-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, BpwHRa6QMk6fNLIDdUmTFeV1ijXlw7f7mLloaVEga73c7Duhta3sU9BSq90LA4Y8 cxiPUe6P/QnyB7heRKDbyA== 0000874016-08-000010.txt : 20080222 0000874016-08-000010.hdr.sgml : 20080222 20080222161021 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000874016-08-000010 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 15 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20071231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20080222 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20080222 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: JONES APPAREL GROUP INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000874016 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: WOMEN'S, MISSES', AND JUNIORS OUTERWEAR [2330] IRS NUMBER: 060935166 STATE OF INCORPORATION: PA FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-10746 FILM NUMBER: 08636529 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1411 BROADWAY CITY: NEW YORK STATE: NY ZIP: 10018 BUSINESS PHONE: 2126423860 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1411 BROADWAY CITY: NEW YORK STATE: NY ZIP: 10018 10-K 1 form10k_2007.htm 2007 FORM 10-K Form 10-K

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
______________________

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

[X]

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES 
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007
   
[  ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES 
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ______ to ______

Commission file number 1-10746

JONES APPAREL GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Pennsylvania
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
06-0935166
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
   
1411 Broadway
New York, New York

(Address of principal executive offices)
10018
(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (212) 642-3860

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

Title of each class

Common Stock, $0.01 par value

Name of each exchange
on which registered

New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None

        Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. [X] Yes [  ] No

        Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. [  ] Yes [X] No

        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. [X] Yes [  ] No

        Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [X]

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

Large accelerated filer [X]

Accelerated filer [  ]

Non-accelerated filer [  ]

Smaller reporting company [  ]

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

        The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates as of the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter, based on the closing price of the registrant's common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange composite tape on July 7, 2007, was approximately $3,069,096,847.

        As of February 21, 2008, 86,578,939 shares of the registrant's common stock were outstanding.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
PART I
Item 1     Business  4
Item 1A   Risk Factors 20
Item 1B   Unresolved Staff Comments 23
Item 2     Properties 24
Item 3     Legal Proceedings 24
Item 4     Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 24
Executive Officers of the Registrant 25
PART II
Item 5     Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 26
Item 6     Selected Financial Data 28

Item 7     Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

30
Item 7A   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 45
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 46
Item 8     Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 48

Item 9     Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

87
Item 9A     Controls and Procedures 87
PART III
Item 10    Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 88
Item 11    Executive Compensation 88
Item 12    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 89
Item 13    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 89
Item 14    Principal Accounting Fees and Services 89
PART IV
Item 15    Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules 90
Signatures 91
Index to Financial Statement Schedules 92
Exhibit Index 92

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

        The documents incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K and the Parts hereof into which such documents are incorporated are listed below:

Document


Part
Those portions of the registrant's proxy statement for the registrant's 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Proxy Statement") that are specifically identified herein as incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K. III

- 2 -


DEFINITIONS

        As used in this Report, unless the context requires otherwise, "our," "us" and "we" means Jones Apparel Group, Inc. and consolidated subsidiaries, "Sun" means Sun Apparel, Inc., "Nine West Group" means Nine West Group Inc., "Nine West" means Nine West Footwear Corporation, "Victoria" means Victoria + Co Ltd.," McNaughton" means McNaughton Apparel Group Inc., "Gloria Vanderbilt" means Gloria Vanderbilt Apparel Corp., "l.e.i." means R.S.V. Sport, Inc. and its related companies, "Kasper" means Kasper, Ltd., "Maxwell" means Maxwell Shoe Company Inc., "Barneys" means Barneys New York, Inc., "FASB" means the Financial Accounting Standards Board, "SFAS" means Statement of Financial Accounting Standards and "SEC" means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLOSURE

        This Report includes, and incorporates by reference, "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements regarding our expected financial position, business and financing plans are forward-looking statements. The words "believes," "expects," "plans," "intends," "anticipates" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements also include representations of our expectations or beliefs concerning future events that involve risks and uncertainties, including:

  • those associated with the effect of national and regional economic conditions;
  • lowered levels of consumer spending resulting from a general economic downturn or lower levels of consumer confidence;
  • the performance of our products within the prevailing retail environment;
  • customer acceptance of both new designs and newly-introduced product lines;
  • our reliance on a few department store groups for large portions of our business;
  • consolidation of our retail customers;
  • financial difficulties encountered by our customers;
  • the effects of vigorous competition in the markets in which we operate;
  • our ability to attract and retain qualified executives and other key personnel;
  • our reliance on independent foreign manufacturers;
  • changes in the costs of raw materials, labor, advertising and transportation;
  • the general inability to obtain higher wholesale prices for our products that we have experienced for many years;
  • the uncertainties of sourcing associated with an environment in which general quota has expired on apparel products (while China has agreed to safeguard quota on certain classes of apparel products through 2008, political pressure will likely continue for restraint on importation of apparel);
  • our ability to successfully implement new operational and financial computer systems; and
  • our ability to secure and protect trademarks and other intellectual property rights.

        All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this Report, including, without limitation, the statements under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," are forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such expectations may prove to be incorrect. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations ("Cautionary Statements") are disclosed in this Report in conjunction with the forward-looking statements. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the Cautionary Statements. We do not undertake to publicly update or revise our forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

WEBSITE ACCESS TO COMPANY REPORTS

        Copies of our filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to these reports) are available free of charge on our investor relations website at www.jny.com on the same day they are electronically filed with the SEC.

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PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

General

        Jones Apparel Group, Inc. is a leading designer, marketer and wholesaler of branded apparel, footwear and accessories. We also market directly to consumers through our chain of specialty retail and value-based stores. Our nationally recognized brands include Jones New York, Nine West, Anne Klein, Gloria Vanderbilt, Kasper, Bandolino, Easy Spirit, Evan-Picone, l.e.i., Energie, Enzo Angiolini, Joan & David, Mootsies Tootsies, Sam & Libby, Napier, Judith Jack and Le Suit. We also market costume jewelry under the Givenchy brand licensed from Givenchy Corporation and footwear under the Dockers Women brand licensed from Levi Strauss & Co. Each brand is differentiated by its own distinctive styling, pricing strategy, distribution channel and target consumer. We contract for the manufacture of our products through a worldwide network of quality manufacturers. We have capitalized on our nationally known brand names by entering into various licenses for several of our trademarks, including Jones New York, Evan-Picone, Anne Klein New York, Nine West, Gloria Vanderbilt and l.e.i., with select manufacturers of women's and men's products which we do not manufacture. For more than 30 years, we have built a reputation for excellence in product quality and value and in operational execution.

Sale of Barneys

        On September 6, 2007, we completed the sale of Barneys to an affiliate of Istithmar PJSC, a Dubai-based private equity and alternative investment house ("Istithmar"). We received $937.4 million of cash (net of working capital adjustments) and paid an aggregate of $54.5 million in cash as of December 31, 2007 for bonuses for key Barneys employees, compensation for restricted stock held by certain employees of Barneys that was forfeited upon the completion of the sale and other fees and costs related to the sale. Net cash proceeds, after estimated taxes expected to be paid, are expected to amount to approximately $840.0 million. This transaction did not result in a default under, nor an obligation to redeem or repurchase, any of our senior notes.

Operating Segments

        Our operations are comprised of four reportable segments: wholesale better apparel, wholesale moderate apparel, wholesale footwear and accessories, and retail. We identify operating segments based on, among other things, the way our management organizes the components of our business for purposes of allocating resources and assessing performance. Segment revenues are generated from the sale of apparel, footwear and accessories through wholesale channels and our own retail locations. See "Business Segment and Geographic Area Information" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Wholesale Better Apparel

        Our brands cover a broad array of categories for the women's markets. Within those brands, various product classifications include career and casual sportswear, jeanswear, dresses, suits, and a combination of all components termed lifestyle collection. Career and casual sportswear are marketed as individual items or groups of skirts, pants, shorts, jackets, blouses, sweaters and related accessories which, while sold as separates, are coordinated as to styles, color schemes and fabrics, and are designed to be worn together. New collections are introduced in the four principal selling seasons - Spring, Summer, Fall and Holiday. Each season is comprised of a series of individual items or groups which have systematically spaced shipment dates to ensure a fresh flow of goods to the retail floor. In addition, certain brands offer key item styles, which are less seasonal in nature, on a replenishment basis (which ship generally within three to five days from receipt of order).

- 4 -


        The following table summarizes selected aspects of the products sold under both our brands and licensed brands:

 
Group

 
Category

 
Products


Label

Product
Classification

Retail
Price Points

Jones
New
York
Better Skirts, blouses, pants, jackets, sweaters, jeanswear, suits, dresses, casual tops, outerwear, shorts Jones New York
Jones New York Signature
Jones New York Sport
Jones Jeans
Jones New York Dress
Jones New York Suit
Jones Wear
Career
Lifestyle
Lifestyle
Lifestyle
Dresses
Suits
Dresses, Suits
$29 - $526
$20 - $371
$13 - $190
$39 - $129
$59 - $396
$69 - $340
$70 - $250
Nine
West
Better Skirts, blouses, pants, jackets, sweaters, suits, dresses, outerwear, shorts, casual tops Nine West
Nine West Dress
Nine West Suits
Lifestyle
Dresses
Suits
$19 - $360
$99 - $276
$217 - $320
Anne
Klein
Bridge Skirts, blouses, pants, jackets, sweaters, dresses Anne Klein New York Career $75 - $1,203
Anne
Klein
Better Skirts, blouses, pants, jackets, sweaters, vests, dresses, casual tops AK Anne Klein
AK Sport
Anne Klein Dress
Anne Klein Suit
Career
Lifestyle
Dresses
Suits
$32 - $426
$14 - $89
$120 - $298
$45 - $600
Other Bridge Suits Albert Nipon Suits $120 - $620
Other Better Skirts, blouses, pants, jackets, sweaters, suits, dresses Kasper
Evan-Picone
Le Suit
Suits, Dresses, Sportswear
Dresses, Suits
Suits, Sportswear
$20 - - $320
$79 - - $250
$169 - - $280

Wholesale Moderate Apparel

        Our brands cover a broad array of categories for the women's, juniors and girls markets. Within those brands, various product classifications include career and casual sportswear, jeanswear, dresses, suits, and a combination of all components termed lifestyle collection. Career and casual sportswear are marketed as individual items or groups of skirts, pants, shorts, jackets, blouses, sweaters and related accessories which, while sold as separates, are coordinated as to styles, color schemes and fabrics, and are designed to be worn together. New collections are introduced in the four principal selling seasons - Spring, Summer, Fall and Holiday. Each season is comprised of a series of individual items or groups which have scheduled shipment dates to ensure a fresh flow of goods to the retail floor. In addition, certain brands offer key item styles, which are less seasonal in nature, on a replenishment basis (which ship generally within five days from receipt of order).

        Our continued strategic operational reviews and efforts to improve profitability and the continued trend of our moderate customers towards differentiated product offerings led us to make the strategic decision to exit or significantly reduce the scale of some of our moderate product lines during 2007. We believe that exiting or reducing these product lines will strengthen our future operating results and allow us to focus primarily on growth opportunities in our remaining wholesale product lines, which have strong fundamentals and operate at substantially higher margins. This decision will not impact in any way our denim and junior division labels such as Gloria Vanderbilt, l.e.i., Energie, Jeanstar, Grane and others.

        The following table summarizes selected aspects of the products sold under our brands:

- 5 -


 
Group

 
Products


Label

Product
Classification

Retail
Price Points

Jones
New
York
Skirts, blouses, jackets, sweaters, casual tops Jones Wear
Jones Wear Studio
Jones & Co.
Collection Sportswear
Casual Sportswear
Casual Sportswear
$24 - $119
Gloria
Vanderbilt
Skirts, blouses, shorts, jackets, sweaters, jeanswear, capris, casual tops Gloria Vanderbilt Casual Sportswear $13 - $48
Other Skirts, blouses, pants, jackets, sweaters, jeanswear, dresses, 
casual tops and bottoms
Evan-Picone
Energie
Erika
l.e.i.
Jeanstar
A|Line
Pappagallo
GLO/GLO Girls
Grane
Lifestyle
Casual Sportswear
Casual Sportswear
Casual Sportswear
Casual Sportswear
Casual Sportswear
Casual Sportswear
Casual Sportswear
Casual Sportswear
$8 - - $219

        In addition to the products sold under these brands, we provide design and manufacturing resources to certain retailers to develop moderately-priced product lines to be sold under private labels.

Wholesale Footwear and Accessories

        Our wholesale footwear and accessories operations include the sale of both brand name and private label footwear, handbags, small leather goods and costume, semi-precious, sterling silver, and marcasite jewelry. The following table summarizes selected aspects of the products sold under both our brands and licensed brands:

Footwear

      Retail Price Points

Category


Label
Product Classification
Shoes
Boots
Bridge Joan & David
Anne Klein New York
Sophisticated Classics
Modern Classics
$165 - $295
$145 - $355
---
$225 - $425
Better Nine West
Nine West Kids
Enzo Angiolini
AK Anne Klein
Circa Joan & David
Boutique 9
Contemporary
Children's
Sophisticated Classics
Modern Classics
Sophisticated Classics
Contemporary
$30 - $99
$39 -$45
$60 - $125
$69 - $89
$89 - $110
$80 - $140
$69 - $225
$45
$120 - $250
$89 - $189
$149 - $225
$140 - $275
Upper Moderate Bandolino 
Easy Spirit
Modern Classics
Comfort/Fit, Active, Sport/Casuals
$59 - $79
$59 - $85
$79 - $169
$85 - $139
Moderate Nine & Company
Mootsies Tootsies
Mootsies Tootsies Kids
Sam & Libby
Sam & Libby Kids
Dockers Women
Contemporary 
Lifestyle
Children's
Contemporary
Children's
Lifestyle
$50 - $55
$40 - $45
$25 - $29
$30 - $55
$20 - $35
$50 - $55
$55 - $75
$60
---
$60
$39
$70

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Accessories
 

Category


Label
Product Classification
Retail Price Points
Bridge Judith Jack Marcasite and Sterling Silver Jewelry $50 - $995
Better AK Anne Klein
Nine West
Givenchy
Handbags, Small Leather Goods and Costume Jewelry
Handbags, Small Leather Goods and Costume Jewelry
Costume and Fashion Jewelry
$18 - $208
$18 - $120
$8 - $795
Moderate Nine & Company
Napier
Handbags, Small Leather Goods and Costume Jewelry
Costume Jewelry
$13 - $48
$15 - $58

Retail

        We market apparel, footwear and accessories directly to consumers through our specialty retail stores operating in malls and urban retail centers and our various value-based ("outlet") stores located in major retail locations. We constantly evaluate both the opportunities for new locations and the results of underperforming locations for possible modification or closure.

        Specialty Retail Stores. At December 31, 2007, we operated a total of 396 specialty retail stores. These stores sell either footwear and accessories or apparel (or a combination of these products) primarily under their respective brand names. Our Nine West, Easy Spirit, Enzo Angiolini and Bandolino retail stores offer selections of exclusive products not marketed to our wholesale customers. Specialty retail stores may also sell products licensed by us, including belts, legwear, outerwear, watches and sunglasses.

        The following table summarizes selected aspects of our specialty retail stores at December 31, 2007. Of these stores, 393 are located within the United States and three are located in Canada.

      Retail Price Range
  Average store
size (sq. ft.)

Store
type

Number of 
locations

Brands
offered

Shoes and
Boots

Accessories
Apparel
Type of 
locations

Nine West 221 Primarily
Nine West
$49 -$250 $5 - $395 $24 - $395 Upscale and regional malls and urban retail centers 1,602
Easy Spirit 98 Primarily
Easy Spirit
$14 - $169 $5 - $120 $59 - $129 Upscale and regional malls and urban retail centers 1,379
Bandolino 65 Primarily
Bandolino
$39 - $169 $5 - $69 $48 - $150 Urban retail locations and regional malls 1,393
Anne Klein New York Accessories 8 Anne Klein New York $145 - $415 $8 - $1,400 $75 - $1,995 Upscale urban retail locations and regional malls 1,496
Apparel 3 Various --- --- $6 - $1,203 Urban retail locations and regional malls 5,799
Enzo Angiolini 1 Primarily
Enzo Angiolini
$59 - $250 $6 - $190 $119 - $249 Upscale mall 1,710

        Outlet Stores. At December 31, 2007, we operated a total of 638 outlet stores. Our shoe stores focus on breadth of product line, as well as value pricing, and offer a distribution channel for our residual inventories. The majority of the shoe stores' merchandise consists of new production of current and proven prior season's styles, with the remainder of the merchandise consisting of discontinued styles from our specialty retail footwear stores and wholesale divisions. The apparel stores focus on breadth of product line and value pricing. In addition to our brand name merchandise, these stores also sell merchandise produced by our licensees.

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        The following table summarizes selected aspects of our outlet stores at December 31, 2007. Of these stores, 610 are located within the United States and its territories and 28 are located in Canada.

Store
type


Number of
locations

Brands
offered

Type of
  locations

Average store
size (sq. ft.)

Nine West 203 Primarily Nine West Manufacturer
outlet centers
2,925
Jones New York 174 Primarily Jones New York and Jones New York Sport Manufacturer
outlet centers
3,786
Easy Spirit 118 Primarily Easy Spirit Manufacturer
outlet centers
3,563
Kasper 82 Primarily Kasper Manufacturer
outlet centers
2,628
Anne Klein 61  Primarily Anne Klein Manufacturer
outlet centers
2,656

Licensed Brands

        We have an exclusive license to produce, market and distribute costume jewelry in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Japan under the Givenchy trademark pursuant to an agreement with Givenchy, which expires on December 31, 2008. The agreement provides for the payment by us of a percentage of net sales against guaranteed minimum royalty and advertising payments as set forth in the agreement.

        We have an exclusive license to produce and sell women's footwear under the Dockers Women trademark in the United States (including its territories and possessions) pursuant to an agreement with Levi Strauss & Co. The agreement, which expires on December 31, 2008, provides for the payment by us of a percentage of net sales against guaranteed minimum royalty and advertising payments as set forth in the agreement.

Design

        Our apparel product lines have design teams that are responsible for the creation, development and coordination of the product group offerings within each line. We believe our design staff is recognized for its distinctive styling of garments and its ability to update fashion classics with contemporary trends. Our apparel designers travel throughout the world for fabrics and colors, and stay continuously abreast of the latest fashion trends. In addition, we actively monitor the retail sales of our products to determine and react to changes in consumer trends.

        For most sportswear lines, we will develop several groups in a season. A group typically consists of an assortment of skirts, pants, jeans, shorts, jackets, blouses, sweaters, t-shirts and various accessories. We believe that we are able to reduce design risks because we often will not have started cutting fabrics until the first few weeks of a major selling season. Since different styles within a group often use the same fabric, we can redistribute styles and, in some cases, colors, to fit current market demand. We also have a key item replenishment program for certain lines which consists of core products that reflect little variation from season to season.

        Our footwear and accessories product lines are developed by a combination of our own design teams and third-party designers, which independently interpret global lifestyle, clothing, footwear and accessories trends. To research and confirm such trends, the teams travel extensively in Asia, Europe and major American markets, conduct extensive market research on retailer and consumer preferences, and subscribe to fashion and color information services. Each team presents styles that maintain each brand's distinct personality. Samples are refined and then produced. After the samples are evaluated, lines are modified further for presentation at each season's shoe shows and accessory markets.

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        Our jewelry brands are developed by separate design teams. Each team presents styles that maintain each brand's distinct personality. A prototype is developed for each new product where appropriate. Most prototypes are produced by our contractors based on technical drawings that we supply. These prototypes are reviewed by our product development team, who negotiate costs with the contractors. After samples are evaluated and cost estimates are received, the lines are modified as needed for presentation for each selling season.

        In accordance with standard industry practices for licensed products, we have the right to approve the concepts and designs of all products produced and distributed by our licensees. Similarly, Givenchy and Levi Strauss & Co. also provide design services to us for our licensed products and have the right to approve our designs for the Givenchy and Dockers Women product lines, respectively.

Manufacturing and Quality Control

Apparel

        Apparel sold by us is produced in accordance with our design, specification and production schedules through an extensive network of independent factories located throughout the world, primarily in Asia. Nearly all our apparel products were manufactured outside North America during 2007. We source a portion of our products in Central and South America, enabling us to take advantage of shorter lead times than other offshore locations due to geographic proximity. Sourcing in this region enables us to utilize current free-trade agreements, which provide that certain articles assembled abroad from United States components are exempt from United States duties on the value of these components.

        We believe that outsourcing our products allows us to maximize production flexibility, while avoiding significant capital expenditures, work-in-process inventory build-ups and costs of managing a larger production work force. Our fashion designers, production staff and quality control personnel closely examine garments manufactured by contractors to ensure that they meet our high standards.

        Our comprehensive quality control program is designed to ensure that raw materials and finished goods meet our exacting standards. Fabrics for garments manufactured are inspected by either independent inspection services or by our contractors upon receipt in their warehouses. Our quality control program includes inspection of both prototypes of each garment prior to cutting by the contractors and a sampling of production garments upon receipt at our warehouse facilities to ensure compliance with our specifications.

        Our foreign manufacturers' operations are monitored by our Hong Kong-based personnel, buying agents located in other countries and independent contractors and inspection services. Finished goods are generally shipped to our warehouses for final inspection and distribution.

        For our sportswear business, we occasionally supply the raw materials to our manufacturers. Otherwise, the raw materials are purchased directly by the manufacturer in accordance with our specifications. Raw materials, which are in most instances made and/or colored especially for us, consist principally of piece goods and yarn and are purchased by us from a number of domestic and foreign textile mills and converters. Our foreign finished goods purchases are generally purchased on a letter of credit basis, while our domestic purchases are generally purchased on open account.

        Our primary raw material in our jeanswear business is denim, which is primarily purchased from leading mills located in the Pacific Rim and Pakistan. Denim purchase commitments and prices are negotiated on a quarterly or semi-annual basis. We perform our own extensive testing of denim, cotton twill and other fabrics to ensure consistency and durability.

        We do not have long-term arrangements with any of our suppliers. We have experienced little difficulty in satisfying our raw material requirements and consider our sources of supply adequate. Our products have historically been purchased from foreign manufacturers in pre-set United States dollar prices. To date, we generally have not been materially adversely affected by fluctuations in exchange rates. However, the recent substantial decline of the United States dollar against major world currencies and higher labor costs being 

- 9 -


experienced by some of our foreign manufacturers, primarily in China, could cause our manufacturing costs to rise.

        Our apparel products are manufactured according to plans prepared each year which reflect prior years' experience, current fashion trends, economic conditions and management estimates of a line's performance. We generally order piece goods concurrently with concept development. The purchase of piece goods is controlled and coordinated on a divisional basis. When possible, we limit our exposure to specific colors and fabrics by committing to purchase only a portion of total projected demand with options to purchase additional volume if demand meets the plan.

        We believe our extensive experience in logistics and production management underlies our success in coordinating with contractors who manufacture different garments included within the same product group. We also contract for the production of a portion of our products through a network of foreign agents. We have had long-term mutually satisfactory business relationships with many of our contractors and agents but do not have long-term written agreements with any of them.

Footwear and Accessories

        To provide a steady source of inventory, we rely on long-standing relationships with footwear manufacturers in Asia and Brazil, with handbag and small leather goods manufacturers in Asia and with jewelry manufacturers in Asia. We work through independent buying agents for footwear and our own offices for accessories and jewelry. Allocation of production among our manufacturing resources is determined based upon a number of factors, including manufacturing capabilities, delivery requirements and pricing.

        During 2007, nearly all our footwear products were manufactured by independent footwear manufacturers located in Asia (primarily China). We also utilize independent manufacturers located in Brazil, Europe and North Africa. Our handbags and small leather goods are sourced through our own buying office in China, which utilizes independent third party manufacturers located primarily in China. Our products have historically been purchased from Brazilian and Asian manufacturers in pre-set United States dollar prices. To date, we generally have not been materially adversely affected by fluctuations in exchange rates. However, the recent substantial decline of the United States dollar against major world currencies and higher labor costs being experienced by some of our foreign manufacturers, primarily in China, could cause our manufacturing costs to rise. We do not have contracts with any of our footwear, handbag or small leather goods manufacturers but, with respect to footwear imported from Brazil and China, we rely on established relationships with our Brazilian and Chinese manufacturers directly and through our independent buying agents. For footwear, quality control reviews are done on-site in the factories by our third-party buying agents primarily to ensure that material and component qualities and fit of the product are in accordance with our specifications. For accessories, quality control reviews are done on-site in the factories by our own locally-based inspection technicians. Our quality control program includes approval of prototypes, as well as approval of final production samples to ensure they meet our high standards.

        We believe that our relationships with our Brazilian and Chinese manufacturers provide us with a responsive and adequate source of supply of our products and, accordingly, give us a significant competitive advantage. We also believe that purchasing a significant percentage of our products through independent third-party manufacturers in China and Brazil allows us to maximize production flexibility while limiting our capital expenditures, work-in-process inventory and costs of managing a larger production work force. Because of the sophisticated manufacturing techniques of footwear manufacturers, individual production lines can be quickly changed from one style to another, and production of certain styles can be completed in as few as four hours, from uncut leather to boxed footwear.

        We place our projected orders for each season's styles with our manufacturers prior to the time we have received all of our customers' orders. Because of our close working relationships with our third party manufacturers (which allow for flexible production schedules and production of large quantities of footwear within a short period of time), many of our orders are finalized only after we have received orders from a majority of our customers. As a result, we believe that, in comparison to our competitors, we are better able

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to meet sudden demands for particular designs, more quickly exploit market trends as they occur, reduce inventory risk and more efficiently fill reorders booked during a particular season.

        We do not have contracts with any of our jewelry manufacturers but rely on long-standing relationships, principally with third-party Asian manufacturers. We believe that the quality and cost of products manufactured by our suppliers provide us with the ability to remain competitive. We also have our own manufacturing facility to satisfy demand for products manufactured domestically (such as cosmetic containers) and to provide product samples, prototypes, small quantities of test merchandise and a small amount of production capacity in the event of a disruption of certain outsourced manufacturing. We have historically experienced little difficulty in satisfying finished goods requirements, and we consider our source of supplies adequate.

        During 2007, our jewelry products were manufactured primarily by independently-owned jewelry manufacturers in Asia. Sourcing the majority of our products from third-party manufacturers enables us to better control costs and avoid significant capital expenditures, work in process inventory, and costs of managing a larger production workforce. Our products have historically been purchased from Asian manufacturers in pre-set United States dollar prices. To date, we generally have not been materially adversely affected by fluctuations in exchange rates. However, the recent substantial decline of the United States dollar against major world currencies and higher labor costs being experienced by some of our foreign manufacturers, primarily in China, could cause our manufacturing costs to rise.

        Forecasts for basic jewelry products are produced on a rolling 12-week basis and are adjusted based on point of sale information from retailers. Manufacturing of fashion jewelry products is based on marketing forecasts and sales plans; actual orders are received several weeks after such forecasts are produced. Quality control testing is performed on-site by domestic employees or our own locally-based inspection technicians. Quality assurance checks are also performed upon receipt of finished goods at our distribution facilities.

Workplace Compliance Program

        We have an active program in place to monitor compliance by our contract manufacturers (in all product categories) with the Jones Apparel Group Standards for Contractors and Suppliers ("Factory Standards"). In 1996, we became a participant in the United States Department of Labor's Apparel Manufacturer's Compliance Program Agreement. Under that agreement, and through independent agreements with domestic and foreign manufacturers that produce products for us, we regularly audit for compliance with our Factory Standards and require corrective action when appropriate.

        Our Factory Standards, which we have posted on our website, apply to conditions of employment, such as child labor, wages and benefits, working hours and days off, health and safety conditions in the workplace and housing, forced labor, discrimination, disciplinary practices and freedom of association.

        We have a vigorous factory-auditing program. During 2007, 1,252 audits were conducted (including 949 by independent auditors), including domestic and foreign factories for apparel, footwear, handbag and jewelry products. Our Compliance Monitoring staff consists of 25 members based in four countries. Twenty-two staff members claim English as a second language, and almost all are multi-lingual and have at least a bachelor's degree from a four-year institution in the United States or abroad. In addition to our own staff, we retain several recognized, unaffiliated workplace compliance audit firms to conduct factory audits on our behalf and to report on such findings, including recommendations for remediation.

        Obtaining compliance with our Factory Standards is, in many instances, a very challenging process. We deal with many factories in many countries, each with legal systems and cultures far different from those of the United States. Our auditing program invariably reports problems of varying degrees in almost all factories. Our approach, in virtually all cases, has been to attempt to improve conditions through directions to remediate the cited conditions and to conduct follow-up audits, rather than to cease using a given factory, which would assuredly result in severe hardship for the employees working at those factories. We believe that progress and improvement, although incremental, is quite real.

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Marketing

        Our ten largest customer groups, principally department stores, accounted for approximately 55% of gross revenues in 2007. Macy's, Inc., our largest customer in 2007, accounted for 20% of our 2007 gross revenues.

        We believe that purchasing decisions are generally made independently by individual department stores within a commonly controlled group. There has been a trend, however, toward more centralized purchasing decisions. As such decisions become more centralized, the risk to us of such concentration increases. Furthermore, we believe a trend exists among our major customers to concentrate purchasing among a narrowing group of vendors. In the future, retailers may have financial problems or continue to consolidate, undergo restructurings or reorganizations, or realign their affiliations, any of which could increase the concentration of our customers. We attempt to minimize our credit risk from our concentration of customers by closely monitoring accounts receivable balances and shipping levels and the ongoing financial performance and credit status of our customers.

        We also believe there is an increasing focus by the department stores to concentrate an increasing portion of their product assortments within their own private label products. These private label lines compete directly with our product lines and may receive more prominent positioning on the retail floor by department stores. While this creates more competition, we believe that our brands are preferred by the consumer.

        Sportswear products are marketed to department stores and specialty retailing customers during "market weeks," which are generally four to six months in advance of the corresponding industry selling seasons. While we typically will allocate a six-week period to market a sportswear line, most major orders are written within the first three weeks of any market period.

        We believe retail demand for our apparel products is enhanced by our ability to provide our retail accounts and consumers with knowledgeable sales support. In this regard, we have an established program to place retail sales specialists in many major department stores for many of our brands, including Jones New York, Jones New York Sport, Jones New York Signature, Kasper and Anne Klein. These individuals have been trained by us to support the sale of our products by educating other store personnel and consumers about our products and by coordinating our marketing activities with those of the stores. In addition, the retail sales specialists provide us with firsthand information concerning consumer reactions to our products. In addition, we have a program of designated sales personnel in which a store agrees to designate certain sales personnel who will devote a substantial portion of their time to selling our products in return for certain benefits.

        We introduce new collections of footwear at industry-wide shoe shows, held semi-annually in both New York City and Las Vegas. We also present an interim line to customers during the fall and spring of each year. We introduce new handbag and small leather goods collections at market shows that occur five times each year in New York City. Jewelry products are marketed in New York City showrooms through individual customer appointments and at five industry-wide market shows each year. Retailers visit our showrooms at these times to view various product lines and merchandise.

        We market our footwear, handbag and small leather goods businesses with certain department stores and specialty retail stores by bringing our retail and sales planning expertise to those retailers. Under this program, members of branded division management who have extensive retail backgrounds work with the retailer to create a "focus area" or "concept shop" within the store that displays the full collection of a single brand in one area. These individuals assist the department and specialty retail stores by: providing advice about appropriate product assortment and product flow; making recommendations about when a product should be re-ordered; providing sales guidance, including the training of store personnel; and developing advertising programs with the retailer to promote sales of our products. In addition, our sales force and field merchandising associates for footwear, handbags and small leather goods recommend how to display our products, assist with merchandising displays and educate store personnel about us and our products. The goal of this approach is to promote high retail sell-throughs of our products. With this approach, customers are encouraged to devote greater selling space to our products, and we are better able to assess consumer preferences, the future ordering needs of our customers, and inventory requirements.

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        We work closely with our wholesale jewelry customers to create long-term sales programs, which include choosing among our diverse product lines and implementing sales programs at the store level. A team of sales representatives and sales managers monitor product performance against plan and are responsible for inventory management, using point-of-sale information to respond to shifts in consumer preferences. Management uses this information to adjust product mix and inventory requirements. In addition, field merchandising associates recommend how to display our products, assist with merchandising displays and educate store personnel about us and our products. Retailers are also provided with customized displays and store-level merchandising designed to maximize sales and inventory turnover. By providing retailers with in-store product management, we establish close relationships with retailers, allowing us to maximize product sales and increase floor space allocated to our product lines. We have also placed retail sales specialists in major department stores to support the sale of our Napier, Nine West, Givenchy and Judith Jack jewelry products.

Advertising and Promotion

        We employ a cooperative advertising program for our branded products, whereby we share the cost of certain wholesale customers' advertising and promotional expenses in newspapers, magazines and other media up to either a preset maximum percentage of the customer's purchases or an agreed-upon rate of contribution. An important part of the marketing program includes prominent displays of our products in wholesale customers' fashion catalogs as well as in-store shop displays.

        We have national advertising campaigns for the following brands:

  • Jones New York Collection and Jones New York Signature (in fashion and lifestyle magazines),
  • Nine West (footwear, apparel, handbags, jewelry and licensed products, primarily in fashion magazines),
  • Bandolino (in fashion magazines),
  • l.e.i. (in junior-focused and fashion magazines and radio),
  • Anne Klein New York (in fashion magazines),
  • AK Anne Klein (in fashion magazines), and
  • Grane (in fashion magazines).

        Given the strong recognition and brand loyalty already afforded our brands, we believe these campaigns will serve to further enhance and broaden our customer base. Our in-house creative services departments oversee the conception, production and execution of virtually all aspects of these activities. We also believe that our retail network promotes brand name recognition and supports the merchandising of complete lines by, and the marketing efforts of, our wholesale customers.

Licensing of Company Brands

        We have entered into various license agreements under which independent licensees either manufacture, market and sell certain products under our trademarks in accordance with designs furnished or approved by us or distribute our products in certain countries where we do not do business. These licenses, the terms of which (not including renewals) expire at various dates through 2011, typically provide for the payment to us of a percentage of the licensee's net sales of the licensed products against guaranteed minimum royalty payments, which typically increase over the term of the agreement.

        The following table sets forth information with respect to select aspects of our licensing business:

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Brand
Category
Jones New York Men's Accessories and Jewelry (U.S., Canada)
Men's Dress Shirts (U.S.)
Men's Neckwear (Canada)
Men's Neckwear (U.S.)
Men's Sportswear, Sweaters, Knit Shirts, Woven Shirts, Finished Bottom 
     Slacks and Outerwear (Canada)
Men's Tailored Clothing, Dress Shirts, Outerwear, Dress Slacks (Canada)
Men's Tailored Clothing, Formal Wear (U.S.)
Men's Topcoats, Outerwear (U.S.)
Men's Umbrellas, Rain Accessories (U.S.)
Men's and Women's Optical Eyewear (U.S., Canada, Argentina, Aruba, Australia,
     Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Benelux, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica,
     Cyprus, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, French
     Guiana, Guatemala, Honduras, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mexico,
     Netherlands Antilles, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines,
     South Africa, Suriname, Sweden, Trinidad, Turkey, Uruguay, Venezuela)
Women's Costume Jewelry (Canada)
Women's Hats (U.S., Canada)
Women's Leather Outerwear (U.S.)
Women's Outerwear, Rainwear (U.S.)
Women's Outerwear, Wool Coats, Rainwear (Canada)
Women's Scarves, Wraps (U.S., Canada)
Women's Sleepwear, Loungewear (U.S., Canada)
Women's Sunglasses (U.S., Canada)
Women's Umbrellas, Rain Accessories (U.S.)
Women's Watches (Canada)
Women's Wool Coats (U.S.)
Retail and Wholesale Distribution Rights for Women's Apparel, Handbags, Small
     Leather Goods, Footwear, Belts, Sunglasses, Coats, Scarves, as well as Sleepwear
     if such items are made available in the Territory (China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macau,
     Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand)
Jones Wear Women's Costume Jewelry (Canada)
Women's Outerwear (Canada)
Women's Watches (Canada)
Women's Optical Eyewear (U.S.)
Jones Studio Women's Outerwear, Wool Coats, Rainwear (Canada)
Jones & Co. Women's Outerwear, Wool Coats, Rainwear (Canada)
Albert Nipon Men's Tailored Clothing (U.S.)
Kasper Men's Tailored Clothing (U.S., Canada, Mexico)
Evan-Picone Men's Tailored Clothing, Formal Wear, Topcoats (U.S.)
Manufacturing and Wholesale Distribution Rights for Women's Sportswear (Japan)
Energie Men's Denim and Sportswear (U.S.)
Boys' Denim and Sportswear (4-6x and 8-20) (U.S.)
Men's Footwear (U.S.)
Gloria Vanderbilt Knit Tops, Bottoms, ActiveWear, Performance ActiveWear (U.S.)
Sleepwear, Daywear, Loungewear (U.S., Canada)
Infants', Toddlers' and Children's (4-6x) Apparel (U.S., Canada)
GLO Infants', Toddlers' and Children's (4-6x) Apparel (U.S.)
GLO Girl Infants', Toddlers' and Children's (4-6x) Apparel (Canada)

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Brand
Category
Anne Klein New York and AK Anne Klein Belts (U.S., Canada)
Home Sewing Patterns (Worldwide)
Hosiery, Casual Legwear (U.S., Canada)
Outerwear, Wool Coats, Leather Outerwear, Rainwear (U.S.)
Scarves, Cold Weather Accessories, Gloves (U.S., Canada)
Sunglasses, Optical Eyewear (Worldwide)
Swimwear (U.S.)
Watches (Worldwide)
Manufacturing and Wholesale and Retail Distribution Rights for Apparel (Japan)
Retail and Wholesale Distribution Rights for Handbags (Japan)
Sublicensed Wholesale and Retail Distribution Rights for Scarves, Towels, 
     Jewelry (Japan)
Manufacturing and Wholesale and Retail Distribution Rights for Apparel, Handbags, 
     Accessories (Korea)
Retail and Wholesale Distribution Rights for Apparel and Handbags (Central America, 
     South America, Caribbean, Dominican Republic)
Retail and Wholesale Distribution Rights for Apparel, Small Leather Goods, Footwear,
     Handbags, Belts, Sunglasses, Watches, Jewelry, Coats, Socks, Scarves, Swimwear,
     as well as Sleepwear, Fragrances, and Cosmetics if such items are made available
     in the Territory (China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan,
     Thailand, Italy, France, Spain, United Kingdom, Portugal, Ireland, Belgium, Luxembourg,
     the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia)
Retail Distribution Rights for Apparel, Handbags, Accessories, Belts, Sleepwear, Casual 
     Legwear (Philippines)
Anne Klein Coat Outerwear, Wool Coats, Leather Outerwear, Rainwear (U.S.)
A|Line Sunglasses, Optical Eyewear (U.S.)
Nine West Belts (U.S., Canada)
Casual Legwear (U.S., Canada)
Gloves, Cold Weather Accessories (U.S., Canada)
Hats (U.S., Canada)
Leather, Wool, Casual Outerwear, Rainwear (U.S., Canada, Spain)
Luggage (U.S., Canada)
Optical Eyewear (U.S., Canada, China, Mexico)
Sunglasses (U.S., Canada, Spain)
Retail and Wholesale Distribution Rights for Apparel, Belts, Cold Weather Accessories,
     Hats, Luggage, Sunglasses, Watches, Jewelry, Coats, Legwear, Scarves, as well
     as Sleepwear, Swimwear, Fragrances and Cosmetics if such items are made available
     in the Territory (China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines,
     Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand)
Nine & Company Bed and Bath Products and Accessories (U.S.)
Belts (U.S.)
Casual Legwear (U.S.)
Gloves, Cold Weather Accessories (U.S.)
Hats (U.S.)
Luggage (U.S.)
Sleepwear, Loungewear (U.S.)
Sunglasses (U.S.)
Watches (U.S.)
Easy Spirit Slippers (U.S., Canada)
Enzo Angiolini Sunglasses (U.S.)

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Brand
Category
l.e.i. Casual Legwear (U.S.)
Belts (U.S., Canada)
Hats (U.S., Canada)
Juniors' and Girls' Intimate Apparel (U.S.)
Juniors' and Girls' Outerwear (U.S.)
Juniors' and Girls' Sunglasses (U.S., Canada)
Watches (U.S., Canada)
Joan & David Manufacturing and Retail Distribution Rights for Apparel, Footwear, Handbags (China, Hong
     Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand)
International footwear and accessories retail/wholesale distribution Nine West and Enzo Angiolini retail locations (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, The United
     Arab Emirates, Jordan, India, Poland) and Anne Klein New York retail locations and
     wholesale distribution rights for Anne Klein New York footwear and accessories (Bahrain,
     Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates)

Nine West
retail locations (Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Egypt)
Nine West
retail locations and wholesale distribution rights for Nine West, Enzo Angiolini,
     Bandolino
and Easy Spirit footwear and accessories and AK Anne Klein, Circa Joan & David,
     Sam & Libby
and Mootsies Tootsies footwear (Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El
     Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic,
     French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, the Caribbean Islands)

Nine West
retail locations and wholesale distribution rights for Nine West footwear and accessories
     (Greece, Cyprus)
Nine West retail locations and wholesale distribution rights for Nine West footwear and accessories
     (Chile, Peru) and wholesale distribution rights for Enzo Angiolini footwear and accessories (Chile)

Nine West, Enzo Angiolini, NW Nine West
and Easy Spirit retail locations and wholesale distribution
     rights for Nine West, Enzo Angiolini, NW Nine West and Easy Spirit footwear and accessories
     (Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, the People's Republic of China, the
     Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand)
Nine West retail locations and wholesale distribution rights for Nine West footwear and accessories
     (South Africa)

Nine West, Enzo Angiolini
and Westies retail locations, wholesale distribution rights for Nine West
    
footwear and accessories and Enzo Angiolini, Westies and AK Anne Klein footwear, and
     manufacturing rights for Westies footwear (Mexico)

Nine West
and Enzo Angiolini retail locations (Turkey, Romania)
Nine West
and Easy Spirit retail locations and wholesale distribution rights for Nine West and Easy
     Spirit
footwear and accessories (Israel)

Nine West
, Bandolino and Easy Spirit retail locations, wholesale distribution rights for Nine West,
     Enzo Angiolini, Easy Spirit, Bandolino, Nine & Company and Westies footwear and accessories
     and AK Anne Klein, Circa Joan & David, Sam & Libby and Mootsies Tootsies footwear (Canada)

Nine West
retail locations (the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Channel Islands, Denmark, the
     Netherlands) and wholesale distribution rights for Nine West and NW Nine West footwear and
     accessories and Easy Spirit footwear (the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Channel Islands, Norway,
     Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg)
Nine West retail locations and wholesale distribution rights for Nine West and Enzo Angiolini footwear
     and accessories (Spain, Portugal)
Nine West retail locations (Russia)
Nine West
retail locations (France)
Nine West
and Enzo Angiolini retail locations and wholesale distribution rights for Nine West and
     Enzo Angiolini footwear and accessories (Australia, New Zealand)
Wholesale distribution rights for Nine West and Napier costume jewelry (Canada)

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Trademarks

        We utilize a variety of trademarks which we own, including Jones New York, Jones New York Signature, Jones New York Sport, Jones New York Jeans, Jones Wear, Evan-Picone, Erika, Energie, Nine West, Easy Spirit, Enzo Angiolini, Bandolino, Nine & Company, Westies, Pappagallo, Joan & David, Mootsies Tootsies, Sam & Libby, Napier, Judith Jack, Gloria Vanderbilt, GLO, l.e.i., Anne Klein, Anne Klein New York, AK Anne Klein, A|Line, Kasper, Le Suit, Grane, Boutique 9 and Jeanstar. We have registered or applied for registration for these and other trademarks for use on a variety of items of apparel, footwear, accessories and/or related products and, in some cases, for retail store services, in the United States and certain other countries. The expiration dates of the United States trademark registrations for our material registered trademarks are as follows, with our other registered foreign and domestic trademarks expiring at various dates through 2023. Certain brands such as Jones New York are sold under several related trademarks; in these instances, the range of expiration dates is provided. All marks are subject to renewal in the ordinary course of business if no third party successfully challenges such registrations and, in the case of domestic and certain foreign registrations, applicable use and related filing requirements for the goods and services covered by such registrations have been met.

Trademark Expiration
Dates
Trademark Expiration
Dates
Trademark Expiration
Dates
Jones New York 2011-2017 Nine & Company 2012-2015 Anne Klein 2008-2017
Jones New York Sport 2013 Napier 2009 Kasper 2011
Evan-Picone 2013 Judith Jack 2012 Le Suit 2008
Nine West 2008-2015 Erika 2014 Joan & David 2012-2015
Easy Spirit 2008-2017 Energie 2015 Mootsies Tootsies 2008-2013
Enzo Angiolini 2008-2015 Gloria Vanderbilt 2012-2017 Sam & Libby 2013
Bandolino 2011-2016 l.e.i. 2010-2016    

        We carefully monitor trademark expiration dates to provide uninterrupted registration of our material trademarks. We also license the Givenchy and Dockers Women trademarks (see "Licensed Brands" above).

        We also hold numerous patents expiring at various dates through 2025 (subject to payment of annuities and/or periodic maintenance fees) and have additional patent applications pending in the United States Patent and Trademark Office. We regard our trademarks and other proprietary rights as valuable assets which are critical in the marketing of our products. We vigorously monitor and protect our trademarks and patents against infringement and dilution where legally feasible and appropriate.

Imports and Import Restrictions

        Our transactions with our foreign manufacturers and suppliers are subject to the risks of doing business abroad. Imports into the United States are affected by, among other things, the cost of transportation and the imposition of import duties and restrictions. The United States, China, Brazil and other countries in which our products are manufactured may, from time to time, impose new quotas, duties, tariffs or other restrictions, or adjust presently prevailing quotas, duty or tariff levels, which could affect our operations and our ability to import products at current or increased levels. We cannot predict the likelihood or frequency of any such events occurring.

        Our import operations are subject to constraints imposed by bilateral textile agreements between the United States and a number of foreign countries, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia and South Korea. In certain cases, these agreements impose quotas on the amount and type of goods which can be imported into the United States from these countries. Such agreements also allow the United States to impose, at any time, restraints on the importation of categories of merchandise that, under the terms of the agreements, are not subject to specified limits. Our imported products are also subject to United States customs duties and, in the ordinary course of business, we are from time to time subject to claims by the United States Customs Service for duties and other charges.

        We monitor duty, tariff and quota-related developments and continually seek to minimize our potential exposure to quota-related risks through, among other measures, geographical diversification of our

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manufacturing sources, the maintenance of overseas offices, allocation of overseas production to merchandise categories where more quota is available and shifts of production among countries and manufacturers.

        Because our foreign manufacturers are located at greater geographic distances from us than our domestic manufacturers, we are generally required to allow greater lead time for foreign orders, which reduces our manufacturing flexibility. Foreign imports are also affected by the high cost of transportation into the United States and the effects of fluctuations in the value of the dollar against foreign currencies in certain countries.

        In addition to the factors outlined above, our future import operations may be adversely affected by political instability resulting in the disruption of trade from exporting countries and restrictions on the transfer of funds.

Backlog

        We had unfilled customer orders of approximately $1.0 billion and $1.1 billion at December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively. These amounts include both confirmed and unconfirmed orders which we believe, based on industry practice and past experience, will be confirmed. The amount of unfilled orders at a particular time is affected by a number of factors, including the mix of product, the timing of the receipt and processing of customer orders and scheduling of the manufacture and shipping of the product, which in some instances is dependent on the desires of the customer. Backlog is also affected by a continuing trend among customers to reduce the lead time on their orders. Due to these factors, a comparison of unfilled orders from period to period is not necessarily meaningful and may not be indicative of eventual actual shipments.

Employees

        At December 31, 2007, we had approximately 8,450 full-time employees. This total includes approximately 3,170 in quality control, production, design and distribution positions, approximately 2,075 in administrative, sales, clerical and office positions and approximately 3,205 in our retail stores. We also employ approximately 5,380 part-time employees, of which approximately 5,260 work in our retail stores.

        Approximately 75 of our employees located in Vaughan, Ontario are members of the Laundry and Linen Drivers and Industrial Workers Union, which has a collective bargaining agreement with us expiring on March 15, 2009. Approximately 30 of our employees located in New York, New York are members of UNITE HERE, which has a collective bargaining agreement that expires on May 31, 2010. Approximately 245 of our employees located in El Paso, Texas are members of UNITE HERE, which has a collective bargaining agreement that expires on March 9, 2011. We consider our relations with our employees to be satisfactory.

Jones New York in the Classroom

        On May 3, 2005, we announced the launch of a charitable cause initiative, including the establishment of Jones New York In The Classroom, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation, with an initial grant from us of $1 million and a commitment of our continued support. Jones New York In The Classroom is dedicated to improving the quality of education in America and inspiring others, both individuals and corporations, to do the same through support of teachers and vital teacher-based programs in America's schools. It is focused on four areas of support for teachers: recruitment, retention, professional development and recognition and support. Our initial donation was earmarked to support each of the four non-profit organizations selected by Jones New York In The Classroom to benefit from its programs and fundraising: TeachersCount, New Teacher Academy, Fund for Teachers and Adopt-A-Classroom. Each of these organizations addresses one or more of Jones New York In The Classroom's areas of focus. In 2007, our contributions helped Jones New York In The Classroom donate additional funds to several of these non-profit organizations. Those funds were used by Adopt-A-Classroom to renew classroom adoptions and to develop an online program to reach more teachers and donors and provide online tools to support local classrooms; by Teachers Count to develop ten new "Behind Every Famous Person is A Fabulous Teacher" public service announcements in collaboration with Time, Inc., and to support nationwide expansion of the PSA campaign; and by Fund for Teachers to support its award of over 100 grants to teachers within Jones New York In The Classroom's regions of focus, the New York metropolitan area, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Chicago and Northern California, to fund educational 

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and training material for the Fund for Teachers Asian study program for teachers in the metropolitan New York area, in collaboration with New Visions for Public School, and to support a classroom "makeover" in Houston, Texas by Fund for Teachers with Jones New York In The Classroom.

        Our commitment since the launch in 2005 has also included support for events to raise public awareness of Jones New York In The Classroom and its goals for teachers and education, as well as initiatives to encourage our employees to participate in volunteer opportunities and fundraising for Jones New York In The Classroom, and the other non-profit organizations Jones New York In The Classroom is supporting. Our corporate employees have the opportunity to volunteer up to three hours of paid time off each month in educational facilities in their local communities, totaling more than 250,000 hours annually in support of teachers and education. Each of our business locations is encouraged to raise or budget funds to adopt a classroom to help with daily classroom needs through Adopt-A-Classroom. Working with our retail customers, we have supported Jones New York In The Classroom with in-store marketing programs, including a limited edition t-shirt for 2007 featuring artwork by illustrator Sujean Rim, and a dedicated Jones New York shopping week during which ten percent of our profits on sales of certain merchandise (up to $500,000) were donated to Jones New York In The Classroom. Additional activities we have participated in include assisting Jones New York In The Classroom in forming a national advisory committee comprised of education professionals; designing, developing and hosting a website for the charity and developing car magnets for sale by the charity to raise funds; holding a second annual charity golf classic to benefit Jones New York In The Classroom; and joining with Lowe's and Hands On Network for Back to School, Back to Style teacher and classroom makeovers to raise awareness of Jones New York In The Classroom and the non-profit organizations it has committed to support. We also hosted Apple Day, which recognized seven of our associates and one of our cause committees for their outstanding leadership and volunteerism on behalf of the cause initiative and Jones New York In The Classroom.

Strategic Review of Operations

        In mid-2005, we completed a strategic review of our operating infrastructure and general and administrative support areas to improve profitability and to ensure we are properly positioned for the long-term benefit of our shareholders. By proactively reviewing our infrastructure, systems and operating processes at a time when the industry is undergoing consolidation and change, we plan to eliminate redundancies and improve our overall cost structure and margin performance.

Supply Chain Management

  • We have implemented and continue to enhance a product development management system.
  • We are now utilizing the capabilities of our third-party manufacturers to increase pre-production product development activities directly with them.
  • We selected SAP Apparel and Footwear Solution as our enterprise resource planning system, which has been implemented in the majority of our apparel operations and will ultimately be implemented company-wide.
  • The logistics network has been analyzed to reduce costs and increase efficiency by following a tiered approach of (i) multiple product usage of existing distribution centers, (ii) utilizing third party logistics providers, and (iii) ultimately direct shipping from factory to customer. We have closed four distribution centers since 2005 as a result of these efforts and other restructuring actions, with one additional distribution center scheduled to close in 2008.
  • In response to the elimination of apparel quotas and other trade safeguards, we have been consolidating our third-party manufacturing to a more concentrated vendor matrix.

General and Administrative Areas

  • We are implementing best practices in connection with the migration of our current systems to the SAP Apparel and Footwear Solution platform.

        The implementation and execution of the initiatives, other than the company-wide implementation of SAP, were substantially completed by the end of 2007. We have reduced annual costs by approximately $100 million over the period. Total costs (including capital expenditures, severance costs and fees) for our strategic 

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review and the related initiatives are expected to be approximately $120 million. As of December 31, 2007, we have spent a total of $117.5 million.

        While customer consolidation, other restructurings and the difficult retail climate have served to offset much of the impact of these cost reductions, we are now in an excellent position to benefit from these initiatives as we move forward.

Recent Restructurings

        Our continued strategic operational reviews and efforts to improve profitability and the continued trend of our moderate customers towards differentiated product offerings led us to make the strategic decision to exit or significantly reduce the scale of some of our moderate apparel product lines during 2007. In connection with the exit and reorganization of certain moderate apparel product lines, we decided to close certain New York offices, and on October 9, 2007, we announced the closing of warehouse facilities in Goose Creek, South Carolina. We expect to incur $8.0 million of one-time termination benefits and associated employee costs for approximately 440 employees. Of this amount, $7.9 million was recorded in 2007 and the remaining $0.1 million will be recorded in 2008. These closings were substantially complete by the end of February 2008.

        On October 17, 2007, we announced the closing of warehouse facilities in Edison, New Jersey. We expect to incur $3.5 million of one-time termination benefits and associated employee costs for approximately 160 employees. Of this amount, $2.8 million was recorded in 2007, and the remaining $0.7 will be recorded in 2008. The closing will be substantially complete by the end of June 2008.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

        There are certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those anticipated. Risks and uncertainties that could adversely affect us include, without limitation, the following factors.

        The apparel, footwear and accessories industries are highly competitive. Any increased competition could result in reduced sales or prices, or both, which could have a material adverse effect on us.

        Apparel, footwear and accessories companies face competition on many fronts, including the following:

  • establishing and maintaining favorable brand recognition;
  • developing products that appeal to consumers;
  • pricing products appropriately; and
  • obtaining access to retail outlets and sufficient floor space.

        There is intense competition in the sectors of the apparel, footwear and accessories industries in which we participate. We compete with many other manufacturers and retailers, some of which are larger and have greater resources than we do. Any increased competition could result in reduced sales or prices, or both, which could have a material adverse effect on us.

        We compete primarily on the basis of fashion, price and quality. We believe our competitive advantages include our ability to anticipate and respond quickly to changing consumer demands, our brand names and range of products and our ability to operate within the industries' production and delivery constraints. Furthermore, our established brand names and relationships with retailers have resulted in a loyal following of customers.

        We believe that, during the past few years, major department stores and specialty retailers have been increasingly sourcing products from suppliers who are well capitalized or have established reputations for delivering quality merchandise in a timely manner. However, there can be no assurance that significant new competitors will not develop in the future.

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        We also believe there is an increasing focus by the department stores to concentrate an increasing portion of their product assortments within their own private label products. These private label lines compete directly with our product lines and may receive prominent positioning on the retail floor by department stores. While this creates more competition, our independent studies indicate that our brands are preferred by the consumer.

        We may not be able to respond to changing fashion and retail trends in a timely manner, which could have a material adverse effect on us.

        The apparel, footwear and accessories industries have historically been subject to rapidly changing fashion trends and consumer preferences. We believe that our success is largely dependent on our ability to anticipate and respond promptly to changing consumer demands and fashion trends in the design, styling and production of our products and in the merchandising and pricing of products in our retail stores. If we cannot gauge consumer needs and fashion trends and respond appropriately, then consumers may not purchase our products. This would result in reduced sales and profitability and in excess inventories, which would have a material adverse effect on us.

        We believe that consumers in the United States are shopping less in department stores (our traditional distribution channel) and more in other channels, such as specialty shops and mid-tier locations where value is perceived to be higher. In response, our strategy involves adding new distribution channels, increased investment in our core brands by focusing on design, quality and value, remodeling of our retail locations and implementation of new and enhanced retail systems. Despite our efforts to respond to these trends, there can be no assurance that these trends will not have a material adverse effect on us.

        The apparel, footwear and accessories industries are heavily influenced by general economic cycles that affect consumer spending. A prolonged period of depressed consumer spending would have a material adverse effect on us.

        The apparel, footwear and accessories industries have historically been subject to cyclical variations, recessions in the general economy and uncertainties regarding future economic prospects that affect consumer spending habits, which could negatively impact our business. The success of our operations depends on a number of factors impacting discretionary consumer spending, including general economic conditions, consumer confidence, wages and unemployment, housing prices, consumer debt, interest rates, fuel and energy costs, taxation and political conditions. A downturn in the economy may affect consumer purchases of our products and adversely impact our continued growth and profitability.

        The loss of or a significant reduction of business with any of our largest customers would have a material adverse effect on us.

        Our ten largest customer groups, principally department stores, accounted for approximately 55% of revenues in 2007. Macy's, Inc. accounted for approximately 20% of our 2007 gross revenues.

        We believe that purchasing decisions are generally made independently by department store units within a customer group. There has been a trend, however, toward more centralized purchasing decisions. As such decisions become more centralized, the risk to us of such concentration increases. A decision by the controlling owner of a customer group of department stores to modify those customers' relationships with us (for example, decreasing the amount of product purchased from us, modifying floor space allocated to apparel in general or our products specifically, or focusing on promotion of private label products rather than our products) could have a material adverse effect on us. Furthermore, we believe a trend exists among our major customers to concentrate purchasing among a narrowing group of vendors. To the extent any of our key customers reduces the number of vendors and consequently does not purchase from us, this would have a material adverse effect on us.

        In the future, retailers may have financial problems or consolidate, undergo restructurings or reorganizations, or realign their affiliations, any of which could further increase the concentration of our customers. The loss of any of our largest customers, or the bankruptcy or material financial difficulty of any customer or any of the companies listed above, could have a material adverse effect on us. We do not have long-term contracts with any of our customers, and sales to customers generally occur on an order-by-order 

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basis. As a result, customers can terminate their relationships with us at any time or under certain circumstances cancel or delay orders.

        The loss or infringement of our trademarks and other proprietary rights could have a material adverse effect on us.

        We believe that our trademarks and other proprietary rights are important to our success and competitive position. Accordingly, we devote substantial resources to the establishment and protection of our trademarks on a worldwide basis. There can be no assurances that such actions taken to establish and protect our trademarks and other proprietary rights will be adequate to prevent imitation of our products by others or to prevent others from seeking to block sales of our products as violative of their trademarks and proprietary rights. Moreover, there can be no assurances that others will not assert rights in, or ownership of, our trademarks and other proprietary rights or that we will be able to successfully resolve such conflicts. In addition, the laws of certain foreign countries may not protect proprietary rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States. The loss of such trademarks and other proprietary rights, or the loss of the exclusive use of such trademarks and other proprietary rights, could have a material adverse effect on us. Any litigation regarding our trademarks could be time-consuming and costly.

        The loss of key personnel could disrupt our operations and our ability to successfully execute our strategies.

        Our executive officers and other members of senior management have substantial experience and expertise in our business. Our success depends to a significant extent both upon the continued services of these individuals as well as our ability to attract, hire, motivate and retain additional talented and highly qualified management in the future. Competition for key executives in the apparel, footwear and accessories industries is intense, and our operations and the execution of our business strategies could be adversely affected if we cannot attract and retain qualified executives and other key personnel.

        The extent of our foreign operations and manufacturing may adversely affect our domestic business.

        Nearly all of our products are manufactured outside of North America. The following may adversely affect foreign operations:

  • political instability in countries where contractors and suppliers are located;
  • imposition of regulations and quotas relating to imports;
  • imposition of duties, taxes and other charges on imports;
  • significant fluctuation of the value of the dollar against foreign currencies;
  • labor shortages in countries where contractors and suppliers are located; and
  • restrictions on the transfer of funds to or from foreign countries.

        As a result of our substantial foreign operations, our domestic business is subject to the following risks:

  • uncertainties of sourcing associated with an environment in which quota has been eliminated on apparel products pursuant to the World Trade Organization Agreement (although China has agreed to safeguard quota on certain classes of apparel products through 2008 as a result of a surge in exports to the United States, political pressure will likely continue for restraint on importation of apparel);
  • reduced manufacturing flexibility because of geographic distance between us and our foreign manufacturers, increasing the risk that we may have to mark down unsold inventory as a result of misjudging the market for a foreign-made product;
  • increases in manufacturing costs due to the recent substantial decline of the United States dollar against major world currencies and higher labor costs being experienced by some of our foreign manufacturers, primarily in China; and
  • violations by foreign contractors of labor and wage standards and resulting adverse publicity.

        Fluctuations in the price, availability and quality of raw materials could cause delay and increase costs.

        Fluctuations in the price, availability and quality of the fabrics or other raw materials used by us in our manufactured apparel and in the price of materials used to manufacture our footwear and accessories could have a material adverse effect on our cost of sales or our ability to meet our customers' demands. The prices for such fabrics depend largely on the market prices for the raw materials used to produce them, particularly 

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cotton, leather and synthetics. The price and availability of such raw materials may fluctuate significantly, depending on many factors, including crop yields and weather patterns. In the future, we may not be able to pass all or a portion of such higher raw materials prices on to our customers.

        Our reliance on independent manufacturers could cause delay and damage our reputation and customer relationships.

        We rely upon independent third parties for the manufacture of most of our products. A manufacturer's failure to ship products to us in a timely manner or to meet the required quality standards could cause us to miss the delivery date requirements of our customers for those items. The failure to make timely deliveries may drive customers to cancel orders, refuse to accept deliveries or demand reduced prices, any of which could have a material adverse effect on us. This could damage our reputation. We do not have long-term written agreements with any of our third party manufacturers. As a result, any of these manufacturers may unilaterally terminate their relationships with us at any time.

        We are also increasing pre-production collaboration efforts with many of our third party manufacturers to utilize their capabilities to increase speed to market and improve margins. Difficulties in effectively achieving this collaboration could have an adverse impact on our ability to achieve a substantial portion of the savings we anticipate as a result of our strategic review.

        Although we have an active program to train our independent manufacturers in, and monitor their compliance with, our labor and other factory standards, any failure by those manufacturers to comply with our standards or any other divergence in their labor or other practices from those generally considered ethical in the United States and the potential negative publicity relating to any of these events could materially harm us and our reputation.

        Difficulties in implementing a new enterprise system could impact our ability to design, produce and ship our products on a timely basis.

        We are in the process of implementing the SAP Apparel and Footwear Solution as our core operational and financial system. The implementation of the SAP Apparel and Footwear Solution software, which began at select locations in November 2006, is a key part of our ongoing efforts to eliminate redundancies and enhance our overall cost structure and margin performance. Difficulties migrating existing systems at our remaining locations to this new software could impact our ability to design, produce and ship our products on a timely basis.

 

ITEM 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

        Not Applicable.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

        The general location, use and approximate size of our principal properties are set forth below:

Location
Owned/Leased
Use
Approximate Area
in Square Feet (1)

Bristol, Pennsylvania leased Administrative and computer services 172,600  
New York, New York leased Administrative, executive and sales offices 788,100  
Vaughan, Canada leased Administrative offices and distribution warehouse 125,000  
Lawrenceburg, Tennessee owned Distribution warehouses 1,223,800  
South Hill, Virginia leased Distribution warehouses 835,900  
El Paso, Texas leased Distribution warehouses 952,000  
White Plains, New York leased Administrative offices 132,200  
West Deptford, New Jersey leased Distribution warehouses 988,400  
East Providence, Rhode Island leased Distribution warehouses, product development, administrative and computer services 163,400  
Edison, New Jersey leased Distribution warehouse 156,000  

_________________
(1)  Including mezzanine where applicable.

        We sublease a 234,000 square foot office building in White Plains, New York to an independent company.

        We own approximately 550,000 square feet of office and manufacturing facilities in Mexico which are not in service. We intend to sell these facilities. We also lease approximately 715,250 square feet of warehouse facilities in Goose Creek, South Carolina which are currently not in service.

        Our retail stores are leased pursuant to long-term leases, typically five to seven years for apparel and footwear outlet stores and ten years for footwear and accessories and apparel specialty stores. Certain leases allow us to terminate our obligations after a predetermined period (generally one to three years) in the event that a particular location does not achieve specified sales volume, and some leases have options to renew. Many leases include clauses that provide for contingent payments based on sales volumes, and many leases contain escalation clauses for increases in operating costs and real estate taxes.

        We believe that our existing facilities are well maintained, in good operating condition and that our existing and planned facilities will be adequate for our operations for the foreseeable future.

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

        We have been named as a defendant in various actions and proceedings arising from our ordinary business activities. Although the amount of any liability that could arise with respect to these actions cannot be accurately predicted, in our opinion, any such liability will not have a material adverse financial effect on us.

 

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

        Not Applicable.

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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

        Our executive officers are as follows:

Name   Age Office
Wesley R. Card 60 President and Chief Executive Officer
Sidney Kimmel 80 Chairman
Ira M. Dansky 62 Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
John T. McClain 46 Chief Financial Officer
Andrew Cohen 58 Chief Executive Officer - Wholesale Footwear and Accessories
Christopher R. Cade 40 Executive Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller

        Mr. Card was named our President and Chief Executive Officer on July 12, 2007. Mr. Card had been our Chief Operating Officer since March 2002. He had also been appointed Chief Financial Officer in March 2007, a position he previously held from 1990 to March 2006.

        Mr. Kimmel founded the Jones Apparel Division of W.R. Grace & Co. in 1970. Mr. Kimmel has served as our Chairman since 1975 and as Chief Executive Officer from 1975 to May 2002.

        Mr. Dansky has been our General Counsel since 1996 and our Secretary since January 2001. He was elected an Executive Vice President in March 2002.

        Mr. McClain became our Chief Financial Officer on July 16, 2007. Prior to joining us, Mr. McClain served as Chief Accounting Officer of Avis Budget Group, Inc. (formerly Cendant Corporation), a position he assumed in July 2006. From 1999 to July 2006, Mr. McClain served as Senior Vice President, Finance and Corporate Controller for Cendant Corporation.

        Mr. Cohen was named Chief Executive Officer - Wholesale Footwear and Accessories in April 2006 and served as President - Wholesale Footwear and Accessories from January 2006 until April 2006. He was the Group President of the Energie and l.e.i. divisions from May 2004 to January 2006 and President of the Energie Division from July 2001 until May 2004.

        Mr. Cade was named Executive Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller on December 17, 2007. Prior to joining us, Mr. Cade served as Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller of Realogy Corporation (formerly Cendant Corporation), a position he assumed in August 2006. From June 2004 through July 2006, Mr. Cade served as Vice President, Corporate Finance, of Cendant Corporation. Prior to joining Cendant, he held various financial and accounting positions, including Director, Corporate Accounting and Reporting, of Public Service Enterprise Group, where he was employed from October 2002 to June 2004.

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PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

First
Quarter
Second
Quarter
Third
Quarter
Fourth
Quarter
Price range of common stock:
     2007
          High $35.54 $34.73 $28.72 $23.08
          Low $30.22 $27.50 $16.73 $15.98
     2006
          High $36.10 $35.98 $33.07 $34.51
          Low $28.58 $30.59 $27.30 $31.72
Dividends per share of common stock:
     2007 $0.14 $0.14 $0.14 $0.14
     2006 $0.12 $0.12 $0.12 $0.14

        Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "JNY." The above figures set forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sale prices per share of our common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape. The last reported sale price per share of our common stock on February 21, 2008 was $14.60, and on that date there were 411 holders of record of our common stock. However, many shares are held in "street name;" therefore, the number of holders of record may not represent the actual number of shareholders.

Annual CEO Certification

        The Annual CEO Certification required by Section 303A.12(a) of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual was submitted to the New York Stock Exchange on June 27, 2007.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

        The following table sets forth the repurchases of our common stock for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2007.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Period (a) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased (b) Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit) (c) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (d) Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
October 7, 2007 to
November 3, 2007
2,462,819    $22.31* 2,462,819    $303,078,306   
November 4, 2007 to 
December 1, 2007
-    - -    $303,078,306   
December 2, 2007 to
December 31, 2007
-    -    $303,078,306   
Total 2,462,819    $22.31* 2,462,819    $303,078,306   

* - Represents the average price per share for all shares purchased under the accelerated share repurchase program described below.

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        These repurchases were made under a program announced on September 6, 2007 for $500.0 million. This program has no expiration date.

        On September 6, 2007, we paid $400.0 million for the purchase of our common stock under an accelerated share repurchase ("ASR") program entered into with Goldman, Sachs & Co. ("Goldman"). We received an initial delivery of 15.5 million shares on September 11, 2007 and a second delivery of 2.4 million shares on October 18, 2007. The combined average price for the 17.9 million shares delivered to date under the ASR is $22.31 per share. Remaining shares, if any, to be received under the ASR program, up to a maximum of 3.1 million shares, will be received upon final settlement of the program, which is scheduled for no later than July 19, 2008, and may occur earlier at the option of Goldman or later under certain circumstances. The exact number of additional shares, if any, to be delivered to us under the ASR will be based on the volume weighted-average price of our stock during the term of the ASR, subject to a minimum and maximum price for the purchased shares. The initial shares repurchased are subject to adjustment if we enter into or announce certain types of transactions.

Comparative Performance

        The SEC requires us to present a chart comparing the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock with the cumulative total stockholder return of (i) a broad equity market index and (ii) a published industry index or peer group. The following chart compares the performance of our common stock with that of the S&P 500 Composite Index and the S&P 500 Apparel, Accessories & Luxury Goods Index, assuming an investment of $100 on December 31, 2002 in each of our common stock, the stocks comprising the S&P 500 Composite Index and the stocks comprising the S&P 500 Apparel, Accessories & Luxury Goods Index and the reinvestment of dividends.

stock performance graph

 

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

        The following financial information is qualified by reference to, and should be read in conjunction with, our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contained elsewhere in this Report. The selected consolidated financial information presented below is derived from our audited Consolidated Financial Statements for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2007. We completed our acquisitions of Kasper, Maxwell and Barneys at various dates within the five-year period and, accordingly, the results of their operations are included in our operating results from the respective dates of acquisition. On September 6, 2007, we sold Barneys. The results of operations of Barneys have been reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

(All amounts in millions except per share data)

Year Ended December 31,
2007 
2006 
2005 
2004 
2003 
Income Statement Data          
Net sales $ 3,793.3  $ 4,014.8  $ 4,473.3  $ 4,573.2  $ 4,339.1 
  Licensing income 52.0  51.1  58.9  57.1  36.2 
  Service and other revenues 3.2  21.1 





  Total revenues 3,848.5  4,087.0  4,532.2  4,630.3  4,375.3 
Cost of goods sold 2,609.1  2,674.2  2,950.4  2,933.9  2,738.6 
   




Gross profit 1,239.4  1,412.8  1,581.8  1,696.4  1,636.7 
  Selling, general and administrative expenses 1,100.4  1,096.3  1,128.3  1,170.9  1,052.4 
Loss on sale of Polo Jeans Company business 45.1 
Trademark impairments 88.0  50.2  0.2  4.5 
Goodwill impairment 78.0  441.2 
   




Operating (loss) income (27.0) (220.0) 453.5  525.3  579.8 
  Interest income 3.7  3.5  1.1  1.9  3.5 
Interest expense and financing costs 51.5  50.5  71.0  51.1  58.8 
Gain on sale of stock in Rubicon Retail Limited 17.4 
Gain on sale of interest in Australian joint venture 8.2 
  Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates 8.1  4.5  3.2  3.8  2.5 





  (Loss) income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes (58.5) (245.1) 386.8  479.9  527.0 
(Benefit) provision  for income taxes (1) (104.4) (70.1) 134.0  180.5  198.4 
   




Income (loss) from continuing operations 45.9  (175.0) 252.8  299.4  328.6 
  Income from discontinued operations, net of tax (2) 265.2  29.0  21.5  2.4 
  Cumulative effect of change in accounting for share-based payments, net of tax 1.9 





     Net income (loss) $311.1  $ (144.1) $ 274.3  $ 301.8  $ 328.6 
  




Per Share Data          
Basic earnings (loss) per share
     Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.46  $ (1.58) $ 2.15  $ 2.42  $ 2.58 
   Income from discontinued operations 2.65  0.26  0.18  0.02 
     Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 0.02 





   Basic earnings (loss) per share $ 3.11  $ (1.30) $ 2.33  $ 2.44  $ 2.58 
  




Diluted earnings (loss) per share
     Income (loss) from continuing operations $0.45  $(1.58) $2.12  $2.37  $2.48 
   Income from discontinued operations 2.62  0.26  0.18  0.02 
     Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 0.02 





   Diluted earnings (loss) per share $3.07  $(1.30) $2.30  $2.39  $2.48 
  




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December 31,
2007 
2006 
2005 
2004 
2003 
Per Share Data (continued)          
Dividends paid per share $ 0.56  $ 0.50  $ 0.44  $ 0.36  $ 0.16 
Weighted average common shares outstanding          
  Basic 99.9  110.6  118.0  123.6  127.3 
  Diluted 101.3  110.6  119.2  126.5  136.5 
Balance Sheet Data          
Working capital  $ 898.5  $ 984.2  $ 447.9  $ 612.3  $ 826.9 
  Total assets 3,236.6  3,801.1  4,577.8  4,571.4  4,187.7 
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations 4.8  104.1  357.3  203.2  180.8 
  Long-term debt, including capital lease obligations 777.7  785.1  786.4  1,013.3  835.1 
Stockholders' equity 1,996.8  2,211.6  2,666.4  2,653.9  2,537.8 

 

(1) As a result of the capital gain generated by the sale of Barneys, we reversed a $107.7 million deferred tax valuation allowance previously created from capital loss carryforwards that we had not expected to be able to utilize. The reversal of the tax valuation allowance has been recorded in income from continuing operations as the creation of the deferred tax valuation allowance was recorded in continuing operations in 2006 upon the sale of our Polo Jeans Company business.
 
(2) On September 6, 2007, we sold Barneys. In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," the results of operations of Barneys have been reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. The 2007 amount includes an after-tax gain of $254.2 million from the sale.

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        The following discussion provides information and analysis of our results of operations from 2005 through 2007, and our liquidity and capital resources. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere herein.

Executive Overview

        We design, contract for the manufacture of, manufacture and market a broad range of women's collection sportswear, suits and dresses, casual sportswear and jeanswear for women and children, and women's footwear and accessories. We sell our products through a broad array of distribution channels, including better specialty and department stores and mass merchandisers, primarily in the United States and Canada. We also operate our own network of retail and factory outlet stores. In addition, we license the use of several of our brand names to select manufacturers and distributors of women's and men's apparel and accessories worldwide.

        During 2007, the following significant events took place:

  • in May 2007, we announced our strategic decision to exit or sell certain of our moderate product lines;
  • in September 2007, we sold Barneys to an affiliate of Istithmar PJSC, a Dubai-based private equity and alternative investment house, for $937.4 million in cash;
  • in September 2007, we entered into an accelerated share repurchase program to repurchase $400.0 million of our common stock;
  • in September 2007, Standard & Poor's and Moody's downgraded their credit ratings on our senior notes; and
  • in October 2007, we announced the closing of warehouse facilities in New Jersey and South Carolina.

Trends

        We believe that several significant trends are occurring in the women's apparel, footwear and accessories industry. We believe that a trend exists among our major retail accounts to concentrate their women's apparel, footwear and accessories buying among a narrowing group of vendors and to differentiate their product offerings through exclusivity of brands. We believe department stores are increasing the focus of their product assortments on their own private label products. We also believe that consumers in the United States and Canada are shopping in multiple channels, including specialty shops and national chains where value is perceived to be higher. We have responded to these trends by enhancing the brand equity of our brands through our focus on design, quality and value, and through strategic acquisitions which provide significant diversification to the business by successfully adding new distribution channels, labels and product lines. Through this diversification, we have evolved into a multidimensional resource in apparel, footwear and accessories and retail. We have leveraged the strength of our brands to increase both the number of locations and amount of selling space in which our products are offered and to introduce product extensions. We have also leveraged our design, production and marketing capabilities to develop and provide proprietary branded and private label products to major wholesale customers.

        On January 1, 2005, the World Trade Organization's 148 member nations lifted all quotas on apparel and textiles. As a result, all textiles and textile apparel manufactured in a member nation and exported after January 1, 2005 are no longer subject to quota restrictions. This allows retailers, apparel firms and others to import unlimited quantities of apparel and textile items from China, India and other low-cost countries. The effects of this action could lead to lower production costs or allow us to improve the quality of our products for a given cost and could also allow us to concentrate production in the most efficient markets. However, the recent substantial decline of the United States dollar against major world currencies and higher labor costs being experienced by some of our foreign manufacturers, primarily in China, could cause our manufacturing costs to rise. China has also implemented an export tax on many of the items previously subject to quota restriction. In addition, litigation and political activity has been initiated by interested parties seeking to re-impose quotas. As a result, we are unable to predict the long-term effects of the lifting of quota restrictions and related events on our results of operations.

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Exit or Reduction in Scale of Certain Moderate Brands

        Our continued strategic operational reviews and efforts to improve profitability and the continued trend of our moderate customers towards differentiated product offerings led us to make the strategic decision to exit or significantly reduce the scale of some of our moderate product lines during 2007. We believe that exiting or reducing these product lines will strengthen our future operating results and allow us to focus primarily on growth opportunities in our remaining wholesale product lines, which have strong fundamentals and operate at substantially higher margins. This decision will not impact in any way our denim and junior division labels such as Gloria Vanderbilt, l.e.i., Energie, Jeanstar, Grane and others, which are also reported in the wholesale moderate apparel segment. As a result of the loss of these projected revenues, we recorded impairments for our Norton McNaughton and Erika trademarks of $80.5 million in our licensing, other and eliminations segment. The moderate product lines we are exiting have not been classified as discontinued operations as they do not meet the criteria for discontinued operations as set forth in SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets."

Sale of Barneys

        On September 6, 2007, we completed the sale of Barneys to an affiliate of Istithmar PJSC. We received $937.4 million of cash (net of working capital adjustments) and paid an aggregate of $54.5 million in cash as of December 31, 2007 for bonuses for key Barneys employees, compensation for restricted stock held by certain employees of Barneys that was forfeited upon the completion of the sale and other fees and costs related to the sale. Net cash proceeds, after estimated taxes expected to be paid, are expected to amount to approximately $840.0 million. This transaction did not result in a default under, nor an obligation to redeem or repurchase, any of our senior notes.

        As a result of the capital gain generated by the sale of Barneys, we reversed a $107.7 million deferred tax valuation allowance previously created from capital loss carryforwards that we had not expected to be able to utilize. The reversal of the tax valuation allowance has been recorded in income from continuing operations.

        In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 144, the results of operations of Barneys for the current and prior periods have been reported as discontinued operations and the assets and liabilities relating to Barneys have been reclassified as held for sale for all prior periods in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Sale of Polo Jeans Company Business

        In October 1995, we acquired an exclusive license to manufacture and market women's shirts, blouses, skirts, jackets, suits, sweaters, pants, vests, coats, outerwear and hats under the Lauren by Ralph Lauren trademark in the United States, Canada and Mexico pursuant to license and design service agreements with Polo (collectively, the "Lauren License"), which were to expire on December 31, 2006. In May 1998, we acquired an exclusive license to manufacture and market women's dresses, shirts, blouses, skirts, jackets, suits, sweaters, pants, vests, coats, outerwear and hats under the Ralph by Ralph Lauren trademark in the United States, Canada and Mexico pursuant to license and design service agreements with Polo (the "Ralph License"). The Ralph License was scheduled to end on December 31, 2003.

        During the course of the discussions concerning the Ralph License, Polo asserted that the expiration of the Ralph License would cause the Lauren License agreements to end on December 31, 2003, instead of December 31, 2006. We believed that this was an improper interpretation and that the expiration of the Ralph License did not cause the Lauren License to end.

        On June 3, 2003, we announced that our discussions with Polo regarding the interpretation of the Lauren License had reached an impasse and that, as a result, we had filed a complaint in the New York State Supreme Court against Polo and its affiliates and our former President, Jackwyn Nemerov. The complaint alleged that Polo breached the Lauren License agreements by claiming that the license ends at the end of 2003. The complaint also alleged that Ms. Nemerov breached the confidentiality and non-compete provisions of her employment agreement with us. Additionally, Polo was alleged to have induced Ms. Nemerov to breach her employment agreement and Ms. Nemerov was alleged to have induced Polo to breach the Lauren License

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agreements. We asked the court to enter a judgment for compensatory damages of $550 million, as well as punitive damages, and to enforce the confidentiality and non-compete provisions of Ms. Nemerov's employment agreement.

        These matters were resolved by settlement dated January 22, 2006, which closed on February 3, 2006. In connection with this settlement, we entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Polo and certain of its subsidiaries with respect to the sale to Polo of all outstanding stock of Sun. We received gross proceeds of $355.0 million in connection with the sale and the settlement. Sun's assets and liabilities on the closing date primarily related to the Polo Jeans Company business, which Sun operated under long-term license and design agreements entered into with Polo in 1995. We retained distribution and product development facilities in El Paso, Texas, along with certain working capital items, including accounts receivable and accounts payable. In addition, as part of the agreements, we provided certain support services to Polo (including manufacturing, distribution and information technology) until January 2007 and we continued to provide certain financial and administrative functions until March 2007.

        We recorded a pre-tax loss of approximately $145.1 million after allocating $356.7 million of goodwill to the business sold and a pre-tax gain of $100.0 million related to the litigation settlement. Approximately $3.7 million in state and local taxes have been accrued related to the litigation settlement, resulting in a combined after tax loss of approximately $48.8 million. The combined loss created federal and state capital loss carryforwards that we are using to partially offset the gain realized from the sale of Barneys.

Restructuring

        In late 2003, we began to evaluate the need to broaden global sourcing capabilities to respond to the competitive pricing and global sourcing capabilities of our denim competitors, as the favorable production costs from non-duty/non-quota countries and the breadth of fabric options from Asia began to outweigh the benefits of Mexico's quick turn and superior laundry capabilities. On July 11, 2005, we announced that we had completed a comprehensive review of our denim manufacturing operations located in Mexico. The primary action plan arising from this review resulted in the closing of the laundry, assembly and distribution operations located in San Luis, Mexico (the "denim restructuring"). All manufacturing was consolidated into existing operations in Durango and Torreon, Mexico. A total of 3,170 employees were terminated as a result of the closure.

        In connection with the denim restructuring, we recorded $11.4 million of net pre-tax costs (of which $12.1 million was recorded in 2005 and $0.7 million was reversed in 2006), which includes $5.1 million of one-time termination benefits, $3.1 million of losses on the sale of property, plant and equipment, $2.3 million of contract termination costs and $0.9 million of legal and other associated costs.

        In December 2005, we closed our distribution center in Bristol, Pennsylvania. A total of 118 employees were affected by the closure. We recorded charges of $3.6 million and $0.4 million in 2005 and 2006, respectively, related to one-time termination benefits and other employee-related matters.

        On May 15, 2006, we announced the closing of our Secaucus, New Jersey warehouse to reduce excess capacity. In connection with the closing, we incurred $2.7 million of one-time termination benefits and associated employee costs for 211 employees and $1.6 million for cleanup costs and remaining rent payments in 2006.

        On May 30, 2006, we announced the closing of our Stein Mart leased shoe departments, effective January 2007. In connection with the closing, we accrued $1.2 million and reversed $0.1 million of one-time termination benefits and associated employee costs in 2006 and 2007, respectively, for 468 employees.

        On September 12, 2006, we announced the closing of certain El Paso, Texas and Mexican operations related to the decision by Polo to discontinue the Polo Jeans Company product line (the "manufacturing restructuring") , which we produced for Polo subsequent to the sale of the Polo Jeans Company business to Polo in February 2006. In connection with the El Paso closing, we incurred $4.3 million of one-time termination benefits and associated employee costs for 113 employees and $0.7 million of other costs. Of this amount, $4.1 million was recorded during 2006 and $0.9 million was recorded during 2007. In connection with the

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Mexican closing, we expect to incur $3.0 million of one-time termination benefits and associated employee costs for 1,729 employees and $0.7 million of other costs. Of this amount, $2.8 million was recorded in 2006 and $0.7 million was recorded in 2007. The remaining $0.2 million will be recorded during 2008. In addition, we determined the estimated fair value of the property, plant and equipment employed in Mexico was less than its carrying value. As a result, we recorded an impairment loss of $8.6 million in 2006.

        In connection with the exit and reorganization of certain moderate apparel product lines, we decided to close certain New York offices, and on October 9, 2007, we announced the closing of warehouse facilities in Goose Creek, South Carolina. We expect to incur $8.0 million of one-time termination benefits and associated employee costs for approximately 440 employees. Of this amount, $7.9 million was recorded in 2007 and the remaining $0.1 million will be recorded in 2008. These closings were substantially complete by the end of February 2008.

        On October 17, 2007, we announced the closing of warehouse facilities in Edison, New Jersey. We expect to incur $3.5 million of one-time termination benefits and associated employee costs for approximately 160 employees. Of this amount, $2.8 million was recorded in 2007, and the remaining $0.7 will be recorded in 2008. The closing will be substantially complete by the end of June 2008.

        For further information, see "Accrued Restructuring Costs" in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Strategic Review of Operations

        In mid-2005, we completed a strategic review of our operating infrastructure and general and administrative support areas to improve profitability and to ensure we are properly positioned for the long-term benefit of our shareholders. By proactively reviewing our infrastructure, systems and operating processes at a time when the industry is undergoing consolidation and change, we plan to eliminate redundancies and improve our overall cost structure and margin performance.

Supply Chain Management

  • We have implemented and continue to enhance a product development management system.
  • We are now utilizing the capabilities of our third-party manufacturers to increase pre-production product development activities directly with them.
  • We selected SAP Apparel and Footwear Solution as our enterprise resource planning system, which has been implemented in the majority of our apparel operations and will ultimately be implemented company-wide.
  • The logistics network has been analyzed to reduce costs and increase efficiency by following a tiered approach of (i) multiple product usage of existing distribution centers, (ii) utilizing third party logistics providers, and (iii) ultimately direct shipping from factory to customer. We have closed four distribution centers since 2005 as a result of these efforts and other restructuring actions, with one additional distribution center scheduled to close in 2008.
  • In response to the elimination of apparel quotas and other trade safeguards, we have been consolidating our third-party manufacturing to a more concentrated vendor matrix.

General and Administrative Areas

  • We are implementing best practices in connection with the migration of our current systems to the SAP Apparel and Footwear Solution platform.

        The implementation and execution of the initiatives, other than the company-wide implementation of SAP, were substantially completed by the end of 2007. We have reduced annual costs by approximately $100 million over the period. Total costs (including capital expenditures, severance costs and fees) for our strategic review and the related initiatives are expected to be approximately $120 million. As of December 31, 2007, we have spent a total of $117.5 million.

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        While customer consolidation, other restructurings and the difficult retail climate have served to offset much of the impact of these cost reductions, we are now in an excellent position to benefit from these initiatives as we move forward.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

        Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price and related costs over the value assigned to net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of businesses acquired and accounted for under the purchase method. Accounting rules require that we test at least annually for possible goodwill impairment. We perform our test in the fourth fiscal quarter of each year using a discounted cash flow analysis that requires that certain assumptions and estimates be made regarding industry economic factors and future profitability. As a result of the 2006 impairment analysis, we determined that the goodwill balance existing in our wholesale moderate apparel segment was impaired as a result of decreases in projected revenues and profitability with respect to our Norton McNaughton, l.e.i. and certain other moderate apparel brands, as well as changes in business strategy with respect to our Norton McNaughton brand. Accordingly, we recorded an impairment charge of $441.2 million. As a result of the 2007 impairment analysis, we determined that the remaining goodwill balance existing in our wholesale moderate apparel segment was impaired as a result of decreases in projected revenues and profitability for certain brands. Accordingly, we recorded an impairment charge of $78.0 million.

        We also perform our annual impairment test for trademarks during the fourth fiscal quarter of the year. As a result of the 2007 impairment analysis, we recorded trademark impairment charges of $7.5 million as a result of decreases in projected revenues for certain brands. We also recorded trademark impairment charges of $80.5 million in 2007 as a result of our decision to discontinue our Norton McNaughton brand and significantly reduce the scale of our Erika brand. As a result of the 2006 impairment analysis, we recorded trademark impairment charges of $50.2 million as a result of decreases in projected revenues for our Norton McNaughton brand, our Albert Nipon better apparel brand, our Westies and Sam & Libby footwear brands and our Richelieu costume jewelry brand. All trademark impairment charges are reported as selling, general and administrative expenses in the licensing, other and eliminations segment.

Stock-Based Compensation

        In December 2004, the FASB issued a revision of SFAS No. 123, "Share-Based Payment" (hereinafter referred to as "SFAS No. 123R"), which requires that the cost resulting from all share-based payment transactions be recognized in the financial statements. This Statement establishes fair value as the measurement objective in accounting for share-based payment arrangements and requires all entities to apply a fair-value-based measurement method in accounting for share-based payment transactions with employees except for equity instruments held by employee share ownership plans. We adopted SFAS No. 123R on January 1, 2006 using the modified prospective application option. As a result, the compensation cost for the portion of awards we granted before January 1, 2006 for which the requisite service had not been rendered and that were outstanding as of January 1, 2006 will be recognized as the remaining requisite service is rendered. In addition, the adoption of SFAS No. 123R required us to change from recognizing the effect of forfeitures as they occur to estimating the number of outstanding instruments for which the requisite service is not expected to be rendered. As a result, we recorded a pretax gain of $3.1 million on January 1, 2006, which is reported as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. We were also required to change the amortization period for employees eligible to retire from the period over which the awards vest to the period from the grant date to the date the employee is eligible to retire. This change resulted in additional amortization expense of $1.9 million and $0.1 million for 2007 and 2006, respectively. Concurrently with the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, we have shifted the composition of our share-based compensation awards towards the use of restricted shares and away from the use of employee stock options.

Accelerated Share Repurchase Program

        On September 6, 2007, we paid $400.0 million for the purchase of our common stock under an accelerated share repurchase ("ASR") program entered into with Goldman, Sachs & Co. ("Goldman"). We received an initial delivery of 15.5 million shares on September 11, 2007 and a second delivery of 2.4 million shares on October 18, 2007. The combined average price for the 17.9 million shares delivered to date under the ASR 

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is $22.31 per share. Remaining shares, if any, to be received under the ASR program, up to a maximum of 3.1 million shares, will be received upon final settlement of the program, which is scheduled for no later than July 19, 2008, and may occur earlier at the option of Goldman or later under certain circumstances. The exact number of additional shares, if any, to be delivered to us under the ASR will be based on the volume weighted-average price of our stock during the term of the ASR, subject to a minimum and maximum price for the purchased shares. The initial shares repurchased are subject to adjustment if we enter into or announce certain types of transactions.

Critical Accounting Policies

        Several of our accounting policies involve significant or complex judgements and uncertainties and require us to make certain critical accounting estimates. We consider an accounting estimate to be critical if it requires us to make assumptions about matters that were highly uncertain at the time the estimate was made. The estimates with the greatest potential effect on our results of operations and financial position include the collectibility of accounts receivable, the recovery value of obsolete or overstocked inventory and the fair values of both our goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives. Estimates related to accounts receivable affect our wholesale better apparel, wholesale moderate apparel, wholesale footwear and accessories and retail segments. Estimates related to inventory and goodwill affect our wholesale better apparel, wholesale moderate apparel, wholesale footwear and accessories and retail segments. Estimates related to intangible assets with indefinite lives affect our licensing, other and eliminations segment.

        For accounts receivable, we estimate the net collectibility, considering both historical and anticipated trends of trade discounts and co-op advertising deductions taken by our customers, allowances we provide to our retail customers to flow goods through the retail channels, and the possibility of non-collection due to the financial position of our customers. For inventory, we estimate the amount of goods that we will not be able to sell in the normal course of business and write down the value of these goods to the recovery value expected to be realized through off-price channels. Historically, actual results in these areas have not been materially different than our estimates, and we do not anticipate that our estimates and assumptions are likely to materially change in the future. However, if we incorrectly anticipate trends or unexpected events occur, our results of operations could be materially affected.

        We test our goodwill and our intangible assets with indefinite lives for impairment on an annual basis (during our fourth fiscal quarter) and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of an asset below its carrying value. We recorded goodwill impairments of $78.0 million and $441.2 million in 2007 and 2006, respectively. We recorded trademark impairments of $88.0 million and $50.2 million in 2007 and 2006, respectively. For more information, see "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

        We test both our goodwill and our trademarks for impairment by utilizing discounted cash flow models to estimate their fair values. These cash flow models involve several assumptions. Changes in our assumptions could materially impact our fair value estimates. Assumptions critical to our fair value estimates are: (i) discount rates used to derive the present value factors used in determining the fair value of the reporting units and trademarks; (ii) royalty rates used in our trade mark valuations; (iii) projected average revenue growth rates used in the reporting unit and trademark models; and (iv) projected long-term growth rates used in the derivation of terminal year values. These and other assumptions are impacted by economic conditions and expectations of management and will change in the future based on period-specific facts and circumstances. Based on our latest annual testing, the following table shows the range of assumptions we used to derive our fair value estimates and the hypothetical additional impairment charge for goodwill and trademarks resulting from a one percentage point unfavorable change in each of our fair value assumptions (amounts in millions).

  Assumptions
Effect of one percentage point unfavorable change in:
  Goodwill Trademarks Goodwill Trademarks
Discount rates 9.5% 9.5% $ 475.9     $ 4.6    
Royalty rates -- 1.0% - 7.0% --     15.5    
Revenue growth rates (16.3%) - 9.7% (100%) - 57.5% 379.6     1.3    
Long-term growth rates 3.0% 0% - 3.0% 492.6     3.2    

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        We have not made any material changes to any of our critical accounting estimates in the last three years. Our senior management has discussed the development and selection of our critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. In addition, there are other items within our financial statements that require estimation, but are not deemed critical as defined above. Changes in estimates used in these and other items could have a material impact on our financial statements.

Results of Operations

Statements of Operations Stated in Dollars and as a Percentage of Total Revenues

(In millions)
  
2007
2006
2005
Net sales $ 3,793.3  98.6%    $ 4,014.8  98.2%    $ 4,473.3  98.7% 
Licensing income 52.0  1.4%  51.1  1.3%  58.9  1.3% 
Service and other revenues 3.2  0.1%  21.1  0.5%  -    
   





Total revenues 3,848.5  100.0%  4,087.0  100.0%  4,532.2  100.0% 
Cost of goods sold 2,609.1  67.8%    2,674.2  65.4%    2,950.4  65.1% 






  Gross profit 1,239.4  32.2%    1,412.8  34.6%    1,581.8  34.9% 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 1,100.4  28.6%  1,096.3  26.8%  1,128.3  24.9% 
Loss on sale of Polo Jeans Company business -     45.1  1.1%  -    
Trademark impairments 88.0  2.3%  50.2  1.2%  -    
Goodwill impairments 78.0  2.0%  441.2  10.8%  -    
   

 

 

Operating (loss) income (27.0) (0.7%) (220.0) (5.4%) 453.5  10.0% 
Interest income 3.7   0.1%    3.5   0.1%    1.1   0.0% 
Interest expense and financing costs 51.5  1.3%  50.5  1.2%  71.0  1.6% 
Gain on sale of stock in Rubicon Retail Limited -     17.4  0.4%  -    
Gain on sale of interest in Australian joint venture 8.2  0.2%  -     -    
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates 8.1  0.2%    4.5  0.1%    3.2  0.1% 






  (Loss) income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes (58.5) (1.5%)   (245.1) (6.0%)   386.8  8.5% 
(Benefit) provision for income taxes (104.4) (2.7%) (70.1) (1.7%) 134.0  2.9% 
   

 

 

  Income (loss) from continuing operations 45.9  1.2%    (175.0) (4.3%)   252.8  5.6% 
Income from discontinued operations, including gain on sale of Barneys in 2007, net of tax 265.2  6.9%  29.0  0.7%  21.5  0.5% 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting for share-based payments, net of tax -     1.9  0.0%  -    
   

 

 

  Net income (loss) $ 311.1  8.1%    $ (144.1) (3.5%)   $ 274.3  6.1% 






Percentage totals may not agree due to rounding.

2007 Compared with 2006

        Revenues. Total revenues for 2007 were $3.8 billion compared with $4.1 billion for 2006, a decrease of 5.8%. Revenues by segment were as follows:

(In millions)
  
2007 
2006 
Increase
(Decrease)

Percent 
Change 

Wholesale better apparel $ 1,101.0  $ 1,127.4  $ (26.4) (2.3%)
Wholesale moderate apparel 985.0  1,142.0  (157.0) (13.7%)
Wholesale footwear and accessories 955.8  941.1  14.7  1.6% 
Retail  753.7  822.7  (69.0) (8.4%)
Licensing and other 53.0  53.8  (0.8) (1.5%)




   Total revenues $ 3,848.5  $ 4,087.0  $ (238.5) (5.8%)




        Wholesale better apparel revenues decreased primarily due to the effects of the sale of the Polo Jeans Company business, which contributed $24.6 million in net sales in 2006. Shipments of our Jones New York Signature and Evan-Picone product lines increased due to orders from our customers based on the performance of these brands at retail. These increases were offset by decreased shipments of our Jones New York Suit product line due to decreased orders from our customers based on the performance of this brands at retail

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and decreased shipments of our Jones New York, Anne Klein and Jones New York Sport product lines due to decreased orders from our customers driven by the overall challenging retail environment.

        Wholesale moderate apparel revenues decreased primarily due to decreased shipments and higher markdown allowances to clear inventory in the moderate brands we are exiting or significantly reducing (including the Norton McNaughton, Bandolino, Nine & Co. and Rena Rowan product lines), decreased shipments of our denim product lines due to decreased orders from our customers driven by the overall challenging retail environment that developed during the fourth quarter of 2007 and the discontinuance by our wholesale customers of their exclusive W, Joneswear Jeans, C.L.O.T.H.E.S., Latina and Duckhead product lines. These decreases were partially offset by increased shipments of our Energie product line due to increased orders from our customers based on the performance of this brand at retail.

        Wholesale footwear and accessories revenues increased primarily due to (1) increased shipping in our international business due to increased orders from our existing customers and the addition of new territories, (2) increased shipments of our Nine West and Nine & Co. handbag products due to higher customer orders from strong product performance at retail, and (3) the launch of our Anne Klein New York, Joan & David, Boutique 9 and l.e.i. footwear product lines. These increases were partially offset by reductions in our Nine West and certain other footwear product lines due to retail consolidations and the timing of shipments to certain retailers and lower levels of sales to off-price retailers.

        Retail revenues decreased primarily due to the effect of the closing of our leased Stein Mart locations ($51.7 million) and a 6.5% decline in comparable store sales ($45.9 million)(comparable stores are stores that have been open for a full year, are not scheduled to close in the current period and are not scheduled for an expansion or downsize by more than 25% or relocation to a different street or mall), offset by $29.3 million from new store openings. Excluding Barneys, we began 2007 with 1,100 retail locations and had a net decrease of 66 locations (primarily the Stein Mart locations) during the period to end the period with 1,034 locations.

        Revenues for 2007 also include $1.0 million in the licensing and other segment of service fees charged to Barneys under a short-term transition services agreement entered into with Barneys at the time of the sale. These revenues are based on contractual monthly fees as set forth in the agreement. The agreement is scheduled to end in May 2008.

        Revenues for 2007 and 2006 also include $1.2 million and $17.4 million, respectively, of service fees charged to Polo under a short-term transition service agreement entered into with Polo at the time of the sale of the Polo Jeans Company business. These revenues were based on contractual monthly and per-unit fees as set forth in the agreement. Of the 2007 amount, $1.0 million was recorded in the wholesale better apparel segment and $0.2 million was recorded in the wholesale moderate apparel segment. Of the 2006 amount, $11.7 million was recorded in the wholesale better apparel segment, $3.1 million was recorded in the wholesale moderate apparel segment and $2.6 million was recorded in the licensing and other segment. The agreement terminated in March 2007.

        Gross Profit. The gross profit margin was 32.2% in 2007 and 34.6% in 2006.

        Wholesale better apparel gross profit margins were 32.4% and 36.5% for 2007 and 2006, respectively. The decrease was due to reduced sales of higher-margin Polo Jeans Company products as a result of the sale of the Polo Jeans Company business, higher levels of sales to off-price retailers and higher levels of markdowns to assist our customers with the overall challenging retail environment.

        Wholesale moderate apparel gross profit margins were 18.6% and 21.2% for 2007 and 2006, respectively. The decrease was a result of higher levels of markdowns to clear excess inventory and to assist our customers with the overall challenging retail environment that developed during the fourth quarter of 2007, as well as higher levels of sales to off-price retailers, higher production costs and higher levels of air freight.

        Wholesale footwear and accessories gross profit margins were 28.2% and 28.6% for 2007 and 2006, respectively. The decrease was a result of a higher level of markdowns to clear excess inventory and higher net sales in our lower-margin international business in 2007, offset by the launch of our higher-margin AK

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Anne Klein jewelry line in 2007, and by markdowns related to the discontinuance of the licensed Tommy Hilfiger jewelry line and writedowns of excess inventory in our direct selling jewelry and accessory business in 2006.

        Retail gross profit margins were 48.4% and 51.4% for 2007 and 2006, respectively. The decrease was the result of a higher level of promotional activity in our footwear and accessories stores to liquidate excess inventory in 2007, partially offset by the liquidation of inventory related to the closing of our Stein Mart locations in 2006.

        SG&A Expenses. Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses were approximately $1.1 billion in both 2007 and 2006. SG&A expenses in 2007 included $10.3 million and $0.4 million recorded in the wholesale moderate and wholesale better apparel segments, respectively, related to the exit of certain brands and the closing of warehouse facilities. Increased expenses resulting from the opening of new retail stores amounted to $18.0 million in 2007, which were offset by $19.7 million of cost savings resulting from the shutdown of our Stein Mart locations. Advertising expense, net of co-operative advertising reimbursements, decreased $16.8 million from 2006 to 2007. SG&A expenses in 2007 also included $16.5 million recorded in the licensing, other and eliminations segment related to the termination of two former executive officers. SG&A expenses in 2006 included $4.3 million recorded in the wholesale better apparel segment related to the closing of the Secaucus warehouse, $1.2 million recorded in the retail segment related to the closing of our Stein Mart retail locations, $2.3 million recorded in the wholesale moderate apparel segment related to the closing of our Mexican production facilities, $10.0 million recorded in the wholesale footwear and accessories segment related to the termination of a former executive officer and the settlement of litigation concerning a license agreement. SG&A expenses in 2006 also included $2.6 million in the retail segment and $0.9 million recorded in the licensing, other and eliminations segment related to the termination of the former executive officer.

        Impairment Losses and Other Items. As a result of our annual goodwill impairment analyses, we recorded goodwill impairments of $78.0 and $441.2 million in 2007 and 2006, respectively, as a result of decreases in projected revenues and profitability for certain moderate apparel brands. As a result of our annual trademark impairment analyses, we recorded trademark impairment charges of $7.5 and $50.2 million in 2007 and 2006, respectively, as a result of decreases in projected revenues for certain moderate apparel brands. We also recorded trademark impairment charges of $80.5 million in 2007 as a result of our decision to discontinue our Norton McNaughton brand and significantly reduce the scale of our Erika brand. For more information, see "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

        During 2007, we sold our interest in our Australian joint venture for $20.7 million, which resulted in a gain of $8.2 million (see "Joint Ventures" in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). During 2006, we recorded a $17.4 million gain (net of associated costs) upon the sale of stock in Rubicon Retail Limited (see "Gain on Sale of Stock in Rubicon Retail Limited" in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

        Operating Loss. The resulting operating loss from continuing operations for 2007 was $27.0 million compared with $220.0 million for 2006, due to the factors described above and the loss of the sale of the Polo Jeans Company business in 2006.

        Net Interest Expense. Net interest expense was $47.8 million in 2007 compared with $47.0 million in 2006.

        Benefit for Income Taxes. The effective income tax rate benefit on continuing operations was 178.4% and 28.5% for 2007 and 2006, respectively. Excluding the effects of the reversal of the deferred tax valuation allowance related to the sale of Barneys ($107.7 million) and the goodwill impairment, the effective tax rate on continuing operations was 17.0% for 2007. Without the effects of the Polo Jeans Company sale, the goodwill impairment, the litigation settlement and the gain on the sale of stock in Rubicon Retail Limited, the effective tax rate on continuing operations was 34.0% for 2006. The change from 2006 to 2007 was primarily driven by a greater impact of the foreign income tax differential relative to pre-tax income in 2007 than in 2006.

        Discontinued Operations. Income from discontinued operations for 2007 includes a $254.2 million after-tax gain on the sale of Barneys and $11.0 million of net income from the operation of Barneys prior to the sale (see "Discontinued Operations" in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements), compared to $29.0 million

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of net income from the operation of Barneys in 2006. The decrease in net income from the operation of Barneys is primarily due to the results of Barneys being included in the current year only through September 5, 2007.

        Net Income (Loss) and Earnings (Loss) Per Share. Net income was $311.1 million in 2007 compared with a net loss of $144.1 million in 2006. Diluted earnings per share for 2007 was $3.07 compared with a loss per share of $(1.30) for 2006, on 8.4% fewer shares outstanding.

2006 Compared with 2005

        Revenues. Total revenues for 2006 were $4.09 billion compared with $4.53 billion for 2005, a decrease of 9.8%. Revenues by segment were as follows:

(In millions)
  
2006 
2005 
Increase
(Decrease)

Percent 
Change 

Wholesale better apparel $ 1,127.4  $ 1,438.2  $ (310.8) (21.6%)
Wholesale moderate apparel 1,142.0  1,265.2  (123.2) (9.7%)
Wholesale footwear and accessories 941.1  978.6  (37.5) (3.8%)
Retail  822.7  791.3  31.4  4.0% 
Licensing and other 53.8  58.9  (5.1) (8.7%)




   Total revenues $ 4,087.0  $ 4,532.2  $ (445.2) (9.8%)




        Wholesale better apparel revenues decreased primarily due to the sale of the Polo Jeans Company business ($278.9 million of the decrease) and the discontinuance of our Easy Spirit apparel line, which we discontinued due to poor retail performance, and our Jones New York Country apparel line, which we discontinued because we were offering similar products under our Jones New York Signature brand. Decreases in shipments of our Jones New York Sport product line as a result of order reductions from its largest customer were partially offset by increased customer orders for our Nine West apparel product line.

        Wholesale moderate apparel revenues decreased primarily due to decreased shipments of our l.e.i., Joneswear, Nine & Co., Norton McNaughton and Bandolino product lines (where customers are replacing these brands in their locations with private-label and other products) and the discontinuance by our wholesale customers of their exclusive A|Line, Joneswear Jeans, C.L.O.T.H.E.S. and Latina product lines. These decreases were partially offset by increased shipments resulting from higher customer orders for our Gloria Vanderbilt and GLO product lines and increased shipments of private label products, including the new Duckhead product line.

        Wholesale footwear and accessories revenues decreased due to (1) decreased shipments of our Nine West accessory product line due to poor performance and retail consolidations; (2) decreased shipments of our Enzo Angiolini, Sam & Libby and Easy Spirit footwear product lines (primarily due to retail consolidations and reduced customer orders); (3) discontinuance of the Bandolino and l.e.i. costume jewelry product lines due to poor retail performance; and (4) discontinuance of the licensed Tommy Hilfiger costume jewelry product line as a result of the termination of the licensing arrangement. These decreases were partially offset by increased shipments of our Anne Klein and Circa Joan & David footwear product lines due to higher customer orders resulting from strong product performance at retail and an increase in our international footwear business.

        Retail revenues increased due to $29.2 million of revenues from new store openings and $5.5 million of additional revenues resulting from a 0.8% increase in comparable store sales. Excluding Barneys, we began 2006 with 1,060 retail locations and had a net increase of 40 locations during the period to end the period with 1,100 locations.

        Revenues for 2006 also include $17.4 million of service fees charged to Polo under a short-term transition service agreement entered into with Polo at the time of the sale of the Polo Jeans Company business. These revenues are based on contractual monthly and per-unit fees as set forth in the agreement. Of this amount, 

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$11.7 million was recorded in the wholesale better apparel segment, $3.1 million was recorded in the wholesale moderate apparel segment and $2.6 million was recorded in the licensing and other segment.

Gross Profit. The gross profit margin was 34.6% in 2006 and 34.9% in 2005.

        Wholesale better apparel gross profit margins were 36.5% and 34.6% for 2006 and 2005, respectively. The increase was due to lower levels of sales to off-price retailers, lower production costs and lower levels of air freight, partially offset by reduced sales of higher-margin Polo Jeans Company products as a result of the sale of the Polo Jeans Company business.

        Wholesale moderate apparel gross profit margins were 21.2% and 23.0% for 2006 and 2005, respectively. Increased margins in our Gloria Vanderbilt and GLO product lines were offset by higher levels of sales to off-price retailers, higher levels of air freight and excess capacity in our Mexican manufacturing operations.

        Wholesale footwear and accessories gross profit margins were 28.6% and 31.0% for 2006 and 2005, respectively. The decrease was a result of lower net sales in the higher-margin wholesale jewelry business, higher net sales in our lower-margin international business, higher levels of air freight and sales to off-price retailers, markdowns related to the discontinuance of the licensed Tommy Hilfiger jewelry line in the current period and writedowns of excess inventory in our direct selling jewelry and accessory business.

        Retail gross profit margins were 51.4% and 53.1% for 2006 and 2005, respectively. The decrease was the result of a higher level of promotional activity in our footwear and accessories stores to liquidate excess inventory and the liquidation of inventory related to the closing of our Stein Mart locations in 2006.

        SG&A Expenses. SG&A expenses were $1.10 billion in 2006 and $1.13 billion in 2005. A $59.1 million decrease due to the sale of the Polo Jeans Company business and headcount reductions as a result of our strategic initiatives were offset by $17.6 million of increased expenses resulting from the opening of new retail stores, $4.3 million recorded in the wholesale better apparel segment in the current period related to the closing of the Secaucus warehouse, $1.2 million recorded in the retail segment related to the closing of our Stein Mart retail locations, $2.3 million recorded in the wholesale moderate apparel segment related to the closing of our Mexican production facilities and $10.0 million recorded in the wholesale footwear and accessories segment related to the termination of a former executive officer and the settlement of litigation concerning a license agreement. SG&A expenses for 2006 also included $2.6 million in the retail segment and $0.9 million recorded in the licensing, other and eliminations segment related to the termination of the former executive officer. SG&A expenses for 2005 included approximately $3.1 million as a result of an arbitration award to a former employee, approximately $3.6 million related to the closing of our Bristol warehouse facility and $1.7 million related to the denim restructuring in the wholesale moderate apparel segment, offset by one-time gains of $5.1 million in the better wholesale apparel segment as a result of a recovery of unauthorized markdown allowances from Saks Incorporated (relating to sales made by Kasper prior to the date of acquisition) and $5.2 million in the retail segment from a landlord repurchase of a retail store operating lease.

        Impairment Losses and Other Items. We recorded goodwill impairments of $441.2 million in 2006 as a result of decreases in projected revenues and profitability for our Norton McNaughton, l.e.i. and certain other moderate apparel brands as well as changes in business strategy with respect to our Norton McNaughton brand. We also recorded trademark impairment charges of $50.2 million in 2006, primarily as a result of decreases in projected revenues for our Norton McNaughton brand, our Albert Nipon better apparel brand, our Westies and Sam & Libby footwear brands and our Richelieu costume jewelry brand in 2006. For more information, see "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

        During 2006, we also recorded a $17.4 million gain (net of associated costs) upon the sale of stock in Rubicon Retail Limited (see "Gain on Sale of Stock in Rubicon Retail Limited" in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

        Operating (Loss) Income. The resulting operating loss from continuing operations for 2006 was $220.0 million compared with operating income of $453.5 million for 2005, due to the factors described above and the loss of the sale of the Polo Jeans Company business.

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        Net Interest Expense. Net interest expense was $47.0 million in 2006 compared with $69.9 million in 2005. The decrease was primarily the result of lower average borrowings during 2006 and the redemption at maturity of our 7.875% Senior Notes in June 2006.

        (Benefit) Provision for Income Taxes. The effective income tax rate on continuing operations was 28.6% for 2006 and 34.6% for 2005. The difference was primarily driven by the net tax effects associated with the sale of the Polo Jeans Company business, the goodwill impairment, the litigation settlement and the gain on the sale of stock in Rubicon Retail Limited. Without the effects of the Polo Jeans Company sale, the goodwill impairment, the litigation settlement and the gain on the sale of stock in Rubicon Retail Limited, the effective tax rate for 2006 was 33.9%. The change from 2005 to 2006 was primarily driven by favorable resolutions of the 2001 to 2003 federal and various state income tax audits that resulted in the reversal of $8.6 million of prior income tax accruals.

        Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting for Share-Based Payment. The adoption of SFAS No. 123R required us to change from recognizing the effect of forfeitures of unvested employee stock options and restricted stock as they occur to estimating the number of outstanding instruments for which the requisite service is not expected to be rendered. As a result, we recorded a gain of $1.9 million (net of $1.2 million in taxes) on January 1, 2006 as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle.

        Discontinued Operations. Net income from the operation of Barneys for 2006 and 2005 was $29.0 million and $21.5 million, respectively (see Discontinued Operations" in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). The increase is primarily due to a 9.9% increase in comparable store sales ($53.2 million of additional revenue) and the opening of two flagship and four CO-OP locations in 2006.

        Net (Loss) Income and (Loss) Earnings Per Share. Net loss was $144.1 million in 2006 compared with net income of $274.3 million earned in 2005. Diluted (loss) earnings per share for 2006 was $(1.30) compared with $2.30 for 2005, on 7.2% fewer shares outstanding.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

        Our principal capital requirements have been to fund acquisitions, pay dividends, working capital needs, capital expenditures and repurchases of our common stock on the open market. We have historically relied on internally generated funds, trade credit, bank borrowings and the issuance of notes to finance our operations and expansion. As of December 31, 2007, total cash and cash equivalents were $302.8 million, an increase of $231.3 million from the $71.5 million reported as of December 31, 2006 (including $7.2 million reported under assets held for sale).

        Operating activities of continuing operations provided $120.5 million, $386.4 million and $367.7 million in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

        The $265.9 million decrease in net cash provided by operating activities from 2006 to 2007 was primarily the result of changes in working capital. Income taxes payable decreased primarily as a result of the tax effects of the Barneys sale. Accounts receivable experienced a smaller decrease in 2007 than in 2006 and accounts payable decreased in 2007 compared to an increase in 2006 primarily due to the effects from the sale of the Polo Jeans Company business and the timing of payments for inventory in 2006.

        The $18.7 million decrease in net cash provided by operating activities from 2005 to 2006 was primarily the result of lower operating income before non-cash impairment charges offset by changes in certain components of working capital. Accounts receivable decreased in 2006 compared to an increase in 2005, primarily as a result of lower wholesale moderate apparel sales in the current period and the effects of the sale of the Polo Jeans Company business. Accounts payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities experienced increases in 2006 compared to decreases in 2005, primarily as a result of accruals for property, plant and equipment related to new store openings and computer systems and changes in payment terms to certain vendors. These effects were offset by a decrease in taxes payable in 2006 compared to an increase in 2005, primarily as a result of the payment of federal and state audit settlements and the reversal of prior years' income tax audit accruals in the current period, and an increase in inventories in 2006 compared to a

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decrease in 2005, primarily the result of new store openings in 2006 and anticipated sales growth for early 2007.

        Investing activities of continuing operations provided $758.0 million and $258.8 million in 2007 and 2006, respectively, and used $68.0 million in 2005. The changes were primarily due to net cash received from the sale of Barneys in 2007 compared to the net cash received from the sale of the Polo Jeans Company business in 2006. Capital expenditures, which amounted to $111.2 million in 2007, are expected to be approximately $90 million for 2008, primarily for retail store construction and remodeling and the implementation of new computer systems.

        Financing activities of continuing operations used $667.4 million in 2007, primarily to repurchase our common stock and repay $100.0 million of net borrowings under our Senior Credit Facilities.

        We repurchased $496.9 million, $306.2 million and $235.2 million of our common stock during 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. As of December 31, 2007, $303.1 million of Board authorized repurchases was still available. We may make additional share repurchases in the future depending on, among other things, market conditions and our financial condition. During the term of the ASR program, we must obtain the consent of Goldman to make any additional share repurchases. For further information see "Common Stock" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

        Our Board of Directors has authorized our common stock repurchases as a tax-effective means to enhance shareholder value and distribute cash to shareholders and, to a lesser extent, to offset the impact of dilution resulting from the issuance of employee stock options and shares of restricted stock. We believe that we have sufficient sources of funds to repurchase shares without significantly impacting our short-term or long-term liquidity. In authorizing future share repurchase programs, our Board of Directors gives careful consideration to both our projected cash flows and our existing capital resources.

        Financing activities of continuing operations used $608.8 million in 2006, primarily to redeem at maturity our outstanding 7.875% Senior Notes due 2005 at par on June 15, 2006 (for a total payment of $225.0 million), repurchase our common stock and pay dividends to our common shareholders and repay $29.5 million of net borrowings under our Senior Credit Facilities.

        Financing activities of continuing operations used $315.5 million in 2005, primarily to redeem at maturity our outstanding 8.375% Senior Notes due 2005 at par on August 15, 2005 (for a total payment of $129.6 million) and repurchase our common stock and pay dividends to our common shareholders, offset by $60.3 million in net borrowings under our Senior Credit Facilities.

        Proceeds from the issuance of common stock to our employees exercising stock options amounted to $11.1 million, $32.4 million and $13.4 million in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

        At December 31, 2007, we had credit agreements with several lending institutions to borrow an aggregate principal amount of up to $1.75 billion under Senior Credit Facilities. These facilities, of which the entire amount is available for letters of credit or cash borrowings, provide for a $1.0 billion five-year revolving credit facility that expires in June 2009 and a $750.0 million five-year revolving credit facility that expires in June 2010. At December 31, 2007, $154.5 million was outstanding under the credit facility that expires in June 2009 (comprised solely of outstanding letters of credit) and no amounts were outstanding under the credit facility that expires in June 2010. Borrowings under the Senior Credit Facilities may also be used for working capital and other general corporate purposes, including permitted acquisitions and stock repurchases. The Senior Credit Facilities are unsecured and require us to satisfy both a coverage ratio of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and rent to interest expense plus rents and a net worth maintenance covenant, as well as other restrictions, including (subject to exceptions) limitations on our ability to incur additional indebtedness, prepay subordinated indebtedness, make acquisitions, enter into mergers and pay dividends. As of December 31, 2007, we are in compliance with all such covenants.

        At December 31, 2007, we also had a C$10.0 million unsecured line of credit in Canada, under which C$0.2 million of letters of credit were outstanding.

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        On September 10, 2007, Standard & Poor's announced it had downgraded its senior unsecured rating on our outstanding senior notes from BBB- to BB+, and on September 27, 2007, Moody's announced it had downgraded its senior unsecured rating on our outstanding senior notes from Baa3 to Ba1. Both rating agencies maintain a negative outlook.

        We recorded net pension and postretirement liability gains of $4.5 million to other comprehensive income in 2007 resulting primarily from the amortization of actuarial gains. We recorded net pension and postretirement losses of $1.8 million in 2006 to other comprehensive income resulting primarily from the amortization of actuarial losses and lower than expected returns on our plan assets. We recorded net pension and postretirement gains of $0.2 million in 2005. Our pension and postretirement plans are currently underfunded by a total of $8.6 million. As the benefits under our defined benefit pension plans are frozen with respect to service credits, the effects on future pension expense are not anticipated to be material to our results of operations or to our liquidity.

        On February 13, 2008, we announced that the Board of Directors had declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.14 per share to all common stockholders of record as of February 29, 2008 for payment on March 14, 2008.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

        We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements within the meaning of SEC Regulation S-K Item 303(a)(4).

Contractual Obligations and Contingent Liabilities and Commitments

        The following is a summary of our significant contractual obligations for the periods indicated that existed as of December 31, 2007, and, except for purchase obligations and other long-term liabilities, is based on information appearing in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (amounts in millions). All amounts exclude items related to discontinued operations.

Total
Less than
1 year

1 - 3
years

3 - 5
years

More than
5 years

Long-term debt $ 750.0  $        -  $ 250.0  $       -  $ 500.0 
Interest on long-term debt 519.5  38.7  65.6  56.2  359.0 
Capital lease obligations 49.3  7.0  9.5  7.0  25.8 
Operating lease obligations (1) 807.3  122.8  229.9  180.4  274.2 
Purchase obligations (2) 612.1  594.0  11.1  7.0 
Minimum royalty payments (3) 1.3  1.3 
Capital expenditure commitments 28.8  28.8 
Deferred compensation 12.0  12.0 
Other long-term liabilities 66.5  0.7  13.0  11.3  41.5 
 




Total contractual obligations (4) $ 2,846.8  $ 805.3  $ 579.1  $ 261.9  $ 1,200.5 
 




(1)  Future rental commitments for leases have not been reduced by minimum non-cancelable sublease rentals aggregating $25.7 million.
 
(2)
 
Includes outstanding letters of credit of $154.7million, which primarily represent inventory purchase commitments which typically mature in two to six months.
 
(3) Under exclusive licenses to manufacture certain items under trademarks not owned by us pursuant to various license agreements, we are obligated to pay the licensors a percentage of our net sales of these licensed products, subject to minimum scheduled royalty and advertising payments.
 
(4) Excludes $16.7 million of uncertain tax positions, for which we cannot make reasonably reliable estimates of the timing and amounts to be paid.

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        We believe that funds generated by operations, proceeds from the issuance of notes, the Senior Credit Facilities and the Canadian line of credit will provide the financial resources sufficient to meet our foreseeable working capital, dividend, capital expenditure and stock repurchase requirements and fund our contractual obligations and our contingent liabilities and commitments.

New Accounting Standards

        In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 ("FIN 48"), "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109," which establishes that the financial statement effects of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return are to be recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the position will be sustained upon examination. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.

        We adopted FIN 48 on January 1, 2007. On that date, we had no uncertain tax positions. We recognize interest and penalties, if any, as part of our provision for income taxes in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. We file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return as well as unitary and combined income tax returns in several state jurisdictions, of which California is the most significant. Our subsidiaries also file separate company income tax returns in multiple states, of which New York is the most significant.

        In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements," which establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 is not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations or our financial position.

        In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, "The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115," which permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. SFAS No. 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between entities that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 159 does not affect any existing accounting literature that requires certain assets and liabilities to be carried at fair value. SFAS No. 159 is effective as of the beginning of an entity's first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. The adoption of SFAS No. 159 is not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations or our financial position.

        In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), "Business Combinations" ("SFAS No. 141(R)"), which requires an acquirer to recognize the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest of an acquiree at the acquisition date, measured at their fair values as of that date, with limited exceptions. SFAS No. 141(R) applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Earlier application is prohibited. At the date of adoption, SFAS No. 141(R) is not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations or our financial position.

        In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No.160, "Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements," which requires (1) ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent to be clearly identified, labeled, and presented in the consolidated statement of financial position within equity, but separate from the parent's equity; (2) the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest be clearly identified and presented on the face of the consolidated statement of income; and (3) changes in a parent's ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling financial interest in its subsidiary be accounted for consistently as equity transactions. SFAS No. 160 applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Earlier application is prohibited. The adoption of SFAS No. 160 is not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations or our financial position.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market Risk Sensitive Instruments

        We are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes, foreign currency fluctuations, and changes in the market value of our fixed rate long-term debt. We manage this exposure through regular operating and financing activities and, when deemed appropriate, through the use of derivative financial instruments. Our policy allows the use of derivative financial instruments for identifiable market risk exposures, including interest rate and foreign currency fluctuations. We do not enter into derivative financial contracts for trading or other speculative purposes. The following quantitative disclosures were derived using quoted market prices, yields and theoretical pricing models obtained through independent pricing sources for the same or similar types of financial instruments, taking into consideration the underlying terms, such as the coupon rate, term to maturity and imbedded call options. Certain items such as lease contracts, insurance contracts, and obligations for pension and other post-retirement benefits were not included in the analysis. For further information see "Derivatives" and "Financial Instruments" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Interest Rates

        Our primary interest rate exposures relate to our the fair value of our fixed rate long-term debt and interest expense related to our revolving credit facility.

        At December 31, 2007, the fair value of our fixed rate debt was $655.3 million. On that date, the potential decrease in fair value of our fixed rate long-term debt instruments resulting from a hypothetical 10% adverse change in interest rates was approximately $59.6 million.

        Our primary interest rate exposures on variable rate credit facilities are with respect to United States and Canadian short-term rates. Cash borrowings under these facilities bear interest at rates that vary with changes in prevailing market rates. At December 31, 2007, we had approximately $1.8 billion in variable rate credit facilities, under which no cash borrowings were outstanding.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rates

        We are exposed to market risk related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Our products have historically been purchased from foreign manufacturers in pre-set United States dollar prices. To date, we generally have not been materially adversely affected by fluctuations in exchange rates. We also have assets and liabilities denominated in certain foreign currencies.

        At December 31, 2007, we had outstanding foreign exchange contracts to exchange Canadian Dollars for a total notional value of US $24.4 million at a weighted-average exchange rate of 1.0653 through December 2008. The fair value of these contracts at December 31, 2007 was a $1.8 million unrealized loss. We believe that these financial instruments should not subject us to undue risk due to foreign exchange movements because gains and losses on these contracts should offset losses and gains on the assets, liabilities, and transactions being hedged. We are exposed to credit-related losses if the counterparty to a financial instrument fails to perform its obligation. However, we do not expect the counterparties, which presently have high credit ratings, to fail to meet their obligations.

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MANAGEMENT'S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

February 22, 2008

To the Stockholders of Jones Apparel Group, Inc.

        The management of Jones Apparel Group, Inc. is responsible for the preparation, integrity, objectivity and fair presentation of the financial statements and other financial information presented in this report. The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and reflect the effects of certain judgments and estimates made by management.

        In order to ensure that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, management regularly assesses such controls and did so most recently for our financial reporting as of December 31, 2007. This assessment was based on criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, referred to as COSO. Our assessment included the documentation and understanding of our internal control over financial reporting. We have evaluated the design effectiveness and tested the operating effectiveness of internal controls to form our conclusion.

        Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that pertain to maintaining records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of assets, providing reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, assuring that receipts and expenditures are being made in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors and providing reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.

        Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

        Based on this assessment, the undersigned officers concluded that our internal controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information required to be included in our periodic SEC filings and that information required to be disclosed by us in these periodic filings is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms and that our internal controls are effective to provide reasonable assurance that our financial statements are fairly presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

        The Audit Committee of our Board of Directors, which consists of independent, non-executive directors, meets regularly with management, the internal auditors and the independent accountants to review accounting, reporting, auditing and internal control matters. The committee has direct and private access to both internal and external auditors.

        BDO Seidman, LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm who audits our financial statements, has audited our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007 and has expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Wesley R. Card
President and Chief Executive Officer
John T. McClain
Chief Financial Officer

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BDO Seidman, LLP
Accountants and Consultants
330 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10017
Telephone: (212) 885-8000
Fax: (212) 697-1299

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Stockholders
Jones Apparel Group, Inc.
New York, New York

We have audited Jones Apparel Group's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Jones Apparel Group's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit 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 effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Jones Apparel Group, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Jones Apparel Group, Inc. as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007 and our report dated February 19, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.




New York, New York
February 19, 2008

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

BDO Seidman, LLP
Accountants and Consultants
330 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10017
Telephone: (212) 885-8000
Fax: (212) 697-1299

 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Stockholders
Jones Apparel Group, Inc.
New York, New York

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Jones Apparel Group, Inc. as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements 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, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. 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 Jones Apparel Group, Inc. at December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Jones Apparel Group's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and our report dated February 19, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.




New York, New York
February 19, 2008

- 48 -


Jones Apparel Group, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(All amounts in millions except per share data)

December 31,
2007 
2006 
ASSETS    
CURRENT ASSETS:
  Cash and cash equivalents $ 302.8  $ 64.3 
Accounts receivable 337.0  357.8 
  Inventories 523.9  530.8 
Assets held for sale 620.8 
Prepaid income taxes 30.6  14.1 
Deferred taxes 33.9  53.7 
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets 65.9  67.5 


    TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 1,294.1  1,709.0 
 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization
312.1  279.5 
GOODWILL 973.9  1,051.9 
OTHER INTANGIBLES, at cost, less accumulated amortization 618.0  708.3 
OTHER ASSETS 38.5  52.4 


$ 3,236.6  $ 3,801.1 
   

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:    
Short-term borrowings $     -  $ 100.0 
Current portion of capital lease obligations 4.8  4.1 
  Accounts payable 223.6  277.9 
Liabilities related to assets held for sale 180.7 
Income taxes payable 20.4  25.4 
Accrued employee compensation and benefits 40.0  41.6 
Accrued restructuring and severance payments 23.0  11.3 
  Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 83.8  83.8 


    TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 395.6  724.8 


NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:    
Long-term debt 749.4  749.3 
  Obligations under capital leases 28.3  35.8 
Deferred taxes 7.8 
  Other 66.5  71.8 


    TOTAL NONCURRENT LIABILITIES 844.2  864.7 


    TOTAL LIABILITIES 1,239.8  1,589.5 


  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
 
 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
  Preferred stock, $.01 par value - shares authorized 1.0; none issued
Common stock, $.01 par value - shares authorized 200.0; issued 153.6 and 153.2 1.5  1.5 
  Additional paid-in capital 1,339.7  1,320.0 
Retained earnings 2,480.8  2,226.4 
  Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 2.1  (5.9)
Less treasury stock, 68.3 and 45.3 shares, at cost (1,827.3) (1,330.4)
   

  TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 1,996.8  2,211.6 
   

$ 3,236.6  $ 3,801.1 
   

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements      

- 49 -


Jones Apparel Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(All amounts in millions except per share data)

Year Ended December 31,
2007 
2006 
2005 
Net sales $ 3,793.3  $ 4,014.8  $ 4,473.3 
Licensing income 52.0  51.1  58.9 
Service and other revenue 3.2  21.1 
 


Total revenues 3,848.5  4,087.0  4,532.2 
Cost of goods sold 2,609.1  2,674.2  2,950.4 



Gross profit 1,239.4  1,412.8  1,581.8 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 1,100.4  1,096.3  1,128.3 
Loss on sale of Polo Jeans Company business 45.1 
Trademark impairments 88.0  50.2 
Goodwill impairment 78.0  441.2 



Operating (loss) income (27.0) (220.0) 453.5 
Interest income 3.7  3.5  1.1 
Interest expense and financing costs 51.5  50.5  71.0 
Gain on sale of stock in Rubicon Retail Limited 17.4 
Gain on sale of interest in Australian joint venture 8.2 
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates 8.1  4.5  3.2 
 


(Loss) income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes (58.5) (245.1) 386.8 
(Benefit) provision  for income taxes (104.4) (70.1) 134.0 



Income (loss) from continuing operations 45.9  (175.0) 252.8 
Income from discontinued operations, including gain on sale of Barneys in 2007, net of tax 265.2  29.0  21.5 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting for share-based payments, net of tax 1.9 



Net income (loss) $ 311.1  $ (144.1) $ 274.3 
  


 

Earnings (loss) per share      
Basic      
    Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.46  $ (1.58) $ 2.15 
    Income from discontinued operations 2.65  0.26  0.18 
    Cumulative effect of change in accounting for share-based payments, net of tax 0.02 
     


    Basic earnings (loss) per share $ 3.11  $ (1.30) $ 2.33 
 


Diluted
    Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.45  $ (1.58) $ 2.12 
    Income from discontinued operations 2.62  0.26  0.18 
    Cumulative effect of change in accounting for share-based payments, net of tax 0.02 
     


    Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 3.07  $ (1.30) $ 2.30 
 


   
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    Basic 99.9  110.6  118.0 
Diluted 101.3  110.6  119.2 
        
Dividends declared per share $ 0.56  $ 0.50  $ 0.44 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

- 50 -


Jones Apparel Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
(All amounts in millions except per share data)

Number of
common
shares
outstanding

Total
stock-
holders'
equity

Common
stock

Additional
paid-in
capital

Retained
earnings

Accumu-
lated 
other
compre-
hensive
income
(loss)

Treasury
stock

Balance, January 1, 2005 122.2    $ 2,653.9    $ 1.5    $ 1,236.4    $ 2,204.2    $ 0.8    $ (789.0)
 
Year ended December 31, 2005:
                       
Comprehensive income:
  Net income   274.3        274.3     
  Minimum pension liability adjustment   0.2          0.2   
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of $1.5 tax (2.3) (2.3)
  Reclassification adjustment for hedge gains and losses included in net income, net of $1.8 tax   (2.8)         (2.8)  
Foreign currency translation adjustments (2.4) (2.4)
       
                   
  Total comprehensive income     267.0                     
     
                   
Issuance of restricted stock to employees, net of forfeitures 0.7 
Amortization expense in connection with employee stock options and restricted stock   18.3      18.3       
Exercise of employee stock options 0.6  13.4  13.4 
Excess tax benefit derived from exercise of employee stock options and vesting of restricted stock   1.3      1.3       
Dividends on common stock ($0.44 per share) (52.3) (52.3)
Treasury stock acquired (7.6) (235.2) (235.2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2005 115.9    2,666.4    1.5    1,269.4    2,426.2    (6.5)   (1,024.2)
 
Year ended December 31, 2006:
                       
Comprehensive loss:
  Net loss   (144.1)       (144.1)    
  Pension and postretirement liability adjustments, net of $0.7 tax   (1.1)         (1.1)  
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of $1.5 tax 2.1  2.1 
  Reclassification adjustment for hedge gains and losses included in net loss, net of $0.6 tax   (1.1)         (1.1)  
Foreign currency translation adjustments 0.7  0.7 
       
                   
  Total comprehensive loss     (143.5)                    
     
                   
Cumulative effect of change in accounting for share-based payments (3.1) (3.1)
Issuance of restricted stock to employees, net of forfeitures 0.5 
Amortization expense in connection with employee stock options and restricted stock   17.9      17.9       
Exercise of employee stock options 1.3  32.4  32.4 
Excess tax benefit derived from exercise of employee stock options and vesting of restricted stock   3.4      3.4       
Dividends on common stock ($0.50 per share) (55.7) (55.7)
Treasury stock acquired (9.8) (306.2) (306.2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2006 107.9    2,211.6    1.5    1,320.0    2,226.4    (5.9)   (1,330.4)
 
Year ended December 31, 2007:
                       
Comprehensive income:
  Net income   311.1        311.1     
  Pension and postretirement liability adjustments, net of $1.7 tax   2.9          2.9   
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of $1.8 tax (2.5) (2.5)
  Reclassification adjustment for hedge gains and losses included in net income, net of $0.4 tax   0.5          0.5   
Foreign currency translation adjustments 7.6  7.6 
       
                   
  Total comprehensive income     319.6                     
     
                   
Effect of sale of Barneys (0.5) (0.5)
Forfeitures of restricted stock by employees, net of issuances (0.2)
Amortization expense in connection with employee stock options and restricted stock   7.2      7.2       
Exercise of employee stock options 0.6  11.1  11.1 
Excess tax benefit derived from exercise of employee stock options and vesting of restricted stock   1.4      1.4       
Dividends on common stock ($0.56 per share) (57.2) (57.2)
Treasury stock acquired (23.0) (496.9) (496.9)
Other   0.5        0.5     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2007 85.3    $ 1,996.8    $ 1.5    $ 1,339.7    $ 2,480.8    $ 2.1    $ (1,827.3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

- 51 -


Jones Apparel Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(All amounts in millions)

Year Ended December 31, 
2007 
2006 
2005 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:      
Net income (loss) $ 311.1  $(144.1) $ 274.3 
Less:  Income from discontinued operations (265.2) (29.0) (21.5)
           Cumulative effect of change in accounting for 
           share-based payments, net of tax
(1.9)
   


Income (loss) from continuing operations 45.9  (175.0) 252.8 
   


Adjustments to reconcile income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities, net of acquisitions and divestitures:
    Loss on sale of Polo Jeans Company business 45.1 
Gain on sale of stock in Rubicon Retail Limited (17.4)
Impairment losses on property, plant and equipment 2.1  8.6 
Trademark impairments 88.0  50.2 
Goodwill Impairment 78.0  441.2 
    Amortization expense in connection with employee stock options and restricted stock 14.0  12.8  16.6 
    Depreciation and other amortization 76.5  73.6  69.8 
    Gain on sale of interest in Australian joint venture (8.2)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates (8.1) (4.5) (3.2)
    Dividends received from unconsolidated affiliates 2.6  1.3 
Provision for losses on accounts receivable 0.2  (0.8) (0.3)
    Deferred taxes 8.7  (142.5) 35.6 
Losses on sales of property, plant and equipment 4.0  1.8  5.0 
    Other items, net (1.8) (0.6) (1.5)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
      Accounts receivable 22.5  56.8  (2.9)
Inventories 9.6  9.0  26.7 
      Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1.2  (3.8) (0.7)
Other assets 1.7  2.3  4.1 
      Accounts payable (55.5) 55.5  (6.3)
Income taxes payable/prepaid income taxes (170.7) (41.0) 4.0 
      Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 4.9  9.6  (34.1)
      Other liabilities 4.9  5.5  0.8 



      Total adjustments 74.6  561.4  114.9 



    Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations 120.5  386.4  367.7 
    Net cash provided by operating activities of discontinued operations 39.0  37.5  59.7 



    Net cash provided by operating activities 159.5  423.9  427.4 



CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:      
Proceeds from sale of Barneys, net of cash sold and selling costs 845.5 
Net proceeds from sale of Polo Jeans Company business 350.6 
Proceeds from sale of interest in Australian joint venture 20.7 
Net cash received on sale of stock in Rubicon Retail Limited 17.4 
Payments relating to acquisition of Barneys (4.1)
  Capital expenditures (111.2) (109.3) (66.9)
  Acquisition of intangibles (0.1)
  Capital contributions to unconsolidated affiliates (0.7)
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment 3.0  0.1  3.6 
  Other 0.2 



    Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities of continuing operations 758.0  258.8  (68.0)
    Net cash used in investing activities of discontinued operations (40.5) (61.2) (20.6)



    Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 717.5  197.6  (88.6)



CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:      
Redemption at maturity of 8.375% Senior Notes (129.6)
Redemption at maturity of 7.875% Senior Notes (225.0)
  Net (repayment) borrowing under credit facilities (100.0) (29.5) 60.3 
  Purchases of treasury stock (496.9) (306.2) (235.2)
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options 11.1  32.4  13.4 
  Dividends paid (57.2) (55.7) (52.3)
Net cash transferred (to) from discontinued operations (21.7) (24.0) 32.9 
  Debt issuance costs (0.6)
  Principal payments on capital leases (4.1) (4.2) (4.4)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement 1.4  3.4 



  Net cash used in financing activities of continuing operations (667.4) (608.8) (315.5)
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities of discontinued operations 17.9  24.0  (32.9)



    Net cash used in financing activities (649.5) (584.8) (348.4)



EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATES ON CASH 3.8  (0.1) (0.5)



NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 231.3  36.6  (10.1)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING, including $7.2, $6.9 and $3.7 reported under assets held for sale in 2007, 2006 and 2005 71.5  34.9  45.0 
   


CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, ENDING, including $7.2 and $6.9 reported under assets held for sale in 2006 and 2005 $ 302.8  $ 71.5  $ 34.9 
       


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

- 52 -


Jones Apparel Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation
   
     The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Jones Apparel Group, Inc. and our wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The results of operations of acquired companies are included in our operating results from the respective dates of acquisition.

        We design, contract for the manufacture of and market a broad range of women's collection sportswear, suits and dresses, casual sportswear and jeanswear for women and children, and women's footwear and accessories. We sell our products through a broad array of distribution channels, including better specialty and department stores and mass merchandisers, primarily in the United States and Canada. We also operate our own network of retail and factory outlet stores. In addition, we license the use of several of our brand names to select manufacturers and distributors of women's and men's apparel and accessories worldwide.

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

        In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," the assets and liabilities relating to Barneys have been reclassified as held for sale in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for all periods presented and the results of operations of Barneys for the current and prior periods have been reported as discontinued operations. We classify as discontinued operations for all periods presented any component of our business that we believe is probable of being sold or has been sold that has operations and cash flows that are clearly distinguishable operationally and for financial reporting purposes. For those components, we have no significant continuing involvement after disposal and their operations and cash flows are eliminated from our ongoing operations. Sales of significant components of our business not classified as discontinued operations are reported as a component of income from continuing operations.

Credit Risk
   
     Financial instruments which potentially subject us to concentration of credit risk consist principally of temporary cash investments and accounts receivable. We place our cash and cash equivalents in investment-grade, short-term debt instruments with high quality financial institutions and the U.S. Government and, by policy, limit the amount of credit exposure in any one financial instrument. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers' financial condition and, generally, require no collateral from our customers. The allowance for non-collection of accounts receivable is based upon the expected collectibility of all accounts receivable.

Derivative Financial Instruments
   
     Our primary objectives for holding derivative financial instruments are to manage foreign currency and interest rate risks. We do not use financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes. We have historically used derivative financial instruments to hedge both the fair value of recognized assets or liabilities (a "fair value" hedge) and the variability of anticipated cash flows of a forecasted transaction (a "cash flow" hedge). Our strategies related to derivative financial instruments have been:

  • the use of foreign currency forward contracts to hedge a portion of anticipated future short-term inventory purchases to offset the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates (primarily between the U.S. Dollar and the Canadian Dollar) and
  • the use of interest rate swaps to effectively convert a portion of our outstanding fixed-rate debt to variable-rate debt to take advantage of lower interest rates.

- 53 -


        The derivatives we use in our risk management strategies are highly effective hedges because all the critical terms of the derivative instruments match those of the hedged item. On the date the derivative contract is entered into, we designate the derivative as either a fair value hedge or a cash flow hedge. Changes in derivative fair values that are designated as fair value hedges are recognized in earnings as offsets to the changes in fair value of the related hedged assets and liabilities. Changes in derivative fair values that are designated as cash flow hedges are deferred and recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income until the associated hedged transactions impact the income statement, at which time the deferred gains and losses are reclassified to either cost of sales for inventory purchases or to SG&A expenses for all other items. Any ineffective portion of a hedging derivative's change in fair value will be immediately recognized in cost of sales. Differentials to be paid or received under interest rate swap contracts are recognized in income over the life of the contracts as adjustments to interest expense. Gains or losses generated from the early termination of interest rate swap contracts and treasury locks are amortized to earnings over the remaining terms of the contracts as adjustments to interest expense. The fair values of the derivatives, which are based on quoted market prices, are reported as other current assets or accrued expenses and other current liabilities, as appropriate.

Accounts Receivable
   
     Accounts receivable are reported at amounts we expect to be collected, net of trade discounts and deductions for co-op advertising normally taken by our customers, allowances we provide to our retail customers to effectively flow goods through the retail channels, an allowance for non-collection due to the financial position of our customers and credit card accounts, and an allowance for estimated sales returns.

Inventories and Cost of Sales
   
     Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Inventory values are determined using the FIFO (first in, first out) and weighted average cost methods. We reduce the carrying cost of inventories for obsolete or slow moving items as necessary to properly reflect inventory value. The cost elements included in inventory consist of all direct costs of merchandise (net of purchase discounts and vendor allowances), allocated overhead (primarily design and indirect production costs), inbound freight and merchandise acquisition costs such as commissions and import fees.

        Cost of sales includes the inventory cost elements listed above as well as warehouse outbound freight, internally transferred merchandise freight and realized gains or losses on foreign currency forward contracts associated with inventory purchases. Our cost of sales may not be comparable to those of other entities, since some entities include all of the costs associated with their distribution functions in cost of sales while we include these costs in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Property, Plant, Equipment and Depreciation and Amortization
   
     Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements recorded at the inception of a lease are amortized using the straight-line method over the life of the lease or the useful life of the improvement, whichever is shorter; for improvements made during the lease term, the amortization period is the shorter of the useful life or the remaining lease term (including any renewal periods that are deemed to be reasonably assured). Property under capital leases is amortized over the lives of the respective leases or the estimated useful lives of the assets, whichever is shorter.

Operating Leases
   
     Total rent payments under operating leases that include scheduled payment increases and rent holidays are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Rent expense on our buildings and retail stores is classified as an SG&A expense and, for certain stores, includes contingent rents that are based on a percentage of retail sales over stated levels. Landlord allowances are amortized by the straight-line method over the term of the lease as a reduction of rent expense.

- 54 -


Goodwill and Other Intangibles
   
     Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in business combinations accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. We test at least annually our goodwill and other intangibles without determinable lives (primarily tradenames and trademarks) for impairment through the use of discounted cash flow models. Other intangibles with determinable lives, including license agreements, are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets (currently ranging from three to 19 years).

Foreign Currency Translation
   
     The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars in accordance with SFAS No. 52, "Foreign Currency Translation." Where the functional currency of a foreign subsidiary is its local currency, balance sheet accounts are translated at the current exchange rate and income statement items are translated at the average exchange rate for the period. Gains and losses resulting from translation are accumulated in a separate component of stockholders' equity. Where the local currency of a foreign subsidiary is not its functional currency, financial statements are translated at either current or historical exchange rates, as appropriate. These adjustments, along with gains and losses on transactions denominated and settled in a foreign currency, are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations. Net foreign currency losses reflected in results from continuing operations were $0.2 million, $0.1 million and $0.5 million in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Defined Benefit Plans
   
     Our funding policy is to contribute more that the minimum required by applicable regulations to reduce Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation fees and to increase the funding ratio for Pension Protection Act requirements which begin to phase in during 2008.

Treasury Stock
   
     Treasury stock is recorded at acquisition cost. Gains and losses on disposition are recorded as increases or decreases to additional paid-in capital with losses in excess of previously recorded gains charged directly to retained earnings.

Revenue Recognition
   
     Wholesale apparel and footwear and accessories sales are recognized either when products are shipped or, in certain situations, upon acceptance by the customer. Retail sales are recorded at the time of register receipt. Allowances for estimated returns are provided when sales are recorded primarily by reducing revenues for the total revenues related to estimated returns, with an offsetting reduction to cost of sales for the cost of the estimated returns. Sales taxes collected from retail customers are excluded from reported revenues. Licensing income is recognized based on the higher of contractual minimums or sales of licensed products reported by our licensees.

Shipping and Handling Costs
   
     Shipping and handling costs billed to customers are recorded as revenue. Freight costs associated with shipping goods to customers are recorded as a cost of sales.

Advertising Expense
   
     We record national advertising campaign costs as an expense when the advertising takes place and we expense advertising production costs as incurred, net of reimbursements for cooperative advertising. Advertising costs associated with our cooperative advertising programs are accrued as the related revenues are recognized. Net advertising expense reflected in results from continuing operations was $54.2 million, $71.0 million and $70.0 million in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, net of co-operative advertising reimbursements of $12.8 million, $13.1 million and $14.6 million, respectively.

Income Taxes
   
     We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Current tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated Federal, foreign, state and local income taxes payable or refundable on the tax returns for the current year. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred income tax provisions are based on the changes to the respective assets and liabilities from period to period.

- 55 -


Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when uncertainty regarding their realizability exists.

Earnings per Share
   
     Basic earnings per share includes no dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect, in periods in which they have a dilutive effect, the effect of common shares issuable upon exercise of stock options and the conversion of any convertible bonds. The difference between reported basic and diluted weighted-average common shares results from the assumption that all dilutive stock options outstanding were exercised and all convertible bonds have been converted into common stock.

        The following options to purchase shares of common stock were outstanding during a portion of 2007 and 2005 but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise prices of the options were greater than the average market price of the common shares and, therefore, would be antidilutive. For 2006, none of the options outstanding were included in the computation of diluted earnings per share due to the net loss for the year.

2007
2006
2005
Number of options (in millions) 8.3 - 9.6
Weighted average exercise price $32.65 - $33.57

Stock Options
        In December 2004, the FASB issued a revision of SFAS No. 123, "Share-Based Payment" (hereinafter referred to as "SFAS No. 123R"), which requires that the cost resulting from all share-based payment transactions be recognized in the financial statements. This Statement establishes fair value as the measurement objective in accounting for share-based payment arrangements and requires all entities to apply a fair-value-based measurement method in accounting for share-based payment transactions with employees except for equity instruments held by employee share ownership plans. We adopted SFAS No. 123R on January 1, 2006 using the modified prospective application option. As a result, the compensation cost for the portion of awards we granted before January 1, 2006 for which the requisite service had not been rendered and that were outstanding as of January 1, 2006 will be recognized as the remaining requisite service is rendered. In addition, the adoption of SFAS No. 123R required us to change from recognizing the effect of forfeitures as they occur to estimating the number of outstanding instruments for which the requisite service is not expected to be rendered. As a result, we recorded a pretax gain of $3.1 million on January 1, 2006, which is reported as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. We were also required to change the amortization period for employees eligible to retire from the period over which the awards vest to the period from the grant date to the date the employee is eligible to retire. This change resulted in additional amortization expense of $1.9 million and $0.1 million for 2007 and 2006, respectively. Concurrently with the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, we have shifted the composition of our share-based compensation awards towards the use of restricted shares and away from the use of employee stock options.

        Had we elected to adopt the fair value approach of SFAS No. 123 upon its effective date, our net income for 2005 would have decreased accordingly. Both the stock-based employee compensation cost included in the determination of net income as reported and the stock-based employee compensation cost that would have been included in the determination of net income if the fair value based method had been applied to all awards, as well as the resulting pro forma net income and earnings per share using the fair value approach, are presented in the following table. These pro forma amounts may not be representative of future disclosures since the estimated fair value of stock options is amortized to expense over the vesting period, and additional options may be granted in future years. For further information, see "Stock Options and Restricted Stock."

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Year Ended December 31,

2005
(In millions except per share data)
Net income - as reported   $ 274.3 
Add: stock-based employee compensation cost, net of related tax effects, included in the determination of net income as reported 11.9 
Deduct: stock-based employee compensation cost, net of related tax effects, that would have been included in the determination of net income if the fair value-based method had been applied to all awards   (13.1)

Net income - pro forma   $ 273.1 

Basic earnings per share    
    As reported $ 2.33 
    Pro forma   $ 2.32 
Diluted earnings per share
    As reported   $ 2.30 
    Pro forma $ 2.29 

Restricted Stock
   
     Compensation cost for restricted stock is measured as the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of our stock at the date the common stock is issued over the amount the employee must pay to acquire the stock. The compensation cost, net of projected forfeitures, is recognized over the period between the issue date and the date any restrictions lapse.

Long-Lived Assets
   
     We review certain long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. In that regard, we assess the recoverability of such assets based upon estimated non-discounted cash flow forecasts. If an asset impairment is identified, the asset is written down to fair value based on discounted cash flow or other fair value measures.

Cash Equivalents
   
     We consider all highly liquid short-term investments to be cash equivalents.

Presentation of Prior Year Data
   
     Certain reclassifications have been made to conform prior year data with the current presentation.

New Accounting Standards
   
     In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 ("FIN 48"), "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109," which establishes that the financial statement effects of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return are to be recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the position will be sustained upon examination. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.

        We adopted FIN 48 on January 1, 2007. On that date, we had no uncertain tax positions. We recognize interest and penalties, if any, as part of our provision for income taxes in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. We file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return as well as unitary and combined income tax returns in several state jurisdictions, of which California is the most significant. Our subsidiaries also file separate company income tax returns in multiple states, of which New York is the most significant.

        In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements," which establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 is not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations or our financial position.

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        In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, "The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115," which permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. SFAS No. 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between entities that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 159 does not affect any existing accounting literature that requires certain assets and liabilities to be carried at fair value. SFAS No. 159 is effective as of the beginning of an entity's first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. The adoption of SFAS No. 159 is not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations or our financial position.

        In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), "Business Combinations" ("SFAS No. 141(R)"), which requires an acquirer to recognize the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest of an acquiree at the acquisition date, measured at their fair values as of that date, with limited exceptions. SFAS No. 141(R) applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Earlier application is prohibited. At the date of adoption, SFAS No. 141(R) is not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations or our financial position.

        In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No.160, "Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements," which requires (1) ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent to be clearly identified, labeled, and presented in the consolidated statement of financial position within equity, but separate from the parent's equity; (2) the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest be clearly identified and presented on the face of the consolidated statement of income; and (3) changes in a parent's ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling financial interest in its subsidiary be accounted for consistently as equity transactions. SFAS No. 160 applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Earlier application is prohibited. The adoption of SFAS No. 160 is not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations or our financial position.

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS

        Accounts receivable consist of the following:

December 31,
2007 
2006 
(In millions)    
 
Trade accounts receivable $ 365.5  $ 388.4 
Allowances for doubtful accounts, returns, discounts and co-op advertising (28.5) (30.6)


  $ 337.0  $ 357.8 


        A significant portion of our sales are to retailers throughout the United States and Canada. We have one significant customer in our wholesale better apparel, wholesale moderate apparel and wholesale footwear and accessories operating segments. Macy's, Inc. accounted for approximately 20%, 21% and 21% of consolidated gross revenues for 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and accounted for approximately 21% and 23% of accounts receivable at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

        On September 6, 2007, we completed the sale of Barneys to an affiliate of Istithmar PJSC. We received $937.4 million of cash (net of working capital adjustments) and paid an aggregate of $54.5 million in cash as of December 31, 2007 for bonuses for key Barneys employees, compensation for restricted stock held by certain employees of Barneys that was forfeited upon the completion of the sale and other fees and costs related to the sale. Net cash proceeds, after estimated taxes expected to be paid, are expected to amount to approximately $840.0 million.

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        In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 144, the results of operations of Barneys for the current and prior periods have been reported as discontinued operations and the assets and liabilities relating to Barneys have been reclassified as held for sale in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Operating results of Barneys, which were formerly included in our retail segment, are summarized as follows:

 

Year Ended December 31,
2007 
2006 
2005 
(In millions)      
Total revenues $ 452.1  $ 655.8  $ 542.0 
 
Income from operations of Barneys before provision for income taxes $ 22.0  $ 45.6  $ 38.5 
Provision for income taxes 11.0  16.6  17.0 



Income from operations of Barneys 11.0  29.0  21.5 



Gain on sale of Barneys before provision for income taxes (1) 389.1 
Provision for income taxes 134.9 



Gain on sale of Barneys 254.2 



Income from discontinued operations $ 265.2  $ 29.0  $ 21.5 



(1) Net of $247.4 million of goodwill allocated to Barneys.

        We have allocated $4.6 million, $7.8 million and $5.2 million in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, of interest expense to discontinued operations based on the weighted-average monthly borrowing rate under our senior credit facilities applied to the average net monthly balance of funds that had been advanced to Barneys.

NET ASSETS HELD FOR SALE

        The assets and liabilities relating to Barneys have been reclassified as held for sale in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Assets held for sale unrelated to the sale of Barneys include property, plant and equipment at our Bristol, Pennsylvania distribution facility and our Mexican production facilities, all of which have been closed.

        The assets and liabilities relating to these businesses consist of:

(In millions)
Barneys 
Other 
Total 
       
December 31, 2006:      
Inventories $ 105.5  $ -  $ 105.5 
Other current assets  93.8  93.8 
Property, plant and equipment 105.4  5.2  110.6 
Goodwill 247.4  247.4 
Other intangibles 63.3  63.3 
Other assets 0.2  0.2 



Assets held for sale $ 615.6  $ 5.2  $ 620.8 



        
Current liabilities $ 85.4  $ -  $ 85.4 
Long-term debt 3.5  3.5 
Long-term portion of deferred taxes 34.7  34.7 
Other long-term liabilities 57.1  57.1 



Liabilities related to assets held for sale $ 180.7  $ -  $ 180.7 



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ACCRUED RESTRUCTURING COSTS

        In late 2003, we began to evaluate the need to broaden global sourcing capabilities to respond to the competitive pricing and global sourcing capabilities of our denim competitors, as the favorable production costs from non-duty/non-quota countries and the breadth of fabric options from Asia began to outweigh the benefits of Mexico's quick turn and superior laundry capabilities. On July 11, 2005, we announced that we had completed a comprehensive review of our denim manufacturing operations located in Mexico. The primary action plan arising from this review resulted in the closing of the laundry, assembly and distribution operations located in San Luis, Mexico (the "denim restructuring"). All manufacturing was consolidated into existing operations in Durango and Torreon, Mexico. A total of 3,170 employees were terminated as a result of the closure.

        In connection with the denim restructuring, we recorded $11.4 million of net pre-tax costs (of which $12.1 million was recorded in 2005 and $0.7 million was reversed in 2006), which includes $5.1 million of one-time termination benefits, $3.1 million of losses on the sale of property, plant and equipment, $2.3 million of contract termination costs and $0.9 million of legal and other associated costs. Of these amounts, $10.1 million were reported as cost of sales and $1.3 million were reported as a selling, general and administrative expense in the wholesale moderate apparel segment. The restructuring was substantially completed during the fiscal quarter ended April 1, 2006.

        In December 2005, we closed our distribution center in Bristol, Pennsylvania. A total of 118 employees were affected by the closure. We recorded charges of $3.6 million and $0.4 million in 2005 and 2006, respectively, related to one-time termination benefits and other employee-related matters. These expenses are reported as selling, general and administrative expenses in the wholesale better apparel segment.

        On May 15, 2006, we announced the closing of our Secaucus, New Jersey warehouse to reduce excess capacity. In connection with the closing, in 2006 we incurred $2.7 million of one-time termination benefits and associated employee costs for 211 employees and $1.6 million for cleanup costs and remaining rent payments. These expenses are reported as selling, general and administrative expenses in the wholesale better apparel segment. The restructuring was substantially completed in September 2006.

        On May 30, 2006, we announced the closing of our Stein Mart leased shoe departments, effective January 2007. In connection with the closing, we accrued $1.2 million and reversed $0.1 million of one-time termination benefits and associated employee costs in 2006 and 2007, respectively, for 468 employees, which is reported as a selling, general and administrative expense in the retail segment.

        On September 12, 2006, we announced the closing of certain El Paso, Texas and Mexican operations related to the decision by Polo to discontinue the Polo Jeans Company product line (the "manufacturing restructuring") , which we produced for Polo subsequent to the sale of the Polo Jeans Company business to Polo in February 2006. In connection with the El Paso closing, we incurred $4.3 million of one-time termination benefits and associated employee costs for 134 employees and $0.7 million of other costs. Of this amount, $2.3 million was reported as a selling, general and administrative expense and $1.8 million was reported as a cost of sales in the wholesale moderate apparel segment during 2006, and $0.3 million was reported as a selling, general and administrative expense and $0.6 million was reported as a cost of sales in the wholesale moderate apparel segment during 2007. In connection with the Mexican closing, we expect to incur $3.0 million of one-time termination benefits and associated employee costs for 1,729 employees and $0.7 million of other costs. Of this amount, $2.8 million was reported as cost of sales in the wholesale moderate apparel segment in 2006, and $0.4 million was reported as cost of sales and $0.3 million was reported as a selling, general and administrative expense in the wholesale moderate apparel segment in 2007. The remaining $0.2 million will be recorded as cost of sales in the wholesale moderate apparel segment during 2008. In addition, we determined the estimated fair value of the property, plant and equipment employed in Mexico was less than its carrying value. As a result, we recorded an impairment loss of $8.6 million, which is also reported as cost of sales in the wholesale moderate apparel segment in 2006. The closings were substantially completed by the end of March 2007.

        In connection with the exit and reorganization of certain moderate apparel product lines, we decided to close certain New York offices, and on October 9, 2007, we announced the closing of warehouse facilities in

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Goose Creek, South Carolina. We expect to incur $8.0 million of one-time termination benefits and associated employee costs for approximately 440 employees. Of this amount, $7.5 million and $0.4 million are reported as a selling, general and administrative expense in the wholesale moderate apparel and wholesale better apparel segments, respectively, in 2007, and the remaining $0.1 million will be accrued on a straight-line basis over the remaining period each employee is required to render service to receive the benefit. These closings were substantially complete by the end of February 2008.

        On October 17, 2007, we announced the closing of warehouse facilities in Edison, New Jersey. We expect to incur $3.5 million of one-time termination benefits and associated employee costs for approximately 160 employees. Of this amount, $2.8 million is reported as a selling, general and administrative expense in the wholesale moderate apparel segment in 2007, and the remaining $0.7 will be accrued on a straight-line basis over the remaining period each employee is required to render service to receive the benefit. The closing will be substantially complete by the end of June 2008.

        The accrual of restructuring costs and liabilities, of which $9.9 million is included in current liabilities and $1.1 million is included in other noncurrent liabilities, is as follows:

 
 
 
(In millions)
 
 
Severance
and other
employee
costs

Closing of 
retail
stores and consolidation
of facilities

Denim
restructuring

 
Manufacturing restructuring

 
 
 
 
Total

Balance, January 1, 2005 $ 6.5  $ 18.1  $  -  $  -  $ 24.6 
Net additions (reversals) 2.9  (6.5) 9.0  5.4 
Payments and reductions (6.0) (9.5) (6.5) (22.0)





Balance, December 31, 2005 3.4  2.1  2.5  8.0 
Net additions (reversals) 4.3  1.6  (0.7) 6.9  12.1 
Payments and reductions (6.3) (2.1) (1.8) (3.5) (13.7)





Balance, December 31, 2006 1.4  1.6  3.4  6.4 
Net additions 10.8  1.6  12.4 
Payments and reductions (3.5) (0.5) (3.8) (7.8)





Balance, December 31, 2007 $ 8.7  $ 1.1  $ -  $ 1.2  $ 11.0 





        Estimated severance payments and other employee costs of $8.7 million accrued at December 31, 2007 relate to the remaining estimated severance for 536 employees at locations to be closed. Employee groups affected (totaling 1,450 employees) include administrative, warehouse and management personnel at locations closed or to be closed.

        The $10.8 million net addition in 2007 represents $7.9 million related to the exit and reorganization of certain moderate apparel product lines, of which $7.5 million and $0.4 million are reported as a selling, general and administrative expense in the wholesale moderate apparel and wholesale better apparel segments, respectively, $2.8 million related to the closure of the Edison distribution center, which was reported as a selling, general and administrative expense in the wholesale moderate apparel segment, and a net $0.1 million recorded as a selling, general and administrative expense in the retail segment related to the closing of our Anne Klein Accessories and Stein Mart retail locations.

        The $4.3 million net addition in 2006 represents $2.7 million related to the closing of the Secaucus distribution center and $0.4 million of additional severance accruals related to the closing of the Bristol distribution center, which were recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses in the wholesale better apparel segment, and $1.2 million in severance accruals for the Stein Mart locations to be closed, which was recorded as a selling, general and administrative expense in the retail segment.

        The $2.9 million net addition in 2005 represents $3.6 million related to the closing of the Bristol facility, which was recorded as a selling, general and administrative expense in the wholesale better apparel segment, offset by $0.6 million of adjustments related to severance accruals for the Kasper and Maxwell acquisitions, which were recorded as reductions of goodwill and $0.1 million related to the closing of the Mexican and El Paso production facilities, which was recorded as a reduction of selling, general and administrative expenses in the moderate wholesale apparel segment.

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        During 2007, 2006 and 2005, $3.5 million, $6.3 million and $6.0 million, respectively, of the accrual were utilized (relating to partial or full severance and related costs for 586, 729 and 165 employees, respectively).

        The $1.1 million accrued at December 31, 2007 for the consolidation of facilities relates to expected costs to be incurred, including lease obligations, for closing certain acquired facilities in connection with consolidating their operations into our other existing facilities.

        The $1.6 million addition in 2006 represents costs related to the closing of the Secaucus distribution center, primarily to return the building to its original condition, which was recorded as a selling, general and administrative expense in the wholesale better apparel segment.

        The $6.5 million reversal in 2005 includes a $1.2 million adjustment related to the closing of a Maxwell facility and a $5.0 million adjustment related to the closing of a Kasper facility, both of which were recorded as reductions of goodwill, and a $0.3 million reduction related to the final settlement of the remaining lease for a previously-closed North Carolina distribution facility, which was recorded as a reduction of selling, general and administrative expenses in the wholesale better apparel segment.

        The details of the denim restructuring accruals are as follows:

 
 
 
(In millions)
 
 
One-time
termination
benefits

Contract
termination
costs

Other
associated
costs

 
 Total
denim
restructuring

Balance, January 1, 2005 $ -  $ -  $ -  $ - 
Additions 5.3  2.6  1.1  9.0 
Payments and reductions (4.9) (1.0) (0.6) (6.5)




Balance, December 31, 2005 0.4  1.6  0.5  2.5 
Reversals (0.2) (0.3) (0.2) (0.7)
Payments and reductions (0.2) (1.3) (0.3) (1.8)




Balance, December 31, 2006 $ -  $ -  $ -  $ - 




        During 2006 and 2005, respectively, $0.2 million and $4.9 million of the termination benefits accrual were utilized (relating to costs for 18 and 3,098 employees, respectively).

        The details of the manufacturing restructuring accruals are as follows:

 
 
 
(In millions)
 
 
One-time
termination
benefits

Other
associated
costs

 
 Total
denim
restructuring

Balance, January 1, 2006   $  -  $  -  $  - 
Additions 6.1  0.8  6.9 
Payments and reductions   (3.3) (0.2) (3.5)



Balance, December 31, 2006   2.8  0.6  3.4 
Additions 1.1  0.5  1.6 
Payments and reductions   (3.6) (0.2) (3.8)



Balance, December 31, 2007   $ 0.3  $ 0.9  $ 1.2 



        The $1.2 million accrued at December 31, 2007 represents $0.3 million of one-time termination benefits for three remaining employees and $0.9 million of legal fees and related costs. During 2007 and 2006, $3.6 million and $3.3 million of the termination benefits reserve were utilized (relating to partial or full severance for 123 and 1,703 employees, respectively).

        Our plans have not been finalized in all areas, and additional restructuring costs may result as we continue to evaluate and assess the impact of duplicate responsibilities, warehouses and office locations. We do not expect any final adjustments to be material. Any additional costs will be charged to operations in the period in which they occur.

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SALE OF POLO JEANS COMPANY BUSINESS

        In October 1995, we acquired an exclusive license to manufacture and market women's shirts, blouses, skirts, jackets, suits, sweaters, pants, vests, coats, outerwear and hats under the Lauren by Ralph Lauren trademark in the United States, Canada and Mexico pursuant to license and design service agreements with Polo, which were to expire on December 31, 2006. In May 1998, we acquired an exclusive license to manufacture and market women's dresses, shirts, blouses, skirts, jackets, suits, sweaters, pants, vests, coats, outerwear and hats under the Ralph by Ralph Lauren trademark in the United States, Canada and Mexico pursuant to license and design service agreements with Polo. The Ralph License was scheduled to end on December 31, 2003.

        During the course of the discussions concerning the Ralph License, Polo asserted that the expiration of the Ralph License would cause the Lauren License agreements to end on December 31, 2003, instead of December 31, 2006. We believed that this was an improper interpretation and that the expiration of the Ralph License did not cause the Lauren License to end.

        On June 3, 2003, we announced that our discussions with Polo regarding the interpretation of the Lauren License had reached an impasse and that, as a result, we had filed a complaint in the New York State Supreme Court against Polo and its affiliates and our former President, Jackwyn Nemerov. The complaint alleged that Polo breached the Lauren License agreements by claiming that the license ends at the end of 2003. The complaint also alleged that Ms. Nemerov breached the confidentiality and non-compete provisions of her employment agreement with us. Additionally, Polo was alleged to have induced Ms. Nemerov to breach her employment agreement and Ms. Nemerov was alleged to have induced Polo to breach the Lauren License agreements. We asked the court to enter a judgment for compensatory damages of $550 million, as well as punitive damages, and to enforce the confidentiality and non-compete provisions of Ms. Nemerov's employment agreement.

        These matters were resolved by settlement dated January 22, 2006, which closed on February 3, 2006. In connection with this settlement, we entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Polo and certain of its subsidiaries with respect to the sale to Polo of all outstanding stock of Sun. We received gross proceeds of $355.0 million in connection with the sale and the settlement. Sun's assets and liabilities on the closing date primarily related to the Polo Jeans Company business, which Sun operated under long-term license and design agreements entered into with Polo in 1995. We retained distribution and product development facilities in El Paso, Texas, along with certain working capital items, including accounts receivable and accounts payable. In addition, as part of the agreements, we provided certain support services to Polo (including manufacturing, distribution and information technology) until January 2007 and we provided certain financial and administrative functions until March 2007. Service revenue related to these agreements recognized in the statement of operations is based on negotiated monthly amounts according to the terms of the agreements.

        We recorded a pre-tax loss of approximately $145.1 million after allocating $356.7 million of goodwill to the business sold and a pre-tax gain of $100.0 million related to the litigation settlement. Approximately $3.7 million in state and local taxes have been accrued related to the litigation settlement, resulting in a combined after tax loss of approximately $48.8 million. The combined loss created federal and state capital loss carryforwards that we are using to partially offset the gain realized from the sale of Barneys.

        Long-lived assets included in the sale include $2.0 million of net property, plant and equipment and $5.5 million of unamortized long-term prepaid marketing expenses. Net sales for the Polo Jeans Company business, which are reported under the wholesale better apparel segment, were $24.6 million and $303.5 million for 2006 and 2005, respectively.

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PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

        Major classes of property, plant and equipment are as follows:

 
 
December 31,

 
 
2007 

 
 
2006 

Useful 
lives 
(years)

(In millions)      
 
Land and buildings $ 70.3  $ 81.2  15 - 40 
Leasehold improvements 250.2  233.4  1 - 15 
Machinery, equipment and software 338.8  300.5  3 - 20 
Furniture and fixtures 67.0  68.9  5 - 8 
Construction in progress 25.5  22.7 


  751.8  706.7   
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization 439.7  427.2 
 

 
$ 312.1  $ 279.5 


        Depreciation and amortization expense relating to property, plant and equipment (including capitalized leases) reflected in results from continuing operations was $74.4 million, $71.0 million and $69.0 million in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. At December 31, 2007, we had outstanding commitments of approximately $28.8 million relating primarily to the construction or remodeling of retail store locations and the design and implementation of new computer software systems. We capitalized approximately $0.5 million of interest in each of 2007 and 2006 as part of the cost of major capital projects.

        Included in property, plant and equipment are the following capitalized leases:

 
 
December 31,

 
 
2007 

 
 
2006 

Useful 
lives 
(years)

(In millions)      
 
Buildings $ 34.1  $ 45.9  15 - 20 
Machinery and equipment 13.6  10.5  4 - 5 
 

 
47.7  56.4 
Less: accumulated amortization 17.7  22.0 


$ 30.0  $ 34.4 


INVENTORIES

        Inventories are summarized as follows:

December 31,
2007 
2006 
(In millions)    
 
Raw materials $ 0.3  $ 10.4 
Work in process 1.5  10.1 
Finished goods 522.1  510.3 


$ 523.9  $ 530.8 


GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

        Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price and related costs over the value assigned to net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of businesses acquired and accounted for under the purchase method. Accounting rules require that we test at least annually for possible goodwill impairment. We perform our test in the fourth fiscal quarter of each year using a discounted cash flow analysis that requires that certain assumptions and estimates be made regarding industry economic factors and future profitability.

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        As a result of the 2006 impairment analysis, we determined that the goodwill balance existing in our wholesale moderate apparel segment was impaired as a result of decreases in projected revenues and profitability with respect to our Norton McNaughton, l.e.i. and certain other moderate apparel brands, as well as changes in business strategy with respect to our Norton McNaughton brand. Accordingly, we recorded an impairment charge of $441.2 million. As a result of the 2007 impairment analysis, we determined that the remaining goodwill balance existing in our wholesale moderate apparel segment was impaired as a result of decreases in projected revenues and profitability for certain brands. Accordingly, we recorded an impairment charge of $78.0 million.

        The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for 2006 and 2007, by segment and in total, are as follows (excluding $247.4 million allocated to the sale of Barneys):

 
 
(In millions)
 
Wholesale
Better
Apparel

Wholesale
Moderate
Apparel

Wholesale
Footwear &
Accessories

 
 
Retail

 
 
Total

Balance, January 1, 2006 $ 396.8  $ 519.2  $ 813.3  $ 120.6  $ 1,849.9 
Sale of Polo Jeans Company business (356.7) (356.7)
Impairment (441.2) (441.2)
Net adjustments to purchase price of prior acquisitions (0.1) (0.1)
 




Balance, December 31, 2006 40.1  78.0  813.2  120.6  1,051.9 
Impairment (78.0) (78.0)
 




Balance, December 31, 2007 $ 40.1  $ -  $ 813.2  $ 120.6  $ 973.9 





        We also perform our annual impairment test for trademarks during the fourth fiscal quarter of the year. As a result of the 2007 impairment analysis, we recorded trademark impairment charges of $7.5 million as a result of decreases in projected revenues for certain brands. We also recorded trademark impairment charges of $80.5 million in 2007 as a result of our decision to discontinue our Norton McNaughton brand and significantly reduce the scale of our Erika brand. As a result of the 2006 impairment analysis, we recorded trademark impairment charges of $50.2 million as a result of decreases in projected revenues for our Norton McNaughton brand, our Albert Nipon better apparel brand, our Westies and Sam & Libby footwear brands and our Richelieu costume jewelry brand. All trademark impairment charges are reported as selling, general and administrative expenses in the licensing, other and eliminations segment.

        The components of other intangible assets are as follows:

December 31,
2007
2006
(In millions)
 
  Gross 
Carrying 
Amount 

 
Accumulated 
Amortization 

  Gross 
Carrying 
Amount 

 
Accumulated 
Amortization 

Amortized intangible assets
    License agreements   $ 60.5  $ 43.5    $ 60.5  $ 41.2 
    Acquired favorable leases 0.5  0.2  0.5  0.2 
   

 

61.0  43.7  61.0  41.4 
Indefinite-life trademarks   600.7    688.7 




  $ 661.7  $ 43.7    $ 749.7  $ 41.4 




        Amortization expense reflected in results from continuing operations for intangible assets subject to amortization was $2.3 million, $3.6 million and $5.7 million for 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Amortization expense for intangible assets subject to amortization for each of the years in the five-year period ending December 31, 2012 is estimated to be $2.3 million in 2008, $2.3 million in 2009, $2.0 million in 2010, $2.0 million in 2011 and $1.9 million in 2012.

        The cash flow models we use to estimate the fair values of our goodwill and trademarks involve several assumptions. Changes in these assumptions could materially impact our fair value estimates. Assumptions

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critical to our fair value estimates are: (i) discount rates used to derive the present value factors used in determining the fair value of the reporting units and trademarks; (ii) royalty rates used in our trade mark valuations; (iii) projected average revenue growth rates used in the reporting unit and trademark models; and (iv) projected long-term growth rates used in the derivation of terminal year values. These and other assumptions are impacted by economic conditions and expectations of management and will change in the future based on period-specific facts and circumstances. The following table shows the range of assumptions we used to derive our fair value estimates as part of our annual impairment testing for 2007 and 2006.

2007
2006
  Goodwill Trademarks Goodwill Trademarks
Discount rates 9.5% 9.5% 9.4% 9.4%
Royalty rates -- 1.0% - 7.0% -- 1.0% - 7.0%
Revenue growth rates (16.3%) - 9.7% (100%) - 57.5% (29.4%) - 13.0% (100%) - 50.0%
Long-term growth rates 3.0% 0% - 3.0% 3.0% 0% - 4.0%

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

        As a result of our global operating and financing activities, we are exposed to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates which may adversely affect results of operations and financial condition. In seeking to minimize the risks and/or costs associated with such activities, we manage exposure to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates through our regular operating and financing activities and, when deemed appropriate, through the use of derivative financial instruments. The instruments eligible for utilization include forward, option and swap agreements. We do not use financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes.

        At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the fair values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables and accounts payable approximated carrying values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The estimated fair values of other financial instruments subject to fair value disclosures, determined based on broker quotes or quoted market prices or rates for the same or similar instruments, and the related carrying amounts are as follows:

December 31, 
2007
2006
(In millions) Carrying
Amount

Fair
Value

Carrying
Amount

Fair
Value

 
Long-term debt, including current portion $ 749.4  $ 655.3  $ 749.3  $ 690.5 
Foreign currency exchange contracts, net (liability) asset  (1.8) (1.8) 1.2  1.2 

        Financial instruments expose us to counterparty credit risk for nonperformance and to market risk for changes in interest and currency rates. We manage exposure to counterparty credit risk through specific minimum credit standards, diversification of counterparties and procedures to monitor the amount of credit exposure. Our financial instrument counterparties are substantial investment or commercial banks with significant experience with such instruments. We also have procedures to monitor the impact of market risk on the fair value and costs of our financial instruments considering reasonably possible changes in interest and currency rates.

        We are exposed to market risk related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Our products have historically been purchased from foreign manufacturers in pre-set United States dollar prices. To date, we generally have not been materially adversely affected by fluctuations in exchange rates. We also have assets and liabilities denominated in certain foreign currencies. At December 31, 2007, we had outstanding foreign exchange contracts to exchange Canadian Dollars for a total notional value of US $24.4 million at a weighted-average exchange rate of 1.0653 through December 2008.

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        We recorded amortization of net gains resulting from the termination of interest rate swaps and locks of $2.3 million and $6.4 million 2006 and 2005, respectively, as a reduction of interest expense in continuing operations. We reclassified $0.7 million, $0.5 million and $0.4 million of net losses from foreign currency exchange contracts to cost of sales in continuing operations in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. There has been no material ineffectiveness related to our foreign currency exchange contracts as the instruments are designed to be highly effective in offsetting losses and gains transactions being hedged. An estimated $1.8 million of existing pre-tax net losses from currency exchange contracts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2007 will be reclassified into cost of sales in the next 12 months.

CREDIT FACILITIES

        At December 31, 2007, we had credit agreements with several lending institutions to borrow an aggregate principal amount of up to $1.75 billion under Senior Credit Facilities. These facilities, of which the entire amount is available for letters of credit or cash borrowings, provide for a $1.0 billion five-year revolving credit facility that expires in June 2009 and a $750.0 million five-year revolving credit facility that expires in June 2010. At December 31, 2007, $154.5 million was outstanding under the credit facility that expires in June 2009 (comprised solely of outstanding letters of credit) and no amounts were outstanding under the credit facility that expires in June 2010. Borrowings under the Senior Credit Facilities may also be used for working capital and other general corporate purposes, including permitted acquisitions and stock repurchases. The Senior Credit Facilities are unsecured and require us to satisfy both a coverage ratio of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and rent to interest expense plus rents and a net worth maintenance covenant, as well as other restrictions, including (subject to exceptions) limitations on our ability to incur additional indebtedness, prepay subordinated indebtedness, make acquisitions, enter into mergers and pay dividends. As of December 31, 2007, we are in compliance with all such covenants.

        At December 31, 2007, we also had a C$10.0 million unsecured line of credit in Canada, under which C$0.2 million of letters of credit were outstanding.

        The weighted-average interest rate for our credit facilities was 5.8% and 6.0% at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

LONG-TERM DEBT

        Long-term debt consists of the following:

December 31,
2007 
2006 
(In millions)    
 
4.250% Senior Notes due 2009, net of unamortized discount of $0.1 and $0.1 $ 249.9  $ 249.9 
5.125% Senior Notes due 2014, net of unamortized discount of $0.1 and $0.2 249.9  249.8 
6.125% Senior Notes due 2034, net of unamortized discount of $0.4 and $0.4 249.6  249.6 


$ 749.4  $ 749.3 


        Long-term debt maturities during the next five years amount to $250.0 million in 2009. All of our notes contain certain covenants, including, among others, restrictions on liens, sale-leaseback transactions and additional secured debt, and pay interest semiannually. The weighted-average interest rate of our long-term debt was 5.2% at both December 31, 2007 and 2006.

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ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

        Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of the following:

December 31,
2007 
2006 
(In millions)    
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments $  11.5  $  3.9 
Minimum pension liability adjustments (8.4) (11.2)
Unrealized (losses) gains on hedge contracts (1.0) 1.4 
 

$ 2.1  $ (5.9)


DERIVATIVES

        SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," subsequently amended by SFAS No. 138, "Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities" (as amended, hereinafter referred to as "SFAS 133"), establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments. Specifically, SFAS 133 requires us to recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and to measure those instruments at fair value. Additionally, the fair value adjustments will affect either stockholders' equity or net income, depending on whether the derivative instrument qualifies as a hedge for accounting purposes and, if so, the nature of the hedging activity.

        We use foreign currency forward contracts for the specific purpose of hedging the exposure to variability in forecasted cash flows associated primarily with inventory purchases. These instruments are designated as cash flow hedges as the principal terms of the forward exchange contracts are the same as the underlying forecasted foreign currency cash flows. Therefore, changes in the fair value of the forward contracts should be highly effective in offsetting changes in the expected foreign currency cash flows, and accordingly, changes in the fair value of forward exchange contracts are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of related tax effects, with the corresponding asset or liability recorded in the balance sheet. Amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income are reflected in current-period earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings.

        The following summarizes the U.S. Dollar equivalent amount of our Canadian foreign currency forward exchange contracts.

December 31,
2007
2006
(In millions)
 
  Notional 
Amount 

 
Fair Value - 
(Liability)

  Notional 
Amount 

 
Fair Value - 
Asset

 
Canadian Dollar - U.S. Dollar   $ 24.4  $ (1.8)   $ 27.3  $ 1.2 

        During 2007, no material amounts were reclassified from other comprehensive income to earnings and there was no material ineffectiveness related to our cash flow hedges. If foreign currency exchange rates do not change from their December 31, 2007 amounts, we estimate that any reclassifications from other comprehensive income to earnings within the next 12 months also will not be material. The actual amounts that will be reclassified to earnings over the next 12 months could vary, however, as a result of changes in market conditions.

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OBLIGATIONS UNDER CAPITAL LEASES

        Obligations under capital leases consist of the following:

December 31,
2007 
2006 
(In millions)    
 
Warehouses, office facilities and equipment $ 33.1  $ 39.9 
Less: current portion 4.8  4.1 
 

Obligations under capital leases - noncurrent $ 28.3  $ 35.8 
 

        We lease an office facility in Bristol, Pennsylvania under a 15-year net lease that runs until August 2013 and requires minimum annual rent payments of $1.0 million. The building has been capitalized at $8.5 million, which approximates the present value of the minimum lease payments. We also lease various equipment under two to six-year leases at an aggregate annualized rental of $3.0 million. The equipment has been capitalized at its fair market value of $11.0 million, which approximates the present value of the minimum lease payments.

        In 2003, we entered into a sale-leaseback agreement for our Virginia warehouse facility. This transaction resulted in a net gain of $7.5 million that has been deferred and is being amortized over the lease term, which runs until April 2023 and requires minimum annual rent payments of $2.4 million. The building has been capitalized at $25.6 million, which approximates the present value of the minimum lease payments.

        The following is a schedule by year of future minimum lease payments under capital leases, together with the present value of the net minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2007:

Year Ending December 31,
(In millions)  
 
2008 $ 7.0 
2009 5.1 
2010 4.4 
2011 3.5 
2012 3.5 
Later years 25.8 
 
Total minimum lease payments 49.3 
Less: amount representing interest 16.2 

Present value of net minimum lease payments $ 33.1 

COMMON STOCK

        The Board of Directors has authorized several programs to repurchase our common stock from time to time in open market transactions. We repurchased $496.9 million, $306.2 million and $235.2 million of our common stock during 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. As of December 31, 2007, $303.1 million of Board authorized repurchases was still available. We may make additional share repurchases in the future depending on, among other things, market conditions and our financial condition.

        On September 6, 2007, we paid $400.0 million for the purchase of our common stock under an accelerated stock repurchase ("ASR") program entered into with Goldman, Sachs & Co. ("Goldman"). We received an initial delivery of 15.5 million shares on September 11, 2007 and a second delivery of 2.4 million shares on October 18, 2007. The combined average price for the 17.9 million shares delivered to date under the ASR is $22.31 per share. Remaining shares, if any, to be received under the ASR program, up to a maximum of 3.1 million possible shares, will be received upon final settlement of the program, which is scheduled for no later than July 19, 2008, and may occur earlier at the option of Goldman or later under certain circumstances. The exact number of additional shares, if any, to be delivered to us under the ASR will be based on the volume weighted-average price of our stock during the term of the ASR, subject to a minimum and maximum

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price for the purchased shares. The initial shares repurchased are subject to adjustment if we enter into or announce certain types of transactions. During the term of the ASR program, we must obtain the consent of Goldman to make any additional share repurchases.

        Our Board of Directors has authorized our common stock repurchases as a tax-effective means to enhance shareholder value and distribute cash to shareholders and, to a lesser extent, to offset the impact of dilution resulting from the issuance of employee stock options and shares of restricted stock. We believe that we have sufficient sources of funds to repurchase shares without significantly impacting our short-term or long-term liquidity. In authorizing future share repurchase programs, our Board of Directors gives careful consideration to both our projected cash flows and our existing capital resources.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

        (a) CONTINGENT LIABILITIES. We have been named as a defendant in various actions and proceedings, including actions brought by certain employees whose employment has been terminated arising from our ordinary business activities. Although the amount of any liability that could arise with respect to these actions cannot be accurately predicted, in our opinion, any such liability will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.

        (b) ROYALTIES. We have an exclusive license to produce and sell women's footwear under the Dockers Women trademark in the United States (including its territories and possessions) pursuant to an agreement with Levi Strauss & Co. which expires on December 31, 2008. The agreement provides for payment by us of a percentage of net sales against guaranteed minimum royalty and advertising payments as set forth in the agreement. Minimum payments under this agreement amount to $0.7 million for 2008.

        We have an exclusive license to produce, market and distribute costume jewelry in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Japan under the Givenchy trademark pursuant to an agreement with Givenchy, which expires on December 31, 2008. The agreement provides for the payment by us of a percentage of net sales against guaranteed minimum royalty and advertising payments as set forth in the agreement. Minimum payments under this agreement amount to $0.6 million for 2008.

        (c) LEASES. Total rent expense charged to continuing operations for 2007, 2006 and 2005 was as follows.

Year Ended December 31,
2007 
2006 
2005 
(In millions)      
 
Minimum rent $ 130.9  $ 127.5  $ 123.2 
Contingent rent 0.5  0.9  0.9 
Less: sublease rent (5.3) (5.3) (5.3)



  $ 126.1  $ 123.1  $ 118.8 



        The following is a schedule of future minimum rental payments required under operating leases:

Year Ending December 31,
(In millions)  
 
2008 $ 122.8 
2009 118.9 
2010 111.0 
2011 100.0 
2012 80.4 
Later years 274.2 
 
$ 807.3 

        Certain of the leases provide for renewal options and the payment of real estate taxes and other occupancy costs. Future rental commitments for leases have not been reduced by minimum non-cancelable sublease rentals aggregating $25.7 million.

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INCOME TAXES

        The following summarizes the (benefit) provision for income taxes for continuing operations:

Year Ended December 31,
2007 
2006 
2005 
(In millions)      
 
Current:      
  Federal $ (123.5) $ 49.1  $ 77.7 
  State and local 5.2  16.9  11.9 
  Foreign 5.2  6.5  8.8 
 


(113.1) 72.5  98.4 
 


Deferred:
  Federal 11.3  (121.7) 33.9 
  State and local (3.0) (18.6) 1.3 

  Foreign   

0.4  (1.2) 0.4 



8.7  (141.5) 35.6 



(Benefit) provision for income taxes $ (104.4) $ (69.0) $ 134.0 



        The total income tax (benefit) provision for continuing operations was recorded as follows:

Year Ended December 31,
2007 
2006 
2005 
(In millions)      
 
Included in income (loss) from continuing operations $ (104.4) $ (70.1) $ 134.0 
Included in cumulative effect of change in accounting for share-based payments 1.1 
 


$ (104.4) $ (69.0) $ 134.0 



        The domestic and foreign components of (loss) income before (benefit) provision for income taxes from continuing operations are as follows:

Year Ended December 31,
2007 
2006 
2005 
(In millions)      
  
Included in (loss) income from continuing operations
     United States $(73.0) $(251.0) $ 374.6 
     Foreign 14.5  5.9  12.2 
 


  (58.5) (245.1) 386.8 
 


Included in cumulative effect of change in accounting for share-based payments
     United States 3.1 
     Foreign
 


  3.1 
 


(Loss) income before (benefit) provision for income taxes
     United States (73.0) (247.9) 374.6 
     Foreign 14.5  5.9  12.2 
 


  $ (58.5) $ (242.0) $ 386.8 
 


        The (benefit) provision for income taxes from continuing operations on adjusted historical income differs from the amounts computed by applying the applicable Federal statutory rates due to the following:

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Year Ended December 31,
2007 
2006 
2005 
(In millions)      
  
(Benefit) provision for Federal income taxes at the statutory rate $ (20.5) $ (84.8) $ 134.8 
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit 0.4  (5.6) 9.4 
Foreign income tax difference (4.2) (3.7) (5.8)
Goodwill impairment 27.3  17.1 
Capital loss on sale of subsidiary (96.4)
Reversal of prior years federal, state and foreign income tax audit accruals (8.6) (5.7)
Valuation allowances (107.2) 112.4  0.7 
Other items, net (0.2) 0.6  0.6 
 


(Benefit) provision for income taxes $ (104.4) $ (69.0) $ 134.0 
 


        We have not provided for U.S. Federal and foreign withholding taxes on $44.3 million of foreign subsidiaries' undistributed earnings as of December 31, 2007. Such earnings are intended to be reinvested indefinitely.

        The following is a summary of the significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities:

December 31,
2007 
2006 
(In millions)    
 
Deferred tax assets (liabilities):    
    Nondeductible accruals and allowances $ 65.0  $ 68.9 
    Depreciation 20.9  22.3 
    Intangible asset valuation and amortization (70.4) (75.3)
    Loss and credit carryforwards 16.0  117.0 
    Amortization of stock-based compensation 14.7  15.7 
    Deferred compensation 4.7  4.6 
    Inventory valuation  (14.9) (5.5)
    Inventory overhead  3.4  4.5 
    Pension  3.0  6.8 
    Gain on sale-leaseback transaction 2.9  3.3 
    Prepaid expenses (3.7) (1.2)
    Display costs (1.6) (0.7)
    Other (net)   0.4  (2.1)
    Valuation allowances (5.2) (112.4)


    Net deferred tax asset $ 35.2  $ 45.9 


Included in:    
    Current assets $ 33.9  $ 53.7 

    Noncurrent assets

1.3 

    Noncurrent liabilities

(7.8)


    Net deferred tax asset $ 35.2  $ 45.9 


        As of December 31, 2007, we had state net operating loss carryforwards of $218.9 million which expire through 2027 and state tax credit carryforwards of $8.0 million, which expire through 2021.

        In 2006, we determined that $303.1 million of capital loss carryforwards, $12.8 million of state net operating loss carryforwards and $6.2 million of state credit carryforwards may not be utilized; therefore, we established valuation allowances of $107.7 million, $0.7 million (net of federal tax benefit) and $4.0 million (net of federal tax benefit) related to the capital loss, state net operating loss and credit carryforwards, respectively.

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        In 2007, the capital loss valuation allowance of $107.7 million was reversed as capital gain income generated from the sale of Barneys fully utilized the capital loss carryforwards. The reversal has been recorded in income from continuing operations as the creation of the valuation allowance was recorded in continuing operations in 2006 upon the sale of our Polo Jeans Company business. The state net operating loss valuation allowance of $0.7 million was also reversed as the 2002 state net operating loss carryforward was unable to be utilized. During the fourth fiscal quarter of 2007, we determined that $1.8 million of state credit carryforwards expiring through 2021 may not be utilized; therefore, we established a valuation allowance of $1.2 million (net of federal tax benefit) related to the state credit carryforward.

        In June 2006, the FASB issued FIN 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109," which establishes that the financial statement effects of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return are to be recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the position will be sustained upon examination. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.

        We adopted FIN 48 on January 1, 2007. On that date, we had no uncertain tax positions, as we anticipated filing amended returns with various jurisdictions and settling all ongoing state and local audits by December 31, 2007. We classify interest and penalties, if any, as a part of our provision for income taxes in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Income taxes, interest and penalties related to the anticipated amended returns and audit settlements at December 31, 2006 were included in income taxes payable.

        During the fourth fiscal quarter of 2007, we determined that $16.7 million (net of federal tax benefit) included in income taxes payable at December 31, 2006 should be reclassified as uncertain tax position liabilities. The reclassification was due to changes in our amended return filing positions and ongoing income tax audits during the fourth fiscal quarter of 2007. Our total unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2007 were $16.7 million (net of federal tax benefit), including interest of $7.3 million (net of federal tax benefit) and penalties of $0.5 million.

(In millions)
Uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2006 $   - 
Increases during 2007 16.7 
Decreases during 2007

Uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2007 $ 16.7 

        We file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return as well as unitary and combined income tax returns in several state jurisdictions, of which California is the most significant. Our subsidiaries also file separate company income tax returns in multiple states and local jurisdictions, of which New York and New York City are the most significant.

        The Internal Revenue Service has completed examination of our federal returns for taxable years prior to 2005. Our state income tax examinations, with limited exceptions, have been completed for the periods prior to 2003. The Internal Revenue Service is currently examining our 2005 federal income tax return. We are currently being examined by the state of California for the taxable years 2001 through 2003, the state of New York for the taxable years 2003 through 2005 and New York City for the taxable years 1999 through 2005.

        We reasonably expect to settle all ongoing audits by December 31, 2008. We anticipate state and local amended returns will be filed and settlement negotiations will begin prior to March 31, 2008. The nature of the uncertain tax positions to be settled by December 31, 2008 include the ability of a state or local taxing jurisdiction to force one or more of our entities to file on a combined or unitary basis rather than on a separate company basis, state apportioned taxable income presented on filed tax returns and nexus in certain taxing jurisdictions.

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EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

        The computation of basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share is as follows:

Year Ended December 31,
2007 
2006 
2005 
(In millions except per share amounts)      
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 45.9  $ (175.0) $ 252.8 
Income from discontinued operations 265.2  29.0  21.5 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting for share-based payments 1.9 



Net income (loss) $ 311.1  $ (144.1) $ 274.3 



       
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic 99.9  110.6  118.0 
Effect of dilutive employee stock options and restricted stock 1.4  1.2 




Weighted-average common shares and share equivalents outstanding - diluted 101.3  110.6  119.2 



       
Earnings (loss) per share - basic      
  Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.46  $ (1.58) $ 2.15 
Income from discontinued operations 2.65  0.26  0.18 
  Cumulative effect of change in accounting for share-based payments 0.02 



  Basic earnings (loss) per share $ 3.11  $ (1.30) $ 2.33 



       
Earnings (loss) per share - diluted      
  Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.45  $ (1.58) $ 2.12 
Income from discontinued operations 2.62  0.26  0.18 
  Cumulative effect of change in accounting for share-based payments 0.02 



  Basic earnings (loss) per share $ 3.07  $ (1.30) $ 2.30 



STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 

Year Ended December 31,
2007 
2006 
2005 
(In millions)      
  
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information for continuing operations:
  Cash paid during the year for:      
  Interest $ 52.1  $ 53.4  $ 80.8 
    Income taxes 67.7  106.2  89.2 
  
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities for continuing operations:
  Property acquired through capital lease financing 4.1  3.9  0.5 
  Restricted stock issued to employees 19.2  10.2  16.4 

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GAIN ON SALE OF STOCK IN RUBICON RETAIL LIMITED

        On October 12, 2006, Mosaic Fashions hf ("Mosaic") completed its acquisition of United Kingdom retailer Rubicon Retail Limited ("Rubicon"). As a result of our sale of Nine West's United Kingdom operations in January 2001, we obtained warrants to purchase stock in Rubicon. These warrants were exercisable only upon a change of control of Rubicon (including a public offering of Rubicon's shares) and, therefore, had no ascertainable value prior to Mosaic's acquisition of Rubicon. Upon this acquisition, we exercised these outstanding warrants and Mosaic purchased the resulting shares. As a result, we recorded a gain of $17.4 million (net of associated costs) in 2006.

STOCK OPTIONS AND RESTRICTED STOCK

        Under two stock option plans, we may grant stock options and other awards from time to time to key employees, officers, directors, advisors and independent consultants to us or to any of our subsidiaries. In general, options become exercisable over either a three-year or five-year period from the grant date and expire 10 years after the date of grant for options granted on or before May 28, 2003 and seven years after the date of grant thereafter. In certain cases for non-employee directors, options become exercisable six months after the grant date. Shares available for future option and restricted stock grants at December 31, 2007 and 2006 totaled 5.2 million and 4.1 million, respectively. Our policy is to issue new shares upon the exercise of options and to offset these new shares by repurchasing shares in the open market. We currently have no plans to repurchase any shares in 2008.

        Compensation cost recorded for stock-based employee compensation awards (including awards to non-employee directors) reflected in continuing operations was $14.0 million, $12.8 million and $16.6 million for 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Total compensation cost for continuing operations related to unvested awards not yet recognized at December 31, 2007 was $10.6 million, which is expected to be amortized over a weighted-average period of approximately 23.5 months. Cash received from option exercises for 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $11.1 million, $32.4 million and $13.4 million, respectively. The total tax benefit recognized for the tax deductions from option exercises and the vesting of restricted stock for 2007, 2006 and 2005 totaled $16.4 million, $20.5 million and $13.9 million, respectively.

        The following tables summarize information about stock option transactions and related information (options in millions):

2007
2006
2005
 
 
 
Options

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 
 
 
Options

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 
 
 
Options

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

Outstanding, January 1 9.4  $31.43  11.5  $30.91  11.5  $30.19 
Granted 1.0  $35.95 
Exercised (0.6) $19.61    (1.4) $24.01    (0.6) $22.88 
Cancelled (1.0) $32.46  (0.5) $35.44  (0.4) $35.07 
Expired (0.2) $23.60  (0.2) $39.75 
 

 

 

Outstanding, December 31 7.6  $32.44  9.4  $31.43  11.5  $30.91 
 





Exercisable, December 31 7.2  $32.20  8.5  $30.96  9.6  $30.07 
 





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2007 
2006 
2005 
Weighted-average contractual term (in years) of:      
    Options outstanding at end of year 3.4  4.2  5.0 
    Options exercisable at end of year 3.3  4.1  4.8 
 
Intrinsic value (in millions) of:      
    Options outstanding at end of year $ 0.3  $ 32.1  $ 27.8 
    Options exercisable at end of year 0.3  31.8  27.6 
    Options exercised during the year 6.8  10.4  4.2 
       

Fair value (in millions) of options vested during the year

$ 3.0  $ 9.2  $ 22.0 

        The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model. Expected volatilities are based on historical volatility of our stock price and implied volatilities from publicly traded options on our stock. We use historical data to estimate an option's expected life; the expected life for grants to senior management-level employees and other employees are considered separately for valuation purposes. The risk-free interest rate input is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. Compensation cost, net of projected forfeitures, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the period between the grant and vesting dates, with compensation cost for grants with a graded vesting schedule recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was, in substance, multiple awards.

        The following table summarizes the weighted average fair value of options granted and the related weighted average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model for grants issued in 2005. We did not grant any options in 2006 or 2007.

Year Ended December 31,
2005 
Weighted-average fair value of options at grant date:    
    Exercise price less than market price $8.00 
    Exercise price equal to market price   $10.43 
 
Assumptions:    
    Dividends yield 1.02% 
    Expected volatility   30.3% 
    Risk-free interest rate 4.46% 

    Expected life (years)

  3.9 

        Compensation cost for restricted stock is measured as the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of our stock at the date the common stock is issued over the amount the employee must pay to acquire the stock (which is generally zero). The compensation cost, net of projected forfeitures, is recognized over the period between the issue date and the date any restrictions lapse, with compensation cost for grants with a graded vesting schedule recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was, in substance, multiple awards. The restrictions do not affect voting and dividend rights.

        The following tables summarize information about unvested restricted stock transactions (shares in thousands):

- 76 -


2007
2006
2005
 
 
 
Shares

Weighted
Average
Fair
Value

 
 
 
Shares

Weighted
Average
Fair
Value

 
 
 
Shares

Weighted
Average
Fair
Value

Nonvested, January 1 1,326  $33.61  1,092  $34.34  738  $32.67 
Granted 762  $32.36  635  $31.72  705  $35.35 
Vested (346) $34.46    (315) $31.78    (297) $31.92 
Forfeited (985) $33.21  (86) $35.69  (54) $34.80 
 

 

 

Nonvested, December 31 757  $32.48  1,326 $33.61  1,092  $34.34 
 





 

2007 
2006 
2005 
Fair value (in millions) of shares vested during the year $ 11.9  $ 10.0  $ 9.5 

        During 2007, 761,750 shares of restricted common stock were issued to 208 employees and directors under the 1999 Stock Incentive Plan. The restrictions generally lapse on the third anniversary of issue. The value of this stock based on quoted market values was $24.6 million.

        During 2006, 634,927 shares of restricted common stock were issued to 131 employees and directors under the 1999 Stock Incentive Plan. The restrictions generally lapse on the third anniversary of issue. The value of this stock based on quoted market values was $20.1 million.

        During 2005, 705,250 shares of restricted common stock were issued to 200 employees and directors under the 1999 Stock Incentive Plan. The restrictions generally lapse on the third anniversary of issue. The value of this stock based on quoted market values was $24.9 million.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Defined Contribution Plan

        We maintain the Jones Apparel Group, Inc. Retirement Plan (the "Jones Plan") under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"). Employees not covered by a collective bargaining agreement and meeting certain other requirements are eligible to participate in the Jones Plan. Under the Jones Plan, participants may elect to have up to 50% of their salary (subject to limitations imposed by the Code) deferred and deposited with a qualified trustee, who in turn invests the money in a variety of investment vehicles as selected by each participant. All employee contributions into the Jones Plan are 100% vested.

        We have elected to make the Jones Plan a "Safe Harbor Plan" under Section 401(k)(12) of the Code. As a result of this election, we make a fully-vested safe harbor matching contribution for all eligible participants amounting to 100% of the first 3% of the participant's salary deferred and 50% of the next 2% of salary deferred, subject to maximums set by the Department of the Treasury. We may, at our sole discretion, contribute additional amounts to all employees on a pro rata basis.

        We contributed approximately $6.9 million, $8.2 million and $8.0 million to our defined contribution plan from continuing operations during 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Defined Benefit Plans

        We maintain several defined benefit plans, including the Pension Plan for Associates of Nine West Group Inc. (the "Cash Balance Plan") and The Napier Company Retirement Plan for certain associates of Victoria (the "Napier Plan"). The Cash Balance Plan expresses retirement benefits as an account balance which increases each year through interest credits. All benefits under the Napier Plan are frozen at the amounts 

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earned by the participants as of December 31, 1995. Our funding policy is to contribute more than the minimum required by applicable regulations to reduce Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation fees and to increase the funding ratio for Pension Protection Act requirements which begin to phase in during 2008. We plan to contribute $2.2 million to our defined benefit plans in 2008. The measurement date for all plans is December 31.

Obligations and Funded Status

Year Ended December 31,
2007 
2006 
(In millions)    
 
Change in benefit obligation    
    Benefit obligation, beginning of year $ 43.3  $ 39.6 
    Interest cost 2.6  2.5 
    Actuarial (gain) loss (4.0) 4.2 
    Settlements 0.6  1.0 
    Benefits paid (3.5) (4.0)
 

    Benefit obligation, end of year 39.0  43.3 
 

Change in plan assets    
    Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year 27.4  25.2 
    Actual return on plan assets 1.3  1.9 
    Employer contribution 9.4  4.3 
    Benefits paid (3.5) (4.0)
 

    Fair value of plan assets, end of year 34.6  27.4 
 

Funded status at end of year $(4.4) $(15.9)
 

Amounts Recognized on the Balance Sheet

December 31,
2007 
2006 
(In millions)    
 
Noncurrent assets $ 0.9  $   - 
Noncurrent liabilities 5.3  15.9 

Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

December 31,
2007 
2006 
(In millions)    
 
Net loss $ 14.4  $ 18.2 

Information for Pension Plans with an Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets

December 31,
2007 
2006 
(In millions)    
 
Projected benefit obligation $ 39.0  $ 43.3 
Accumulated benefit obligation 39.0  43.3 
Fair value of plan assets 34.6  27.4 

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Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Other Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income or Loss

Year Ended December 31,
2007 
2006 
(In millions)    
 
Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
   Interest cost $ 2.6  $ 2.5 
   Expected return on plan assets (2.4) (1.9)
   Settlement costs 1.3  1.8 
   Amortization of net loss 1.0  1.3 


   Total net periodic benefit cost 2.5  3.7 
 

Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations    
   Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income or Loss:    
      Net (gain) loss (2.8) 2.0 
      Amortization of net gain (1.8)


  (4.6) 2.0 


Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income  $ (2.1) $ 5.7 
 

        The estimated net loss that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost in 2008 is $0.8 million.

Assumptions

2007 
2006 
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine:    
    Benefit obligations at December 31
        Discount rate 6.8%  6.1% 
        Expected long-term return on plan assets 7.9%  7.9% 
    Net periodic benefit cost for year ended December 31    
        Discount rate 6.1%  5.6% 
        Expected long-term return on plan assets 7.9%  7.9% 

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

Year Ending December 31,
(In millions)  
 
2008 $ 2.0 
2009 1.9 
2010 1.8 
2011 1.9 
2012 2.2 
2013 through 2017 12.1 
 
$ 21.9 

Plan Assets

        The weighted-average asset allocations at December 31, 2007 and 2006 by asset category are as follows:

December 31,
2007 
2006 
Equity securities 62%  65% 
Debt securities 31%  27% 
Other 7%  8% 


Total 100%  100% 
 

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        Our plans are designed to diversify investments across types of investments and investment managers. Permitted investment vehicles include investment-grade fixed income securities, domestic and foreign equity securities, mutual funds, guaranteed insurance contracts and real estate, while speculative and derivative investment vehicles are generally prohibited. The investment managers have full discretion to manage their portion of the investments subject to the objectives and policies of the respective plans. The performance of the investment managers is reviewed on a regular basis. The primary objectives are to achieve a rate of return sufficient to meet current and future plan cash requirements and to emphasize long-term growth of principal while avoiding excessive risk and maintaining fund liquidity. At December 31, 2007, the weighted-average target allocation percentages for fund investments were 45% fixed income securities, 37% U. S. equity securities, 2% real estate and 16% international securities.

        To determine the overall expected long-term rate-of-return-on-assets assumption, we add an expected inflation rate to the expected long-term real returns of our various asset classes, taking into account expected volatility and correlation between the returns of the asset classes as follows: for equities and real estate, a historical average arithmetic real return; for government fixed-income securities, current yields on inflation-indexed bonds; and for corporate fixed-income securities, the yield on government fixed-income securities plus a blend of current and historical credit spreads.

Other Plans

        We also maintain the Nine West Group Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, the Nine West Group Inc. Postretirement Executive Life Plan and the Nine West Group, Inc. Postretirement Medical Plan, none of which have a material effect on our results of operations or on our financial position. These plans, which are unfunded, were underfunded by $4.2 million at December 31, 2007. Of this amount, $0.6 million is reported under accrued expenses and other current liabilities and $3.6 million is reported under other noncurrent liabilities.

        We also maintain the Jones Apparel Group, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan, a non-qualified defined contribution plan for certain management and other highly compensated employees (the "Rabbi Trust"). Under the plan, participants may elect have up to 90% of their salary and annual bonus deferred and deposited with a qualified trustee, who in turn invests the money in a variety of investment vehicles as selected by each participant. The assets of the Rabbi Trust, consisting of primarily debt and equity securities, are recorded at current market prices. The trust assets are available to satisfy claims of our general creditors in the event of bankruptcy. The trust's assets, included in prepaid expenses and other current assets, and the corresponding deferred compensation liability, included in accrued employee compensation and benefits, were $12.0 million and $11.9 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. This plan has no effect on our results of operations.

JOINT VENTURES

        We had two joint ventures formed with HCL Technologies Limited ("HCL") to provide us with computer consulting, programming and associated support services. HCL is a global technology and software services company offering a suite of services targeted at technology vendors, software product companies and organizations. We had a 49% ownership interest in each joint venture, which operated under the names HCL Jones Technologies, LLC and HCL Jones Technologies (Bermuda), Ltd. The agreement under which the joint ventures were established terminated in January 2008, and the parties have adopted plans of liquidation for both joint venture companies.

        We also had a 50% ownership interest in a joint venture with Sutton Development Pty. Ltd. ("Sutton") to operate retail locations in Australia, which operated under the name Nine West Australia Pty Ltd. We sold our interest in this joint venture to Sutton on December 3, 2007 for $20.7 million, which resulted in a pre-tax gain of $8.2 million. The sales price is subject to certain working capital adjustments, which could result in additional sales proceeds in 2008.

        The results of our joint ventures are reported under the equity method of accounting.

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BUSINESS SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC AREA INFORMATION

        We identify operating segments based on, among other things, differences in products sold and the way our management organizes the components of our business for purposes of allocating resources and assessing performance. Our operations are comprised of four reportable segments: wholesale better apparel, wholesale moderate apparel, wholesale footwear and accessories, and retail. Segment revenues are generated from the sale of apparel, footwear and accessories through wholesale channels and our own retail locations. The wholesale segments include wholesale operations with third party department and other retail stores, the retail segment includes operations by our own stores, and income and expenses related to trademarks, licenses and general corporate functions are reported under "licensing, other and eliminations." We define segment profit as operating income before net interest expense, goodwill impairment charges, equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates and income taxes. Summarized below are our revenues, income and total assets by reportable segments.

 

(In millions)
 
Wholesale
Better
Apparel

Wholesale
Moderate
Apparel

Wholesale
Footwear &
Accessories

 
 
Retail

 Licensing,
Other &
Eliminations

 
 
Consolidated

 
For the year ended December 31, 2007
Revenues from  external customers $ 1,101.0  $ 985.0  $ 955.8  $ 753.7  $ 53.0  $ 3,848.5 
  Intersegment revenues 155.8  10.7  72.6  (239.1)






  Total revenues 1,256.8  995.7  1,028.4  753.7  (186.1) 3,848.5 






  Segment income (loss) $ 126.0  $ (4.2) $ 109.2  $ (43.2) $ (136.8) 51.0 





  Net interest expense (47.8)
  Goodwill impairment (78.0)
  Gain on sale of interest in Australian joint venture 8.2 
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates 8.1 
   
Loss from continuing operations before benefit for income taxes $ (58.5)
   
Depreciation and amortization $ 11.2  $ 10.4  $ 10.9  $ 23.0  $ 35.0  $ 90.5 
 
For the year ended December 31, 2006
Revenues from  external customers $ 1,127.4  $ 1,142.0  $ 941.1  $ 822.7  $ 53.8  $ 4,087.0 
  Intersegment revenues 145.4  3.8  53.9  (203.1)






  Total revenues 1,272.8  1,145.8  995.0  822.7  (149.3) 4,087.0 






  Segment income $ 143.1  $ 71.8  $ 96.8  $ 37.1  $ (82.5) 266.3 





  Net interest expense (47.0)
Loss on sale of Polo Jeans Company business (45.1)
Gain on sale of stock in Rubicon Retail Limited 17.4 
Goodwill impairment (441.2)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates 4.5 
   
Loss from continuing operations before benefit for income taxes $ (245.1)
    
Depreciation and amortization $ 17.0  $ 11.2  $ 12.7  $ 18.5  $ 27.0  $ 86.4 
 
For the year ended December 31, 2005
Revenues from  external customers $ 1,438.2  $ 1,265.2  $ 978.6  $ 791.3  $ 58.9  $ 4,532.2 
  Intersegment revenues 144.5  4.6  41.5  (190.6)






  Total revenues 1,582.7  1,269.8  1,020.1  791.3  (131.7) 4,532.2 






  Segment income $ 166.5  $ 89.1  $ 141.8  $ 77.8  $ (21.7) 453.5 





  Net interest expense (69.9)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates 3.2 
   
Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes $ 386.8 
   
Depreciation and amortization $ 14.9  $ 16.4  $ 10.3  $ 16.2  $ 28.6  $ 86.4 

 


(In millions)
Wholesale
Better
Apparel

Wholesale
Moderate
Apparel

Wholesale
Footwear &
Accessories

 
 
Retail

 Licensing,
Other &
Eliminations

 
 
Assets
Held
for Sale

Consolidated

Total assets
  December 31, 2007 $ 1,146.4  $ 703.5  $ 1,127.7  $ 209.9  $ 49.1  $   -  $ 3,236.6 
  December 31, 2006 1,307.1  872.1  1,133.6  224.2  (356.7) 620.8  3,801.1 
December 31, 2005 1,895.1  1,107.2  1,084.7  273.3  (317.0) 534.5  4,577.8 

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        Revenues from external customers and long-lived assets excluding deferred taxes related to continuing operations in the United States and foreign countries are as follows:

On or for the Year Ended December 31,
2007 
2006 
2005 
(In millions)      
 
Revenues from external customers:      
  United States $ 3,523.2  $ 3,801.0  $ 4,262.3 
  Foreign countries 325.3  286.0  269.9 



$ 3,848.5  $ 4,087.0  $ 4,532.2 



Long-lived assets:      
  United States $ 1,930.1  $ 2,088.1  $ 3,265.3 
  Foreign countries 11.2  4.0  28.1 



$ 1,941.3  $ 2,092.1  $ 3,293.4 



SUPPLEMENTAL PRO FORMA CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

        Certain of our subsidiaries function as co-issuers (fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis) of the outstanding debt of Jones Apparel Group, Inc. ("Jones"), including Jones Apparel Group USA, Inc. ("Jones USA"), Jones Apparel Group Holdings, Inc. ("Jones Holdings"), Nine West Footwear Corporation ("Nine West") and Jones Retail Corporation ("Jones Retail").

        The following condensed consolidating balance sheets, statements of operations and statements of cash flows for the "Issuers" (consisting of Jones and Jones USA, Jones Holdings, Nine West and Jones Retail, which are all our subsidiaries that act as co-issuers and co-obligors) and the "Others" (consisting of all of our other subsidiaries, excluding all obligor subsidiaries) have been prepared using the equity method of accounting in accordance with the requirements for presentation of such information. Separate financial statements and other disclosures concerning Jones are not presented as Jones has no independent operations or assets. There are no contractual restrictions on distributions from Jones USA, Jones Holdings, Nine West or Jones Retail to Jones. On January 1, 2007, Kasper, Ltd. and Jones USA merged. As a result, the condensed consolidating balance sheets, statements of operations and statements of cash flows for prior periods have been restated for comparison purposes.

- 82 -


Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
(In millions)

December 31, 2007
December 31, 2006
Issuers
Others
Eliminations
Cons-
olidated

Issuers
Others
Eliminations
Cons-
olidated

ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:                  
Cash and cash equivalents $ 264.0  $ 38.8  $   -  $ 302.8  $ 35.1  $ 29.2  $   -  $ 64.3 
Accounts receivable 205.3  131.7  337.0  194.6  163.2  357.8 
Inventories 358.5  165.7  (0.3) 523.9  359.9  171.8  (0.9) 530.8 
Assets held for sale 620.8  620.8 
Prepaid and refundable income taxes 1.4  5.2  24.0  30.6  0.5  6.7  6.9  14.1 
Deferred taxes 13.6  19.4  0.9  33.9  28.4  25.5  (0.2) 53.7 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 39.7  26.2  65.9  39.9  27.6  67.5 








   TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 882.5  387.0  24.6  1,294.1  658.4  1,044.8  5.8  1,709.0 
  
Property, plant and equipment - net 161.2  150.9  312.1  157.7  121.8  279.5 
Due from affiliates 971.7  (971.7) 51.8  755.6  (807.4)
Goodwill 972.8  67.6  (66.5) 973.9  1,479.1  172.3  (599.5) 1,051.9 
Other intangibles - net 0.3  617.7  618.0  0.3  708.0  708.3 
Deferred taxes 20.4  (19.1) 1.3  13.7  (13.7)
Investments in subsidiaries 1,746.8  (1,746.8) 2,091.4  (2,091.4)
Other assets 26.2  11.0  37.2  32.9  21.5  (2.0) 52.4 








$ 3,810.2  $ 2,205.9  $ (2,779.5) $ 3,236.6  $ 4,485.3  $ 2,824.0  $ (3,508.2) $ 3,801.1 








LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:                  
Short-term borrowings $   -   $   -  $   -  $   -  $ 100.0  $   -  $   -  $ 100.0 
Current portion of capital lease obligations 0.6  4.2  4.8  1.5  2.6  4.1 
Accounts payable 175.0  48.6  223.6  189.0  88.9  277.9 
Liabilities related to assets held for sale 180.7  180.7 
Income taxes payable 19.7  1.0  (0.3) 20.4  18.4  23.4  (16.4) 25.4 
Deferred taxes 0.2  (0.2)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 96.6  50.2  146.8  101.2  35.5  136.7 








   TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 291.9  104.0  (0.3) 395.6  410.1  331.3  (16.6) 724.8 








NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:                  
Long-term debt 749.4  749.4  749.3  749.3 
Obligations under capital leases 4.3  24.0  28.3  11.1  24.7  35.8 
Deferred taxes 5.8  (5.8) 10.0  (2.2) 7.8 
Due to affiliates 971.7  (971.7) 755.6  51.8  (807.4)
Other 50.8  15.7  66.5  52.6  19.2  71.8 








   TOTAL NONCURRENT LIABILITIES 1,776.2  45.5  (977.5) 844.2  1,568.6  105.7  (809.6) 864.7 








   TOTAL LIABILITIES 2,068.1  149.5  (977.8) 1,239.8  1,978.7  437.0  (826.2) 1,589.5 








STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock and additional paid-in capital 1,341.2  1,707.8  (1,707.8) 1,341.2  1,321.5  1,979.9  (1,979.9) 1,321.5 
Retained earnings 2,226.1  339.7  (85.0) 2,480.8  2,521.4  404.3  (699.3) 2,226.4 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 2.1  8.9  (8.9) 2.1  (5.9) 2.8  (2.8) (5.9)
Treasury stock (1,827.3) (1,827.3) (1,330.4) (1,330.4)








   TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 1,742.1  2,056.4  (1,801.7) 1,996.8  2,506.6  2,387.0 (2,682.0) 2,211.6 








$ 3,810.2  $ 2,205.9  $ (2,779.5) $ 3,236.6  $ 4,485.3  $ 2,824.0  $ (3,508.2) $ 3,801.1 








- 83 -


Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
(In millions)

Year Ended December 31, 2007
Issuers 
Others 
Elim- 
inations 

Cons- 
olidated 

Net sales $ 2,642.9  $ 1,167.7  $ (17.3) $ 3,793.3 
Licensing income 0.1  51.9  52.0 
Service and other revenue 1.0  2.2  3.2 




Total revenues 2,644.0  1,221.8  (17.3) 3,848.5 
Cost of goods sold 1,723.5  893.9  (8.3) 2,609.1 




Gross profit 920.5  327.9  (9.0) 1,239.4 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 981.6  131.6  (12.8) 1,100.4 
Trademark impairments 88.0  88.0 
Goodwill impairment 394.7  78.0  (394.7) 78.0 




Operating (loss) income (455.8) 30.3  398.5  (27.0)
Net interest expense (income) and financing costs 66.6  (18.8) 47.8 
Gain on sale of interest in Australian joint venture 8.2  8.2 
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates 0.5  5.6  2.0  8.1 




(Loss) income from continuing operations before benefit for income taxes (521.9) 62.9  400.5  (58.5)
(Benefit) provision for income taxes (147.4) 43.1  (0.1) (104.4)




(Loss) income from continuing operations (374.5) 19.8  400.6  45.9 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax 291.8  (26.6) 265.2 
Equity in loss of subsidiaries (155.8) 155.8 




Net (loss) income $ (238.5) $ (6.8) $ 556.4  $ 311.1 




 

Year Ended December 31, 2006
Issuers 
Others 
Elim- 
inations 

Cons- 
olidated 

Net sales $ 2,699.3  $ 1,332.3  $ (16.8) $ 4,014.8 
Licensing income 0.1  51.0  51.1 
Service and other revenue 2.8  18.3  21.1 




Total revenues 2,702.2  1,401.6  (16.8) 4,087.0 
Cost of goods sold 1,675.0  1,000.3  (1.1) 2,674.2 




Gross profit 1,027.2  401.3  (15.7) 1,412.8 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 987.7  121.7  (13.1) 1,096.3 
Loss on sale of Polo Jeans Company business 22.8  22.3  45.1 
Trademark impairments 50.2  50.2 
Goodwill impairment 441.2  441.2 




Operating income (loss) 16.7  (234.1) (2.6) (220.0)
Net interest expense (income) and financing costs 64.9  (17.9) 47.0 
Gain on sale of stock in Rubicon Retail Limited 17.4  17.4 
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates 0.5  4.5  (0.5) 4.5 




Loss from continuing operations before benefit for income taxes (30.3) (211.7) (3.1) (245.1)
Benefit for income taxes (61.0) (9.1) (70.1)




Loss from continuing operations (30.3) (150.7) 6.0  (175.0)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 29.0  29.0 
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries 103.6  (103.6)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting for share-based payments, net of tax 1.9  1.9 




Net income (loss) $ 75.2  $ (121.7) $ (97.6) $ (144.1)




 

Year Ended December 31, 2005
Issuers 
Others 
Eliminations 
Consolidated 
Net sales $ 2,739.3  $ 1,753.3  $ (19.3) $ 4,473.3 
Licensing income 0.1  58.8  58.9 




Total revenues 2,739.4  1,812.1  (19.3) 4,532.2 
Cost of goods sold 1,710.3  1,245.8  (5.7) 2,950.4 




Gross profit 1,029.1  566.3  (13.6) 1,581.8 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 929.4  214.7  (15.8) 1,128.3 




Operating income 99.7  351.6  2.2  453.5 
Net interest expense (income) and financing costs 80.5  (10.6) 69.9 
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates 0.5  1.8  0.9  3.2 




Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes 19.7  364.0  3.1  386.8 
Provision for income taxes 12.8  123.0  (1.8) 134.0 




Income from continuing operations 6.9  241.0  4.9  252.8 
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 21.5  21.5 
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries 265.0  (265.0)




Net income $ 271.9  $ 262.5  $ (260.1) $ 274.3 




- - 84 -


Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
(In millions)

Year Ended December 31, 2007
Issuers 
Others 
Eliminations 
Consolidated 
Cash flows from operating activities:      
  Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations $ 106.9  $ 37.3  $ (23.7) $ 120.5 
  Net cash provided by operating activities of discontinued operations 39.0  39.0 
   



  Net cash provided by operating activities 106.9  76.3  (23.7) 159.5 
   



Cash flows from investing activities  
Proceeds from sale of Barneys, net of cash sold and selling costs 845.5  845.5 
Proceeds from sale of interest in Australian joint venture 20.7  20.7 
Capital expenditures (59.5) (51.7) (111.2)
  Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment 0.2  2.8  3.0 
 



Net cash provided by ( used in) investing activities of continuing operations 786.2  (28.2) 758.0 
Net cash used in investing activities of discontinued operations (40.5) (40.5)
   



Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 786.2  (68.7) 717.5 
   



Cash flows from financing activities
  Net repayment under credit facilities (100.0) (100.0)
Purchases of treasury stock (496.9) (496.9)
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options 11.1  11.1 
Dividends paid (57.2) (23.7) 23.7  (57.2)
Net cash transferred to discontinued operations (21.7) (21.7)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements 1.4  1.4 
Other items (0.8) (3.3) (4.1)




Net cash used in financing activities of continuing operations (664.1) (27.0) 23.7  (667.4)
Net cash provided by financing activities of discontinued operations 17.9  17.9 
 



Net cash used in financing activities (664.1) (9.1) 23.7  (649.5)
 



Effect of exchange rates on cash 3.8  3.8 




Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 229.0  2.3  231.3 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning, including cash reported under assets held for sale 35.0  36.5  71.5 
 



Cash and cash equivalents, ending $ 264.0  $ 38.8  $  -  $ 302.8 
 



 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2006
Issuers 
Others 
Eliminations 
Consolidated 
Cash flows from operating activities:      
  Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations $ 321.6  $ 65.8  $ (1.0) $ 386.4 
  Net cash provided by operating activities of discontinued operations 37.5  37.5 
   



  Net cash provided by operating activities 321.6  103.3  (1.0) 423.9 
   



Cash flows from investing activities  
Net proceeds from sale of Polo Jeans Company business 344.1  6.5  350.6 
Capital expenditures (62.2) (47.1) (109.3)
Net cash received from sale of stock in Rubicon Retail Limited 17.4  17.4 
  Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment 0.1  0.1 




Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities of continuing operations 299.4  (40.6) 258.8 
Net cash used in investing activities of discontinued operations (61.2) (61.2)
 



Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 299.4  (101.8) 197.6 
 



Cash flows from financing activities        
Repurchase of Senior Notes (225.0) (225.0)
  Net repayment under credit facilities (29.5) (29.5)
Purchases of treasury stock (306.2) (306.2)
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options 32.4  32.4 
Dividends paid (55.7) (1.0) 1.0  (55.7)
Net cash transferred to discontinued operations (24.0) (24.0)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements 3.4  3.4 
Other items (1.7) (2.5) (4.2)




Net cash used in financing activities of continuing operations (606.3) (3.5) 1.0  (608.8)
Net cash provided by financing activities of discontinued operations 24.0  24.0 
 



Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (606.3) 20.5  1.0  (584.8)
 



Effect of exchange rates on cash (0.1) (0.1)




Net increase cash and cash equivalents 14.7  21.9  36.6 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning, including cash reported under assets held for sale 20.3  14.6  34.9 
 



Cash and cash equivalents, ending, including cash reported under assets held for sale $ 35.0  $ 36.5  $  -  $ 71.5 
 



  

Year Ended December 31, 2005
Issuers 
Others 
Eliminations 
Consolidated 
Cash flows from operating activities:      
  Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations $ 362.9  $ 15.5  $ (10.7) $ 367.7 
  Net cash provided by operating activities of discontinued operations 59.7  59.7 
   



  Net cash provided by operating activities 362.9  75.2  (10.7) 427.4 
   



Cash flows from investing activities  
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired (4.1) (4.1)
Capital expenditures (37.2) (29.7) (66.9)
Acquisition of intangibles (0.1) (0.1)
  Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment 0.3  3.3  3.6 
Other (0.5) (0.5)




Net cash used in investing activities of continuing operations (41.0) (27.0) (68.0)
Net cash used in investing activities of discontinued operations (20.6) (20.6)
 



Net cash used in investing activities (41.0) (47.6) (88.6)
 



Cash flows from financing activities        
Repurchase of Senior Notes (129.6) (129.6)
  Net borrowing under credit facilities 60.3  60.3 
Purchases of treasury stock (235.2) (235.2)
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options 13.4  13.4 
Dividends paid (52.3) (10.7) 10.7  (52.3)
Net cash transferred from discontinued operations 32.9  32.9 
Other items (3.4) (1.6) (5.0)




Net cash used in financing activities of continuing operations (313.9) (12.3) 10.7  (315.5)
Net cash used in financing activities of discontinued operations (32.9) (32.9)
 



Net cash used in financing activities (313.9) (45.2) 10.7  (348.4)
 



Effect of exchange rates on cash (0.5) (0.5)




Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 8.0  (18.1) (10.1)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning, including cash reported under assets held for sale 12.3  32.7  45.0 
 



Cash and cash equivalents, ending, including cash reported under assets held for sale $ 20.3  $ 14.6  $  -  $ 34.9 
 



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UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

        Unaudited interim consolidated financial information for the two years ended December 31, 2007 is summarized as follows:

(In millions except per share data)
First
Quarter

Second
Quarter

Third
Quarter

Fourth
Quarter

2007        
Net sales $ 1,064.5  $ 894.5  $ 1,011.8  $ 822.4 
  Total revenues 1,078.5  903.9  1,027.6  838.5 
Gross profit 365.1  290.2  326.5  257.6 
  Operating income (loss) (1) 83.2  (72.3) 59.2  (97.1)
Income (loss) from continuing operations (2) 44.4  (51.1) 138.4  (85.8)
  Income (loss) from discontinued operations (3) 3.4  4.0  261.7  (4.0)
  Net income (loss) 47.8  (47.1) 400.1  (89.8)
           
Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations $ 0.42  $ (0.48) $ 1.39  $ (1.01)
Basic earnings per share from discontinued operations 0.03  0.04  2.62  (0.05)
Basic earnings (loss) per share 0.45  (0.44) 4.01  (1.06)
         
  Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations $ 0.41  $ (0.48) $ 1.37  $ (1.01)
  Diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations 0.03  0.04  2.60  (0.05)
  Diluted earnings (loss) per share 0.44  (0.44) 3.97  (1.06)
           
  Dividends declared per share $ 0.14  $ 0.14  $ 0.14  $0.14 
           
2006        
Net sales $ 1,063.6  $ 909.6  $ 1,058.3  $ 983.2 
  Total revenues 1,078.5  923.9  1,077.5  1,007.1 
Gross profit 387.4  337.2  372.9  315.3 
  Operating income (loss) (4) 78.0  56.7  102.0  (456.8)
Income (loss) from continuing operations 20.6  30.4  58.4  (284.4)
  Income from discontinued operations 3.3  6.2  4.6  14.9 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting for share-based payments 1.9 
  Net income (loss) 25.8  36.6  63.0  (269.5)
           
Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations $ 0.18  $ 0.27  $ 0.53  $ (2.65)
Basic earnings per share from discontinued operations 0.03  0.06  0.04  0.14 
  Basic earnings per share from the cumulative effect of change in accounting for share-based payments 0.02 
Basic earnings (loss) per share 0.23  0.33  0.57  (2.51)
         
  Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations $ 0.18  $ 0.27  $ 0.52  $ (2.65)
  Diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations 0.03  0.05  0.04  0.14 
Diluted earnings per share from the cumulative effect of change in accounting for share-based payments 0.01 
  Diluted earnings (loss) per share 0.22  0.32  0.56  (2.51)
           
  Dividends declared per share $ 0.12  $ 0.12  $ 0.12  $ 0.14 

 Quarterly figures may not add to full year due to rounding.

(1) Includes trademark impairments of $80.5 million and $7.5 million in the third and fourth fiscal quarters of 2007, respectively, and goodwill impairment of $78.0 million in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2007.
 
(2) Includes $107.7 million reversal of a deferred tax valuation allowance in the third fiscal quarter of 2007 previously created from capital loss carryforwards arising from the sale of our Polo Jeans Company business in 2006.
 
(3) Includes $254.2 million from sale of Barneys in the third fiscal quarter of 2007.
 
(4) Includes trademark impairments of $50.2 million and goodwill impairment of $441.2 million in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2006.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

        Not Applicable.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

        As required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b), we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report.

        The purpose of disclosure controls is to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed with or submitted to the SEC under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Disclosure controls are also designed to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The purpose of internal controls is to provide reasonable assurance that our transactions are properly authorized, our assets are safeguarded against unauthorized or improper use and our transactions are properly recorded and reported to permit the preparation of our financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

        Our management does not expect that our disclosure controls or our internal controls will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable rather than absolute assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. The design of a control system must also reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, with the benefits of controls considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud (if any) within the company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that simple errors or mistakes can occur. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

        Our internal controls are evaluated on an ongoing basis by our Internal Audit department, by other personnel in our organization and by our independent auditors in connection with their audit and review activities. The overall goals of these various evaluation activities are to monitor our disclosure and internal controls and to make modifications as necessary, as disclosure and internal controls are intended to be dynamic systems that change (including improvements and corrections) as conditions warrant. Part of this evaluation is to determine whether there were any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in our internal controls, or whether we had identified any acts of fraud involving personnel who have a significant role in the our internal controls. Significant deficiencies are control issues that could have a significant adverse effect on the ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data in the financial statements; material weaknesses are particularly serious conditions where the internal control does not reduce to a relatively low level the risk that misstatements caused by error or fraud may occur in amounts that would be material in relation to the financial statements and not be detected within a timely period by employees in the normal course of performing their assigned functions.

        Based upon this evaluation, our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that both our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information required to be included in our periodic SEC filings and ensuring that information required to be disclosed by us in these periodic filings is recorded, processed, 

- 87 -


summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms and that our internal controls are effective in ensuring that our financial statements are fairly presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

        We have made changes to our internal controls and procedures over financial reporting to address the implementation of SAP, an enterprise resource planning ("ERP") system, that occurred during the fourth quarter of 2006. We began the process of implementing SAP throughout Jones Apparel Group, Inc. and our consolidated subsidiaries. SAP will integrate our operational and financial systems and expand the functionality of our financial reporting processes. During the fourth fiscal quarter of 2007, our wholesale better apparel businesses were converted to this system. We have adequately controlled the transition to the new processes and controls, with no negative impact to our internal control environment. We expect to roll out the implementation of this system to all locations over a multi-year period. As the phased roll out occurs, we will experience changes in internal control over financial reporting each quarter. We expect this ERP system to further advance our control environment by automating manual processes, improving management visibility and standardizing processes as its full capabilities are utilized.

Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

        Management's report on Internal Control Over Financial reporting appears on page 46. Our independent registered public accounting firm, BDO Seidman, LLP, has issued an audit report on our internal control over financial reporting, which appears on page 47.

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

        The information about our directors appearing in the Proxy Statement under the caption "Election of Directors" is incorporated herein by reference.

        We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and a Code of Ethics for Senior Executive and Financial Officers, which applies to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Controller and other personnel performing similar functions. Both codes are posted on our website, www.jny.com under the "Our Company - Corporate Governance" caption. We intend to make all required disclosures regarding any amendment to, or a waiver of, a provision of the Code of Ethics for Senior Executive and Financial Officers by posting such information on our website.

        The information appearing in the Proxy Statement relating to the members of the Audit Committee and the Audit Committee financial expert under the captions "Corporate Governance - Board Structure and Committee Composition" and "Corporate Governance - Board Structure and Committee Composition - Audit Committee" and the information appearing in the Proxy Statement under the caption "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" is incorporated herein by this reference.

        The balance of the information required by this item is contained in the discussion entitled "Executive Officers of the Registrant" in Part I of this Form 10-K.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

        The information appearing in the Proxy Statement under the captions "Executive Compensation," "Corporate Governance - Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" and the information appearing in the Proxy Statement relating to the compensation of directors under the caption "Corporate Governance - Director Compensation and Stock Ownership Guidelines" is incorporated herein by this reference.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

        The information appearing in the Proxy Statement under the caption "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners" is incorporated herein by this reference.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

        The following table gives information about our common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options, warrants and rights under all of our existing equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2007. For further information, see "Stock Options and Restricted Stock" in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Plan Category

Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights

Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights

Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

7,601,835 

$32.44 

5,234,898 

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

-- 

-- 

-- 

Total

7,601,835 

$32.44 

5,234,898 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

        The information appearing in the Proxy Statement under the captions "Corporate Governance - Independence of Directors," "Corporate Governance - Board Structure and Committee Composition" and "Corporate Governance - Policy with Respect to Related Person Transactions" is incorporated herein by this reference.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

        Information appearing in the Proxy Statement under the caption "Fees Paid to Independent Registered Public Accountants" is hereby incorporated by reference.

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PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

     (a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:
1.  Financial Statements.
The following financial statements are included in Item 8 of this report:
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 2007 and 2006
Consolidated Statements of Operations - Years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - Years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (includes certain supplemental financial information required by Item 8 of Form 10-K)
2.  The schedule and report of independent registered public accounting firm thereon, listed in the Index to Financial Statement Schedules attached hereto.
3.  The exhibits listed in the Exhibit Index attached hereto.

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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.

February 22, 2008

JONES APPAREL GROUP, INC.
(Registrant)
  

By: 

/s/ Wesley R. Card
Wesley R. Card
President and Chief Executive Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY

        KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears on this page to this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 (the "Form 10-K") constitutes and appoints Wesley R. Card, John T. McClain and Ira M. Dansky, and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to the Form 10-K, and file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and grants unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might and could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

        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 and on the dates indicated.

Signature Title Date
/s/ Wesley R. Card
Wesley R. Card
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
February 22, 2008
/s/ Sidney Kimmel
Sidney Kimmel

Chairman and Director 

February 22, 2008
/s/ John T. McClain
John T. McClain
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
February 22, 2008
/s/ Christopher R. Cade
Christopher R. Cade
Executive Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
February 22, 2008
/s/ Matthew H. Kamens
Matthew H. Kamens
Director February 22, 2008
/s/ J. Robert Kerrey
J. Robert Kerrey
Director February 22, 2008
/s/ Ann N. Reese
Ann N. Reese
Director February 22, 2008
/s/ Gerald C. Crotty
Gerald C. Crotty
Director February 22, 2008
/s/ Lowell W. Robinson
Lowell W. Robinson
Director February 22, 2008
/s/ Frits D. van Paasschen
Frits D. van Paasschen
Director February 22, 2008
/s/ Donna F. Zarcone
Donna F. Zarcone
Director February 22, 2008

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INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Schedule II.

Schedule II.         Valuation and qualifying accounts

Schedules other than those listed above have been omitted since the information is not applicable, not required or is included in the respective financial statements or notes thereto.

  

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.
  

Description of Exhibit1
  
2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger dated September 10, 1998, among Jones Apparel Group, Inc., SAI Acquisition Corp., Sun Apparel, Inc. and the selling shareholders (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 24, 1998).
2.2 Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of March 1, 1999, among Jones Apparel Group, Inc., Jill Acquisition Sub Inc. and Nine West Group Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 2, 1999).
2.3 Securities Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of July 31, 2000, among Jones Apparel Group, Inc., Jones Apparel Group Holdings, Inc., Victoria + Co Ltd. and the Shareholders and Warrantholders of Victoria + Co Ltd (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended April 2, 2000).
2.4 Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of April 13, 2001, among Jones Apparel Group, Inc., MCN Acquisition Corp. and McNaughton Apparel Group Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 13, 2001).
2.5 Purchase Agreement dated as of August 7, 2003 between Kasper A.S.L., Ltd. and Jones Apparel Group, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the nine months ended October 4, 2003).
2.6 Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of June 18, 2004, among Jones Apparel Group, Inc., MSC Acquisition Corp. and Maxwell Shoe Company Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.D.3 of Amendment No. 16 to our Schedule TO dated June 21, 2004).
3.1 Articles of Incorporation, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998).
3.2 Amended and Restated By-Laws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the six months ended July 7, 2007).
4.1 Form of Certificate evidencing shares of common stock of Jones Apparel Group, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of our Shelf Registration Statement on Form S-3, filed on October 28, 1998 (Registration No. 333-66223)).
4.2 Exchange and Note Registration Rights Agreement dated June 15, 1999, among Jones Apparel Group, Inc., Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., Chase Securities Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Salomon Smith Barney Inc., BancBoston Robertson Stephens Inc., Banc of America Securities LLC, ING Baring Furman Selz LLC, Lazard Freres & Co. LLC, Tucker Anthony Cleary Gull, Brean Murray & Co., Inc. and The Buckingham Research Group Incorporated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the six months ended July 4, 1999).
4.3 Indenture dated as of November 22, 2004, among Jones Apparel Group, Inc., Jones Apparel Group Holdings, Inc., Jones Apparel Group USA, Inc., Nine West Footwear Corporation and Jones Retail Corporation, as Issuers and SunTrust Bank, as Trustee, including Form of 4.250% Senior Notes due 2009, Form of 5.125% Senior Notes due 2014 and Form of 6.125% Senior Notes due 2034 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.14 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004).

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Exhibit No.
  

Description of Exhibit
  
4.4 Form of Exchange and Note Registration Rights Agreement dated November 22, 2004 among Jones Apparel Group, Inc., Jones Apparel Group Holdings, Inc., Jones Apparel Group USA, Inc., Nine West Footwear Corporation and Jones Retail Corporation, and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., as Representatives of the Several Initial Purchasers listed in Schedule I thereto, with respect to 4.250% Senior Notes due 2009, 5.125% Senior Notes due 2014 and 6.125% Senior Notes due 2034 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.15 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004).
4.5 First Supplemental Indenture dated as of December 31, 2006, by and among Jones Apparel Group, Inc., Jones Apparel Group Holdings, Inc., Jones Apparel Group USA, Inc., Nine West Footwear Corporation, Jones Retail Corporation, Kasper, Ltd., as Issuers, and U.S. Bank National Association (as successor in interest to SunTrust Bank), as Trustee, relating to the 4.250% Senior Notes Due 2009, 5.125% Senior Notes due 2014 and 6.125% Senior Notes due 2034 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006).
10.1 1991 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of our Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on April 3, 1991 (Registration No. 33-39742)).+
10.2 1996 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996).+
10.3 1999 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005).+
10.4 Form of Agreement Evidencing Stock Option Awards Under the 1999 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004).+
10.5 Form of Agreement Evidencing Restricted Stock Awards Under the 1999 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended April 2, 2005).+
10.6 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated March 11, 2002, between Jones Apparel Group, Inc. and Peter Boneparth (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001).+
10.7 Employment Agreement dated as of July 1, 2000, between Jones Apparel Group, Inc. and Sidney Kimmel (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the nine months ended October 1, 2000).+
10.8 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated March 11, 2002, between Jones Apparel Group, Inc. and Wesley R. Card (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended April 6, 2002).+
10.9 Employment agreement dated as of January 1, 2002 between Lynne F. Cote' and Norton McNaughton of Squire, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 1) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007).+
10.10 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated April 4, 2002, between Jones Apparel Group, Inc. and Ira M. Dansky (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended April 6, 2002).+
10.11 Buying Agency Agreement dated August 31, 2001, between Nine West Group Inc. and Bentley HSTE Far East Services Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the nine months ended October 6, 2001).
10.12 Buying Agency Agreement dated November 30, 2001, between Nine West Group Inc. and Bentley HSTE Far East Services, Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001).
10.13 Amendment dated February 28, 2003 to the Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Jones Apparel Group, Inc. and Wesley R. Card (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).+

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Exhibit No.
  

Description of Exhibit
  
10.14 Amendment dated February 28, 2003 to the Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Jones Apparel Group, Inc. and Peter Boneparth (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).+
10.15 Amendment dated February 28, 2003 to the Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Jones Apparel Group, Inc. and Ira M. Dansky (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).+
10.16 Assignment of and Amendment No. 1 dated as of November 30, 2005 to Employment Agreement between Lynne F. Cote' and McNaughton Apparel Group Inc. (formerly known as Norton McNaughton of Squire, Inc.)(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 1) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007).+
10.17 Amendment No. 2 dated March 8, 2006 to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Jones Apparel Group, Inc. and Wesley R. Card (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 8, 2006).+
10.18 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated as of June 5, 2006 between Jones Apparel Group, Inc. and Efthimios P. Sotos (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of our Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 31, 2006).+
10.19 Form of Deferred Compensation Plan for Outside Directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).+
10.20 Form of Agreement Evidencing Restricted Stock Awards for Outside Directors Under the 1999 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended April 2, 2005).+
10.21 Amended and Restated Five-Year Credit Agreement dated as of June 15, 2004, by and among Jones Apparel Group USA, Inc., the Additional Obligors referred to therein, the Lenders referred to therein, Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners, Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, Citibank, N.A. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Syndication Agents, and Bank of America, N.A., Barclays Bank PLC and Suntrust Bank as Documentation Agents (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the six months ended July 3, 2004).
10.22 Amendment to the Amended and Restated Five-Year Credit Agreement dated as of November 17, 2004 among Jones Apparel Group USA, Inc., the Additional Obligors referred to therein, the Lenders referred to therein and Wachovia Bank, National Association as agent for the Lenders (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004).
10.23 Amended and Restated Five-Year Credit Agreement dated as of May 16, 2005, by and among Jones Apparel Group USA, Inc., the Additional Obligors referred to therein, the Lenders referred to therein, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Citigroup Global Markets Inc., as Co-Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners, Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank and Citibank, N.A., as Syndication Agents, and Bank of America, N.A., Barclays Bank PLC and Suntrust Bank as Documentation Agents (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005).
10.24 Jones Apparel Group, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004).+
10.25 Amendment No. 3 dated April 17, 2007 to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Jones Apparel Group, Inc. and Wesley R. Card (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 17, 2007).+
10.26 Summary Sheet of Compensation of Non-Management Directors of Jones Apparel Group, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006)+
10.27* Jones Apparel Group, Inc. Severance Plan, as amended, and Summary Plan Description.+

- 94 -


Exhibit No.
  

Description of Exhibit
  
10.28 Jones Apparel Group, Inc. 2007 Executive Annual Cash Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Annex C of our Proxy Statement for our 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders).+
10.29 Stock Purchase Agreement dated June 22, 2007 among Jones Apparel Group, Inc., Jones Apparel Group Holdings, Inc., Barneys New York, Inc., Istithmar Bentley Holding Co. and Istithmar Bentley Acquisition Co. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 22, 2007).
10.30 Amendment No. 4 dated July 12, 2007 to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Jones Apparel Group, Inc. and Wesley R. Card (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 11, 2007).+
10.31 Employment Agreement dated as of July 11, 2007 between Jones Apparel Group, Inc. and John T. McClain (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of our Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 11, 2007).+
10.32 Separation Agreement dated as of July 11, 2007, between Jones Apparel Group, Inc. and Peter Boneparth (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of our Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 11, 2007).+
10.33 Letter Amendment and Waiver dated July 27, 2007, by and among Jones Apparel Group USA, Inc., the Additional Obligors referred to therein, the Lenders referred to therein, and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 27, 2007).
10.34 Letter Amendment and Waiver dated July 27, 2007, by and among Jones Apparel Group USA, Inc., the Additional Obligors referred to therein, the Lenders referred to therein, and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of our Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 27, 2007).
10.35 Amended and Restated Stock Purchase Agreement dated August 8, 2007 among Jones Apparel Group, Inc., Jones Apparel Group Holdings, Inc., Barneys New York, Inc., Istithmar Bentley Holding Co. and Istithmar Bentley Acquisition Co. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 8, 2007).
10.36 Master Confirmation dated September 6, 2007 between Jones Apparel Group, Inc. and Goldman, Sachs & Co. relating to accelerated stock repurchase agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 6, 2007).
10.37 Supplemental Confirmation dated September 6, 2007 between Jones Apparel Group, Inc. and Goldman, Sachs & Co. relating to accelerated stock repurchase agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of our Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 6, 2007).#
10.38* Letter agreement dated as of November 7, 2007 between Lynne F. Cote' and Jones Apparel Group USA ,Inc.+
10.39* Amendment No. 2 dated December 10, 2007 to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Jones Apparel Group, Inc. and Ira M. Dansky.+
10.40* Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated February 20, 2008 between Nine West Footwear Corporation and Andrew Cohen.+
12* Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
21* List of Subsidiaries.
23* Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP.
31* Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32o Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

- 95 - 


Exhibit No.
  

Description of Exhibit
  
99.1 Decision and Order of the Federal Trade Commission In the Matter of Nine West Group Inc., Docket No. C-3937, dated April 11, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended April 2, 2000).

____________________

1 Exhibits filed with Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K or Schedule 14A of Jones Apparel Group, Inc. were filed under SEC File No. 001-10746.
* Filed herewith.
o Furnished herewith.
# Portions deleted pursuant to application for confidential treatment under Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
+ Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

- 96 -


BDO Seidman, LLP
Accountants and Consultants
330 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10017
Telephone: (212) 885-8000
Fax: (212) 697-1299

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Stockholders
Jones Apparel Group, Inc.
New York, New York

The audits referred to in our report dated February 19, 2008 relating to the consolidated financial statements of Jones Apparel Group, which is contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K also included the audit of the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index. This financial statement schedule is the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this financial statement schedule based on our audits.

In our opinion such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

New York, New York
February 19, 2008

- 97 -


SCHEDULE II

JONES APPAREL GROUP, INC.
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2006 AND 2007
(In Millions)

Column A
Column B
Column C
Column D
Column E
Additions
Balance at beginning of period
Charged against revenues or to costs and expenses
Charged to other accounts
Deductions
Balance at end of period
Accounts receivable allowances
  Allowance for doubtful accounts              
    For the year ended December 31:              
      2005
2006
2007
$  8.0 
5.1 
2.5 
$  (0.3)
(0.8)
0.2 
$  - 


  $  2.6 
1.8 
0.7 
(1)
(1)
(1)
$  5.1 
2.5 
2.0 
  Allowance for sales returns              
    For the year ended December 31:              
      2005
2006
2007
5.8 
6.4 
6.8 
28.4 
28.9 
27.4 
0.2 
(0.5)
0.3 
(3)
(3)
(3)
28.0 
28.0 
26.7 
(2)
(2)
(2)
6.4 
6.8 
7.8 
Allowance for sales discounts
For the year ended December 31:
2005
2006
2007
16.1 
14.6 
11.3 
114.4 
107.6 
90.0 



115.9 
110.9 
92.0 
(2)
(2)
(2)
14.6 
11.3 
9.3 
Allowance for co-op advertising
For the year ended December 31:
2005
2006
2007
12.2 
10.8 
10.0 
34.8 
23.2 
25.7 

(0.2)
0.1 
 
(3)
(3)
36.2 
23.8 
26.4 
(2)
(2)
(2)
10.8 
10.0 
9.4 
Deferred tax valuation allowance              
    For the year ended December 31:              
      2005
2006
2007
8.5 
9.2 
112.4 
0.7 
112.4 
1.2 
-
-
-
 
9.2 
108.4 
 
(4)
(4)
9.2 
112.4 
5.2 
_________________________
(1) Doubtful accounts written off against accounts receivable.
(2)

Deductions taken by customers written off against accounts receivable.

(3) Represents effects of foreign currency translation.
(4) Deferred tax asset written off against the deferred tax valuation allowance.

- 98 -

EX-10 2 exhibit10_27.htm EXHIBIT 10.27 EXHIBIT 10

EXHIBIT 10.27

 

JONES APPAREL GROUP, INC.
SEVERANCE PLAN
AND
SUMMARY PLAN DESCRIPTION

Effective May 31, 2006

PURPOSE OF THE PLAN

The purpose of the Jones Apparel Group, Inc. Severance Plan ("Plan") is to provide severance benefits to eligible employees whose employment with Jones Apparel Group, Inc. (the "Company") and all U.S. domestic Subsidiaries and Affiliates of the Company is terminated involuntarily under the conditions described below.

Except as otherwise provided herein or by the Company in writing after the effective date hereof, this Plan (i) is the sole arrangement of the Company regarding Severance-type benefits to eligible employees and (ii) replaces and supersedes all prior plans, programs, understandings and arrangements providing Severance-type benefits to eligible employees.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan, if an employee is eligible for Severance-type benefits under an employment or other written agreement with the Employer providing for Severance-type benefits ("Alternative Benefits"), such employee shall remain and be eligible for those benefits; provided, that if the amount of Severance-type benefits to which an employee may be entitled under such agreement providing for Alternative Benefits would be greater in the aggregate than the benefits which the Employee would otherwise be eligible to receive under this Plan, then the employee shall not receive benefits under this Plan but instead shall be entitled to receive such Alternative Benefits.

This document contains the official text of the Plan.

DEFINITIONS

Affiliate of any person means another person that directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such first person.

Company means Jones Apparel Group, Inc.

Designated Termination Date means the date specified by an Employer as an employee's last day of active work.
Employer means the Company and all U.S. domestic Subsidiaries and Affiliates of the Company.

Person means an individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, trust, unincorporated organization or other entity.

Plan Administrator means the Company or such other person or committee appointed from time to time by the Company to administer the Plan.


Severance-type benefits means post-termination compensation under any employment agreement or other written agreement between the Employer and the employee or other plan or arrangement maintained by the Employer, other than compensation that is paid solely as consideration for a covenant not to compete with the Employer.

Subsidiary of any person means another person, an amount of the voting securities, other voting rights or voting partnership interests of which is sufficient to elect at least a majority of its board of directors or other governing body or, if there are no such voting interests, more than 50% of the equity interest of which is owned directly or indirectly by such first person.

ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES

The benefits under this Plan are limited to corporate employees, as well as retail employees employed by Jones Retail Corporation at the level of District Sales Manager or above, in all instances who are classified by an Employer as regular full-time employees and whose regular place of employment is within the United States. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, union employees are not eligible under this Plan.

INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

Involuntary Termination

An employee will be eligible for severance benefits under this Plan only if the Plan Administrator, in its sole discretion, determines that the employee's employment has been terminated involuntarily for any of the following reasons:

  • Reduction in staff or layoff.
  • Position elimination.
  • Closure of a business unit.
  • Organization restructuring.
  • Such other circumstances as the Plan Administrator deems appropriate for the payment of severance benefits.

An employee who terminates employment for any reason prior to his or her Designated Termination Date will not be considered to have terminated employment involuntarily unless his or her Employer provides otherwise in writing.

Termination of Employment Not Eligible for Severance Benefits

Unless the Company provides otherwise in writing, an employee will not be eligible for severance benefits if the Plan Administrator, in its sole discretion, determines that the employee's employment is terminated for any of the following reasons:

  • Resignation or other voluntary termination of employment.
  • Failure to return to work upon the expiration of an authorized leave of absence.
  • Death or disability.
  • Termination for cause or for behavior prejudicial to the Employer, as determined by the Plan Administrator in its sole discretion.
  • Termination for gross misconduct or violation of company policy.
  • Termination for poor performance.

2


An employee who terminates employment for any reason prior to his or her Designated Termination Date will be considered to have terminated employment voluntarily unless his or her Employer provides otherwise in writing.

Other Employment Offer

Unless the Company provides otherwise in writing, an employee will not be eligible to receive benefits under this Plan if the Plan Administrator, in its sole discretion, determines that any of the following events has occurred prior to the employee's Designated Termination Date:

  • The employee has been offered, but has refused to accept, a suitable position with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates; OR
  • The employee's employment has been terminated in connection with a sale or transfer, merger, establishment of a joint venture, or other corporate transaction, and the employee has been offered a suitable position by the successor employer; OR
  • The employee's employment is terminated in connection with the "outsourcing" of operational functions and he or she has been offered a suitable position by the outsourcing vendor.
CONDITIONS FOR PAYMENT OF SEVERANCE BENEFITS

An employee who is involuntarily terminated will not receive severance benefits under this Plan unless the Plan Administrator, in its sole discretion, determines that the employee has satisfied all of the following conditions:

  • Work Until Last Day Designated

The employee must continue to be actively at work through his or her Designated Termination Date or such earlier date as may be specified by his or her Employer in writing, unless the employee is absent due to vacation, temporary layoff, or an approved absence from work (including leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act).

  • Execution of Release and Other Separation Documents

The employee must execute and deliver to the Company, within the period of time specified by the Company, an agreement in a form satisfactory to the Company containing a general release of claims in favor of the Company and such other terms and provisions as may be determined by the Company in its sole discretion.

  • Return of Company Property and Settlement of Expenses

The employee must return all company property and satisfactorily settle all expenses owed to the Company and any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates.

SEVERANCE BENEFITS

The severance benefits to be provided to an eligible employee will be determined in accordance with the Severance Benefit Guidelines attached to this Plan subject to the reductions set forth below; provided, that the Company has the right, in its sole discretion, and on a case-by case basis, to determine the amount of severance benefits to be provided to an eligible employee.

3


  • Reduction for Other Severance Benefits

In the event that an employee

  • is entitled to receive Severance-type benefits under another plan or arrangement maintained by the Employer, or

  • is covered by an employment agreement or other written agreement with the Employer providing for Severance-type benefits,

then the severance benefits payable to the employee under this Plan will be reduced by the amount of Severance-type benefits payable to the employee under such other plan, arrangement or agreement, unless the Company provides otherwise in writing. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Severance-type benefits payable under such other plan, arrangement or agreement are greater in the aggregate than the severance benefits payable to the employee under this Plan, then the employee shall not receive benefits under this Plan, and shall instead receive the Severance-type benefits under such other plan, arrangement or agreement.

REEMPLOYMENT

The following rules apply if an employee is reemployed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, Affiliates or successors.

  • Right to Terminate Benefits

Notwithstanding anything in this Plan to the contrary, in the event that an employee is reemployed before the completion of the scheduled payment of severance benefits, then an Employer shall have the right to terminate the benefits payable under this Plan at any time.

  • Repayment of Severance Pay

In the event that an employee is offered reemployment within thirty (30) days after payment of his or her severance pay has commenced and subsequently accepts reemployment, then the employee shall repay to the Company the full amount of severance pay that he or she has received under this Plan.

RIGHT TO TERMINATE BENEFITS

Notwithstanding anything in this Plan to the contrary, in the event that the Plan Administrator determines that an employee has breached any of the terms and conditions set forth in any agreement executed by the employee as a condition to receiving benefits under this Plan, including, but not limited to, the general release of claims, then the Company shall have the right to terminate the benefits payable under this Plan at any time.

GENERAL RULES
  • Right to Withhold Taxes

The Company shall withhold such amounts from payments under this Plan as it determines necessary to fulfill any federal, state, or local wage or compensation withholding requirements.

4


  • No Right to Continued Employment

Neither the Plan nor any action taken with respect to it shall confer upon any person the right to continue in the employ of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates.

  • Benefits Non-Assignable

Benefits under the Plan may not be anticipated, assigned or alienated.

  • Unfunded Plan

The Company will make all payments under the Plan, and pay all expenses of the Plan, from its general assets. Nothing contained in this Plan shall give any eligible employee any right, title or interest in any property of the Company or any of its Affiliates nor shall it create any trust relationship.

  • Governing Laws and Time Limit for Beginning Legal Actions

The provisions of the Plan shall be construed, administered and enforced according to applicable federal law and, where appropriate, the laws of the State of New York without reference to its conflict of laws rules and without regard to any rule of any jurisdiction that would result in the application of the law of another jurisdiction.

No action relating to this Plan or any release or other agreement entered into with respect to this Plan may be brought later than the earlier of second anniversary of the termination of employment or other event giving rise to the claim.

  • Severability

The provisions of the Plan are severable. If any provision of the Plan is deemed legally or factually invalid or unenforceable to any extent or in any application, then the remainder of the provisions of the Plan, except to such extent or in such application, shall not be affected, and each and every provision of the Plan shall be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent and in the broadest application permitted by law.

  • Section Headings

Section headings are used herein for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the meaning of any provision of this Plan.

ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN

The Plan Administrator shall have sole authority and discretion to administer and construe the terms of this Plan, subject to applicable requirements of law. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Plan Administrator shall have complete discretionary authority to carry out the following powers and duties:

  • To make and enforce such rules and regulations as it deems necessary or proper for the efficient administration of the Plan;
     
  • To interpret the Plan, its interpretation thereof to be final and conclusive on all persons claiming benefits under the Plan;

5


  • To decide all questions, including without limitation, issues of fact, concerning the Plan, including the eligibility of any person to participate in, and receive benefits under, the Plan; and
     
  • To appoint such agents, counsel, accountants, consultants and other persons as may be required to assist in administering the Plan.
CLAIMS PROCEDURE

The Plan Administrator reviews and authorizes payment of severance benefits for those employees who qualify under the provisions of the Plan. No claim forms need be submitted. Questions regarding payment of the severance benefits should be directed to Vice President, Benefits or the Plan Administrator.

If an employee feels he or she is not receiving severance benefits which are due, the employee should file a written claim for the benefits with a Vice President in the Human Resources Department. A decision on whether to grant or deny the claim will be made within 90 days following receipt of the claim. If more than 90 days is required to render a decision, the employee will be notified in writing of the reasons for delay. In any event, however, a decision to grant or deny a claim will be made by not later than 180 days following the initial receipt of the claim.

If the claim is denied in whole or in part, the employee will receive a written explanation of the specific reasons for the denial, including a reference to the Plan provisions on which the denial is based.

If the employee wishes to appeal this denial, the employee may write within 60 days after receipt of the notification of denial. The claim will then be reviewed by the Plan Administrator and the employee will receive written notice of the final decision within 60 days after the request for review. If more than 60 days is required to render a decision, the employee will be notified in writing of the reasons for delay before the end of the initial 60 day period. In any event, however, the employee will receive a written notice of the final decision within 120 days after the request for review.

AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

The Company may amend, modify or terminate this Plan with respect to any employee or group of employees at any time pursuant to a writing executed by any duly authorized officer of the Company. Such amendment, modification or termination will be effective with respect to employees who have not received notice of a Designated Termination Date on the date such amendment is executed.

STATEMENT OF ERISA RIGHTS

As a participant in this Plan you are entitled to certain rights and protections under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). ERISA provides that all plan participants shall be entitled to:

  • Receive Information About Your Plan and Benefits

Examine, without charge, at the plan administrator's office and at other specified locations all documents governing the plan and a copy of the latest annual report (Form 5500 Series) required to

6


be filed by the plan with the U.S. Department of Labor and available at the Public Disclosure Room of the Employee Benefits Security Administration.

Obtain, upon written request to the plan administrator, copies of documents governing the operation of the plan and copies of the latest annual report (Form 5500 Series), if any required, and updated summary plan description. The administrator may make a reasonable charge for the copies.

Receive a summary of the plan's annual financial report. The plan administrator is required by law to furnish each participant with a copy of this summary annual report.

  • Prudent Actions by Plan Fiduciaries

In addition to creating rights for plan participants ERISA imposes duties upon the people who are responsible for the operation of the employee benefit plan. The people who operate your plan, called "fiduciaries" of the plan, have a duty to do so prudently and in the interest of you and other plan participants and beneficiaries. No one, including your employer, or any other person, may fire you or otherwise discriminate against you in any way to prevent you from obtaining a welfare benefit or exercising your rights under ERISA.

  • Enforce Your Rights

If your claim for a severance benefit is denied or ignored, in whole or in part, you have a right to know why this was done, to obtain copies of documents relating to the decision without charge, and to appeal any denial, all within certain time schedules.
Under ERISA, there are steps you can take to enforce the above rights. For instance, if you request a copy of plan documents or the latest annual report from the plan and do not receive them within thirty (30) days, you may file suit in a Federal court. In such a case, the court may require the plan administrator to provide the materials and pay you up to $110 a day until you receive the materials, unless the materials were not sent because of reasons beyond the control of the administrator. If you have a claim for benefits which is denied or ignored, in whole or in part, you may file suit in a state or Federal court. If it should happen that plan fiduciaries misuse the plan's money, or if you are discriminated against for asserting your rights, you may seek assistance from the U.S. Department of Labor, or you may file suit in a Federal court. The court will decide who should pay court costs and legal fees. If you are successful the court may order the person you have sued to pay these costs and fees. If you lose, the court may order you to pay these costs and fees, for example, if it finds your claim is frivolous.

  • Assistance with Your Questions

If you have any questions about your plan, you should contact the plan administrator. If you have any questions about this statement or about your rights under ERISA, or if you need assistance in obtaining documents from the plan administrator, you should contact the nearest office of the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, listed in your telephone directory or the Division of Technical Assistance and Inquiries, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210. You may also obtain certain publications about your rights and responsibilities under ERISA by calling the publications hotline of the Employee Benefits Security Administration.

7


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

Plan Sponsor: Jones Apparel Group, Inc.
180 Rittenhouse Circle
Keystone Park
Bristol, Pennsylvania 19007
(215) 785-4000
 
Employer Identification Number (EIN): 06-0935166
 
Plan Name: Jones Apparel Group, Inc. Severance Plan
 
Type of Plan: Welfare benefit plan - severance pay
 
Plan Year: Calendar year
 
Plan Number: 550
 
Plan Administrator: Executive Vice President of Human Resources
Jones Apparel Group, Inc.
180 Rittenhouse Circle
Keystone Park
Bristol, Pennsylvania 19007
 
Agent for Service of Legal Process: Plan Administrator

8


JONES APPAREL GROUP, INC. SEVERANCE PLAN
SEVERANCE BENEFIT GUIDELINES
EFFECTIVE AS OF MAY 31, 2006

EMPLOYEES BELOW VICE PRESIDENT

An employee may elect to receive either the severance benefits described in OPTION ONE or OPTION TWO below. The election must be made within the time period, and in accordance with the procedures, specified by the Plan Administrator.

  • OPTION ONE - Severance Pay and Payment of Cost for COBRA Coverage
  • Severance Pay

2 weeks of Base Pay for each Year of Service

  • Minimum of 2 weeks of Base Pay
  • Maximum of 26 weeks of Base Pay

The Company shall pay the severance pay in a single lump sum as soon as practicable after the later of the employee's last day of employment or the date on which the employee's separation agreement and general release becomes effective, provided that if the employee satisfies all of the conditions for payment, then in no event will payment be made later than the March 15th of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the employee's last day of employment occurred.

  • Continued Group Health Benefit Coverage - Payment of Cost for COBRA Coverage

If the employee elects to continue coverage under the Company's group health benefits plan in accordance with the COBRA continuation coverage requirements, the employee will be required to pay only a portion of the full cost for COBRA coverage during the period equal to the number of weeks used in calculating the amount of the employee's severance pay under this Plan.

  • The COBRA coverage cost to be paid by the employee during this severance period will be the same as the amount paid by active employees for the same group health benefits coverage.

After the end of the severance period, the employee, if eligible, will be required to pay the full cost of COBRA coverage in order to continue COBRA coverage for the remainder of the COBRA coverage period.

  • OPTION TWO - Severance Pay ONLY

2 weeks of Base Pay for each Year of Service

  • Minimum of 2 weeks of Base Pay
  • NO maximum

The Company shall pay the severance pay in a single lump sum as soon as practicable after the later of the employee's last day of employment or the date on which the employee's separation agreement and general release becomes effective, provided that if the employee satisfies all of the conditions for payment, then in no event will payment be made later than the March 15th of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the employee's last day of employment occurred.

1


JONES APPAREL GROUP, INC. SEVERANCE PLAN
SEVERANCE BENEFIT GUIDELINES
EFFECTIVE AS OF MAY 31, 2006

EMPLOYEES BELOW VICE PRESIDENT

  • Definitions

For purposes of determining the amount of severance pay -

  • Base Pay means the employee's regular rate of salary (determined on a weekly basis) payable immediately preceding his or her date of termination. Base Pay does not include discretionary bonuses, other variable compensation, or extra pay.
     
  • Years of Service means an employee's full and partial years of employment beginning as of the later of (a) his or her most recent date of hire by an Employer or (b) his or her first day of work following a break in service of thirty (30) days or more, until his or her last day of active employment. A partial year of employment will be rounded up to the next highest year.

2


JONES APPAREL GROUP, INC. SEVERANCE PLAN
SEVERANCE BENEFIT GUIDELINES
EFFECTIVE AS OF MAY 31, 2006

VICE PRESIDENTS AND ABOVE BUT BELOW
THE LEVEL OF EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

  • Severance Pay

  • Amount of Severance Pay

Years of Service Amount of Severance Pay
Less than 5 years 3 months of Base Pay
5 to 9 years 6 months of Base Pay
10 or more years 12 months of Base Pay

 
For purposes of determining the amount of severance pay -

  • Base Pay means the employee's regular rate of salary (determined on a monthly basis) payable immediately preceding his or her date of termination. Base Pay does not include discretionary bonuses, other variable compensation, or extra pay.
     

  • Years of Service means an employee's full and partial years of employment beginning as of the later of (a) his or her most recent date of hire by an Employer or (b) his or her first day of work following a break in service of thirty (30) days or more, until his or her last day of active employment. A partial year of employment will be rounded up to the next highest year.

  • Payment of Severance Pay

The Company shall pay the severance pay in a single lump sum as soon as practicable after the later of the employee's last day of employment or the date on which the employee's separation agreement and general release becomes effective, provided that if the employee satisfies all of the conditions for payment, then in no event will payment be made later than the March 15th of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the employee's last day of employment occurred.

  • Continued Group Health Benefit Coverage - Payment of Cost for COBRA Coverage

If the employee elects to continue coverage under the Company's group health benefits plan in accordance with the COBRA continuation coverage requirements, the employee will be required to pay only a portion of the full cost for COBRA coverage during the period equal to the number of weeks used in calculating the amount of the employee's severance pay under this Plan.

  • The COBRA coverage cost to be paid by the employee during this severance period will be the same as the amount paid by active employees for the same group health benefits coverage.

1


JONES APPAREL GROUP, INC. SEVERANCE PLAN
SEVERANCE BENEFIT GUIDELINES
EFFECTIVE AS OF MAY 31, 2006

VICE PRESIDENTS AND ABOVE BUT BELOW
THE LEVEL OF EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

After the end of the severance period, the employee, if eligible, will be required to pay the full cost of COBRA coverage in order to continue COBRA coverage for the remainder of the COBRA coverage period.

2


JONES APPAREL GROUP, INC. SEVERANCE PLAN
SEVERANCE BENEFIT GUIDELINES
EFFECTIVE AS OF MAY 31, 2006

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENTS AND ABOVE

  • Severance Pay
  • Amount of Severance Pay
Years of Service Amount of Severance Pay
Less than 5 years 3 months of Base Pay
5 to 9 years 6 months of Base Pay
10 to 19 years 6 months of Base Pay
20 or more years 18 months of Base Pay

For purposes of determining the amount of severance pay -

  • Base Pay means the employee's regular rate of salary (determined on a monthly basis) payable immediately preceding his or her date of termination. Base Pay does not include discretionary bonuses, other variable compensation, or extra pay.
  • Years of Service means an employee's full and partial years of employment beginning as of the later of (a) his or her most recent date of hire by an Employer or (b) his or her first day of work following a break in service of thirty (30) days or more, until his or her last day of active employment. A partial year of employment will be rounded up to the next highest year.
  • Payment of Severance Pay

The Company shall pay the severance pay in a single lump sum as soon as practicable after the later of the employee's last day of employment or the date on which the employee's separation agreement and general release becomes effective, provided that if the employee satisfies all of the conditions for payment, then in no event will payment be made later than the March 15th of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the employee's last day of employment occurred.

  • Continued Group Health Benefit Coverage - Payment of Cost for COBRA Coverage

If the employee elects to continue coverage under the Company's group health benefits plan in accordance with the COBRA continuation coverage requirements, the employee will be required to pay only a portion of the full cost for COBRA coverage during the period equal to the number of weeks used in calculating the amount of the employee's severance pay under this Plan, or, if earlier, until the expiration of COBRA coverage.

  • The COBRA coverage cost to be paid by the employee during this severance period will be the same as the amount paid by active employees for the same group health benefits coverage.

1


After the end of the severance period, the employee, if eligible, will be required to pay the full cost of COBRA coverage in order to continue COBRA coverage for the remainder of the COBRA coverage period.

  • Outplacement

As determined by the Company.

2

EX-10 3 exhibit10_38.htm EXHIBIT 10.28 EXHIBIT 10

EXHIBIT 10.38

As of November 7, 2007


Ms. Lynne F. Cote
2 Kincaid Lane
Chatham, NJ 07928

Dear Lynne:

        Reference is made to your Employment Agreement dated as of January 1, 2002 by and between you (formerly known as Lynne F. Fish) and McNaughton Apparel Group Inc. (formerly known as Norton McNaughton of Squire, Inc.), as amended and assigned to Jones Apparel Group USA, Inc. (the "Employment Agreement"). All capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Employment Agreement.

        For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency are hereby acknowledged, you (the "Executive") and Jones Apparel Group USA, Inc. (the "Company") agree as follows:

        1. Amendment. The terms and conditions of the Employment Agreement are hereby amended as follows:

                (a) The first sentence of Section 9(a) of the Employment Agreement is hereby amended to read as follows:

"The Executive shall not, at any time during the Executive's employment by the Company and thereafter until March 31, 2008 (the "Non-Compete Period") (provided that the Company is making the payments to the Executive, if any, which may be required hereby during the Non-Compete Period) and under the following circumstances, engage or become interested (as an owner, stockholder, partner, director, officer, employee, consultant or otherwise) (collectively, "Engages") in any business which then competes, directly or indirectly, with the business then conducted or licensed by the Company or any of its affiliates, including, without limitation, the manufacturing, marketing and sale of products by independent licensees under trademarks owned by the Company or any of its affiliates" (collectively, a "Competitive Business").

                (b) Section 9(b) of the Employment Agreement is hereby amended to read as follows:

"The Executive shall not, at any time during Executive's employment by the Company and thereafter until December 31,


2011 (provided that the Company is making the payments to the Executive, if any, which may be required hereby during the period ending December 31, 2009), recruit, solicit for employment, hire or engage, or assist any person or entity in recruiting, soliciting for employment, hiring or engaging, any employee or consultant of the Company or any of its affiliates, or any person who was such an employee or consultant of the Company or any of its affiliates within one year before the termination of the Executive's employment; or

                (c) A new Section 9(c) is hereby added to the Employment Agreement to read as follows:

"The Executive shall not at anytime during the Executive's employment by the Company and thereafter until December 31, 2009 (provided that the Company is making the payments to the Executive, if any, which may be required hereby during such period), solicit, induce, or attempt to solicit or induce, any person or entity then known by the Executive to be a customer or distributor of the Company to terminate or diminish his, her or its relationship with the Company; provided that in the event that (i) the Executive Engages in a Competitive Business after March 31, 2008, solely that fact and solely the fact that such Competitive Business sources, manufactures, distributes, merchandises, markets, sells or licenses products which compete with any of those sourced, manufactured, distributed, merchandised, marketed, sold or licensed by the Company or any of its distributors or licensees shall not be a breach or violation of this Section 9(c) if such results in such termination or diminution or (ii) the decision by a customer or distributor to terminate or diminish his, her or its relationship with the Company is made by a person with authority which is superior to the Executive's (and such person has not been induced by the Executive to make such decision unless the Executive has a reasonable, good faith commercial reason to engage in such inducement) and such decision is made solely for a reasonable, good faith commercial reason, then such termination or diminution shall not be a breach or violation of this Section 9(c)."

                (d) Sections 14 and 15 of the Employment Agreement are hereby deleted in their entirety, Section 16 of the Employment Agreement is hereby renumbered Section 15, and a new Section 14 is hereby added to the Employment Agreement to read as follows:

"14. Costs. The Company shall reimburse the Executive for all reasonable costs and expenses, including without limitation reasonable attorneys' fees, of the Executive incurred in any dispute or proceeding arising under this Agreement commenced by the Company, so long as the Executive prevails in all material respects


with respect to the Executive's defenses in any such dispute or proceeding."

        2. Payment. No later than fourteen (14) days following the execution hereof by the Executive, the Company shall deliver to the Executive a check, payable to the Executive, in the gross, lump sum amount of $100,000, less deduction for taxes required by law to be withheld or deducted as provided under Section 4(c) of this Agreement.

        3. Mutual Release and Waiver. In consideration of the mutual promises contained in this Agreement, the Company and the Executive agree as set forth below.

                (a) Release by the Company. Subject to the limitation set forth below in Section 3(e), the Company, on behalf of itself and its affiliates, irrevocably releases the Executive, her attorneys, agents, representatives, advisors, executors, administrators and heirs and the successors, predecessors and assigns of each of the foregoing (and those acting on their behalf in any capacity whatsoever) from all claims, counterclaims, actions, complaints, causes of actions, judgments, debts, rights to indemnification, demands or suits, at law or in equity, known or unknown, arising from, relating to or otherwise concerning the Executive's employment with the Company or the termination thereof, which the Company or any of its past and present parents, subsidiaries or affiliates and the successors, predecessors and assigns of each of the foregoing ever had, now have or hereafter can, shall or may have, for, upon or by reason of any matter, cause or thing whatsoever, from the beginning of the world to the date of this Agreement, including any such claims based on theories of contract or tort. The Company covenants on behalf of itself and its affiliates not to sue the Executive or any other person or entity described above, at law or in equity, in any forum, for any claims, counterclaims, actions, complaints or causes of actions as set forth in this provision.

                (b) Release by the Executive. In consideration of the payments and the benefits provided by the Company to the Executive pursuant to this Agreement, and subject to the limitations set forth below in Sections 3(c) and 3(e), the Executive irrevocably releases the Company, its past and present parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, employees, shareholders, attorneys, agents, representatives and advisors and the successors, predecessors and assigns of each of the foregoing (and those acting on their behalf in any capacity whatsoever) (collectively, the "Company Releases Parties") from all claims, counterclaims, actions, complaints, causes of actions, judgments, debts, rights to indemnification, demands or suits, at law or in equity, known or unknown, arising from, relating to or otherwise concerning the Executive's employment with the Company or the termination thereof, which the Executive or any of her executors, administrators or heirs and the successors, predecessors and assigns of each of the foregoing ever had, now have or hereafter can, shall or may have, for, upon or by reason of any matter, cause or thing whatsoever, from the beginning of the world to the date of this Agreement. This includes, but is not limited to, any claims arising out of federal, state or local wage payment, discrimination, sexual harassment, hostile work environment, retaliation, and fair employment practice law, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C Sections 2000e et seq., the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, as amended , 29 U.S.C Sections 621 et seq., the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, 42 U.SC. Sections 12101 et seq., The Family and Medical leave Act of 1993, as amended, 29 U.S.C. Sections 2601 et seq., the Fair Labor Standards Act as 1938, as amended, 29 U.S.C. Sections 201 et seq., the 

3


Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended 29 U.S.C. Sections 1001 et seq., the New York Human Rights Law, as amended, N.Y. Exec. Law Sections 290 et seq., the Administrative Code of the City of New York, Title 8, Civil Rights Sections 8-101 et seq., and any other federal, state or local law or ordinance (whether common law or statutory) dealing with discrimination in employment on the basis of sex, gender, age, race, color, national origin, religion, disability or equal pay requirements, including such claims bases on theories of the Executive's mental and physical condition, sexual harassment, hostile work environment, retaliation, contract or tort. The Executive covenants not to sue the Company or any other person or entity described above, at law or in equity, in any forum, for any claims, counterclaims, actions, complaints or causes of actions as set forth in this provision.

                (c) Representations of the Executive. The Executive hereby represents, warrants and covenants that she was represented by an attorney of her own selection regarding the release and waiver in Section 3(b) (the "Release"). The Executive acknowledges that she enters into the Release voluntarily and with full knowledge and understanding of the provisions set forth in this Section 3 after consulting with her counsel. The Executive further acknowledges that with the advice of counsel she has decided to waive the need for 21 calendar days from the receipt of this Agreement to consider the Release of federal age discrimination claims. The Executive may revoke the Release of federal age discrimination claims during the seven calendar days following execution of the Agreement (the "Revocation Period") by written notice to the General Counsel of the Company. Such a revocation will extend only to the claims contained in the Release of federal age discrimination claims, but does not include any other representation, covenant, agreement, release, or waiver made by the parties hereto. Such revocation is not intended to affect or impair any other rights, responsibilities or obligations arising from or relating to this Agreement, except that, in the event of any such revocation, the Executive shall forfeit and surrender promptly to the Company any amounts payable, or previously paid, under Section 2 of this Agreement. The Executive acknowledges that, at the expiration of the Revocation Period, the Release of federal age discrimination claims shall become effective and shall be final, binding and irrevocable.

                (d) Representations of the Company. The Company hereby represents and warrants that (i) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Company has been fully and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action, (ii) the officer signing this Agreement on behalf of the Company is duly authorized to do so, (iii) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement does not violate any applicable law, regulation, order, judgment or decree or any agreement, plan or corporate governance document to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound and (iv) upon execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Executive and the Company, it shall be a valid and binding obligation of the Company enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally.

                (e) No Impairment. Nothing in this Section 3 is intended to release or otherwise affect or impair (i) any rights, responsibilities or obligations arising from, relating to or otherwise concerning this Agreement, (ii) any rights the Executive may have to benefits or entitlements under the Company's 401(k) plan or the Company's deferred compensation

4


plans or arrangements in which the Executive participates, (iii) the Executive's eligibility for indemnification and advancement of expenses in accordance with the certificate of incorporation and by-laws of the Company or any applicable insurance policy, or (iv) the Executive's and the Company's rights, and obligations under Sections 6 through 15 of the Employment Agreement, as amended hereby.

        4. Miscellaneous.

                (a) Notices. Any notice or communication to the Company or to the Executive under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be considered given on the third business day following mailing by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the Company at 1411 Broadway, New York, New York 10018, Attention: General Counsel, or to the Executive at the Executive's address on file with the Company (or at such other address as either party may specify by written notice to the other party).

                (b) Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Employment Agreement constitute the entire understanding and agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and cannot be amended, unless such amendment is in writing and signed by both parties to this Agreement.

                (c) Tax Withholding. All amounts payable to the Executive hereunder shall be subject to any required deductions or withholdings from, and the Executive shall be responsible for, any applicable federal, state, local or other taxes (including any taxes under Section 409A of the Code).

                (d) Section 409A of the Code. For purposes of Section 409A of the Code and related rules and regulations: (i) the Executive's termination of employment with the Company shall be treated as an "involuntary separation from service" within the meaning of Treas. Reg. Sec. 1.409A-1(n); (ii) the Executive's right to receive payments from the Company pursuant to Section 6(c)(ii) of the Employment Agreement shall be treated as a right to a series of separate payments under Treas. Reg. Sec. 1-409A-2(b)(2)(iii); and (iii) all expenses (if any) to be reimbursed to the Executive pursuant to the Employment Agreement shall be paid promptly and, in any event, no later than December 31 of the calendar year in which they are incurred, and the Executive's right to such reimbursement (if any) shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for any other benefit.

                (e) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York (other than its choice of laws rules). The parties hereto consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of any federal or state court in the State of New York to resolve any dispute arising under this Agreement or otherwise.

5


Very truly yours,

JONES APPAREL GROUP USA, INC.

By: /s/ Ira M. Dansky
Ira M. Dansky
Secretary

Agreed in all respects as of
the date above written.

/s/ Lynne F. Cote
Lynne F. Cote

6

EX-10 4 exhibit10_39.htm EXHIBIT 10.39 EXHIBIT 10

EXHIBIT 10.39

 

December 10, 2007

Mr. Ira M. Dansky
Jones Apparel Group, Inc.
1411 Broadway
New York, New York 10018

Re: Amendment No. 2 to Employment Agreement

Dear Mr. Dansky:

Reference is made to the Employment Agreement dated as of April 4, 2002 by and between you and Jones Apparel Group, Inc. (the "Company") (the "Employment Agreement"). All capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Employment Agreement.

1. A new Section 6(g) is hereby added to the Employment Agreement, to read as follows:

        "(g) Post-Retirement Benefits. In addition to any other compensation or benefits to which Executive is entitled under this Agreement, if (1) the Executive continues in employment through June 30, 2010, and the Executive's employment terminates thereafter for any reason, (2) prior to June 30, 2010, the Executive's employment terminates because of death or Disability or is terminated by the Company without Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason, or (3) on or after June 30, 2009, the Executive provides to the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") at least six months' written notice of his retirement from the Company, and the Board consents to such retirement (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), then the Executive shall receive the following benefits from the Company in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6(g):

        (i) An annual retirement benefit of $200,000 payable in equal monthly installments to the Executive (or, in the event of his death, to his designated beneficiary), commencing on the first day of the month next following the Executive's termination of employment and continuing for a period of five years following his termination of employment (the "Retirement Benefit"). Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, if necessary to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Section 409A"), payment of the Retirement Benefit shall not commence prior to the earliest date permitted by Section 409A and the first payment shall include all other monthly payments which, but for this sentence, would have been paid prior to such earliest date; and

        (ii) Continued medical and dental coverage for Executive and his spouse, under the Company's group policy or otherwise, for their respective lives. Such coverage shall be consistent with the coverage in effect for the Executive immediately prior to his termination of employment; provided, that (1) if the Executive is entitled to similar coverage under Section

1


6(c)(v), then coverage under this Section 6(g)(ii) shall commence at the end of the Severance Period; (2) the Company's annual cost of providing such coverage shall not exceed $7500 (such amount to be increased, effective January 1, 2008, at the rate of 10% per annum), and if the dollar limit in effect for a particular year exceeds the cost of providing such coverage for such year, the excess amount shall be paid to the Executive (or, after his death, to his spouse) no later than March 15 of the year following the year to which such excess relates; and (3) such coverage shall be secondary to any coverage to which the Executive and/or his spouse are then entitled under Medicare or similar legislation."

2. Except as otherwise set forth in this Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement, the Employment Agreement is ratified and confirmed in all respects and remains in full force and effect.

Please acknowledge your agreement with the foregoing by signing the enclosed copy of this letter agreement and returning it to the Company.

Very truly yours,

JONES APPAREL GROUP, INC.

By /s/ Wesley R. Card
Wesley R.Card
Chief Executive Officer

Agreed to in all respects:

/s/ Ira M. Dansky
Ira M. Dansky

2

EX-10 5 exhibit10_40.htm EXHIBIT 10.40 EXHIBIT 10

EXHIBIT 10.40

NINE WEST FOOTWEAR CORPORATION
1129 WESTCHESTER AVENUE, WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK  10604


February 20, 2008

Andrew Cohen
11 Hampshire Circle
Bronxville, New York 10708

Re: Amended and Restated Employment Agreement

Dear Andrew:

        Reference is made to your Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated May 27, 2004 by and between you Nine West Footwear Corporation (the "Company"), as amended by Assignment of and Amendment No. 1 thereto dated January 31, 2006, Amendment No. 2 thereto dated March 5, 2007 and Amendment No. 3 thereto dated March 16, 2007. This will confirm the terms and conditions of your continued employment by the Company. It is agreed as follows:

        1. Term.

                The Company shall employ you for a period commencing as of February 20, 2008 and ending as of February 28, 2011. In the event that you shall remain in the employ of the Company after the expiration or termination of this agreement, your status will be that of an employee at will, and the terms and conditions of this agreement will be of no further force and effect, except that the provisions of Sections 6 through 17 shall survive a termination of this agreement.

        2. Duties.

                You shall render services to the Company on a full-time basis as the Chief Executive Officer - Wholesale Footwear and Accessories of the Company. You shall report to the Chief Executive Officer of Jones. Your services shall be rendered in accordance with such rules and instructions as the Company shall establish from time to time. You are to render your services in the United States and such other places as the Company may require. Your principal place of employment shall be at the White Plains, New York location for the Company.

        3. Compensation.

                (a) Salary. Your salary will be the greater of $1,000,000 per annum or such other amount as the Company may determine from time to time. The Company shall make such deductions and withhold such amounts from each payment made to you under this agreement as may be required from time to time by law, governmental regulation or order and in accordance with the Company's customary payroll practices.


Andrew Cohen
February 20, 2008
Page 2

                (b) Bonus. You shall participate in the Jones Apparel Group, Inc. 2007 Executive Annual Cash Incentive Plan (the "Bonus Plan"), pursuant to which you may be entitled to receive annual bonus payments for each full calendar year of employment which ends prior to the expiration of the term of this agreement and throughout which you have been employed by the Company, conditioned upon the attainment of annual criteria and objectives established for participants in the Bonus Plan.

        4. Benefits and Expenses.

                (a) You shall be eligible to participate in such medical and dental programs and other fringe benefits, and shall be entitled to annual vacation time (but not less than three weeks), on the same basis as other executives holding similar positions with the Company.

                (b) The Company will pay or reimburse all reasonable business expenses incurred by you with respect to work performed by you inside or outside the United States on the Company's behalf, subject to Company policies, provided that you promptly submit to the Company appropriate expense reports on Company-prescribed forms and invoices or vouchers for all expenses incurred by you or paid with Company credit cards.

                (c) The Company shall pay you a car allowance of $1,000 per month.

        5. Termination.

                (a) Termination by the Employee without Good Reason. If you terminate your employment with the Company prior to the expiration of the term of this agreement without "Good Reason" (as defined herein), no further payments shall be made to you, nor shall any benefits be afforded to you following such termination, except for amounts due and owing as of the date your employment terminates (the "Termination Date") and such benefits as are required by law.

                (b) Termination by the Company for Cause. If the Company terminates your employment prior to the expiration of the term of this agreement, and such termination is for "Cause" (as defined herein), no further payments shall be made to you, nor shall any benefits be afforded to you following such termination, except for amounts due and owing as of the Termination Date and such benefits as are required by law. If your termination of employment is for Cause, the Company agrees to provide written notice to you stating which clause of Section 5(g)(i) has been violated and the actions you have taken resulting in such violation.

                (c) Termination by the Company without Cause or by the Employee for Good Reason. If the Company terminates your employment prior to the expiration of the term of this agreement without Cause, or if you resign prior to the expiration of the term of this agreement with Good Reason:


Andrew Cohen
February 20, 2008
Page 3

(i) you will be paid the salary payable hereunder through the balance of the term of this agreement or for a period of 12 months, whichever is longer, in installments in accordance with past payroll practices; and

(ii) in the event that you elect in a timely manner to continue basic medical and dental insurance coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1985 ("COBRA"), the Company shall pay the share of the premium of maintaining your COBRA continuation coverage equal to the Company's contribution to your medical and dental insurance premiums on the Termination Date, at the benefit levels existing on the Termination Date, for the period from the Termination Date through the balance of the term of this agreement (the "Subsidized Period"); provided, however, that in the event you commence comparable benefit coverage with a subsequent employer during the Subsidized Period, you shall provide the Company with written notice of such comparable coverage and the date upon which such coverage commences within five (5) days of the commencement thereof, and your benefit coverage with the Company shall cease as of the date such comparable coverage with a subsequent employer commences. Unless such coverage has so ceased, after the Subsidized Period, you may continue such coverage at your expense at the applicable COBRA rate for the duration of the COBRA period, if any.

You shall have no obligation to seek other employment or otherwise mitigate the Company's obligations to make payments under this Section 5(c); provided, however, that if you commence employment or otherwise engage in business activities permitted under this agreement during any period during which the Company is obligated to make payments under this Section 5(c), then the Company's obligations shall be reduced by the amount of any other compensation or income therefrom earned or received by you during or for the period in which the Company is obligated to make such payments.

                (d) Change in Control. If, following a "Change in Control" (as defined herein) and prior to the end of the term of this agreement, the Company terminates your employment without Cause or you terminate your employment hereunder for Good Reason, you will be paid a lump sum payment equal to three (3) times your yearly salary at the rate in effect immediately preceding termination.

                (e) Termination Upon Retirement. This agreement shall immediately terminate, and all rights, benefits and obligations hereunder shall cease, in the event that you terminate your employment by reason of voluntary retirement, except for such rights as shall have accrued as of the date of your retirement.

                (f) Termination Upon Death or Disability of the Employee. If your employment terminates before the end of the term of this agreement by reason of your death or "Disability" (as 


Andrew Cohen
February 20, 2008
Page 4

defined herein), you or your duly appointed personal representative, as the case may be, will be paid (i) an amount equal to your then monthly salary during each of the six months following your death or the Disability Termination Date and (ii) the target bonus established by the Board of Directors of Jones for you under the Bonus Plan for the calendar year in which you die or become disabled, prorated for the portion of the year preceding your death or the Disability Termination Date.

                (g) Definitions of "Cause," "Good Reason," "Change in Control" and "Disability."

(i) The term "Cause" shall mean: (A) your continuing failure to perform the duties and responsibilities assigned to you by the Company; (B) your engaging in any conduct materially detrimental to the business, goodwill or reputation of the Company; (C) your conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude; or (D) your violating any material provision of this agreement or applicable Company policies.

(ii) The term "Good Reason" shall mean the occurrence of any of the following without your consent: (A) a material reduction in your base salary; (B) the relocation of your office to a location more than 50 miles from your present office in White Plains, New York; (C) the Company's failure to pay you any undisputed portion of your compensation; (D) the Company's failure to continue in effect any material compensation or benefit plan in which you are participating, unless either (1) an equitable arrangement (embodied in an ongoing substitute or alternative plan) has been made with respect to such plan; or (2) the failure to continue your participation therein (or in such substitute or alternative plan) does not materially discriminate against you, both with respect to the amount of benefits provided and the level of your participation, relative to other similarly-situated participants; (E) a material diminution of your present authority, duties or responsibilities; or (F) any other action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the Company of this agreement.

Good Reason shall not exist unless you provide written notice to the Company within 30 days after the occurrence of the events, actions, or non-actions, as applicable, that you believe constitute Good Reason hereunder, and the Company has been provided with at least 30 days after your delivery of such notice to remediate the basis for such notice and has not effected such remediation.

(iii) The term "Change in Control" shall have the same meaning as in Jones' 1999 Stock Incentive Plan, as in effect on the date hereof.

(iv) The term "Disability" shall mean your physical or mental incapacity which renders you incapable, even with a reasonable accommodation by the 


Andrew Cohen
February 20, 2008
Page 5

Company, of performing the essential functions of the duties required of you under this agreement, for 120 or more consecutive days; the term "Disability Termination Date" shall mean the date as of which your employment with the Company is terminated, either by you or the Company, following your suffering of a Disability.

                (h) Accelerated Vesting of Equity Grants. In addition to the foregoing and notwithstanding any other agreement between you and the Company, all unvested shares of restricted common stock of Jones and/or unvested options to purchase common stock of Jones which you held at the time of the termination of your employment by the Company without Cause or by you for Good Reason or a Change of Control (and prior to the end of the term of this agreement) shall become fully vested and, in the case of stock options, immediately exercisable during the remaining original term of each such stock option, upon such termination of your employment without Cause or for Good Reason or the Change in Control.

        6. Noncompetition; Nonsolicitation.

                (a) You acknowledge and recognize (i) the highly competitive nature of the business of the Company, (ii) the importance to the Company of the Confidential Business Information and Trade Secrets (as defined in Sections 7(b) and 7(c) hereof) to which you will have access, (iii) the importance to the Company of the knowledge and experience possessed by it relating to the requirements and terms of doing business with existing or potential licensors, licensees, designers, suppliers and customers and methods of doing business, and (iv) the position of responsibility which you will hold with the Company. Accordingly, you agree that you will not, directly or indirectly, at any time during your employment by the Company and during the period commencing with the Termination Date and ending with the last day of the term of this agreement (the "Severance Period") (provided that the Company is making or has made the payments to you which may be required hereunder during the Severance Period): (x) engage in any business which then competes, directly or indirectly, with the business then conducted or licensed by the Company or any of its affiliates, including, without limitation, the manufacturing, marketing and sale of products by independent licensees under trademarks owned by the Company or any of its affiliates, whether such other engagement is as an officer, director, employee, proprietor, consultant, independent contractor, partner, advisor, agent or investor (other than as a passive investor in less than 5% of the outstanding capital stock of a publicly traded corporation); or (y) assist other persons or businesses in engaging in any business activities prohibited under clause (x). You further agree that during the term of this agreement and for a period of two (2) years following the end of the Severance Period, you will not, directly or indirectly, induce any employees of the Company to engage in any such activities or to terminate their employment or hire or attempt to hire any employees of the Company.

                (b) As used in this Section 6 and Sections 7, 9 and 10 below, the term "Company" shall be deemed to include the Company and any individual, person or entity 


Andrew Cohen
February 20, 2008
Page 6

controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Company, and any respective successors and assigns of any such individual, person or entity.

        7. Confidentiality.

                (a) You acknowledge that the Company is engaged in the highly competitive business of designing, developing, manufacturing, marketing and selling apparel, footwear and accessories. The Company's involvement in this business has required and continues to require the expenditure of substantial amounts of money and the use of skills developed over considerable time. As a result of these investments of money, skill and time, the Company has developed and will continue to develop certain valuable trade secrets and confidential business information that are peculiar to the Company's business and the disclosure of which would cause the Company great and irreparable harm. You acknowledge that, during the course of your employment by the Company, you will receive and/or have access to "Trade Secrets" and/or "Confidential Business Information," as those terms are defined below, and that, had you not had the opportunity to work at the Company, you would not have become privy to such information.

                (b) The term "Trade Secrets" means any technical or financial information, design, process, procedure, formula or improvement that is valuable and not generally known to the Company's competitors. To the fullest extent consistent with the foregoing, Trade Secrets shall include, without limitation, all information and documentation, whether or not subject to copyright, pertaining to product developments, methods of operation, cost and pricing structures, and other private, confidential business matters.

                (c) The term "Confidential Business Information" means any data or information and documentation, other than Trade Secrets, which is valuable to the Company and not generally known to the public, including but not limited to:

(i) Financial information, including but not limited to earnings, assets, debts, prices, cost information, sales and profit projections or other financial data;

(ii) Marketing information, including but not limited to details about ongoing or proposed marketing programs or agreements by or on behalf of the Company, marketing forecasts, results of marketing efforts or information about impending transactions;

(iii) Product information, including but not limited to development plans, designs, and product costs; and

(iv) Product source and customer information, including but not limited to any data regarding actual or potential supply sources, 


Andrew Cohen
February 20, 2008
Page 7

agency agreements or arrangements and actual or potential customers.

                (d) You agree that, except as may be required to fulfill your obligations during the course of your employment, you will not, during your employment with the Company or after your employment has ceased, directly or indirectly use, disclose or disseminate to any other person, organization or entity or otherwise employ any Trade Secrets or Confidential Business Information. Nothing in this paragraph shall preclude you from disclosing or using Trade Secrets or Confidential Business Information if (i) the Trade Secrets or Confidential Business Information have become generally known, at the time the Trade Secrets or Confidential Business Information are used or disclosed, to the public or to competitors of the Company except through or as a result of your act or omission; or (ii) the disclosure of the Trade Secrets or Confidential Business Information is required to be made by any law, regulation, governmental body or authority, or court order, provided that you will give the Company prompt written notice of such requirement so that the Company may seek an appropriate protective order or similar remedy. You agree to deliver to the Company all computer files and tapes, books, records and documents (whether maintained in paper, electronic or any other medium) relating to or bearing upon any Trade Secrets or Confidential Business Information, upon the cessation of your employment, and you agree not to retain any copies or extracts thereof.

        8. Ownership of Intellectual Property.

                (a) You acknowledge and agree that all work performed, and all ideas, concepts, materials, products, software, documentation, designs, product drawings, sketches, architectures, specifications, flow charts, test data, programmer's notes, deliverables, improvements, discoveries, methods, processes, or inventions, trade secrets or other subject matter related to the Company's business (collectively, "Materials") conceived, developed or prepared by you, alone or with others, during the period of your employment or other relationship with the Company, in written, oral, electronic, photographic, optical or any other form, are the property of the Company, and all rights, title and interest therein shall vest in the Company, and all Materials shall be deemed to be works made for hire and made in the course of your employment or other relationship with the Company.

                (b) To the extent that title to any Materials has not vested, or may not, by operation of law, vest in the Company, or such Materials may not be considered works made for hire, you hereby irrevocably assign all rights, title and interest therein to the Company. All Materials belong exclusively to the Company, with the Company having the right to obtain and to hold in its own name, copyrights, patents, trademarks, applications, registrations or such other protection as may be appropriate to the subject matter, and any extensions and renewals thereof. You hereby grant to the Company an irrevocable power of attorney to perform any and all acts and execute any and all documents and instruments on your behalf as the Company may deem appropriate in order to perfect or enforce the rights defined in this Section. You further agree to 


Andrew Cohen
February 20, 2008
Page 8

give the Company, or any person designated by the Company, at the Company's expense, any assistance required to perfect or enforce the rights defined in this Section. You shall communicate and deliver to the Company promptly and fully all Materials conceived or developed by you (alone or jointly with others) during the period of your employment or other relationship with the Company.

        9. Noninterference.

                For a period commencing on the date hereof and continuing for a period of two (2) years after the Termination Date, you shall not, directly or indirectly, solicit, induce, or attempt to solicit or induce, any person or entity then known to be a customer, client, vendor, supplier or distributor of the Company to terminate or diminish his, her or its relationship with the Company for any purpose.

        10. Nondisclosure and Nondisparagement.

                You agree not to disclose any information regarding the substance or existence of this agreement, including but not limited to, the monies and benefits received or to be received hereunder, except to an attorney with whom you choose to consult regarding this agreement. For a period commencing on the date hereof and continuing for a period of three (3) years after the Termination Date, you agree not to, directly or indirectly, in public or in private, deprecate, impugn or otherwise make any remarks or statements that might tend to, or be construed to tend to, defame the Company or its reputation, or the reputations of any of its respective officers, directors and employees, nor shall you assist any other person, firm or entity in so doing. For a period commencing on the date hereof and continuing for a period of three (3) years after the Termination Date, the Company agrees not to, directly or indirectly, in public or in private, deprecate, impugn or otherwise make any remarks or statements that might tend to, or be construed to tend to, defame you or your reputation, nor shall it assist any other person, firm or entity in so doing.

        11. Injunctive Relief; Extension of Covenants Following Breach.

                (a) The covenants set forth in Sections 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 13 shall be enforceable by a court of equity through the granting of a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction and/or permanent injunction. In the event of a breach of Sections 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 13 of this agreement, you consent to the entry of an injunction, and you shall pay any reasonable fees and expenses incurred by the Company in enforcing such sections if such breach is finally judicially determined to have occurred. Such equitable enforcement shall be in addition to and shall not prejudice the right of the Company to an appropriate monetary award.

                (b) You agree that, in the event of a breach of any of the covenants set forth in Sections 6 or 9, the duration of the covenants in both Sections 6 and 9 shall automatically be extended for a period equal to the period of the violation.


Andrew Cohen
February 20, 2008
Page 9

        12. Representation and Warranty.

                You hereby represent and warrant to the Company that your entering into this agreement will not result in the breach of, or constitute a violation of, any agreement, order or decree by which you are bound and that you are not subject to any agreement, restriction or covenant, whether written or oral, which restricts your ability to enter into this agreement or to perform your duties as set forth herein.

        13. Return of Documents and Other Property.

                Upon the termination of your employment, you shall return to the Company all of its property, equipment, documents, records, lists, files and any and all other Company materials including, without limitation, computerized or electronic information, that is in your possession as of the Termination Date (the "Company Property"). The Company Property shall be delivered to Jones at its office at 1411 Broadway, New York, New York 10018, at your expense, within five (5) business days after the Termination Date. Unless otherwise agreed by the Company in writing, you shall not retain any Company Property.

        14. Reasonableness of Restrictive Covenants.

                You agree that, due to the uniqueness of your skills and abilities and the uniqueness of the Confidential Business Information that you will possess in the course of your employment with the Company, the covenants set forth herein are reasonable and necessary for the protection of the Company. Nevertheless, if it shall be determined that such covenants are unenforceable in that they are too broad as to their scope or geographical coverage, then the parties hereby confer upon any appropriate court the power to limit such scope or geographical coverage such that they will be enforceable.

        15. Effect of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.

                Notwithstanding anything in this agreement to the contrary, if all or a portion of any payment or benefit under Section 5(c) or 5(d) is subject to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), then the following rules shall apply to such payment in order to prevent any accelerated or additional tax under Section 409A of the Code:

                (a) If the termination of your employment does not qualify as a "separation from service" within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h) from the "Jones Controlled Group," then any payments subject to Section 409A of the Code will not commence until a "separation from service" occurs or, if earlier, the earliest other date as is permitted under Section 409A. For this purpose, the "Jones Controlled Group" means (i) the Company, (ii) any corporation which is a member of a controlled group of corporations (as defined in Section 414(b) of the Code) which includes the Company and (iii) any trade or business (whether or not 


Andrew Cohen
February 20, 2008
Page 10

incorporated) which is under common control (as defined in Section 414(c) of the Code) with the Company.

                (b) If at the time of your separation from service, you are a "specified employee" as defined in Section 409A of the Code, then the Company will defer the commencement of any payments subject to Section 409A (without any reduction in such payments or benefits ultimately paid or provided to you) until the date that is six (6) months following your separation from service or, if earlier, the earliest other date as is permitted under Section 409A.

                (c) The Company shall consult with you in good faith regarding the implementation of the provisions of this Section 15.

        16. Effect of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code.

                (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this agreement to the contrary, and except as provided in Section 16(b), to the extent that any payment or distribution of any type to or for you by the Company (or by any affiliate of the Company, any person or entity who acquires ownership or effective control of the Company or ownership of a substantial portion of the Company's assets (within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and the regulations thereunder)), or any affiliate of such person or entity, whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this agreement or otherwise (the "Total Payments"), is or will be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (the "Excise Tax"), then the Total Payments shall be reduced (but not below zero) if and to the extent that a reduction in the Total Payments would result in your retaining a larger amount, on an after-tax basis (taking into account federal, state and local income taxes and the Excise Tax), than if you received the entire amount of such Total Payments. Unless you shall have given prior written notice specifying a different order to the Company to effectuate the foregoing, the Company shall reduce or eliminate the Total Payments, by first reducing or eliminating the portion of the Total Payments which are not payable in cash and then by reducing or eliminating cash payments, in each case in reverse order beginning with payments or benefits which are to be paid the farthest in time from the Determination (as defined herein). Any notice given by you pursuant to the preceding sentence shall take precedence over the provisions of any other plan, arrangement or agreement governing your rights and entitlements to any benefits or compensation.

                (b) The determination of whether the Total Payments shall be reduced as provided in this Section 16 and the amount of such reduction shall be made at the Company's expense by an accounting firm jointly selected by you and the Company from among its independent auditors and the five (5) largest accounting firms (an "Eligible Accounting Firm") in the United States (the "Accounting Firm"). The Accounting Firm shall provide its determination (the "Determination"), together with detailed supporting calculations and documentation to the Company and you within ten (10) days of the Termination Date. If the Accounting Firm 


Andrew Cohen
February 20, 2008
Page 11

determines that no Excise Tax is payable by you with respect to the Total Payments, it shall furnish you with an opinion reasonably acceptable to you that no Excise Tax will be imposed with respect to any such payments and, absent manifest error, such Determination shall be binding, final and conclusive upon you and the Company. If the Accounting Firm determines that an Excise Tax would be payable, you shall have the right to accept the Determination of the Accounting Firm as to the extent of the reduction, if any, pursuant to this Section 16, or to have such Determination reviewed by another Eligible Accounting Firm selected by you, at the expense of the Company, in which case the determination of such second accounting firm shall be binding, final and conclusive upon you and the Company.

        17. Miscellaneous.

                (a) This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York (excluding its choice of law rules).

                (b) The parties hereby agree that any action arising out of or relating in any way to this agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby must be brought and enforced exclusively in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York or the Courts of the State of New York.

                (c) All notices, requests, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered personally, or if transmitted via facsimile with transmission confirmed, with a copy mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the addresses first set forth above or to such other addresses as shall be furnished in writing by either party in like manner. Any such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been given as of the date delivered in person or transmission by facsimile is confirmed. All notices to the Company shall be sent to the attention of the General Counsel, 1411 Broadway, New York, New York 10018.

                (d) This agreement may not be assigned by you. This agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto, their heirs, legal representatives, successors and permitted assigns.

                (e) This agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between us concerning the subject matter hereof and may not be modified or terminated orally. No modifications, termination or attempted waiver shall be valid unless set forth in a writing signed by the party against whom the same is sought to be enforced.

                (f) The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision hereof shall not in any way affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision.


Andrew Cohen
February 20, 2008
Page 12

                Please sign where indicated below, whereupon this letter will constitute a binding agreement between us as of the date first above written.

Very truly yours,

NINE WEST FOOTWEAR CORPORATION

By: /s/ Ira M. Dansky

Ira M. Dansky
Executive Vice President

Accepted and agreed to as of
this 21st day of February, 2008.

/s/ Andrew Cohen
Andrew Cohen

EX-12 6 exhibit12.htm EXHIBIT 12 Exhibit 12
EXHIBIT 12
                        JONES APPAREL GROUP, INC.
            COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
                            (In millions)

                                          Year Ended December 31,
                                   ------------------------------------
                                       2007          2006          2005
                                   --------      --------      --------

(Loss) income from continuing
    operations before provision
    for income taxes..............  $ (58.5)     $ (245.1)      $ 386.8
                                   --------      --------      --------
Fixed charges
  Interest expense and
    amortization of
    financing costs...............     51.5          50.5          71.0
  Portion of rent expense
    representing interest.........     42.0          41.0          39.6
                                   --------      --------      --------
Total fixed charges...............     93.5          91.5         110.6
                                   --------      --------      --------
Income (loss) before income taxes
  and fixed charges...............  $  35.0      $ (153.6)      $ 497.4
                                   ========      ========      ========
Ratio of earnings to
  fixed charges...................      0.4           N/A           4.5
                                   ========      ========      ========
EX-21 7 exhibit21.htm EXHIBIT 21 EXHIBIT 21

EXHIBIT 21

SUBSIDIARIES OF JONES APPAREL GROUP, INC.

 

Name
State or Country of Incorporation
Other Names Under Which Subsidiary Does Business
Apparel Testing Services, Inc. New Jersey N/A
Asia Expert Limited Hong Kong N/A
Exportex de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. Mexico N/A
Greater Durango, S. de R.L. de C.V. Mexico N/A
Import Technology of Texas, Inc. Texas N/A
Jones Apparel Group Canada ULC Canada N/A
Jones Apparel Group Canada, LP Canada JNY Blue
Jones New York Factory Store
Jones New York
Jones Apparel Group Holdings, Inc. Delaware N/A
Jones Apparel Group USA, Inc. Delaware N/A
Jones Apparel of Texas II, Ltd. Texas N/A
Jones Canada, Inc. Canada N/A
Jones Denim Holdings, Inc. Delaware N/A
Jones Denim Management Services, Inc. Delaware N/A
Jones Distribution Corporation Delaware N/A
Jones Holding Inc. Delaware N/A
Jones International Limited Hong Kong N/A
Jones Investment Co. Inc. Delaware N/A
Jones Management Service Company Delaware Apparel Management Service Company (New Hampshire only)
JAG Management Service Company (Rhode Island and Maine only)
Jones Retail Corporation New Jersey

Anne Klein
Anne Klein New York
Banister Shoe Studio
Banister/Easy Spirit
Bandolino
Banister Shoe
Enzo Angiolini
Easy Spirit
Easy Spirit Outlet
Jones New York
Jones New York Woman
Jones New York Sport
Jones New York Factory Stores
Jones New York Country
Jones New York Company Store
Jones New York Country/Sport
Jones New York Sport Factory Stores
Jones New York Mens & Womens Suits
Jones New York The Executive Suite
Jones New York Factory Finale
Kasper
Nine West
Nine West Apparel
Nine West Lifestyle
Nine West Outlet
NW Clearance
Nine West Clearance
Rena Rowan
The Napier Factory Store
Treza
Treza Woman

Kasper Europe, Ltd. Delaware N/A
Manufacturera Sun Apparel, S. de R.L. de C.V. Mexico N/A
Maquilas Pami, S.A. de C.V. Mexico N/A
Maxwell Footwear of California, Inc. Delaware N/A
McNaughton Apparel Group Inc. New York N/A
Nine West Accessories (HK) Limited Hong Kong N/A
Nine West Development Corporation Delaware N/A
Nine West Footwear Corporation Delaware N/A
Victoria + Co Ltd. Rhode Island N/A

Certain non-significant subsidiaries were omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(21)(ii) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

EX-23 8 exhibit23.htm EXHIBIT 23 EXHIBIT 23

EXHIBIT 23

BDO Seidman, LLP
Accountants and Consultants
330 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10017
Telephone: (212) 885-8000
Fax: (212) 697-1299

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Jones Apparel Group, Inc.
New York, New York

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 filed on May 15, 1996, June 16, 1999, August 23, 1999, August 2, 2001, June 12, 2003, June 2, 2004 and June 3, 2005 of our reports dated February 19, 2008, relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule, and the effectiveness of Jones Apparel Group, Inc. internal control over financial reporting, which appear in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

New York, New York
February 19, 2008

EX-31 9 exhibit31.htm EXHIBIT 31 Exhibit 31

EXHIBIT 31

CERTIFICATION

I, Wesley R. Card, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Jones Apparel Group, Inc.;
 
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: February 22, 2008
 
/s/ Wesley R. Card
Wesley R. Card
President and Chief Executive Officer

CERTIFICATION

I, John T. McClain, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Jones Apparel Group, Inc.;
 
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: February 22, 2008
 
/s/ John T. McClain
John T. McClain
Chief Financial Officer
EX-32 10 exhibit32.htm EXHIBIT 32 Exhibit 32

EXHIBIT 32

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

        I, Wesley R. Card, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that the Annual Report of Jones Apparel Group, Inc. on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that information contained in such Annual Report on Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Jones Apparel Group, Inc.

By: /s/ Wesley R. Card

Name: Wesley R. Card
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

 

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

 

        I, John T. McClain, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that the Annual Report of Jones Apparel Group, Inc. on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that information contained in such Annual Report on Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Jones Apparel Group, Inc.

By: /s/ John T. McClain

Name: John T. McClain
Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

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

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