ITEM 1.
BUSINESS.
“J.Crew,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to J.Crew Group, Inc. (“Group”) and its wholly owned subsidiaries, including J.Crew Operating Corp. (“Operating”). “Parent” refers to Group’s ultimate parent, Chinos Holdings, Inc.
Overview
J.Crew is an internationally recognized multi-brand apparel and accessories retailer that differentiates itself through high standards of quality, style, design and fabrics. We are a vertically-integrated omni-channel specialty retailer that operates stores and websites both domestically and internationally. We design, market and sell our products, including those under the J.Crew®, crewcuts® and Madewell® brands, offering complete assortments of women’s, men’s and children’s apparel and accessories. We believe our customer base consists primarily of affluent, college-educated, professional and fashion-conscious women and men.
We conduct our business through two primary sales channels: (1) Stores, which consists of our retail, factory and Madewell stores, and (2) Direct, which consists of our J.Crew, factory and Madewell websites. As of February 1, 2014, we operated 265 J.Crew retail stores, 121 J.Crew factory stores, and 65 Madewell stores throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom; compared to 247 J.Crew retail stores, 106 J.Crew factory stores, and 48 Madewell stores as of February 2, 2013.
Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31, typically resulting in a 52-week year, but occasionally includes an additional week, resulting in a 53-week year. All references to fiscal 2013 reflect the results of the 52-week period ended February 1, 2014; all references to fiscal 2012 reflect the results of the 53-week period ended February 2, 2013; and all references to fiscal 2011 reflect the results of the 52-week period ended January 28, 2012. In addition, all references to fiscal 2014 reflect the 52-week period ending January 31, 2015.
We were incorporated in the State of New York in 1988 and reincorporated in the State of Delaware in October 2005. Our principal executive offices are located at 770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003, and our telephone number is (212) 209-2500.
On March 7, 2011, J.Crew Group, Inc. was acquired by affiliates of TPG Capital, L.P. (together with such affiliates, “TPG”) and Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. (“LGP” and together with TPG, the “Sponsors”) in a transaction, referred to as the “Acquisition,” valued at approximately $3.1 billion, including the incurrence of $1.6 billion of debt and approximately $152 million of transaction costs. As a result of the Acquisition, our stock is no longer publicly traded. Currently, the issued and outstanding shares of J.Crew Group, Inc. are indirectly owned by affiliates of the Sponsors, certain co-investors and members of management.
Although the Company continued as the same legal entity after the Acquisition, we determined our consolidated operating results for: (i) the period succeeding the Acquisition from March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012 (“Successor”) and (ii) the period preceding the Acquisition from January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011 (“Predecessor”). Where meaningful, we have presented disclosures with respect to the combination of the Successor and Predecessor periods, on a pro forma basis, which we refer to as “pro forma fiscal 2011.” The pro forma results of operations for fiscal 2011 give effect to the Acquisition as if it occurred on the first day of fiscal 2011.
Brands and Merchandise
We project our brand image through consistent creative messaging in our store environments, websites and catalogs and with our superior customer service. We maintain our brand image by exercising substantial control over the design, production, presentation and pricing of our merchandise and by selling our products ourselves. Senior management is extensively involved in all phases of our business including product design and sourcing, assortment planning, store selection and design, website experience and the selection of photography for each catalog.
J.Crew. Introduced in 1983, J.Crew offers a complete assortment of women’s and men’s apparel and accessories, including outerwear, suiting, casual attire, wedding and bridesmaids dresses, swimwear, shoes, handbags, belts, socks, jewelry and more. J.Crew offers products ranging from casual t-shirts and denim to limited edition “collection” items, such as hand-embellished sweaters and coats, Italian cashmere, limited edition prints and patterns, and vintage inspired details. We also offer a curated selection of other brands that we have partnered with offering unique, hard-to-find items consistent with our brand philosophy. J.Crew products are sold through our J.Crew retail and factory stores and our J.Crew and factory websites. Our J.Crew catalog provides a branding and traffic-driving vehicle that supports all channels of distribution.
crewcuts. Introduced in 2006, crewcuts reflects the same high standard of quality, style and design that we offer under the J.Crew brand. Crewcuts offers a product assortment of apparel and accessories for the children’s market from infant to children’s size
14. Crewcuts products are sold through stand-alone retail and factory stores, shop-in-shops in our J.Crew retail and factory stores and our J.Crew website.
Madewell. Introduced in 2006, Madewell is a modern-day interpretation of a denim based label originally founded in 1937. Madewell offers products exclusively for women, including perfect-fitting, heritage-inspired jeans and all the “downtown-cool” pieces to wear with them, from vintage-influenced tees, cardigans and blazers, to boots and jewelry. Madewell products are sold through Madewell retail stores and our Madewell website.
A summary of our revenues by brand is as follows:
(a)
Includes J.Crew factory and crewcuts.
(b)
Consists primarily of shipping and handling fees and revenues from third-party resellers.
(c)
Consists of 53 weeks.
Channels
We conduct our business through two primary sales channels: (1) Stores, which consists of our retail, factory, and Madewell stores, and (2) Direct, which consists of our J.Crew, factory and Madewell websites. A summary of our revenues by channel is as follows:
(a)
Consists primarily of shipping and handling fees and revenues from third-party resellers.
(b)
Consists of 53 weeks.
Stores
J.Crew Retail. Our J.Crew retail stores are located in upscale regional malls, lifestyle centers and street locations. Our retail stores are designed and fixtured with the goal of creating a distinctive, sophisticated and inviting atmosphere, with displays and information about product quality. We believe situating our stores in desirable locations is critical to the success of our business, and we determine store locations, as well as individual store sizes, based on several factors, including geographic location, demographic information, presence of anchor tenants in mall locations and proximity to other high-end specialty retail stores. As of February 1, 2014, we operated 265 J.Crew retail stores (including eight crewcuts stores) throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
Our J.Crew retail stores averaged approximately 6,300 total square feet as of February 1, 2014, but are “sized to the market,” which means that we adjust the size of a particular retail store based on the projected revenues from that particular store. For example, at the end of fiscal 2013, our largest retail store, located in New York, was approximately 21,000 square feet, and our smallest retail store, a crewcuts store located in Connecticut, was approximately 900 square feet.
J.Crew Factory. Our J.Crew factory stores are located primarily in large outlet malls and are designed with simple, volume driving visuals to maximize the sale of key items. We design and develop a specific line of merchandise for our J.Crew factory stores
based on products sold in previous seasons in our J.Crew retail stores and through our Direct channel. As of February 1, 2014, we operated 121 J.Crew factory stores (including three crewcuts factory stores) throughout the United States and Canada.
Our J.Crew factory stores averaged approximately 5,600 total square feet as of February 1, 2014, and are also “sized to the market.” For example, at the end of fiscal 2013, our largest factory store, located in New York, was approximately 10,300 square feet, and our smallest factory store, a factory crewcuts store located in Florida, was approximately 1,500 square feet.
Madewell. Similar to J.Crew retail stores, our Madewell stores are located in upscale trade areas that include malls, lifestyle centers and street locations. Our Madewell store environments are carefully designed with the goal of capturing the look and feel of a downtown boutique, while still reflecting the quality and sophistication of our J.Crew stores. As of February 1, 2014, we operated 65 Madewell stores throughout the United States.
Our Madewell stores averaged approximately 3,600 total square feet as of February 1, 2014. At the end of fiscal 2013, our largest Madewell store, located in Washington, D.C., was approximately 9,600 square feet, and our smallest Madewell store, located in Washington, was approximately 2,600 square feet.
The following table details the number of stores that we operated for the past three fiscal years:
Direct
Our Direct channel serves customers through websites for the J.Crew, factory and Madewell brands. Our websites allow customers to purchase our merchandise over the Internet and include jcrew.com, jcrewfactory.com and madewell.com. In fiscal 2011, we entered into an arrangement with a third party that currently gives us the ability to accept and fulfill orders from residents of over 100 countries outside of the United States and Canada. We also use the Direct channel to sell exclusive styles not available in stores, introduce and test new product offerings, offer extended sizes and colors on various products, and drive targeted marketing campaigns. Our catalogs serve as an important branding vehicle to communicate to our customers across all channels. In fiscal 2013, we circulated approximately 3.7 billion catalog pages.
Financial Information about Segments
We have determined our operating segments on the same basis that we use to internally evaluate performance and allocate resources. Our operating segments are Stores and Direct, which have been aggregated into one reportable financial segment. We aggregate our operating segments because they have similar class of consumer, economic characteristics, nature of products, nature of production and distribution methods.
Shared Resources That Support Our Brands
Design and Merchandising
On the basis of data collected from our Direct channel customers, we believe our customer base consists primarily of affluent, college educated, professional and fashion-conscious women and men. We seek to appeal to our customers by creating high quality products that reflect our customers’ affluent and active lifestyles across a broad range of price points.
We believe one of our key strengths is our design team, who designs merchandise that reinforces our constantly evolving brands. Our collections are designed to reflect a clean and fashionable aesthetic that incorporates high quality fabrics and construction as well as consistent fits and detailing.
Our products are developed in four seasonal collections and are rolled-out for monthly product introductions in our periodic catalog mailings and in our stores. The design process begins with our designers developing seasonal collections eight to twelve months in advance. Our designers regularly travel domestically and internationally to develop color and design ideas. Once the design team has developed a season’s color palette and design concepts, they order a sample assortment in order to evaluate the details of the collection, such as how color takes to a particular fabric. The design team then presents the collection to senior management. The presentation reflects the design team’s vision, from color direction and flow, to styling and silhouette evolution.
Our teams work closely with each other in order to leverage market data, ensure the quality of our products and remain true to our unified brand aesthetic and voice. Our technical design team develops construction and fit specifications for every product, ensuring quality workmanship and consistency across product lines.
Because our product offerings originate from a single concept assortment, we believe that we are able to efficiently offer an assortment of styles within each season’s line while still maintaining a unified vision. As a final step that is intended to ensure image consistency, our senior management reviews the full line of products for each season across all of our sales channels before they are manufactured.
Marketing and Advertising
We communicate our brand message to customers through all channels, including our websites, our catalogs, email marketing, online advertising, and our social media presence. Our core marketing objectives are structured to drive awareness and differentiation of our brands, increase new customer acquisition, maintain and build customer retention and loyalty, and build brand awareness internationally.
Digital marketing and social media have played an important part of our strategy in our recent history and are among our most effective marketing tools. We have found that J.Crew customers who engage with us via our social media outlets (facebook, twitter, Pinterest or Instagram) generally spend approximately 2x more than the average J.Crew customer. Facebook is the current leading player in terms of size and time spent on site, but there are significant growth opportunities in our new visual platforms, such as Pinterest and Instagram.
We offer a private-label credit card which is owned and operated by a third-party bank. In fiscal 2013, sales on J.Crew credit cards made up approximately 16% of our total net sales. We believe that our credit card program encourages frequent store and website visits and catalog sales and promotes multiple-item purchases, thereby cultivating customer loyalty to the J.Crew brand and increasing sales. The J.Crew credit card offers reward cards based on customer spend.
Sourcing
We source our merchandise in two ways: (i) through the use of buying agents, and (ii) by purchasing merchandise directly from trading companies and manufacturers. We have no long-term merchandise supply contracts, and we typically transact business on an order-by-order basis. In fiscal 2013, we worked with nine buying agents, who supported our relationships with vendors that supplied approximately 62% of our merchandise, with one of these buying agents supporting our relationships with vendors that supplied approximately 47% of our merchandise. In exchange for a commission, our buying agents identify suitable vendors and coordinate our purchasing requirements with the vendors by placing orders for merchandise on our behalf, ensuring the timely delivery of goods to us, obtaining samples of merchandise produced in the factories, inspecting finished merchandise and carrying out other administrative communications on our behalf. In fiscal 2013, we worked with a number of trading companies, and purchased approximately 23% of our merchandise from one of these companies. Trading companies control factories that manufacture merchandise and also handle certain other shipping and customs matters related to importing the merchandise into the United States. We sourced the remaining 15% of our merchandise directly from manufacturers within the United States and overseas, the majority of whom we have long-term, and what we believe to be, stable relationships.
Our sourcing base currently consists of 200 vendors who operate 320 factories in 22 countries. Our top 10 vendors supply 45% of our merchandise. Each of our top 10 vendors uses multiple factories to produce its merchandise, which we believe gives us a high degree of flexibility in placing production of our merchandise. We believe we have developed strong relationships with our vendors, some of which rely upon us for a significant portion of their business.
In fiscal 2013, approximately 87% of our merchandise was sourced in Asia (with 75% of our products sourced from China and Hong Kong), 11% was sourced in Europe and other regions, and 2% was sourced in the United States. Substantially all of our foreign purchases are negotiated and paid for in U.S. dollars.
Distribution
We own a 282,000 square foot facility in Asheville, North Carolina that houses our distribution operations for our stores. This facility currently employs approximately 280 full and part-time associates during our non-peak season and approximately 20 additional associates during our peak season. Merchandise is transported from this distribution center to our stores by independent trucking companies or UPS, with a transit time of approximately two to five days.
We also own two facilities in Lynchburg, Virginia: a 425,000 square foot facility and a 63,700 square foot facility, which we purchased in February 2013 for $2 million. These facilities contain a customer call center and order fulfillment operations for our Direct channel. In fiscal 2012, we completed construction to expand the primary facility by approximately 155,000 square feet. The Lynchburg facilities currently employ approximately 1,250 full and part-time associates during our non-peak season and approximately 460 additional associates during our peak season. Merchandise sold via our Direct channel is sent directly to customers from this distribution center via the United States Postal Service, UPS or Federal Express.
We lease a 45,800 square foot customer call center in San Antonio, Texas. This facility currently employs approximately 310 full and part-time associates during our non-peak season and approximately 120 additional associates during our peak season.
Management Information Systems
Our management information systems are designed to provide comprehensive order processing, production, accounting and management information for the marketing, manufacturing, importing and distribution functions of our business. We also have point-of-sale systems in our stores that enable us to track inventory from store receipt to final sale on a real-time basis. We have an agreement with a third party to provide hosting services and administrative support for portions of our infrastructure. In addition, our websites are hosted by a third party at its data center.
We believe our merchandising and financial systems, coupled with our point-of-sale systems and software programs, allow for item-level stock replenishment, merchandise planning and real-time inventory accounting practices. Our telephone and telemarketing systems, warehouse package sorting systems, automated warehouse locator and inventory bar coding systems use current technology, and are designed with our highest-volume periods in mind, which results in substantial flexibility and ample capacity in our lower-volume periods. We also stress test our systems during low-volume periods to ensure optimal performance during our peak season. We are investing significantly in expanding and upgrading our information systems, networks and infrastructure to support recent and expected future growth.
Pricing
We offer our customers a mix of select designer-quality products and more casual items at various price points, consistent with our signature styling strategy of pairing luxury items with more casual items. We offer limited edition “collection” items such as hand-embellished sweaters and coats, Italian cashmere, limited edition prints and patterns and vintage inspired details, which we believe elevates the overall perception of our brand. We believe offering a broad range of price points maintains a more accessible, less intimidating atmosphere.
Cyclicality and Seasonality
Our industry is cyclical and our revenues are affected by general economic conditions. Purchases of apparel and accessories are sensitive to a number of factors that influence the levels of consumer spending, including economic conditions and the level of disposable consumer income, consumer debt, interest rates and consumer confidence.
Our business is seasonal and 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 higher in our fourth fiscal quarter, particularly December when customers make holiday purchases. In fiscal 2013, we realized approximately 28% of our revenues in the fourth fiscal quarter.
Competition
The specialty retail industry is highly competitive. We compete primarily with specialty retailers, department stores, catalog retailers and Internet businesses that engage in the sale of women’s, men’s and children’s apparel, accessories, shoes and similar merchandise. We compete on quality, design, customer service and price. We believe that our primary competitive advantages are consumer recognition of our brands, as well as our multiple selling channels that enable our customers to shop in the setting they prefer. We believe that we also differentiate ourselves from competitors on the basis of our signature product design, our ability to offer both designer-quality products at higher price points and more casual items at lower price points, our focus on the quality of our product offerings and our customer-service oriented culture. We believe our success depends in substantial part on our ability to originate and define product and fashion trends as well as to timely anticipate, gauge and react to changing consumer demands. Some of our competitors are larger and may have greater financial, marketing and other resources than us. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that we will be able to compete successfully with them in the future.
Associates
As of February 1, 2014, we had approximately 15,300 associates, of whom approximately 5,200 were full-time associates and 10,100 were part-time associates. Approximately 1,340 of these associates are employed in our customer call center and Direct order fulfillment operations facilities in Lynchburg, Virginia, approximately 310 of these associates work in our store distribution center in Asheville, North Carolina, and approximately 370 of these associates work in our call center in San Antonio, Texas. In addition, approximately 3,500 associates are hired on a seasonal basis in these facilities and our stores to meet demand during the peak season. None of our associates are represented by a union. We have had no labor-related work stoppages and we believe our relationship with our associates is good.
Trademarks and Licensing
The J.Crew and Madewell trademarks and variations thereon, such as crewcuts, are registered or are subject to pending trademark applications with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and with the registries of many foreign countries. We believe our trademarks have significant value and we intend to continue to vigorously protect them against infringement.
Government Regulation
We are subject to customs, truth-in-advertising, consumer protection, employment, data privacy, product safety and other laws, including zoning and occupancy ordinances that regulate retailers and/or govern the promotion and sale of merchandise and the operation of retail stores and warehouse facilities. We monitor changes in these laws and believe that we are in material compliance with applicable laws.
A substantial portion of our products are manufactured outside the United States. These products are imported and are subject to U.S. customs laws, which impose tariffs as well as import quota restrictions for textiles and apparel. Some of our imported products are eligible for duty-advantaged programs. While importation of goods from foreign countries from which we buy our products may be subject to embargo by U.S. Customs authorities if shipments exceed quota limits, we closely monitor import quotas and believe we have the sourcing network to efficiently shift production to factories located in countries with available quotas. The existence of import quotas has, therefore, not had a material adverse effect on our business.
Available Information
We make available free of charge on our Internet website, www.jcrew.com, copies of our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to these reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as soon as reasonably practicable after filing such material electronically with, or otherwise furnishing it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The reference to our website address does not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained on the website, and the information contained on the website is not part of this document.
Copies of the reports and other information we file with the SEC may also be examined by the public without charge at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549, or on the Internet at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of all or a portion of such materials can be obtained from the SEC upon payment of prescribed fees. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information.
ITEM 1A.
ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS.
We face a variety of risks that are substantial and inherent in our business. The following are some of the more important risk factors that could affect our business.
Risks Related to Our Business and Our Industry
Unfavorable economic conditions could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Economic conditions around the world can impact our customers and affect the general business environment in which we operate and compete. Our results can be impacted by a number of macroeconomic factors, including, but not limited to, consumer confidence and spending levels, employment rates, consumer credit availability, fuel and energy costs, raw materials costs, global factory production, commercial real estate market conditions, credit market conditions, interest rates, taxation, the level of customer traffic in malls and shopping centers and changing demographic patterns.
Demand for our merchandise is significantly impacted by negative trends in consumer confidence and other economic factors affecting consumer spending behavior. Because apparel and accessories generally are discretionary purchases, consumer purchases of our products may decline during recessionary periods or when disposable income is lower. As a result, our sales, growth and profitability may be adversely affected by unfavorable economic conditions at a regional, national or international level. In addition, unfavorable economic conditions abroad may impact our ability to meet quality and production goals.
We believe that our current cash balance, cash flow from operations and availability under the $1,817 million of senior secured credit facilities, a portion of which was refinanced on March 5, 2014 (see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources”), provide us with sufficient liquidity. However, a decrease in liquidity of our customers and suppliers could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and liquidity.
Periods of economic uncertainty or volatility make it difficult to plan, budget and forecast our business. Incorrect assumptions concerning economic trends, customer requirements, distribution models, demand forecasts, interest rate trends and availability of resources may result in our failure to accurately forecast results and to achieve forecasted results or budget targets.
Failure to achieve sufficient levels of revenue and cash flow at individual store locations could result in impairment charges related to our stores. Various uncertainties, including changes in consumer preferences or deterioration in the economic environment could impact the expected cash flows to be generated by our store locations, and may result in an impairment of those assets. Although such an impairment charge would be a non-cash expense, any impairment charges could materially increase our expenses and reduce our profitability.
The specialty retail industry is cyclical, and a decline in consumer spending on apparel and accessories could reduce our sales and slow our growth.
The industry in which we operate is cyclical. Purchases of apparel and accessories are sensitive to a number of factors that influence the levels of consumer spending, including general economic conditions and the level of disposable consumer income, the availability of consumer credit, interest rates, taxation, consumer confidence in future economic conditions and demographic patterns. Because apparel and accessories generally are discretionary purchases, declines in consumer spending patterns may impact us more negatively as a specialty retailer. Therefore, we may not be able to grow revenues or increase profitability if there is a decline in consumer spending patterns or we decide to slow or alter our growth plans in anticipation of or in response to a decline in consumer spending.
We operate in the highly competitive specialty retail industry, and the size and resources of some of our competitors may allow them to compete more effectively than we can, which could result in loss of our market share.
We face intense competition in the specialty retail industry. We compete primarily with specialty retailers, department stores, catalog retailers and Internet businesses that engage in the sale of women’s, men’s and children’s apparel, accessories, and similar merchandise. We compete on quality, design, customer service and price. Many of our competitors are, and many of our potential competitors may be, larger and have greater financial, marketing and other resources, devote greater resources to the marketing and sale of their products, generate greater international brand recognition or adopt more aggressive pricing policies than we can. In addition, increased levels of promotional activity by our competitors, both online and in stores, may negatively impact our revenues and gross profit.
In addition, a significant portion of our revenues come from our Direct channel, which is subject to intense competition. In order to retain customers and attract new customers to our website, we may have to offer promotional prices and reduced rate or free
shipping offers. For our international customers online, we may also face pricing and competitive pressures as a result of import costs and currency conversion. Finally, the rapid pace of technological change may require us to incur costs to implement new systems and platforms in order to meet customer demand and to provide a desirable online shopping experience for our customers.
If we are unable to gauge fashion trends and react to changing consumer preferences in a timely manner, our sales will decrease.
We believe our success depends in substantial part on our ability to:
·
originate and define product and fashion trends,
·
anticipate, gauge and react to changing consumer demands in a timely manner, and
·
translate market trends into desirable, saleable product offerings far in advance of their sale through our stores, our websites and our catalogs.
Because we enter into agreements for the manufacture and purchase of merchandise well in advance of the season in which merchandise will be sold, we are vulnerable to changes in consumer demand, pricing shifts and suboptimal merchandise selection and timing of merchandise purchases. We attempt to reduce the risks of changing fashion trends and product acceptance in part by devoting a portion of our product line to classic styles that are not significantly modified from year to year. Nevertheless, if we misjudge the market for our products or overall level of consumer demand, we may be faced with significant excess inventories for some products and missed opportunities for others. Our brands’ images may also suffer if customers believe we are no longer able to offer the latest fashions or if we fail to address and respond to customer feedback or complaints. The occurrence of these events, among others, could hurt our financial results by decreasing sales. We may respond by increasing markdowns or initiating marketing promotions to reduce excess inventory, which would further decrease our gross profits and net income.
We rely on the experience and skills of key personnel, the loss of whom could damage our brands’ images and our ability to sell our merchandise.
We believe we have benefited substantially from the leadership and strategic guidance of our chief executive officer, as well as other key executives and members of our creative team, who are primarily responsible for developing our strategy. The loss, for any reason, of the services of any of these individuals and any negative market or industry perception arising from such loss could damage our brands’ images. Our executive and creative teams have substantial experience and expertise in the specialty retail industry and have made significant contributions to our growth and success. The unexpected loss of one or more of these individuals could delay the development and introduction of, and harm our ability to sell, our merchandise. In addition, products we develop without the guidance and direction of these key personnel may not receive the same level of acceptance.
Our success depends in part on our ability to attract and retain key personnel. Competition for this experienced talent is intense, and we may not be able to attract and retain a sufficient number of qualified personnel in the future.
Our expanded product offerings, new sales channels, new brands and concepts and plans to expand internationally may not be successful, and implementation of these strategies may divert our operational, managerial, financial and administrative resources, which could impact our competitive position.
We have grown our business in recent years by expanding our product offerings and sales channels, including by marketing our crewcuts line of children’s apparel and accessories and our Madewell brand of women’s apparel and accessories. We have opened a small number of free-standing stores dedicated to men’s wear, crewcuts and “collection” items. Beginning in 2011, we have opened stores in Canada, expanded our international shipping, and expanded internationally this fall with three stores in the United Kingdom. These strategies involve various risks discussed elsewhere in these risk factors, including:
·
implementation may be delayed or may not be successful,
·
if our expanded product offerings and sales channels or our international growth efforts fail to maintain and enhance the distinctive identity of our brands, our brands’ images may be diminished and our sales may decrease,
·
if customers (domestic or international) do not respond to these product offerings and sales channels as anticipated, these strategies may not be profitable on a larger scale, and
·
implementation of these plans may divert management’s attention from other aspects of our business, increase costs and place a strain on our management, operational and financial resources, as well as our information systems.
In addition, our new product offerings, new brands and concepts, new sales channels and international expansion may be affected by, among other things, economic, demographic and competitive conditions, changes in consumer spending patterns and
changes in consumer preferences and style trends. Further rollout of these strategies could be delayed or abandoned, could cost more than anticipated and could divert resources from other areas of our business, any of which could impact our competitive position and reduce our revenue and profitability.
Our growth strategy depends on the successful execution of our efforts to grow the Direct business and expand internationally.
Our current growth strategy includes international expansion through both the Direct and Stores channels. Beginning in 2011, we opened stores in Canada and expanded our online presence to a number of countries. We also opened three stores this fall in the United Kingdom, and we plan to open stores in additional countries in the future, including locations in Asia and Europe, where brand recognition may be limited. We do not have experience operating in these regions and we will face established competition in most of these markets. Many of these countries have different operational requirements, including, but not limited to, employment and labor, transportation, logistics, real estate, product labelling, product safety, consumer protection, data privacy and local reporting or legal requirements. Consumer tastes, sizes and trends may differ from country to country and there may be seasonal differences, which may result in lower sales and/or margins for our products. Our success internationally could also be adversely impacted by the global economy, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, changes in diplomatic or trade relationships, political instability and foreign government regulation.
In addition, as we continue to expand our overseas operations, we are subject to certain U.S. laws, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, in addition to the laws of the foreign countries in which we operate. We must use all commercially reasonable efforts to ensure our associates and agents comply with these laws. If any of our associates or agents violate such laws we could become subject to sanctions or other penalties that could negatively affect our reputation, business and operating results.
Any material disruption of our information systems could disrupt our business and reduce our sales.
We are increasingly dependent on information systems to operate our websites, process transactions, respond to customer inquiries, manage inventory, purchase, sell and ship goods on a timely basis and maintain cost-efficient operations. Previously, we have experienced interruptions resulting from upgrades to certain of our information systems which temporarily impaired our ability to capture, process and ship customer orders, and transfer product between channels. We may experience operational problems with our information systems as a result of system failures, viruses, computer “hackers” or other causes. Any material disruption or slowdown of our systems, including a disruption or slowdown caused by our failure to successfully upgrade our systems, could cause information, including data related to customer orders, to be lost or delayed which could-especially if the disruption or slowdown occurred during the holiday season-result in delays in the delivery of merchandise to our stores and customers or lost sales, which could reduce demand for our merchandise and cause our sales to decline. Moreover, we may not be successful in developing or acquiring technology that is competitive and responsive to the needs of our customers and might lack sufficient resources to make the necessary investments in technology to compete with our competitors. Accordingly, if changes in technology cause our information systems to become obsolete, or if our information systems are inadequate to handle our growth, we could lose customers.
Our Direct operations are a substantial part of our business and we devote substantial resources to marketing via the Internet. In addition to changing consumer preferences and buying trends relating to Internet usage, we are vulnerable to certain additional risks and uncertainties associated with the Internet, including changes in required technology interfaces, website downtime and other technical failures, security breaches, and consumer privacy concerns. Our failure to successfully respond to these risks and uncertainties could reduce Internet sales, increase costs and damage the reputation of our brands. Data privacy and information security is regulated at the international, federal and state levels, and compliance with any changes in the laws and regulations enacted by these governments will likely increase the cost of doing business.
Management uses information systems to support decision making and to monitor business performance. We may fail to generate accurate and complete financial and operational reports essential for making decisions at various levels of management, which could lead to decisions being made that have adverse results. Failure to adopt systematic procedures to initiate change requests, test changes, document changes, and authorize changes to systems and processes prior to deployment may result in unsuccessful changes and could disrupt our business and reduce sales. In addition, if we do not maintain adequate controls such as reconciliations, segregation of duties and verification to prevent errors or incomplete information, our ability to operate our business could be limited.
Compromises of our data security could cause us to incur unexpected expenses and loss of revenues and may materially harm our reputation and business.
In the ordinary course of our business, we collect and store certain personal information from individuals, such as our customers and employees, and we process customer payment card and check information. We rely on commercially available systems, software, tools and monitoring to provide security for processing, transmission and storage of confidential information. While no security breach has occurred, there can be no assurance that we will not suffer a data compromise, that unauthorized parties will not gain access to personal information, or that any such data compromise or access will be discovered in a timely way. Further, the systems
currently used for transmission and approval of payment card transactions, and the technology utilized in payment cards themselves, all of which can put payment card data at risk, are determined and controlled by the payment card industry, not by us. Computer hackers may attempt to penetrate our computer system and, if successful, misappropriate personal information, payment card or check information or confidential business information of our Company. In addition, there may be non-technical issues, such as our employees, contractors or third parties with whom we do business or to whom we outsource business operations may attempt to circumvent our security measures in order to misappropriate such information, and may purposefully or inadvertently cause a breach involving such information. Advances in computer and software capabilities and encryption technology, new tools and other developments may increase the risk of such a breach.
Compromise of our data security or of third parties with whom we do business, failure to prevent or mitigate the loss of personal or business information and delays in detecting or providing prompt notice of any such compromise or loss could disrupt our operations, damage our reputation and customers’ willingness to shop in our stores, violate applicable laws, regulations, orders and agreements, and subject us to litigation and additional costs and liabilities which could be material.
If we fail to maintain the value of our brands and protect our trademarks, our sales are likely to decline.
Our success depends on the value of the J.Crew and Madewell brands and our corporate reputation. The J.Crew and Madewell names are integral to our business as well as to the implementation of our strategies for expanding our business. Maintaining, promoting and positioning our brands will depend largely on the success of our marketing and merchandising efforts and our ability to provide a consistent, high quality customer experience. Our brands could be adversely affected if we fail to achieve these objectives or if our public image or reputation were to be tarnished by negative publicity. Any of these events could result in decreases in sales.
The J.Crew and Madewell trademarks and variations thereon are valuable assets that are critical to our success. We intend to continue to vigorously protect our trademarks against infringement, but we may not be successful in doing so. The unauthorized reproduction or other misappropriation of our trademarks would diminish the value of our brands, which could reduce demand for our products or the prices at which we can sell our products.
Our real estate strategy may not be successful, and new store locations may fail to produce desired results, which could impact our competitive position and profitability.
We expanded our store base by 50 net new stores in fiscal 2013. We are also reviewing our existing store base and identifying opportunities, where available, to renegotiate the terms of those leases. The success of our business depends, in part, on our ability to open new stores and renew our existing store leases on terms that meet our financial targets. Our ability to open new stores on schedule or at all, to renew our existing store leases on favorable terms or to operate them on a profitable basis will depend on various factors, including our ability to:
·
identify suitable markets for new stores and available store locations,
·
anticipate the impact of changing economic and demographic conditions for new and existing store locations,
·
negotiate acceptable lease terms for new locations or renewal terms for existing locations,
·
hire and train qualified sales associates,
·
develop new merchandise and manage inventory effectively to meet the needs of new and existing stores on a timely basis,
·
foster current relationships and develop new relationships with vendors that are capable of supplying a greater volume of merchandise, and
·
avoid construction delays and cost overruns in connection with the build-out of new stores.
New stores and stores with renewed lease terms may not produce anticipated levels of revenue even though they increase our costs. As a result, our expenses as a percentage of sales would increase and our profitability would be adversely affected.
Reductions in the volume of mall traffic or closing of shopping malls as a result of unfavorable economic conditions or changing demographic patterns could significantly reduce our sales and leave us with unsold inventory.
Most of our stores are located in shopping malls. Sales at these stores are derived, in part, from the volume of traffic in those malls. Our stores benefit from the ability of the malls’ “anchor” tenants, generally large department stores and other area attractions, to generate consumer traffic in the vicinity of our stores and the continuing popularity of the malls as shopping destinations. Unfavorable economic conditions, particularly in certain regions, have adversely affected mall traffic and resulted in the closing of certain anchor
stores and has threatened the viability of certain commercial real estate firms which operate major shopping malls. A continuation of this trend, including failure of a large commercial landlord or continued declines in the popularity of mall shopping generally among our customers, would reduce our sales and leave us with excess inventory. We may respond by increasing markdowns or initiating marketing promotions to reduce excess inventory, which would further decrease our gross profits and net income.
Our inability to maintain or increase levels of comparable company sales could cause our earnings to decline.
If our future comparable company sales fail to meet expectations, our earnings could decline. In addition, our results have fluctuated in the past and can be expected to continue to fluctuate in the future. For example, in the previous three fiscal years, our quarterly comparable company sales changes have ranged from an increase of 16.0% to a decrease of 2.8%. A variety of factors affect comparable company sales, including fashion trends, competition, current economic conditions, pricing, inflation, the timing of the release of new merchandise and promotional events, changes in our merchandise mix, the success of marketing programs, timing and level of markdowns and weather conditions.
In addition, the recent unfavorable economic environment and the resulting softening apparel demand has led to a more promotional environment across the specialty retail industry, which has impacted our promotional posture and our gross margins. In addition, this promotional pricing may have a negative effect on our brands’ images, which may be difficult to counteract once the economy improves.
Over the past several years, various regions of the country have experienced extreme weather patterns. Significant amounts of snow, wind, ice and other weather elements have caused and may continue to cause a greater number of store closures than we have historically experienced.
All of these factors may cause our comparable company sales to be materially lower than previous periods and our expectations, which could impact our ability to leverage fixed expenses, such as store rent and store asset depreciation, which may adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.
Interruption in our foreign sourcing operations could disrupt production, shipment or receipt of our merchandise, which would result in lost sales and could increase our costs.
We do not own or operate any manufacturing facilities and therefore depend upon independent third party vendors for the manufacture of all of our products. Our products are manufactured to our specifications primarily by foreign manufacturers. We cannot control all of the various factors, which include inclement weather, natural disasters, political and financial instability, strikes, health concerns regarding infectious diseases in countries in which our merchandise is produced, and acts of terrorism that might affect a manufacturer’s ability to ship orders of our products in a timely manner or to meet our quality standards. Inadequate labor conditions, health and safety issues in the factories where goods are produced can negatively impact our brands reputations. Late delivery of products or delivery of products that do not meet our quality standards could cause us to miss the delivery date requirements of our customers or delay timely delivery of merchandise to our stores for those items. These events could cause us to fail to meet customer expectations, cause our customers to cancel orders or cause us to be unable to deliver merchandise in sufficient quantities or of sufficient quality to our stores, which could result in lost sales.
In fiscal 2013, approximately 98% of our merchandise was sourced from foreign factories. In particular, approximately 75% of our merchandise was sourced from China and Hong Kong. Any event causing a sudden disruption of manufacturing or imports from Asia or elsewhere, including the imposition of additional import restrictions, could materially harm our operations. We have no long-term merchandise supply contracts, and many of our imports are subject to existing or potential duties, tariffs or quotas that may limit the quantity of certain types of goods that may be imported into the United States from countries in Asia or elsewhere. We compete with other companies for production facilities and import quota capacity. While substantially all of our foreign purchases of our products are negotiated and paid for in U.S. dollars, the cost of our products may be affected by fluctuations in the value of relevant foreign currencies. Our business is also subject to a variety of other risks generally associated with doing business abroad, such as political instability, economic conditions, disruption of imports by labor disputes and local business practices.
In addition, to the manufacturing in China, we are also engaging in a growing amount of production in other developing countries. These other countries may present greater risks than China with regards to infrastructure to support manufacturing, labor and employee relations, political and economic stability, corruption, environmental, health and safety compliance. While we endeavor to monitor and audit facilities where our production is done, any significant events with factories we use can adversely impact our reputation, brand, and product delivery.
Increases in the demand for, or the price of, raw materials used to manufacture our products or other fluctuations in sourcing costs could increase our costs and hurt our profitability.
The raw materials used to manufacture our products are subject to availability constraints and price volatility caused by high demand for fabrics, weather, supply conditions, government regulations, economic climate and other unpredictable factors. In addition, our sourcing costs may also fluctuate due to labor conditions, transportation or freight costs, energy prices, currency fluctuations or other unpredictable factors. For example, we have experienced fluctuations in the price of cotton that is used to manufacture some of our merchandise. In addition, the cost of labor at many of our third party manufacturers and the cost of transportation have been increasing and it is unlikely that such cost pressures will abate.
We believe that we have strong vendor relationships and we are working with our suppliers to manage cost increases. Our overall profitability depends, in part, on the success of our ability to mitigate rising costs or shortages of raw materials used to manufacture our products.
Any significant interruption in the operations of our customer call, order fulfillment and distribution facilities could disrupt our ability to process customer orders and to deliver our merchandise in a timely manner.
Our Direct order fulfillment operations are housed in a single facility along with one of our customer call centers, while distribution operations for our stores are housed in another single facility. Although we maintain back-up systems for these facilities, they may not be able to prevent a significant interruption in the operation of these facilities due to natural disasters, accidents, failures of the inventory locator or automated packing and shipping systems we use or other events. In addition, we have upgraded certain Direct channel systems, including our web platform, order management system and warehouse management system in order to support recent and expected future growth. We experienced some interruptions in the past in connection with our Direct channel systems and while we made progress in stabilizing these systems, there can be no assurance that future interruptions will not occur. Any significant interruption in the operation of these facilities, including an interruption caused by our failure to successfully expand or upgrade our systems or manage our transition to utilizing the expansions or upgrades, could reduce our ability to receive and process orders and provide products and services to our stores and customers, which could result in lost sales, cancelled sales and a loss of loyalty to our brand.
Third party failure to deliver merchandise from our distribution centers to our stores and to customers or a disruption or adverse condition affecting our distribution centers could result in lost sales or reduced demand for our merchandise.
The success of our stores depends on their timely receipt of merchandise from our distribution facilities, and the success of our Direct channel depends on the timely delivery of merchandise to our customers. Independent third party transportation companies deliver our merchandise to our stores and to our customers. Some of these third parties employ personnel represented by labor unions. Disruptions in the delivery of merchandise or work stoppages by employees of these third parties could delay the timely receipt of merchandise, which could result in cancelled sales, a loss of loyalty to our brands, increased logistics costs and excess inventory. Timely receipt of merchandise by our stores and our customers may also be affected by factors such as inclement weather, natural disasters, accidents, system failures and acts of terrorism. We may respond by increasing markdowns or initiating marketing promotions, which would decrease our gross profits and net income. Inability to recover from a business interruption and return to normal operations within a reasonable period of time could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and damage our brand reputation.
Our ability to source our merchandise profitably or at all could be hurt if new trade restrictions are imposed or existing trade restrictions become more burdensome.
Trade restrictions, including increased tariffs, safeguards or quotas, on apparel and accessories could increase the cost or reduce the supply of merchandise available to us. We source our merchandise through buying agents and by purchasing directly from trading companies and manufacturers, predominately in various foreign countries. There are quotas and trade restrictions on certain categories of goods and apparel from China and countries that are not subject to the World Trade Organization Agreement, which could have a significant impact on our sourcing patterns in the future. New initiatives may be proposed that may have an impact on our sourcing from certain countries and may include retaliatory duties or other trade sanctions that, if enacted, would increase the cost of products we purchase. We cannot predict whether any of the countries in which our merchandise is currently manufactured or may be manufactured in the future will be subject to additional trade restrictions imposed by the U.S. and foreign governments, nor can we predict the likelihood, type or effect of any such restrictions. Trade restrictions, including increased tariffs or quotas, embargoes, safeguards and customs restrictions against apparel items, as well as U.S. or foreign labor strikes, work stoppages or boycotts or enhanced security measures at U.S. ports could increase the cost, delay shipping or reduce the supply of apparel available to us or may require us to modify our current business practices, any of which could hurt our profitability.
If our independent manufacturers do not use ethical business practices or comply with applicable laws and regulations, our brands could be harmed due to negative publicity.
While our internal and vendor operating guidelines, as outlined in our Vendor Code of Conduct, promote ethical business practices and we, along with third parties that we retain for this purpose, monitor compliance with those guidelines, we do not control our independent manufacturers. Accordingly, we cannot guarantee their compliance with our guidelines. Our Vendor Code of Conduct is designed to ensure that each of our suppliers’ operations is conducted in a legal, ethical, and responsible manner. Our Vendor Code of Conduct requires that each of our suppliers operates in compliance with applicable wage benefit, working hours and other local laws, and forbids the use of practices such as child labor or forced labor.
Violation of labor or other laws by our independent manufacturers, or the divergence of an independent manufacturer’s practices from those generally accepted as ethical in the United States could diminish the value of the J.Crew and Madewell brands and reduce demand for our merchandise if, as a result of such violation, we were to attract negative publicity.
We are subject to customs, advertising, consumer protection, data privacy, product safety, zoning and occupancy and labor and employment laws that could require us to modify our current business practices, incur increased costs or harm our reputation if we do not comply.
We are subject to numerous laws and regulations, including customs, truth-in-advertising, consumer protection, general data privacy, health information privacy, identity theft, online privacy, product safety, unsolicited commercial communication and zoning and occupancy laws and ordinances that regulate retailers generally and/or govern the importation, promotion and sale of merchandise and the operation of retail stores and warehouse facilities. If these regulations were to change or were violated by our management, associates, suppliers, buying agents or trading companies, the costs of certain goods could increase, or we could experience delays in shipments of our goods, be subject to fines or penalties, or suffer reputational harm, which could reduce demand for our merchandise and hurt our business and results of operations. Failure to protect personally identifiable information of our customers or associates could subject us to considerable reputational harm as well as significant fines, penalties and sanctions. In addition, changes in federal and state minimum wage laws and other laws relating to employee benefits could cause us to incur additional wage and benefits costs, which could hurt our profitability.
Legal requirements frequently change and are subject to interpretation, and we are unable to predict the ultimate cost of compliance with these requirements or their effect on our operations. Failure to define clear roles and responsibilities or to regularly communicate with and train our associates may result in noncompliance with applicable laws and regulations. We may be required to make significant expenditures or modify our business practices to comply with existing or future laws and regulations, which may increase our costs and materially limit our ability to operate our business. We expect the costs of compliance and risks to our business in this area to increase as we expand our international and Direct business.
Fluctuations in our results of operations for the fourth fiscal quarter would have a disproportionate effect on our overall financial condition and results of operations.
Our revenues are generally lower during the first and second fiscal quarters. In addition, any factors that harm our fourth fiscal quarter operating results, including adverse weather or unfavorable economic conditions, could have a disproportionate effect on our results of operations for the entire fiscal year.
In order to prepare for our peak shopping season, we must order and keep in stock significantly more merchandise than we would carry at other times of the year. Any unanticipated decrease in demand for our products during our peak shopping season could require us to sell excess inventory at a substantial markdown, which could reduce our net sales and gross profit. Additional unplanned decreases in demand for our products could produce further reductions to our net sales and gross profit.
Our quarterly results of operations may also fluctuate significantly as a result of a variety of other factors, including the timing of new store openings and of catalog mailings and the revenues contributed by new stores, merchandise mix and the timing and level of inventory markdowns. As a result, historical period-to-period comparisons of our revenues and operating results are not necessarily indicative of future period-to-period results.
Impairment of our goodwill or our intangible assets could negatively impact our net income and stockholders’ equity.
A substantial portion of our total assets consists of goodwill and intangible assets. Goodwill and certain intangible assets are not amortized, but are tested for impairment at least annually and between annual tests if events or circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of our net assets is less than its carrying amount. Testing for impairment involves an estimation of the fair value of our net assets and other factors and involves a high degree of judgment and subjectivity. There are numerous risks that may cause the fair value of our net assets to fall below its carrying amount, including those described elsewhere in this annual
report on Form 10-K. If we have an impairment of our goodwill or intangible assets, the amount of any impairment could be significant and could negatively impact our net income and stockholders’ equity for the period in which the impairment charge is recorded.
We may be a party to legal proceedings in the future that could adversely affect our business.
From time to time, we are a party to legal proceedings, including matters involving personnel and employment issues, personal injury, intellectual property, consumer protection and other proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. In addition, there are an increasing number of cases being filed in the retail industry generally that contain class action allegations, such as those relating to data privacy and wage and hour laws. We evaluate our exposure to these legal proceedings and establish reserves for the estimated liabilities in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Assessing and predicting the outcome of these matters involves substantial uncertainties. Although not currently anticipated by management, unexpected outcomes in these legal proceedings, or changes in management’s evaluations or predictions and accompanying changes in established reserves, could have a material adverse impact on our financial results.
We could be subject to changes in our tax rates and the adoption of new U.S. or international tax legislation or exposed to additional tax liabilities in connection with our international expansion, which could negatively impact our financial results.
We are subject to taxes in the U.S. and with our international expansion we have become subject to taxes in foreign jurisdictions where our international subsidiaries are organized. Due to economic and political conditions, tax rates in various jurisdictions may be subject to significant change. Our future effective tax rates could be affected by changes in the mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, or changes in tax laws or their interpretation, including in the U.S. We are also subject to the examination of our tax returns and other tax matters by the Internal Revenue Service and other tax authorities and governmental bodies. We regularly assess the likelihood of an adverse outcome resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for taxes. There can be no assurance as to the outcome of these examinations. If our effective tax rates were to increase, particularly in the U.S., or if the ultimate determination of our taxes owed is for an amount in excess of amounts previously accrued, then our operating results, cash flows, and financial condition could be adversely affected.
Risks Related to Our Indebtedness and Certain Other Obligations
Our substantial indebtedness and lease obligations could adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations and make strategic acquisitions, limit our ability to react to changes in the economy or our industry, expose us to interest rate risk to the extent of our variable rate debt and prevent us from meeting our obligations under our indebtedness.
We are highly leveraged. The total indebtedness of J.Crew and its subsidiaries at February 1, 2014 was $1,567 million, consisting of borrowings under our term loan credit facility, dated March 7, 2011, as amended (the “Term Loan Facility”) of $1,167 million and $400 million of J.Crew’s outstanding 8.125% Senior Notes due 2019 (the “Senior Notes”). We can also borrow up to $250 million under our ABL Facility (together with our Term Loan Facility, the “Senior Credit Facilities”), subject to a borrowing base limitation. As of February 1, 2014, our Senior Credit Facilities also allowed an aggregate of $350 million in uncommitted incremental facilities, the availability of which was subject to our meeting certain conditions, including, in the case of $200 million of incremental term facilities, a pro forma total senior secured leverage ratio of less than or equal to 3.75 to 1.00. The Term Loan Facility and Senior Notes were refinanced on March 5, 2014. For more information, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
On November 4, 2013, Chinos Intermediate Holdings A, Inc. (the “Issuer”), our indirect parent holding company, issued $500 million aggregate principal of 7.75/8.50% Senior PIK Toggle Notes due May 1, 2019 (the “PIK Notes”). The PIK Notes pay interest semi-annually on May 1 and November 1 of each year. The PIK Notes are: (i) senior unsecured obligations of the Issuer, (ii) structurally subordinated to all of the liabilities of the Issuers’ subsidiaries, and (iii) not guaranteed by any of the Issuers’ subsidiaries, and therefore are not recorded in our financial statements. While not required, we intend to pay dividends to the Issuer to fund interest payments on the PIK Notes. If interest on the PIK Notes is paid in cash, the semi-annual interest payments will be $19 million, or $213 million through the maturity date.
We also have, and will continue to have, significant lease obligations. As of February 1, 2014, our minimum annual rental obligations under long-term operating leases for fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2015 are $162 million and $159 million, respectively.
Our high degree of leverage, significant lease obligations and our intention to pay dividends to the Issuer to fund interest payments could have important consequences for our creditors. For example, they could:
·
limit our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital (including vendor payment terms), capital expenditures, debt service requirements, acquisitions and general corporate or other purposes;
·
restrict us from making strategic acquisitions or cause us to make non-strategic divestitures;
·
limit our ability to adjust to changing market conditions and place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors who are not as highly leveraged;
·
increase our vulnerability to general economic and industry conditions;
·
expose us to the risk of increased interest rates as the borrowings under our Senior Credit Facilities are subject to variable rates of interest;
·
make it more difficult for us to make payments on our indebtedness; and
·
require a substantial portion of our cash flow to be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness (including dividends to the Issuer to fund interest payments), thereby reducing our ability to use our cash flow to fund our operations, capital expenditures and future strategic initiatives.
Our cash interest expense in fiscal 2013 was $94.3 million, which included interest expense on the Senior Notes. On March 5, 2014, an irrevocable notice of redemption was delivered to holders of the Senior Notes calling for the redemption of the entire outstanding $400 million in aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes on April 4, 2014 (the “Redemption Date”). The redemption for the $400 million in aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes to be redeemed is equal to 104.063% of the principal amount of such Senior Notes, plus fees, accrued and unpaid interest on the Senior Notes to, but not including, the Redemption Date, and totals $419,231,166.67 (the “Redemption Payment”). Following the deposit with the trustee for the Senior Notes of the Redemption Payment, on March 5, 2014, the indenture governing the Senior Notes (the “Senior Notes Indenture”) was satisfied and discharged in accordance with its terms.
Our debt agreements contain restrictions that limit our flexibility in operating our business.
The Senior Credit Facilities contain various covenants that limit the ability of J.Crew and our other subsidiaries to engage in specified types of transactions. These covenants limit our ability and the ability of J.Crew, Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc. (“Intermediate Holdings B”) and our restricted subsidiaries to, among other things:
·
incur or guarantee additional debt;
·
pay dividends or distributions on our capital stock or redeem, repurchase or retire our capital stock or indebtedness;
·
issue stock of subsidiaries;
·
make certain investments, loans, advances and acquisitions;
·
create liens on our assets to secure debt;
·
enter into transactions with affiliates;
·
merge or consolidate with another company; and
·
sell or otherwise transfer assets.
In addition, under our Senior Credit Facilities, we are required to meet specified financial ratios in order to undertake certain actions, and under the ABL Facility in certain circumstances, we may be required to maintain a specified fixed charge coverage ratio. Our ability to meet those tests can be affected by events beyond our control, and we cannot assure you that we will meet them. A breach of any of these covenants could result in a default under the Senior Credit Facilities. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the Senior Credit Facilities, the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under the Senior Credit Facilities to be immediately due and payable and terminate all commitments to extend further credit. If we were unable to repay those amounts, the lenders under the Senior Credit Facilities could proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure such indebtedness. J.Crew and certain of J.Crew’s subsidiaries have pledged substantially all of their assets, and Intermediate Holdings B has pledged the capital stock of J.Crew, as collateral under the Senior Credit Facilities. If the lenders under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities accelerate the repayment of borrowings, we may not have sufficient assets to repay the Senior Credit Facilities, as well as our other secured and unsecured indebtedness.
To service our indebtedness, we will require a significant amount of cash and our ability to generate cash depends on many factors beyond our control.
Our ability to make cash payments on and to refinance our indebtedness and to fund planned capital expenditures will depend on our ability to generate sufficient operating cash flow in the future. This ability is, to a significant extent, subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control.
Our business may not generate sufficient cash flow from operations, and future borrowings may not be available under our Senior Credit Facilities, in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness, or to fund our other liquidity needs. In any such circumstance, we may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness. We may not be able to refinance any of our indebtedness, including our Senior Credit Facilities, on commercially reasonable terms or at all. If we cannot service our indebtedness, we may have to take actions such as selling assets, seeking additional equity or reducing or delaying capital expenditures, strategic acquisitions and investments. Any such action, if necessary, may not be effected on commercially reasonable terms or at all. The credit agreements governing our Senior Credit Facilities restrict our ability to sell assets and use the proceeds from such sales.
If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow or are otherwise unable to obtain funds necessary to meet required payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness, or if we otherwise fail to comply with the various covenants in the instruments governing our indebtedness (including covenants in our Senior Credit Facilities), we could be in default under the terms of the agreements governing such indebtedness. In the event of such default, the holders of such indebtedness could elect to declare all the funds borrowed thereunder to be due and payable, together with accrued and unpaid interest, the lenders under our Senior Credit Facilities could elect to terminate their commitments thereunder, cease making further loans and institute foreclosure proceedings against our assets, and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation. If our operating performance declines, we may in the future need to obtain waivers from the required lenders under our Senior Credit Facilities to avoid being in default. If we breach our covenants under the credit agreements governing our Senior Credit Facilities and seek a waiver, we may not be able to obtain a waiver from the required lenders. If this occurs, we would be in default under our Senior Credit Facilities, the lenders could exercise their rights, as described above, and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation.
Our variable rate indebtedness subjects us to interest rate risk, which could cause our debt service obligations to increase significantly.
Borrowings under our Senior Credit Facilities are at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. If interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on our variable rate indebtedness will increase even though the amount borrowed would remain the same, and our net income and cash flow, including cash available for servicing our indebtedness, will correspondingly decrease. If LIBOR increases above 1.00%, a 0.125% increase in the floating rate applicable to the $1,567 million outstanding under the amended and restated term loan facility entered into on March 5, 2014 (the “Refinanced Term Loan Facility”) would result in a $2.0 million increase in our annual interest expense. Assuming all revolving loans are drawn under the $250 million ABL Facility, a 0.125% change in the floating rate would result in a $0.3 million change in our annual interest expense. Although we have entered into swap agreements to hedge the variability of cash flows related to a portion of our floating rate indebtedness, these measures will not fully mitigate our risk or may not be effective.
On March 5, 2014 the Company refinanced its outstanding Term Loan Facility, which resulted in the discontinuance of the designation of the interest rate swaps as a cash flow hedge. Prior unrealized losses of $22 million, recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income, will be reclassified to earnings in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 as a component of interest expense. Future unrealized gains and losses will be recorded as interest expense.
ITEM 1B.
ITEM 1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
None.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES.
We are headquartered in New York City. Our headquarter offices are leased under a lease agreement expiring in 2022, with an option to renew thereafter. We own three facilities: (i) a 425,000 square foot customer call center, order fulfillment and distribution center in Lynchburg, Virginia, (ii) a 282,000 square foot distribution center in Asheville, North Carolina and (iii) a 63,700 square foot facility in Lynchburg, Virginia, which we purchased in February 2013 for $2 million. We also lease a 45,800 square foot customer call center in San Antonio, Texas under a lease agreement expiring in October 2021. We also lease small corporate office spaces in Los Angeles, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Shenzhen, China.
As of February 1, 2014, we operated 265 J.Crew retail stores, 121 J.Crew factory stores, and 65 Madewell stores in 44 states, the District of Columbia, Canada and the United Kingdom. All of the retail and factory stores are leased from third parties with terms, in most cases, of 5 to 10 years. A portion of our leases have options to renew for periods typically ranging from 5 to 10 years. Generally, the leases contain standard provisions concerning the payment of rent, events of default and the rights and obligations of each party. Rent due under the leases is generally comprised of annual base rent plus a contingent rent payment based on the store’s sales in excess of a specified threshold. Some of the leases also contain early termination options, which can be exercised by us or the landlord under certain conditions. The leases also generally require us to pay real estate taxes, insurance and certain common area costs. We renegotiate with landlords to obtain more favorable terms as opportunities arise. We consider these properties to be in good condition and believe that our facilities are adequate for operations and provide sufficient capacity to meet our anticipated future requirements.
The table below sets forth the number of J.Crew (including retail and factory stores) and Madewell stores operated by us in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom as of February 1, 2014.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
On June 20, 2013, a purported class action complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts by an individual claiming that the Company collected her ZIP code unlawfully in connection with a retail purchase she made at a Massachusetts store. That action, captioned Miller v J.Crew Group, Inc., 13-cv-11487 (the “Miller Action”), purports to be brought on behalf of a class of customers whose ZIP codes were collected and recorded at Company stores in Massachusetts in connection with credit card purchases, and claims that the Company used the collected ZIP code data to obtain customers’ addresses for purposes of mailing them unwanted advertising material. The Miller Action seeks money damages pursuant to a claim under Chapter 93A of the General Laws of Massachusetts and a claim for unjust enrichment. On February 19, 2014, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the plaintiff’s unjust enrichment claim, stating that the plaintiff cannot properly state such a claim as a matter of Massachusetts law. The Company does not believe the resolution of the Miller Action will have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Also, we are subject to various other legal proceedings and claims arising in the ordinary course of business. Management does not expect that the results of any of these other legal proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE.
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
Prior to the Acquisition, our Common Stock was traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “JCG.” Subsequent to the Acquisition, our outstanding Common Stock is privately held and therefore there is no established public trading market.
Record Holders
As of March 21, 2014, Intermediate Holdings B (our direct owner and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of our Parent) was the only holder of record of our Common Stock.
Dividends
On December 21, 2012, the Company paid, from cash on hand, a dividend of $197.5 million to stockholders of record of the Parent on December 17, 2012.
On November 4, 2013 the Issuer, our indirect parent holding company, issued $500 million aggregate principal of the PIK Notes. The PIK Notes are: (i) senior unsecured obligations of the Issuer, (ii) structurally subordinated to all of the liabilities of the Issuers’ subsidiaries, and (iii) not guaranteed by any of the Issuers’ subsidiaries, and therefore are not recorded in our financial statements. While not required, we intend to pay dividends to the Issuer to fund interest payments on the PIK Notes. The semi-annual interest payments will be $19 million, or $213 million through the maturity date.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6.
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA.
The selected historical consolidated financial data for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014, February 2, 2013, and the periods March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012 and January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011 and as of February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K. The selected historical consolidated financial data for each of the years in the two-year period ended January 29, 2011 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements which are not included in this annual report on Form 10-K.
The historical results presented below are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period. The information should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our financial statements and the related notes included herein.
(a)
Consists of 53 weeks
ITEM 7.
ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
This discussion summarizes our consolidated operating results, financial condition and liquidity for the following periods: (i) fiscal 2013 (Successor) compared to fiscal 2012 (Successor), (ii) March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012 (Successor), and (iii) January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011 (Predecessor). Additionally, we have prepared supplemental discussion and analysis of the combination of the periods: (i) March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012 and (ii) January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011, on a pro forma basis, (“pro forma fiscal 2011”) for purposes of comparison with fiscal 2012. The pro forma results of fiscal 2011 give effect to the Acquisition as if it occurred on the first day of fiscal 2011.
Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31. Fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2011 ended on February 1, 2014 and January 28, 2012, respectively, and consisted of 52 weeks each. Fiscal 2012 ended on February 2, 2013 and consisted of 53 weeks. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K.
Executive Overview
J.Crew is an internationally recognized multi-brand apparel and accessories retailer that differentiates itself through high standards of quality, style, design and fabrics. We are a vertically-integrated omni-channel specialty retailer that operates stores and websites both domestically and internationally. We design, market and sell our products, including those under the J.Crew®, crewcuts® and Madewell® brands, offering complete assortments of women’s, men’s and children’s apparel and accessories. We believe our customer base consists primarily of affluent, college-educated, professional and fashion-conscious women and men.
As of February 1, 2014, we operated 265 J.Crew retail stores, 121 J.Crew factory stores, and 65 Madewell stores throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
A summary of highlights for fiscal 2013 is as follows:
·
Revenues increased 9.0% to $2,428.3 million.
·
Comparable company sales increased 3.1%.
·
Direct net sales increased 16.0% to $755.9 million.
·
Income from operations decreased $3.8 million to $249.9 million, or 10.3% of revenues.
·
We opened 19 J.Crew retail stores (including three stores in the United Kingdom), 15 J.Crew factory stores, and 17 Madewell stores. We closed one J.Crew retail store.
Sales Channels
We conduct our business through two primary sales channels: (1) Stores, which consists of our retail, factory, and Madewell stores, and (2) Direct, which consists of our J.Crew, factory, and Madewell websites. The following is a summary of our revenues by channel:
(a)
consists of 53 weeks.
How We Assess the Performance of Our Business
In assessing the performance of our business, we consider a variety of performance and financial measures. A key measure used in evaluating our business is comparable company sales. We also consider gross profit and selling, general and administrative expenses in assessing the performance of our business.
Net Sales
Net sales reflect our revenues from the sale of our merchandise less returns and discounts. We aggregate our merchandise into four sales categories: (i) women’s apparel, (ii) men’s apparel, (iii) children’s apparel, and (iv) accessories, which include shoes, socks, jewelry, handbags, belts and hair accessories. The approximate percentage of our sales derived from these four categories is as follows:
Comparable Company Sales
Comparable company sales reflect: (i) net sales at stores that have been open for at least twelve months, (ii) direct net sales, and (iii) shipping and handling fees, which are recorded as other revenues on our statements of operations. Comparable company sales exclude net sales from: (i) new stores that have not been open for twelve months, (ii) the 53rd week, if applicable, (iii) stores that experience a square footage change of at least 15 percent, (iv) stores that have been temporarily closed for at least 30 consecutive days, (v) permanently closed stores, and (vi) temporary “pop up” stores.
Measuring the change in year-over-year comparable company sales allows us to evaluate the performance of our business. Various factors affect comparable company sales, including:
·
consumer preferences, fashion trends, buying trends and overall economic trends,
·
competition,
·
changes in our merchandise mix,
·
pricing,
·
the timing of our releases of new merchandise and promotional events,
·
the level of customer service that we provide,
·
our ability to source and distribute products efficiently, and
·
the number of stores we open, close (including on a temporary basis for renovations) and expand in any period.
Cyclicality and Seasonality
Our industry is cyclical and our revenues are affected by general economic conditions. Purchases of apparel and accessories are sensitive to a number of factors that influence the levels of consumer spending, including economic conditions and the level of disposable consumer income, consumer debt, interest rates and consumer confidence.
Our business is seasonal and 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 higher in our fourth fiscal quarter, particularly December when customers make holiday purchases. In fiscal 2013, we realized approximately 28% of our revenues in the fourth fiscal quarter.
Gross Profit
Gross profit is determined by subtracting our cost of goods sold from our revenues. Cost of goods sold includes the direct cost of purchased merchandise, freight, design, buying and production costs, occupancy costs related to store operations (such as rent and utilities) and all shipping costs associated with our Direct channel. Cost of goods sold varies directly with revenues, and therefore, is usually higher in our fourth fiscal quarter. Cost of goods sold also changes as we expand or contract our store base and incur higher or lower store occupancy costs. The primary drivers of the costs of individual goods are the costs of raw materials and labor in the countries where we source our merchandise. Gross margin measures gross profit as a percentage of our revenues.
Our gross profit may not be comparable to other specialty retailers, as some companies include all of the costs related to their distribution network in cost of goods sold while others, like us, exclude all or a portion of them from cost of goods sold and include them in selling, general and administrative expenses.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses include all operating expenses not included in cost of goods sold, primarily catalog production and mailing costs, certain warehousing expenses, administrative payroll, store expenses other than occupancy costs, depreciation and amortization, and credit card fees. These expenses do not necessarily vary proportionally with net sales.
Results of Operations
The following table presents our operating results as a percentage of revenues as well as selected store data:
(1)
We exclude a portion of our distribution network costs from the cost of goods sold and include them in selling, general and administrative expenses. Our gross profit therefore may not be directly comparable to that of some of our competitors.
(2)
Calculated on a 52-week basis.
Results of Operations-Fiscal 2013 compared to Fiscal 2012
(a)
Consists of 53 weeks.
Revenues
Revenues increased $200.6 million, or 9.0%, to $2,428.3 million in fiscal 2013 from $2,227.7 million last year, driven primarily by an increase in sales of (i) men’s apparel, specifically shirts, pants, and suiting and (ii) women’s apparel, specifically sweaters, knits, and shirts. Revenues generated in the 53rd week last year were $20.9 million. Comparable company sales increased 3.1% in fiscal 2013 after an increase of 12.6% in fiscal 2012.
Stores sales increased $91.6 million, or 5.9%, to $1,638.2 million in fiscal 2013 from $1,546.6 million last year. Store sales increased 20.8% in fiscal 2012. Sales from stores that have been open for less than twelve months were $219.6 million in fiscal 2013.
Direct sales increased $104.4 million, or 16.0%, to $755.9 million in fiscal 2013 from $651.5 million last year. Direct sales increased $105.8 million, or 19.4%, in fiscal 2012.
Other revenues, which consist primarily of shipping and handling fees, increased $4.6 million, or 15.4%, to $34.2 million in fiscal 2013 from $29.6 million last year. This increase resulted primarily from revenues from third party resellers and shipping and handling fees.
Gross Profit
Gross profit increased $19.4 million to $1,006.1 million in fiscal 2013 from $986.7 million last year. This increase resulted from the following factors:
Gross margin decreased to 41.4% in fiscal 2013 from 44.3% last year. The decrease in gross margin was driven by: (i) a 230 basis point deterioration in merchandise margin due to increased markdowns and (ii) a 60 basis point increase in buying and occupancy costs as a percentage of revenues.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $23.1 million, or 3.2%, to $756.2 million in fiscal 2013 from $733.1 million last year. This increase primarily resulted from the following:
As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 31.1% in fiscal 2013 from 32.9% last year.
Interest Expense, Net
Interest expense, net of interest income, increased $2.5 million to $104.2 million in fiscal 2013 from $101.7 million last year. A summary of interest expense is as follows:
Income Taxes
The effective tax rate for fiscal 2013 was 39.4% compared to 36.7% last year. The difference between the statutory rate of 35% and the effective rate this year was driven primarily by state and local income taxes, net of federal benefit. The difference between the statutory rate and the effective rate last year was driven primarily by state and local income taxes, partially offset by a reduction in uncertain tax positions due to the expiration of statute of limitations.
Net Income
Net income decreased $8.0 million to $88.1 million in fiscal 2013 from $96.1 million last year. This decrease was due to an: (i) increase in selling, general and administrative expenses of $23.1 million, (ii) increase in interest expense of $2.5 million and (iii) increase in provision for income taxes of $1.7 million, partially offset by (iv) increase in gross profit of $19.4 million.
Results of Operations-Fiscal 2012 (Successor)
(a)
Consists of 53 weeks.
Revenues
Revenues were $2,227.7 million in fiscal 2012. Revenues consisted of (i) Stores sales of $1,546.6 million, or 69.4% of revenues, (ii) Direct sales of $651.5 million, or 29.3% of revenues, and (iii) other revenues (primarily shipping and handling fees) of $29.6 million, or 1.3% of revenues. Revenues reflect higher than planned Stores sales.
Gross Profit
Gross profit was $986.7 million, or 44.3% of revenues in fiscal 2012. Gross profit was impacted by lower than planned markdowns.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $733.1 million, 32.9% of revenues in fiscal 2012.
Interest Expense, Net
Interest expense, net of interest income, was $101.7 million in fiscal 2012. Interest expense reflects debt service on borrowings used to finance the Acquisition of the Company on March 7, 2011.
Provision for Income Taxes
The effective tax rate was 36.7% in fiscal 2012. The difference between the statutory rate of 35% and the effective tax rate was driven primarily by state and local income taxes, partially offset by a reduction in uncertain tax positions due to the expiration of statute of limitations.
Net Income
Net income was $96.1 million in fiscal 2012 driven primarily by gross profit of $986.7 million offset by selling, general and administrative expenses of $733.1 million and interest expense of $101.7 million.
Results of Operations-For the Period March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012 (Successor)
Revenues
Revenues were $1,721.8 million for the period March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012. Revenues consisted of (i) Stores sales of $1,194.3 million, or 69.4% of revenues, (ii) Direct sales of $502.0 million, or 29.2% of revenues, and (iii) other revenues (primarily shipping and handling fees) of $25.5 million, or 1.5% of revenues. Revenues reflect lower than planned Stores sales and shipping and handling fees.
Gross Profit
Gross profit was $679.6 million, or 39.5% of revenues, for the period March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012. Gross profit was impacted by higher than planned markdowns, and includes the impact of purchase accounting of $36.1 million.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $574.9 million, 33.4% of revenues, for the period March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012, and include the impact of purchase accounting and transaction costs relating to the Acquisition of $64.9 million.
Interest Expense, Net
Interest expense, net of interest income, was $91.7 million for the period March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012. Interest expense reflects debt service on borrowings used to finance the Acquisition of the Company on March 7, 2011.
Provision for Income Taxes
The effective tax rate was 4.5% for the period March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012. The difference between the statutory rate of 35% and the effective tax rate was driven primarily by non-deductible transaction costs relating to the Acquisition.
Net Income
Net income was $12.4 million for the period March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012 driven primarily by gross profit of $679.6 million offset by selling, general and administrative expenses of $574.9 million (including the impact of purchase accounting and transaction costs relating to the Acquisition of $101.0 million) and interest expense of $91.7 million.
Results of Operations-For the Period January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011 (Predecessor)
Revenues
Revenues were $133.2 million for the period January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011. Revenues consisted of (i) Stores sales of $86.5 million, or 64.9% of revenues, (ii) Direct sales of $43.6 million, or 32.8% of revenues, and (iii) other revenues (primarily shipping and handling fees) of $3.1 million, or 2.3% of revenues. Revenues reflect lower than planned Stores sales.
Gross Profit
Gross profit was $62.9 million, or 47.2% of revenues, for the period January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011. Gross profit was impacted by higher than planned markdowns.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $79.7 million, 59.8% of revenues, for the period January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011, and include transaction costs relating to the Acquisition of $32.2 million.
Interest Expense, Net
Interest expense, net of interest income, was $1.2 million for the period January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011. Interest expense reflects primarily the write off of the remaining unamortized deferred financing costs associated with the credit facility terminated in connection with the Acquisition.
Provision for Income Taxes
The effective tax rate was 10% for the period January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011. The difference between the statutory rate of 35% and the effective tax rate was driven primarily by non-deductible transaction costs relating to the Acquisition.
Net Loss
Net loss was $16.1 million for the period January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011 driven primarily by selling, general and administrative expenses of $79.7 million (including transaction costs relating to the Acquisition of $32.2 million), offset by gross profit of $62.9 million.
Supplemental MD&A-Results of Operations-Fiscal 2012 compared with Pro forma Fiscal 2011
Notes:
(a)
To give effect to the following adjustments:
(1)
To record five weeks of additional amortization expense to reflect a full year of amortization of intangible assets for our Madewell brand name, loyalty program and customer lists amortized on a straight-line basis over their respective useful lives.
(2)
To record five weeks of additional depreciation expense to reflect a full year of depreciation of the step-up of property and equipment allocated on a straight-line basis over a weighted average remaining useful life of 8.2 years.
(3)
To record five weeks of additional expense to reflect a full year of an annual monitoring fee (calculated as the greater of 40 basis points of annual revenues or $8 million) to be paid to the Sponsors in accordance with a management services agreement.
(4)
To record five weeks of additional amortization expense to reflect a full year of amortization of favorable and unfavorable lease commitments amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining lease life, offset by the elimination of the amortization of historical deferred rent credits.
(5)
To eliminate non-recurring charges that were incurred in connection with the Acquisition, including related share based compensation, transaction costs, transaction-related litigation recoveries, and amortization of the step-up in the carrying value of inventory.
(b)
To give effect to the following adjustments:
(1)
To record a full year of interest expense associated with borrowings under the Term Loan Facility and the Senior Notes, and the amortization of deferred financing costs. Pro forma cash interest expense reflects a weighted-average interest rate of 5.6%.
(c)
To reflect our expected annual effective tax rate of approximately 39%.
(a)
Consists of 53 weeks.
Revenues
Revenues increased $372.7 million, or 20.1%, to $2,227.7 million in fiscal 2012 from $1,855.0 million in pro forma fiscal 2011, driven primarily by an increase in sales of women’s apparel, specifically sweaters, knits, and shirts. Revenues generated in the 53rd week were $20.9 million. Comparable company sales increased 12.6% in fiscal 2012. Comparable company sales increased 3.3% in pro forma fiscal 2011.
Stores sales increased $265.8 million, or 20.8%, to $1,546.6 million in fiscal 2012 from $1,280.8 million in pro forma fiscal 2011. Store sales increased 7.4% in pro forma fiscal 2011. Sales from stores that have been open for less than twelve months were $187.4 million in fiscal 2012.
Direct sales increased $105.8 million, or 19.4%, to $651.5 million in fiscal 2012 from $545.7 million in pro forma fiscal 2011. Direct sales increased $55.1 million, or 11.2%, in fiscal 2011.
Other revenues, which consist primarily of shipping and handling fees, increased $1.1 million, or 3.7%, to $29.6 million in fiscal 2012 from $28.6 million in pro forma fiscal 2011. This increase resulted primarily from revenues from third party resellers, offset by decreased shipping and handling fees.
Gross Profit
Gross profit increased $213.5 million to $986.7 million in fiscal 2012 from $773.2 million in pro forma fiscal 2011. This increase resulted from the following factors:
Gross margin increased to 44.3% in fiscal 2012 from 41.7% in pro forma fiscal 2011. The increase in gross margin was driven by: (i) a 160 basis point expansion in merchandise margin due to decreased markdowns and (ii) a 100 basis point decrease in buying and occupancy costs as a percentage of revenues.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $145.7 million, or 24.8%, to $733.1 million in fiscal 2012 from $587.4 million in pro forma fiscal 2011. This increase primarily resulted from the following:
(Dollars in millions)
Increase
Increase in operating expenses, primarily non-comparable store expenses and payroll
$
73.2
Increase in share-based and incentive compensation
34.4
Increase in advertising and catalog costs
8.2
Increase in depreciation
8.1
Increase in other selling, general and administrative expenses, net
21.8
Total increase in selling, general and administrative expenses
$
145.7
As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 32.9% in fiscal 2012 from 31.7% in pro forma fiscal 2011.
Interest Expense, Net
Interest expense, net of interest income, increased $0.4 million to $101.7 million in fiscal 2012 from $101.3 million in pro forma fiscal 2011. A summary of interest expense is as follows:
Income Taxes
The effective tax rate for fiscal 2012 was 36.7%. The difference between the statutory rate of 35% and the effective rate was driven primarily by state and local income taxes, partially offset by a reduction in uncertain tax positions due to the expiration of statute of limitations.
Net Income
Net income increased $44.6 million to $96.1 million in fiscal 2012 from $51.5 million last year. This increase was due to an: (i) increase in gross profit of $213.5 million, partially offset by (ii) increase in selling, general and administrative expenses of $145.7 million, (iii) increase in provision for income taxes of $23.0 million and (iv) increase in interest expense of $0.4 million.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary sources of liquidity are our current balances of cash and cash equivalents, cash flows from operations and borrowings available under the ABL Facility. Our primary cash needs are capital expenditures in connection with opening new stores and remodeling our existing stores, investments in our distribution network, making information technology system enhancements, meeting debt service requirements (including paying dividends to an indirect parent company for the purposes of servicing debt - see note 7 to the consolidated financial statements) 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.
See “-Outlook” below.
Operating Activities
Cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2013 was $232.1 million and consisted of (i) net income of $88.1 million, (ii) adjustments to net income of $119.1 million, and (iii) changes in operating assets and liabilities of $24.9 million due primarily to an increase accounts payable, as a result of working capital management, offset by an increase in merchandise inventories.
Cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2012 was $194.2 million and consisted of (i) net income of $96.1 million, (ii) adjustments to net income of $102.1 million, offset by (iii) changes in operating assets and liabilities of $4.0 million due primarily to increases in prepaid income taxes and inventories.
Cash provided by operating activities from March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012 (Successor) was $246.3 million and consisted of (i) net income of $12.4 million, (ii) adjustments to net income of $140.2 million, and (iii) changes in operating assets and liabilities of $93.7 million due primarily to a decrease in prepaid income taxes, offset by an increase in inventories and related accounts payable.
Cash used in operating activities from January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011 (Predecessor) was $101.1 million and resulted from (i) net loss of $16.1 million, (ii) adjustments to net loss of $65.8 million, and (iii) changes in operating assets and liabilities of $19.2 million due primarily to an increase in inventories and related accounts payable.
Investing Activities
(1)
Includes capital expenditures for warehouse and corporate office expansion, store renovations and general corporate purposes.
Capital expenditures are planned at approximately $145 to $155 million for fiscal 2014, including $70 to $75 million for new stores, $40 to $45 million for information technology enhancements, $10 to $15 million for warehouse and corporate office expansion, and the remainder for store renovations and general corporate purposes.
Financing Activities
Cash used in financing activities was $12.0 million in fiscal 2013 resulting primarily from the repayment of debt.
Cash used in financing activities was $215.7 million in fiscal 2012 resulting primarily from the payment of a one-time special dividend and repayment of debt.
Cash provided by financing activities was $2,697.2 million from March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012 resulting from the net proceeds from debt and equity contributions, offset primarily by the payment of debt issuance costs.
Cash provided by financing activities was $75.6 million from January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011 resulting primarily from the tax benefits from share based compensation plans.
Financing Arrangements
ABL Facility
In connection with the Acquisition, on March 7, 2011, we entered into the ABL Facility, governed by an asset-based credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and the other agents and lenders party thereto, that provides for a $250 million senior secured revolving line of credit, subject to a borrowing base limitation. On October 11, 2012, we amended the ABL Facility to, among other things, (i) extend the maturity date, (ii) reduce the pricing on loans, letters of credit and fees paid on unutilized commitments, and (iii) modify certain financial and negative covenants. The ABL Facility was further amended on March 5, 2014 in order to, among other things, permit the incurrence of additional secured indebtedness under the Term Loan Facility and the redemption in full, of the Senior Notes. The ABL Facility provides for borrowing capacity in the form of loans or letters of credit up to the entire amount of the facility, and up to $25 million in U.S. dollars for loans on same-day notice, referred to as swingline loans, and is available in U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars and Euros. Any amounts outstanding under the ABL Facility are due and payable in full on October 11, 2017.
On February 1, 2014, standby letters of credit were $8.0 million, excess availability, as defined, was $242.0 million, and there were no borrowings outstanding. Average short-term borrowings under the ABL Facility were $2.4 million in fiscal 2013.
See note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for a further description of the terms of the ABL Facility.
Demand Letter of Credit Facility
The Company has an unsecured, demand letter of credit facility with HSBC which provides for the issuance of up to $35 million of documentary letters of credit on a no fee basis. On February 1, 2014, outstanding documentary letters of credit were $16.6 million and availability was $18.4 million under this facility.
Term Loan
In connection with the Acquisition, on March 7, 2011, we entered into the Term Loan Facility, governed by a $1,200 million term loan credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and the other agents and lenders party thereto. On December 18, 2012, the Term Loan Facility was amended to (i) permit a one-time dividend to Intermediate Holdings B (and by
Intermediate Holdings B to any direct or indirect parent of Intermediate Holdings B) in an amount up to $200 million and (ii) modify certain exceptions to the restrictive covenants in the credit agreement governing the Term Loan Facility that restrict the ability of Intermediate Holdings B, Group and its subsidiaries to pay dividends on, or redeem or repurchase capital stock, prepay indebtedness and make investments.
On February 4, 2013, we further amended the Term Loan Facility to, among other things, replace the $1,179 million in term loans outstanding immediately prior to the amendment with a new class of term loans, and reduce the applicable margin and LIBOR floor with respect to the new class of term loans.
On March 5, 2014, the Company entered into the Refinanced Term Loan Facility. The proceeds of the $1,567 million Refinanced Term Loan Facility were used to (i) refinance the $1,167 million of borrowings outstanding under the Term Loan Facility and (ii) together with cash on hand, deposit funds with the trustee sufficient to redeem in full the Company’s outstanding Senior Notes, and to pay any fees, premium and accrued interest to the date of redemption, pursuant to the Senior Notes Indenture, in satisfaction and discharge thereof in accordance with its terms. The maturity date of the Refinanced Term Loan Facility is March 5, 2021 and the interest rate was 4.00% as of the date of closing.
Borrowings under the Refinanced Term Loan Facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to an applicable margin plus, at Group’s option, either (a) LIBOR determined by reference to the costs of funds for U.S. dollar deposits for an interest period of one month adjusted for certain additional costs (subject to a floor) or (b) a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (1) the prime rate of Bank of America, N.A., (2) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50% and (3) a LIBOR determined by reference to the costs of funds for U.S. dollar deposits for an interest period of one month adjusted for certain additional costs, plus 1.00%. The applicable margin with respect to base rate borrowings is 2.00% and the LIBOR floor and applicable margin with respect to LIBOR borrowings are 1.00% and 3.00%, respectively. In addition, the Refinanced Term Loan Facility provides for an incremental 0.25% step-down in applicable margin at any time on and after May 6, 2013 when our corporate family rating, as publicly announced by Moody’s, is B1 or better.
We are required to make principal repayments equal to 0.25% of the $1,567 million outstanding under the Refinanced Term Loan Facility, or $3.9 million, on the last business day of January, April, July, and October, commencing in July 2014. We are also required to repay the term loan based on an annual excess cash flow, as defined in the agreement beginning in fiscal 2014.
See note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for a further description of the terms of the Term Loan Facility and note 17 for more information regarding the March 5, 2014 amendment and restatement of our Term Loan Facility.
PIK Notes
On November 4, 2013 the Issuer, our indirect parent holding company, issued $500 million aggregate principal of PIK Notes. The PIK Notes pay interest semi-annually on May 1 and November 1 of each year. The PIK Notes are: (i) senior unsecured obligations of the Issuer, (ii) structurally subordinated to all of the liabilities of the Issuers’ subsidiaries, and (iii) not guaranteed by any of the Issuers’ subsidiaries, and therefore are not recorded in our financial statements. While not required, we intend to pay dividends to the Issuer to fund interest payments on the PIK Notes. If interest on the PIK Notes is paid in cash, the semi-annual interest payments will be $19 million, or $213 million through the maturity date.
Outlook
Our short-term and long-term liquidity needs arise primarily from (i) capital expenditures, (ii) debt service requirements, including required quarterly principal repayments, repayments based on annual excess cash flow as defined and dividends to an indirect parent company for the purposes of servicing debt, and (iii) working capital needs. Management anticipates that capital expenditures in fiscal 2014 will be approximately $145 to $155 million, including $70 to $75 million for new stores, $40 to $45 million for information technology enhancements, $10 to $15 million for warehouse and corporate office improvements, and the remainder for store renovations and general corporate purposes. Management believes that our current balances of cash and cash equivalents, cash flow from operations and amounts available under the ABL Facility will be adequate to fund our primary short-term and long-term liquidity needs. Our ability to satisfy these obligations and to remain in compliance with the financial covenants under our financing arrangements, depends on our future operating performance, which in turn, may be impacted by prevailing economic conditions and other financial and business factors, some of which are beyond our control. See Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in part II of this report.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
We enter into documentary letters of credit to facilitate a portion of our international purchase of merchandise. We also enter into standby letters of credit to secure reimbursement obligations under certain insurance programs and lease obligations. As of February 1, 2014, we had the following obligations under letters of credit in future periods.
Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of February 1, 2014 and the effect such obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flows in future periods:
(1)
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 aggregate to approximately 43% of the minimum lease obligations.
(2)
As of February 1, 2014, we have recorded $8.1 million in liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions, which are included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. While these tax liabilities may result in future cash outflows, management cannot make reliable estimates of the cash flows by period due to the inherent uncertainty surrounding the effective settlement of these positions.
(3)
Our Senior Credit Facilities are comprised of a $1,167 million Term Loan Facility and a $250 million ABL Facility. The amount reflected does not take into account any amounts that may be required to be prepaid from time to time with our free cash flow.
(4)
Amounts shown do not include interest and do not reflect the effect of a refinancing completed on March 5, 2014.
(5)
On November 4, 2013 in a private transaction, Chinos Intermediate Holdings A, Inc. (the “Issuer”), an indirect parent holding company of Group, issued $500 million aggregate principal of 7.75/8.50% Senior PIK Toggle Notes due May 1, 2019 (the “PIK Notes”). The PIK Notes are: (i) senior unsecured obligations of the Issuer, (ii) structurally subordinated to all of the liabilities of the Issuers’ subsidiaries, and (iii) not guaranteed by any of the Issuers’ subsidiaries, including Group, and therefore are not recorded in our financial statements. While not required, we intend to pay dividends to the Issuer to fund interest payments. The semi-annual interest payments will be $19 million, or $213 million through the maturity date.
Impact of Inflation
Our results of operations and financial condition are presented based on historical cost. While it is difficult to accurately measure the impact of inflation due to the imprecise nature of the estimates required, we believe the effects of inflation, if any, on our results of operations and financial condition have not been significant.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2011, a pronouncement was issued that amended the guidance relating to the presentation of comprehensive income and its components. The pronouncement eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity and requires an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. We adopted this pronouncement on January 29, 2012. The adoption of this guidance required changes in presentation only and therefore did not have a significant impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.
In December 2011, a pronouncement was issued that amended the guidance related to the disclosure of recognized financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either offset on the balance sheet or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement. The amended provisions are effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and are required to be applied retrospectively for all prior periods presented. As this pronouncement relates to disclosure only, the adoption of this amendment did not have a significant impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Critical Accounting Policies
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of our assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Management bases estimates on historical experience and other assumptions it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances and evaluates these estimates on an on-going basis. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
The following critical accounting policies reflect the significant estimates and judgments used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. With respect to critical accounting policies, even a relatively minor variance between actual and expected experience can potentially have a materially favorable or unfavorable impact on subsequent consolidated results of operations. For more information on our accounting policies, please refer to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this annual report on Form 10-K.
Revenue Recognition
·
We recognize Store sales at the point of sale, and Direct sales at an estimated date of receipt by the customer. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling of Direct sales are classified as other revenues. We must make estimates of future sales returns related to current period sales. Management analyzes historical returns, current economic trends and changes in customer acceptance of our products when evaluating the adequacy of the reserve for sales returns.
·
Employee discounts are classified as a reduction of revenue.
·
We account for gift cards by recognizing a liability at the time a gift card is sold and recognizing revenue at the time the gift card is redeemed for merchandise. We review our gift card liability on an ongoing basis and recognize our estimate of the unredeemed gift card liability on a ratable basis over the estimated period of redemption. We defer revenue and recognize a liability for gift cards issued in connection with our customer loyalty program. Any unredeemed loyalty gift cards are recognized as income in the period in which they expire.
Inventory Valuation
Merchandise inventories are carried at the lower of average cost or market value. We capitalize certain design, purchasing and warehousing costs in inventory. We evaluate all of our inventories to determine excess inventories based on estimated future sales. Excess inventories may be disposed of through our Direct channel, factory stores and other liquidations. Based on historical results experienced through various methods of disposition, we write down the carrying value of inventories that are not expected to be sold at or above cost. Additionally, we reduce the cost of inventories based on an estimate of lost or stolen items each period.
Deferred Catalog Costs
The costs associated with direct response advertising, which consist primarily of catalog production and mailing costs, are capitalized and amortized over the expected future revenue stream of the catalog mailings, which we currently estimate to be approximately two months. The expected future revenue stream is determined based on historical revenue trends developed over an extended period of time. If the current revenue streams were to diverge from the expected trend, our amortization of deferred catalog costs would be adjusted accordingly.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The Acquisition of the Company was accounted for as a purchase business combination, whereby the purchase price paid was allocated to recognize the acquired assets and liabilities at fair value. In connection with the purchase price allocation, intangible assets were established for the J.Crew and Madewell trade names, loyalty program, customer lists and favorable lease commitments. The purchase price in excess of the fair value of assets and liabilities was recorded as goodwill, which consists primarily of intangible assets related to the knowhow, design and merchandising of the Company’s brands that do not qualify for separate recognition.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, such as the J.Crew trade name and goodwill, are not subject to amortization. The Company assesses the recoverability of indefinite-lived intangibles whenever there are indicators of impairment, or at least annually in the fourth quarter. If the recorded carrying value of an intangible asset exceeds its estimated fair value, the Company records a charge to write the intangible asset down to its fair value. Definite-lived intangibles, such as the Madewell trade name, loyalty program, customer lists and favorable lease commitments, are amortized on a straight line basis over their useful life or remaining lease term.
We assess the recoverability of goodwill at the reporting unit level, which consists of our operating segments, Stores and Direct. In this assessment, we first compare the estimated enterprise fair value of each of our reporting units to its recorded carrying value. We estimate the enterprise fair value based on discounted cash flow techniques. If the recorded carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated enterprise fair value in the first step, a second step is performed in which we allocate the enterprise fair value to the fair value of the reporting unit’s net assets. The second step of the impairment testing process requires, among other things, estimates of fair values of substantially all of our tangible and intangible assets. Any enterprise fair value in excess of amounts allocated to such net assets represents the implied fair value of goodwill for that reporting unit. If the recorded goodwill balance for a reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill, an impairment charge is recorded to write goodwill down to its fair value.
Fixed Asset Impairment
We are exposed to potential impairment if the book value of our assets exceeds their expected undiscounted future cash flows. The major components of our long-lived assets are store fixtures, equipment and leasehold improvements. The impairment of unamortized costs is measured at the store level and the unamortized cost is reduced to fair value if it is determined that the sum of expected discounted future net cash flows is less than net book value.
Income Taxes
An asset and liability method is used to account for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are recognized based on the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred taxes are measured using current enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to reverse. Inherent in the measurement of deferred taxes are certain judgments and interpretations of enacted tax law and published guidance.
Management believes it is more likely than not that forecasted income, together with the tax effects of the deferred tax liabilities, will be sufficient to fully recover the remaining deferred tax assets. In the event that all or part of the net deferred tax assets are determined not to be realizable in the future, a valuation allowance would be charged to earnings in the period such determination is made. Similarly, if we subsequently realize deferred tax assets that were previously determined unrealizable, any valuation allowance would be reversed into income in the period such determination is made. In addition, the calculation of current and deferred taxes involves significant judgment in estimating the impact of uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws. Resolution of these uncertainties in a manner inconsistent with management’s expectation could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial position.
With respect to uncertain tax positions that we have taken or expect to take on a tax return, we recognize in our financial statements the impact of tax positions that meet a “more likely than not” threshold, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized from uncertain positions are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon effective settlement.
Share Based Compensation
The fair value of employee share-based awards is recognized as compensation expense in the statement of operations. Determining the fair value of options at the grant date requires judgment, including estimating the expected term that stock options will be outstanding prior to exercise, the associated volatility and the expected dividend yield. Upon grant of awards, we also estimate an amount of forfeitures that will occur prior to vesting. If actual forfeitures differ significantly from the estimates, share-based compensation expense could be materially impacted.
Foreign Currency Translation
The financial statements of the Company’s foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars. Assets and liabilities are translated at current exchange rates as of the balance sheet date, equity accounts at historical exchange rates, while revenue and expense accounts are translated at the average rates in effect during the year. Translation adjustments are not included in determining net income, but are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss within stockholders’ equity.
ITEM 7A.
ITEM 7A.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES 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 Senior Credit Facilities carry floating rates of interest that are a function of prime rate and LIBOR. If LIBOR increases above 1.00%, a 0.125% increase in the floating rate applicable to the $1,567 million outstanding under the Refinanced Term Loan Facility would result in a $2.0 million increase in our annual interest expense, excluding the effect, if any, of our interest rate swap agreements. Assuming all revolving loans are drawn under the $250 million ABL Facility, a 0.125% change in the floating rate would result in a $0.3 million change in our annual interest expense. For more information with respect to our interest rate risk, see Risks Related to Our Indebtedness and Certain Other Obligations in Item 1A.
ITEM 8.
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
See “Index to Financial Statements”, which is located on page of this report.
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None.
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management and board of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements. Management evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (1992). Management, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of February 1, 2014 and concluded that it is effective.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fourth fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B.
ITEM 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION.
None.
PART III
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE OF THE REGISTRANT.
DIRECTORS
Our current Board consists of six members, who have been elected pursuant to a stockholders’ agreement between our Sponsors and Mr. Drexler. All of the directors, except Mr. Squeri and Mr. Drexler, are employees of our Sponsors and are therefore deemed to be affiliates. The names of our current directors, along with their present positions and qualifications, their principal occupations and directorships held with public corporations during the past five years, their ages and the year first elected as a director are set forth below.
James Coulter (54). Mr. Coulter has been a director since 1997. Mr. Coulter is a TPG Founding Partner. Mr. Coulter serves as a member on numerous corporate and charitable boards including Creative Artist Agency and the Vincraft Group. He previously served on the boards of The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc., Alltel Corporation, IMS Health Inc., Lenovo Group Limited, and Zhone Technologies, Inc. We believe Mr. Coulter’s qualifications to sit on our Board include his experience in finance and extensive and diverse experience in domestic and international business.
John Danhakl (58). Mr. Danhakl has been a director since 2011. Mr. Danhakl has been a Managing Partner of Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. since 1995. He also serves on the board of directors of Animal Health, Inc., CCC Information Services, Inc., IMS Health, Inc., Leslie’s Poolmart, Inc., Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. and The Tire Rack, Inc. He previously served on the boards of Air Lease Corp., Arden Group, Inc., AsianMedia Group LLC, Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation, Communications and Power Industries, Inc., Diamond Triumph Auto Glass, Inc., HITS, Inc., Liberty Group Publishing, Inc., MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc., The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc., Phoenix Scientific, Inc., Rite Aid Corporation, Sagittarius Brands, and VCA Antech, Inc. We believe Mr. Danhakl’s qualifications to sit on our Board include his experience as a private equity investor and his experience as a director of numerous privately-held and publicly-held companies.
Millard Drexler (69). Mr. Drexler has been our Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board and a director since 2003. Before joining J.Crew, Mr. Drexler was Chief Executive Officer of The Gap, Inc. from 1995 until 2002, and was President of The Gap, Inc. from 1987 to 1995. Mr. Drexler also serves on the board of directors and compensation and nominating and corporate governance committees of Apple, Inc. We believe Mr. Drexler’s qualifications to sit on our Board include his extensive experience as a CEO in the retail industry, his executive leadership and management experience, and his experience as a board member of a leading consumer products company.
Jonathan Sokoloff (56). Mr. Sokoloff has been a director since 2011. Mr. Sokoloff has been a Managing Partner of Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. since 1994 and joined Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. in 1990. Mr. Sokoloff also serves on the boards of directors of Whole Foods Market, Inc., the Container Store Group, Inc. and several private companies in the retail consumer area and served on the board of directors of Rite Aid Corporation until May 2011. We believe Mr. Sokoloff’s qualifications to sit on our Board include his experience as a private equity investor and his experience as a director of other retail companies.
Stephen Squeri (55). Mr. Squeri was a director of J.Crew Group, Inc. from September 2010 until March 2011 and he rejoined the Company’s board of directors in June 2012. Mr. Squeri has been Group President, Global Corporate Services at American Express Company since November 2011. Prior to that, he was Group President, Global Services since 2009. In addition, from July 2008 to September 2010, he was the head of Corporate Development, overseeing mergers and acquisitions for American Express. Mr. Squeri joined American Express in 1985. Prior to joining American Express, Mr. Squeri was a management consultant at Arthur Andersen and Company from 1982 to 1985.
Carrie Wheeler (42). Ms. Wheeler has been a director since 2011. Ms. Wheeler is a TPG Partner, which she joined in 1996. Prior to TPG, she was with Goldman, Sachs & Co. from 1993 to 1996. Ms. Wheeler also serves on the board of directors of Arden Group, Inc. and Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. She previously served on the board of The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc. We believe Ms. Wheeler’s qualifications to sit on our Board include her financial expertise as well as her experience as a director of two other retail companies.
See “Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions, and Director Independence” below for a discussion of certain arrangements and understandings regarding the nomination and selection of certain of our directors.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The names and ages of our executive officers, along with their positions and qualifications, are set forth below.
Name
Age
Position
Millard Drexler
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Stuart Haselden
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Jenna Lyons
President, Executive Creative Director
Lynda Markoe
Executive Vice President, Human Resources
James Scully
Chief Operating Officer
Libby Wadle
President-J.Crew Brand
Millard Drexler. Mr. Drexler has been our Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board and a director since 2003. Before joining J.Crew, Mr. Drexler was Chief Executive Officer of The Gap, Inc. from 1995 until 2002, and was President of The Gap, Inc. from 1987 to 1995. Mr. Drexler also serves on the board of directors and compensation and nominating and corporate governance committees of Apple, Inc.
Stuart Haselden. Mr. Haselden has been the Company’s Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer since May 2012. Prior to that, he was our Senior Vice President of Finance and Treasurer since 2009 and served as our Vice President of Financial Planning & Analysis from 2006 to 2009. Before joining J.Crew, Mr. Haselden served as the Vice President of Strategic Planning for Saks Incorporated where he held a variety of positions from 1999 to 2005.
Jenna Lyons. Ms. Lyons has been the Company’s President, Executive Creative Director since July 2010, and before that served as Executive Creative Director since April 2010. Prior to that, she was Creative Director since 2007 and, before that, was Senior Vice President of Women’s Design since 2005. Ms. Lyons joined J.Crew in 1990 as an Assistant Designer and has held a variety of positions within the Company, including Designer from 1994 to 1995, Design Director from 1996 to 1998, Senior Design Director in 1999, and Vice President of Women’s Design from 1999 to 2005.
Lynda Markoe. Ms. Markoe has been the Company’s Executive Vice President, Human Resources since 2007 and was previously Vice President and then Senior Vice President, Human Resources since 2003. Before joining J.Crew, Ms. Markoe worked at The Gap, Inc. where she held a variety of positions over 15 years.
James Scully. Mr. Scully has been the Company’s Chief Operating Officer since April 2013. Before that, he was the Chief Administrative Officer since 2008 and was also Chief Financial Officer from 2005 to 2012. Prior to joining J.Crew, Mr. Scully served as Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Strategic Planning of Saks Incorporated from 2004. Before that Mr. Scully served as Saks Incorporated’s Senior Vice President of Strategic and Financial Planning from 1999 to 2004 and as Senior Vice President, Treasurer from 1997 to 1999. Prior to joining Saks Incorporated, Mr. Scully held the position of Senior Vice President of Corporate Finance at Bank of America (formerly NationsBank) from 1994 to 1997.
Libby Wadle. Ms. Wadle has been the Company’s President - J.Crew Brand since April 2013. Before that, she was the Executive Vice President-J.Crew from 2011 to 2013, and Executive Vice President-Retail and Factory from 2010 - 2011, and was Executive Vice President-Factory and Madewell from 2007 - 2010. Before that Ms. Wadle served as Vice President and then Senior Vice President of J.Crew Factory since 2004. Prior to joining J.Crew, Ms. Wadle was Division Vice President of Women’s Merchandising at Coach, Inc. from 2003 to 2004 and held various merchandising positions at The Gap, Inc. from 1995 to 2003.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Election of Members to the Board of Directors
As a private company, members of the Board of Directors are nominated and elected in accordance with the provisions of the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State, the Company’s Amended and Restated Bylaws and the stockholders agreement with the Sponsors.
Code of Ethics and Business Practices
The Company has a Code of Ethics and Business Practices that applies to all Company associates, including its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, principal accounting officer and controller, as well as members of the Board. The Code of Ethics and Business Practices is available free of charge on the investor relations section of our website at www.jcrew.com or upon written request to the Secretary of the Company, J.Crew Group, Inc., 770 Broadway, New York, New York 10003. Any updates or amendments to the Code of Ethics and Business Practices, and any waiver that applies to the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, principal accounting officer or controller will also be posted on the website. On June 20, 2013, the Board of Directors waived the relevant provision of the Code of Ethics and Business Practices with respect to Millard Drexler’s financial interest in a building in London, England and the Company’s desire to enter into a real estate lease with respect to a portion of the building. There were no other waivers in fiscal 2013.
Board Committees
Our Board has established an audit committee and a compensation committee. Ms. Wheeler and Mr. Squeri are currently the members of our audit committee. The audit committee recommends the annual appointment of auditors with whom the audit committee reviews the scope of audit and non-audit assignments and related fees, accounting principles we use in financial reporting, internal auditing procedures and the adequacy of our internal control procedures. Though not formally considered by our Board given that our securities are not traded on any national securities exchange, based upon the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange, the national securities exchange upon which our common stock was previously listed, we believe that Mr. Squeri would be considered independent but Ms. Wheeler would not be considered independent because of her employment by one of the Sponsors. The members of our compensation committee are Mr. Coulter, Mr. Sokoloff, Mr. Squeri and Ms. Wheeler. The compensation committee reviews and approves the compensation of our executive officers, authorizes and ratifies stock option and/or restricted stock grants and other incentive arrangements, and authorizes employment agreements with our executive officers.
Each of the Sponsors has the right to have at least one of its directors sit on each committee of the Board of Directors, to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulation.
Director Independence
Because of our status as a voluntary filer and because our securities are not traded on any national securities exchange, the Board has not formally reviewed whether Mr. Squeri can be considered independent under the independence standards of the New York Stock Exchange. Messrs. Coulter, Danhakl and Sokoloff and Ms. Wheeler are employees of our Sponsors and therefore would not be considered independent under these standards. In addition, Mr. Drexler, who is an employee of the Company, would also not be considered independent.
Audit Committee Financial Expert
In light of our status as a privately held company and the absence of a public listing or trading market for our common stock, we are not required to have an “audit committee financial expert,” however we have determined that neither Ms. Wheeler nor Mr. Squeri would qualify for this designation.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
In light of our status as a privately held company, Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, does not apply to our directors, executive officers and significant stockholders.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
In general, this section focuses on, and provides a description of, our executive compensation process and a detailed discussion of each of the key elements of our compensation program for fiscal 2013 as they apply to the individuals named in the Summary Compensation Table (the “Named Executive Officers”). Our compensation committee (the “Committee”) consists of representatives from our Sponsors and Mr. Squeri. The following is a discussion of the current compensation philosophy and programs applicable to our executive officers in fiscal 2013.
2013 Compensation Philosophy and Compensation Program Objectives
We place high value on attracting and retaining our executives and associates since their talent and performance are essential to our long-term success. Our compensation philosophy places high value on performance-based and discretionary compensation. Accordingly, our compensation program is designed to be both competitive and fiscally responsible and seeks to:
·
attract the highest caliber of talent required for the success of our business,
·
retain those associates capable of achieving challenging performance standards,
·
incent associates to strive for superior Company and individual performance,
·
align the interests of our executives with the financial and strategic objectives of our Sponsors, and
·
encourage and reward the achievement of our short and long-term goals and operating plans.
We seek to achieve the objectives of our executive compensation program by offering a compensation package that utilizes three key elements: (1) base salary, (2) annual cash incentives, and (3) long-term equity incentives. We believe that together these elements support the objectives of our compensation program without encouraging unnecessary or excessive risk taking on the part of the Company’s associates.
·
Base Salaries. We seek to provide competitive base salaries factoring in the responsibilities associated with the executive’s position, the executive’s skills and experience, and the executive’s performance as well as other factors. We believe appropriate base salary levels are critical in helping us attract and retain talented associates.
·
Annual Cash Incentives. The aim of this element of compensation is to reward individual and group contributions to the Company’s annual operating performance based upon the achievement of pre-established performance standards in the most recent completed fiscal year.
·
Long-Term Equity Incentives. The long-term element of our compensation program consists of the opportunity for our executive officers to participate directly as equity owners of the Company through the roll-over and purchase of Parent shares and grants of stock options to purchase Parent shares. The equity component is the most significant element of our executive compensation program because we believe that a meaningful equity interest by our executive officers and management team will provide a strong incentive to drive top line growth, increase margins and pursue growth opportunities, which we believe will lead to increased equity value and returns to investors.
The 2013 Executive Compensation Process
The Compensation Committee
The Committee oversees our executive compensation program. The Committee meets regularly, both with and without management. The Committee’s responsibilities are detailed in its charter, which can be found on the investor relations section of our website at www.jcrew.com. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
·
reviewing and approving our compensation philosophy,
·
determining executive compensation levels,
·
annually reviewing and assessing performance goals and objectives for all executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), and
·
determining short-term and long-term incentive compensation for all executive officers, including the CEO.
The Committee is responsible for making all decisions with respect to the compensation of the executive officers. With respect to the executive officers other than the CEO, the Committee’s compensation decisions involve the review of recommendations made by our CEO and Executive Vice President of Human Resources (“EVP-HR”). The CEO and EVP-HR attend the Committee’s meetings and provide input to the Committee regarding the effectiveness of the compensation program in attracting and retaining key talent. They make recommendations to the Committee regarding executive merit increases, short-term and long-term incentive awards and compensation packages for executives being hired or promoted. The Committee also considers the CEO’s evaluation of the performance of the executive officers (other than the CEO), each of whom report to him.
The compensation of the CEO is determined by the Committee independently of management. The Committee makes decisions about the CEO’s compensation during executive session outside the presence of the CEO. Annually, outside directors of the Board evaluate the performance of the CEO and that evaluation is then communicated to the CEO by the Chairman of the Committee.
The Committee’s process for determining executive compensation is straightforward. In the first quarter of each fiscal year, the Committee’s primary focus is to review base salaries, determine payout amounts for annual cash incentives in respect of the prior fiscal year for the executive officers, and review long-term equity for the senior officers and certain other key associates. At this time, the Committee also reviews and establishes performance metrics for the current fiscal year’s annual cash incentive plan.
The Committee considers both external and internal factors when making decisions about executive compensation. External factors include the competitiveness of each element of our compensation program relative to peer companies and the market demand for executives with specific skills or experience in the specialty apparel industry. Internal factors include an executive’s level of responsibility, level of performance, long-term potential and previous levels of compensation, including outstanding equity awards. While all of these factors provide useful data points in setting compensation levels, we take into account the fact that external data typically reflects pay decisions made during a prior year. We also consider the state of the overall retail industry, the economy and general business conditions.
Outside Compensation Consultant
No independent executive compensation consultants were retained by the Committee during fiscal 2013.
Benchmarking Process
In making compensation decisions for fiscal 2013, the Committee considered the competitive market for executives and compensation levels provided by comparable companies. The comparative group used to benchmark compensation with respect to our executive officers and other key associates is composed of specialty retailers with highly visible brands that we view as competitors for customers and/or executive talent. For fiscal 2013, the peer companies were Abercrombie & Fitch Co., Aéropostale Inc., American Eagle Outfitters, Inc., ANN, Inc., Ascena Retail Group, Inc., Chico’s FAS, Inc., Coach, Inc., The Gap, Inc., Guess, Inc., Kate Spade LLC, Limited Brands, Michael Kors Holdings Ltd., Nordstrom, Inc., Ralph Lauren Corp., Under Armour, Inc. and Urban Outfitters, Inc. In addition, we monitor the marketplace for innovative and creative compensation programs of those companies that we view as leading their industry.
We also consider compensation survey data from surveys in which we participate or purchase from a variety of publishers which may incorporate data from other industries. Though the Company generally targets salary levels at the median of our peer group, total compensation may exceed or fall below the median for certain of our executive officers and other key associates since one of the objectives of our compensation program is to consistently reward and retain top performers and to differentiate compensation based upon individual and Company performance.
CEO Compensation
At the time Mr. Drexler joined the Company in 2003, he invested $10 million of his own funds to purchase a substantial equity ownership interest in the Company. He also paid us $1 million as consideration for a grant of stock options and a grant of restricted stock. His annual base salary was set at $200,000 in 2003 and has not increased.
In connection with the Acquisition, Mr. Drexler contributed an aggregate amount of 2,287,545 shares worth approximately $99.5 million in exchange for an ownership interest in Parent following the Acquisition. Following the Acquisition, in accordance with his new employment agreement, Mr. Drexler was awarded 32,109,219 non-qualified stock options, a portion of which vest over time and a portion of which are subject to performance-based vesting conditions. In 2013, Mr. Drexler acquired an additional 12,040,957 shares in Parent through the exercise of a portion of these stock options.
Mr. Drexler’s substantial investment in the Company and the size of his equity incentive awards are consistent with his role as an owner-manager and are designed to ensure his commitment to the long-term future of the Company. Details regarding Mr. Drexler’s compensation package are contained in tables that follow. In addition, a description of his employment agreement, entered into in connection with the consummation of the Acquisition begins on page 49. We intend to continue to evaluate the components and level of our CEO’s compensation on an ongoing basis.
Components of the Executive Compensation Program
We believe that a substantial portion of executive compensation should be performance-based. We believe it is essential for executives to have a meaningful equity stake linked to the long-term performance of the Company and, therefore, we have created compensation packages that aim to foster an owner-operator culture. As such, other than base salary, compensation of our executive officers is largely comprised of variable or “at-risk” incentive pay linked to the Company’s financial performance and individual contributions. Other factors we consider in evaluating executive compensation include internal pay equity, external market and
competitive information, assessment of individual performance, level of responsibility, and the overall expense of the program. In addition, we also strive to offer benefits competitive with those of our peer group and appropriate perquisites.
Base Salary
Base salary represents the fixed component of our executive officers’ compensation. The Committee sets base salary levels based upon experience and skills, position, level of responsibility, the ability to replace the individual, and market practices. The Committee reviews base salaries of the executive officers annually and approves all salary increases for the executive officers, including Mr. Drexler. Increases are based on several factors, including the Committee’s assessment of individual performance and contribution, promotions, level of responsibility, scope of position, competitive market data, and general economic, retail and business industry conditions, as well as, with respect to our executive officers other than Mr. Drexler, input from Mr. Drexler and the EVP-HR.
In spring 2013, in conjunction with its annual review process, the Committee reviewed base salaries for the Named Executive Officers. The Committee decided that Mr. Drexler’s base salary was to remain at $200,000 given his role as owner-manager. This salary is well below the salary level normally provided to a Chief Executive Officer of a company of comparable size, complexity, and performance and below the median level of our peer group. The Committee also determined that Ms. Lyons’ base salary would remain at $1,000,000. Mr. Scully and Ms. Wadle each received a 7% salary increase in connection with their promotions to Chief Operating Officer and President - J.Crew Brand, respectively. Mr. Haselden received a 4% salary increase as part of the annual review process.
Annual Cash Incentives
Our Named Executive Officers typically have the opportunity to earn cash incentives for meeting annual performance goals. Historically, before the end of the first quarter of the relevant fiscal year, the Committee establishes financial and performance targets and opportunities for such year, which are based upon the Company’s goals for Earnings Before Interest Taxes Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA).
The Company’s goals for EBITDA are linked to our budget and plan for long-term success. These EBITDA performance targets are the key measures used to determine whether an incentive award will be paid for the fiscal year and, to the extent achieved, determine the range of the incentive award opportunity for the Named Executive Officers. We calculate EBITDA using the net income recorded for the Company in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), adding back interest, depreciation, amortization and income tax expenses for the applicable fiscal year. We also adjust for items such as non-cash share-based compensation as well as the impact of purchase accounting resulting from the Acquisition.
Annual incentive awards to our Named Executive Officers are paid from the same incentive pool used for all of our eligible associates. For fiscal 2013, the potential size of the total pool was determined by the Company’s performance against pre-established Adjusted EBITDA goals for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014, which were approved by the Committee on April 11, 2013 as follows:
To develop the target incentive pool, we add up the target incentive awards assigned to each plan participant. Mr. Drexler’s target award for fiscal 2013 was $1,200,000, as defined in his employment agreement, with a range of potential payment from $0 to $3,000,000. Target awards of the Named Executive Officers, other than Mr. Drexler, are expressed as a percentage of salary for the relevant fiscal year. The target award for Ms. Lyons, Mr. Scully and Ms. Wadle for fiscal 2013 was 100%, with a range of potential payments from zero to 250% of annual base salary. The target percentage for Mr. Haselden was 35%, with a range of potential payments from zero to 87.5% of annual base salary.
If the Company does not meet the threshold Adjusted EBITDA target, then no payments are made to the Named Executive Officers with respect to the annual incentive awards plan.
The Committee determines the amount of Mr. Drexler’s annual incentive award independently of management, with no fixed or specific mathematical weighting applied to the performance metrics or any element of his individual performance. The Committee approves his incentive award based upon the Adjusted EBITDA results and achievement of the performance metrics and other business performance factors they deem relevant.
The Committee determines the amount of the annual incentive awards for the other Named Executive Officers using its discretion, subject to the maximum specified in the plan. In making this determination, the Committee takes into account the recommendations of Mr. Drexler. Each of the other Named Executive Officers reports directly to Mr. Drexler, except for Mr. Haselden who reports to Mr. Scully. Mr. Drexler takes significant time to review both the quantitative and qualitative performance results of each such executive and recommends to the Committee an incentive award amount for each of them. Provided the threshold Adjusted EBITDA target is achieved, Mr. Drexler then considers whether to recommend payouts for individuals at the level established by Adjusted EBITDA results and within the range established by each Named Executive Officer’s target incentive. Final annual incentive awards are established based on the overall judgment of the Committee, taking into account the recommendations made by Mr. Drexler, with no fixed or specific mathematical weighting applied to any element of individual performance.
For fiscal 2013, the Company did not achieve the threshold level of Adjusted EBITDA. As a result, the Named Executive Officers will not receive annual incentive awards under the plan.
Long-Term Equity Incentives
Our Named Executive Officers’ compensation is heavily weighted in long-term equity as we believe stockholder value is achieved through an ownership culture that encourages a focus on long-term performance by our Named Executive Officers and other key associates. By providing our executives with an equity stake in the Company, we are better able to align the interests of our Named Executive Officers and our Sponsors. In establishing long-term equity incentive grants for our Named Executive Officers, the Committee reviews certain factors, including the outstanding equity investment and grants held both by the individual and by our executives as a group, total compensation, performance, vesting dates of outstanding grants, tax and accounting costs, potential dilution and other factors.
In 2011, our Named Executive Officers and certain key members of management were provided the opportunity to roll over on a tax deferred basis, shares of J.Crew Group, Inc. stock and stock options they held into shares or stock options, as applicable, of the Parent in connection with the consummation of the Acquisition. They were also provided the opportunity to purchase shares of the Parent. As a result, Mr. Drexler contributed an aggregate amount of 2,287,545 shares worth approximately $99.5 million in exchange for an ownership interest in Parent following the Acquisition. Mr. Haselden contributed 12,221 stock options, 500 shares and $50,913 cash in exchange for an ownership interest of approximately $218,000. Ms. Lyons contributed 30,651 shares and 218,401 stock options in exchange for an ownership interest of approximately $4 million. Mr. Scully contributed 19,157 shares and 102,491 stock options in exchange for an ownership interest of approximately $2.5 million. Ms. Wadle contributed 100,590 stock options, 6,804 shares and $370,692 cash in exchange for an ownership interest of approximately $2 million.
Also in 2011, the Committee approved stock option awards to the Named Executive Officers under a new equity incentive plan, consistent with their view of long-term equity incentives as an important part of an ownership culture that encourages a focus on long-term performance by our Named Executive Officers and other key associates. The number of options awarded to each individual was “front-loaded” and intended to represent a long-term equity opportunity. The options will vest upon meeting certain time- and performance-based conditions. The Committee does not expect to make equity awards on an annual basis. In April 2013, the Committee awarded additional stock options to Ms. Lyons, Mr. Scully and Ms. Wadle in recognition of their ongoing and significant contributions to the success of the Company and, with respect to Mr. Scully and Ms. Wadle, in connection with their increased responsibilities as Chief Operating Officer and President - J.Crew Brand, respectively. The grant date fair value of the options awarded to these executive officers is shown in the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table shown on page 50.
Equity Ownership. We believe that Company executives should have a meaningful ownership stake in the Company to underscore the importance of linking executive and investor interests, and to encourage an owner-manager and long-term perspective in managing the business. This ownership stake has been achieved through the roll-over of shares and stock options, the opportunity for cash investment and the award of stock options in 2011 and 2013.
Benefits and Perquisites. Benefits are provided to our Named Executive Officers in the same manner that they are provided to all other associates. Our Named Executive Officers are eligible to participate in the Company’s 401(k) plan (which includes a Company match component) and receive the same health, life, and disability benefits available to our associates generally.
We offer all of our associates (including the Named Executive Officers) and directors a discount on most merchandise in our stores, and through our Direct channel. We offer this discount because it is beneficial to our Company to encourage associates and directors to shop in our stores and online. Additionally, this discount represents common practice in the retail industry. This discount is extended to IRS qualified dependents, spouses and same-sex domestic partners. Some states require that the value of any discount extended to a same sex domestic partner be taxed for state and local tax purposes as wages to the associate and further require the Company to include the value of the discount as income to the associate.
We do not offer a defined benefit pension, supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP) or a non-qualified deferred compensation plan to our associates or Named Executive Officers.
In addition, from time to time the Company agrees to provide certain executives with perquisites. The Company provides these perquisites on a limited basis in order to attract key talent and to enhance business efficiency. We believe these perquisites are in line with market practice. For fiscal 2013, we provided certain Named Executive Officers with the following perquisites:
Driver. We provide Mr. Drexler with a driver for all business needs. Mr. Drexler reimburses the Company for his personal use of the driver, including commuting to and from work.
Medical Concierge Service. We provide Mr. Drexler with 24/7, on-call worldwide medical care for himself and his immediate family members, up to a maximum of $50,000 per year.
The cost incurred by the Company for certain of these perquisites is detailed in the Summary Compensation Table on page 48.
Tax Gross-ups. Pursuant to the terms of Mr. Drexler’s employment agreement, Mr. Drexler is entitled to receive a gross up in the event that any payment or benefit provided to him in connection with a change in control (as defined in Section 280G of the Code) occurring after our equity securities once again are publicly traded is subject to the excise taxes imposed by Section 4999 of the Code. If a change in control occurs while the Company is private, the Company and Mr. Drexler will use their reasonable best efforts to seek shareholder approval of any parachute payments. These provisions were negotiated as a part of Mr. Drexler’s employment agreement in connection with the Acquisition. While other executive officers may also have excess parachute payments that are subject to the excise taxes, no such other executive officer is entitled to a tax gross up from the Company.
Employment Agreements
From time to time, the Company enters into employment agreements in order to attract and retain key executives. Messrs. Drexler, Haselden and Scully and Mss. Lyons and Wadle are parties to an employment agreement with the Company. As described beginning on page 49, the employment agreements generally define the executive’s position, specify a minimum base salary, and provide for participation in our annual and long-term incentive plans, as well as other benefits. Most of the agreements contain covenants that limit the executives’ ability to compete with us or solicit our associates or customers for a specified period following termination. The agreements also provide for various benefits under certain termination scenarios, as detailed beginning on page 53. In general, these benefits consist of salary continuation for periods ranging from twelve (12) to eighteen (18) months, a pro-rata cash incentive award for the year in which termination occurred, and in some cases, the acceleration or continued vesting (in accordance with the original vesting schedule) of a portion of unvested equity. The agreements provide for automatic renewal upon the same terms and conditions, unless either party gives written notice of its intent not to renew. The provisions vary by executive because each agreement is negotiated by the Company and the Named Executive Officer on an individual basis at the time of hire or renewal, as applicable. We believe that these agreements enhance our ability to recruit and retain the Named Executive Officers, offer them a degree of security in the very dynamic environment of the retail industry, and protect us competitively through non-competition and non-solicitation requirements if the executives terminate their employment with us.
The section below contains information, both narrative and tabular, regarding the types of compensation paid to (i) our principal executive officer, (ii) our principal financial officer and (iii) and our remaining Named Executive Officers as of the end of fiscal 2013. The Summary Compensation Table contains an overview of the amounts paid to our Named Executive Officers for fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011. The tables following the Summary Compensation Table-the Grants of Plan-Based Awards, Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End, and Option Exercises and Stock Vested-contain details of our Named Executive Officers’ recent non-equity incentive and equity grants, past equity awards, general equity holdings, and option exercises. Finally, we have included a table showing potential severance payments to our Named Executive Officers pursuant to their individual employment agreements and certain of our equity incentive plans, assuming, for these purposes that the relevant triggering event occurred on January 31, 2014.
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth the compensation paid to or earned during fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011 by our Named Executive Officers:
(1)
With respect to fiscal 2012, represents the total amount earned by each Named Executive Officer during the fifty-three week fiscal year. Fiscal years 2013 and 2011 consisted of fifty-two weeks.
(2)
Represents the annual cash incentive awards under our Company annual cash incentive plan and discretionary bonus awards earned by each Named Executive Officer. For fiscal 2013, the Company did not achieve the threshold EBITDA goal under the annual cash incentive plan. See page 45 for a description of our annual cash incentive plan. For fiscal year 2011, no annual cash incentive awards were paid to the Named Executive Officers; however, a discretionary cash bonus was paid to Mr. Scully in the amount of $500,000 in recognition of his significant role in leading the Company through the Acquisition. In addition, for fiscal year 2012, Ms. Lyons earned a $1,500,000 special bonus as described on page 49 in addition to the annual cash incentive award for that year.
(3)
For each of the Named Executive Officers, represents the grant date fair value calculated under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 718-Compensation-Stock Compensation as share-based compensation in our financial statements for fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011 of stock option grants made in those fiscal years. For awards subject to performance conditions, the amount reflects the full grant date fair value of the awards based on the probable outcome of the performance conditions. For stock option grants that were rolled over in connection with the Acquisition, there was no incremental increase in the fair value of such shares as the number of options and exercise price were adjusted to maintain the intrinsic value on the date of the modification. For stock option grants with an exercise price modified in connection with the special dividend paid in December 2012, an incremental increase in the fair value of these options is reflected in fiscal year 2012. See note 4, “Share-Based Compensation” to our consolidated financial statements for a description of assumptions underlying valuation of equity awards.
(4)
All other compensation for fiscal year 2013 consisted of the following:
(i)
Represents total Company contributions to each Named Executive Officer’s account in the Company’s tax-qualified 401(k) Plan.
(ii)
Represents Company payment for medical concierge services, as provided by Mr. Drexler’s employment agreement.
(iii)
Represents cash equivalent payments made in connection with the declaration of a special cash dividend to stockholders of record on November 4, 2013 of Parent’s Class A common stock and Class L common stock. The Named Executive Officers, other than Mr. Drexler, received aggregate dividend equivalent payments based on the number of shares of vested rollover stock options that they held at the time of the dividend.
Named Executive Officer Employment Agreements
Millard Drexler
Mr. Drexler entered into an employment agreement with us, effective March 7, 2011, pursuant to which Mr. Drexler will continue to serve as our Chief Executive Officer and as the Chairman of our Board. The agreement provides for an initial term of employment through March 7, 2015, subject to automatic renewal for successive one-year periods thereafter unless either Mr. Drexler or the Company provides a notice of non-renewal at least 90 days before the expiration of the then current term. Pursuant to the employment agreement, Mr. Drexler receives a base salary of $200,000 and has an opportunity to earn an annual bonus award, with a target opportunity of $1,200,000, based on the achievement of certain performance metrics determined by the Board or a committee thereof. Mr. Drexler is eligible to participate in the Company’s employee benefit plans and the Company will pay or reimburse Mr. Drexler for an amount of up to $50,000 per year for the cost of maintaining the benefits provided under one or more concierge medical services arrangements to be selected by Mr. Drexler. In the event that Mr. Drexler’s employment is terminated prior to the end of the initial four-year term or any subsequent one-year extension of the term without cause or by Mr. Drexler for good reason (each as defined in the agreement), Mr. Drexler will receive, among other things (i) a payment equal to any accrued but unpaid base salary as of the date of termination, the value of any accrued vacation pay, and the amount of any expenses properly incurred by Mr. Drexler prior to the termination date and not yet reimbursed, (ii) a payment equal to one year’s base salary plus Mr. Drexler’s target bonus, (iii) a payment equal to the pro-rated annual bonus that Mr. Drexler would have earned for the year in which his termination occurs, based on the actual achievement of applicable performance objectives in the performance year in which the termination date occurs; and (iv) the immediate vesting of all equity awards previously granted to Mr. Drexler that remain outstanding as of the termination date. The agreement also provides that Mr. Drexler is entitled to a full gross up for excise taxes incurred under Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code in connection with any change in control occurring after our equity securities once again become publicly traded.
As described above, pursuant to the terms of the agreement Mr. Drexler received an option grant under Parent’s 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2011 Equity Incentive Plan”) in fiscal year 2011. These options will vest upon meeting certain time- and performance-based vesting conditions and will vest in full upon, as described above, a termination of his employment without cause or by him for good reason. Mr. Drexler’s time-vesting options will vest in full upon the occurrence of a change in control. The agreement also provides that Mr. Drexler will be subject to non-solicitation and non-competition covenants during his employment and for a period of two years and one year, respectively, following the termination of his employment, regardless of the reason for such termination.
Stuart Haselden
Mr. Haselden entered into an employment agreement with us pursuant to which he has agreed to serve as Chief Financial Officer for three years beginning in May 2012, subject to automatic one-year renewals unless we provide two months’ written notice or Mr. Haselden provides four months’ written notice, in each case prior to the expiration of the current term. The agreement provides for a minimum annual base salary of $400,000, which will be reviewed annually by us, and an annual cash incentive award with a target of 35% of base salary, up to a maximum bonus based on the terms of the Company’s bonus plan as in effect from time to time. The agreement also subjects Mr. Haselden to non-competition covenants during his employment and for a period of twelve (12) months and non-solicitation covenants during his employment and for a period of eighteen (18) months, each following termination of employment for any reason. In the event his employment is terminated without “cause,” for “good reason,” or as a result of the Company’s non-renewal of the agreement, Mr. Haselden is entitled under the agreement to certain post-employment compensation, as detailed beginning on page 55.
Jenna Lyons
Ms. Lyons entered into a second amended and restated employment agreement with us pursuant to which she has agreed to serve as Creative Director for five years beginning in December 2007, subject to automatic one-year renewals unless we or Ms. Lyons provide four months’ written notice prior to the expiration of the current term. The agreement provides for a minimum annual base salary of $675,000, which will be reviewed from time to time by us, and an annual cash incentive award with a target of 50% and a maximum of 100%, in each case, of base salary. In addition, the agreement provided for payment by the Company of a cash contract supplement of $2,000,000 which was paid to Ms. Lyons in January 2008. The agreement also subjects Ms. Lyons to non-competition and non-solicitation covenants during her employment and for a period of twelve (12) months following termination of employment for any reason (except that the non-competition covenant will not apply in the event Ms. Lyons’ employment is terminated by the Company without cause, by Ms. Lyons for good reason or because the Company provides Ms. Lyons with written notice of our intention not to renew the employment agreement). In the event her employment is terminated without cause or for good reason, Ms. Lyons is entitled under the agreement to certain post-employment compensation, as detailed beginning on page 56.
Ms. Lyons also entered into a special bonus agreement with us in April 2013, pursuant to which she received a cash bonus of $1,500,000, payable upon execution of the agreement, in recognition of her prior and continued service as President and Executive Creative Director of the Company. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, in the event Ms. Lyons’ employment with the Company is terminated for any reason other than by the Company without cause or by Ms. Lyons for good reason (as each such term is defined in the employment agreement described above), Ms. Lyons is required to reimburse immediately the Company for the full amount of the special bonus if such termination occurs prior to the third anniversary of the agreement.
James Scully
Mr. Scully has entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with us, effective April 6, 2008, pursuant to which he has agreed to serve as our Chief Administrative Officer for three years beginning in April 2008, subject to automatic one-year renewals unless we or Mr. Scully provide four months’ written notice prior to the expiration of the then current term. The agreement provides for a minimum base salary of $600,000, which will be reviewed annually by us. Mr. Scully is eligible to receive an annual cash incentive award with a target of 75% and a maximum of 150%, in each case, of base salary based upon the achievement of certain Company and individual performance objectives to be determined each year. The agreement subjects Mr. Scully to non-competition and non-solicitation covenants during his employment and for a period of twelve (12) and eighteen (18) months, respectively, following termination of employment for any reason (except that the non-competition covenant will not apply in the event Mr. Scully’s employment is terminated by the Company without cause, by Mr. Scully for good reason or because the Company provides Mr. Scully written notice of our intention not to renew the agreement). In the event his employment is terminated without cause or for good reason, Mr. Scully is entitled under the agreement to certain post-employment compensation, as detailed beginning on page 57.
Libby Wadle
Ms. Wadle entered into an employment agreement with us pursuant to which she has agreed to serve as Executive Vice President-J.Crew for three years beginning in November 2011, subject to automatic one-year renewals unless we provide two months’ written notice or Ms. Wadle provides four months’ written notice, in each case, prior to the expiration of the current term. The agreement provides for a minimum annual base salary of $700,000, which will be reviewed annually by us, and an annual cash incentive award with a target of 75% and a maximum of 187.5%, in each case, of base salary. The agreement also subjects Ms. Wadle to non-competition and non-solicitation covenants during her employment and for a period of twelve (12) months following termination of employment for any reason (except that the non-competition covenant will not apply in the event Ms. Wadle’s employment is terminated by the Company without cause or by Ms. Wadle for good reason). In the event her employment is terminated without cause, for good reason, or as a result of the Company’s non-renewal of the agreement, Ms. Wadle is entitled under the agreement to certain post-employment compensation, as detailed beginning on page 58.
Grants of Plan-Based Awards-Fiscal 2013
The following table sets forth the non-equity and equity incentive awards and other equity awards granted to our Named Executive Officers for fiscal 2013. For fiscal 2013, the Company did not achieve the threshold Adjusted EBITDA goal required for payouts under the annual cash incentive plan.
(1)
The Committee approved the April 11, 2013 option awards to Ms. Lyons, Mr. Scully and Ms. Wadle by a unanimous written consent approved by all Committee members on April 11, 2013.
(2)
Represents possible payouts under the Company’s annual cash incentive plan for fiscal 2013. Amounts listed in the maximum column related to achievement of “Super Max” Adjusted EBITDA goal, as discussed beginning on page 45. Achievement of “Max” Adjusted EBITDA goals would have resulted in payouts for Messrs. Drexler, Haselden and Scully and Mss. Lyons and Wadle of $2,400,000; $290,500; $1,500,000; $2,000,000; and $1,500,000, respectively.
(3)
Under the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan, Ms. Lyons, Mr. Scully and Ms. Wadle were awarded non-qualified stock options on April 11, 2013 which will vest upon meeting certain time- and performance-based vesting conditions. The number of shares reflected in the table as the “target” payout under equity incentive plan awards is the number of shares that would vest if the performance condition were met with respect to the tranche of the options subject to the performance condition. If the performance condition was not achieved, the entire tranche would be forfeited. The tranche of the options subject only to time-based vesting conditions is reflected in the column titled, “All Other Option Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Options.”
(4)
In accordance with the provisions of the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan, each stock option was granted with an exercise price equal to 100% of the fair market value of a share of Class A common stock on the date of grant. In November 2013, in connection with payment of a special dividend to stockholders, Parent adjusted the exercise prices of outstanding stock options (other than rollover options) by reducing them in an amount equal to the dividend per share.
(5)
These amounts represent the grant date fair value calculated in accordance with ASC 718-Compensation-Stock Compensation. In each case, the amount was calculated excluding forfeiture assumptions. The assumptions used in calculating these amounts are described in note 4, “Share-Based Compensation” to our consolidated financial statements. For the performance-based portion of the awards, no expense will be recognized until certain owners of our Parent receive a specified level of cash proceeds from the sale of their initial investment.
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL 2013 YEAR-END
The following table sets forth information regarding the outstanding awards under our long-term equity incentive plans held by our Named Executive Officers at the end of fiscal 2013.
(1)
Represents (i) stock options awarded prior to the Acquisition, which were rolled over into vested options of Parent, effective March 7, 2011, with an exercise price of $0.25, (ii) stock options that were granted to our Named Executive Officers on April 14, 2011 following the Acquisition, (iii) stock options that were granted to Mr. Haselden on May 15, 2012 in connection with his promotion to Chief Financial Officer, and (iv) stock options that were granted to Ms. Lyons, Mr. Scully and Ms. Wadle on April 11, 2013.
(2)
The options granted on April 14, 2011 have an exercise price of $0.25 per share and vest as follows:
Tranche 1 Vesting Schedule
Tranche 2 Vesting Schedule
Tranche 3 Vesting Schedule
Drexler
24,081,914 options vesting 25% annually beginning on 4/14/12
8,027,305 options with performance-based vesting
-
Haselden
225,000 options vesting 20% annually beginning on 4/14/12
225,000 options with
performance-based vesting
-
Lyons
2,293,500 options vesting 20% annually beginning on 4/14/12
2,293,500 options with performance-based vesting
1,834,800 options vesting 50% on 4/14/15 and 50% on 4/14/18
Scully
1,605,500 options vesting 20% annually beginning on 4/14/12
1,605,500 options with performance-based vesting
-
Wadle
1,376,100 options vesting 20% annually beginning on 4/14/12
1,376,100 options with performance-based vesting
-
The options granted on May 15, 2012 have an exercise price of $0.25 per share and vest as follows:
Tranche 1 Vesting Schedule
Tranche 2 Vesting Schedule
Haselden
150,000 options vesting 20% annually beginning on 5/15/13
150,000 options with performance-based vesting
The options granted on April 11, 2013 have an exercise price of $0.57 per share and vest as follows:
Tranche 1 Vesting Schedule
Tranche 2 Vesting Schedule
Lyons
750,000 options vesting 20% annually beginning on 4/11/14
750,000 options with performance-based vesting
Scully
500,000 options vesting 20% annually beginning on 4/11/14
500,000 options with performance-based vesting
Wadle
500,000 options vesting 20% annually beginning on 4/11/14
500,000 options with performance-based vesting
Option Exercises and Stock Vested-Fiscal 2013
The following table sets forth information concerning the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock during fiscal 2013 for each Named Executive Officer, on an aggregated basis.
(1)
All of the option award exercises during fiscal 2013 were cash exercises where the executive officer paid the exercise price of each of the options along with the corresponding tax withholding amount and retained the underlying shares. The value realized on exercise was determined by multiplying the number of shares acquired by the excess of the fair value of $0.50 per share above the exercise price of $0.25 per share of Class A common stock at the time of exercise.
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control
As described above under Employment Agreements, we have employment agreements with Messrs. Drexler, Haselden and Scully and Mss. Lyons and Wadle under which we are required to pay severance benefits in connection with certain terminations of employment. Mr. Drexler’s stock option award agreement also provides for accelerated vesting of all his options in connection with a termination of his employment at any time by us without cause (as defined in the award agreement) or by Mr. Drexler for good reason
(as defined in the award agreement) and accelerated vesting of a portion of his options in connection with a termination of his employment by us by reason of his death or disability (as defined in the award agreement). In addition, the stock option award agreements held by our other Named Executive Officers provide for the accelerated vesting of their time-based options in connection with a termination of employment by us without cause (as defined in the award agreement) or by the executive for good reason (as defined in the award agreement) within two (2) years following a change in control. Mr. Drexler’s stock option award agreement also provides for accelerated vesting of his time-based options in connection with a change in control. The following is a description of the severance, termination and change in control benefits payable to each of our Named Executive Officers pursuant to their respective agreements and our equity incentive plans as in effect during fiscal 2013. This disclosure assumes the applicable triggering date occurred on January 31, 2014, the last business day of our 2013 fiscal year.
For these purposes, “change in control” is generally defined as (a) any change in the ownership of the capital stock of Parent if, immediately after giving effect thereto, any person (or group of persons acting in concert) other than TPG and LGP and their affiliates will have the direct or indirect power to elect a majority of the members of the board of directors of Parent; (b) any change in the ownership of the capital stock of Parent if, immediately after giving effect thereto, TPG and LGP and their affiliates own less than 25% (33% in the case of Mr. Drexler) of the outstanding shares of Parent (taking into account options, warrants or convertible securities which may be exercised, converted or exchanged into shares), or (c) the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Parent and its subsidiaries.
Millard Drexler
Pursuant to the employment agreement between us and Mr. Drexler, executed on March 7, 2011 (the “Drexler Agreement”), the payments and/or benefits we agreed to pay or provide to Mr. Drexler upon a termination of his employment vary depending on the reason for such termination.
We may terminate Mr. Drexler’s employment with us upon his disability, which is generally defined in the Drexler Agreement as Mr. Drexler’s inability to perform his duties for a period of six (6) consecutive months or for 180 days within any 365 day period as a result of his incapacity due to physical or mental illness. In addition, we may terminate Mr. Drexler’s employment for cause or at any time without cause. For these purposes, “cause” is generally defined under the Drexler Agreement as Mr. Drexler’s (a) willful and continued failure to substantially perform his duties, after written demand for substantial performance by our Board; (b) willful engagement in illegal conduct or gross misconduct which is materially and demonstrably injurious to us; or (c) breach of the non-solicitation, non-competition and confidential information obligations described below.
Mr. Drexler may terminate his employment with us with good reason or at any time, upon at least three (3) months’ advance written notice, without good reason. For these purposes, “good reason” is generally defined under the Drexler Agreement as (a) the diminution of, or appointment of anyone other than Mr. Drexler to serve in or handle, his positions, authority, duties, and responsibilities without his consent; (b) any purported termination of his employment by us for a reason or in a manner not expressly permitted by the Drexler Agreement; (c) relocation of more than fifty (50) miles of Mr. Drexler’s principal work location; (d) material breach of the Drexler Agreement by us; or (e) removal of Mr. Drexler from the Board.
In addition, Mr. Drexler’s employment will terminate upon his death or in the event either party provides notice to the other party not to renew the Drexler Agreement at least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of its term.
If Mr. Drexler’s employment with us is terminated (i) as a result of his death, disability or either party’s failure to renew the term, (ii) by us for cause, or (iii) by Mr. Drexler without good reason, then Mr. Drexler will only be entitled to any accrued but unpaid salary, accrued but unused vacation, and any un-reimbursed expenses, in each case through the date of his termination.
If we terminate Mr. Drexler’s employment without cause or he terminates his employment with good reason, Mr. Drexler will be entitled to receive (i) a payment of his earned but unpaid annual base salary through the termination date, any accrued vacation pay and any un-reimbursed expenses, and (ii) subject to Mr. Drexler’s execution of a valid general release and waiver of claims against us, as well as his compliance with the non-competition, non-solicitation and confidential information restrictions described below, (a) a payment equal to his annual base salary and target cash incentive award, one-half of such payment to be paid on the first business day that is six (6) months and one (1) day following the termination date and the remaining one-half of such payment to be paid in six equal monthly installments commencing on the first business day of the seventh calendar month following the termination date, (b) a payment equal to the pro-rated amount of any annual cash incentive award that he would have otherwise received, based on actual performance, for the fiscal year in which he was terminated, such amount to be paid when annual bonuses are generally paid but in any event no later than the date that is 2.5 months following the end of the year in which the termination date occurs, and (c) the immediate vesting of all then outstanding equity awards previously granted to Mr. Drexler.
In addition, upon any termination of Mr. Drexler’s employment with us, Mr. Drexler will be entitled to any benefit or right under the Company employee benefit plans in which he is vested (except for any additional severance or termination payments). At this time, Mr. Drexler is not vested in any benefits or rights under our employee benefit plans.
In addition, pursuant to the Drexler Agreement, in the event that any payment or benefit provided to Mr. Drexler under the Drexler Agreement or under any other plan, program or arrangement of ours in connection with a change in control (as defined in Section 280G of the Code) becomes subject to the excise taxes imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, Mr. Drexler will be entitled to receive a “gross-up” payment in connection with any such excise taxes. We have also agreed to purchase and maintain, at our own expense, directors and officers liability insurance providing coverage for Mr. Drexler for the six (6) year period following his termination of employment in the same amount as our other executive officers and directors.
Pursuant to the Drexler Agreement, for the two (2) year period following the termination of Mr. Drexler’s employment, Mr. Drexler has agreed not to solicit or hire any of our associates. In addition, Mr. Drexler has agreed that, for the one (1) year period following his termination of employment, he will not compete with us in the retail apparel business in any geographic area in which we are engaged in such business. Mr. Drexler is also subject to standard non-disclosure of confidential information restrictions.
Stuart Haselden
Pursuant to the Letter Agreement between us and Mr. Haselden, dated May 15, 2012 (the “Haselden Agreement”), the payments and/or benefits we have agreed to pay or provide Mr. Haselden on a termination of his employment vary depending on the reason for such termination.
Pursuant to the Haselden Agreement, we may terminate Mr. Haselden’s employment with us upon his disability, which is generally defined in the Haselden Agreement as Mr. Haselden’s inability to perform his duties for ninety (90) days during a 180-day period as a result of his incapacity due to physical or mental illness or injury. In addition, we may terminate Mr. Haselden’s employment for cause or at any time without cause. For these purposes, “cause” is generally defined under the Haselden Agreement as Mr. Haselden’s (a) indictment for a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude or being charged or sanctioned by the federal or state government or governmental authority or agency with violations of applicable laws, or having been found by any court or governmental authority or agency to have committed any such violation; (b) willful misconduct or gross negligence in connection with his performance of duties; (c) material breach of the Haselden Agreement, including without limitation, his failure to perform his duties and responsibilities thereunder (provided that he be given written notice and has thirty (30) days to cure to the extent such violation is reasonably susceptible to cure); (d) fraudulent act or omission adverse to our reputation; (e) willful disclosure of any confidential information to persons not authorized to know such information; or (f) his violation of or failure to comply with any material Company policy or any legal or regulatory obligations or requirements, including without limitation, our Code of Ethics and Business Practices or any legal or regulatory obligations or requirements (provided that he has thirty (30) days to cure to the extent such violation is reasonably susceptible to cure). Furthermore, if subsequent to the termination of Mr. Haselden’s employment it is determined that he could have been terminated for cause, Mr. Haselden’s employment, at our election, shall be deemed to have been terminated for cause, in which event we would be entitled to immediately cease providing any severance benefits described below and to recover any severance benefits previously paid to Mr. Haselden.
Pursuant to the Haselden Agreement, Mr. Haselden may terminate his employment with us with good reason or at any time, upon at least two (2) months’ advance notice, without good reason. For these purposes, “good reason” is generally defined under the Haselden Agreement as (a) any action by us that results in a material and continuing diminution of Mr. Haselden’s duties or responsibilities (including, without limitation, an adverse change in Mr. Haselden’s title); (b) a material reduction by us of Mr. Haselden’s base salary or annual cash incentive award opportunity as in effect from time to time; or (c) a relocation of more than fifty (50) miles of his principal place of employment, in each case without Mr. Haselden’s written consent. Mr. Haselden’s employment will also terminate upon his death.
Pursuant to the Haselden Agreement, if Mr. Haselden’s employment with us is terminated (i) by us without cause (ii) by Mr. Haselden with good reason or (iii) by us as a result of non-renewal of the agreement, then Mr. Haselden will be entitled to, subject to his execution of a valid general release and waiver of any claims he may have against us, (a) continued payment of base salary and continued medical benefits (which may consist of our reimbursement of COBRA payments) for a period of twelve (12) months following his termination date and (b) the annual bonus earned for the year immediately prior to the year that includes the termination date, to the extent not yet paid. However, Mr. Haselden’s right to the continuation of his base salary and medical benefits for twelve (12) months following the termination of his employment will cease, respectively, upon the date that he becomes employed by a new employer or otherwise begins providing services for another entity and the date he becomes eligible for coverage under another group health plan, provided that if the cash compensation he receives from his new employer or otherwise is less than his base salary in effect immediately prior to his termination date, he will be entitled to receive the difference between his base salary and his new amount of cash compensation during the remainder of the severance period. In addition, if Mr. Haselden’s employment with us is terminated for any reason, Mr. Haselden will also be entitled to any earned but unpaid salary.
Amounts payable to Mr. Haselden as a result of termination by us without cause or by Mr. Haselden with good reason, may be deferred and accumulated for six (6) months, then paid in a lump-sum on the first day of the seventh month following termination, if required for compliance with the deferred compensation rules under Section 409A of the Code.
Pursuant to the Haselden Agreement, Mr. Haselden has agreed that, for the twelve (12) month period following the termination of his employment (other than a termination by us without cause, by Mr. Haselden with good reason or as a result of our election not to renew the employment period), he will not engage in or perform services for any entity in the retail, mail order and Internet specialty apparel and accessories business within a 100 mile radius of any of our store locations or in the same area as we direct our mail order operations or solicit any of our customers or suppliers. In addition, for the eighteen (18) month period following the termination of his employment for any reason, Mr. Haselden has agreed not to solicit or hire any of our associates. Mr. Haselden is also subject to standard non-disclosure of confidential information restrictions.
Jenna Lyons
Pursuant to the second amended and restated employment agreement between us and Ms. Lyons, dated July 1, 2010 (the “Lyons Agreement”), the payments and/or benefits we have agreed to pay or provide Ms. Lyons on a termination of her employment vary depending on the reason for such termination.
Pursuant to the Lyons Agreement, we may terminate Ms. Lyons’ employment with us upon her disability, which is generally defined in the Lyons Agreement as Ms. Lyons’ inability to perform her duties for a ninety (90) day period as a result of her incapacity due to physical or mental illness and failure to return to work within thirty (30) days of notice by the Company. In addition, we may terminate Ms. Lyons’ employment for cause or at any time without cause. For these purposes, “cause” is generally defined under the Lyons Agreement as Ms. Lyons’ (a) indictment for a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude or being charged or sanctioned by the federal or state government or governmental authority or agency with violations of securities laws, or having been found by any court or governmental authority or agency to have committed any such violation; (b) willful misconduct or gross negligence in connection with her performance of duties; (c) willful and material breach of the Lyons Agreement, including without limitation, her failure to perform her duties and responsibilities (provided that she be given written notice and has thirty (30) days to cure to the extent such violation is reasonably susceptible to cure); (d) fraudulent act or omission by Ms. Lyons adverse to our reputation; (e) disclosure of any confidential information to persons not authorized to know such information; or (f) her violation of or failure to comply with any material Company policy or any legal or regulatory obligations or requirements, including without limitation, our Code of Ethics and Business Practices or any legal or regulatory obligations or requirements (provided that she has thirty (30) days to cure to the extent such violation is reasonably susceptible to cure). Furthermore, if subsequent to the termination of Ms. Lyons’ employment it is determined that she could have been terminated for cause, Ms. Lyons’ employment, at our election, shall be deemed to have been terminated for cause, in which event we would be entitled to immediately cease providing any severance benefits described below and to recover any severance benefits previously paid to Ms. Lyons.
Pursuant to the Lyons Agreement, Ms. Lyons may terminate her employment with us with good reason or at any time, upon at least two (2) months’ advance notice, without good reason. For these purposes, “good reason” is generally defined under the Lyons Agreement as either (a) any action by us that results in a material and continuing diminution of Ms. Lyons’ duties or responsibilities, including an adverse change in her title from Creative Director or a change such that she will no longer report directly to the Chief Executive Officer; or (b) a material reduction by us of Ms. Lyons’ base salary or annual cash incentive award opportunity as in effect from time to time, or (c) a relocation of more than fifty (50) miles of her principal place of employment, in each case without Ms. Lyons’ written consent. Ms. Lyons’ employment will also terminate upon her death.
Pursuant to the Lyons Agreement, if Ms. Lyons’ employment with us is terminated (i) by us without cause or (ii) by Ms. Lyons with good reason, then Ms. Lyons will be entitled to, subject to her execution of a valid general release and waiver of any claims she may have against us and her continued compliance with the post-employment restrictive covenants to which she is subject, (a) continued payment of base salary and continued medical benefits for a period of one (1) year following her termination date and (b) a lump sum in an amount equal to the annual cash incentive award that she received for the fiscal year prior to her termination. However, Ms. Lyons’ right to the continuation of her base salary and medical benefits for one (1) year following the termination of her employment will cease, respectively, upon the date that she becomes employed by a new employer or otherwise begins providing services for another entity and the date she becomes eligible for coverage under another group health plan; provided that if the cash compensation she receives from her new employer or otherwise is less than her base salary in effect immediately prior to her termination date, she will be entitled to receive the difference between her base salary and her new amount of cash compensation during the remainder of the severance period. In addition, if Ms. Lyons’ employment with us is terminated for any reason, Ms. Lyons will also be entitled to any earned but unpaid base salary.
Amounts payable to Ms. Lyons as a result of termination by us without cause or by Ms. Lyons with good reason, may be deferred and accumulated for six months, then paid in a lump-sum on the first day of the seventh month following termination, if required for compliance with the deferred compensation rules under Section 409A of the Code.
Pursuant to the Lyons Agreement, Ms. Lyons has agreed that, for the twelve (12) month period following the termination of her employment (other than a termination by us without cause, by Ms. Lyons with good reason, or as a result of our election not to renew the employment period), she will not engage in or perform services for certain competitive entities in the retail, mail order and Internet apparel and accessories business within a 100 mile radius of any of our store locations or in the same area as we direct our mail order operations or solicit any of our customers or suppliers. In addition, for the twelve (12) month period following the termination of her employment for any reason, Ms. Lyons has agreed not to solicit or hire any of our associates. Ms. Lyons is also subject to standard non-disclosure of confidential information and non-disparagement restrictions.
James Scully
Pursuant to the amended and restated employment agreement between us and Mr. Scully, dated September 10, 2008 (the “Scully Agreement”), the payments and/or benefits we have agreed to pay or provide Mr. Scully on a termination of his employment vary depending on the reason for such termination.
Pursuant to the Scully Agreement, we may terminate Mr. Scully’s employment with us upon his disability, which is generally defined in the Scully Agreement as Mr. Scully’s inability to perform his duties for a ninety (90) day period as a result of his incapacity due to physical or mental illness or injury and failure to return to work within thirty (30) days of notice from the Company. In addition, we may terminate Mr. Scully’s employment for cause or at any time without cause. For these purposes, “cause” is generally defined under the Scully Agreement as Mr. Scully’s (a) indictment for a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude or being charged or sanctioned by the federal or state government or governmental authority or agency with violations of securities laws, or having been found by any court or governmental authority or agency to have committed any such violation; (b) willful misconduct or gross negligence in connection with his performance of duties; (c) willful and material breach of the Scully Agreement, including without limitation, his failure to perform his duties and responsibilities thereunder (provided that he be given written notice and has 30 days to cure to the extent such violation is reasonably susceptible to cure); (d) fraudulent act or omission adverse to our reputation; (e) willful disclosure of any confidential information to persons not authorized to know such information; or (f) his violation of or failure to comply with any material Company policy or any legal or regulatory obligations or requirements, including without limitation, failure to provide certifications as may be required by law (provided that he has thirty (30) days to cure to the extent such violation is reasonably susceptible to cure). Furthermore, if subsequent to the termination of Mr. Scully’s employment it is determined that he could have been terminated for cause, Mr. Scully’s employment, at our election, shall be deemed to have been terminated for cause, in which event we would be entitled to immediately cease providing any severance benefits described below and to recover any severance benefits previously paid to Mr. Scully.
Pursuant to the Scully Agreement, Mr. Scully may terminate his employment with us with good reason or at any time, upon at least two (2) months’ advance notice, without good reason. For these purposes, “good reason” is generally defined under the Scully Agreement as (a) any action by us that results in a material and continuing diminution of Mr. Scully’s duties or responsibilities (including, without limitation, the appointment by the Company of a Chief Financial Officer who is not required to report to Mr. Scully, or a change such that Mr. Scully no longer reports to the Chief Executive Officer); (b) a reduction by us of Mr. Scully’s base salary or annual cash incentive award opportunity as in effect from time to time; or (c) a relocation of more than fifty (50) miles of his principal place of employment, in each case without Mr. Scully’s written consent. Mr. Scully’s employment will also terminate upon his death.
Pursuant to the Scully Agreement, if Mr. Scully’s employment with us is terminated (i) by us without cause or (ii) by Mr. Scully with good reason, then Mr. Scully will be entitled to, subject to his execution of a valid general release and waiver of any claims he may have against us and his continued compliance with the post-employment restrictive covenants to which he is subject, (a) continued payment of base salary and continued medical benefits (which may consist of our reimbursement of COBRA payments) for a period of eighteen (18) months following his termination date; (b) his annual bonus for the preceding year to the extent not yet paid; and (c) a lump sum in an amount equal to the pro-rated amount of any annual cash incentive award that he would have otherwise received, based on actual performance, for the fiscal year in which he was terminated. However, Mr. Scully’s right to the continuation of his base salary and medical benefits for eighteen (18) months following the termination of his employment will cease, respectively, upon the date that he becomes employed by a new employer or otherwise begins providing services for another entity and the date he becomes eligible for coverage under another group health plan, provided that if the cash compensation he receives from his new employer or otherwise is less than his base salary in effect immediately prior to his termination date, he will be entitled to receive the difference between his base salary and his new amount of cash compensation during the remainder of the severance period. In addition, if Mr. Scully’s employment with us is terminated for any reason, Mr. Scully will also be entitled to any earned but unpaid salary.
Amounts payable to Mr. Scully as a result of termination by us without cause or by Mr. Scully with good reason, may be deferred and accumulated for six (6) months, then paid in a lump-sum on the first day of the seventh month following termination, if required for compliance with the deferred compensation rules under Section 409A of the Code.
Pursuant to the Scully Agreement, Mr. Scully has agreed that, for the twelve (12) month period following the termination of his employment (other than a termination by us without cause, by Mr. Scully with good reason or as a result of our election not to renew the employment period), he will not engage in or perform services for any entity in the retail, mail order and Internet specialty apparel and accessories business within a 100 mile radius of any of our store locations or in the same area as we direct our mail order operations or solicit any of our customers or suppliers. In addition, for the eighteen (18) month period following the termination of his employment for any reason, Mr. Scully has agreed not to solicit or hire any of our associates. Mr. Scully is also subject to standard non-disclosure of confidential information restrictions.
Libby Wadle
Pursuant to the Letter Agreement between us and Ms. Wadle, dated November 28, 2011 (the “Wadle Agreement”), the payments and/or benefits we have agreed to pay or provide Ms. Wadle on a termination of his employment vary depending on the reason for such termination.
Pursuant to the Wadle Agreement, we may terminate Ms. Wadle’s employment with us upon her disability, which is generally defined in the Wadle Agreement as Ms. Wadle’s inability to perform her duties for a ninety (90) day period as a result of her incapacity due to physical or mental illness or injury and failure to return to work within thirty (30) days of receiving notice from the Company. In addition, we may terminate Ms. Wadle’s employment for cause or at any time without cause. For these purposes, “cause” is generally defined under the Wadle Agreement as Ms. Wadle’s (a) indictment for a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude or being charged or sanctioned by the federal or state government or governmental authority or agency with violations of applicable laws, or having been found by any court or governmental authority or agency to have committed any such violation; (b) willful misconduct or gross negligence in connection with her performance of duties; (c) willful and material breach of the Wadle Agreement, including without limitation, her failure to perform his duties and responsibilities thereunder (provided that she be given written notice and has 30 days to cure to the extent such violation is reasonably susceptible to cure); (d) fraudulent act or omission adverse to our reputation; (e) willful disclosure of any confidential information to persons not authorized to know such information; or (f) her violation of or failure to comply with any material Company policy or any legal or regulatory obligations or requirements, including without limitation, our Code of Ethics and Business Practices or any legal or regulatory obligations or requirements (provided that she has 30 days to cure to the extent such violation is reasonably susceptible to cure). Furthermore, if subsequent to the termination of Ms. Wadle’s employment it is determined that she could have been terminated for cause, Ms. Wadle’s employment, at our election, shall be deemed to have been terminated for cause, in which event we would be entitled to immediately cease providing any severance benefits described below and to recover any severance benefits previously paid to Ms. Wadle.
Pursuant to the Wadle Agreement, Ms. Wadle may terminate her employment with us with good reason or at any time, upon at least two (2) months’ advance notice, without good reason. For these purposes, “good reason” is generally defined under the Wadle Agreement as (a) any action by us that results in a material and continuing diminution of Ms. Wadle’s duties or responsibilities (including, without limitation, an adverse change in Ms. Wadle’s title or a change such that she no longer reports directly to the CEO), (b) a reduction by us of Ms. Wadle’s base salary or annual cash incentive award opportunity as in effect from time to time, or (iii) a relocation of more than fifty (50) miles of her principal place of employment, in each case without Ms. Wadle’s written consent. Ms. Wadle’s employment will also terminate upon her death.
Pursuant to the Wadle Agreement, if Ms. Wadle’s employment with us is terminated (i) by us without cause (ii) by Ms. Wadle with good reason or (iii) by us as a result of non-renewal of the agreement, then Ms. Wadle will be entitled to, subject to her execution of a valid general release and waiver of any claims she may have against us and her continued compliance with the post-employment restrictive covenants to which she is subject, (a) continued payment of base salary and continued medical benefits (which may consist of our reimbursement of COBRA payments) for a period of twelve (12) months following her termination date; (b) her annual bonus for the preceding year to the extent not yet paid; and (c) a lump sum in an amount equal to the pro-rated amount of any annual cash incentive award that she would have otherwise received, based on actual performance, for the fiscal year in which she was terminated. However, except in the event Ms. Wadle is terminated in the twenty-four (24) months following a change in control, Ms. Wadle’s right to the continuation of her base salary and medical benefits for twelve (12) months following the termination of her employment will cease, respectively, upon the date that she becomes employed by a new employer or otherwise begins providing services for another entity and the date she becomes eligible for coverage under another group health plan, provided that if the cash compensation she receives from her new employer or otherwise is less than her base salary in effect immediately prior to her termination date, she will be entitled to receive the difference between her base salary and her new amount of cash compensation during the remainder of the severance period. In addition, if Ms. Wadle’s employment with us is terminated for any reason, Ms. Wadle will also be entitled to any earned but unpaid salary.
Amounts payable to Ms. Wadle as a result of termination by us without cause or by Ms. Wadle with good reason, may be deferred and accumulated for six months, then paid in a lump-sum on the first day of the seventh month following termination, if required for compliance with the deferred compensation rules under Section 409A of the Code.
Pursuant to the Wadle Agreement, Ms. Wadle has agreed that, for the twelve (12) month period following the termination of her employment (other than a termination by us without cause, by Ms. Wadle with good reason or as a result of our election not to renew the employment period), she will not engage in or perform services for any entity in the retail, mail order and Internet specialty apparel and accessories business within a 100 mile radius of any of our store locations or in the same area as we direct our mail order operations or solicit any of our customers or suppliers. In addition, for the twelve (12) month period following the termination of her employment for any reason, Ms. Wadle has agreed not to solicit or hire any of our associates. Ms. Wadle is also subject to standard non-disclosure of confidential information restrictions.
Equity Plan
None of the options to purchase shares of our common stock held by our Named Executive Officers and granted under our 2011 Equity Incentive Plan will vest solely because of a “change in control.”. However, stock options and/or restricted shares granted to our Named Executive Officers under the plan may provide for the acceleration of the vesting schedule in the event of the termination by us of a Named Executive Officer’s employment without cause or the termination by the Named Executive Officer for good reason within two (2) years following a change in control.
In addition, in the event of (i) a consolidation, merger or similar transaction or series of related transactions, including a sale or disposition of stock, in which Parent is not the surviving corporation or which results in the acquisition of all or substantially all of Parent’s then outstanding common stock by a single person or entity or by a group of persons and/or entities acting in concert, (ii) a sale of all or substantially all of Parent’s assets, (iii) a change in control as defined in the Management Stockholders Agreement, or (iv) a dissolution or liquidation of Parent, the compensation committee of Parent has the right, in its discretion, to cancel all outstanding equity awards (whether vested or unvested) and, in full consideration of such cancellation, pay to the holder of such award an amount in cash, for each share of common stock subject to the award, equal to, (A) with respect to an option, the excess of (x) the value, as determined by the Committee, of securities and property (including cash) received by ordinary stockholders as a result of such event over (y) the exercise price of such option or (B) with respect to restricted shares, the value, as determined by the Committee, of securities and property (including cash) received by the ordinary stockholders as a result of such event.
If any of the events described above had occurred on January 31, 2014 and the Committee exercised its discretion to cash-out each outstanding and unvested equity award (including performance-based awards) held by the Named Executive Officers as of such date, then each Named Executive Officer would have received an amount equal to the amount disclosed with respect to such Named Executive Officer in “Equity-Based Incentive Compensation” row of the tables below. For purposes of this calculation, we have assumed that the value per share received in connection with such event would be equal to $0.50 per share for Class A common stock, which was the valuation of this class of stock on the last business day of our fiscal year 2013.
The following tables estimate the amounts that would be payable to our Named Executive Officers if their employment terminated on January 31, 2014.
Millard Drexler
(1)
All severance payments and benefits payable to our Named Executive Officers upon a termination of employment by us without cause or by the executive with good reason are subject to the Named Executive Officer’s execution of a valid general release and waiver of all claims against the Company and compliance with applicable non-competition, non-solicitation and confidential information restrictions.
(2)
Represents amount equal to (i) Mr. Drexler’s base salary ($200,000) and target cash incentive award ($1,200,000) (one half of such payment to be paid on the first business day that is six (6) months and one (1) day following the assumed termination date and the remaining one half of such payment to be paid in six (6) equal monthly installments commencing on the first business day of the seventh calendar month following such date) and (ii) pro-rated lump sum payment of any annual cash incentive award he would have otherwise received for fiscal 2013 (assumes payout of target bonus of $1,200,000).
(3)
Represents an amount equal to the number of shares underlying all of Mr. Drexler’s unvested stock options as of January 31, 2014 multiplied by the spread between the valuation of the applicable class of common stock as of that date and the applicable exercise price of each stock option.
(4)
Represents the estimated amount of the “gross-up” payment that Mr. Drexler would be entitled to receive in connection with any excise taxes imposed by Section 4999 of the Code as a result of a change in control (as defined by Section 280G of the Code). Since the Company was privately-owned as of January 31, 2014, no such gross-up payment would have been made.
Stuart Haselden
(1)
All severance payments and benefits payable to our Named Executive Officers upon a termination of employment by us without cause or by the executive with good reason are subject to the Named Executive Officer’s execution of a valid general release and waiver of all claims against the Company and compliance with applicable non-solicitation and confidential information restrictions.
(2)
Represents amount equal to (i) continued payment of base salary ($415,000) for twelve (12) months following termination assuming that Mr. Haselden does not obtain other paid employment during that period and (ii) pro-rated lump sum payment of any annual cash incentive award he would have otherwise received for fiscal 2013 (assumes payout of target bonus of $145,250).
(3)
Represents an amount equal to the number of shares underlying all of Mr. Haselden’s unvested stock options as of January 31, 2014 multiplied by the spread between the valuation of the applicable class of common stock as of that date and the applicable exercise price of each stock option.
(4)
Represents an amount equal to the Company’s total COBRA cost for Mr. Haselden to continue coverage under the Company’s health insurance plan for one (1) year assuming that Mr. Haselden did not obtain other employment during that period.
Jenna Lyons
(1)
All severance payments and benefits payable to our Named Executive Officers upon a termination of employment by us without cause or by the executive with good reason are subject to the Named Executive Officer’s execution of a valid general release and waiver of all claims against the Company and compliance with applicable non-competition, non-solicitation and confidential information restrictions.
(2)
Represents amount equal to (i) continued payment of base salary ($1,000,000) for one (1) year following termination assuming that Ms. Lyons does not obtain other paid employment during that period and (ii) a lump sum payment equal to the annual cash incentive award, if any, that she received for the fiscal year ended prior to the fiscal year which includes the assumed termination date (which was $1,500,000 for fiscal 2012).
(3)
Represents an amount equal to the number of shares underlying all of Ms. Lyons’ unvested stock options as of January 31, 2014 multiplied by the spread between the valuation of the applicable class of common stock as of that date and the applicable exercise price of each stock option.
(4)
Represents an amount equal to the Company’s total COBRA cost for Ms. Lyons to continue coverage under the Company’s health insurance plan for one (1) year assuming that Ms. Lyons did not obtain other employment during that period.
James Scully
(1)
All severance payments and benefits payable to our Named Executive Officers upon a termination of employment by us without cause or by the executive with good reason are subject to the Named Executive Officer’s execution of a valid general release and waiver of all claims against the Company and compliance with applicable non-solicitation and confidential information restrictions.
(2)
Represents amount equal to (i) continued payment of base salary ($750,000) for eighteen (18) months following termination assuming that Mr. Scully does not obtain other paid employment during that period and (ii) pro-rated lump sum payment of any annual cash incentive award he would have otherwise received for fiscal 2012 (assumes payout of target bonus of $750,000).
(3)
Represents an amount equal to the number of shares underlying all of Mr. Scully’s unvested stock options as of January 31, 2014 multiplied by the spread between the valuation of the applicable class of common stock as of that date and the applicable exercise price of each stock option.
(4)
Represents an amount equal to the Company’s total COBRA cost for Mr. Scully to continue coverage under the Company’s health insurance plan for eighteen (18) months assuming that Mr. Scully did not obtain other employment during that period.
Libby Wadle
(1)
All severance payments and benefits payable to our Named Executive Officers upon a termination of employment by us without cause or by the executive with good reason are subject to the Named Executive Officer’s execution of a valid general release and waiver of all claims against the Company and compliance with applicable non-competition, non-solicitation and confidential information restrictions.
(2)
Represents amount equal to (i) continued payment of base salary ($750,000) for one (1) year following termination assuming that Ms. Wadle does not obtain other paid employment during that period and (ii) pro-rated lump sum payment of any annual cash incentive award that she would have otherwise received for fiscal 2013 (assumes payout of target bonus of $750,000).
(3)
Represents an amount equal to the number of shares underlying all of Ms. Wadle’s unvested stock options as of January 31, 2014 multiplied by the spread between the valuation of the applicable class of common stock as of that date and the applicable exercise price of each stock option.
(4)
Represents an amount equal to the Company’s total COBRA cost for Ms. Wadle to continue coverage under the Company’s health insurance plan for one (1) year assuming that Ms. Wadle did not obtain other employment during that period.
Director Compensation
The following table sets forth information regarding compensation for each of the Company’s non-management directors for fiscal 2013. Messrs. Coulter, Danhakl and Sokoloff and Ms. Wheeler are representatives of our Sponsors. As a result, these directors are not individually compensated by the Company.
(1)
Represents the grant date fair value we calculated under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 718-Compensation-Stock Compensation as share-based compensation in our financial statements for fiscal year 2013 of restricted stock awards made to directors in that fiscal year. See note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for a description of assumptions underlying the valuation of equity awards.
The stock award granted to Mr. Squeri during fiscal 2013 and listed in the table above was an award of 36,750 shares of restricted stock with a grant date fair value of $2.37. The aggregate number of stock options held by Mr. Squeri as of February 1, 2014 is 80,000. In addition, Mr. Squeri held 37,833 shares of Class A unvested restricted stock and 18,916 shares of Class L unvested restricted stock as of February 1, 2014.
Compensation of Directors for Fiscal 2013
Neither Mr. Drexler nor the representatives of our Sponsors receive individual compensation from us for serving on the Board. In exchange for his services as a director in 2013, Mr. Squeri received: (1) an annual cash retainer of $40,000; and (2) an award of 36,750 shares of restricted stock. The restricted stock was granted on June 20, 2013 and vests ratably over two years from the grant date.
Each of our directors receives a discount on most merchandise in our stores and through our Direct channel, which we believe is a common practice in the retail industry.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
The members of the compensation committee of the Board of the Company are Mr. Coulter, Mr. Sokoloff, Mr. Squeri and Ms. Wheeler. None of these committee members were officers or employees of the Company during fiscal year 2013, were formerly Company officers or had any relationship otherwise requiring disclosure. There were no interlocks or insider participation between any member of the Board or compensation committee and any member of the Board or compensation committee of another company.
report of the compensation committee
The compensation committee of our Board has reviewed and discussed the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section with management. Based on the review and discussions, the compensation committee recommended that the Board include the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” in this annual report on Form 10-K.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
James Coulter, Chairman
Jonathan Sokoloff
Stephen Squeri
Carrie Wheeler
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
All of the outstanding shares of common stock of J.Crew Group, Inc. are held indirectly by Parent.
The following table describes the beneficial ownership of Parent’s common stock, consisting of both Class A common stock and Class L common stock, as of March 24, 2014 by each person known to the Company to beneficially own more than five percent of Parent’s common stock, each director, each executive officer named in the “Summary Compensation Table,” and all directors and executive officers as a group. The number of shares of common stock outstanding used in calculating the percentage for each listed person includes the shares of Class A common stock underlying options beneficially owned by that person that are exercisable within 60 days following March 24, 2014. The beneficial ownership percentages reflected in the table below are based on 91,420,040 shares of Parent’s Class L common stock and 835,913,548 shares of Parent’s Class A common stock outstanding as of March 24, 2014.
*
Indicates less than one percent of common stock.
Except as described in the agreements mentioned above or as otherwise indicated in a footnote, each of the beneficial owners listed has, to our knowledge, sole voting, dispositive and investment power with respect to the indicated shares of common stock beneficially owned by them. Unless otherwise indicated in a footnote, the address for each individual listed below is c/o J.Crew Group, Inc. 770 Broadway, New York NY 10003.
(1)
Represents 60,275,627 shares of Class L common stock of Chinos Holdings, Inc. (the “TPG Class L Stock”) held by TPG Chinos, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“TPG Chinos”), whose general partner is TPG Advisors VI, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Advisors VI”). Messrs. James G. Coulter and David Bonderman are officers, directors and sole shareholders of Advisors VI and may therefore be deemed to beneficially own the TPG stock. Messrs. Bonderman and Coulter disclaim beneficial ownership of the TPG stock held by Advisors VI except to the extent of their pecuniary interest therein. The address of Advisors VI and Messrs. Bonderman and Coulter is c/o TPG Global, LLC, 301 Commerce Street, Suite 3300, Fort Worth, TX 76102.
(2)
Represents 542,480,716 shares of Class A common stock of Chinos Holdings, Inc. (the “TPG Class A Stock” and, together with the TPG Class L Stock, the “TPG Stock”) held by TPG Chinos.
(3)
Represents 17,091,769 shares of Class L common stock held by Green Equity Investors V, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“GEI V”), 5,127,119 shares of Class L common stock held by Green Equity Investors Side V, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“GEI Side”) and 447,777 shares of Class L common stock held by LGP Chino Coinvest LLC, a Delaware limited Liability Company (“LGP Chino Coinvest” and, together with GEI V and GEI Side, the “LGP Funds”). GEI Capital V, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“GEI Capital”), is the general partner of each of GEI V and GEI Side. GEI Capital may be deemed to have voting and dispositive power with respect to the 22,218,888 shares of Class L common stock held by GEI V and GEI Side. GEI Capital expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of any securities owned beneficially or of record by any person or persons other than itself for purposes of Section 13(d)(3) and Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act and expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of any such securities except to the extent of its pecuniary interest therein. Leonard Green & Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“LGP”) is the manager of LGP Chino Coinvest and serves as the management company of GEI
V and GEI Side. LGP may be deemed to have voting and dispositive power with respect to the 22,666,665 shares of Class L common stock held by the LGP Funds. LGP expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of any securities owned beneficially or of record by any person or persons other than itself for purposes of Section 13(d)(3) and Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act and expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of any such securities except to the extent of its pecuniary interest therein. The business address of each of the LGP Funds and LGP is c/o Leonard Green & Partners, 11111 Santa Monica Boulevard Suite 2000, Los Angeles, CA 90025.
(4)
Represents 153,825,921 shares of Class A common stock held by GEI V, 46,144,078 shares of Class A common stock held by GEI Side and 4,030,000 shares of Class A common stock held by LGP Chino Coinvest. GEI Capital is the general partner of each of GEI V and GEI Side. GEI Capital may be deemed to have voting and dispositive power with respect to the 199,969,999 shares of Class A common stock held by GEI V and GEI Side. GEI Capital expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of any securities owned beneficially or of record by any person or persons other than itself for purposes of Section 13(d)(3) and Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act and expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of any such securities except to the extent of its pecuniary interest therein. LGP is the manager of LGP Chino Coinvest and serves as the management company of GEI V and GEI Side. LGP may be deemed to have voting and dispositive power with respect to the 203,999,999 shares of Class A common stock held by the LGP Funds. LGP expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of any securities owned beneficially or of record by any person or persons other than itself for purposes of Section 13(d)(3) and Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act and expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of any such securities except to the extent of its pecuniary interest therein.
(5)
Represents 3,571,978 shares of Class L common stock held by The Drexler Family Revocable Trust, 1,867,278 shares of Class L common stock held by The Drexler 2008 Family Trust f/b/o Alexander Fischman Drexler, 1,867,277 shares of Class L common stock held by The Drexler 2008 Family Trust f/b/o Katherine Elizabeth Fischman Drexler, and 64,444 shares of Class L common stock held by Millard S. Drexler.
(6)
Represents 32,147,805 shares of Class A common stock held by The Drexler Family Revocable Trust, 16,805,500 shares of Class A common stock held by The Drexler 2008 Family Trust f/b/o Alexander Fischman Drexler, 16,805,500 shares of Class A common stock held by The Drexler 2008 Family Trust f/b/o Katherine Elizabeth Fischman Drexler and 12,620,957 shares of Class A common stock held by Millard S. Drexler. Also includes 6,020,479 shares of Class A common stock that Mr. Drexler has the right to acquire within 60 days of March 24, 2014 upon the exercise of stock options at an exercise price of $0.25 per share.
(7)
Mr. Danhakl is a Managing Partner of LGP, and by virtue of this and the relationships described in Footnotes (3) and (4) above, may be deemed to share voting and dispositive power with respect to the 22,666,665 shares of Class L common stock and 203,999,999 shares of Class A common stock beneficially owned by the LGP Funds. Mr. Danhakl disclaims beneficial ownership of all such shares except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. The business address of Mr. Danhakl is c/o Leonard Green & Partners, 11111 Santa Monica Boulevard Suite 2000, Los Angeles, CA 90025.
(8)
Mr. Sokoloff is a Managing Partner of LGP, and by virtue of this and the relationships described in Footnote (3) and (4) above, may be deemed to share voting and dispositive power with respect to the 22,666,665 shares of Class L common stock and 203,999,999 shares of Class A common stock beneficially owned by the LGP Funds. Mr. Sokoloff disclaims beneficial ownership of all such shares except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. The business address of Mr. Sokoloff is c/o Leonard Green & Partners, 11111 Santa Monica Boulevard Suite 2000, Los Angeles, CA 90025.
(9)
Includes 21,482 shares of Class L common stock held by Mr. Squeri and 18,916 shares of Class L restricted common stock.
(10)
Includes 146,667 shares of Class A common stock held by Mr. Squeri, 37,833 shares of Class A restricted common stock and 16,000 shares of Class A common stock that Mr. Squeri has the right to acquire within 60 days of March 24, 2014 upon the exercise of stock options at an exercise price of $0.25 per share.
(11)
Ms. Wheeler is a TPG Partner. Ms. Wheeler does not have voting or dispositive power over and disclaims beneficial ownership of the TPG Stock. The business address of Ms. Wheeler is c/o TPG Global, LLC, 301 Commerce Street, Suite 3300, Fort Worth, TX 76102.
(12)
Includes 388,777 shares of Class A common stock that Mr. Haselden has the right to acquire within 60 days of March 24, 2014 upon the exercise of stock options at an exercise price of $0.25 per share.
(13)
Includes 1,777,777 shares of Class A common stock held by Ms. Lyons, 3,153,878 shares of Class A common stock that Ms. Lyons has the right to acquire within 60 days of March 24, 2014 upon the exercise of stock options at an exercise price of $0.25 per share and 150,000 shares of Class A common stock that Ms. Lyons has the right to acquire within 60 days of March 24, 2014 upon the exercise of options at an exercise price of $0.35 per share.
(14)
Includes 2,222,222 shares of Class A common stock held by Mr. Scully, 963,300 shares of Class A common stock that Mr. Scully has the right to acquire within 60 days of March 24, 2014 upon the exercise of stock options at an exercise price of $0.25 per share and 100,000 shares of Class A common stock that Mr. Scully has the right to acquire within 60 days of March 24, 2014 upon the exercise of options at an exercise price of $0.35 per share.
(15)
Includes 1,777,777 shares of Class A common stock held by Ms. Wadle and 825,660 shares of Class A common stock that Ms. Wadle has the right to acquire within 60 days of March 24, 2014 upon the exercise of stock options at an exercise price of $0.25 per share and 100,000 shares of Class A common stock that Ms. Wadle has the right to acquire within 60 days of March 24, 2014 upon the exercise of options at an exercise price of $0.35 per share.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Stockholders Agreements
The Company has entered into each of a Principal Investors Stockholders’ Agreement and a Management Stockholders’ Agreement with the Sponsors, certain parent companies of the Company (including Parent), certain other stockholders of Parent party thereto and, with respect to the Management Stockholders’ Agreement, certain members of management party thereto including but not limited to Mss. Lyons, Markoe and Wadle and Messrs. Haselden and Scully (collectively, the “Stockholders Agreements”). These agreements contain arrangements among the parties thereto with respect to the business and affairs of the Company and the ownership of securities of Parent, including with respect to election of the Company’s directors and the directors of its parent companies, restrictions on the issuance or transfer of interests in the Company and its parent entities and other corporate governance provisions (including the right to approve various corporate actions).
Pursuant to the Stockholders Agreements, (i) the LGP Funds have the right to nominate, and have nominated, two directors to the Company’s Board, (ii) Millard S. Drexler has been nominated to the Board and will serve so long as he is the chief executive officer of the Company and (iii) TPG has the right to set the size of the Board and nominate the remaining directors. At the closing of the Acquisition in March 2011, TPG nominated two directors to the Company’s Board. In May 2012, Stephen Squeri was unanimously appointed to the Board, such that the Board is currently comprised of six directors. Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company as well as the Stockholders Agreements, each director nominated by TPG has four votes for purposes of any Board action and each other director has one vote for purposes of any Board action. All decisions of the Board require the approval of a majority of the voting power held by the directors appointed in accordance with the Stockholders Agreements. In addition, the Stockholders Agreements provide that certain significant transactions regarding the Company and its parent companies require the consent of the LGP Funds.
The Stockholders Agreements contain customary agreements with respect to restrictions on the issuance or transfer of shares of common stock in the Company and its parent entities, including preemptive rights, rights of first offer upon a disposition of shares, tag along rights and drag along rights.
The Principal Investors Stockholders’ Agreement contains customary demand and piggyback registration rights in favor of the Sponsors and the other stockholders party thereto. The Management Stockholders’ Agreement also contains call rights allowing Parent and, in certain circumstances, the Sponsors, to purchase shares of Parent held by members of management party thereto in the event of a termination of employment of such member of management.
Agreements with the Sponsors
In connection with the Transactions, we entered into a management services agreement with the Sponsors, and/or affiliates of the Sponsors if the Sponsors so choose (the “Managers”), pursuant to which the Managers will provide us with certain management services until December 31, 2021, with evergreen one year extensions thereafter. The management services agreement provides that the Managers will receive an aggregate annual retainer fee equal to the greater of 40 basis points of annual revenue and $8 million to be allocated between the Managers as set forth in the management agreement. The management services agreement provides that the Managers will be entitled to receive fees in connection with certain subsequent financing, acquisition, disposition and change of control transactions equal to customary fees charged by internationally-recognized investment banks for serving as financial advisor in similar transactions. The management agreement also provides for reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Managers or their designees after the consummation of the Acquisition.
The management services agreement includes customary exculpation and indemnification provisions in favor of the Managers, their designees and each of their respective affiliates. The management services agreement may be terminated by TPG, the board of directors of Parent or upon an initial public offering or change of control unless TPG determines otherwise. In the event the management services agreement is terminated, we expect to pay the Managers or their designees all unpaid fees plus the sum of the net present values of the aggregate annual retainer fees that would have been payable with respect to the period from the date of termination until the expiration date in effect immediately prior to such termination.
Pursuant to the management services agreement, the Managers received on the closing date of the Acquisition an aggregate transaction fee of $35 million. Additionally, in connection with the Acquisition, the Managers incurred certain costs, aggregating to $19.9 million, which were either (i) paid for on behalf of the Managers or (ii) reimbursed to the Managers by the Company. These costs are reflected as a reduction of stockholders’ equity in the consolidated financial statements of the Company.
Indemnification of Directors and Officers; Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance
The current directors and officers of J.Crew and its subsidiaries are entitled under the Merger Agreement relating to the Acquisition to continued indemnification and insurance coverage.
Certain Charter and Bylaws Provisions
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws contain provisions limiting directors’ obligations in respect of corporate opportunities. In addition, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law will not apply to the Company. Section 203 restricts “business combinations” between a corporation and “interested stockholders,” generally defined as stockholders owning 15% or more of the voting stock of a corporation.
Private Aircraft
Mr. Drexler travels extensively for Company business, including for purposes of site visitations to the Company’s stores. For purposes of business efficiency, Mr. Drexler uses his private airplane. Mr. Drexler’s airplane is owned by an entity which he controls. We pay an established charter rate to a third-party commercial aircraft operator for business use of his airplane. Mr. Drexler also has a fractional interest in a helicopter and we reimburse him for business use of the helicopter at an established rate. The audit committee has reviewed the terms of these arrangements to ensure they are at, or below, market and in the best interests of the Company. During fiscal 2013, we paid $1,366,400 pursuant to these arrangements.
Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons
The Board has adopted a written policy regarding the approval or ratification of all transactions required to be reported under the SEC’s rules regarding transactions with related persons. In accordance with this policy, the audit committee of the Board will evaluate each related person transaction for the purpose of recommending to the disinterested members of the Board that the transactions are fair, reasonable and within Company policy, and should be ratified and approved by the Board. At least semi-annually, management will provide the audit committee with information pertaining to related person transactions. The audit committee will consider each related person transaction in light of all relevant factors and the controls implemented to protect the interests of the Company and its stockholders. Relevant factors will include:
·
the benefits of the transaction to the Company;
·
the terms of the transaction and whether they are arm’s-length and in the ordinary course of the Company’s business;
·
the direct or indirect nature of the related person’s interest in the transaction;
·
the size and expected term of the transaction; and
·
other facts and circumstances that bear on the materiality of the related person transaction under applicable law.
Approval by the Board of any related person transaction involving a director will also be made in accordance with applicable law and the Company’s organizational documents as from time to time in effect. Where a vote of the disinterested directors is required, such vote will be called only following full disclosure to such directors of the facts and circumstances of the relevant related person transaction. Related person transactions entered into, but not approved or ratified as required by the Board’s policy, will be subject to termination by the Company (or any relevant subsidiary), if so directed by the audit committee or the Board, as applicable, taking into account such factors as such body deems appropriate and relevant.
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.
During fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011, KMPG LLP served as our independent registered public accounting firm and in that capacity rendered an unqualified opinion on our consolidated financial statements as of and for the three years ended February 1, 2014.
The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed or expected to be billed to us by our independent registered public accounting firm in each of the last two fiscal years:
Audit Fees
These amounts represent fees billed or expected to be billed by KPMG LLP for professional services rendered for the audits of the Company’s annual financial statements for fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 and the reviews of the financial statements included in the Company’s quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.
Audit-Related Fees
This amount represents fees billed by KPMG LLP for professional services rendered that were not included under “Audit Fees.” Audit-Related Fees in fiscal 2013 were related to procedures performed in connection with debt issuance.
Tax Fees
This amount represents fees billed or expected to be billed by KPMG LLP for professional services rendered in connection with sales and use tax compliance.
All Other Fees
None.
Auditor Independence
The audit committee has considered whether the provision of the above-noted services is compatible with maintaining the auditor’s independence and has determined that the provision of such services has not adversely affected the auditor’s independence.
Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permitted Non-Audit Services
The audit committee has established policies and procedures regarding the pre-approval of audit and other services that our independent auditor may perform for us. Under the policy, the audit committee has pre-approved the engagement of our independent auditors to perform certain work for us that is not an integral component of the audit services (“Non-Audit Services”) from time to time up to a maximum compensation amount of $20,000 per year, above which amount any additional Non-Audit Services and compensation payable therefore would be required to be approved in advance by the audit committee.
The audit committee is governed by a written charter, which is available free of charge on the investor relations section of our website at www.jcrew.com or upon written request to the Secretary of the Company, J.Crew Group, Inc., 770 Broadway, New York, New York 10003. The audit committee held eight meetings in fiscal 2013.
PART IV
ITEM 15.
ITEM 15.
EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
(a)
Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules. See “Index to Financial Statements” which is located on page of this report.
(b)
Exhibits. See the exhibit index which is included herein.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated, on March 12, 2014.
Signature
Title
/s/ Millard Drexler
Chairman of the Board,
Millard Drexler
Chief Executive Officer and a Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Stuart c. Haselden
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting
Stuart C. Haselden
Officer)
*
Director
James Coulter
*
Director
John Danhakl
*
Director
Jonathan Sokoloff
*
Director
Stephen Squeri
*
Director
Carrie Wheeler
*By:
/s/ Stuart c. Haselden
Stuart C. Haselden,
Attorney-in-Fact
J.Crew Group, Inc.
Audited Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
F-
Consolidated Balance Sheets at February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013
F-
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended February 1, 2014 (Successor) and February 2, 2013 (Successor) and for the periods March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012 (Successor) and January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011 (Predecessor)
F-
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended February 1, 2014 (Successor) and February 2, 2013 (Successor) and for the periods March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012 (Successor) and January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011 (Predecessor)
F-
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended February 1, 2014 (Successor) and February 2, 2013 (Successor) and for the periods March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012 (Successor) and January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011 (Predecessor)
F-
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-
Financial Statement Schedules
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended February 1, 2014, February 2, 2013 and January 28, 2012
F-
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
J.Crew Group, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of J.Crew Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years ended February 1, 2014 (Successor) and February 2, 2013 (Successor) and the periods March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012 (Successor) and January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011 (Predecessor). In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited financial statement schedule II. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of J.Crew Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years ended February 1, 2014 (Successor) and February 2, 2013 (Successor) and the periods March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012 (Successor) and January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011 (Predecessor), in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
/s/ KPMG LLP
New York, New York
March 24, 2014
J.CREW GROUP, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except share data)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
J.CREW GROUP, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(in thousands)
(a)
consists of 53 weeks
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
J.CREW GROUP, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
(in thousands, except shares)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
J.CREW GROUP, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
J.CREW GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Years Ended February 1, 2014 (Successor) and February 2, 2013 (Successor) and the Periods March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012 (Successor) and January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011 (Predecessor)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(a) Basis of Presentation
J.Crew Group, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (the “Company” or “Group”) was acquired (the “Acquisition”) on March 7, 2011 through a merger with a subsidiary of Chinos Holdings, Inc. (the “Parent”). The Parent was formed by investment funds affiliated with TPG Capital, L.P. (“TPG”) and Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. (“LGP” and together with TPG, the “Sponsors”). Subsequent to the Acquisition, Group became an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Parent, which is owned by affiliates of the Sponsors, co-investors and members of management. Prior to March 7, 2011, the Company operated as a public company with its common stock traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
Although the Company continued as the same legal entity after the Acquisition, the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity and cash flows are presented for two periods: Predecessor and Successor, which relate to the period before and after the Acquisition. The period March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012 is referred to as the “Successor period” and the period January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011 is referred to as the “Predecessor period.” The Acquisition and the allocation of the purchase price were recorded as of March 7, 2011.
All significant intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
(b) Business
The Company designs, contracts for the manufacture of, markets and distributes women’s, men’s and children’s apparel, shoes and accessories under the J.Crew, crewcuts and Madewell brand names. The Company’s products are marketed primarily in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom through two primary sales channels: (i) Stores, which consists of retail, factory and Madewell stores, and (ii) Direct, which consists of websites.
The Company is subject to seasonal fluctuations in its merchandise sales and results of operations. The Company expects its revenues generally to be lower in the first and second quarters than in the third and fourth quarters (which includes the holiday season) of each fiscal year.
A significant amount of the Company’s products are produced in Asia through arrangements with independent contractors. As a result, the Company’s operations could be adversely affected by political instability resulting in the disruption of trade from the countries in which these contractors are located or by the imposition of additional duties or regulations relating to imports or by the contractor’s inability to meet the Company’s production requirements.
(c) Fiscal Year
The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31. The fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011 (which includes the Predecessor and Successor periods), ended on February 1, 2014, February 2, 2013 and January 28, 2012, respectively. Fiscal year 2012 consisted of 53 weeks and fiscal years 2013 and 2011 consisted of 52 weeks.
(d) Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
Management is required to make estimates and assumptions about future events in preparing financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of loss contingencies at the date of the consolidated financial statements. While management believes that past estimates and assumptions have been materially accurate, current estimates are subject to change if different assumptions as to the outcome of future events are made. Management evaluates estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis and predicates those estimates and judgments on historical experience and on reasonable factors. Since future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty, actual results may differ from the estimates used in preparing the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
J.CREW GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
For the Years Ended February 1, 2014 (Successor) and February 2, 2013 (Successor) and the Periods March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012 (Successor) and January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011 (Predecessor)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
(e) Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized at the point of sale in the Stores channel, and at an estimated date of receipt by the customer in the Direct channel. Prices for all merchandise are listed in the Company’s catalogs and websites and are confirmed with the customer upon order. The customer has no cancellation privileges other than customary rights of return. The Company accrues a sales return allowance for estimated returns of merchandise that will occur subsequent to the balance sheet date, but relate to sales prior to the balance sheet date. The Company presents taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities on a net basis on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
A liability is recognized at the time a gift card is sold, and revenue is recognized at the time the gift card is redeemed for merchandise. Revenue is deferred and a liability is recognized for gift cards issued in connection with the Company’s customer loyalty program. Any unredeemed loyalty gift cards are recognized as income in the period in which they expire.
Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling fees related to Direct sales are recorded in other revenues. Other revenues also include (i) income from unredeemed gift cards, estimated based on Company specific historical trends, which amounted to $3,663 in fiscal 2013, $2,508 in fiscal 2012, $475 in the Successor period, and $244 in the Predecessor period, and (ii) revenues from third party resellers, which amounted to $8,565 in fiscal 2013, $5,934 in fiscal 2012, $3,333 in the Successor period, and $483 in the Predecessor period.
(f) Merchandise Inventories
Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of average cost or market. The Company capitalizes certain design, purchasing and warehousing costs in inventory and these costs are included in cost of goods sold as the inventories are sold.
(g) Advertising and Catalog Costs
Direct response advertising, which consists primarily of catalog production and mailing costs, are capitalized and amortized over the expected future revenue stream. Amortization of capitalized advertising costs is computed using the ratio of current period revenues for the catalog cost pool to the total of current and estimated future period revenues for that catalog cost pool. The capitalized costs of direct response advertising are amortized, commencing with the date catalogs are mailed, over the duration of the expected revenue stream, which is approximately two months. Deferred catalog costs, included in prepaid expenses and other current assets, as of February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013 were $8,117 and $9,643 respectively. Catalog costs, which are reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses, were $51,607 in fiscal 2013, $44,525 in fiscal 2012, $43,533 in the Successor period and $4,201 in the Predecessor period.
All other advertising costs, which are expensed as incurred, were $51,545 in fiscal 2013, $39,093 in fiscal 2012, $25,704 in the Successor period and $1,998 in the Predecessor period.
(h) Deferred Rent and Lease Incentives
Rental payments under operating leases are charged to expense on a straight-line basis after consideration of rent holidays, step rent provisions and escalation clauses. Differences between rental expense (recognized from the date of possession) and actual rental payments are recorded as deferred rent and included in deferred credits.
The Company receives construction allowances upon entering into certain store leases. These construction allowances are recorded as deferred credits and are amortized as a reduction of rent expense over the term of the related lease. Deferred construction allowances were $51,849 and $34,088 at February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013, respectively.
Deferred credits were eliminated in the allocation of purchase price on March 7, 2011. Deferred credits as of February 1, 2014 reflect deferred rent and lease incentives for properties which the Company took possession subsequent to the Acquisition. Additionally, in the allocation of purchase price, the Company recorded assets and liabilities for favorable and unfavorable lease commitments, which are amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining lease life.
J.CREW GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
For the Years Ended February 1, 2014 (Successor) and February 2, 2013 (Successor) and the Periods March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012 (Successor) and January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011 (Predecessor)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
(i) Share-Based Compensation
The fair value of employee share-based awards is recognized as compensation expense on a straight line basis over the requisite service period of the award. Determining the fair value of options at the grant date requires judgment, including estimating the expected term that stock options will be outstanding prior to exercise, the associated volatility and the expected dividend yield. Upon grant of awards, the Company also estimates an amount of forfeitures that will occur prior to vesting. See note 4 for a complete description of the accounting for share-based awards.
(j) Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated over the estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. Buildings and improvements are depreciated over estimated useful lives of twenty years. Furniture, fixtures and equipment are depreciated over estimated useful lives, ranging from three to ten years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their useful lives or related lease terms (without consideration of optional renewal periods).
The Company capitalizes certain costs (included in fixtures and equipment) related to the acquisition and development of software and amortizes these costs using the straight line method over the estimated useful life of the software, which is three to five years. Certain development costs not meeting the criteria for capitalization are expensed as incurred.
Property and equipment was increased to its fair market value in the allocation of purchase price on March 7, 2011. The revised carrying values of the property and equipment are depreciated over their remaining useful lives.
(k) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company reviews long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company assesses the recoverability of such assets based upon estimated cash flow forecasts. Charges for impairment were $1,874 in fiscal 2013, $631 in fiscal 2012, $1,908 in the Successor period and none in the Predecessor period. See note 9 for more information regarding impairment of long-lived assets.
(l) Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes using an asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are recognized based on the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred taxes are measured using current enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to reverse. The provision for income taxes includes taxes currently payable and deferred taxes resulting from the tax effects of temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities.
The Company maintains valuation allowances where it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Changes in the valuation allowances are included in the Company’s tax provision in the period of change. In determining whether a valuation allowance is warranted, the Company evaluates factors such as prior earnings history, expected future earnings, carry-back and carry-forward periods and tax strategies that could potentially enhance the likelihood of the realization of a deferred tax asset.
With respect to uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return, the Company recognizes in its financial statements the impact of tax positions that meet a “more likely than not” threshold, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized from uncertain positions are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon effective settlement.
The Company recognizes interest expense and income related to income taxes as a component of interest expense, and penalties as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses.
(m) Segment Information
The Company has two operating segments, Stores and Direct, which are aggregated into one reportable segment. The Company’s identifiable assets are located primarily in the United States. Export sales are not significant.
J.CREW GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
For the Years Ended February 1, 2014 (Successor) and February 2, 2013 (Successor) and the Periods March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012 (Successor) and January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011 (Predecessor)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
(n) Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid marketable securities, with maturities of 90 days or less when purchased, to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents, which were $126,002 and $41,613 at February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013, respectively, are stated at cost, which approximates market value.
(o) Operating Expenses
Cost of goods sold (including buying and occupancy costs) includes the direct cost of purchased merchandise, freight, design, buying and production costs, occupancy costs related to store operations, and all shipping and handling and delivery costs associated with the Direct channel.
Selling, general and administrative expenses include all operating expenses not included in cost of goods sold, primarily catalog production and mailing costs, administrative payroll, store expenses other than occupancy costs, depreciation and amortization, certain warehousing expenses (aggregating to $36,149 in fiscal 2013, $29,673 in fiscal 2012, $24,888 in the Successor period and $1,494 in the Predecessor period), and credit card fees.
(p) Deferred Financing Costs
Deferred financing costs are amortized over the term of the related debt agreements. The amortization is included in interest expense, net.
(q) Store Pre-opening Costs
Costs associated with the opening of new stores are expensed as incurred.
(r) Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The Acquisition of the Company was accounted for as a purchase business combination, whereby the purchase price paid was allocated to recognize the acquired assets and liabilities at fair value. In connection with the purchase price allocation, intangible assets were established for the J.Crew and Madewell trade names, loyalty program, customer lists and favorable lease commitments. The purchase price in excess of the fair value of assets and liabilities was recorded as goodwill, which consists primarily of intangible assets related to the knowhow, design and merchandising of the Company’s brands that do not qualify for separate recognition.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, such as the J.Crew trade name and goodwill, are not subject to amortization. The Company assesses the recoverability of indefinite-lived intangibles whenever there are indicators of impairment, or at least annually in the fourth quarter. If the recorded carrying value of an intangible asset exceeds its estimated fair value, the Company records a charge to write the intangible asset down to its fair value. Definite-lived intangibles, such as the Madewell trade name, loyalty program, customer lists and favorable lease commitments, are amortized on a straight line basis over their useful life or remaining lease term. See note 3 for more information regarding goodwill and intangible assets of the Company.
The Company assesses the recoverability of goodwill at the reporting unit level, which consists of its operating segments, Stores and Direct. In this assessment, the Company first compares the estimated enterprise fair value of each of the reporting units to its recorded carrying value. The Company estimates the enterprise fair value based on discounted cash flow techniques. If the recorded carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated enterprise fair value in the first step, a second step is performed in which the Company allocates the enterprise fair value to the fair value of the reporting unit’s net assets. The second step of the impairment testing process requires, among other things, estimates of fair values of substantially all of the Company’s tangible and intangible assets. Any enterprise fair value in excess of amounts allocated to such net assets represents the implied fair value of goodwill for that reporting unit. If the recorded goodwill balance for a reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill, an impairment charge is recorded to write goodwill down to its fair value.
J.CREW GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
For the Years Ended February 1, 2014 (Successor) and February 2, 2013 (Successor) and the Periods March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012 (Successor) and January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011 (Predecessor)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
(s) Dividends
Dividends are recorded at the declaration date as a reduction of retained earnings included in stockholders’ equity. If the amount of the dividend exceeds retained earnings, the dividend is recorded as a reduction of additional paid-in capital. On December 21, 2012, the Company paid a dividend of $197,450 to stockholders of record of the Parent on December 17, 2012, and reduced additional paid-in capital.
(t) Reclassification
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.
(u) Foreign Currency Translation
The financial statements of the Company’s foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars. Assets and liabilities are translated at current exchange rates as of the balance sheet date, equity accounts at historical exchange rates, while revenue and expense accounts are translated at the average rates in effect during the year. Translation adjustments are not included in determining net income, but are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss within stockholders’ equity. As of February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013, foreign currency translation adjustments resulted in accumulated losses of $1,532 and $0, respectively. Transaction gains and losses included in operating results for fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011 were not material.
2. Management Services Agreement
Pursuant to a management services agreement entered into in connection with the Acquisition, and in exchange for on-going consulting and management advisory services, the Sponsors receive an aggregate annual monitoring fee prepaid quarterly equal to the greater of (i) 40 basis points of consolidated annual revenues or (ii) $8 million. The Sponsors also receive reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with services provided pursuant to the agreement. The Company recorded an expense of $9.9 million in fiscal 2013, $9.1 million in fiscal 2012, and $7.4 million in the Successor period for monitoring fees and out-of-pocket expenses, included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
3. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
A summary of the significant components of intangible assets and goodwill is as follows:
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for the next five fiscal years is as follows: $16 million (fiscal 2014), $15 million (fiscal 2015), $10 million (fiscal 2016), $9 million (fiscal 2017), and $7 million (fiscal 2018).
J.CREW GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
For the Years Ended February 1, 2014 (Successor) and February 2, 2013 (Successor) and the Periods March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012 (Successor) and January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011 (Predecessor)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
4. Share Based Compensation
Successor share-based compensation
Chinos Holdings, Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan
On March 4, 2011, the Parent adopted the Chinos Holdings, Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”), which authorizes equity awards to be granted for up to 91,740,627 shares of the common stock of the Parent, of which options for 61,902,062 shares have been issued to certain members of management and are outstanding at February 1, 2014, including (i) 33,025,407 options with a weighted average exercise price of $0.30 that become exercisable over the requisite service period and (ii) 28,876,655 options with a weighted average exercise price of $0.31 that only become exercisable when certain owners of the Parent receive a specified level of cash proceeds, as defined in the equity incentive plan, from the sale of their initial investment. The options have terms of up to ten years and become exercisable over a period up to seven years.
Accounting for Share-Based Compensation
The fair value of the time-based awards is recognized as compensation expense on a straight line basis over the requisite service period of the award, included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The fair value of the options exercisable when certain owners of the Parent receive a specified level of cash proceeds will not be recognized until such event occurs. Determining the fair value of options at the grant date requires judgment, including estimating the expected term that stock options will be outstanding prior to exercise, the associated volatility, and the expected dividend yield. At grant date, the Company estimates an amount of forfeitures that will occur prior to vesting.
The fair value of stock options was estimated at the date of grant using an option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
(1)
Based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.
(2)
Based on average volatility of stock prices of companies in a peer group analysis.
(3)
Represents the period of time (in years) options are expected to be outstanding.
Accounting for Option Modification
On December 21, 2012, the Company paid a dividend of $197.5 million to stockholders of record of the Parent on December 17, 2012. In conjunction with the declaration and payment of the dividend, the Board of Directors of the Company, at its discretion, approved a modification of certain outstanding vested and unvested options in the form of a reduced exercise price to $0.78 from $1.00. As a result of the modification, the Company recorded additional share-based compensation based on the difference between the fair value of the options immediately preceding and immediately following the modification. The incremental fair value of $0.9 million attributable to vested options was recognized in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012. The incremental fair value of $3.0 million attributable to unvested options will be recognized over the remaining weighted-average vesting period of 3.0 years.
On November 5, 2013, in connection with a recapitalization of the Parent (used to fund a cash dividend of $484 million to the equity holders of Parent and dividend equivalent compensation payments of $6.1 million to certain equity-award holders of Parent), the Board of Directors of the Company approved a modification of certain outstanding vested and unvested options in the form of $0.53 reduction in the exercise price. As the modification was required under the 2011 Plan, no incremental share-based compensation was recorded. For more information with respect to the recapitalization of the Parent see note 7.
As of February 1, 2014, there was $9.0 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 2.7 years. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted was $0.49. Expense associated with the options exercisable when certain owners of the Parent receive a specified level of cash proceeds will not be recognized until that event occurs.
J.CREW GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
For the Years Ended February 1, 2014 (Successor) and February 2, 2013 (Successor) and the Periods March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012 (Successor) and January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011 (Predecessor)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
A summary of stock option activity under the 2011 Plan is as follows:
A summary of stock option vesting activity under the 2011 Plan is as follows:
A summary of the shares available for grant as stock options or other share-based awards under the 2011 Plan is as follows:
Acquisition-related share-based compensation
In connection with the Acquisition, all outstanding share-based awards granted prior to the Transactions became fully vested. Because the acceleration of the awards was not a term of the original award agreements, but was provided for in the merger agreement, the acceleration was determined to be a modification of the original awards. This modification required the Company to calculate a revised fair value of the awards, which totaled (i) $213.1 million for awards settled in cash and (ii) $9.6 million for awards rolled over by members of management.
Awards settled in cash
The total pre-tax revised fair value attributable to pre-combination service was $178.0 million. This amount was recorded as consideration transferred to acquire the Company. The total pre-tax revised fair value attributable to post-combination service was $35.1 million. Because there was no future service requirement to the Parent, this amount was immediately recorded as share-based compensation expense in the statement of operations of the Successor.
J.CREW GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
For the Years Ended February 1, 2014 (Successor) and February 2, 2013 (Successor) and the Periods March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012 (Successor) and January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011 (Predecessor)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
Awards rolled over by management
The total pre-tax revised fair value attributable to pre-combination service was not material. Therefore, the entire pre-tax revised fair value of $9.6 million associated with the awards rolled over by management was deemed attributable to post-combination service. Because there was no future service requirement to the Parent, this amount was immediately recorded as share-based compensation expense in the statement of operations of the Successor.
The total acquisition-related share-based compensation expense recorded by the Successor from the awards settled in cash and rolled over by management was $44.7 million.
A summary of stock option activity for awards rolled over by management is as follows:
Predecessor share-based compensation
Share-based compensation of Predecessor reflects the fair value of employee share-based awards, including stock options, time and performance-based restricted stock, and associate stock purchase plans, recognized as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award. All outstanding share-based awards granted as of immediately prior to the Transactions became fully vested in connection with the Acquisition. The equity incentive plans of the Predecessor no longer exist.
5. Property and Equipment
A summary of property and equipment, net is as follows:
J.CREW GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
For the Years Ended February 1, 2014 (Successor) and February 2, 2013 (Successor) and the Periods March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012 (Successor) and January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011 (Predecessor)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
6. Other Current Liabilities
A summary of other current liabilities is as follows:
7. Long-term Debt and Credit Agreements
A summary of long-term debt is as follows:
At the time of the Acquisition, the Company entered into debt financing arrangements comprised of (i) $1,450 million senior secured credit facilities (the “Senior Credit Facilities”) consisting of (a) a $250 million, 5-year asset-based revolving credit facility (the “ABL Facility”) and (b) a $1,200 million, 7-year term loan credit facility (the “Term Loan Facility”), and (iii) $400 million of 8.125% senior unsecured notes due May 1, 2019 (the “Senior Notes”).
ABL Facility
The ABL Facility is governed by an asset-based credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and the other agents and lenders party thereto, that provides for a $250 million senior secured revolving line of credit (which may be increased by up to $75 million in certain circumstances), subject to a borrowing base limitation. On October 11, 2012, the Company entered into an amendment to the ABL Facility (the “First ABL Amendment”), that extended the maturity date to October 11, 2017 and reduced the pricing on loans, letters of credit and fees paid on utilized commitments. The First ABL Amendment also modified certain financial and negative covenants. The borrowing base under the ABL Facility equals the sum of: 90% of the eligible credit card receivables; plus, 85% of eligible accounts; plus, 90% (or 92.5% for the period of August 1 through December 31 of any fiscal year) of the net recovery percentage of eligible inventory multiplied by the cost of eligible inventory; plus, 85% of the net recovery percentage of eligible letters of credit inventory, multiplied by the cost of eligible letter of credit inventory; plus, 85% of the net recovery percentage of eligible in-transit inventory, multiplied by the cost of eligible in-transit inventory; plus, 100% of qualified cash; minus, all availability and inventory reserves. The ABL Facility includes borrowing capacity in the form of letters of credit up to the entire amount of the facility, and up to $25 million in U.S. dollars for loans on same-day notice, referred to as swingline loans, and is available in U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars and Euros. Amounts outstanding under the ABL Facility are due and payable in full on October 11, 2017.
J.CREW GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
For the Years Ended February 1, 2014 (Successor) and February 2, 2013 (Successor) and the Periods March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012 (Successor) and January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011 (Predecessor)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
Loans drawn under the ABL Facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at Group’s option, any of the following, plus, in each case, an applicable margin: (a) in the case of loans in U.S. dollars, a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (1) the prime rate of Bank of America, N.A., (2) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50% and (3) a LIBOR determined by reference to the costs of funds for U.S. dollar deposits for an interest period of one month adjusted for certain additional costs, plus 1.00%; (b) in the case of loans in U.S. dollars or in Euros, a LIBOR determined by reference to the costs of funds for deposits in the relevant currency for the interest period relevant to such loan adjusted for certain additional costs; (c) in the case of loans in Canadian dollars, the average offered rate for Canadian dollar bankers’ acceptances having an identical term of the applicable loan; and (d) in the case of loans in Canadian dollars, a fluctuating rate determined by reference to the higher of (1) the average offered rate for 30 day Canadian dollar bankers’ acceptances plus 0.50% and (2) the prime rate of Bank of America, N.A. for loans in Canadian dollars. The applicable margin for loans under the ABL Facility varies based on Group’s average historical excess availability and ranges from 0.50% to 1.00% with respect to base rate loans and loans in Canadian dollars bearing interest at the rate described in the immediately preceding clause (d), and from 1.50% to 2.00% with respect to LIBOR loans and loans in Canadian dollars bearing interest at the rate described in the immediately preceding clause (c). In addition, Group is required to pay a commitment fee of 0.25% per annum, in respect of the unutilized commitments under the ABL Facility, as well as customary letter of credit and agency fees.
All obligations under the ABL Facility are unconditionally guaranteed by Group’s immediate parent and certain of Group’s existing and future wholly owned domestic subsidiaries (referred to herein as the subsidiary guarantors) and are secured, subject to certain exceptions, by substantially all of Group’s assets and the assets of Group’s immediate parent and the subsidiary guarantors, including, in each case subject to customary exceptions and exclusions:
·
a first-priority security interest in personal property consisting of accounts receivable, inventory, cash, deposit accounts (other than any designated deposit accounts containing solely the proceeds of collateral with respect to which the obligations under the ABL Facility have only a second-priority security interest), securities accounts, commodities accounts and certain assets related to the foregoing and, in each case, proceeds thereof (such property, the “Current Asset Collateral”);
·
a second-priority pledge of all of Group’s capital stock directly held by Group’s immediate parent and a second priority pledge of all of the capital stock directly held by Group and any subsidiary guarantors (which pledge, in the case of the capital stock of each (a) domestic subsidiary that is directly owned by Group or by any subsidiary guarantor and that is a disregarded entity for United States Federal income tax purposes substantially all of the assets of which consist of equity interests in one or more foreign subsidiaries or (b) foreign subsidiary, is limited to 65% of the stock of such subsidiary); and
·
a second-priority security interest in substantially all other tangible and intangible assets, including substantially all of the Company’s owned real property and intellectual property.
The ABL Facility includes restrictions on Group’s ability and the ability of certain of its subsidiaries to, among other things, incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, pay dividends (including to the Parent) on, or redeem or repurchase, capital stock, make certain acquisitions or investments, materially change its business, incur or permit to exist certain liens, enter into transactions with affiliates or sell its assets to, or merge or consolidate with or into, another company. In addition, from the time when excess availability under the ABL Facility is less than the greater of (a) 10.0% of the lesser of (1) the commitment amount and (2) the borrowing base and (b) $20 million, until the time when Group has excess availability under the ABL Facility equal to or greater than the greater of (a) 10.0% of the lesser of (1) the commitment amount and (2) the borrowing base and (b) $20 million for 30 consecutive days, the credit agreement governing the ABL Facility requires Group to maintain a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the ABL Facility) tested as of the last day of each fiscal quarter that shall not be less than 1.0.
Although Group’s immediate parent is not generally subject to the negative covenants under the ABL Facility, such parent is subject to a holding company covenant that limits its ability to engage in certain activities.
The credit agreement governing the ABL Facility additionally contains certain customary representations and warranties, affirmative covenants and provisions relating to events of default, including without limitation, a cross-default according to the terms of any indebtedness with an aggregate principal amount of $35 million or more. If an event of default occurs under the ABL Facility, the lenders may declare all amounts outstanding under the ABL Facility immediately due and payable. In such event, the lenders may exercise any rights and remedies they may have by law or agreement, including the ability to cause all or any part of the collateral securing the ABL Facility to be sold.
J.CREW GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
For the Years Ended February 1, 2014 (Successor) and February 2, 2013 (Successor) and the Periods March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012 (Successor) and January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011 (Predecessor)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
On February 1, 2014, standby letters of credit were $8.0 million, excess availability, as defined, was $242.0 million, and there were no borrowings outstanding. Average short-term borrowings under the ABL Facility were $2.4 million in fiscal 2013. There were no borrowings outstanding under the ABL Facility in fiscal 2012 or fiscal 2011.
Demand Letter of Credit Facility
The Company has an unsecured, demand letter of credit facility with HSBC which provides for the issuance of up to $35 million of documentary letters of credit on a no fee basis. On February 1, 2014, outstanding documentary letters of credit were $16.6 million and availability was $18.4 million under this facility.
Term Loan Facility
The Term Loan Facility is governed by a $1,200 million term loan credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and the other agents and lenders party thereto. On December 18, 2012, the Term Loan Facility was amended to (i) permit a one-time dividend to Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc. (and by Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc. to any direct or indirect parent of Holdings) in an amount up to $200 million and (ii) modify certain exceptions to the restrictive covenants that restrict the ability of Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc., the Company and its subsidiaries to pay dividends on, or redeem or repurchase capital stock, prepay indebtedness and make investments.
On February 4, 2013, the Company further amended the Term Loan Facility to, among other things, replace the $1,179 million in term loans outstanding immediately prior to the amendment with a new class of term loans, and reduce the applicable margin and LIBOR floor with respect to the new class of term loans. Borrowings under the Term Loan Facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to an applicable margin plus, at Group’s option, either (a) LIBOR determined by reference to the costs of funds for U.S. dollar deposits for an interest period of one month adjusted for certain additional costs (subject to a floor) or (b) a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (1) the prime rate of Bank of America, N.A., (2) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50% and (3) a LIBOR determined by reference to the costs of funds for U.S. dollar deposits for an interest period of one month adjusted for certain additional costs, plus 1.00%. The Term Loan Facility provides for an incremental 0.25% step-down in applicable margin at any time on and after May 6, 2013 when our corporate family rating, as publicly announced by Moody’s, is B1 or better.
The Company is required to make principal repayments equal to 0.25% of the original principal amount of the Term Loan Facility, or $3 million, on the last day of January, April, July, and October. The Company is also required to repay the Term Loan Facility based on an annual calculation of excess cash flow, as defined in the agreement. Borrowings under the Term Loan Facility mature on March 7, 2018.
All obligations under the Term Loan Facility are unconditionally guaranteed by Group’s immediate parent and the subsidiary guarantors and are secured, subject to certain exceptions, by substantially all of Group’s assets and the assets of Group’s immediate parent and the subsidiary guarantors, including, in each case subject to customary exceptions and exclusions:
·
a first-priority pledge of all of Group’s capital stock directly held by Group’s immediate parent and a first-priority pledge of all of the capital stock directly held by Group and the subsidiary guarantors (which pledge, in the case of the capital stock of each (a) domestic subsidiary that is directly owned by Group or by any subsidiary guarantor and that is a disregarded entity for United States Federal income tax purposes substantially all of the assets of which consist of equity interests in one or more foreign subsidiaries or (b) foreign subsidiary, is limited to 65% of the stock of such subsidiary);
·
a first-priority security interest in substantially all of Group’s immediate parent’s, Group’s and the subsidiary guarantor’s other tangible and intangible assets (other than the assets described in the following bullet point), including substantially all of the Company’s real property and intellectual property, and designated deposit accounts containing solely the proceeds of collateral with respect to which the obligations under the Term Loan Facility have a first-priority security interest; and
·
a second-priority security interest in Current Asset Collateral.
The Term Loan Facility includes restrictions on Group’s ability and the ability of Group’s immediate parent and certain of Group’s subsidiaries to, among other things, incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, pay dividends (including to the Parent) on, or redeem or repurchase, capital stock, make certain acquisitions or investments, materially change the business of the Company, incur or
J.CREW GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
For the Years Ended February 1, 2014 (Successor) and February 2, 2013 (Successor) and the Periods March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012 (Successor) and January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011 (Predecessor)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
permit to exist certain liens, enter into transactions with affiliates or sell the Company’s assets to, or merge or consolidate with or into, another company.
The credit agreement governing the Term Loan Facility does not require the Company to comply with any financial maintenance covenants, but contains certain customary representations and warranties, affirmative covenants and provisions relating to events of default, including without limitation, a cross-default according to the terms of any indebtedness with an aggregate principal amount of $35 million or more. If an event of default occurs under the Term Loan Facility, the lenders may declare all amounts outstanding under the Term Loan Facility immediately due and payable. In such event, the lenders may exercise any rights and remedies they may have by law or agreement, including the ability to cause all or any part of the collateral securing the Term Loan Facility to be sold.
The interest rate on the $1,167 million outstanding under the Term Loan Facility was 4.00% on February 1, 2014. The applicable margin in effect for base rate borrowings was 2.00% and the LIBOR Floor and applicable margin with respect to LIBOR borrowings were 1.00% and 3.00%, respectively, at February 1, 2014.
Senior Notes due 2019
The interest rate on the $400 million of the Senior Notes is 8.125% and is payable semi-annually on March 1 and September 1 of each year.
Subject to certain exceptions, the Senior Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by each of Group’s current and future wholly owned domestic restricted subsidiaries (and non-wholly owned restricted subsidiaries if such non-wholly owned restricted subsidiaries guarantee Group’s or another guarantor’s other capital market debt securities) that is a guarantor of Group’s or another guarantor’s debt, including the Senior Credit Facilities. The Senior Notes are Group’s senior unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment with all of its existing and future indebtedness that is not expressly subordinated in right of payment thereto. The Senior Notes will be senior in right of payment to any future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated in right of payment thereto and effectively junior to (a) Group’s existing and future secured indebtedness, including the ABL Facility and Term Loan Facility described above, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness and (b) all existing and future liabilities of Group’s non-guarantor subsidiaries.
The indenture governing the Senior Notes contains certain customary representations and warranties, provisions relating to events of default and covenants, including, without limitation, a cross-payment default provision and cross-acceleration provision in the case of a payment default or acceleration according to the terms of any indebtedness with an aggregate principal amount of $50 million or more, restrictions on Group’s and certain of its subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things incur or guarantee indebtedness; pay dividends on, redeem or repurchase capital stock; make investments; issue certain preferred equity; create liens; enter into transactions with the Company’s affiliates; designate Group’s subsidiaries as Unrestricted Subsidiaries (as defined in the indenture); and consolidate, merge, or transfer all or substantially all of the Company’s assets. The covenants are subject to a number of exceptions and qualifications. Certain of these covenants, excluding without limitation those relating to transactions with the Company’s affiliates and consolidation, merger, or transfer of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, will be suspended during any period of time that (1) the Senior Notes have Investment Grade Ratings (as defined in the indenture) from both Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and Standard & Poor’s and (2) no default has occurred and is continuing under the indenture. In the event that the Senior Notes are downgraded to below an Investment Grade Rating, Group and certain subsidiaries will again be subject to the suspended covenants with respect to future events.
The Company has been in compliance with its covenants under the terms of these agreements.
A summary of the components of interest expense is as follows:
J.CREW GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
For the Years Ended February 1, 2014 (Successor) and February 2, 2013 (Successor) and the Periods March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012 (Successor) and January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011 (Predecessor)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
On March 5, 2014 the Company entered into a $1,567 million 7-year term loan facility (the “Refinanced Term Loan Facility”), which amended various terms of the Term Loan Facility. The proceeds of the Refinanced Term Loan Facility were used to (i) refinance outstanding borrowings under the Term Loan Facility of $1,167 million and (ii) together with cash on hand, satisfy and discharge the Company’s obligations under the Senior Notes and Senior Notes Indenture. See note 17 for more information regarding this subsequent event.
8. Derivative Financial Instruments
Interest Rate Swaps
In April 2011, the Company entered into floating-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements for an initial aggregate notional amount of $600 million to limit exposure to interest rate increases on a portion of the Company’s floating rate indebtedness. These swap agreements, effective in March 2013, hedge a portion of contractual floating rate interest commitments through the expiration of the agreements in March 2016. The aggregate notional amount is reduced by $100 million each year after the effective date. Under the terms of these agreements, the Company’s effective weighted average fixed interest rate on the notional amount of indebtedness is 3.56%, plus the then applicable margin.
During fiscal 2013, the Company realized hedging losses of $11.9 million pursuant to the interest rate swap agreements. Such losses were included in interest expense, net in the statement of operations and comprehensive income.
Fair Value
As of February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013, the Company designated the interest rate swap agreements as cash flow hedges. As cash flow hedges, unrealized gains are recognized as assets while unrealized losses are recognized as liabilities. The interest rate swap agreements are highly correlated to the changes in interest rates to which the Company is exposed. Unrealized gains and losses on this instrument are designated as effective or ineffective. The effective portion of such gains or losses is recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, while the ineffective portion of such gains or losses will be recorded as a component of interest expense. Future realized gains and losses in connection with each required interest payment will be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income or loss to interest expense.
The fair values of the interest rate swap agreements are estimated using industry standard valuation models using market-based observable inputs, including interest rate curves (level 2). The fair value of the interest rate swaps, recorded in other liabilities was $23,648 and $33,266 at February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013, respectively.
On March 5, 2014, the Company refinanced its Term Loan Facility, which resulted in the discontinuance of the designation of the interest rate swaps as a cash flow hedge. Prior unrealized losses of $22 million, recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income, will be reclassified to earnings in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 as a component of interest expense. Future unrealized gains and losses will be recorded as interest expense.
9. Fair Value Measurements
The Company uses a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:
·
Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
J.CREW GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
For the Years Ended February 1, 2014 (Successor) and February 2, 2013 (Successor) and the Periods March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012 (Successor) and January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011 (Predecessor)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
·
Level 2 - Observable inputs, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
·
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.
Financial assets and liabilities
The fair value of the Company’s debt is estimated to be $1,598 million and $1,617 million at February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013 based on quoted market prices of the debt (level 1 inputs).
In April 2011, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements in order to hedge the variability of cash flows related to a portion of the Company’s floating rate indebtedness, which are measured in the financial statements at fair value on a recurring basis. See note 8 for more information regarding the fair value of this financial liability.
The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable and other current liabilities approximate fair value because of their short-term nature.
Non-financial assets and liabilities
Except for certain leasehold improvements, the Company does not have any non-financial assets or liabilities as of February 1, 2014 or February 2, 2013 that are measured on a recurring basis in the financial statements at fair value.
The Company performs impairment tests of certain long-lived assets whenever there are indicators of impairment. These tests typically contemplate assets at a store level (e.g. leasehold improvements). The Company recognizes an impairment loss when the carrying value of a long-lived asset is not recoverable in light of the undiscounted future cash flows and measures an impairment loss as the difference between the carrying amount and fair value of the asset based on discounted future cash flows. The Company has determined that the future cash flow approach (level 3 inputs) provides the most relevant and reliable means by which to determine fair value in this circumstance.
A summary of the impact of the impairment of certain long-lived assets on financial condition and results of operations is as follows:
10. Commitments and Contingencies
Operating Leases
As of February 1, 2014, the Company was obligated under various long-term operating leases, which require minimum annual rent for retail and factory stores, warehouses, office space and equipment.
J.CREW GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
For the Years Ended February 1, 2014 (Successor) and February 2, 2013 (Successor) and the Periods March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012 (Successor) and January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011 (Predecessor)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
These operating leases expire on varying dates through 2028. A summary of aggregate minimum rent at February 1, 2014 is as follows:
Certain of these leases include renewal options and escalation clauses and provide for contingent rent based upon sales and require the lessee to pay taxes, insurance and other occupancy costs.
Rent expense was $157,941 in fiscal 2013, $132,363 in fiscal 2012, $101,766 in the Successor period and $9,534 in the Predecessor period (including contingent rent, based on store sales, of $5,714, $8,553, $5,000 and $251, respectively).
Employment Agreements
The Company is party to employment agreements with certain executives, which provide for compensation and certain other benefits. The agreements also provide for severance payments under certain circumstances.
Litigation
On June 20, 2013, a purported class action complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts by an individual claiming that the Company collected her ZIP code unlawfully in connection with a retail purchase she made at a Massachusetts store. That action, captioned Miller v. J.Crew Group, Inc., 13-cv-11487 (the “Miller Action”), purports to be brought on behalf of a class of customers whose ZIP codes were collected and recorded at Company stores in Massachusetts in connection with credit card purchases, and claims that the Company used the collected ZIP code data to obtain customers’ addresses for purposes of mailing them unwanted advertising material. The Miller Action seeks money damages pursuant to a claim under Chapter 93A of the General Laws of Massachusetts and a claim for unjust enrichment. On February 19, 2014, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the plaintiff’s unjust enrichment claim, stating that the plaintiff cannot properly state such a claim as a matter of Massachusetts law. The Company does not believe the resolution of the Miller Action will have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
10. Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)
The Company is also subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary conduct of its business. Management does not expect that the results of any of these other legal proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, would have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
11. Employee Benefit Plan
The Company has a 401(K) Savings Plan pursuant to Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code whereby all eligible associates may contribute up to 25% of their annual base salaries subject to certain limitations. The Company’s contribution is based on a percentage formula set forth in the plan agreement. Company contributions to the 401(K) Savings Plan were $4,598 in fiscal 2013, $4,085 in fiscal 2012, $3,238 in the Successor period and $320 in the Predecessor period.
J.CREW GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
For the Years Ended February 1, 2014 (Successor) and February 2, 2013 (Successor) and the Periods March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012 (Successor) and January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011 (Predecessor)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
12. Other Revenues
A summary of the components of other revenues is as follows:
J.CREW GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
For the Years Ended February 1, 2014 (Successor) and February 2, 2013 (Successor) and the Periods March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012 (Successor) and January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011 (Predecessor)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
13. Income Taxes
Group is included in the consolidated federal income tax return of its Parent, which includes all of its wholly owned subsidiaries. Each subsidiary files separate, or combined where required, state tax returns in required jurisdictions. Group and its subsidiaries have entered into a tax sharing agreement providing that each of the subsidiaries will reimburse Group for its share of income taxes based on the proportion of such subsidiaries’ tax liability on a separate return basis to the total tax liability of Group.
A summary of the components of the provision for income taxes is as follows:
A reconciliation between the effective tax and the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate is as follows:
J.CREW GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
For the Years Ended February 1, 2014 (Successor) and February 2, 2013 (Successor) and the Periods March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012 (Successor) and January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011 (Predecessor)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
A summary of the tax effect of temporary differences which give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities is as follows:
Management believes that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset, net balance of $69.2 million as of February 1, 2014 will be realized. The Company recorded significant deferred tax liabilities relating to trademarks and other intangibles in connection with its Acquisition on March 7, 2011.
As of February 1, 2014, the Company has $8.1 million in liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions (including interest and penalties of $1.0 million) reflected in other liabilities. The amount, if recognized, that would affect the effective tax rate is $8.8 million. While the Company expects the amount of unrecognized tax benefits to change in the next twelve months, the change is not expected to have a significant effect on the estimated effective annual tax rate, the results of operations or financial position. However, the outcome of tax matters is uncertain and unforeseen results can occur.
J.CREW GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
For the Years Ended February 1, 2014 (Successor) and February 2, 2013 (Successor) and the Periods March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012 (Successor) and January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011 (Predecessor)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
A roll-forward of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
During fiscal 2013, the Internal Revenue Service concluded its examination of tax returns for the periods ended January 2010 through March 7, 2011. No adjustments were made to the tax returns as a result of the examination. The tax returns for the periods ended January 2012 and January 2013 are currently under examination. Various state and local jurisdiction tax authorities are in the process of examining income tax returns for certain tax years ranging from 2009 to 2011. The results of these audits and appeals are not expected to have a significant effect on the results of operations or financial position.
As of February 1, 2014, the Company has state and local net operating loss carryovers, net of unrecognized tax benefits, of approximately $37.1 million. These carryovers are available to offset future taxable income for state and local tax purposes and expire primarily in May 2028.
14. Related Party Transactions
Madewell Trademark
On October 20, 2005, the Company, Millard Drexler, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and Millard S. Drexler, Inc. entered into a Trademark License Agreement whereby Mr. Drexler granted the Company a thirty-year exclusive, worldwide license to use the Madewell trademark and associated intellectual property rights owned by him (the “Properties”). In consideration for the license, the Company reimbursed Mr. Drexler’s actual costs expended in acquiring and developing the Properties (which amounted to $242,300) and agreed to pay royalties of $1 per year during the term of the license. In January 2007, the Company provided notice to Mr. Drexler that the Company had met certain conditions outlined in the agreement, and Mr. Drexler assigned to the Company all of his residual rights in the Properties. The Company also agreed that it would not assign or spin off ownership of the Properties during the term of Mr. Drexler’s employment without his consent other than as part of a sale of the entire Company (except that the Company may pledge or hypothecate its interest in the Properties as part of a bank or other financings).
Chinos Intermediate Holdings A, Inc. Senior PIK Toggle Note
On November 4, 2013 in a private transaction, Chinos Intermediate Holdings A, Inc. (the “Issuer”), an indirect parent holding company of Group, issued $500 million aggregate principal of 7.75/8.50% Senior PIK Toggle Notes due May 1, 2019 (the “PIK Notes”). The PIK Notes pay interest semi-annually on May 1 and November 1 of each year. Interest for the first and final interest periods is required to be paid in cash at the cash interest rate of 7.75%. For each other interest period, the Issuer is required to pay interest in cash, unless certain conditions are satisfied, in which case the Issuer may elect to pay PIK interest either by increasing the principal amount or issuing new notes. The PIK interest rate is equal to the cash interest rate plus 75 basis points, or 8.50%.
The PIK Notes are: (i) senior unsecured obligations of the Issuer, (ii) structurally subordinated to all of the liabilities of the Issuers’ subsidiaries, and (iii) not guaranteed by any of the Issuers’ subsidiaries, including Group, and therefore are not recorded in the financial statements of the Company. The PIK Notes provide for redemption at certain prices, including with respect to a change in control or equity offering. While not required, the Company intends to pay dividends to the Issuer to fund interest payments. If interest on the PIK Notes is paid in cash, the semi-annual interest payments will be $19 million, or $213 million through the maturity date. The dividends will be recorded as a reduction of stockholders’ equity in the consolidated financial statements of Group.
J.CREW GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
For the Years Ended February 1, 2014 (Successor) and February 2, 2013 (Successor) and the Periods March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012 (Successor) and January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011 (Predecessor)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
The net proceeds of $490 million from this offering were used by the Issuer to fund a cash dividend of $484 million to equity holders, and dividend equivalent compensation payments of $6.1 million to certain equity-award holders. Additionally, the exercise prices of certain equity-awards were reduced by an amount equal to the dividend of $0.53 per share.
The Company has recorded a liability of $10.9 million, included in other current liabilities reflecting transactions between the Company and the Issuer.
15. Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
A summary of quarterly financial results for fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 is as follows:
16. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2011, a pronouncement was issued that amended the guidance relating to the presentation of comprehensive income and its components. The pronouncement eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity and requires an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The Company adopted this pronouncement on January 29, 2012. The adoption of this guidance required changes in presentation only and therefore did not have a significant impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.
In December 2011, a pronouncement was issued that amended the guidance related to the disclosure of recognized financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either offset on the balance sheet or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement. The amended provisions are effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and are required to be applied retrospectively for all prior periods presented. As this pronouncement relates to disclosure only, the adoption of this amendment did not have a significant impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.
17. Subsequent Event
Refinancing
On March 5, 2014, the Company, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and as collateral agent, and each lender party thereto entered into the Second Amendment to the ABL Facility. The Second Amendment amends the ABL Facility to, among other things, permit the incurrence of incremental secured indebtedness and the redemption in full of the Company’s $400 million in outstanding Senior Notes pursuant to the Senior Notes Indenture, dated March 7, 2011.
J.CREW GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
For the Years Ended February 1, 2014 (Successor) and February 2, 2013 (Successor) and the Periods March 8, 2011 to January 28, 2012 (Successor) and January 30, 2011 to March 7, 2011 (Predecessor)
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
On March 5, 2014, the Company and Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc. also entered into an amended and restated credit agreement with certain lenders, Bank of America, N.A. and Goldman Sachs USA, as joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners, and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative and collateral agent, which provides for the $1,567 million Refinanced Term Loan Facility and amended various terms of the Term Loan Facility. The proceeds of the Refinanced Term Loan Facility were used to (i) refinance outstanding borrowings under the Term Loan Facility of $1,167 million and (ii) together with cash on hand, satisfy and discharge the Company’s obligations under the Senior Notes and Senior Notes Indenture. The maturity date of the Term Loan Facility was extended to March 5, 2021.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company will incur a loss on refinancing of $37 million, consisting of (i) a non-cash write-off of deferred financing costs of $16 million, (ii) call premiums of $16 million, and (iii) debt issuance costs of $5 million. The refinancing will also result in the discontinuance of the designation of the Company’s interest rate swap agreements as a cash flow hedge. Accordingly, prior unrealized losses of $22 million, previously recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income, will be reclassified to earnings in the first quarter as a component of interest expense.
SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(a)
The inventory reserve and allowance for sales returns are evaluated at the end of each fiscal quarter and adjusted (increased or decreased) based on the quarterly evaluation. During each period, inventory write-downs and sales returns are charged to the statement of operations as incurred.
EXHIBIT INDEX
†
Filed herewith.
*
Furnished herewith