     262,188       226,180  
                

Income from operations

     88,298       65,135  

Interest expense – net

     40,028       53,878  

Loss on refinancing of debt

     10,039       —    
                

Income before income taxes

     38,231       11,257  

Income taxes

     4,400       1,600  
                

Net income

     33,831       9,657  

Preferred stock dividends

     (6,141 )     (10,092 )
                

Net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders

   $ 27,690     $ (435 )
                

Income (loss) per share:

    

Basic

   $ 0.69     $ (0.02 )
                

Diluted

   $ 0.62     $ (0.02 )
                

Weighted average shares outstanding:

    

Basic

     39,968       24,364  
                

Diluted

     44,846       24,364  
                

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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J.CREW GROUP, INC. AND

SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

     Thirty-Nine weeks ended  
    

October 28,

2006

   

October 29,

2005

 
    

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except for
share data)

 

Cash flow provided by operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 33,831     $ 9,657  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment

     24,080       24,526  

Amortization of deferred financing costs

     1,047       796  

Non-cash stock compensation expense

     2,188       539  

Non-cash interest expense (including redeemable preferred stock dividends of $20,800 and $29,487 in 2006 and 2005, respectively)

     21,293       30,398  

Loss on refinancing of debt

     10,039       —    

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Merchandise inventories

     (58,496 )     (72,576 )

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     (1,012 )     (4,361 )

Other assets

     898       88  

Accounts payable and other liabilities

     16,128       27,971  

Federal and state income taxes

     2,410       946  
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     52,406       17,984  
                

Cash flow used in investing activities:

    

Capital expenditures

     (28,597 )     (15,745 )
                

Cash flow provided by (used in) financing activities:

    

Exercise of stock options (including tax benefit)

     2,898       2,535  

Redemption of preferred stock

     (358,271 )     —    

Redemption of 13 1/8% senior subordinated debentures

     (21,667 )     —    

Repayment of 9 3/4% senior subordinated notes, including tender fees and other expenses of $4,859

     (279,859 )     —    

Proceeds from issuance of the term loan

     285,000       —    

Proceeds from issuance of 21,620,000 shares of common stock, net of costs incurred of $29,650

     402,774       —    

Costs incurred in connection with the term loan

     (8,484 )     —    

Repayment of term loan

     (35,000 )     —    
                

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (12,609 )     2,535  
                

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

     11,200       4,774  

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period

     61,275       23,647  
                

Cash and cash equivalents - end of period

   $ 72,475     $ 28,421  
                

Non-cash financing activities:

    

Dividends on preferred stock (reflected directly in stockholders’ deficit)

   $ 6,141     $ 10,092  

Conversion of principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest of 5% notes payable into 6,729,186 shares of common stock

     23,685       —    

Liquidation value of Series A preferred stock converted into 3,673,729 shares of common stock

     73,475       —    

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

J. CREW GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2006 and October 29, 2005

1. Basis of Presentation

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

The condensed consolidated balance sheets as of October 28, 2006 and the condensed consolidated statements of operations and cash flows for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended October 28, 2006 and October 29, 2005 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 January 28, 2006.

The results of operations for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended October 28, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full fiscal year.

2. Share–Based Payments

At October 28, 2006, the Company had three share-based compensation plans, which are described below:

Amended and Restated 1997 Stock Option Plan

Under the terms of the Amended and Restated 1997 Stock Option Plan (the “1997 Plan”), an aggregate of 3,697,374 shares of Group common stock are available for grant to key employees and consultants in the form of non-qualified stock options. The options have terms of seven to ten years and become exercisable over a period of four to five years. Options granted under the 1997 Plan are subject to various conditions, including under some circumstances, the achievement of certain performance objectives.

2003 Equity Incentive Plan

In January 2003, the Board of Directors of Group approved the adoption of the 2003 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2003 Plan”). Under the terms of the 2003 Plan, an aggregate of 9,288,270 shares of Group common stock are available for award to key employees and consultants in the form of non-qualified stock options and restricted shares, as follows:

 

    2,159,987 shares at an exercise price of $3.52 or fair market value, whichever is greater,

 

    2,159,987 shares at an exercise price of $12.91 or fair market value, whichever is greater,

 

    2,159,987 shares at an exercise price of $18.08 or fair market value, whichever is greater, and

 

    2,808,309 shares for the issuance of restricted shares.

The options have terms of ten years and become exercisable over the period provided in each grant agreement. Under the 2003 Plan, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of Group has the discretion to modify the exercise price and the number of shares reserved for the issuance of stock options and restricted shares.

2005 Equity Incentive Plan

The Board of Directors of Group has approved the adoption of the 2005 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”), which became effective June 27, 2006. Under the terms of the 2005 Plan, an aggregate of 1,900,000 shares of Group common stock are available for the issuance of options or other stock based awards to employees, independent contractors, and eligible non-employee directors of Group. Stock options are available for issuance at an exercise price representing the fair market value on the date of grant. The options have terms of up to ten years and become exercisable over the period provided in the stock option agreements.

Accounting for Share-Based Payments

Prior to January 29, 2006, the Company accounted for share-based compensation under the recognition and measurement provisions of APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (“APB No. 25”), and related interpretations, as permitted by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (“SFAS No. 123”). No share-based employee compensation cost related to stock options was recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations prior to January 29, 2006, as all options granted had an exercise price greater than or equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant.

 

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Table of Contents

Effective January 29, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (“SFAS No. 123R”), using the modified prospective transition method. Under this transition method, share-based compensation cost recognized in the thirty-nine week period ended October 28, 2006 includes: (i) compensation cost for all share-based payments granted prior to, but not yet vested as of January 29, 2006, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS No. 123 and (ii) compensation cost for all share-based payments granted subsequent to January 29, 2006, based on the grant date fair value estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Company recognizes compensation expense for stock option awards and time-based restricted stock awards on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award.

Total share-based compensation expense included in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the thirty-nine week period ended October 28, 2006 was $2.2 million. As a result of adopting SFAS No. 123R on January 29, 2006, the Company’s pre-tax income for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2006 is $1.5 million lower than if the Company had continued to account for share-based compensation under APB No. 25. In accordance with the modified prospective transition method of SFAS No. 123R, financial results of previous periods have not been restated.

The fair value of stock options was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

 

Black-Scholes Option Valuation Assumptions

  

As of January 29, 2006

(Date of Adoption

of SFAS 123R)

  

Thirty-Nine

Weeks ended

October 28, 2006

Risk-free interest rates(1)

   4.0%    5.0%

Dividend yield

     

Volatility(2)

   40.0%    40.0%

Weighted-average expected term(3)

   6.25 years    6.25 years

Expected forfeiture rate(4)

   9.0%    9.0%

(1) Based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.
(2) Expected stock price volatility is based on the median volatility of companies in a peer group analysis.
(3) Represents the period of time options are expected to be outstanding. The weighted average expected option was determined using the “simplified method” as allowed by Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, Share-Based Payment (“SAB No. 107”). The “simplified method” calculates the expected term as the average of the vesting term and original contractual term of the options.
(4) Based upon historical experience.

As of October 28, 2006, there was $5.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested options that is expected to be recognized over the remaining weighted-average vesting period of 2.1 years. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted was $8.81 during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2006 and $2.74 during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 29, 2005.

The following table summarizes stock options outstanding at October 28, 2006:

 

     Shares     Weighted Average
Exercise Price
   Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
     (in thousands)          (in years)    (in millions)

Outstanding, beginning of year

   9,234     $ 7.36      

Granted

   290       19.64      

Exercised

   (694 )     3.91       $ 9.7
              

Cancelled

   (210 )     8.72      
                  

Outstanding as of October 28, 2006

   8,620     $ 8.03    7.0    $ 201.3
                        

Exercisable as of October 28, 2006

   3,675     $ 7.56    5.9    $ 87.5
                        

Cash received from the exercise of stock options was $2.7 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2006 and $2.5 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 29, 2005.

Certain employees and directors have been awarded restricted stock under the 2003 Equity Incentive Plan. The restricted stock vests primarily over a period of four years. Total compensation expense is amortized over the vesting period. Compensation expense was $0.6 million for the thirty-nine week period ended October 28, 2006 and $0.5 million for the thirty-nine week period ended October 29, 2005. Unrecognized compensation associated with restricted stock was $2.5 million at October 28, 2006.

 

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The following table summarizes restricted shares outstanding at October 28, 2006:

 

     Shares     Weighted Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
     (in thousands)      

Outstanding, beginning of year

   1,232     $ 2.33

Granted

   15       29.74

Vested

   (128 )     1.29

Cancelled

   —         —  
            

Outstanding as of October 28, 2006

   1,119     $ 2.82
            

Shares available for the issuance of stock options or other stock based awards under our share-based compensation plans were 2,007,000 at October 28, 2006. On November 15, 2006, the Company granted options for 447,500 shares to certain key executives. The unrecognized compensation cost of $6.1 million will be recognized over the five year vesting period.

3. Other

The Company recorded an adjustment of $1.3 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 to reverse income recognized on unredeemed gift cards in prior years.

4. Long-term Debt and Debt Refinancings

Long-term debt

Long-term debt consists of the following:

 

     October 28,
2006
   

January 28,

2006

     ($ in thousands)

Term loan

   $ 250,000     $ —  

9 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes

     —         275,000

5% Convertible Notes Payable

     —         23,195

13 1/8% Senior Discount Debentures

     —         21,667

Redeemable preferred stock

     —         312,005
              
     250,000       631,867

Less current portion

     (2,850 )     —  
              

Total long-term debt

   $ 247,150     $ 631,867
              

Debt Refinancings

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. Prior to September 12, 2006, borrowings under the Credit and Guaranty Agreement bore interest, at the Company’s option, at the base rate plus a margin of 1.25% or at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.25% per annum. As of September 12, 2006, 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 the seventh anniversary of the Closing Date. Operating used the proceeds of the Term Loan and cash on hand to repurchase all $275.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 9 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014 pursuant to its previously announced tender offer and consent solicitation and to pay accrued interest of $10.6 million and related premium, tender fees and other expenses of $13.3 million. A loss of $9.9 million on refinancing of debt was included in the statement of operations for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2006.

On June 14, 2006 (the “Redemption Date”), Group redeemed the $21.7 million aggregate principal amount of 13 1/8% Senior Discount Debentures due 2008 at a redemption price equal to 100.0% of their outstanding aggregate principal amount, together with accrued and unpaid interest to the Redemption Date. A loss of $0.1 million was included in the statement of operations for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2006.

 

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5. Initial Public Offering

On July 3, 2006, the Company completed an initial public offering (“IPO”) of 21.6 million shares of common stock at $20.00 per share. The Company received net proceeds of $402.8 million from the offering after deducting $29.6 million in underwriting discounts and offering expenses. The Company used the net proceeds of the offering to redeem the liquidation value and accreted dividends of all outstanding Series A and Series B Preferred Stock.

On July 13, 2006, $73.5 million of Series A Preferred Stock held by TPG Partners II, L.P. TPG Parallel II, L.P. and TPG Investors, II, L.P. was redeemed with 3.7 million shares of the Company’s common stock.

Immediately prior to the consummation of the IPO, $20.0 million principal amount (plus accrued and unpaid interest of $3.7 million) of 5.0% Convertible Notes Payable was converted into 6.7 million shares of the Company’s common stock at a conversion price of $3.52 per share.

6. Income (Loss) Per Share

The calculation of basic income (loss) per share and diluted income (loss) per share is presented as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

     Thirteen Weeks Ended     Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended  
     October 28, 2006    October 29, 2005     October 28, 2006     October 29, 2005  

Net income

   $ 26,010    $ 3,028     $ 33,831     $ 9,657  

Preferred stock dividends

     —        (3,364 )     (6,141 )     (10,092 )
                               

Net income (loss) available to common stockholders

   $ 26,010    $ (336 )   $ 27,690     $ (435 )

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

         

Basic

     58,036      24,726       39,968       24,364  
                               

Diluted

     64,657      24,726       44,846       24,364  
                               

Income (loss) per share:

         

Basic

   $ 0.45    $ (0.01 )   $ 0.69     $ (0.02 )
                               

Diluted

   $ 0.40    $ (0.01 )   $ 0.62     $ (0.02 )
                               

The number of shares of potentially dilutive securities excluded from the calculation of diluted earning per share are as follows (amounts in thousands):

 

     Thirteen Weeks Ended   Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
     October 28, 2006    October 29, 2005   October 28, 2006    October 29, 2005

Stock options

   22    9,324   22    9,324

Unvested restricted stock

   —      1,625   —      1,625

Convertible notes payable

   —      6,503   —      6,503
                  
   22    17,452   22    17,452
                  

7. Stock Split

Effective June 13, 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a 1.935798 for one split of the Company’s common stock in the form of a stock dividend. Accordingly, all references to share and per share information in all periods presented have been adjusted to reflect the stock split. The par value per share of the common stock was not changed as a result of the stock split.

8. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN 48 describes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN 48 is fully effective as of January 1, 2007. The Company has not yet determined the impact from the adoption of this new accounting interpretation.

In June 2006, the FASB ratified the consensus reached on Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 06-03, How Sales Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement (That is, Gross Versus Net Presentation). The EITF reached a consensus that the presentation of taxes on either a gross or net basis is an accounting policy decision that requires disclosure. EITF 06-03 is effective for the first interim or annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company has no intention of modifying its current accounting policy of recording sales tax collected on a net basis. Therefore, the adoption of EITF 06-03 will not have any effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

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In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 157 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In September 2006, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements When Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements. SAB No. 108 states that SEC registrants should use both a balance sheet approach and an income statement approach when quantifying and evaluating the materiality of a misstatement, contains guidance on correcting errors under the dual approach and provides transition guidance for correcting errors existing in prior years. SAB No. 108 is effective for annual financial statements covering the first fiscal year ending after November 15, 2006. The Company does not expect the adoption of SAB No. 108 to have a significant effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

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Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this Report on Form 10-Q constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in our periodic reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission on Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, etc., in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by our officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or industry results, to differ materially from historical results, any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, competitive pressures in the apparel industry, changes in levels of consumer spending or preferences in apparel and acceptance by customers of the Company’s products, overall economic conditions, changes in key personnel, our ability to expand our store base and product offerings, governmental regulations and trade restrictions, acts of war or terrorism in the United States or worldwide, political or financial instability in the countries where the Company’s goods are manufactured, postal rate increases, paper and printing costs, availability of suitable store locations at appropriate terms, the level of the Company’s indebtedness and exposure to interest rate fluctuations, and other risks and uncertainties described in this report and the Company’s other reports and documents filed or which may be filed, from time to time, with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These statements are based on current plans, estimates and projections, and therefore, you should not place undue reliance on them. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and we undertake no obligation to update publicly any of them in light of new information or future 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 January 28, 2006 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.

Results of Operations – Third Quarter of Fiscal 2006 Compared to Third Quarter of Fiscal 2005

 

     Thirteen Weeks Ended
October 28, 2006
    Thirteen Weeks Ended
October 29, 2005
    Variance  

(Dollars in millions)

 

   Amount    Percent of
Revenues
    Amount    Percent of
Revenues
    Dollar
Change
    Percent
Change
 

Revenues

   $ 275.6    100.0 %   $ 223.4    100.0 %   $ 52.2     23.4 %

Gross profit

     127.9    46.4 %     97.8    43.8 %     30.1     30.8 %

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     94.7    34.4 %     75.8    34.0 %     18.9     24.9 %

Income from operations

     33.2    12.0 %     22.0    9.9 %     11.2     50.9 %

Interest expense, net

     5.2    1.9 %     18.5    8.3 %     (13.3 )   (71.9 )%

Income taxes

     2.0    0.7 %     0.5    0.2 %     1.5     N/M  

Net income

   $ 26.0    9.4 %   $ 3.0    1.4 %   $ 23.0     N/M  

Revenues

Revenues for the third quarter of fiscal 2006 (the thirteen weeks ended October 28, 2006) increased by $52.2 million, or 23.4%, to $275.6 million from $223.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 (the thirteen weeks ended October 29, 2005). We believe the increase in revenues for the third quarter of fiscal 2006 resulted from the continuing appeal of our expanded product line in both Stores (our retail and factory stores) and Direct (our catalog and Internet website) and continuing improvements in our customer service.

 

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Stores sales increased by $41.4 million, or 25.7%, to $202.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2006 from $160.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2005. Comparable store sales increased 18.7% to $189.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2006 from $160.0 million in the comparable period last year. Non-comparable store sales were $12.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2006. There were 172 J. Crew retail stores, 50 factory stores, two Crewcuts® stores and two Madewell® stores open at October 28, 2006 compared to 157 retail stores and 45 factory stores at October 29, 2005.

Direct sales increased by $9.9 million, or 17.6%, to $66.3 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2006 from $56.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2005. The number of catalog pages circulated in the third quarter of fiscal 2006 decreased by 18% from the third quarter of fiscal 2005. We continue to see a shift of Direct customers to the internet and we continue to evaluate the efficiency of our circulation strategies.

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

 

     Thirteen Weeks Ended  
     October 28, 2006     October 29, 2005  

Apparel

    

Women’s

   67 %   67 %

Men’s

   19 %   20 %

Children’s

   2 %   —    

Accessories

   12 %   13 %
            
   100 %   100 %
            

The increase in Stores and Direct sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2006 occurred primarily in women’s apparel. The increase in women’s apparel sales was driven by sales of knits, sweaters and shirts. Our Crewcuts® children’s concept was introduced in 2006 with the opening of twelve shops within our retail stores and two stand-alone stores. The sales of men’s apparel and accessories also increased during the period.

Other revenues, which consist primarily of shipping and handling fees and royalties, increased to $7.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2006 from $6.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2005. The increase resulted from an increase in shipping and handling fees attributable to the increase in Direct sales.

Gross Profit

Gross profit increased by $30.1 million to $127.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2006 from $97.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2005. This increase resulted from the following factors (amounts in millions):

 

(a) increase in revenues

   $ 29.4  

(b) increase in merchandise margin

     4.1  

(c) increase in buying and occupancy costs

     (3.4 )
        
   $ 30.1  
        

Gross margin increased to 46.4% in the third quarter of fiscal 2006 from 43.8% in the third quarter of fiscal 2005. The increase in gross margin was due to an increase of 150 basis points in merchandise margin (which is equal to cost of goods sold, excluding buying and occupancy costs, divided by revenues) resulting from a decrease in markdowns, and a 110 basis point decrease in buying and occupancy costs as a percentage of revenues because buying and occupancy costs increased at a lower rate than revenues.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $18.9 million, or 24.9%, to $94.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2006 from $75.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2005. This increase was attributable primarily to increases in variable Stores and Direct operating expenses, primarily payroll and payroll related expenses ($6.9 million), incentive compensation ($5.8 million), consulting expenses ($1.1 million), expenses relating to the development of a new business under the Madewell® name ($0.5 million) and stock option expense under SFAS No. 123R ($0.5 million). As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 34.4% in the third quarter of fiscal 2006 from 34.0% in the third quarter of fiscal 2005.

 

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Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense, net decreased by $13.3 million to $5.2 million in the third quarter of 2006 from $18.5 million in the third quarter of 2005. All debt and preferred stock outstanding at the beginning of fiscal 2006 was redeemed during the second quarter of 2006 with proceeds of the $285.0 million term loan described below under “—Credit and Guaranty Agreement” in May 2006 and the issuance of 21.6 million shares of common stock at $20.00 per share in our initial public offering (the “IPO”) in July 2006.

A summary of the components of interest expense, net is as follows (amounts in millions):

 

     Thirteen Weeks Ended  
    

October 28,

2006

   

October 29,

2005

 

Accreted dividends on mandatorily redeemable preferred stock

   $ —       $ 10.3  

Interest expense related to:

    

9 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014

     —         6.7  

Term loan

     5.0       —    

13 1/8% Senior Discount Debentures due 2008

     —         0.7  

5% Convertible Notes Payable

     —         0.3  

Amortization of deferred financing costs

     0.4       0.3  

Other

     0.3       0.3  
                

Total interest expense

     5.7       18.6  

Interest income

     (0.5 )     (0.1 )
                

Interest expense, net

   $ 5.2     $ 18.5  
                

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes for the third quarter of fiscal 2006 is based on the estimated effective tax rate for the year, which differs from statutory rates due primarily to the utilization of operating loss carryovers, which for alternative minimum tax purposes, is limited to 90% of taxable income in any fiscal year. Net deferred tax assets at January 28, 2006 and October 28, 2006 were fully reserved.

Net Income

Net income increased to $26.0 million in the third quarter of 2006 from $3.0 million in the third quarter of 2005. This increase was due to an increase in operating income of $11.2 million, which resulted from the increase in gross profit attributable primarily to the 23.4% increase in revenues, and the decrease in interest expense of $13.3 million, as offset by an increase in the provision for income taxes of $1.5 million.

Results of Operations - First Nine Months of Fiscal 2006 Compared to First Nine Months of Fiscal 2005

 

      Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
October 28, 2006
    Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
October 29, 2005
    Variance  

(Dollars in millions)

 

   Amount    Percent of
Revenues
    Amount    Percent of
Revenues
    Dollar
Change
    Percent
Change
 

Revenues

   $ 785.4    100.0 %   $ 663.3    100.0 %   $ 122.1     18.4 %

Gross profit

     350.5    44.6 %     291.3    43.9 %     59.2     20.3 %

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     262.2    33.4 %     226.2    34.1 %     36.0     15.9 %

Income from operations

     88.3    11.2 %     65.1    9.8 %     23.2     35.6 %

Interest expense, net

     40.0    5.1 %     53.9    8.1 %     (13.9 )   (25.8 )%

Loss on refinancing of debt

     10.0    1.3 %     —      0.0 %     10.0     100 %

Income taxes

     4.4    0.6 %     1.6    0.2 %     2.8     N/M  

Net income

   $ 33.8    4.3 %   $ 9.7    1.5 %   $ 24.1     N/M  

 

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Revenues

Revenues for the first nine months of fiscal 2006 (the thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2006) increased by $122.1 million, or 18.4%, to $785.4 million from $663.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 (the thirty-nine weeks ended October 29, 2005). We believe that the increase in revenues for the first nine months of fiscal 2006 resulted from the continuing appeal of our expanded product line in both Stores and Direct and the continuing improvements in our customer service.

Store sales increased by $98.0 million, or 20.9%, to $566.7 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2006 from $468.7 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2005. Comparable store sales increased 15.6% to $536.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2006 compared to $464.0 million in the comparable period last year. Non-comparable store sales were $30.4 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2006.

Direct sales increased by $20.9 million, or 12.0%, to $195.4 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2006 from $174.5 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2005. The number of catalog pages circulated in the first nine months of 2006 decreased by 6% compared to the same period last year. We continue to see a shift of Direct customers to the internet and we continue to evaluate the efficiency of our circulation strategies.

The approximate percentage of our sales by product category during the first nine months of the year, based on our internal merchandising system, is as follows:

 

     Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended  
     October 28, 2006     October 29, 2005  

Apparel

    

Women’s

   66 %   66 %

Men’s

   20 %   20 %

Children’s

   1 %   —    

Accessories

   13 %   14 %
            
   100 %   100 %
            

The dollar increase in Store and Direct sales occurred primarily in women’s apparel. The increase in women’s apparel was driven by sales of knits, sweaters, shirts and shorts. Sales of men’s apparel and accessories also increased in the first nine months of 2006.

Other revenues increased by $3.2 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2006, due primarily to a $2.4 million increase in shipping and handling fees reflecting an increase in Direct orders in the first nine months of fiscal 2006 and an adjustment of $1.3 million recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 to reverse income recognized on unredeemed gift cards in prior years, offset by a decrease of $0.5 million in gift card breakage.

Gross Profit

Gross profit increased by $59.2 million, or 20.3%, to $350.5 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2006 from $291.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2005. The increase resulted from the following factors (amounts in millions):

 

(a) increase in revenues

   $ 69.0  

(b) decrease in merchandise margin

     (3.0 )

(c) increase in buying and occupancy costs

     (6.8 )
        
   $ 59.2  
        

Gross margin increased to 44.6% in the first nine months of fiscal 2006 from 43.9% in the first nine months of fiscal 2005. Buying and occupying costs as a percentage of revenues resulted in a 110 basis point increase in gross margin because buying and occupancy costs did not increase at the same rate as revenues. Merchandise margins decreased by 40 basis points, resulting from increased markdowns in the first half of the year.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $36.0 million, or 15.9%, to $262.2 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2006 from $226.2 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2005. The dollar increase is attributable primarily to increases in

 

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variable operating expenses (primarily payroll and payroll related expenses) of Direct and Stores ($14.1 million), catalog production expenses ($1.3 million), expenses related to the Madewell and Crewcuts businesses ($2.7 million), stock option expenses under SFAS No. 123R ($1.5 million), incentive compensation ($4.4 million) and consulting expenses ($4.0 million). As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 33.4% in the first nine months of 2006 from 34.1% in the first nine months of 2005.

Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense, net decreased by $13.9 million to $40.0 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2006 from $53.9 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2005. All outstanding debt at the beginning of fiscal 2006 was redeemed in the second quarter of 2006 with the proceeds of the $285.0 million term loan described below under “—Credit and Guaranty Agreement” in May 2006 and the proceeds from the IPO in July 2006.

A summary of the components of interest expense, net is as follows (amounts in millions):

 

     Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended  
    

October 28,

2006

   

October 29,

2005

 

Accreted dividends on mandatorily redeemable preferred stock

   $ 20.8     $ 29.5  

Interest expense related to:

    

9 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014

     7.7       19.9  

Term loan

     10.0       —    

13 1/8% Senior Discount Debentures due 2008

     1.1       2.1  

5% convertible notes payable

     0.5       0.9  

Amortization of deferred financing costs

     1.0       0.8  

Other

     0.9       0.9  
                

Total interest expense

     42.0       54.1  

Interest income

     (2.0 )     (0.2 )
                

Interest expense, net

   $ 40.0     $ 53.9  
                

Loss on Refinancing of Debt

The loss on refinancing of debt of $10.0 million reflects $4.8 million of tender fees and other expenses and $5.2 million related to the write off of unamortized deferred financing costs incurred in connection with the redemption of the 9 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014 in May 2006.

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes for the first nine months of fiscal 2006 is based on the estimated effective tax rate for the year, which differs from statutory rates due primarily to the utilization of operating loss carryovers, which for alternative minimum tax purposes, is limited to 90% of taxable income in any fiscal year. Net deferred tax assets at January 28, 2006 and October 28, 2006 were fully reserved.

Net Income

Net income increased by $24.1 million in the first nine months of 2006 to $33.8 million from $9.7 million in the first nine months of 2005. This increase resulted from an increase in operating income of $23.2 million which resulted primarily from the gross profit attributable to the 18.4% increase in revenues, and a decrease of $13.9 million in interest expense partially offset by a non-recurring loss on the refinancing of debt of $10.0 million and an increase in the provision for income taxes of $2.8 million.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations and borrowings under the Credit Facility. Our primary cash needs are capital expenditures in connection with opening new stores and making information technology system enhancements, meeting debt services requirements and funding working capital requirements. The most significant components of our working capital are cash and cash equivalents, merchandise inventories, accounts payable and other current liabilities.

Operating Activities

 

     Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended  
    

October 28,

2006

   

October 29,

2005

 
     (amounts in millions)  

Net income

   $ 33.8     $ 9.7  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     24.1       24.5  

Accreted dividends on redeemable preferred stock

     20.8       29.5  

Non-cash interest

     0.5       0.9  

Loss on refinancing of debt

     10.0       —    

Other non-cash reconciling items

     3.2       1.3  

Changes in inventories

     (58.5 )     (72.6 )

Changes in accounts payable and other current liabilities

     9.8       30.3  

Other changes in operating assets and liabilities

     8.7       (5.6 )
                

Net cash provided by operations

   $ 52.4     $ 18.0  
                

Cash provided by operating activities in the first nine months of fiscal 2006 was $52.4 million and consisted of net income of $33.8 million and non-cash adjustments of $58.6 million, reduced by an increase in working capital of $40.0 million. The increase in working capital consisted primarily of an increase of $58.5 million in inventories as a result of seasonal sales increases in the fourth quarter. The increase in accounts payable and other current liabilities resulted primarily from an increase in accounts payable consistent with the increase in inventories.

Cash provided by operating activities in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 was $18.0 million and consisted of net income of $9.7 million and non-cash adjustments of $56.2 million, reduced by an increase in working capital of $47.9 million. The increase in working capital consisted of an increase in merchandise inventories of $72.6 million as a result of seasonal sales increases in the fourth quarter reduced by an increase in accounts payable and other current liabilities of $30.3 million. The increase in accounts payable and other current liabilities resulted primarily from an increase in accounts payable consistent with the increase in inventories.

Investing Activities

Capital expenditures were $28.6 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2006 compared to $15.7 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2005. Capital expenditures for the opening of new stores were $15.7 million and $6.7 million in 2006 and 2005, respectively. Capital expenditures are planned at $55.0 million for fiscal 2006, including $28.0 million for 27 new stores, $10.0 million for information technology enhancements, and the remainder for store renovations and general corporate purposes.

Financing Activities

 

     Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
    

October 28,

2006

   

October 29,

2005

     (amounts in millions)

Initial public offering of 21.6 million shares of common stock, net of expenses of $29.7 million

   $ 402.8     $ —  

Redemption of preferred stock

     (358.3 )     —  

Issuance of new debt, net of costs incurred of $8.5 million

     276.5       —  

Repayment of debt, including fees of $4.9 million

     (336.5 )     —  

Exercise of stock options

     2.9       2.5
              

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   $ (12.6 )   $ 2.5
              

Financing activities in the first nine months of 2006 included an initial public offering of 21.6 million shares of common stock at a price of $20.00 per share and the issuance of $285.0 million Term Loan due in 2013. The proceeds of these financings were used to

 

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redeem all of the Company’s outstanding indebtedness including preferred stock and to prepay $35 million of the Term Loan. The Company’s total indebtedness (including preferred stock) of $724.7 million at January 28, 2006 was reduced to $250.0 million at October 28, 2006.

Financing activities in the first nine months of 2005 consisted of proceeds from the exercise of stock options.

Credit Facility

On December 23, 2004, J.Crew Group, Inc. (“Group”), J.Crew Operating Corp. (“Operating”) and certain of its subsidiaries entered into an Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the “Credit Facility”) with Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC, as arranger and bookrunner, Wachovia Bank, National Association as administrative agent (“Wachovia”), Bank of America, N.A., as syndication agent, Congress Financial Corporation, as collateral agent and a syndicate of lenders. The Credit Facility provides for revolving loans and letters of credit of up to $170.0 million (which can be increased to $250.0 million subject to certain conditions) at floating interest rates based on Wachovia’s prime rate plus a margin of up to 0.25% or LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.25% to 2.00%. The total amount of availability is limited to the sum of (a) invested cash, (b) 90% of eligible receivables, (c) 92.5% of the net recovery percentage of inventories (as determined by inventory appraisal) for the period August 1 through November 30, or 90.0% of the net recovery percentage of inventories for the period December 1 through July 31, and (d) real estate availability of 65% of appraised fair market value. The Credit Facility expires in December 2009. Borrowings under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by Group and all of Operating’s domestic direct or indirect subsidiaries and are secured by a perfected first priority security interest in substantially all of Group’s and its subsidiaries’ assets.

On May 15, 2006 (the “Closing Date”), Operating and certain of Operating’s direct and indirect subsidiaries as borrowers (the “Revolver Borrowers”), and Group and J.Crew International, Inc. as guarantors (the “Revolver Guarantors”) entered into (i) Amendment No.2 to Credit Facility, by and among the Revolver Borrowers, the Revolver Guarantors, the lenders party thereto, Wachovia, as administrative agent, Congress Financial Corporation, as collateral agent and Bank of America, N.A., as syndication agent (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the “Revolving Loan Agreement”), with the lenders party to the Revolving Loan Agreement, and Wachovia in its capacity as administrative agent and collateral agent for such lenders, and (ii) Amendment No.1 to Guarantee, with Wachovia, as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Revolving Loan Agreement (collectively, “Amendment No.2”). Pursuant to Amendment No.2, the lenders under the Revolving Loan Agreement agreed to amend the Revolving Loan Agreement to add a newly-formed subsidiary of Operating, Madewell Inc., as an additional guarantor under the Revolving Loan Agreement.

On the Closing Date, the Revolver Borrowers and the Revolver Guarantors and Madewell Inc. entered into Amendment No.3 to the Revolving Loan Agreement (“Amendment No.3”) with Wachovia as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Revolving Loan Agreement. Pursuant to Amendment No.3, the lenders under the Revolving Loan Agreement agreed to amend the Revolving Loan Agreement to allow the Revolver Borrowers and the Revolver Guarantors to, among other things, incur the Term Loan and to enter into the Credit and Guaranty Agreement, the Pledge and Security Agreement (Term Loan), the Trademark Agreement, the Copyright Agreement, the Intercreditor Agreement and the TPG-MD Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (all as defined below), as well as to permit Group to redeem and cancel all outstanding $21.7 aggregate principal amount of 13 1/8% Senior Discount Debentures due 2008 (the “Senior Discount Debentures”).

On June 26, 2006, Group, Operating and certain of their direct and indirect subsidiaries entered into Amendment No.4 (“Amendment No.4”) to the Credit Facility. Amendment No. 4 provided the consent of the Revolver Lenders to the IPO, the redemption of the Group’s outstanding preferred stock and the related transactions described in the Company’s Amendment No. 8 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-127628) filed on June 22, 2006. In addition, Amendment No.4 revised the covenant contained the Credit Facility that restricts annual capital expenditures by Group and its subsidiaries to conform to the restrictions contained in the Credit and Guaranty Agreement.

On July 10, 2006, Group, Operating and certain of their direct and indirect subsidiaries entered into Amendment No. 5 (“Amendment No.5”) to the Credit Facility. Amendment No.5 revises the covenant contained in the Credit Facility that restricts transactions with affiliates to materially conform to the restrictions on such transactions contained in the Credit and Guaranty Agreement.

On November 7, 2006, Group, Operating and certain of their direct and indirect subsidiaries entered into Amendment No. 6 (“Amendment No. 6”) to the Credit Facility. Amendment No. 6 modified the account sweep and account control provisions of the Credit Facility.

The Credit Facility includes restrictions on our ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends or make other distributions, make investments, make loans and make capital expenditures. We are required to maintain a fixed interest charge coverage ratio of 1.1x if excess availability is less than $20.0 million for any 30 consecutive day period. We have at all times been in compliance with all financial covenants under the Credit Facility.

 

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There were no short-term borrowings during the first nine months of fiscal 2006 and there was $122.1 million available under the Credit Facility at October 28, 2006.

Credit and Guaranty Agreement

On May 15, 2006, 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 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. Prior to September 12, 2006, borrowings under the Credit and Guaranty Agreement bore interest, at the Company’s option, at the base rate plus a margin of 1.25% or at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.25% per annum. As of September 12, 2006, borrowings bear interest, at the Company’s option, at the base rate plus margin of 0.75% or at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.75% per annum, payable quarterly. All borrowings will mature on the seventh anniversary of the Closing Date. Operating used the proceeds of the Term Loan and cash on hand to repurchase all $275.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 9 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014 pursuant to its previously announced tender offer and consent solicitation and to pay accrued interest of $10.6 million and related premium, tender fees and other expenses of $13.3 million. A loss of $9.9 million on refinancing of debt is included in the statement of operations in the second quarter of fiscal 2006.

On the Closing Date, Operating, Group and certain of Operating’s direct and indirect subsidiaries as grantors (collectively, the “Grantors”), entered into a Pledge and Security Agreement Term Loan Collateral (the “Pledge and Security Agreement (Term Loan)”) with GSCP, as collateral agent under the Credit and Guaranty Agreement. Pursuant to the Pledge and Security Agreement (Term Loan), the Term Loan is secured by a perfected first or second priority security interest in the Grantors’ assets subject to inter-creditor arrangements agreed to by the lenders under the Revolving Loan Agreement and lenders under the Credit and Guaranty Agreement.

On the Closing Date, J.Crew Inc. and J.Crew International, Inc., subsidiaries of Operating, as grantors entered into a Trademark Security Agreement (the “Trademark Security Agreement”) with GSCP, as collateral agent under the Credit and Guaranty Agreement. Pursuant to the Trademark Security Agreement, the trademark security interests pledged under the Pledge and Security Agreement (Term Loan) were recorded in the database of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

On the Closing Date, J.Crew International, Inc. as a grantor entered into a Copyright Security Agreement (the “Copyright Security Agreement”) with GSCP, as collateral agent under the Credit and Guaranty Agreement. Pursuant to the Copyright Security Agreement, the copyright security interests pledged under the Pledge and Security Agreement (Term Loan) were recorded in the database of the U.S. Copyright Office and perfected.

On the Closing Date, Operating, Group and certain of Operating’s direct and indirect subsidiaries entered into an Intercreditor Agreement (the “Intercreditor Agreement”) with GSCP, as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Credit and Guaranty Agreement, and Wachovia, as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Revolving Loan Agreement. The Intercreditor Agreement details the relative rights and obligations of GSCP, as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Credit and Guaranty Agreement, and Wachovia, as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Revolving Loan Agreement.

Redemption of Senior Discount Debentures

On June 14, 2006 (the “Redemption Date”), we redeemed in whole, pursuant to the Indenture dated as of October 17, 1997 (as amended by the First Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 6, 2003) between Group, as issuer, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”), all $21.7 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Discount Debentures at a redemption price equal to 100.0% of their outstanding aggregate principal amount, together with accrued and unpaid interest to the Redemption Date. The redemption of the Senior Discount Debentures resulted in a $0.1 million loss in the second quarter of fiscal 2006.

Redemption of Preferred Stock

On July 13, 2006, we redeemed, with the proceeds of our initial public offering, all $92.8 million liquidation value of our Series A 14 1/2% Cumulative Preferred Stock (the “Series A Preferred Stock”) and all $32.5 million liquidation value of our Series B 14 1/2% Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (together with the Series A Preferred Stock, the “Preferred Stock”) at 100% of liquidation value, as well as paid accumulated and unpaid dividends of $306.4 million on the Preferred Stock. Furthermore, Series A Preferred Stock, aggregating $73.5 million, held by TPG Partners II, L.P., TPG Parallel II, L.P. and TPG Investors II, L.P., investment funds affiliated with Texas Pacific Group, our largest shareholder, was redeemed with 3.7 million shares of our common stock.

Outlook

Management anticipates that capital expenditures in fiscal 2006 will be approximately $55.0 million, primarily for opening 27 new stores, information technology enhancements and general corporate purposes. Management believes that the Company’s current

 

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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, to refinance indebtedness and to remain in compliance with the financial covenants under our debt agreements depends on our future financing activities, our future operating performance and our future cash flow, 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 October 28, 2006, 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
               ($ in millions)          

Letters of Credit

              

Standby

   $ 6.4    $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 6.4

Documentary

     75.7      75.7      —        —        —  
                                  
   $ 82.1    $ 75.7    $ —      $ —      $ 6.4
                                  

Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of October 28, 2006 and the effect such obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flows in future periods:

 

     Total    Within
1 Year
  

2-3

Years

  

4-5

Years

   After 5
Years
     ($ in millions)

Long-term debt obligations

   $ 250.0    $ 2.9    $ 5.7    $ 5.7    $ 235.7

Interest on long term debt(1)

              

Operating lease obligations(2)

     327.9      55.4      102.4      83.6      86.5

Purchase obligations:

              

Inventory commitments

     241.6      241.6      —        —        —  

Other

     4.6      4.3      0.3      —        —  

Employment agreements

     2.8      1.9      0.9      —        —  
                                  
     249.0      247.8      1.2      —        —  
                                  

Total

   $ 826.9    $ 306.1    $ 109.3    $ 89.3    $ 322.2
                                  

(1) As of September 12, 2006 the Term Loan bears interest at a floating rate of LIBOR + 1.75% or the base rate + 0.75%. Prior to September 12, 2006, the Term Loan bore interest at a floating rate of LIBOR + 2.25% or the base rate + 1.25%. At October 28, 2006 annual interest expense is expected to be approximately $18 million.
(2) Operating lease obligations represent obligations under various long-term operating leases entered in the normal course of business for retail and factory stores, warehouses, office space and equipment requiring minimum annual rentals. Operating lease expense is a significant component of our operating expenses. The lease terms range for various periods of time in various rental markets and are entered into at different times, which mitigates exposure to market changes that could have a material effect on our results of operations within any given year. Operating lease obligations do not include common area maintenance, insurance, taxes and other occupancy costs, which constitute approximately an additional 50% of the minimum lease obligations.

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 2005 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.

 

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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 January 28, 2006 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 Wachovia’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 increase in the interest rate on our variable rate debt would result in a change in income before taxes of approximately $100,000 for each $10.0 million of borrowings under the Credit Facility and approximately $2.5 million for the $250.0 million of borrowings under the Term Loan.

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 October 28, 2006, there were no forward foreign exchange contracts outstanding.

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 October 28, 2006 were $82.1 million, including $6.4 million of standby letters of credit.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

At the end of the last fiscal quarter, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that as of the end of the last fiscal quarter our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and (2) accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There were no changes in our 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.

 

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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 January 28, 2006.

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

Not applicable.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not applicable.

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

Not applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

Shareholder Proposals

Shareholders who, in accordance with Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, wish to present proposals for inclusion in the proxy materials to be distributed by us in connection with our 2007 Annual Meeting (the date of which will be announced subsequently) must submit their proposals to our Secretary on or before Monday, January 15, 2007. As the rules of the SEC make clear, simply submitting a proposal does not guarantee its inclusion.

 

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

a. Exhibits.

 

Exhibit No.

 

Document

2.1   Agreement and Plan of Merger between J. Crew Group, Inc. (a New York corporation) and J. Crew Group, Inc. (a Delaware corporation), dated as of October 11, 2005. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K/A filed on October 17, 2005.
2.2   Agreement of Merger between J. Crew Group, Inc. and J. Crew Intermediate LLC, dated as of October 11, 2005. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K/A filed on October 17, 2005.
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   Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 16, 2005, between J. Crew Group, Inc. and TPG Partners II L.P., TPG Parallel II L.P. and TPG Investors II L.P. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the S-1 Registration Statement filed on August 17, 2005.
10.2   Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of December 23, 2004, by and among J.Crew Operating Corp., J.Crew Inc., Grace Holmes, Inc. d/b/a J.Crew Retail, H.F.D. No. 55, Inc. d/b/a J.Crew Factory as Borrowers, J.Crew Group, Inc., J.Crew International, Inc., J.Crew Intermediate LLC as Guarantors, Wachovia Capital Markets LLC as Arranger and Bookrunner, Wachovia Bank, National Association as Administrative Agent, Bank of America, N.A. as Syndication Agent, Congress Financial Corporation as Collateral Agent, and the Lenders (the “Credit Facility”). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Form 8-K filed on December 28, 2004.
10.3   Security Agreement, dated as of November 21, 2004, by and among J.Crew Operating Group, J.Crew Inc., Grace Holmes, Inc., H.F.D. No. 55, Inc., J.Crew International, Inc. and J.Crew Intermediate LLC as Grantors, and U.S. Bank National Association as Collateral Agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Form 8-K filed on December 28, 2004.
10.4   Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of November 21, 2004, among Congress Financial Corporation as Senior Credit Agent, U.S. Bank National Association as Collateral Agent, J.Crew Operating Corp., J.Crew, Inc., Grace Holmes, Inc., H.F.D. No. 55, Inc., J.Crew International, Inc. and J.Crew Intermediate LLC. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Form 8-K filed on December 28, 2004.
10.5   Amendment No. 1, dated as of October 10, 2005, to the Credit Facility. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Form 8-K/A filed on October 17, 2005.
10.6   Joinder Agreement between J. Crew Group, Inc. and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent under the Credit Facility, dated October 12, 2005. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Form 8-K filed on October 18, 2005.
10.7   Amendment No. 2, dated as of May 15, 2006, to the Credit Facility by and among Operating, J. Crew Inc., Grace Holmes, Inc., H.F.D. No. 55, Inc., as borrowers, Group, J. Crew International, Inc. and Madewell Inc., as guarantors, the lenders named therein and Wachovia Bank, National Association, successor by merger to Congress Financial Corporation, a national banking association, in its capacity as administrative agent and collateral agent for lenders (the “Agent”), and Amendment No. 1 to Guarantee, dated as of May 15, 2006, by the borrowers and guarantors in favor of the Agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1(C) to the S-1/A Registration Statement filed on May 16, 2006.
10.8   Amendment No. 3, dated as of May 15, 2006, to the Credit Facility by and among Operating, J. Crew Inc., Grace Holmes, Inc., H.F.D. No. 55, Inc., as borrowers, Group, J. Crew International, Inc. and Madewell Inc., as guarantors, the lenders named therein and the Agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 (D) to the S-1/A Registration Statement filed on May 16, 2006.
10.9   Amendment No. 4, dated as of June 26, 2006, to the Credit Facility by and among Operating, J. Crew Inc., Grace Holmes, Inc., H.F.D. No. 55, Inc., as borrowers, Group, J. Crew International, Inc. and Madewell Inc., as guarantors, the lenders named therein and the Agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed on June 30, 2006.

 

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10.10   Amendment No. 5, dated as of July 10, 2006, to the Credit Facility by and among Operating, J. Crew Inc., Grace Holmes, Inc., H.F.D. No. 55, Inc., as borrowers, Group, J. Crew International, Inc., and Madewell Inc., as guarantors, the lenders named therein and the Agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed on July 13, 2006.
10.11   Amendment No. 6, dated as of November 7, 2006, to the Credit Facility by and among Operating, J. Crew Inc., Grace Holmes, Inc., H.F.D. No. 55, Inc., as borrowers, Group, J. Crew International, Inc., and Madewell Inc., as guarantors, the lenders named therein and the Agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed on November 9, 2006.
10.12   Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 15, 2006, by an among TPG-MD Investment, LLC, J. Crew Operating Corp., J. Crew Inc., Grace Holmes, Inc., H.F.D. No. 55, Inc. and J. Crew International, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the S-1/A Registration Statement filed on May 16, 2006.
10.13   Credit Agreement, dated as of February 4, 2003, by and between J.Crew Group, Inc., J.Crew Operating Corp., and certain subsidiaries thereof, and TPG-MD Investment, LLC (the “TPG-MD Credit Agreement”). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed on February 7, 2003.
10.14   Amendment No. 1, dated as of November 21, 2004, to the TPG-MD Credit Agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Form 8-K filed on December 28, 2004.
10.15   Letter Agreement, dated as of August 16, 2005, between J. Crew Group, Inc. and TPG-MD Investment, LLC. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the S-1 Registration Statement filed on August 17, 2005.
10.16   Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and among J. Crew Group, Inc., J. Crew Operating Corp. and Millard S. Drexler dated as of October 20, 2005. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed on October 21, 2005.
10.17   Trademark License Agreement by and among J. Crew Group, Inc., Millard S. Drexler and Millard S. Drexler, Inc. dated as of October 20, 2005. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K filed on October 21, 2005.
10.18   Employment Agreement, dated August 16, 2005, by and among J. Crew Group, Inc., its operating subsidiaries and James Scully. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the S-1 Registration Statement filed on August 17, 2005.
10.19   Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of May 15, 2006, by and among J. Crew Operating Corp., J. Crew Group, Inc. and certain subsidiaries of J. Crew Operating Corp. named as guarantors therein, the lenders party thereto from time to time, Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P. and Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., as joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners, Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P., as administrative agent and collateral agent, Bear Stearns Corporate Lending, Inc., as syndication agent, and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as documentation agent (the “Credit and Guaranty Agreement”). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the S-1/A Registration Statement filed on May 16, 2006.
10.20   Pledge and Security Agreement Term Loan Collateral, dated as of May 15, 2006, by and among J. Crew Operating Corp., J. Crew Group, Inc. and certain subsidiaries. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the S-1/A Registration Statement filed on May 16, 2006.
10.21   Trademark Security Agreement, dated, as of May 15, 2006, by and among J. Crew Inc. and J. Crew International, as grantors, and Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P., as collateral agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the S-1/A Registration Statement filed on May 16, 2006.
10.22   Copyright Security Agreement, dated as of May 15, 2006, by and between J. Crew International, as grantor, and Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P., as collateral agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the S-1/A Registration Statement filed on May 16, 2006.
10.23   Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of May 15, 2006, by and among J. Crew Operating Corp., J. Crew Group, Inc. and certain subsidiaries of J. Crew Operating Corp. named as guarantors in the Credit and Guaranty Agreement, Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P., in its capacity as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Credit and Guaranty Agreement, and Wachovia Bank, National Association, in its capacity as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Credit Facility. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the S-1/A Registration Statement filed on May 16, 2006.
10.24   Stock option grant agreement, dated as of November 15, 2006, between J. Crew Group, Inc. and Jeffrey Pfeifle. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed on November 17, 2006.
10.25   Stock option grant agreement, dated as of November 15, 2006, between J. Crew Group, Inc. and Tracy Gardner. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K filed on November 17, 2006.
10.26   Stock option grant agreement, dated as of November 15, 2006, between J. Crew Group, Inc. and James Scully. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 8-K filed on November 17, 2006.

 

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10.27*    Amendment No. 1, dated December 5, 2006, to the J. Crew Group, Inc. 2005 Equity Incentive Plan.
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.

b. Reports on Form 8-K.

The following reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter covered by this report:

Form 8-K August 24, 2006 relating to the issuance of a press release announcing the Company’s financial results for the second quarter ended July 29, 2006.

Form 8-K filed September 29, 2006 relating to the issuance of a press release announcing the departures of Emily Scott, Thomas Scott and Bridget Ryan Berman from the Company’s Board of Directors.

Form 8-K filed November 9, 2006 relating to the Company’s entry into Amendment No. 6 to the Credit Facility.

Form 8-K filed November 17, 2006 relating to the Company’s grants of non-qualified stock options to purchase common stock under the Company’s 2005 Equity Incentive Plan to Jeffrey Pfeifle, Tracy Gardner and James Scully.

Form 8-K filed November 21, 2006 relating to the issuance of a press release announcing the Company’s financial results for the third quarter ended October 28, 2006.

 

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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: December 12, 2006   By:  

/s/ Millard S. Drexler

    Millard S. Drexler
    Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Date: December 12, 2006   By:  

/s/ James S. Scully

    James S. Scully
    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

 

Document

2.1   Agreement and Plan of Merger between J. Crew Group, Inc. (a New York corporation) and J. Crew Group, Inc. (a Delaware corporation), dated as of October 11, 2005. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K/A filed on October 17, 2005.
2.2   Agreement of Merger between J. Crew Group, Inc. and J. Crew Intermediate LLC, dated as of October 11, 2005. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K/A filed on October 17, 2005.
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   Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 16, 2005, between J. Crew Group, Inc. and TPG Partners II L.P., TPG Parallel II L.P. and TPG Investors II L.P. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the S-1 Registration Statement filed on August 17, 2005.
10.2   Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of December 23, 2004, by and among J.Crew Operating Corp., J.Crew Inc., Grace Holmes, Inc. d/b/a J.Crew Retail, H.F.D. No. 55, Inc. d/b/a J.Crew Factory as Borrowers, J.Crew Group, Inc., J.Crew International, Inc., J.Crew Intermediate LLC as Guarantors, Wachovia Capital Markets LLC as Arranger and Bookrunner, Wachovia Bank, National Association as Administrative Agent, Bank of America, N.A. as Syndication Agent, Congress Financial Corporation as Collateral Agent, and the Lenders (the “Credit Facility”). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Form 8-K filed on December 28, 2004.
10.3   Security Agreement, dated as of November 21, 2004, by and among J.Crew Operating Group, J.Crew Inc., Grace Holmes, Inc., H.F.D. No. 55, Inc., J.Crew International, Inc. and J.Crew Intermediate LLC as Grantors, and U.S. Bank National Association as Collateral Agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Form 8-K filed on December 28, 2004.
10.4   Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of November 21, 2004, among Congress Financial Corporation as Senior Credit Agent, U.S. Bank National Association as Collateral Agent, J.Crew Operating Corp., J.Crew, Inc., Grace Holmes, Inc., H.F.D. No. 55, Inc., J.Crew International, Inc. and J.Crew Intermediate LLC. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Form 8-K filed on December 28, 2004.
10.5   Amendment No. 1, dated as of October 10, 2005, to the Credit Facility. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Form 8-K/A filed on October 17, 2005.
10.6   Joinder Agreement between J. Crew Group, Inc. and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent under the Credit Facility, dated October 12, 2005. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Form 8-K filed on October 18, 2005.
10.7   Amendment No. 2, dated as of May 15, 2006, to the Credit Facility by and among Operating, J. Crew Inc., Grace Holmes, Inc., H.F.D. No. 55, Inc., as borrowers, Group, J. Crew International, Inc. and Madewell Inc., as guarantors, the lenders named therein and Wachovia Bank, National Association, successor by merger to Congress Financial Corporation, a national banking association, in its capacity as administrative agent and collateral agent for lenders (the “Agent”), and Amendment No. 1 to Guarantee, dated as of May 15, 2006, by the borrowers and guarantors in favor of the Agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1(C) to the S-1/A Registration Statement filed on May 16, 2006.
10.8   Amendment No. 3, dated as of May 15, 2006, to the Credit Facility by and among Operating, J. Crew Inc., Grace Holmes, Inc., H.F.D. No. 55, Inc., as borrowers, Group, J. Crew International, Inc. and Madewell Inc., as guarantors, the lenders named therein and the Agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 (D) to the S-1/A Registration Statement filed on May 16, 2006.
10.9   Amendment No. 4, dated as of June 26, 2006, to the Credit Facility by and among Operating, J. Crew Inc., Grace Holmes, Inc., H.F.D. No. 55, Inc., as borrowers, Group, J. Crew International, Inc. and Madewell Inc., as guarantors, the lenders named therein and the Agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed on June 30, 2006.

 

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10.10   Amendment No. 5, dated as of July 10, 2006, to the Credit Facility by and among Operating, J. Crew Inc., Grace Holmes, Inc., H.F.D. No. 55, Inc., as borrowers, Group, J. Crew International, Inc., and Madewell Inc., as guarantors, the lenders named therein and the Agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed on July 13, 2006.
10.11   Amendment No. 6, dated as of November 7, 2006, to the Credit Facility by and among Operating, J. Crew Inc., Grace Holmes, Inc., H.F.D. No. 55, Inc., as borrowers, Group, J. Crew International, Inc., and Madewell Inc., as guarantors, the lenders named therein and the Agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed on November 9, 2006.
10.12   Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 15, 2006, by an among TPG-MD Investment, LLC, J. Crew Operating Corp., J. Crew Inc., Grace Holmes, Inc., H.F.D. No. 55, Inc. and J. Crew International, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the S-1/A Registration Statement filed on May 16, 2006.
10.13   Credit Agreement, dated as of February 4, 2003, by and between J.Crew Group, Inc., J.Crew Operating Corp., and certain subsidiaries thereof, and TPG-MD Investment, LLC (the “TPG-MD Credit Agreement”). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed on February 7, 2003.
10.14   Amendment No. 1, dated as of November 21, 2004, to the TPG-MD Credit Agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Form 8-K filed on December 28, 2004.
10.15   Letter Agreement, dated as of August 16, 2005, between J. Crew Group, Inc. and TPG-MD Investment, LLC. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the S-1 Registration Statement filed on August 17, 2005.
10.16   Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and among J. Crew Group, Inc., J. Crew Operating Corp. and Millard S. Drexler dated as of October 20, 2005. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed on October 21, 2005.
10.17   Trademark License Agreement by and among J. Crew Group, Inc., Millard S. Drexler and Millard S. Drexler, Inc. dated as of October 20, 2005. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K filed on October 21, 2005.
10.18   Employment Agreement, dated August 16, 2005, by and among J. Crew Group, Inc., its operating subsidiaries and James Scully. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the S-1 Registration Statement filed on August 17, 2005.
10.19   Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of May 15, 2006, by and among J. Crew Operating Corp., J. Crew Group, Inc. and certain subsidiaries of J. Crew Operating Corp. named as guarantors therein, the lenders party thereto from time to time, Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P. and Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., as joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners, Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P., as administrative agent and collateral agent, Bear Stearns Corporate Lending, Inc., as syndication agent, and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as documentation agent (the “Credit and Guaranty Agreement”). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the S-1/A Registration Statement filed on May 16, 2006.
10.20   Pledge and Security Agreement Term Loan Collateral, dated as of May 15, 2006, by and among J. Crew Operating Corp., J. Crew Group, Inc. and certain subsidiaries. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the S-1/A Registration Statement filed on May 16, 2006.
10.21   Trademark Security Agreement, dated, as of May 15, 2006, by and among J. Crew Inc. and J. Crew International, as grantors, and Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P., as collateral agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the S-1/A Registration Statement filed on May 16, 2006.
10.22   Copyright Security Agreement, dated as of May 15, 2006, by and between J. Crew International, as grantor, and Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P., as collateral agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the S-1/A Registration Statement filed on May 16, 2006.
10.23   Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of May 15, 2006, by and among J. Crew Operating Corp., J. Crew Group, Inc. and certain subsidiaries of J. Crew Operating Corp. named as guarantors in the Credit and Guaranty Agreement, Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P., in its capacity as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Credit and Guaranty Agreement, and Wachovia Bank, National Association, in its capacity as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Credit Facility. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the S-1/A Registration Statement filed on May 16, 2006.
10.24   Stock option grant agreement, dated as of November 15, 2006, between J. Crew Group, Inc. and Jeffrey Pfeifle. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed on November 17, 2006.
10.25   Stock option grant agreement, dated as of November 15, 2006, between J. Crew Group, Inc. and Tracy Gardner. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K filed on November 17, 2006.
10.26   Stock option grant agreement, dated as of November 15, 2006, between J. Crew Group, Inc. and James Scully. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 8-K filed on November 17, 2006.

 

28


Table of Contents
10.27*   Amendment No. 1, dated December 5, 2006, to the J. Crew Group, Inc. 2005 Equity Incentive Plan.
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.

 

29

Equity Incentive Plan

Exhibit 10.27

AMENDMENT 1 TO THE

J. CREW GROUP, INC.

2005 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

(Effective as of December 5, 2006)

WHEREAS, J. Crew Group, Inc. (the “Company”) has established the J. Crew Group, Inc. 2005 Equity Incentive Plan, effective as of June 27, 2006 (the “Plan”);

WHEREAS, capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Plan;

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 14 of the Plan, the Board of Directors of J. Crew Group, Inc. (the “Board”) has the power and authority to amend the Plan; and

WHEREAS, the Board has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company’s stockholders to amend the Plan as set for the below;

NOW THEREFORE, the Board hereby amends the Plan by adding the following definitions to Section 2 of the Plan:

“Cause” means, when used in connection with the termination of a Participant’s employment, unless otherwise provided in the agreement evidencing Participant’s Incentive Award, the termination of the Participant’s employment by the Company or its affiliate on account of (i) the willful violation by the Participant of any federal or state law or any rule of the Company or its affiliate, (ii) a breach by a Participant of the Participant’s duty of loyalty to the Company and its affiliates in contemplation of the Participant’s termination of employment, such as the Participant’s pre-termination of employment solicitation of customers or employees of the Company or its affiliate, (iii) the Participant’s unauthorized removal from the premises of the Company or its affiliate of any document (in any medium or form) relating to the Company or its affiliate or the customers of the Company or its affiliate, or (iv) any gross negligence in connection with the performance of the Participant’s duties as an employee. Any rights the Company or its affiliate may have hereunder in respect of the events giving rise to Cause shall be in addition to the rights the Company or its affiliate may have under any other agreement with the employee or at law or in equity. If, subsequent to a Participant’s termination of employment, it is discovered that such Participant’s employment could have been terminated for Cause, the Participant’s employment shall, at the election of the Committee, in its sole discretion, be deemed to have been terminated for Cause retroactively to the date the events giving rise to Cause occurred.

“Good Reason” means, unless otherwise provided in the agreement evidencing Participant’s Incentive Award, (i) a material diminution in a Participant’s duties and responsibilities other than a change in such Participant’s duties and responsibilities that directly results from a Change in Control, (ii) a decrease in a Participant’s base salary, bonus opportunity or benefits other than a decrease in benefits that applies to all employees of the Company or its affiliates otherwise eligible to participate in the applicable benefit plan, or (iii) a relocation following a Change in Control of a Participant’s primary work location more than 50 miles from the work location immediately prior to the Change in Control, in each case without the Participant’s written consent and after the Participant has provided the Committee with written notice specifying the circumstances that the Participant believes constitute Good Reason and the Company fails to cure such circumstances within a reasonable period of time (not to exceed 30 days) after receipt of such notice.

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)) for such 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 such 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) Evaluated the effectiveness of such 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

 

  c) Disclosed in this report any change in such 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, such 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 such registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of such 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 such 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 such registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Dated: December 12, 2006

 

/s/ Millard S. Drexler

Millard S. Drexler

Chairman of the Board and 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)) for such 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 such 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) Evaluated the effectiveness of such 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

 

  c) Disclosed in this report any change in such 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, such 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 such registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of such 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 such 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 such registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Dated: December 12, 2006

 

/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. and (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended October 28, 2006 (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.

Dated: December 12, 2006

 

/s/ Millard S. Drexler

Millard S. Drexler

Chairman of the Board and 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.