J Crew Group Inc (JCG) SEC Quarterly Report (10-Q) for Q4 2017

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

For the quarterly period ended October 28, 2017

Or

J.CREW GROUP, INC.

(Incorporated in Delaware)

770 Broadway

New York, New York 10003

Telephone: (212) 209-2500

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).     Yes    ☒      No    ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).     Yes    ☐      No    ☒

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

J.CREW GROUP, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS – FORM 10-Q

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PA RT I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

J.CREW GROUP, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except share data)

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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J.CREW GROUP, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss

(unaudited)

(in thousands)

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

J.CREW GROUP, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss

(unaudited)

(in thousands)

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

J.CREW GROUP, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Deficit

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except shares)

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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J.CREW GROUP, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(unaudited)

(in thousands)

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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J.CREW GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016

(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)

1. Basis of Presentation

J.Crew Group, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (the "Company" or "Group") were 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, 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.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial information. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted. Therefore, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2017.

The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31. All references to "fiscal 2017" represent the 53-week fiscal year that will end on February 3, 2018 and to "fiscal 2016" represent the 52-week fiscal year that ended January 28, 2017.

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly in all material respects the Company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the applicable interim periods. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation. The results of operations for these periods are not necessarily comparable to, or indicative of, results of any other interim period or for the fiscal year as a whole.

Management is required to make estimates and assumptions about future events in preparing financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of loss contingencies at the date of the unaudited condensed 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 unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

2. Debt Exchange and Refinancing

Transaction Overview

On July 13, 2017, the Parent and certain of its subsidiaries completed the following interrelated liability management transactions:

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3. Management Services Agreement

Pursuant to a management services agreement entered into in connection with the Acquisition, and in exchange for ongoing consulting and management advisory services (the "Services"), the Sponsors received an aggregate annual monitoring fee prepaid quarterly equal to the greater of (i) 40 basis points of consolidated annual revenues or (ii) $8 million (in either case, the "Advisory Fee"). The Sponsors also receive reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with services provided pursuant to the agreement.

On July 13, 2017, the management services agreement was amended and restated to require the Parent to provide the Services previously provided by the Sponsors. In addition to the amendment, the Parent and Sponsors entered into a new management services agreement, pursuant to which the Sponsors will provide the Services to the Parent for an amount equal to the Advisory Fee less the accrued cash dividend in an amount equal to 5% of the liquidation preference on the outstanding Series A Preferred Stock of the Parent.

The Company recorded an expense of $7.1 million and $7.5 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016, respectively, for monitoring fees and out-of-pocket expenses, included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the statements of operations and comprehensive loss.

4. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

A summary of the components of intangible assets is as follows:

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During the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company generated less than expected revenues in its J.Crew reporting unit, which the Company determined to be a triggering event with regard to the valuation of its J.Crew trade name. As a result, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $129.8 million related to the intangible asset for the J.Crew trade name. After recording the impairment charge in the first quarter, the carrying value of the J.Crew trade name was $250.2 million. If revenues or operating results decline below the Company's current expectations, additional impairment charges may be recorded in the future.

The impairment losses were the result of the write-down of the following assets:

The carrying value of goodwill of $107.9 million relates to the Madewell reporting unit. There is no remaining goodwill attributable to the J.Crew reporting unit, which has previously recorded accumulated impairment losses of $1,579.0 million.

5. 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. The types of equity awards issued from the 2011 Plan include: (i) stock options that become exercisable over the requisite service period, (ii) stock options 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, (iii) restricted stock that vests over the requisite service period, and (iv) restricted stock that vests when certain performance conditions are met.  

On July 13, 2017, in connection with a debt exchange and refinancing, the Parent completed a recapitalization of its outstanding equity. The recapitalization resulted in, among other things, a reverse stock split of the shares of common stock which underline the share-based awards issued by the Company. The following disclosures give effect to a reverse stock split of 10,000-to-1. Additionally, the recapitalization also included (i) the issuance of preferred stock of the Parent, including an authorization for equity awards to be granted up to 20,000 shares and (ii) the issuance of additional shares of common stock of the Parent, including an authorization for equity awards to be granted up to 13,003,295 shares.

A summary of share-based compensation recorded in the statements of operations and comprehensive loss is as follows:

A summary of shares available for grant as stock options or other share-based awards, as adjusted for the reverse stock split, is as follows:

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6. Long-Term Debt and Credit Agreements  

A summary of the components of long-term debt is as follows:

ABL Facility

The Company has an ABL Facility, which 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 $350 million senior secured asset-based revolving line of credit (which may be increased by up to $100 million in certain circumstances), subject to a borrowing base limitation. The ABL Facility includes borrowing capacity in the form of letters of credit up to $200 million, 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 November 17, 2021.

On October 28, 2017, standby letters of credit were $39.2 million, excess availability, as defined, was $264.2 million, and there were no borrowings outstanding. Average short-term borrowings under the ABL Facility were $9.3 million and $11.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016, respectively.

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 $20 million of documentary letters of credit on a no fee basis. On October 28, 2017, outstanding documentary letters of credit were $18.6 million and availability under this facility was $1.4 million.

Term Loan Facility

Recent Amendment.   On July 13, 2017, concurrently with the settlement of the Exchange Offer, the Company amended its Term Loan Facility to, among other things, (i) increase the interest rate applicable to the loans held by consenting lenders, which represented 88% of lenders, (the "Consenting Lenders"; and the loans held by the Consenting Lenders, the "Amended Loans") by 22 basis points, (ii) increase the amount of amortization payable to Consenting Lenders, (iii) provide for the New Term Loan Borrowings of $30.0 million, (iv) amend certain covenants and events of default and (v) direct Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, as administrative agent under the Term Loan Facility, to dismiss, with prejudice, certain litigation regarding the Initial Transferred IP (and the related actions). Additionally, the Company repaid $150.5 million of principal amount of term loans outstanding under the Term Loan Facility, which was financed with (i) the net proceeds from the New Money Notes of $94.1 million, (ii) the net proceeds from the New Term Loan Borrowings of $29.4 million and (iii) cash on hand of $27.0 million.

Interest Rate.   Borrowings under the Term Loan Facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to an applicable margin (which, in the case of the Amended Loans, was increased by 22 basis points) plus, at Group's option, either (a) LIBOR determined by reference to the costs of funds for U.S. dollar deposits for the relevant interest period 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, plus 1.00%.

The weighted average interest rate on the borrowings outstanding under the Term Loan Facility was 4.67% on October 28, 2017. The applicable margin (i) in effect for base rate borrowings was, (x) in the case of term loans, other than the New Term Loan Borrowings and the Amended Loans, 2.00%, (y) in the case of the Amended Loans, 2.22% and (z) in the case of the New Term Loan Borrowings, 12.00% (of which 3.00% is payable in kind) and (ii) with respect to LIBOR borrowings was, (x) in the case of term loans, other than the New Term Loan Borrowings and the Amended Loans, 3.00% and the LIBOR Floor, (y) in the case of the Amended Loans, 3.22% and the LIBOR Floor and (z) in the case of the New Term Loan Borrowings, 12.00% (of which 3.00% is payable in kind), respectively, at October 28, 2017.

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Principal Repayments.   The Company is required to make principal repayments equal to 0.25% of the original principal amount of the Term Loan Facility (e xcluding the New Term Loan Borrowings), or $3.9 million, on the last business day of January, April, July, and October. The Company is also required (i) to repay the term loan based on an annual calculation of excess cash flow, as defined in the agreement, (ii) in the second quarter of fiscal 2019, to make a principal repayment of $11.9 million which is equal to 1.00% of the aggregate principal amount of Amended Loans outstanding on July 13, 2017 and (iii) beginning on July 31, 2019, on the last business da y of January, April, July and October, to make additional principal repayments of $1.5 million equal to 0.125% of the aggregate principal amount of Amended Loans outstanding on July 13, 2017. The maturity date of the Term Loan Facility is March 5, 2021.

New Notes

General.   On July 13, 2017, in connection with settlement of the Exchange Offer and the issuance of the New Notes, J.Crew Brand, LLC and J.Crew Brand Corp. (together, the "New Notes Co-Issuers") and the Guarantors (as defined below) entered into (i) an indenture with U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee and collateral agent, governing the terms of the Exchange Notes (the "Exchange Notes Indenture") and (ii) an indenture with the Trustee and U.S. Bank, as collateral agent, governing the terms of the New Money Notes (the "New Money Notes Indenture"), which is in substantially the same form as the Exchange Notes Indenture.

Interest Rate.   The New Notes bear interest at a rate of 13% per annum, and interest is payable semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 of each year. The New Notes mature on September 15, 2021.

New Notes Guarantee.   The New Notes are guaranteed by J.Crew Brand Intermediate, LLC, IPCo and J.Crew International Brand, LLC, each of which is a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of the Company (collectively, the "Guarantors," and each, a "Guarantor"). The PIK Notes Issuer also unconditionally guarantees the payment obligations of the New Notes Co-Issuers and the Guarantors.

Exchange Notes Collateral.   The Exchange Notes and the guarantees thereof are general senior secured obligations of the New Notes Co-Issuers and the Guarantors, secured on a first priority lien basis by the Initial Transferred IP and certain other assets of the New Notes Co-Issuers and Guarantors, and on a second priority lien basis by the Additional Transferred IP, subject, in each case, to permitted liens under the Exchange Notes Indenture and that certain intercreditor agreement, entered into between the collateral agents on July 13, 2017.

New Money Notes Collateral.   The New Money Notes and the guarantees thereof are general senior secured obligations of the New Notes Co-Issuers and the Guarantors, secured on a first priority lien basis by the Additional Transferred IP and certain other assets, and on a second priority lien basis by the Initial Transferred IP, subject, in each case, to permitted liens under the New Money Notes Indenture and the intercreditor agreement.

Redemption .  The New Notes are redeemable at the option of the New Notes Co-Issuers, in whole or in part, at any time, at a price equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the principal amount of the New Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the redemption date, plus a "make whole" premium. The New Notes are not subject to any mandatory redemption obligation, and there is no sinking fund provided for the New Notes.

Change in Control .  Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined in each of the indentures, as applicable), the New Notes Co-Issuers will be required to offer to repay all of the New Notes at 100% of the aggregate principal amount repaid plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the date of purchase.

Covenants.   Each of the indentures contains covenants covering (i) the payment of principal and interest, (ii) maintenance of an office or agency for the payment of the New Notes, (iii) reports to the applicable Trustee and holders of the New Notes, (iv) stay, extension and usury laws, (v) payment of taxes, (vi) existence, (vii) maintenance of properties and (viii) maintenance of insurance. Each of the New Indentures also includes covenants that (i) limit the ability to transfer the Collateral and (ii) limit liens that may be imposed on the assets of the Guarantors, which covenants are, in each case, subject to certain exceptions set forth in each of the indentures.

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Interest expense

A summary of the components of interest expense is as follows:

7. Derivative Financial Instruments

In August 2014, the Company entered into interest rate cap and swap agreements that limit exposure to interest rate increases on a portion of the Company's floating rate indebtedness. The interest rate cap agreements covered notional amounts of $400 million and capped LIBOR at 2.00% from March 2015 to March 2016. The interest rate swap agreements cover a notional amount of $800 million from March 2016 to March 2019 and carry a fixed rate of 2.56% plus the applicable margin.

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 effective portion of such gains or losses is recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, while the ineffective portion of such gains or losses is 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 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 inputs). Liabilities for interest rate swaps, included in other liabilities, were $9.8 million and $18.6 million at October 28, 2017 and January 28, 2017, respectively.

8. 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:

Financial assets and liabilities

The fair value of the Company's debt was $1,216 million and $878 million at October 28, 2017 and January 28, 2017, respectively, based on quoted market prices of the debt (level 1 inputs).

The Company's interest rate swap agreements are measured in the financial statements at fair value on a recurring basis. See note 7 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.

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Non-financial assets and liabilities

Certain non-financial assets, including goodwill, the intangible asset for the J.Crew trade name, and certain long-lived assets, have been written down and measured in the financial statements at fair value. The Company does not have any other non-financial assets or liabilities as of October 28, 2017 or January 28, 2017 that are measured on a recurring basis in the financial statements at fair value.

The Company assesses the recoverability of goodwill and intangible assets 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 fair value, the Company records a charge to write-down the intangible asset to its fair value. Impairment charges of goodwill are based on fair value measurements derived using a combination of an income approach, specifically the discounted cash flow, a market approach, and a transaction approach. Impairment charges of intangible assets are based on fair value measurements derived using an income approach, specifically the relief from royalty method. The valuation methodologies incorporate unobservable inputs reflecting significant estimates and assumptions made by management (level 3 inputs). For more information related to goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges, see note 4.

The Company performs impairment tests of 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:

9. Income Taxes

The Parent files a consolidated federal income tax return, which includes Group and all of its wholly owned subsidiaries. Each subsidiary files separate, or combined where required, state or local tax returns in required jurisdictions.

The financial statements of the Company account for income taxes at the Group level. The federal tax return, however, is filed at the Parent level. The difference between the entity at which the provision is calculated and the entity which files the tax return gives rise to intercompany balances. A summary of the components of the income taxes payable to Parent is as follows:

The Company regularly assesses the need for a valuation allowance related to its deferred tax assets. In making that assessment, the Company considers both positive and negative evidence related to the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax assets to determine, based on a weighing process of available evidence, whether it is more-likely-than-not that its deferred tax assets will not be realized. In that weighing process, the Company assigns significant weight to the negative evidence of its cumulative losses in recent years. As a result, in fiscal 2016, the Company determined that the negative evidence outweighed the positive evidence and recorded a valuation allowance related to its deferred tax assets balance. As of October 28, 2017, there was no change to that determination. This accounting treatment has no effect on the Company's ability to utilize deferred tax assets to reduce future cash tax payments. The Company will continue to assess the likelihood that the deferred tax assets will be realizable at the end of each reporting period and the valuation allowance will be adjusted accordingly.    

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The federal tax returns for the periods ended January 2013 through January 2016 are currently under examination. Various state and local jurisdiction tax authorities are in the process of examining income tax returns or hearing appeals for certain tax years ranging f rom 2009 to 2014. The results of these audits and appeals are not expected to have a significant effect on the results of operations or financial position.

The effective tax rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2017 was not meaningful. The provision for income taxes was $9.4 million, which reflects a discrete charge of $16.5 million to increase the valuation allowance as a result of deferred tax assets recognized in connection with the true-up of certain return-to-provision estimates. Other items impacting the effective tax rate include the recognition of international valuation allowances, lower rates in foreign jurisdictions, and reserves for uncertain tax positions.  

The effective tax rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 was not meaningful due to a break-even loss before income taxes. Items driving differences between the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% and the effective rate include (i) the recognition of domestic and foreign valuation allowances, (ii) lower rates in certain foreign jurisdictions, and (iii) reserves for uncertain tax positions.

The effective tax rate for the first nine months of fiscal 2017 was 20%. The Company recognized a deferred tax benefit of $53.0 million, primarily a result of the reversal of deferred taxes related to the intangible asset for the J.Crew trade name, which was written down by $129.8 million in the first quarter. The Company did not recognize any additional deferred tax benefit on other current operating losses due to an increase in the valuation allowance. The impact of not recognizing tax benefit on the Company's other current operating losses was the primary driver of the difference between the statutory rate of 35% and the effective rate.

The effective tax rate for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 was 4%. Items driving differences between the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% and the effective rate include (i) the recognition of domestic and foreign valuation allowances, (ii) lower rates in certain foreign jurisdictions, and (iii) reserves for uncertain tax positions. 

While the Company expects the amount of unrecognized tax benefits to change in the next 12 months, the change is not expected to have a significant effect on the results of operations or financial position. However, the outcome of tax matters is uncertain and unforeseen results can occur.

10. Legal Proceedings

The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims arising in the ordinary course of business. Management does not expect that the results of any of these legal proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, would have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. As of October 28, 2017, the Company has recorded a reserve for certain legal contingencies in connection wi th ongoing claims and litigation. The reserve is not material to its results of operations. In addition, there are certain other claims and legal proceedings pending against the Company for which accruals have not been established.

J.Crew Group, Inc., et al. v. Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, Index No. 650574/2017, (Sup. Ct. N.Y. C'ty.).

On February 1, 2017, the Company filed a complaint in the New York State Supreme Court, Commercial Division, against Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB ("WSFS"), as successor agent under the Term Loan Facility seeking a declaration that its actions with respect to certain intellectual property assets were in full compliance with the terms of the Term Loan Facility.  On March 24, 2017, WSFS filed its counterclaims in response to the Company's declaratory judgment action, including claims of default under the Term Loan Facility. On April 13, 2017, the Company filed its Reply and Affirmative Defenses to WSFS's counterclaims.

On July 17, 2017, pursuant to the terms of the July 13, 2017 Amendment to the Term Loan Facility (as described elsewhere herein), and a related direction letter issued to WSFS by the Required Lenders under the Term Loan Facility, the Company and WSFS entered into mutual releases, and filed a joint stipulation of discontinuance, dismissing the action and resolving the matter.

Eaton Vance Management, et al. v. Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, et al., Index No. 654397/2017, (Sup. Ct. N.Y. C'ty.).

On June 22, 2017, Eaton Vance Management and certain affiliated funds as well as Highland Capital Management and certain affiliated funds (collectively, the "Highland/EV Plaintiffs"), filed a complaint in the New York State Supreme Court, Commercial Division, against the Company and WSFS, seeking, among other things, declarations that the July 13, 2017 Amendment to the Term Loan Facility was ineffective absent unanimous consent of all Lenders under the facility, that certain of the Company's actions with respect to certain of its intellectual property assets were taken in violation of the terms of the Term Loan Facility, and that those actions also constitute fraudulent conveyances.  

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On August 7, 2017, WSFS and the Company filed separate motions to dismiss certain of the Highland/EV Plaintiffs claims for failure to state a claim and lack of standing, among other reasons. On September 7, 2017, the Highland/EV Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint in the New York State Supreme Court, Commercial Division, against the Company and WSFS. The amended complaint continues to assert claims for breach of the terms of the Term Loan Facility, and for fraudulent conveyance and adds an additional claim for fraudul ent inducement claim against the Company. The Company believes that the Highland/EV Plaintiffs' claims asserted in the amended complaint are wholly without merit, and intends to vigorously oppose these claims.

In response to the amended complaint, WSFS and the Company withdrew their prior motions to dismiss and, on October 20, 2017, filed renewed motions seeking dismissal in whole or part. Among other things, the Company seeks dismissal of the amended complaint for failure to state a claim, lack of standing, and because its fraud claims are duplicative of Plaintiffs' claims under the documents governing the Term Loan Facility. Briefing on the motions to dismiss is expected to be complete on December 20, 2017.   

11. Workforce Reduction

On April 25, 2017, the Company eliminated approximately 150 full-time and 100 open positions, as part of a strategic reorganization. As a result, in the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company incurred a pre-tax charge of $10.5 million for severance and related costs, included in selling, general and administrative expenses. At October 28, 2017, accrued and unpaid severance and related costs were $4.5 million, which the Company expects to be paid by the first quarter of fiscal 2018.

12. Related Party Transactions

Intellectual property license agreement

In October 2016, the Company formed wholly-owned indirect subsidiaries, including IPCo and J.Crew Brand, LLC (collectively, "J.Crew BrandCo"). In December 2016, J.Crew International, Inc. ("JCI") transferred an undivided 72.04% ownership interest in the U.S. intellectual property rights of the J.Crew brand to IPCo, and entered into a related intellectual property license agreement with IPCo. In July 2017, JCI transferred the remaining undivided 27.96% ownership interest in the U.S. intellectual property rights of the J.Crew brand to IPCo, which, together with the initial intellectual property contributed in December 2016, represent 100% of the U.S. intellectual property rights of the J.Crew brand, and entered into an additional intellectual property license agreement with IPCo (together with the agreement entered into in December 2016, the "IP License Agreements").

Under the IP License Agreements, J.Crew Operating Corp., a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, pays a fixed license fee of $59 million per annum.  The license fees are payable on March 1 and September 1 of each fiscal year. These royalty payments have no impact on the Company's consolidated results of operations and are not subject to the covenants under the Company's credit facilities or the PIK Notes. 

The proceeds from the license fees to J.Crew BrandCo are used to meet debt service requirements on the $347 million aggregate principal outstanding under the New Notes, which bear interest at a rate of 13% per annum, payable semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 of each fiscal year. License fees in excess of the debt service requirements will be loaned back to the Company on a subordinated basis. As of October 28, 2017, J.Crew BrandCo had total assets of $260.3 million, consisting of intangible assets of $250.2 million, license fee receivable of $9.8 million and cash and cash equivalents of $0.3 million, and total liabilities of $344.3 million related to the New Notes. For the thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2017, J.Crew BrandCo earned royalty revenue of $43.4 million. The New Notes are guaranteed by the intangible assets of J.Crew BrandCo.

Other related party transactions

On November 4, 2013, the PIK Notes Issuer, which is an indirect parent holding company of Group, issued $500 million of PIK Notes. On July 13, 2017, the Company completed a private exchange offer pursuant to which $565.7 million aggregate principal amount of PIK Notes were exchanged for $249.6 million of Exchange Notes and shares of preferred and common stock of the Parent. For more information on the Exchange Offer, see note 2.  

The PIK Notes were not guaranteed by any of the PIK Notes Issuer's subsidiaries, and therefore were not recorded in the Company's financial statements. The Exchange Notes, however, are guaranteed by the Company's subsidiaries, and therefore are recorded in its financial statements. In connection with recognizing the Exchange Notes, the Company recorded a non-cash contribution to its Parent as a reduction of additional paid-in capital. For more information on the long-term debt of the Company, see note 6.

As part of the debt refinancing, the Sponsors purchased $30.0 million principal amount of new term loans under the Term Loan Facility. For more information on the New Term Loan Borrowings, see note 6.

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The Company has a receivable of $12.1 million due from the Parent, included in prepaid expenses and other current assets, primarily related to the payment of certain transactions costs on behalf of the PIK Notes Issuer.

13. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, a pronouncement was issued that clarified the principles of revenue recognition, which standardizes a comprehensive model for recognizing revenue arising from contracts with customers. The pronouncement is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. While the Company is evaluating the impact of the new pronouncement on its condensed consolidated financial statements, it expects there to be an impact on the accounting for and presentation of its loyalty program, sales return reserve and advertising costs.

In February 2016, a pronouncement was issued that requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for leases with accounting lease terms of more than 12 months. The pronouncement is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new pronouncement on its condensed consolidated financial statements. However, the adoption is expected to have a significant impact because most of the Company's leases will be subject to these new requirements.

In August 2016, a pronouncement was issued that aims to reduce the diversity in presentation and classification of the following specific cash flow issues: debt prepayment, settlement of zero-coupon bonds, contingent consideration, insurance proceeds, distributions received from equity method investees, beneficial interest in securitization transactions and separately identifiable cash flows. The pronouncement is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company does not expect there to be a significant impact on its condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.

In January 2017, a pronouncement was issued that simplifies the measurement of goodwill impairment by no longer requiring an entity to perform a hypothetical purchase price allocation. Instead, impairment will be measured using the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the reporting unit. The pronouncement is effective for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company does not expect there to be a significant impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

In August 2017, a pronouncement was issued that simplifies the application of hedge accounting guidance and more closely aligns risk management activities and financial reporting. The pronouncement is effective for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new pronouncement on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Forward-Looking Statements

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

There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this report. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ include, but are not limited to, our substantial indebtedness, our substantial lease obligations, our ability to anticipate and timely respond to changes in trends and customer preferences, the strength of the global economy, declines in consumer spending or changes in seasonal consumer spending patterns, competitive market conditions, our ability to attract and retain key personnel, our ability to successfully develop, launch and grow our newer concepts and execute on strategic initiatives, product offerings, sales channels and businesses, our ability to implement our growth strategy, material disruption to our information systems, our ability to implement our real estate strategy, adverse or unseasonable weather interruptions in our foreign sourcing operations, and other factors which are set forth under the heading "Risk Factors" below as well as under the heading "Risk Factors" in part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2017 filed with the SEC. There may be other factors of which we are currently unaware or deem immaterial that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements.

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

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IT EM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This document should be read in conjunction with the Management's Discussion and Analysis section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2017 filed with the SEC. When used herein, the terms "J.Crew," "Group," "Company," "we," "us" and "our" refer to J.Crew Group, Inc., including its wholly-owned subsidiaries.

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 ® 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 college-educated, professional and fashion-conscious women and men.

We sell our J.Crew and Madewell merchandise primarily through our retail and factory stores, our websites and our catalogs. As of October 28, 2017, we operated 271 J.Crew retail stores, 182 J.Crew factory stores (including 42 J.Crew Mercantile ® stores), and 121 Madewell stores throughout the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and France; compared to 286 J.Crew retail stores, 175 J.Crew factory stores (including 32 J.Crew Mercantile stores), and 110 Madewell stores as of October 29, 2016. During fiscal 2017, we expect to close approximately 50 stores.

A summary of revenues by brand for the third quarter is as follows:

(a) Consists primarily of revenues from third-party resellers and shipping and handling fees.

A summary of highlights for the third quarter is as follows:

(a) Consists primarily of revenues from third-party resellers and shipping and handling fees.

A summary of highlights for the first nine months is as follows:

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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 our evaluation is comparable company sales, which includes (i) net sales from stores that have been open for at least 12 months, (ii) e-commerce net sales, and (iii) shipping and handling fees.

A complete description of the measures we use to assess the performance of our business appears in the Management's Discussion and Analysis section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2017 filed with the SEC.

Results of Operations – Third Quarter of Fiscal 2017 compared to Third Quarter of Fiscal 2016

Revenues

Total revenues decreased $26.5 million, or 4.5%, to $566.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 from $593.2 million in the third quarter last year, driven primarily by a decrease in sales of (i) women's apparel, specifically jackets, shirts and skirts and (ii) men's apparel, specifically shirts, pants and suiting. Comparable company sales decreased 8.5% following a decrease of 7.5% in the third quarter last year.

J.Crew sales decreased $57.6 million, or 11.8%, to $430.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 from $488.0 million in the third quarter last year. J.Crew comparable sales decreased 12.4% following a decrease of 9.2% in the third quarter last year.

Madewell sales increased $19.5 million, or 22.2%, to $107.5 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 from $88.0 million in the third quarter last year. Madewell comparable sales increased 12.6% following an increase of 4.1% in the third quarter last year.

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

Other revenues increased $11.6 million to $28.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 from $17.2 million in the third quarter last year, primarily a result of revenue from third party resellers.

Gross Profit

Gross profit increased $1.3 million to $227.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 from $225.9 million in the third quarter last year. This increase resulted from the following factors:

Gross margin increased to 40.1% in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 from 38.1% in the third quarter last year. The increase in gross margin was driven by a 200 basis point expansion in merchandise margin due to favorable product costs.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $3.8 million to $200.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 from $204.5 million in the third quarter last year. This decrease primarily resulted from the following:

As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 35.4% in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 from 34.5% in the third quarter last year.

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Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense, net of interest income, increased $12.2 million to $32.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 from $20.7 million in the third quarter last year. A summary of interest expense is as follows:

(1) We completed a debt exchange and refinancing in the second quarter of fiscal 2017. See "-Liquidity and Capital Resources" for more information.

Provision for Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2017 was not meaningful. The provision for income taxes was $9.4 million, which reflects a discrete charge of $16.5 million to increase the valuation allowance as a result of deferred tax assets recognized in connection with the true-up of certain return-to-provision estimates. Other items impacting the effective tax rate include the recognition of international valuation allowances, lower rates in foreign jurisdictions, and reserves for uncertain tax positions.  

As of the third quarter of fiscal 2017, we continue to maintain a full valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets. We will continue to assess the likelihood that the deferred tax assets will be realizable at the end of each reporting period and the valuation allowance will be adjusted accordingly. 

The effective tax rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 was not meaningful due to a break-even loss before income taxes. Items driving differences between the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% and the effective rate include (i) the recognition of domestic and foreign valuation allowances, (ii) lower rates in certain foreign jurisdictions, and (iii) reserves for uncertain tax positions.

Net Loss

Net loss increased $9.7 million to $17.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 from $7.9 million in the third quarter last year. This increase was due to: (i) an increase in interest expense of $12.2 million, (ii) an increase in the provision for income taxes of $2.2 million and (iii) higher impairment losses of $0.5 million, offset by (iv) a decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses of $3.8 million and (v) an increase in gross profit of $1.3 million.

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Revenues

Total revenues decreased $71.0 million, or 4.1%, to $1,659.5 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 from $1,730.5 million in the first nine months last year driven primarily by a decrease in sales of (i) men's apparel, specifically shirts, suiting and pants and (ii) women's apparel, specifically jackets, sweaters and dresses. Comparable company sales decreased 7.5% following a decrease of 7.2% in the first nine months last year.

J.Crew sales decreased $143.5 million, or 9.9%, to $1,302.0 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 from $1,445.5 million in the first nine months last year. J.Crew comparable sales decreased 10.6% following a decrease of 8.8% in the first nine months last year.

Madewell sales increased $46.5 million, or 19.5%, to $285.2 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 from $238.7 million in the first nine months last year. Madewell comparable sales increased 11.2% following an increase of 4.2% in the first nine months last year.

Other revenues increased $26.0 million to $72.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 from $46.3 million in the first nine months last year, primarily a result of revenue from third party resellers.

Gross Profit

Gross margin increased to 38.1% in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 from 36.6% in the first nine months last year. The increase in gross margin was driven by a 150 basis point expansion in merchandise margin due to favorable product costs.

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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 37.4% in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 from 34.3% in the first nine months last year.

Impairment Losses

During the first quarter of fiscal 2017, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $129.8 million related to the intangible asset for the J.Crew trade name. After recording the impairment charge in the first quarter, the carrying value of the J.Crew trade name was $250.2 million. If revenues or operating results decline below our current expectations, additional impairment charges may be recorded in the future.

Interest Expense, Net

(1) We completed a debt exchange and refinancing in the second quarter of fiscal 2017. See "-Liquidity and Capital Resources" for more information.

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Benefit for Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for the first nine months of fiscal 2017 was 20%. We recognized a deferred tax benefit of $53.0 million, primarily a result of the reversal of deferred taxes related to the intangible asset for the J.Crew trade name, which was written down by $129.8 million in the first quarter. We did not recognize any additional deferred tax benefit on other current operating losses due to an increase in the valuation allowance. The impact of not recognizing tax benefit on our other current operating losses was the primary driver of the difference between the statutory rate of 35% and our effective rate.       

Through the first nine months of fiscal 2017, we continue to maintain a full valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets. We will continue to assess the likelihood that the deferred tax assets will be realizable at the end of each reporting period and the valuation allowance will be adjusted accordingly. 

The effective tax rate for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 was 4%. Items driving differences between the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% and the effective rate include (i) the recognition of domestic and foreign valuation allowances, (ii) lower rates in certain foreign jurisdictions, and (iii) reserves for uncertain tax positions.

Net Loss

Net loss increased $137.0 million to $161.6 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 from $24.6 million in the first nine months last year. This increase was due to: (i) higher impairment losses of $130.2 million, (ii) an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses of $28.0 million, (iii) an increase in interest expense of $16.7 million and (iv) a decrease in gross profit of $1.9 million, offset by (v) an increase in the benefit for income taxes of $39.7 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 (i) meeting debt service requirements, (ii) capital expenditures in connection with opening new stores and remodeling our existing stores, investments in our distribution network and making information technology system enhancements and (iii) funding working capital requirements. The most significant components of our working capital are cash and cash equivalents, merchandise inventories and accounts payable and other current liabilities. See "-Outlook" below.

Operating Activities

Cash used in operating activities of $12.8 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 resulted from: (i) a net loss of $161.6 million and (ii) changes in operating assets and liabilities of $29.1 million primarily due to seasonal working capital fluctuations, partially offset by (iii) non-cash adjustments of $177.9 million.

Cash provided by operating activities of $18.5 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2016 resulted from: (i) non-cash adjustments of $103.4 million, partially offset by (ii) changes in operating assets and liabilities of $60.3 million due to seasonal working capital fluctuations, primarily increased merchandise inventories, and (iii) net loss of $24.6 million.

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Investing Activities

Capital expenditures are planned at approximately $40 million for fiscal year 2017, including approximately $20 million for information technology enhancements, approximately $10 million for new stores and the remainder for warehouse improvements, store renovations and general corporate purposes.

Financing Activities