UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

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

 

For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2007

 

Commission file number: 0-18926

 

JOE’S JEANS INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

11-2928178

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

incorporation or organization)

 

 

 

5901 South Eastern Avenue, Commerce, California 90040

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (323) 837-3700

 

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

Common Stock, $0.10 par value

(Title of Class)

 

NASDAQ Capital Market

(Name of exchange on which registered)

 

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

 

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 o No x

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) 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 or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.)

 

Large accelerated filer o

 

Accelerated filer o

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer x
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

Smaller reporting company o

 

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

 

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant based on the closing price of the registrant’s common stock on The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. as of May 26, 2007, was approximately $38,484,000.

 

The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding as of February 27, 2008 was 59,750,204.

 

Documents incorporated by reference: Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 



 

JOE’S JEANS INC.

 

FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT

 

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 2007

 

Table of Contents

 

Item

 

 

Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART I

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Business

1

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

9

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

15

Item 2.

Properties

15

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

16

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

16

 

 

 

 

PART II

 

 

 

 

Item 5.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

16

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

19

Item 7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

20

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

33

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

33

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

33

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

34

Item 9B.

Other Information

34

 

 

 

 

PART III

 

 

 

 

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

34

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

35

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

35

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

35

Item 14.

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

35

 

 

 

 

PART IV

 

 

 

 

Item 15.

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

36

Signature Page

39

Item 16.2

Schedule II – Valuation of Qualifying Accounts

F-33

 



 

PART I

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

Statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, or Annual Report, and in future filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, in our press releases or in our other public or shareholder communications that are not purely historical facts are forward-looking statements.  Statements looking forward in time are included in this Annual Report pursuant to the “safe harbor” provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate, or imply future results, performance, or achievements, and may contain the words, “believe”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “estimate”, “intend”, “plan”, “project”, “will be”, “will continue”, “will likely result”, and any variations of such words with similar meanings.  These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict; therefore, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in any such forward-looking statements.

 

Factors that would cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, the risk factors contained or referenced under the headings “Business,” “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” set forth in this Annual Report.  In particular, certain risks and uncertainties that we face include, but are not limited to, risks associated with:

 

·                  our ability to finance our strategic plan to grow our core business and our ability to find new financing opportunities, if necessary;

·                  our ability and success in implementing our strategic plan to focus our resources on our Joe’s® brand;

·                  our ability to operate profitably and effectively manage expenses;

·                  our ability to attract and retain personnel to implement and support effectively our growth and strategic plan;

·                  our ability to identify potential licensing partners;

·                  our reliance on our Joe’s® brand to generate revenue;

·                  our ability to deliver a full collection and

·                  our ability to maintain and effectively manage relationships with vendors and third parties to whom we outsource certain of our business operations.

 

Since we operate in a rapidly changing environment, new risk factors can arise and it is not possible for our management to predict all such risk factors, nor can our management assess the impact of all such risk factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.  Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements that only speak as of the date of this filing.

 

We undertake no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances or the occurrence of unanticipated events that occur subsequent to the date of this Annual Report.  As used in this Annual Report, the terms “we”, “us”, “our”, “Joe’s” and “Joe’s Jeans” refer to Joe’s Jeans Inc. and our subsidiaries and affiliates, unless the context indicates otherwise.

 

ITEM 1.              BUSINESS

 

Overview

 

We began our operations in April 1987 as Innovo, Inc., or Innovo, a Texas corporation, to manufacture and domestically distribute cut and sewn canvas and nylon consumer products for the utility, craft, sports-licensed and advertising specialty markets.  In 1990, Innovo merged into Elorac Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and renamed itself Innovo Group Inc.  In October 2007, we renamed ourselves Joe’s Jeans Inc.  Initially, we produced craft and accessory products for the consumer marketplace.  Since that time, we evolved from producing craft and accessory products to designing and selling apparel products.  During this transition, we moved our operations from Tennessee to Los Angeles, California.

 

Our principal business activity has evolved into the design, development and worldwide marketing of our Joe’s® products, which include denim jeans, related casual wear and accessories.  Since Joe’s® was established in 2001, the brand is

 

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recognized in the premium denim industry, an industry term for denim jeans with price points of $120 or more, for its quality, fit and fashion-forward designs.  Because we focus on design, development and marketing, we rely on third parties to manufacture our apparel products and for distribution and product fulfillment services.  We sell our products to numerous retailers, which include major department stores, specialty stores, and distributors around the world.

 

In fiscal 2007, we continued to implement our transition plan to focus our operations on our Joe’s® brand.  Our transition plan included selling the assets or ceasing operations of our other branded and private label apparel products.  To enhance our ability to capitalize on the Joe’s® brand, on February 6, 2007, we entered into a merger agreement to merge with JD Holdings Inc., or JD Holdings, the successor in interest to JD Design LLC, or JD Design, the entity from whom we licensed the Joe’s® brand.  We also entered into our first license agreement for other product categories such as handbags, belts and small leather goods bearing the Joe’s® brand.  In October 2007, we completed the merger and acquired the Joe’s® brand.  In exchange for all of the rights for the Joe’s® brand, we issued 14,000,000 shares of our common stock, $300,000 in cash and entered into an employment agreement with Joe Dahan, the principal designer and sole stockholder of JD Holdings.  As part of the merger consideration, we are also obligated to pay Mr. Dahan a percentage of our gross profits until 2017 above $11,251,000.  In addition to owning approximately 24 percent of our total shares outstanding, after the merger, Mr. Dahan became an executive officer and a member of our Board of Directors.

 

As a result of implementing our transition plan, we reported income from operations for a full fiscal year for the first time since 2002.  Our strategic plan for 2008 includes entering into lease agreements to open retail stores, improving international sales, increasing sales from our men’s collection, evaluating licensing opportunities for other product categories and enhancing the quality, fit and products available in our collection beyond denim bottoms.  By expanding our product offerings and opening retail stores, these two initiatives will complement each other by giving us an avenue to showcase products other than denim bottoms while helping boost sales.  In January 2008, we entered into our first lease for retail space at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets® in Central Valley, New York.  The outlet center is approximately 50 miles outside of New York City.  We expect to open the store in the fall of 2008.  An outlet center will also allow us to test our ability to open retail stores plus give us an alternative distribution channel to sell our overstock or slow moving items at better profit margins; however, we may be able to enter into other retail leases that will allow us to open stores earlier than fall of 2008. To improve our international sales, we hired two consultants based in Europe to assist us in entering into agent and distribution agreements worldwide.  In addition, we have been focusing on designing an entire collection of products, including, denim and non-denim bottoms, tops, jackets and dresses.

 

Principal Products and Revenue Sources

 

Our principal apparel products bear the Joe’s® brand.  Historically, we have also produced private label denim and other branded denim and denim-related apparel products bearing the indie™, Betsey Johnson®, Fetish™ and Shago® mark.  Since the sale in May 2006 of certain assets of our private label business and subsequent classification as a discontinued operation, our continuing operations for fiscal 2006 and 2005 include net sales of our Joe’s® brand and net sales of other terminated branded apparel lines.  Because these other branded apparel lines were not separate operating divisions, the terminated lines are not included as part of our discontinued operations.  These brands are reflected in our overall net sales even though the brands are not part of our continuing operations beyond the relevant time periods.  We also sold the assets of our craft and accessory business operated under our Innovo subsidiary in May 2005 and reported that subsidiary as a discontinued operation as of fiscal 2004.  For the previous three fiscal years, our net sales from continuing operations were as follows:

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

Net Sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joe’s Jeans

 

$

62,767

 

$

45,264

 

$

33,304

 

Other branded

 

 

1,369

 

2,616

 

 

 

$

62,767

 

$

46,633

 

$

35,920

 

 

Joe’s®

 

In fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005, our Joe’s® brand represented approximately 100 percent, 97 percent and 93 percent, respectively, of our total net sales from continuing operations.  This increase in percentage of overall net sales attributable to

 

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our Joe’s® brand is indicative of our decision to focus our resources on our Joe’s® brand and the reclassification of certain operations as discontinued.

 

Our Joe’s® product line includes women’s, men’s and children’s denim jeans, pants, shirts, sweaters, jackets and other apparel products.  Joe’s® products are marketed to U.S. retailers through third party showrooms located in New York and Los Angeles and to international retailers through international distributors or agents in the various countries.  Joe’s ® women’s product line represents our largest source of revenue and consists primarily of denim jeans in a variety of different fits, fabrics, washes and detailing.  Every season, we offer certain core basic styles in addition to new ones to appeal to trendsetters and fashion-forward consumers.  We believe our attention to fitting different body styles gives us an advantage in the marketplace, as we can offer the consumer a product designed and tailored to fit her needs.  We have branded the different fit styles so that the consumer can differentiate and choose from the variety carried by the retailer.  Our fit styles currently include:

 

·                  Chelsea – an ultra slim fit;

·                  Cigarette – a straight and narrow fit;

·                  Honey – a curvy fit;

·                  Lover – a relaxed fit;

·                  Muse – a higher waist fit;

·                  Provocateur – a petite fit with a shorter inseam;

·                  Rocker – a lean flare fit;

·                  Socialite – a classic bootcut fit;

·                  Starlet – a slim legged bootcut fit; and

·                  Twiggy – a taller fit with a longer inseam.

 

In the first quarter of fiscal 2006, Joe’s® re-launched its men’s denim line.  We carried over the concept from our women’s line of offering a variety of different fits, fabrics, washes and detailing in our product selection.  Similar to our women’s line, we offer certain core basic styles every season in addition to new styles in our men’s line.  We also brand the fit styles, which include the Brixton, the Classic, the Rebel and the Rocker.

 

Children’s product offerings bearing the Joe’s® brand first began selling in the first quarter of fiscal 2006.  In connection with the merger, we reacquired the rights for the children’s brand which we had previously licensed back to JD Holdings.  Children’s product offerings include basic denim bottoms, tops, t-shirts and jackets for infants, toddlers, girls’ and boys’ sizes.

 

Product Design, Development and Sourcing

 

Our product development for our Joe’s® brand is managed internally by a team of designers led by Joe Dahan, our Creative Director.  This design team is responsible for the creation, development and coordination of the product group offerings within each collection.  Joe’s® typically develops four collections per year for spring, summer, fall and holiday, with certain core basic styles offered throughout the year.  Joe Dahan is an instrumental part of Joe’s® design process.  When we acquired the Joe’s® brand , we also entered into an employment agreement with Joe Dahan.  However, the loss of Joe Dahan as an employee would not change any rights we have to our Joe’s® brand. While his current employment agreement contains customary provisions related to continued employment, we believe that should Mr. Dahan’s employment terminate, we would be able to find alternative sources for the development and design of Joe’s® products.  See “Risk Factors — In order to implement our strategic plan, we will have to attract and retain talented personnel.  Further, our future success depends on our ability to retain our key employees, including our chief executive officer and creative director.”

 

We currently rely on third party manufacturers to manufacture all of our products for distribution.  Our manufacturers are located in Mexico, the United States and to a limited extent, Morocco and China.  For production, we use existing manufacturing relationships with third parties.  We do not have a long-term supply agreement with them or any third party contractors, but we believe that there are a number of overseas and domestic contractors that could fulfill our requirements in the event that one of our third party manufacturers would not be able to do so.  We purchase these products in various stages of production from partial to completed finished goods.  We control the production schedules in order to ensure quality and timely deliveries.

 

Historically and through the first half of fiscal 2007, we used a third party, AZT International SA de CV, or AZT, a subsidiary of Azteca Production International Inc., or Azteca, to manufacture our products in Mexico.  AZT and Azteca were considered to be related parties by virtue of their stockholders’, Hubert and Paul Guez, historical stock ownership in our

 

3



 

company.  However, beginning in August 2007, we began to use a different third party manufacturer that is not a related party.  Our past and present transactions for manufacture of our products have been at arm’s length.  As part of the shift to a new third party manufacturer, we retained title to our raw materials and work-in-progress inventory for the production of our products.  As a result, our inventory levels increased by $14,536,000 during fiscal 2007.  We have put in place a plan to decrease our inventory levels which includes utilizing existing fabric for future production during 2008.  We expect this strategy will help reduce cash needed for raw material purchases for fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007.

 

We outsource the warehousing, picking, packing and shipping of our Joe’s® products to retailers to a third party under an outsourcing agreement.  We also share facilities under a verbal lease arrangement.  We purchase fabric for Joe’s products both domestically and internationally from independent vendors.  Our raw materials are principally blends of fabrics, yarns and threads and are available from multiple sources.  We have not experienced any material shortage of raw material for our needs.

 

We continue to explore alternate inventory strategies designed to improve our gross margins.  However, there can be no assurance that any change in sourcing will result in enhanced profit margins, similar quality or timely deliveries, but we do believe that continuing to monitor this expense can be beneficial for growth of our Joe’s brand.

 

In the event we terminate any of our relationships with third parties or the economic climate or other factors result in a significant reduction in the number of local contractors in the Los Angeles area, our business could be negatively impacted.  At this time, we believe that we would be able to find alternative sources for production if this were to occur; however, no assurances can be given that a transition could be completed without a disruption to our business.

 

We generally purchase our products in U.S. dollars.  However, because we use some overseas or non-U.S. suppliers, the cost of these products may be affected by changes in the value of the relevant currencies.  Certain of our apparel purchases in the international markets will be subject to the risks associated with the importation of these types of products. See “Business- Import and Export Restrictions and Other Governmental Regulations.”

 

While we attempt to mitigate our exposure to manufacturing risks, the use of independent suppliers reduces our control over production and delivery and exposes us to customary risks associated with sourcing products from independent suppliers.  Transactions with foreign manufacturers and suppliers are subject to the typical risks of doing business abroad, generally, such as the cost of transportation and the imposition of import duties and restrictions.  The 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, duties 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.  See “Business - Import Restrictions and Other Governmental Regulations.”  Furthermore, the inability of a manufacturer to ship orders of our products in a timely manner or to meet our quality standards could cause us to miss the delivery date requirements of our customers for those items, which could result in cancellation of orders, refusal to accept deliveries or a reduction in purchase prices.  Because of the seasonality of our business, and the apparel and fashion business in particular, the dates on which customers need and require shipments of products from us are critical, as styles and consumer tastes change so rapidly in the apparel and fashion business, particularly from one season to the next.  Because quality is a leading factor when customers and retailers accept or reject goods, any decline in quality by our third-party manufacturers could be detrimental not only to a particular order, but also to our future relationship with that particular customer.

 

We also require our independent manufacturers to operate in compliance with applicable laws and regulations; however, we have no control over the ultimate actions of our independent manufacturers.  Despite our lack of control, we have internal operating guidelines to promote ethical business practices and our staff periodically visits and monitors the operations of our independent manufacturers.  We also use the services of a third party independent labor consulting service to conduct on-site audits as required by state labor laws to help minimize our risk and exposure to unacceptable labor practice violations.

 

License Agreements, Merger Agreement and Trademarks

 

In February 2001, we acquired license rights to the JD stylized logo and the Joe’s® mark for most apparel and accessory products from JD Holdings, the successor-in-interest to JD Design.  The license agreement contained a 10-year term with two 10-year renewal periods and required us to pay a three percent royalty on the net sales of Joe’s® products to JD Holdings.  However, as we began to focus our operations on the Joe’s® brand, we believed that by owning all rights to the Joe’s® brand outright, we would eliminate any risks associated with the potential termination of the license agreement and be able to control the direction of the brand and our company.  Therefore, on February 6, 2007, we entered into a merger agreement with JD Holdings to acquire all right, title and interest in the Joe’s® brand and related marks.  In exchange for the all of the

 

4



 

rights to the Joe’s® brand, after approval by our stockholders, we issued to Joe Dahan, the principal designer of the Joe’s brand and sole stockholder of JD Holdings, 14,000,000 shares of our common stock, $300,000 in cash and entered into an employment agreement.  As part of the merger consideration, we are also obligated to pay Mr. Dahan a percentage of our gross profits until 2017 above $11,251,000.

 

Effective concurrently with completing the merger, we entered into our first license agreement for other product categories.  The license agreement authorizes a third party to produce and sell worldwide handbags, belts and small leather goods bearing the Joe’s® brand.  Under the license agreement, we are entitled to receive a royalty payment of 10 percent on net sales of these products.  There are certain minimum net sales that the licensee is required to meet and the agreement is in effect until December 31, 2010 with certain renewal rights.

 

We have secured registration or sought registration for the “Joe’s” logos and “Joe’s Jeans” marks for apparel and related accessory products.  As of January 31, 2008, four trademark registrations for stylized designs bearing variations of “Joe’s,” “Joe’s Jeans” and “JD” names and logos have been issued and one trademark registration for the trademark “Lover” has been issued in the United States.  Internationally, more than 30 trademark registrations have been issued in jurisdictions such as Canada, the European Community (covering all 25 countries of the European Community), Australia, New Zealand, Russia, and South Korea.  We continue to prosecute more than 20 pending trademark applications internationally that we believe are necessary to protect the Joe’s® and related brands, including in Mexico, China, and India.

 

Sales, Distribution and Outsourcing Agreements

 

Domestically, our Joe’s® products are sold to retailers and specialty stores through independent third party showrooms located in Los Angeles and New York.  At the showrooms, retailers review the latest collections offered and place orders.  The showroom representatives provide us with purchase orders from the retailers and other specialty store buyers.  Pursuant to our arrangement with each of these showrooms, we pay sales commissions at an agreed upon percentage of sales less discounts, returns and other credit allowances.

 

Historically, we sold our Joe’s® products internationally through a Master Distribution Agreement, or MDA, with Beyond Blue Inc., or BBI.  We terminated our agreement with BBI in February 2007.  Shortly thereafter, we engaged consultants based in Europe to assist us with entering into agreements with distributors and sales agents in various countries and to manage such relationships.  For Japan, on January 1, 2007, we entered into a three year Distribution and Licensing Agreement with Itochu Corporation, or Itochu, pursuant to which Itochu agreed to distribute existing products and develop and manufacture additional products specifically for Japan.  We believe that by working directly with our distributors and agents abroad rather than through a third party, we will be able to exercise more control and guidance over their sales.  Further, we expect to benefit in sales and profitability over the long term from selling our products directly to the distributors or through agents rather than through a third party.

 

However, as we develop our internal structure to support our international business, we continue to evaluate our options and review relationships in the international marketplace to create a strategy to improve and grow international sales.

 

In April 2006, we entered into an agreement with a third party to outsource our product fulfillment services, including our warehousing, distribution and customer service needs for our Joe’s® products.  We began operating under this agreement in the third quarter of fiscal 2006.  In addition, in mid-July 2006, we moved our principal executive offices to a space located within our third party product fulfillment service provider’s current space under a verbal month-to-month arrangement for the use of general administrative offices.  Beginning in December 2007, we pay approximately $160,000 a month for rent and all our product fulfillment services, which include warehousing, picking, packing and shipping directly to the retailer or specialty store.

 

Advertising, Marketing and Promotion

 

Historically, our advertising campaign for our Joe’s® brand has been limited to strategic placement of advertising in areas of high concentration of fashion advertising through billboard advertisement in Los Angeles, California, and space on the tops of taxi cabs in New York City.  Our advertising commitments terminated in early 2007 and for the remainder of 2007, we re-evaluated our advertising expenditures.  In January 2008, we entered into an agreement to locate short term billboard advertising space in various locations in and around New York City and Los Angeles.  These advertising spaces will use Joe’s unique and eye-catching ads which primarily feature women’s silhouettes.  In addition, we have an internal public relation staff to strategically place our products in magazines, editorials, and with stylists.

 

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Sales through existing retail channels are enhanced by visual merchandising.  For example, many of our customer’s stores have denim focus areas located within a department that are dedicated to selling and showcasing our Joe’s® merchandise on a year round basis.

 

Customers

 

Our Joe’s products are sold to consumers through high-end department stores and boutiques located throughout the world.

 

We currently sell our Joe’s® apparel to domestic department stores such as Federated Department Stores Inc., which includes Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Von Maur, Lord & Taylor and Belk stores and specialty retailers such as American Rag, Anthropology, Atrium, Barneys New York, Bergdorf Goodman, Henri Bendel, Lisa Klein, Ron Herman, Fred Segal, and Scoop NYC in the United States.  We sell internationally to retailers such as Galleries Lafayette, Le Bon Marche, and Le Printemps in France, Barney’s Japan, Isetan, and Mitsukoshi in Japan, Harvey Nichols and Selfridges & Co. in the United Kingdom, Ztampz in Hong Kong and Gio Moretti in Italy.

 

The Joe’s® website, www.joesjeans.com, has been established to promote and advance the brand’s image and to allow consumers to review and purchase online the latest collection of products.  The information available on Joe’s® website is not intended to be incorporated into this Annual Report.  Joe’s currently uses both online and print advertising to create brand awareness with customers as well as consumers.

 

We do not enter into long-term agreements with any of our customers.  Instead, we receive individual purchase order commitments from our customers.  A decision by the controlling owner of a group of stores or any other significant customer, whether motivated by competitive conditions, financial difficulties or otherwise, to decrease the amount of merchandise purchased from us, or to change their manner of doing business with us, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.  See “Risk Factors—A portion of our net sales and gross profit is derived from a small number of large customers.”

 

For fiscal 2007, Joe’s two largest customers and customer groups accounted for approximately 36 percent of net sales.  While this is a high percentage of sales attributable to two customer groups, we believe that we would be able to find alternative customers to purchase our products in the event of the loss of any of these existing customers.  For example, Joe’s largest customers were Nordstrom Inc. and Federated Department Stores Inc. which includes Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s.

 

Seasonality of Business and Working Capital

 

Products are designed and marketed primarily for four principal selling seasons: spring, summer, fall/back-to-school and winter/holiday.  Typically, we have approximately a 12 to 14 week turnaround time between the time we book an order and when we ship it.  Our primary booking periods for the retail sales seasons are as follows:

 

Retail Sales Season

 

Primary Booking Period

Spring

 

September-November

Summer

 

November-March

Fall/Back-to-School

 

February-May

Winter/Holiday

 

June-August

 

We have historically experienced and expect to continue to experience seasonal fluctuations in our net sales.  A significant amount of our net sales are realized during the third and fourth quarter when we ship orders taken during earlier months.  For fiscal 2007, we funded our liquidity needs through cash from operations, cash availability under our financing agreements with CIT Commercial Services, a unit of CIT Group Inc., or CIT, and two private placement transactions.  If sales are materially different from seasonal norms, our annual operating results could be materially affected.  Accordingly, our results for the individual quarters are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.  See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources” for further discussion of our financing agreements with CIT.

 

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Credit and Collection

 

We currently extend credit to a majority of our larger customers, who purchase our products from us at wholesale prices.  Our decision to extend credit is based on factors such as credit approval by CIT under our factoring arrangements, past credit history, reputation of creditworthiness within our industry, and timelines of payments made to us.  We generally extend this credit without requiring collateral.  A small percentage of our customers are required to pay by either cash before delivery, credit card or cash on delivery, or C.O.D., which is also based on such factors as lack of credit history, reputation (or lack thereof) within our industry and/or prior payment history.  For those customers to whom we extend credit, typical terms are net 30 to 60 days.  Based on industry practices, financial awareness of the customers with whom we conduct business, and business experience of our industry, our management exercises professional judgment in determining which customers will be extended credit.  We are exposed to some collection risk for receivables which were factored with recourse where CIT did not accept the credit risk.  However, the aggregate amount of exposure is generally low and, therefore, we believe that the credit risk associated with our extension of credit is minimal.

 

Backlog

 

Although we may, at any given time, have significant business booked in advance of ship dates, customers’ purchase orders are typically filled and shipped within two to six weeks.  As of November 30, 2007, we had backlog of $18,400,000 compared to $16,600,000 as of November 25, 2006.  The amount of outstanding customer purchase orders at a particular time is influenced by numerous factors, including the product mix, timing of the receipt and processing of customer purchase orders, shipping schedules for the product and specific customer shipping windows.  Due to these factors, a comparison of outstanding customer purchase orders from period to period is not necessarily meaningful and may not be indicative of eventual actual shipments.

 

Competition

 

The apparel industry in which we operate is fragmented and highly competitive in the United States and on a worldwide basis.  We compete with a large number of apparel companies similar to ours for consumers.  Our primary branded competitors include True Religion, Seven for All Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, and Rock & Republic.  We do not hold a dominant competitive position, and our ability to sell our products is dependent upon the anticipated popularity of our designs and brand name, the price and quality of our products and our ability to meet our customers’ delivery schedules.  We believe the breadth of our fits and uniqueness of our designs differentiates us from our competitors and we believe that we are competitive with companies producing goods of like quality and pricing.  We believe that we can maintain our competitive position through new product development, creating product identity and brand awareness and competitive pricing.  Many of our competitors may possess greater financial, technical and other resources and the intense competition and the rapid changes in consumer preferences constitute significant risk factors in our operations.  As we expand globally, we will continue to encounter additional sources of competition.  See “Risk Factors—We face intense competition in the worldwide apparel industry.”

 

Import and Export Restrictions and Other Governmental Regulations

 

Transactions with our foreign manufacturers and suppliers are subject to the general 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 countries in which our products might be manufactured may, from time to time, impose new quotas, duties, tariffs or other restrictions, or adjust presently prevailing quotas, duties 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.  The enactment of any additional duties, quotas or restrictions could result in increases in the cost of our products generally and might adversely affect our sales and profitability.

 

Our import operations are subject to international trade agreements and regulations such as the North American Free Trade Agreement and other bilateral textile agreements between the United States and a number of foreign countries, including Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and Korea.  Some of these agreements impose quotas on the amount and type of goods that 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.  Some of 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.

 

7



 

Human Resources

 

As of February 27, 2008, we had 81 full-time employees and we consider our relationships with our employees to be good.

 

Financial Information about Geographic Areas

 

See “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Note 10 – Segment Reporting and Operations by Geographical Areas” for discussion of financial information about geographical areas.

 

Manufacturing and Distribution Relationships

 

Our denim products are manufactured by contractors located in Los Angeles, Mexico, and to a limited extent, Morocco.  Our non-denim products are primarily manufactured in Asia, including Hong Kong and China, and in Turkey in fiscal 2006.  Our products are distributed out of Los Angeles or directly from the factory to the customer.  The following table represents the percentage of denim and non-denim products manufactured in the various countries or on the geographic continent as a percentage of all products manufactured during the fiscal year.

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

38.2

%

41.2

%

Mexico

 

57.1

%

54.9

%

Europe

 

0.0

%

1.7

%

Asia

 

3.1

%

2.2

%

Morocco

 

1.7

%

0.0

%

 

 

100

%

100

%

 

Available Information

 

Our website address is www.joesjeans.com.  We make available on or through our website, without charge, our Annual Report, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC.  Although we maintain a website at www.joesjeans.com, we do not intend that the information available through our website be incorporated into this Annual Report.  In addition, any materials filed with, or furnished to, the SEC may be read and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549 or viewed on line at www.sec.gov.  Information regarding the operation of the Public Reference Room can be obtained by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090.

 

Executive Officers

 

The following table sets forth certain information regarding our executive officers:

 

Name

 

Age

 

Position

Marc B. Crossman

 

36

 

Chief Executive Officer, (Principal Executive Officer), President, and Director

 

 

 

 

 

Hamish Sandhu

 

46

 

Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

Joe Dahan

 

40

 

Creative Director and Director

 

8



 

Marc B. Crossman has served as our Chief Executive Officer since January 2006, President since September 2004  and a member of our Board of Directors since January 1999.  From March 2003 until August 2007, Mr. Crossman also served as our Chief Financial Officer.

 

Hamish Sandhu has served as our Chief Financial Officer since August 2007. From January 2006 until August 2007, Mr. Sandhu was Chief Financial Officer of California Tan, Inc., a consumer products company manufacturing and marketing lotion and equipment to the indoor tanning industry. From September 2001 until December 2005, Mr. Sandhu was Chief Financial Officer of Ancra International LLC, a manufacturer of aircraft cargo systems and trucking restraint products.

 

Joe Dahan has served as our Creative Director and a member of our Board of Directors since October 2007 and the president and head designer for our Joe’s subsidiary since its formation in February 2001.

 

ITEM 1A.               RISK FACTORS

 

The following risk factors should be read carefully in connection with evaluating our business and the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report.  Any of the following risks could materially adversely affect our business, our operating results, our financial condition and the actual outcome of matters as to which forward-looking statements are made in this Annual Report.

 

Our focus on our Joe’s® brand may not be successful.

 

Our ongoing business model focuses on our Joe’s® brand.  We reported a profit in fiscal 2007 in part due to our decision to focus on our Joe’s® brand while continuing to reduce expenses.  We cannot assure you that our reliance on sales from only one brand will continue to result in profitability for us.  We cannot assure you that our Joe’s® brand will continue to meet our expectations in terms of sales, profits and acceptance in the marketplace by consumers and retailers.  Therefore, our business operations could be negatively impacted by a change in any one or all of these expectations and may have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our success will depend on our ability to implement our strategic plan which includes, increasing international and men’s sales, opening retail stores and expanding our product offerings.

 

Our ability to operate profitably depends on our ability to implement our strategic plan with success.  We expect to recognize growth for our Joe’s® brand through increasing our international sales and sales from our men’s product line, opening retail stores and diversifying our product offering.  Historically, we sold our Joe’s® products internationally through a master distribution agreement that we terminated in February 2007 after experiencing decreases in our international sales.  Shortly thereafter, we engaged consultants based in Europe to assist us in entering into agreements with distributors and sales agents in various countries.  For Japan, we entered into a separate three year distribution and licensing agreement to distribute existing products and develop and manufacture additional products specifically for the Japanese market.  We believe that by working directly with our distributors and agents abroad rather than through a third party, we will be able to exercise more control and guidance over their sales.  Further, we expect to benefit in sales and profitability over the long term from selling our products directly to the distributors or through agents rather than through a third party.

 

Our next two initiatives which are part of our strategic plan are expanding our product offering and opening retail stores.  These two initiatives complement each other because offering a full collection of items in a retail store will help boost sales while giving us an avenue to showcase products other than denim bottoms.  In January 2008, we entered into a lease for retail space at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets® in Central Valley, New York.  The outlet center is approximately 50 miles outside of New York City.  We expect to open the store in the fall of 2008.  An outlet center will also allow us to test our ability to open retail stores plus give us an alternative distribution channel to sell our overstock or slow-moving items at better profit margins.  However, opening retail outlets will require us to spend money on capital expenditures and leasehold improvements, which if not managed properly, could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

While we believe that we are putting in place the mechanisms necessary to implement successfully these strategies, there can be no assurance that we will be able to achieve our level of expectations.  Further, there can be no assurance that our strategic initiatives will result in profitability for us in the short term or in the future.

 

9



 

In order to effectively manage growth, we are dependent on our financing arrangements and our cash flow from operations.

 

Our ability to fund our operations for 2007 was dependent on (i) utilizing our accounts receivable and inventory based agreements with CIT; (ii) utilizing the proceeds from our equity financing in December 2006 and June 2007; (iii) maximizing our trade payables with our domestic and international suppliers; (iv) managing our inventory levels and operating expenses; and (v) increasing collection efforts on existing account receivables.

 

As of November 30, 2007, our cash availability with CIT was approximately $749,000 under our agreements.  This amount fluctuates on a daily basis based upon invoicing and collection related activity by CIT on our behalf.  Because our history of negative cash flows, CIT has the ability to terminate the agreements we have with them upon notice or require additional collateral to secure its advances.  If CIT elects to terminate, we could be forced to pay our liability with CIT and CIT may also elect to take possession of the pledged collateral, which includes raw materials through finished goods and receivables.  Although we have undertaken numerous measures to increase sales and cash flow, control inventory costs and operate more efficiently so that we may be able to fund our operations for fiscal 2008, we may continue to experience losses and negative cash flows.  We can give you no assurance that we will in fact continue to operate profitably in the future.

 

As a result of our completion of the merger with JD Holdings and the issuance of 14,000,000 shares of our common stock, our existing stockholders became diluted.  In addition, Mr. Dahan may be able to exert significant influence and control over us as a result of his percentage of stock ownership, position as an executive officer and membership on our Board of Directors.

 

As a result of the completion of the merger and the issuance of the 14,000,000 shares of our common stock, the equity interests of our existing stockholders were diluted.  This dilution may have caused or may continue to cause our existing stockholders to sell their shares which could contribute to a decline in the price of our common stock.  Furthermore, Mr. Dahan beneficially owns approximately 24 percent of our total shares outstanding and is our largest stockholder.  In addition, Mr. Dahan is an executive officer and a member of our Board of Directors.  As a result, he is in a position to exert significant influence and control over us as a result of his voting power, position as an executive officer and membership on our Board of Directors.  We are not aware of any intent by Mr. Dahan to influence or control our affairs as result of his percentage ownership of our common stock and his position as both an executive officer and member of our Board of Directors.

 

In order to implement our strategic plan, we will have to attract and retain talented personnel.  Further, our future success depends on our ability to retain our key employees, including our chief executive officer and creative director.

 

Our ability to implement our strategic plan will depend on our ability to attract and retain talented personnel.  To date, we have not had any difficulty in attracting or retaining personnel to fill open or new positions, however, in the future, we may need to expand our infrastructure to support any anticipated growth.  We may need to provide incentives, both short term and long term, to attract and retain personnel.  Incentives can range from bonuses, grants of options or restricted stock to perquisites unique to the industry.  All such incentives will result in an increase in certain expenses.  More particularly, growth, payment of incentives to personnel and expenditures to expand our infrastructure to support our growth will cause our selling, general and administrative expenses to increase if we cannot maintain or decrease our other expenses.  An increase in our selling, general and administrative expenses may cause us to be less profitable even if we are successful in implementing our strategic plan.  There can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain or decrease other expenses, therefore, a decrease in profit may have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our chief executive officer, Marc Crossman, has substantial experience and expertise in our business and has made significant contributions to our growth and success.  The unexpected loss of services of this individual could adversely affect us.  We are protected to a limited extent by a key man term life insurance policy that we maintain on our behalf for Mr. Crossman; however, there can be no assurance that his departure would trigger protection under this policy.  We do not have a written employment agreement with Mr. Crossman.  If he should leave us, his absence would likely have a substantial impact on our ability to operate on a daily basis because we would be forced to find and hire similarly experienced personnel to fill one or more of his positions and daily operations may suffer temporarily as a result of this immediate void.

 

Mr. Dahan is our only executive officer with a formal employment agreement.  Mr. Dahan’s departure could materially adversely affect our operations because his experience, design capabilities, and name recognition in the apparel industry is important to our business and we rely heavily on Mr. Dahan’s capabilities to design, direct and produce product for the Joe’s brand.  However, the loss of Mr. Dahan would not have any effect on our ownership of the brand.  While we believe that we would be able to find a suitable replacement to design, direct and produce product for the Joe’s® brand, we do not know

 

10



 

the effect a new or different designer would have on the products and consumer’s response to those new products.  Therefore, loss of Mr. Dahan’s services could have an impact on our ability to operate on a daily basis and daily operations may suffer temporarily as well.  We also maintain a key man term life insurance policy on our behalf for Mr. Dahan; however, there can be no assurance that his departure would trigger protection under this policy.

 

We outsource certain of our business operations and are dependent on third parties to perform these services for us.

 

In connection with our operations, we outsource certain services and are dependent on third parties for the manufacture and product fulfillment of our apparel products.  The inability of one or more of these service providers to manufacture, ship or fulfill our customer purchase orders in a timely manner or to meet our quality standards could cause us to miss the delivery dates for our customers for those items.  As a result, our customers may decide to cancel orders, refuse to accept delivery of the products or cause us to provide discounts or allowances.  Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

We are dependent on our relationships with our vendors.

 

We purchase our raw materials, including fabric, yarns, threads and trims, such as zippers, buttons, and tags from a variety of vendors.  While we are not reliant exclusively on one or more particular vendor for the supply of the raw materials or component parts required to meet our manufacturing needs, we depend on our relationships and these vendors to ensure our supply of these raw materials or component parts.  Any problems or disputes with these vendors could result in us having to source these raw materials or component parts from another vendor, which could delay production, and in turn have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our common stock price is volatile and may decrease.

 

The trading price and volume of our common stock has historically been subject to fluctuations in response to factors such as the following, some of which are beyond our control:

 

·      annual and quarterly variations in actual or anticipated operating results,

 

·      operating results that vary from the expectations of securities analyst and investors,

 

·      changes in expectations as to our future financial performance, including financial estimates by securities analysts and investors,

 

·      changes in market valuations of other denim apparel companies,

 

·      announcements of new product lines by us or our competitors, announcements by us or our competitors of significant contracts, acquisitions or dispositions of assets, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments,

 

·      additions or departures of key personnel or members of our board of directors, and

 

·      general conditions in the apparel industry.

 

In the 52 week period prior to February 27, 2008, the closing price of our common stock has ranged from $0.60 to $2.45.  In addition, stock markets generally have experienced price and volume trading volatility in recent years.  This volatility has had an effect on the market prices of securities of many companies for reasons unrelated to the operating performance of the specific companies.  These broad market fluctuations may negatively affect the market price of our common stock.

 

Our directors and management beneficially own a large percentage of our common stock.

 

Our executive officers and directors beneficially own approximately 33 percent of our common stock, including options exercisable within 60 days of February 27, 2008, in the aggregate.  More specifically, Joe Dahan beneficially owns approximately 24 percent of our common stock and the Chairman of our Board, Sam Furrow, beneficially owns approximately five percent of our common stock.  Because of this level of stock ownership, in the aggregate, certain persons may be in a position to directly or indirectly control our affairs.

 

11



 

Our bylaws also limit the ability of stockholders to call a special meeting of stockholders.  These bylaw provisions could have the effect of discouraging a takeover of us, and therefore may adversely affect the market price and liquidity of our securities.  We are also subject to a Delaware statute regulating business combinations that may hinder or delay a change in control.  The anti-takeover provisions of the Delaware statute may adversely affect the market price and liquidity of our securities.

 

The seasonal nature of our business makes management more difficult, severely reduces cash flow and liquidity during parts of the year and could force us to curtail our operations.

 

Our business is seasonal.  The majority of our marketing and sales activities take place from late fall to early spring.  Historically, our greatest volume of shipments and sales have occurred from late spring through the summer, which coincides with our second and third fiscal quarters.  This requires us to build-up inventories during our first and second fiscal quarters when our cash flow is weakest.  Historically speaking, our cash flow is strongest in the third and fourth fiscal quarters.  Unfavorable economic conditions affecting retailers during the fall and holiday seasons in any year could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations for the year.  We are likely to experience periods of negative cash flow throughout each year, including, a drop-off in business commencing each December, which could force us to curtail operations if adequate liquidity is not available.  We cannot assure you that the effects of such seasonality will diminish in the future.  For fiscal 2007, we funded our liquidity needs to build inventory through cash from operations, cash availability under our financing agreements with CIT and two private placements.

 

In fiscal 2007, as a result of changing our third party manufacturer in Mexico, we acquired additional inventories, from raw materials to work-in-progress, than we had in previous years.  As a result, our inventory levels increased by $14,536,000 from fiscal 2006 to fiscal 2007.  This increase in inventory impacted our liquidity and availability of cash to be used for other purposes.  We have put in place a plan to decrease our inventory levels which includes utilizing existing fabric for future production during 2008.  We expect this strategy will help reduce cash needed for raw material purchases for fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007.

 

We face risks associated with constantly changing fashion trends, including consumer’s response to our Joe’s® brand.

 

Our success will depend on our ability to anticipate, gauge and respond to changing consumer demand and fashion trends in a timely manner.  Any failure on our part to anticipate, identify and respond effectively to changing consumer demands and fashion trends could adversely affect the acceptance of our products and leave us with a substantial amount of unsold inventory or missed opportunities in the marketplace.  If that occurs, we may be forced to rely on markdowns or promotional sales to dispose of excess, slow-moving inventory, which may negatively affect our ability to achieve profitability.  At the same time, a focus on tight management of inventory may result, from time to time, in our not having an adequate supply of products to meet consumer demand and may cause us to lose sales.

 

We attempt to minimize our risk associated with delivering items through early order commitments by retailers.  We must generally place production orders with manufacturers before we have received all of a season’s orders and orders may be cancelled by retailers before shipment.  Therefore, if we fail to anticipate accurately and respond to consumer preferences, we could experience lower sales, excess inventories or lower profit margins, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

Our business could be negatively impacted by a change in consumer demand for denim in the marketplace.

 

Denim, including premium denim, an industry term for denim jeans with a typical retail price of $120 or more, has been increasingly popular and growing in sales over the past few years as a consumer discretionary purchase both domestically and internationally.  However, because consumer demands and fashion trends are subject to cyclical variations as well as the fact that the general economy and future economic prospects can often affect consumer spending habits, a change in any one of the following:

 

·      consumer demand,

 

·      consumer purchases of discretionary items,

 

·      the economy in general, or

 

·      fashion trends,

 

12



 

any of which may result in lower sales, excess inventories or lower profit margins for our Joe’s® products, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our results operations and financial condition.

 

A portion of our net sales and gross profit is derived from a small number of large customers.

 

Our 10 largest customers and customer groups accounted for approximately 61 percent of our net sales during fiscal 2007.  We do not enter into any type of long-term agreements or firm commitment orders with any of our customers.  Instead, we enter into a number of individual purchase order commitments with our customers.  A decision by the controlling owner of a group of stores or any other significant customer, including our limited number of private label customers, whether motivated by competitive conditions, financial difficulties or otherwise, to decrease the amount of merchandise purchased from us, or to change their manner of doing business with us, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations if we are unable to find an alternative customer for our products in a timely manner.

 

Our business could be negatively impacted by the financial health of our retail customers.

 

We sell our product primarily to retail and distribution companies around the world based on pre-qualified payment terms.  Financial difficulties of a customer could cause us to curtail business with that customer, in addition to the customer’s decision to decrease the level of its orders, to cancel orders previously placed in advance of shipment dates or to cease carrying our products.  We may also assume more credit risk relating to that customer’s receivables.  We are dependent primarily on lines of credit that we establish from time to time with customers, and should a substantial number of customers become unable to pay to us their respective debts as they become due, we may be unable to collect some or all of the monies owed by those customers.

 

In recent years, the retail industry has experienced consolidation or other ownership changes that have resulted in one entity controlling several different stores.  This consolidation can result in fewer customers for our products or the closing of some stores or the number of “doors” which carry our products.  As a result, the potential for consolidation or ownership changes, closing of retail outlets and fewer customers could negatively impact sales of our products and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our business could suffer as a result of a manufacturer’s inability to produce our goods on time and to our specifications or if we need to replace manufacturers.

 

We do not own or operate any manufacturing facilities and therefore depend upon independent third parties for the manufacture of all of our products.  We enter into a number of purchase order commitments each season specifying a time for delivery, method of payment, design and quality specifications and other standard industry provisions, but do not have long-term contracts with any manufacturer.  The inability of a certain manufacturer to ship orders of our products in a timely manner or to meet our quality standards could cause us to miss the delivery date requirements of our customers for those items, which could result in cancellation of orders, refusal to accept deliveries or a reduction in purchase prices, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.  Because of the seasonality of our business, and the apparel and fashion business in particular, the dates on which customers need and require shipments of products from us are critical, as styles and consumer tastes change so rapidly in the apparel and fashion business, particularly from one season to the next.  Further, because quality is a leading factor when customers and retailers accept or reject goods, any decline in quality by our third-party manufacturers could be detrimental not only to a particular order, but also to our future relationship with that particular customer.

 

We compete with other companies for the production capacity of our manufacturers.  Some of these competitors have greater financial and other resources than we have, and thus may have an advantage in the competition for production and import quota capacity.  If we experience a significant increase in demand, or if an existing manufacturer of ours must be replaced, we may have to expand our third-party manufacturing capacity.  We cannot assure you that this additional capacity will be available when required on terms that are acceptable to us or similar to existing terms which we have with our manufacturers, either from a production standpoint or a financial standpoint.

 

13



 

If an independent manufacturer of ours fails to use acceptable labor practices, our business could suffer.

 

While we require our independent manufacturers to operate in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, we have no control over the ultimate actions of our independent manufacturers.  Despite our lack of control, we have internal and vendor operating guidelines to promote ethical business practices and our staff periodically visits and monitors the operations of our independent manufacturers.  We also use the services of a third party independent labor consulting service to conduct on site audits as required by state labor laws to help minimize our risk and exposure to unacceptable labor practice violations.  The violation of labor or other laws by one of our independent manufacturers or the divergence of an independent manufacturer’s labor practices from those generally accepted as ethical in the United States, could interrupt or otherwise disrupt the shipment of finished products to us or damage our reputation.  Any of these, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.  In particular, the laws governing garment manufacturers in the State of California impose joint liability upon us and our independent manufacturers for the labor practices of those independent manufacturers.  As a result, should one of our independent manufacturers be found in violation of state labor laws, we could suffer financial or other unforeseen consequences.

 

Our trademark and other intellectual property rights may not be adequately protected outside the United States and some of our products are targets of counterfeiting.

 

We believe that our trademarks and other proprietary rights are important to our success and our competitive position.  We may, however, experience conflict with various third parties who acquire or claim ownership rights in certain trademarks as we expand our product offerings and expand the number of countries where we sell our products.  We cannot ensure that the actions we have taken to establish and protect these 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 a violation of their trademarks and proprietary rights.  Also, we cannot assure you that others will not assert rights in, or ownership of, trademarks and other proprietary rights of ours or that we will be able to successfully resolve these types of conflicts to our satisfaction.  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.

 

Our Joe’s® products are sometimes the target of counterfeiters.  As a result, there are often products that are imitations or “knock-offs” of our Joe’s® products that can be found in the marketplace or consumers can find products that are confusingly similar to ours.  We intend to continue to vigorously defend our trademarks and products bearing our trademarks, however, we cannot assure you that our efforts will be adequate to prosecute and block all sales of infringing products from the marketplace.

 

Our ability to conduct business in international markets may be affected by legal, regulatory, political and economic risks.

 

Our ability to capitalize on growth in new international markets and to maintain the current level of operations in our existing international markets is subject to risks associated with international operations. Some of these risks include:

 

·      the burdens of complying with a variety of foreign laws and regulations,

 

·      unexpected changes in regulatory requirements, and

 

·      new tariffs or other barriers to some international markets.

 

We are also subject to general political and economic risks associated with conducting international business, including:

 

·      political instability,

 

·      changes in diplomatic and trade relationships, and

 

·      general economic fluctuations in specific countries or markets.

 

We cannot predict whether quotas, duties, taxes, or other similar restrictions will be imposed by the United States, Mexico, the European Union, Canada, China, Japan, India, South Korea or other countries upon the import or export of our

 

14



 

products in the future, or what effect any of these actions would have on our business, financial condition or results of operations.  Changes in regulatory or geopolitical policies and other factors may adversely affect our business in the future or may require us to modify our current business practices.

 

We face intense competition in the denim industry.

 

We face a variety of competitive challenges from other domestic and foreign fashion-oriented apparel producers, some of whom may be significantly larger and more diversified and have greater financial and marketing resources than we have.  We do not currently hold a dominant competitive position in any market.  We compete with other denim manufacturers such as Seven for All Mankind, Citizens of Humanity and Rock & Republic, and other larger competitors primarily on the basis of:

 

·      anticipating and responding to changing consumer demands in a timely manner,

 

·      maintaining favorable brand recognition,

 

·      developing innovative, high-quality products in sizes, colors and styles that appeal to consumers,

 

·      appropriately pricing products,

 

·      providing strong and effective marketing support,

 

·      creating an acceptable value proposition for retail customers,

 

·      ensuring product availability and optimizing supply chain efficiencies with manufacturers and retailers, and

 

·      obtaining sufficient retail floor space and effective presentation of our products at retail.

 

Furthermore, some of our competitors are privately held corporations and may have resources available to them that we, as a public company, do not have.  Therefore, it may be difficult for us to effectively gauge consumer response to our products and how our products are competing with these and other competitors in the marketplace.

 

ITEM 1B.           UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 2.              PROPERTIES

 

Our principal place of business is located in Commerce, Los Angeles County, California.  The following table sets forth information with respect to our principal place of business:

 

Location

 

Use

 

Ownership 
Status

 

Approximate 
Area in 
Square Feet

 

Lease Expiration

Commerce, California

 

Design and administrative offices

 

Leased

 

15,000 sq. ft.

 

Verbal arrangement

 

We believe that our existing facilities are well maintained, in good operating condition and are adequate for our present level of operations.

 

15



 

ITEM 3.              LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

(a)           We are a party to lawsuits and other contingencies in the ordinary course of our business.  We do not believe that the outcome of any individual action would have adverse effect in the aggregate on our financial condition.  We do not believe that it is likely that an adverse outcome of individually insignificant actions in the aggregate would be sufficient enough, in number or in magnitude, to have a material adverse effect in the aggregate on our financial condition.

 

(b)           None.

 

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

 

Previously reported on a Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 17, 2007.

 

PART II

 

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

 

(a)           Our common stock is currently traded under the symbol “JOEZ” on The Nasdaq Capital Market maintained by The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc., or Nasdaq.  The following sets forth the high and low interday quotations for our common stock in such market for the periods indicated.  This information reflects inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commissions, and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.  No representation is made by us that the following quotations necessarily reflect an established public trading market in our common stock:

 

 

 

High

 

Low

 

Fiscal 2007

 

 

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

$

1.45

 

$

0.38

 

Second Quarter

 

$

1.40

 

$

0.85

 

Third Quarter

 

$

2.45

 

$

1.13

 

Fourth Quarter

 

$

2.05

 

$

1.10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal 2006

 

 

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

$

1.41

 

$

0.50

 

Second Quarter

 

$

1.32

 

$

0.52

 

Third Quarter

 

$

0.85

 

$

0.45

 

Fourth Quarter

 

$

0.75

 

$

0.37

 

 

As of February 27, 2008, there were 877 record holders of our common stock.  We have never declared or paid a cash dividend and do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. In deciding whether to pay dividends on our common stock in the future, our board of directors will consider such factors they may deem relevant, including our earnings and financial condition and our capital expenditure requirements.

 

16



 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

The following table sets forth certain information about our common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options, warrants and rights under all of the our compensation plans (including individual compensation arrangements) under which our equity securities are authorized for issuance as of November 30, 2007, which includes our 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, our 2000 Employee Stock Incentive Plan and our 2000 Director Stock Incentive Plan.  We stopped granting options under our 2000 Employee Stock Incentive Plan or our 2000 Director Stock Incentive Plan after the adoption and approval of our 2004 Stock Incentive Plan on June 3, 2004.

 

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 (excluding 
securities reflected in column (a))

 

 

 

(a)

 

(b)

 

(c)

 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2004 Incentive Plan

 

3,778,349

(2)

$

1.83

 

4,020,990

 

2000 Employee Plan

 

200,000

 

$

2.40

 

N/A

(3)

2000 Director Plan

 

203,546

 

$

0.78

 

N/A

(3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,181,895

 

$

1.80

 

4,020,990

 

 


(1)           See “2004 Stock Incentive Plan,” “2000 Employee Stock Incentive Plan” and “2000 Director Stock Incentive Plan” described in “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Note 11 – Stockholders’ Equity - Stock Option Plans” for a further description of our equity compensation plans.

 

(2)           Includes 555,849 shares of restricted common stock issued on October 15, 2007 to our CEO and board members that are subject to certain vesting requirements.

 

(3)           While there are shares available under both of these plans, we no longer grant options under our 2000 Employee Stock Incentive Plan or our 2000 Director Stock Incentive Plan since the adoption and approval of our 2004 Stock Incentive Plan on June 3, 2004.

 

17



 

 

 

 

11/29/02

 

11/28/03

 

11/26/04

 

11/25/05

 

11/24/06

 

11/30/07

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joe’s Jeans Inc.

 

$

100.00

 

$

157.75

 

$

83.88

 

$

52.33

 

$

25.78

 

$

44.25

 

S&P Smallcap 600

 

$

100.00

 

$

131.77

 

$

160.94

 

$

178.76

 

$

203.92

 

$

204.91

 

NASDAQ Composite

 

$

100.00

 

$

131.18

 

$

142.72

 

$

152.09

 

$

168.90

 

$

184.98

 

 

(b)           None.

 

(c)           None.

 

18



 

ITEM 6.              SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

The table below (includes the notes hereto) sets forth a summary of selected consolidated financial data.  The selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

 

 

 

Year ended

 

 

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

11/30/07

 

11/25/06

 

11/26/05

 

11/27/04

 

11/29/03

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

62,767

 

$

46,633

 

$

35,920

 

$

26,716

 

$

37,468

 

Cost of goods sold

 

36,137

 

31,224

 

25,203

 

19,883

 

32,466

 

Gross profit

 

26,630

 

15,409

 

10,717

 

6,833

 

5,002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

23,085

 

21,587

 

18,245

 

18,670

 

13,906

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

359

 

290

 

182

 

202

 

390

 

 

 

23,444

 

21,877

 

18,427

 

18,872

 

14,296

 

Operating income (loss) from continuing operations

 

3,186

 

(6,468

)

(7,710

)

(12,039

)

(9,294

)

Interest expense

 

(828

)

(573

)

(781

)

(353

)

(495

)

Other (expense) income, net

 

(13

)

(67

)

16

 

(19

)

482

 

Income (loss) from operations, before taxes

 

2,345

 

(7,108

)

(8,475

)

(12,411

)

(9,307

)

Income taxes

 

91

 

36

 

13

 

15

 

52

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

$

2,254

 

$

(7,144

)

$

(8,488

)

$

(12,426

)

$

(9,359

)

Discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

(2,149

)

(7,945

)

2,850

 

1,042

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

2,254

 

$

(9,293

)

$

(16,433

)

$

(9,576

)

$

(8,317

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per common share - Basic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations

 

0.05

 

(0.21

)

(0.26

)

(0.44

)

(0.55

)

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations

 

 

(0.06

)

(0.25

)

0.10

 

0.06

 

Earnings (loss) per common share - Basic

 

$

0.05

 

$

(0.27

)

$

(0.51

)

$

(0.34

)

$

(0.49

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per common share - Diluted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations

 

0.05

 

(0.21

)

(0.26

)

(0.44

)

(0.55

)

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations

 

 

(0.06

)

(0.25

)

0.10

 

0.06

 

Earnings (loss) per common share - Diluted

 

$

0.05

 

$

(0.27

)

$

(0.51

)

$

(0.34

)

$

(0.49

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

43,840

 

33,853

 

31,942

 

28,195

 

17,009

 

Diluted

 

45,000

 

33,853

 

31,942

 

28,195

 

17,009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance sheet data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

47,626

 

$

11,794

 

$

27,596

 

$

38,143

 

$

46,365

 

Stockholders’ equity

 

30,396

 

3,308

 

11,557

 

20,279

 

16,482

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt - Discontinued operations

 

 

 

7,085

 

8,627

 

21,800

 

 

19



 

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

 

Introduction

 

This discussion and analysis summarizes the significant factors affecting our results of operations and financial conditions during the fiscal years ended November 30, 2007, November 25, 2006 and November 26, 2005.  This discussion should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements, Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and supplemental information in Item 8 of this Annual Report.  The discussion and analysis contains statements that may be considered forward-looking.  These statements contain a number of risks and uncertainties as discussed, under the heading “Forward-Looking Statements” of this Annual Report that could cause actual results to differ materially.  Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.  Our future results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements.  We do not undertake and specifically decline any obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 

Executive Overview

 

Our principal business activity has evolved into the design, development and worldwide marketing of our Joe’s® products, which include denim jeans, related casual wear and accessories.  Since Joe’s® was established in 2001, the brand is recognized in the premium denim industry, an industry term for denim jeans with price points of $120 or more, for its quality, fit and fashion-forward designs.  Because we focus on design, development and marketing, we rely on third parties to manufacture our apparel products and for distribution and product fulfillment services.  We sell our products to numerous retailers, which include major department stores, specialty stores, and distributors around the world.  Historically, we also sold other branded apparel products, such as indie™, Betsey Johnson®, Fetish™ and Shago®, private label denim and denim related products and craft and accessory products.

 

In fiscal 2007, we continued to implement our transition plan to focus our operations on our Joe’s® brand.  Our transition plan included selling the assets or ceasing operations of our other branded and private label apparel products.  To enhance our ability to capitalize on the Joe’s® brand, on February 6, 2007, we entered into a merger agreement to merge with JD Holdings Inc., or JD Holdings, the successor in interest to JD Design LLC, or JD Design, the entity from whom we licensed the Joe’s® brand.  We also entered into our first license agreement for other product categories for handbags, belts and small leather goods bearing the Joe’s® brand.  In October 2007, we completed the merger and acquired the Joe’s® brand.  In exchange for all of the rights for the Joe’s® brand, we issued 14,000,000 shares of our common stock, $300,000 in cash and entered into an employment agreement with Joe Dahan, the principal designer and sole stockholder of JD Holdings.  As part of the merger consideration, we are also obligated to pay Mr. Dahan a percentage of our gross profits until 2017 above $11,251,000.  In addition to owning approximately 24 percent of our total shares outstanding, after the merger, Mr. Dahan became an executive officer and a member of our Board of Directors.

 

As part of our transition plan, we reported income from operations for a full fiscal year for the first time since 2002.  Our strategic plan for 2008 includes entering into lease agreements to open retail stores, improving international sales, increasing sales from our men’s product line, evaluating licensing opportunities for other product categories and enhancing the quality, fit and products available in our collection beyond denim bottoms.  In January 2008, we entered into a lease for retail space at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets® in Central Valley, New York.  The outlet center is approximately 50 miles outside of New York City.  We expect to open the store in the fall of 2008.  An outlet center will also allow us to test our ability to open retail stores plus give us an alternative distribution channel to sell our overstock or slow moving items at better profit margins.  To improve our international sales, we hired two consultants based in Europe to assist us in entering into agent and distribution agreements worldwide.  In addition, we have been focusing designing an entire collection of products to be available to our customers.

 

Our business is seasonal.  The majority of the marketing and sales activities take place from late fall to early spring.  The greatest volume of shipments and sales are generally made from late spring through the summer, which coincides with our second and third fiscal quarters and our cash flow is strongest in our third and fourth fiscal quarters.  Due to the seasonality of our business, as well as the evolution and changes in our business and product mix, often our quarterly or yearly results are not necessarily indicative of the results for the next quarter or year.

 

20



 

Since the sale in May 2006 of certain assets of our private label business and subsequent classification as a discontinued operation, our continuing operations for fiscal 2006 and 2005 include net sales of our Joe’s® brand and net sales of other terminated branded apparel lines.  Because these other branded apparel lines were not separate operating divisions, the terminated lines are not included as part of our discontinued operations.  These brands are reflected in our overall net sales even though the brands are not part of our continuing operations beyond the relevant time periods.  We also sold the assets of our craft and accessory business operated under our Innovo subsidiary in May 2005 and reported that subsidiary as a discontinued operation as of fiscal 2004.

 

Our fiscal year end is November 30.  Effective October 11, 2007, we changed from a thirteen-week quarterly reporting period to a last day of the month quarterly reporting period to reflect standard quarterly accounting periods.  The modification of the fiscal year did not have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

Comparison of Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2007 to Fiscal Year Ended November 25, 2006

 

Results of Continuing Operations

 

The following table sets forth certain statements of operations data for the periods as indicated:

 

 

 

Year ended

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

11/30/07

 

11/25/06

 

$

 Change

 

% Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

62,767

 

$

46,633

 

$

16,134

 

35

%

Cost of goods sold

 

36,137

 

31,224

 

4,913

 

16

%

Gross profit

 

26,630

 

15,409

 

11,221

 

73

%

Gross margin

 

42

%

33

%

9

%

28

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

23,085

 

21,587

 

1,498

 

7

%

Depreciation and amortization

 

359

 

290

 

69

 

24

%

Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

3,186

 

(6,468

)

9,654

 

(A

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(828

)

(573

)

(255

)

45

%

Other expense

 

(13

)

(67

)

54

 

(81

)%

Income (loss) from continuing operations, before taxes

 

2,345

 

(7,108

)

9,453

 

(A

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes

 

91

 

36

 

55

 

153

%

Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

2,254

 

(7,144

)

9,398

 

(A

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

(2,149

)

2,149

 

100

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

2,254

 

$

(9,293

)

$

11,547

 

(A

)

 


(A) Not meaningful

 

21



 

Fiscal Year 2007 Overview

 

The following table represents a summary of our net sales, gross profit and gross margins for the periods indicated.

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

11/30/07

 

11/25/06

 

Change

 

% Change

 

Net Sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joe’s Jeans

 

$

62,767

 

$

45,264

 

$

17,503

 

39

%

Other branded

 

 

1,369

 

(1,369

)

(100

)%

 

 

$

62,767

 

$

46,633

 

$

16,134

 

35

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Profit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joe’s Jeans

 

$

26,630

 

$

16,910

 

$

9,720

 

57

%

Other branded

 

 

(1,501

)

1,501

 

(100

)%

 

 

$

26,630

 

$

15,409

 

$

11,221

 

73

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Margin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joe’s Jeans

 

42

%

37

%

 

 

 

 

Other branded

 

 

(110

)%

 

 

 

 

Overall

 

42

%

33

%

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales

 

Our overall net sales increased to $62,767,000 in fiscal 2007 from $46,633,000 in fiscal 2006, a 35 percent increase.

 

This increase can be attributed to a continued strong demand for premium denim apparel products in the marketplace coupled with brand acceptance for our Joe’s® products in the premium denim market and the addition of our men’s line.  As a result of increased brand acceptance and awareness of our Joe’s® products, in fiscal 2007, we experienced growth in the number of department store “doors” carrying our products, increases in the average inventory per door and added two new department stores, Belk and Lord & Taylor.  Offsetting our increase was a decrease of $153,000 in international net sales primarily due to the dissolution of our agreement with our international distributor in February 2007 and a slower than expected implementation of our strategic plan to hire consultants based in Europe to assist us with dealing directly with distributors and agents in various countries.

 

Other Branded Apparel

 

Net sales of our other branded apparel for fiscal 2006 include sales from indie™ and to a limited extent, Betsey Johnson®.  We had no net sales of other branded label products in fiscal 2007 compared to $1,369,000 in fiscal 2006.  Sales in fiscal 2006 were limited to sales of remaining inventory after our decision to exit or terminate operations for these branded apparel lines.

 

Gross Profit

 

Our gross profit increased to $26,630,000 in fiscal 2007 from $15,409,000 in fiscal 2006, a 73 percent increase.  Our overall gross margin percentage increased to 42 percent in fiscal 2007 from 33 percent in fiscal 2006 because of our shift in sales mix to net sales only from our Joe’s® branded apparel products, which generally have a higher and more consistent gross margin than our other branded apparel products.  For example, our overall gross margins were negatively affected by a negative 110 percent gross margin for our other branded apparel products compared to our Joe’s® gross margin of 37 percent for fiscal 2006.

 

22



 

Joe’s®

 

Our gross profit for our Joe’s® brand increased to $26,630,000 in fiscal 2007 from $16,910,000 in fiscal 2006, a 57 percent increase. Our gross margin percentage for our Joe’s® brand increased to 42 percent in fiscal 2007 from 37 percent in fiscal 2006. Our gross margin increase for our Joe’s® brand is primarily attributable to higher and more consistent gross margins in each quarter of fiscal 2007 compared to fiscal 2006. In addition, we shifted slightly more production outside of the United States during fiscal 2007 compared to fiscal 2006 and added production in Morocco which contributed to improving gross margins. Specifically, in fiscal 2007, we manufactured 38 percent of our products in the United States compared to 41 percent in fiscal 2006.

 

Other Branded Apparel

 

Our gross profit for our other branded apparel was a negative $1,501,000 in fiscal 2006. Our gross margin percentage for our other branded apparel increased to a negative 110 percent. Our negative gross profit in fiscal 2006 was due to sales to discounters with negative or no gross margins in order to liquidate remaining inventory and sales at less than estimated net realizable value.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

 

Selling, general and administrative, or SG&A, expenses increased to $23,085,000 in fiscal 2007 from $21,587,000 in fiscal 2006, a 7 percent increase.

 

The SG&A increase in fiscal 2007 compared to fiscal 2006 is largely a result of the following factors: (i) an increase of $717,000 in sales commissions and royalties as a result of our 39 percent increase in Joe’s® sales; (ii) an increase of $535,000 in facilities, fulfillment and distribution costs associated with outsourcing our product fulfillment services and storage fees for raw materials purchased to support our increase in sales; (iii) an increase of $785,000 related to professional fees associated with the merger to acquire the Joe’s® brand and engaging consultants in Europe; and (iv) an increase of $723,000 related to settlement expenses associated with our termination of our international distributor during fiscal 2007. These SG&A expenses were partially offset by (i) a reduction of $240,000 in employee and employee related expenses due to a lower headcount in the first half of 2007; (ii) a reduction of $173,000 in sample expenses due to improved cost control; (iii) a reduction of $540,000 in advertising fees and tradeshow expenses partially due to our decision not to renew our billboard and taxi cab advertising commitments; and (iv) a reduction of $931,000 in stock based compensation expenses due to the repricing of certain management options in fiscal 2006 that we did not have in fiscal 2007.

 

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

 

Our depreciation and amortization expense increased to $359,000 during fiscal 2007 from $290,000 during fiscal 2006, a 24 percent increase. The increase was primarily attributable to depreciation associated with our purchase of $272,000 of fixed assets during fiscal 2007, which included tradeshow booths and related improvements, sewing machines and other equipment for sample production, certain leasehold improvements to support our growth in fiscal 2007, computers and office equipment.

 

Interest Expense

 

Our combined interest expense increased to $828,000 in fiscal 2007 from $573,000 in fiscal 2006, a 45 percent increase. Our interest expense during fiscal 2007 and 2006 was primarily associated interest expense from our factoring and inventory lines of credit and letters of credit from CIT used to help support our working capital increases.

 

Other Expense

 

During fiscal 2007, other expense was $13,000 compared to other expense of $67,000 during fiscal 2006. Other expense in fiscal 2007 was associated with an unreimbursed insurance claim. Other expense in fiscal 2006 was associated with $68,000 of expense recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2006 associated with the loss of certain finished goods from a cargo fire in Turkey which was offset by an immaterial amount of other income.

 

23



 

Income Taxes

 

Our income tax expense related to continuing operations was $91,000 in fiscal 2007 compared to $36,000 in fiscal 2006, or a 153 percent increase. Our effective tax rate was five percent for fiscal 2007 due to reporting income and zero percent for fiscal 2006 due to losses. Our tax expense for fiscal 2007 was less than the statutory rate primarily due to the utilization of net operating losses carryforwards. Net operating loss carryforwards are included in deferred tax assets and are fully offset by a valuation allowance.

 

Income from Continuing Operations

 

We incurred income from continuing operations of $2,254,000 in fiscal 2007 compared to a loss from continuing operations of $7,144,000 in fiscal 2006. The change in income from continuing operations in fiscal 2007 compared to a loss from continuing operations in fiscal 2007 is largely the result of the following factors:  (i) an increase of $16,134,000 in net sales; (ii) an increase of $11,221,000 in gross profit which translated into a 42 percent overall gross margin for the full fiscal year compared to a 33 percent overall gross margin in fiscal 2006; and (iii) maintaining SG&A expenses with only a 7 percent increase in spite of a 35 percent growth in sales. These factors contributed to our shift from reporting losses in the prior fiscal years to reporting income for fiscal 2007.

 

Comparison of Fiscal Year Ended November 25, 2006 to Fiscal Year Ended November 26, 2005

 

Results of Continuing Operations

 

The following table sets forth certain statements of operations data for the periods as indicated:

 

 

 

Year ended

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

11/25/06

 

11/26/05

 

$ Change

 

% Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

46,633

 

$

35,920

 

$

10,713

 

30

%

Cost of goods sold

 

31,224

 

25,203

 

6,021

 

24

%

Gross profit

 

15,409

 

10,717

 

4,692

 

44

%

Gross margin

 

33

%

30

%

3

%

11

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general & administrative

 

21,587

 

18,245

 

3,342

 

18

%

Depreciation & amortization

 

290

 

182

 

108

 

59

%

Loss from operations

 

(6,468

)

(7,710

)

1,242

 

(A

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(573

)

(781

)

208

 

(27

)%

Other (expense) income

 

(67

)

16

 

(83

)

(A

)

Loss from continuing operations, before taxes

 

(7,108

)

(8,475

)

1,367

 

(16

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes

 

36

 

13

 

23

 

177

%

Loss from continuing operations

 

(7,144

)

(8,488

)

1,344

 

(16

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued operations, net of tax

 

(2,149

)

(7,945

)

5,796

 

(A

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Loss

 

$

(9,293

)

$

(16,433

)

$

7,140

 

(43

)%

 


(A) Not Meaningful

 

24



 

Fiscal Year 2006 Overview

 

The following table represents a summary of our net sales, gross profit and gross margins for the periods indicated.

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

11/25/06

 

11/26/05

 

Change

 

% Change

 

Net Sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joe’s Jeans

 

$

45,264

 

$

33,304

 

$

11,960

 

36

%

Other Branded

 

1,369

 

2,616

 

(1,247

)

(48

)%

 

 

$

46,633

 

$

35,920

 

$

10,713

 

30

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Profit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joe’s Jeans

 

$

16,910

 

$

10,505

 

$

6,405

 

61

%

Other Branded

 

(1,501

)

212

 

(1,713

)

(808

)%

 

 

$

15,409

 

$

10,717

 

$

4,692

 

44

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Margin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joe’s Jeans

 

37

%

32

%

 

 

 

 

Other Branded

 

(110

)%

8

%

 

 

 

 

Overall

 

33

%

30

%

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales

 

Our overall net sales increased to $46,633,000 in fiscal 2006 from $35,920,000 in fiscal 2005, a 30 percent increase.

 

Joe’s®

 

Our net sales of our Joe’s branded apparel increased to $45,264,000 during fiscal 2006 from $33,304,000 during fiscal 2005, a 36 percent increase. This increase can be attributed to a continued strong demand for premium denim apparel products in the marketplace coupled with brand acceptance for our Joe’s® products in the premium denim market and the addition of our men’s line. As a result of increased brand acceptance and awareness of our Joe’s® products, in fiscal 2006, we experienced growth in the number of department store “doors” carrying our products, as well as increases in the average inventory per door. However, our domestic net sales increase of 47 percent was offset by a 45 percent decrease in international net sales. Our international net sales decreased primarily due to delays during fiscal 2006 in the delivery of samples to our international distributor for use at major European apparel tradeshows and sales orders. The salesperson samples were delayed in part because we used the same design calendar for both international and domestic production schedules. We modified our design calendar for our Spring 2007 collection in an effort to ensure that salesperson samples are delivered in advance of international tradeshow dates. In January 2007, we dissolved our agreement with our international distributor.

 

Other Branded Apparel

 

Net sales of our other branded apparel for fiscal 2006 include sales from indie™ and to a limited extent, Betsey Johnson®. For fiscal 2005, our other branded label products included indie™, Betsey Johnson® and to a limited extent, Fetish™ and Shago®. Our net sales of other branded label products decreased to $1,369,000 in fiscal 2006 from $2,616,000 in fiscal 2005, a 48 percent decrease, primarily due to sales of remaining inventory after our decision to exit the operation of the indie™ brand in January 2006 and termination of the Betsey Johnson® license in July 2005. Our Betsey Johnson® branded apparel had limited net sales of $38,000 in fiscal 2006 compared to net sales of $180,000 in fiscal 2005. During fiscal 2005, we had $273,000 of sales attributable to Fetish™ and Shago® products that we did not have in fiscal 2006.

 

Gross Profit

 

Our gross profit increased to $15,409,000 in fiscal 2006 from $10,717,000 in fiscal 2005, a 44 percent increase. Our overall gross margin percentage increased to 33 percent in fiscal 2006 from 30 percent in fiscal 2005 because of our shift in sales mix to a higher percentage of our net sales from our Joe’s® branded apparel products, which generally a higher and more

 

25



 

consistent gross margin than our other branded apparel products. For example, our overall gross margins were negatively affected by a negative 110 percent gross margin for our other branded apparel products compared to our Joe’s® gross margin of 37 percent for fiscal 2006.

 

Joe’s®

 

Our gross profit for our Joe’s® brand increased to $16,910,000 in fiscal 2006 from $10,505,000 in fiscal 2005, a 61 percent increase. Our gross margin percentage for our Joe’s® brand increased to 37 percent in fiscal 2006 from 32 percent in fiscal 2005. Our gross margin increase for our Joe’s® brand is primarily attributable to more consistent gross margins in each quarter of fiscal 2006 compared to fiscal 2005. For example, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, our gross margins were negatively affected by an additional $2,700,000 of inventory reserves recorded as a result of ending the quarter with higher than anticipated inventory levels and the need to sell certain back pocket designs by March 31, 2006 under a settlement agreement with Levis Strauss & Co. During fiscal 2006, we experienced more consistent gross margins from quarter to quarter; however, in the first quarter of fiscal 2006, we did experience lower gross margins as a result of (i) $2,562,000 of sales sold at a discount with little or no gross margins; and (ii) an additional reserve of $243,000 that we recorded against certain excess inactive fabric due to a change in inventory planning.

 

Other Branded Apparel

 

Our gross profit for our other branded apparel decreased to a negative $1,501,000 in fiscal 2006 from $212,000 in fiscal 2005, an 808 percent decrease. Our gross margin percentage for our other branded apparel decreased to a negative 110 percent from 8 percent in fiscal 2005. This decrease in gross profit in fiscal 2006 was due to sales to discounters with negative or no gross margins in order to liquidate remaining inventory and sales at less than estimated net realizable value.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

 

Selling, general and administrative, or SG&A, expenses increased to $21,587,000 in fiscal 2006 from $18,245,000 in fiscal 2005, an 18 percent increase.

 

The SG&A increase in fiscal 2006 compared to fiscal 2005 is largely a result of the following factors: (i) an increase in sales commissions and royalties of $946,000 as a result of our 36 percent increase in Joe’s® sales; (ii) an increase of $360,000 in advertising expenses associated with expenses for booths for tradeshows, catalogs and look books to showcase our new product offerings, including our men’s line; (iii) an increase of $883,000 in sample expenses due to increased costs associated with testing different washes and finishes associated with development and sample production, including producing samples for our re-launched Joe’s® men’s product line ; (iv) an increase of $498,000 in facilities and distribution costs associated with outsourcing our product fulfillment services and moving office space; (v) an increase of $370,000 in termination and settlement expenses due to severance payments in the first quarter of fiscal 2006 associated with terminating our former CEO and amounts paid for the assignment of office space in New York; and (vi) an increase of $1,044,000 in stock-based compensation charges related to the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R). These SG&A expenses were partially offset by (i) a reduction of $53,000 in employee and employee related expenses; and (ii) a reduction of $686,000 in professional fees primarily associated with maintenance and compliance with, rather than implementation of, the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

 

Our depreciation and amortization expense increased to $290,000 during fiscal 2006 from $182,000 during fiscal 2005, a 59 percent increase. The increase was primarily attributable to depreciation associated with our purchase of $668,000 of fixed assets during fiscal 2006, which included tradeshow booths and related improvements, sewing machines and other equipment for sample production, certain leasehold improvements to support our move in July 2006 to the shared facility, computers and office equipment.

 

Interest Expense

 

Our combined interest expense decreased to $573,000 in fiscal 2006 from $781,000 in fiscal 2005, a 27 percent decrease. Our interest expense during fiscal 2006 was primarily associated with $576,000 of interest expense from our factoring and inventory lines of credit and letters of credit from CIT used to help support our working capital increases which

 

26



 

was partially offset by interest received on a promissory note from the purchaser of our former headquarters in Springfield, Tennessee.

 

Other Income (Expense)

 

During fiscal 2006, other expense, net was $67,000 compared to other income of $16,000 during fiscal 2005. Other expense in fiscal 2006 was associated with $68,000 of expense recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2006 associated with the loss of certain finished goods from a cargo fire in Turkey which was offset by an immaterial amount of other income. During fiscal 2005, other income of $16,000 was associated with $8,000 in settlement funds in connection with a cease and desist letter sent to protect our trademarks and $8,000 in additional income from sales of licensed branded apparel in Japan.

 

Income Taxes

 

Our income tax expense related to continuing operations was $36,000 in fiscal 2006 compared to $13,000 in fiscal 2005, or a 177 percent increase. Our effective tax rate was zero percent for fiscal 2006 and 2005 due to continued losses. There is no tax benefit for fiscal 2006 or 2005 because of a full valuation allowance for our deferred tax assets, including net operating loss carryforwards.

 

Loss from Continuing Operations

 

We incurred a loss from continuing operations of $7,144,000 in fiscal 2006 compared to a loss from continuing operations of $8,488,000 in fiscal 2005, a 16 percent decrease. Our loss from continuing operations in fiscal 2006 is largely the result of the following factors:  (i) an increase of $3,342,000 in SG&A expenses primarily associated with increased commissions and royalties, sample costs, advertising costs, facilities and distribution costs and stock-based compensation charges of $1,044,000 related to the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R); and (ii) an increase of $108,000 in depreciation and amortization expenses primarily due to fixed assets purchased to support our facility move in July 2006. However, our loss from continuing operations decreased as a result of an increase in gross profit of $15,409,000 and a corresponding three percentage point increase in overall gross margins. In an effort to focus our operations on our Joe’s® brand, we had additional costs in fiscal 2006 that we do not expect to have in fiscal 2007, which we expect will assist us in reducing expenses and achieving profitability.

 

Discontinued Operations

 

Beginning in fiscal 2004, we classified certain of our operations as discontinued as a result of such operations meeting certain accounting criteria of an asset held for sale. As a result, in fiscal 2004, our commercial rental property served as our former headquarters located in Springfield, Tennessee and the remaining assets of our craft and accessory business segment conducted through our Innovo Inc. subsidiary were classified as discontinued operations. On May 17, 2005, we completed the sale of the assets of our craft and accessory segment of operations. In February 2006, we completed an auction of our former headquarters for an aggregate sales price of $741,000 before net selling costs of approximately $126,000. In connection with the sale, we received a promissory note issued by the purchaser in the original principal amount of $50,000, which represented a portion of the purchase price. As of November 30, 2007, there was no remaining balance on the promissory note. On May 12, 2006, we completed the sale of our private label apparel division and accordingly, reported it as a discontinued operation. As such, all prior periods have been reclassified to reflect this operating division as a discontinued operation.

 

The following is a summary of loss and other information of the discontinued operations for fiscal 2005 and 2006. There was no loss in connection with the discontinued operations for fiscal 2007. Pre-tax loss from discontinued operations does not include an allocation of corporate overhead costs.

 

27



 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Private Label
Business

 

Innovo, Inc.

 

Leaseall
Management

 

Total

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

20,393

 

$

 

$

 

$

20,393

 

Pre-tax income (loss)

 

487

 

(3

)

(19

)

465

 

Loss on sale

 

(2,614

)

 

 

(2,614

)

Income taxes expense (benefit)

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued operations, net of tax

 

$

(2,127

)

$

(3

)

$

(19

)

$

(2,149

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

72,670

 

$

2,491

 

$

 

$

75,161

 

Impairment loss of goodwill

 

12,572

 

 

 

12,572

 

Pre-tax loss

 

(7,941

)

(258

)

(120

)

(8,319

)

Gain on sale

 

 

374

 

 

374

 

Income taxes expense (benefit)

 

 

1

 

(1

)

 

Discontinued operations, net of tax

 

$

(7,941

)

$

115

 

$

(119

)

$

(7,945

)

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Our primary sources of liquidity are: (i) cash from sales of our products; and (ii) sales from accounts receivable factoring facilities and advances against inventory. Cash used in continuing operating activities was $7,471,000 in fiscal 2007. Cash used in investing activities was $788,000. These cash uses were financed by $9,205,000 of cash provided by financing activities to fund operating expenses and purchase inventory. Our cash balance was $1,331,000 as of November 30, 2007.

 

We are dependent on credit arrangements with suppliers and factoring and inventory based agreements for working capital needs. From time to time, we have conducted equity financing through private placement transactions and obtained increases in our cash availability from CIT Commercial Services, Inc., a unit of CIT Group, or CIT, through guarantees by certain related parties. In fiscal 2007, we conducted two equity financings and received approximately $6,715,000 in net proceeds, including proceeds from the exercise of warrants issued in the financings.

 

During fiscal 2007, our primary method to obtain the cash necessary for operating needs was through the sale of our accounts receivable pursuant to our factoring agreements and obtaining advances under our inventory security agreements with CIT. The accounts receivable are sold for up to 85 percent of the face amount on either a recourse or non-recourse basis depending on the creditworthiness of the customer. In addition, the agreements allow us to obtain advances for up to 50 percent of the value of certain eligible inventory. CIT currently permits us to sell our accounts receivable at the maximum level of 85 percent and allows advances of up to $6,000,000 for eligible inventory. CIT has the ability, in its discretion at any time or from time to time, to adjust or revise any limits on the amount of loans or advances made to us pursuant to these agreements. As further assurance to CIT, cross guarantees were executed by and among us and all of our subsidiaries to guarantee each subsidiary’s obligations. Historically, we have obtained personal guarantees or pledges of additional collateral from directors and stockholders to contribute to our ability to obtain cash under these agreements. However, as of November 30, 2007, CIT no longer required any personal guarantees or additional collateral from us or others. As of November 30, 2007, our cash availability with CIT was approximately $749,000. This amount fluctuates on a daily basis based upon invoicing and collection related activity by CIT on our behalf. In connection with the agreements with CIT, most of our tangible assets are pledged to CIT, including all of our inventory, merchandise, and/or goods, including raw materials through finished goods and receivables. Our trademarks are not encumbered.

 

The agreements may be terminated by CIT upon 60 days prior written notice or immediately upon the occurrence of an event of default, as defined in the agreement. The agreements may be terminated by us upon 60 days advanced written notice prior to June 30, 2010 or earlier provided that the minimum factoring fees have been paid for the respective period.

 

28



 

The factoring rate that we pay to CIT to factor accounts is at 0.6 percent for accounts which CIT bears the credit risk and 0.4 percent for accounts which we bear the credit risk and the interest rate associated with the agreements is at 0.25 percent plus the Chase prime rate.

 

We have also established a letter of credit facility with CIT to allow us to open letters of credit for a fee of 0.25 percent of the letter of credit face value with international and domestic suppliers, subject to cash availability on our inventory line of credit.

 

As of November 30, 2007, we had $9,124,000 of factored receivables with CIT and a loan balance of $4,542,000 for inventory advances. We had 14 letters of credit in the aggregate amount of $791,000 outstanding as of November 30, 2007.

 

For fiscal 2008, our primary capital needs are for our operating expenses, including funds to support our retail strategy, which includes opening retail stores, and working capital necessary to fund inventory purchases, capital expenditures for our expected retail stores and finance extensions of our trade credit to our customers. We anticipate funding our operations through working capital generated by the following: (i) cash flow from sales of our products; (ii) reducing our inventory levels and managing our operating expenses; (iii) maximizing our trade payables with our domestic and international suppliers; (iv) increasing collection efforts on existing accounts receivables; and (v) utilizing our receivable and inventory-based agreements with CIT.

 

Based on our cash on hand, cash flow from operations and the expected cash availability under our agreements with CIT, we believe that we have the working capital resources necessary to meet our projected operational needs for fiscal 2008. However, if we require more capital for growth or experience operating losses, we believe that it will be necessary to obtain additional working capital through credit arrangements or debt or equity financings. We believe that any additional capital, to the extent needed, may be obtained from additional sales of equity securities or other loans or credit arrangements. There can be no assurance that this or other financings will be available if needed. Our inability to fulfill any interim working capital requirements would force us to constrict our operations.

 

We believe that the rate of inflation over the past few years has not had a significant adverse impact on our net sales or income (losses) from continuing operations.

 

Commitments and Contractual Obligations

 

The following table sets forth our contractual obligations and commercial commitments for our continuing operations as of November 30, 2007 (in thousands):

 

 

 

Payments due by period

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Total

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

2011

 

2012

 

Operating lease obligations

 

$

306

 

150

 

131

 

20

 

4

 

1

 

Advertising commitments

 

$

60

 

60

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase obligations

 

$

2,104

 

2,104

 

 

 

 

 

Letters of Credit

 

$

791

 

791

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

3,261

 

$

3,105

 

$

131

 

$

20

 

$

4

 

$

1

 

 

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We do not have any off balance sheet arrangements.

 

Management’s Discussion of Critical Accounting Policies

 

We believe that the accounting policies discussed below are important to an understanding of our financial statements because they require management to exercise judgment and estimate the effects of uncertain matters in the preparation and reporting of financial results. Accordingly, we caution that these policies and the judgments and estimates they involve are

 

29



 

subject to revision and adjustment in the future. While they involve less judgment, management believes that the other accounting policies discussed in “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” included in this Annual Report are also important to an understanding of our financial statements. We believe that the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenues are recorded on the accrual basis of accounting when title transfers to the customer, which is typically at the shipping point. We record estimated reductions to revenue for customer programs, including co-op advertising, other advertising programs or allowances, based upon a percentage of sales. We also allow for returns based upon pre-approval or in the case of damaged goods. Such returns are estimated based on historical experience and an allowance is provided at the time of sale.

 

Accounts Receivable and Due from Factor and Allowance for Customer Credits and Other Allowances

 

We evaluate our ability to collect on accounts receivable and charge-backs (disputes from the customer) based upon a combination of factors. In circumstances where we are aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations (e.g., bankruptcy filings, substantial downgrading of credit sources), a specific reserve for bad debts is taken against amounts due to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount reasonably expected to be collected. For all other customers, we recognize reserves for bad debts and charge-backs based on our historical collection experience. If collection experience deteriorates (i.e., an unexpected material adverse change in a major customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations to us), the estimates of the recoverability of amounts due to us could be reduced by a material amount.

 

For fiscal 2007, the balance in the allowance for uncollectible accounts, customer credits and allowances was $652,000 compared to $469,000 for fiscal 2006 for non-factored accounts receivables.

 

Inventory

 

We continually evaluate the composition of our inventories, assessing slow-turning, ongoing product as well as product from prior seasons. Market value of distressed inventory is valued based on historical sales trends on our individual product lines, the impact of market trends and economic conditions, and the value of current orders relating to the future sales of this type of inventory. Significant changes in market values could cause us to record additional inventory markdowns.

 

Valuation of Long-lived and Intangible Assets and Goodwill

 

We assess the impairment of identifiable intangibles, long-lived assets and goodwill annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors considered important that could trigger an impairment review other than on an annual basis include the following:

 

·      A significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results;

·      A significant change in the manner of the use of the acquired asset or the strategy for the overall business; or

·      A significant negative industry or economic trend.

 

When we determine that the carrying value of intangibles, long-lived assets and goodwill may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more of the above indicators of impairment, we will measure any impairment based on a projected discounted cash flow method using a discount rate determined by our management.

 

In fiscal 2007, we acquired through merger all of the intangible assets and goodwill related to the Joe’s®, Joe’s Jeans™ and JD® logo and marks. For fiscal 2007, we did not recognize any impairment related to the intangible assets and goodwill of our Joe’s® brand since we acquired it in October 2007. We have assigned an indefinite life to these intangible assets and therefore, no amortization expenses are expected to be recognized. However, we will test the assets for impairment annually in accordance with our critical accounting policies.

 

30



 

Additional Merger Consideration (Earn-out)

 

In connection with the merger with JD Holdings, we agreed to pay to Mr. Dahan the following additional payments in the applicable fiscal year for 120 months following October 25, 2007:

 

·      No earn out if the gross profit is less than $11,250,000 in the applicable fiscal year;

·      11.33% of the gross profit above $11,251,000 to $22,500,000; plus

·      an additional 3% of the gross profit from $22,501,000 to $31,500,000; plus

·      an additional 2% of the gross profit from $31,501,000 to $40,500,000; plus

·      an additional 1% of the gross profit above $40,501,000.

 

The additional merger consideration, or earn-out, will be paid in advance on a monthly basis based upon estimates of gross profits after the assumption has been reached that the payments will likely be paid. At the end of each quarter, any overpayments will be offset against future payments and any underpayments will promptly be made.

 

EITF 95-8, “Accounting for Contingent Consideration Paid to the Shareholders of an Acquired Enterprise in a Purchase Business Combination,” addresses accounting for consideration transferred to settle a contingency based on earnings or other performance measures. It sets forth the criteria to determine whether contingent consideration based on earnings or other performance measures should be accounted for as (1) adjustment of the purchase price of the acquired enterprise or (2) compensation for services, use of property, or profit sharing.

 

The determination of how to account for the contingent consideration is a matter of judgment that depends on the relevant facts and circumstances. Based upon our evaluation of the relevant facts and circumstances, we have determined that accounting for the earn-out as additional purchase price is proper. Advanced earn-out payments are recorded against goodwill. As of November 30, 2007, we have recorded $125,000 against goodwill.

 

Income Taxes

 

As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, management is required to estimate income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. The process involves estimating actual current tax expense along with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for book and tax purposes. These timing differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included in our consolidated balance sheet. Management records a valuation allowance to reduce its deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. Management has considered future taxable income and ongoing tax planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance. Increases in the valuation allowance result in additional expense to be reflected within the tax provision in the consolidated statement of income. Reserves are also estimated for ongoing audits regarding Federal and state issues that are currently unresolved. We routinely monitor the potential impact of these situations. Based on management’s assessment, there has been no reduction of the valuation allowance other than to the extent current year net income was offset by net operating losses that carried forward.

 

Contingencies

 

We account for contingencies in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, or SFAS No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies”. SFAS No. 5 requires that we record an estimated loss from a loss contingency when information available prior to issuance of our financial statements indicates that it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred at the date of the financial statements and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Accounting for contingencies such as legal and income tax matters requires management to use judgment. Many of these legal and tax contingencies can take years to be resolved. Generally, as the time period increases over which the uncertainties are resolved, the likelihood of changes to the estimate of the ultimate outcome increases. Management believes that the accruals for these matters are adequate. Should events or circumstances change, we could have to record additional accruals.

 

Stock Based Compensation

 

We adopted the provisions of and account for stock-based compensation in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, or SFAS, 123(R), “Share Based Payment” on November 27, 2005. We elected the modified prospective method where prior periods are not revised for comparative purposes. Under the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS

 

31



 

123(R), stock based compensation is measured at grant date based upon the fair value of the award and expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options, which requires management to use estimates and assumptions. The determination of the fair value of stock based option awards on the date of grant is based upon the exercise price as well as assumptions regarding subjective variables. These variables include our expected life of the option, expected stock price volatility over the term of the award, determination of a risk free interest rate and an estimated dividend yield. We estimate the expected life of the option by calculating the average term based upon historical experience. We estimate the expected stock price volatility by using implied volatility in market traded stock over the same period as the vesting period. We base the risk-free interest rate on zero coupon yields implied from U.S. Treasury issues with remaining terms similar to the term on the options. We do not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future and therefore use an expected dividend yield of zero. If factors change or we employ different assumptions for estimating fair value of the stock option, our estimates may be different than future estimates or actual values realized upon the exercise, expiration, early termination or forfeiture of those awards in the future. At this time, we believe that our current method for accounting for stock based compensation is reasonable. Furthermore, under SFAS 123(R), an entity may elect either an accelerated recognition method or a straight-line recognition method for awards subject to graded vesting based on a service condition, regardless of how the fair value of the award is measured. For all stock based compensation awards that contain graded vesting based on service conditions, we have elected to apply a straight-line recognition method to account for these awards. However, SFAS 123(R) guidance is relatively new and the application of these principles over time may be subject to further interpretation or refinement. See “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Stock-Based Compensation” and “Note 8 – Stockholders’ Equity – Stock Incentive Plans” for additional discussion of SFAS 123(R).

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

On July 13, 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, or FIN No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes: An interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.”  This interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an entity’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.”  FIN No. 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement principles for financial statement disclosure of tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return. This interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. We do not expect that the adoption of FIN No. 48 will have any material effect on our results of operations or consolidated financial position.

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”, or SFAS No. 157, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and requires enhanced disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 requires companies to disclose the fair value of their financial instruments according to a fair value hierarchy (i.e., levels 1, 2, and 3, as defined). Additionally, companies are required to provide enhanced disclosure regarding instruments in the level 3 category, including a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances separately for each major category of assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 157 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating the impact adoption may have on our results of operations or consolidated 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”, or SFAS No. 159. SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected will be recognized in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS No. 159 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, which is the year beginning December 1, 2007 for us. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of SFAS No. 159 will have on our results of operations or consolidated financial position.

 

On December 4, 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (Revised 2007), “Business Combinations”, or SFAS No. 141(R). SFAS No. 141(R) will significantly change the accounting for business combinations. Under SFAS No. 141(R), an acquiring entity will be required to recognize all the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a transaction at the acquisition-date fair value with limited exceptions. SFAS No. 141(R) also includes a substantial number of new disclosure requirements. 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, which is the year beginning December 1, 2009 for us. We are currently evaluating the impact that SFAS No. 141(R) will have on our financial statements.

 

32



 

On December 4, 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements-an Amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin (“ARB”) No. 51,” or SFAS No. 160. SFAS No. 160 establishes new accounting and reporting standards for a non-controlling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Specifically, this statement requires the recognition of a non-controlling interest (minority interest) as equity in the consolidated financial statements separate from the parent’s equity. The amount of net income attributable to the non-controlling interest will be included in consolidated net income on the face of the income statement. SFAS No. 160 clarifies that changes in a parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in deconsolidation are equity transactions if the parent retains its controlling financial interest. In addition, this statement requires that a parent recognize a gain or loss in net income when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. Such gain or loss will be measured using the fair value of the non-controlling equity investment on the deconsolidation date. SFAS No. 160 also includes expanded disclosure requirements regarding the interests of the parent and its non-controlling interest. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008, which is the year beginning December 1, 2009 for us. We are currently evaluating the impact that SFAS No. 160 will have on our financial statements.

 

ITEM 7A.               QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

We are exposed to certain market risks arising from transactions in the normal course of our business. Such risk is principally associated with interest rate and changes in our credit standing.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

Our obligations under our receivable and inventory agreements bear interest at floating rates (primarily JP Morgan Chase prime rate), we are sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates. We believe that a one percent increase or decrease in market interest rates that affect our financial instruments would have an immaterial impact on earnings or cash flow during the next fiscal year.

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Rates

 

Foreign currency exposures arise from transactions, including firm commitments and anticipated contracts, denominated in a currency other than an entity’s functional currency and from foreign-denominated revenues translated into U.S. dollars.

 

We generally purchase and sell our products in U.S. dollars. However, we sell some of our products in Euros and source some of our products overseas. As such, the cost of these products may be affected by changes in the value of the relevant currencies. Changes in currency exchange rates may also affect the relative prices at which we and our foreign competitors sell products in the same market. We currently do not hedge our exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. We cannot assure you that foreign currency fluctuations will not have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

ITEM 8.              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

The information required by Item 8 is included in “Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules” of our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, and the consolidated financial statement schedule filed on this Annual Report.

 

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

 

There have been no changes in or disagreements with our independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP.

 

33



 

ITEM 9A.               CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

As of November 30, 2007, the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15 and 15d-15.

 

Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or 1934 Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms. Management recognizes that a control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be 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 within the company have been detected. Therefore, assessing the costs and benefits of such controls and procedures necessarily involves the exercise of judgment by management. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving the objective of ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the 1934 Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms. In addition, our disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the 1934 Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded, based on our evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, that our disclosure controls and procedures under Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are effective at the reasonable assurance level.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

We made no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 9B.               OTHER INFORMATION

 

We did not fail to file any reports required to be filed on Form 8-K for the last fiscal quarter.

 

PART III

 

Certain information required by Part III is omitted on this Annual Report since we intend to file our Definitive Proxy Statement for our next Annual Meeting of Stockholders, pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or Exchange Act, no later than March 29, 2008, and certain information to be included in the Definitive Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 10.               DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

The information required by Item 10 as to directors, executive officers and Section 16 reporting compliance is incorporated by reference from our Definitive Proxy Statement.

 

Our Board of Directors has a standing Audit Committee established in accordance with section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act (a) to assist our Board of Directors in its oversight responsibilities regarding (1) the integrity of our financial statements, (2) our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, (3) the independent accountant’s qualifications and

 

34



 

independence and (4) the performance of the our internal audit function; (b) to prepare the report required by the SEC for inclusion in the our annual proxy statement; (c) to retain and terminate our independent accountant; (d) to approve audit and non-audit services to be performed by the independent accountant; and (e) to perform such other functions as our Board of Directors may from time to time assign. The current members of our Audit Committee are Suhail Rizvi, Kelly Hoffman and Tom O’Riordan and we have determined that at least one person serving on the Audit Committee is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined under Item 401(h) of Regulation S-K. Suhail Rizvi, the Chairman of the Audit Committee, is an “audit committee financial expert” and is independent as defined under applicable SEC and Nasdaq rules.

 

Our Board of Directors adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for all of our directors, officers and employees on May 22, 2003. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available on our website at www.innovogroup.com or you may request a free copy of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics from:

 

Joe’s Jeans Inc.

Attention: General Counsel

5901 South Eastern Avenue

Commerce, CA 90040

(323) 837-3700

 

To date, there have been no waivers under our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. We intend to disclose any amendments to our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and any waiver from a provision of the Code granted on a Form 8-K filed with the SEC within four business days following such amendment or waiver or on our website at www.innovogroup.com within four business days following such amendment or waiver. The information contained or connected to our website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report and should not be considered a part of this or any other report that we file or furnish to the SEC.

 

ITEM 11.               EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The information required by Item 11 as to executive compensation is incorporated by reference from our Definitive Proxy Statement.

 

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

 

The information required by Item 12 as to the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management and related stockholder matters is incorporated by reference from our Definitive Proxy Statement.

 

ITEM 13.               CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

 

The information required by Item 13 as to certain relationships and related transactions is incorporated by reference from our Definitive Proxy Statement.

 

ITEM 14.               PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

The information required by Item 14 as to principal accountant fees and services is incorporated by reference from our Definitive Proxy Statement.

 

35



 

PART IV

 

ITEM 15.               EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

(a) List of documents filed as a part of this Annual Report:

 

1 and 2. Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules

 

Audited Consolidated Financial Statements:

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Ac/counting Firm

F-1

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets at November 30, 2007 and November 25, 2006

F-2

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended November 30, 2007, November 25, 2006 and November 26, 2005

F-3

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended November 30, 2007, November 25, 2006 and November 26, 2005

F-4

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended November 30, 2007, November 25, 2006 and November 26, 2005

F-5

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

F-6

 

 

Schedule II – Valuation of Qualifying Accounts

F-33

 

(a) 3.       Exhibits (listed according to the number assigned in the table in Item 601 of Regulation S-K)

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

 

Document if Incorporated by
Reference

2.1

 

Agreement and Plan of Merger dated February 6, 2007 by and among Innovo Group Inc., Joe’s Jeans, Inc., JD Holdings, Inc. and Joseph M. Dahan*

 

Exhibit 2.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended February 24, 2007 filed on April 10, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

2.2

 

First Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger dated June 25, 2007 by and among Innovo Group Inc., Joe’s Jeans, Inc., JD Holdings, Inc. and Joseph M. Dahan*

 

Exhibit 2.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 26, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

2.3

 

Exhibit A to Agreement and Plan of Merger – Amended and Restated Plan of Merger

 

Exhibit 2.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 26, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

3.1

 

Seventh Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant

 

Exhibit 4.1 to Current Report on Form 8-  K filed on October 17, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

3.2

 

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Registrant

 

Exhibit 4.2 to Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on November 12, 1993

 

 

 

 

 

4.1

 

Common Stock Purchase Warrant Agreement between Innovo Group Inc. and Sanders Morris Harris, Inc. dated June 30, 2003

 

Exhibit 4.3 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended May 31, 2003 filed on July 15, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

4.2

 

Common Stock Purchase Warrant Agreement between Innovo Group Inc. and certain purchasers dated August 29, 2003

 

Exhibit 4.5 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A for the period ended August 30, 2003 filed on October 17, 2003

 

36



 

4.3

 

Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant

 

Exhibit 4.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 23, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

4.4

 

Form of Registration Rights Agreement

 

Exhibit 4.3 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 23, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

4.5

 

Form of Securities Purchase Agreement dated December 19, 2006

 

Exhibit 4.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 26, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

4.6

 

Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant dated December 19, 2006

 

Exhibit 4.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 26, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

4.7

 

Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant dated December 26, 2006

 

Exhibit 4.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 3, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

4.8

 

Form of Securities Purchase Agreement dated June 27, 2007

 

Exhibit 4.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

4.9

 

Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant dated June 27, 2007

 

Exhibit 4.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

10.1

 

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and between Joe’s Jeans Inc. and Joseph M. Dahan to be effective upon closing of the Merger Agreement (Schedule 6.2(c) to Merger Agreement)

 

Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 26, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

10.2

 

Investor Rights Agreement by and between Joe’s Jeans Inc. and Joseph M. Dahan

 

Exhibit 10.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

10.3

 

Factoring Agreement dated June 1, 2001 between Joe’s Jeans, Inc. and CIT Commercial Services

 

Exhibit 10.4 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A for the period ended August 30, 2003 filed on October 17, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

10.4

 

Inventory Security Agreement dated August 20, 2002 between Joe’s Jeans Inc. and CIT Commercial Services

 

Exhibit 10.7 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A for the period ended August 30, 2003 filed on October 17, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

10.5

 

Amendment to Factoring Agreement originally dated June 1, 2001 between Joe’s Jeans Inc. and CIT Commercial Services dated effective April 23, 2003

 

Exhibit 10.6 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended May 31, 2003 filed on July 15, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

10.6

 

2000 Employee Stock Incentive Plan, as amended

 

Exhibit 99.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 18, 2003 filed on August 1, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

10.7

 

2000 Director Option Plan

 

Attachment E to Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on September 19, 2000

 

 

 

 

 

10.8

 

2004 Stock Incentive Plan

 

Attachment A to Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on September 5, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

10.9

 

Separation Agreement by and between Innovo Group Inc. and Samuel J. Furrow, Jr.

 

Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on February 2, 2006

 

37



 

10.10

 

Dissolution Agreement with Beyond Blue Inc. dated February 1, 2007

 

Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 7, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

10.11

 

Settlement Agreement and Release with Beyond Blue Inc. dated July 3, 2007*

 

Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 9, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

10.12

 

Offer Letter by and between Innovo Group Inc. and Hamish Sandhu

 

Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 27, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

10.13

 

Amendment to Factoring Agreement by and among Joe’s Jeans Subsidiary Inc. (formerly Joe’s Jeans Inc.), Joe’s Jeans Inc. (formerly Innovo Group Inc.) and The CIT Group/Commercial Services, Inc. dated October 24, 2007

 

Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 30, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

10.14

 

Amendment to Guaranty Agreement by and between Joe’s Jeans Inc. (formerly Innovo Group Inc.) and The CIT Group/Commercial Services, Inc. dated October 24, 2007

 

Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 30, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

10.15

 

Termination Agreement by and between Joe’s Jeans Inc. and JD Holdings, Inc. dated October 25, 2007

 

Exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 30, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

10.16

 

Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Members of the Board of Directors

 

Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 20, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

10.17

 

Restricted Stock Agreement for Marc B. Crossman

 

Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 20, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

10.18

 

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement

 

Exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 20, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

14

 

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics adopted as of May 22, 2003

 

Exhibit 14 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 29, 2003 filed on February 27, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

21

 

Subsidiaries of the Registrant

 

Filed herewith

 

 

 

 

 

23

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Filed herewith

 

 

 

 

 

24.1

 

Power of Attorney (included on page 38)

 

Filed herewith

 

 

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

Filed herewith

 

 

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

Filed herewith

 

 

 

 

 

32

 

Certification of the 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.

 

Filed herewith

 


* We have omitted certain schedules and exhibits pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K and shall furnish supplementally to the Commission copies of any of the omitted schedules and exhibits upon request.

 

38



 

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.

 

 

JOE’S JEANS INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Marc B. Crossman

 

 

 

Marc B. Crossman

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive

 

 

 

Officer) and President

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Hamish Sandhu

 

 

 

Hamish Sandhu

 

 

 

Chief Financial Officer (Principal

 

 

 

Financial Officer and Principal

 

 

 

Accounting Officer)

 

 

February 28, 2008

 

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Marc Crossman, his attorney-in-fact, each with the power of substitution for him or any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and to file the same with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each said attorney-in-fact, or his or her substitutes, may 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 by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

 

Capacity

 

Date

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Marc B. Crossman

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

February 28, 2008

Marc B. Crossman

 

(Principal Executive Officer), President,

 

 

 

 

and Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Hamish Sandhu

 

Chief Financial Officer (Principal

 

February 28, 2008

Hamish Sandhu

 

Financial Officer and Principal

 

 

 

 

Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Samuel J. Furrow

 

Chairman of the Board of Directors

 

February 28, 2008

Samuel J. Furrow

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Joseph M. Dahan

 

Director

 

February 28, 2008

Joseph M. Dahan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Kelly Hoffman

 

Director

 

February 28, 2008

Kelly Hoffman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Suhail R. Rizvi

 

Director

 

February 28, 2008

Suhail R. Rizvi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Thomas O’Riordan

 

Director

 

February 28, 2008

Thomas O’Riordan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Kent Savage

 

Director

 

February 28, 2008

Kent Savage

 

 

 

 

 

39



 

Joe’s Jeans Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Audited Consolidated Financial Statements:

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

F-1

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets at November 30, 2007 and November 25, 2006

 

F-2

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended November 30, 2007, November 25, 2006 and November 26, 2005

 

F-3

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended November 30, 2007, November 25, 2006 and November 26, 2005

 

F-4

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended November 30, 2007, November 25, 2006 and November 26, 2005

 

F-5

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

F-6

 

 

 

Schedule II – Valuation of Qualifying Accounts

 

F-33

 

F-i



 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Joe’s Jeans Inc.

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Joe’s Jeans Inc. and subsidiaries as of November 30, 2007 and November 25, 2006, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended November 30, 2007.  Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the index at Item 15(a).  These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of Joe’s Jeans Inc.’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.  Accordingly, we express no such opinion.  An audit also 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, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Joe’s Jeans Inc. and subsidiaries as of November 30, 2007 and November 25, 2006 and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended November 30, 2007 in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects the information set forth therein.

 

As discussed in Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements, Joe’s Jeans Inc. changed its method of accounting for share-based payments in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004) on November 27, 2005.

 

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

 

 

 

Los Angeles, California

 

 

February 26, 2008

 

 

 

F-1



 

JOE’S JEANS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands)

 

 

 

November 30, 2007

 

November 25, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

1,331

 

$

385

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for customer credits and returns of $652 (2007) and $469 (2006)

 

803

 

498

 

Inventories, net

 

20,803

 

6,267

 

Due from related parties

 

 

2,163

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

282

 

671

 

Total current assets

 

23,219

 

9,984

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

792

 

837

 

Goodwill

 

10,415

 

20

 

Intangible assets, net

 

13,200

 

200

 

Other assets

 

 

56

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

47,626

 

$

11,097

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

$

7,794

 

$

6,819

 

Due to factor

 

3,040

 

888

 

Due to related parties

 

1,142

 

82

 

Total current liabilities

 

11,976

 

7,789

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred tax liability

 

5,254

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $0.10 par value: 5,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding

 

 

 

Common stock, $0.10 par value: 100,000 shares authorized (2007), 80,000 shares authorized (2006), 59,862 shares issued and 59,750 outstanding (2007) and 34,455 shares issued and 34,343 outstanding (2006)

 

5,988

 

3,447

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

102,056

 

79,763

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(74,872

)

(77,126

)

Treasury stock, 112 shares

 

(2,776

)

(2,776

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

30,396

 

3,308