The Jones Group Inc.
Industry: Consumer Cyclical - Apparel/Accessories
250 Rittenhouse Circle, Bristol, PA 19007
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The Jones Group Inc. (ticker: JNY, exchange: New York Stock Exchange (.N)) News Release - 29-Jul-2009

Jones Apparel Group, Inc. Reports 2009 Second Quarter Results

NEW YORK, July 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Jones Apparel Group, Inc. (NYSE: JNY) today reported results for the second quarter ended July 4, 2009. Reported revenues for the second quarter of 2009 were $804 million, as compared with $829 million for the second quarter of 2008. The decrease in revenues of 3.1% was reflective of overall economic conditions that continue to affect retail sales in general. While the wholesale jeanswear division reported increased revenues of 28.5% compared with the same period in the prior year, revenues declined as expected in the other divisions.

The Company reported adjusted earnings per share ("EPS") of $0.29 for the second quarter of 2009, as compared with adjusted earnings per share of $0.20 in the same period last year. These results exclude charges related to the consent solicitation of noteholders, the cash tender offer for outstanding 4.250% Senior Notes due November 2009 and the termination of the revolving credit facility, and certain other charges (see reconciliation of adjusted earnings to reported earnings in the accompanying schedule).

As reported under generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), the Company reported earnings per share of $0.15 per share for the second quarter of 2009, as compared with earnings per share of $0.12 for the same period last year. The 2009 second quarter results include, among other items, charges of approximately $10 million ($6 million after tax) related to the consent solicitation and tender offer and the termination of the revolving credit facility, and net charges of $8 million ($5 million after tax) related to other cost savings initiatives.

Wesley R. Card, Jones Apparel Group President and Chief Executive Officer, stated: "We are pleased with our results for the second quarter and the effectiveness of our efforts to manage inventories, costs and expenses, which have proven to be critical in navigating through this unique economic situation. Our revenues were slightly higher than our previous guidance and our gross margin improved from last year, even as we provided additional markdown assistance to our customers. Operating margins increased in each of our wholesale businesses and we were profitable in our retail business, both of which were very gratifying in the face of this highly promotional environment."

Cash provided by continuing operating activities during the six months was $74 million, compared with cash provided by continuing operations of $98 million in the same period last year. The year-over-year change in cash provided is primarily due to changes in working capital flows and lower operating earnings.

John T. McClain, Jones Apparel Group Chief Financial Officer, commented: "Our balance sheet, liquidity and cash flow remain strong. We ended the quarter with $113 million of cash and our revolver remains undrawn, after completing the tender offer for approximately $240 million of debt. Our total debt balance is $559 million, $221 million less than a year ago, and our debt to total capitalization ratio, net of cash, is 27.2%. Inventories and expenses are well controlled and at what we believe to be the appropriate level for the current environment. We will, however, continue to keep a close focus on these areas, as well as on our supply chain management, throughout the remainder of 2009."

Retail Improvement Strategy Update

The Company continues to execute on its previously-announced retail improvement plan to right-size the retail portfolio, with the goal of enhancing segment profitability and improving return on invested capital. The Company has been working constructively with its landlords and now plans to exit approximately 240 locations throughout 2009 and 2010, and will also continue to test and evaluate new concepts, such as ShoeWoo. As of July 29, 2009, the Company remains on track with its plan and has exited 48 locations. The Company now anticipates expense savings and the elimination of unprofitable store locations to improve results by $4 million in 2009, $15 million in 2010 and $21 million in 2011. These actions will also reduce future capital expenditures relating to such locations.

    The following notable events have recently occurred:
    --  signed an agreement with Kurt Geiger Ltd. to license and distribute
        the Nine West and Easy Spirit brands in the United Kingdom and Ireland
        beginning with the Spring 2010 product lines;
    --  increased the Company's ownership interest in international licensing
        partner GRI Group Limited to 25%;
    --  entered into a new $650 million senior secured three-year revolving
        credit facility; and

    --  completed the purchase of approximately 97% of the $250 million
        principal amount outstanding of 4.250% Senior Notes due November 2009.

Mr. Card concluded: "We are benefiting from the initiatives that we began last year to streamline our organization, optimize our distribution network and update our technology infrastructure. Furthermore, we continue to position the Company for the ultimate economic recovery and are taking the steps to strengthen and begin to increase sales of our core brands by offering well-designed products of good quality and at price-points that fit today's economy. We continue, however, to remain cautious in our outlook for the remainder of 2009."

The Company's Board of Directors has declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per share to all common stockholders of record as of August 14, 2009 for payment on August 28, 2009.

The Company will host a conference call with management to discuss these results at 8:30 a.m. eastern time today, which is accessible by dialing 412-858-4600 or through a web cast at www.jonesapparel.com (under Investor Relations/Conference Schedule). The call will be recorded and made available through August 4, 2009 and may be accessed by dialing 877-344-7529. Enter account number 431915. A slide presentation will accompany the prepared remarks and has been posted with the webcast on the Company's website.

Presentation of Information in the Press release

Financial information discussed in this press release includes both GAAP and non-GAAP measures, which include or exclude certain items. These non-GAAP measures differ from reported results and are intended to illustrate what management believes are relevant period-over-period comparisons. A complete reconciliation of reported GAAP results to the comparable non-GAAP information appears in the financial tables section of this press release.

About Jones Apparel Group, Inc.

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

Forward Looking Statements

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

    --  those associated with the effect of national, regional and
        international economic conditions;
    --  lowered levels of consumer spending resulting from a general economic
        downturn or lower levels of consumer confidence;
    --  the tightening of the credit markets and our ability to obtain credit
        on satisfactory terms;
    --  given the uncertain economic environment, the possible unwillingness
        of committed lenders to meet their obligations to lend to borrowers,
        in general;
    --  the performance of the Company's products within the prevailing retail
        environment;
    --  customer acceptance of both new designs and newly-introduced product
        lines;
    --  the Company's reliance on a few department store groups for large
        portions of the Company's business;
    --  consolidation of the Company's retail customers;
    --  financial difficulties encountered by customers;
    --  the effects of vigorous competition in the markets in which the
        Company operates;
    --  the Company's ability to attract and retain qualified executives and
        other key personnel;
    --  the Company's reliance on independent foreign manufacturers;
    --  changes in the costs of raw materials, labor, advertising and
        transportation;
    --  the general inability to obtain higher wholesale prices for the
        Company's products that the Company has experienced for many years;
    --  the uncertainties of sourcing associated with an environment in which
        general quota has expired on apparel products but litigation and
        political activity seeking to re-impose quotas have been initiated;
    --  the Company's ability to successfully implement new operational and
        financial computer systems; and

    --  the Company's ability to secure and protect trademarks and other
        intellectual property rights.

A further description of these risks and uncertainties and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations can be found in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, including, but not limited to, the Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Disclosure and Item 1A-Risk Factors therein, and in the Company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such expectations may prove to be incorrect. The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.



                     JONES APPAREL GROUP, INC.
                   CONSOLIDATED OPERATING RESULTS
                           (UNAUDITED)

    All amounts in millions, except per share data

                      SECOND QUARTER                    SIX MONTHS
                      --------------                    ----------
                   2009           2008             2009             2008
                   ----           ----             ----             ----

    Net
     sales    $793.4   98.7% $820.2   98.9% $1,672.9   98.7% $1,783.6   98.8%
    Licensing
     income     10.3    1.3     9.0    1.1      21.8    1.3      20.5    1.1
    Other
     revenues    0.2    0.0     0.2    0.0       0.3    0.0       0.7    0.0
                 ---    ---     ---    ---       ---    ---       ---    ---

    Total
     revenues  803.9  100.0   829.4  100.0   1,695.0  100.0   1,804.8  100.0

    Cost of
     Goods
     sold      521.8   64.9   547.0   66.0   1,119.6   66.1   1,201.7   66.6
               -----   ----   -----   ----   -------   ----   -------   ----

    Gross
     profit    282.1   35.1   282.4   34.0     575.4   33.9     603.1   33.4

    SG&A
     expenses  240.0   29.9   256.9   31.0     519.6   30.7     537.6   29.8
               -----   ----   -----   ----     -----   ----     -----   ----

    Income from
    operations  42.1    5.2    25.5    3.1      55.8    3.3      65.5    3.6

    Net interest
     expense and
     financing
     costs     (19.8)  (2.5)   (9.8)  (1.2)    (32.7)  (1.9)    (19.6)  (1.1)
    Loss and
     costs
     associated with
     repurchase of
     4.250%
     Senior
     Notes      (2.0)  (0.2)      -      -      (2.0)  (0.1)        -      -
    Gain on sale
     of interest in
     Australian
     joint
     venture       -      -     0.5    0.1         -      -       0.8    0.0
    Equity in loss of
     unconsolidated
     affiliate  (0.2)  (0.0)      -      -      (0.5)  (0.0)        -      -
                ----   ----     ---    ---      ----   ----       ---    ---

    Income before
     provision
     for taxes  20.1    2.5    16.2    2.0      20.6    1.2      46.7    2.6
    Provision
     For income
     taxes       7.0    0.9     5.6    0.7       7.2    0.4      16.5    0.9
                 ---    ---     ---    ---       ---    ---      ----    ---

    Net
     income    $13.1    1.6%  $10.6    1.3%    $13.4    0.8%    $30.2    1.7%
               =====    ===   =====    ===     =====    ===     =====    ===


    Earnings per share (1)
    Net
     income    $13.1          $10.6            $13.4            $30.2
    Less: income
     allocated to
     participating
     securities (0.5)          (0.1)            (0.5)            (0.5)
                ----           ----             ----             ----
    Income
     available to
     common
     stock-
     holders   $12.6          $10.5            $12.9            $29.7
               =====          =====            =====            =====

    Common
     shares
     outstanding -
     diluted    81.8           83.8             81.7             84.3

    Earnings per
     share -
     diluted   $0.15          $0.12            $0.16            $0.35

    Percentages may not add due to rounding.

    (1)  Earnings per share is calculated under the "two-class method," where
         income is allocated between common shares and participating
         securities (unvested restricted shares held by employees that have a
         nonforfeitable right to dividends).  Both our common shares and
         participating securities share equally in dividend payments and
         earnings.



                           JONES APPAREL GROUP, INC.
                           SELECTED OPERATING RESULTS
                                  (UNAUDITED)

    As required by the Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation G, the
    following table contains information regarding the non-GAAP adjustments
    used by the Company in the presentation of its financial results:

    All amounts in millions,
     except per share data               SECOND QUARTER         SIX MONTHS
                                         --------------         ----------
                                            2009   2008        2009    2008
                                            ----   ----        ----    ----

    Net income (as reported)               $13.1  $10.6       $13.4   $30.2
    Provision for income taxes               7.0    5.6         7.2    16.5
    Gain on sale of Mexican
     operations                                -   (0.2)          -    (0.2)
    Loss and costs associated
      with repurchase of
      4.250% Senior Notes (a)                2.0      -         2.0       -
    Write-off of line of credit
     fees (b)                                7.9      -         7.9       -
    Items affecting segment income:
      Impairment and other expenses related to
        retail store closure
         plan ( c )                            -      -        22.6       -
    Severance and other expenses
      related to restructuring
       activities and certain
        other charges (d, e, f)              7.9    9.7        20.8    28.3
                                             ---    ---        ----    ----
    Adjusted income before
     provision for taxes                    37.9   25.7        73.9    74.8
    Adjusted provision for
     income taxes                           13.6    8.8        25.8    26.4
                                            ----    ---        ----    ----
    Adjusted net income                     24.3   16.9        48.1    48.4
    Less: adjusted income
     allocated to participating
     securities                             (1.0)  (0.4)       (1.9)   (0.9)
                                            ----   ----        ----    ----
    Adjusted income available to
     common stockholders                   $23.3  $16.5       $46.2   $47.5
                                           =====  =====       =====   =====


    Earnings per share - diluted
     (as reported)                         $0.15  $0.12       $0.16   $0.35
    Provision for income taxes              0.08   0.07        0.08    0.19
    Gain on sale of Mexican
     operations                                -      -           -       -
    Loss and costs associated
      with repurchase of
      4.250% Senior Notes (a)               0.02      -        0.02       -
    Write-off of line of credit
     fees (b)                               0.10      -        0.10       -
    Items affecting segment income:
      Impairment and other expenses
        related to
        retail store closure plan ( c )        -      -        0.27       -

      Severance and other expenses
        related to restructuring
        activities and certain
         other charges (d, e, f)            0.10   0.11        0.24    0.33
                                            ----   ----        ----    ----
    Adjusted income before taxes            0.45   0.30        0.87    0.87
    Adjusted provision for
     income taxes                           0.16   0.10        0.30    0.31
                                            ----   ----        ----    ----
    Adjusted earnings per share -
      diluted                              $0.29  $0.20       $0.57   $0.56
                                           =====  =====       =====   =====

    Non-GAAP adjustments affecting
      revenue by segment:
      Wholesale better apparel                $-     $-          $-      $-
      Wholesale jeanswear (d)                0.5    2.3         2.1     9.2
      Wholesale footwear and
       accessories                             -      -           -       -
      Retail ( c )                           0.1      -         0.1       -
      Licensing, other &
       eliminations (d)                        -    0.5           -     0.5
                                             ---    ---         ---     ---
      Total                                 $0.6   $2.8        $2.2    $9.7
                                            ====   ====        ====    ====

    Non-GAAP adjustments affecting
     income by segment:
      Wholesale better apparel
       (f)                                  $0.2   $0.6        $2.9   $(0.2)
      Wholesale jeanswear (d, f)             1.1    6.4         6.5    22.8
      Wholesale footwear and
       accessories (e, f)                    6.0    1.7        10.1     3.6
      Retail (c, f)                          0.5    0.3        23.9     0.6
      Licensing, other &
       eliminations (d, f)                   0.1    0.7           -     1.5
                                             ---    ---          --     ---
      Total                                 $7.9   $9.7       $43.4   $28.3
                                            ====   ====        =====  =====

    Adjusted segment margins
      Wholesale better apparel               8.6%   8.1%       12.8%   12.6%
      Wholesale jeanswear                   10.7    4.0        10.3     6.9
      Wholesale footwear and
       accessories                           4.8    4.4         6.8     6.9
      Retail                                 1.5    3.0        (9.9)   (5.3)
                                             ---    ---        ----    ----
      Total                                  6.2%   4.2%        5.8%    5.2%
                                             ===    ===         ===     ===


    (a)  2009 includes the loss and costs associated with the repurchase of
         4.250% Senior Notes.
    (b)  2009 includes the write-off of deferred financing fees related to
         our prior revolving credit facility.
    ( c ) 2009 includes fixed asset impairment and other charges related to
         the closure of underperforming retail locations announced in April
         2009.
    (d)  2009 and 2008 include costs related to the exit from or restructuring
         of certain moderate sportswear lines.  2008 also includes costs
         related to the repositioning of l.e.i. as an exclusive product for
         Walmart.
    (e)  2009 and 2008 include severance related to the restructuring of our
         costume jewelry business and certain charges associated with the
         bankruptcy of our former U.K. licensee.
    (f)  2009 and 2008 include severance and other expenses related to
         restructuring activities and certain other charges.



                            JONES APPAREL GROUP, INC.
                               SEGMENT INFORMATION
                                   (UNAUDITED)

    All amounts in millions
                                        Wholesale                  Wholesale
                                          Better     Wholesale    Footwear &
                                         Apparel     Jeanswear    Accessories
                                         -------     ---------    -----------

    For the fiscal quarter ended
     July 4, 2009
      Revenues from external
       customers                          $202.7        $221.2        $185.9
      Intersegment revenues                 29.4           0.6           9.8
                                            ----           ---           ---
         Total revenues                    232.1         221.8         195.7
                                           -----         -----         -----

      Segment income                       $19.8         $22.7          $3.3
                                           =====         =====          ====
      Segment margin                         8.5%         10.2%          1.7%



      Segment revenues                    $232.1        $221.8        $195.7
      Adjustments affecting segment
       revenues                                -           0.5             -
                                             ---           ---           ---
      Adjusted segment revenues           $232.1        $222.3        $195.7
                                          ======        ======        ======

      Segment income                       $19.8         $22.7          $3.3
      Adjustments affecting segment
       income                                0.2           1.1           6.0
                                             ---           ---           ---
      Adjusted segment income              $20.0         $23.8          $9.3
                                           =====         =====          ====
      Adjusted segment margin                8.6%         10.7%          4.8%


    For the fiscal quarter ended
     July 5, 2008
      Revenues from external
       customers                          $235.0        $172.2        $215.6
      Intersegment revenues                 30.3           0.8          15.4
                                            ----           ---          ----
         Total revenues                    265.3         173.0         231.0
                                           -----         -----         -----

      Segment income                       $20.9          $0.6          $8.5
                                           =====          ====          ====
      Segment margin                         7.9%          0.3%          3.7%



      Segment revenues                    $265.3        $173.0        $231.0
      Adjustments affecting segment
       revenues                                -           2.3             -
                                             ---           ---           ---
      Adjusted segment revenues           $265.3        $175.3        $231.0
                                          ======        ======        ======

      Segment income                       $20.9          $0.6          $8.5
      Adjustments affecting segment
       income                                0.6           6.4           1.7
                                             ---           ---           ---
      Adjusted segment income              $21.5          $7.0         $10.2
                                           =====          ====         =====
      Adjusted segment margin                8.1%          4.0%          4.4%



                                                   Licensing,
                                                     Other &
                                         Retail   Eliminations  Consolidated
                                         ------   ------------  ------------

    For the fiscal quarter ended
     July 4, 2009
      Revenues from external
       customers                          $183.8         $10.3        $803.9
      Intersegment revenues                    -         (39.8)            -
                                           -----         -----         -----
         Total revenues                    183.8         (29.5)        803.9
                                           -----         -----         -----

      Segment income                        $2.3         $(6.0)         42.1
                                            ====         =====
      Segment margin                         1.3%                        5.2%

      Net interest expense                                             (19.8)
      Loss and costs associated with
       repurchase of 4.250% Senior Notes                                (2.0)
      Equity in loss of
       unconsolidated affiliate                                         (0.2)
                                                                        ----

      Income before provision for
       income taxes                                                    $20.1
                                                                       =====


      Segment revenues                    $183.8        $(29.5)       $803.9
      Adjustments affecting segment
       revenues                              0.1             -           0.6
                                             ---           ---           ---
      Adjusted segment revenues           $183.9        $(29.5)       $804.5
                                          ======        ======        ======

      Segment income                        $2.3         $(6.0)        $42.1
      Adjustments affecting segment
       income                                0.5           0.1           7.9
                                             ---           ---           ---
      Adjusted segment income               $2.8         $(5.9)        $50.0
                                            ====         =====         =====
      Adjusted segment margin                1.5%                        6.2%


    For the fiscal quarter ended
     July 5, 2008
      Revenues from external
       customers                          $197.5          $9.1        $829.4
      Intersegment revenues                    -         (46.5)            -
                                             ---         -----           ---
         Total revenues                    197.5         (37.4)        829.4
                                           -----         -----         -----

      Segment income                        $5.5        $(10.2)         25.3
                                            ====        ======
      Segment margin                         2.8%                        3.1%

      Net interest expense                                              (9.8)
      Gain on sale of Mexican
       operations and interest in
       Australian joint venture                                          0.7
                                                                         ---

      Income before provision for
       income taxes                                                    $16.2
                                                                       =====


      Segment revenues                    $197.5        $(37.4)       $829.4
      Adjustments affecting segment
       revenues                                -           0.5           2.8
                                             ---           ---           ---
      Adjusted segment revenues           $197.5        $(36.9)       $832.2
                                          ======        ======        ======

      Segment income                        $5.5        $(10.2)        $25.3
      Adjustments affecting segment
       income                                0.3           0.7           9.7
                                             ---           ---           ---
      Adjusted segment income               $5.8         $(9.5)        $35.0
                                            ====         =====         =====
      Adjusted segment margin                3.0%                        4.2%



                               JONES APPAREL GROUP, INC.
                                  SEGMENT INFORMATION
                                      (UNAUDITED)

    All amounts in millions
                                       Wholesale                 Wholesale
                                       Better       Wholesale    Footwear &
                                       Apparel      Jeanswear    Accessories
                                       -------      ---------    -----------

    For the fiscal six months ended
     July 4, 2009
      Revenues from external customers  $494.4         $449.5        $404.3
      Intersegment revenues               68.6            1.5          28.4
                                          ----            ---          ----
         Total revenues                  563.0          451.0         432.7
                                         -----          -----         -----

      Segment income (loss)              $69.3          $40.0         $19.3
                                         =====          =====         =====
      Segment margin                      12.3%           8.9%          4.5%


      Segment revenues                  $563.0         $451.0        $432.7
      Adjustments affecting segment
       revenues                              -            2.1             -
                                          ----            ---          ----
      Adjusted segment revenues         $563.0         $453.1        $432.7
                                        ======         ======        ======

      Segment income (loss)              $69.3          $40.0         $19.3
      Adjustments affecting
      segment income                       2.9            6.5          10.1
                                           ---            ---          ----
      Adjusted segment income (loss)     $72.2          $46.5         $29.4
                                         =====          =====         =====
      Adjusted segment margin             12.8%          10.3%          6.8%


    For the fiscal six  months ended
     July 5, 2008
      Revenues from external customers  $566.4         $392.8        $468.2
      Intersegment revenues               70.2            1.9          35.7
                                          ----            ---          ----
         Total revenues                  636.6          394.7         503.9
                                         -----          -----         -----

      Segment income (loss)              $80.2           $5.0         $31.1
                                         =====           ====         =====
      Segment margin                      12.6%           1.3%          6.2%

      Segment revenues                  $636.6         $394.7        $503.9
      Adjustments affecting segment
       revenues                              -            9.2             -
                                           ---            ---           ---
      Adjusted segment revenues         $636.6         $403.9        $503.9
                                        ======         ======        ======

      Segment income (loss)              $80.2           $5.0         $31.1
      Adjustments affecting
       segment income                     (0.2)          22.8           3.6
                                          ----           ----           ---
      Adjusted segment income (loss)     $80.0          $27.8         $34.7
                                         =====          =====         =====
      Adjusted segment margin             12.6%           6.9%          6.9%


                                                   Licensing,
                                                   Other &
                                         Retail    Eliminations  Consolidated
                                         ------    ------------  ------------

    For the fiscal six months ended
     July 4, 2009
      Revenues from external customers  $325.0          $21.8      $1,695.0
      Intersegment revenues                  -          (98.5)            -
                                          ----           -----      -------
         Total revenues                  325.0          (76.7)      1,695.0
                                         -----          -----       -------

      Segment income (loss)             $(56.1)        $(16.7)         55.8
                                         ======         ======
      Segment margin                     (17.3%)                        3.3%

      Net interest expense                                            (32.7)
      Loss and costs associated with
       repurchase of 4.250% Senior Notes                               (2.0)
      Equity in loss of unconsolidated
       affiliate                                                       (0.5)
                                                                        ----

      Income before provision for income
       taxes                                                          $20.6
                                                                      =====


      Segment revenues                  $325.0         $(76.7)     $1,695.0
      Adjustments affecting segment
       revenues                            0.1              -           2.2
                                           ---            ---           ---
      Adjusted segment revenues         $325.1         $(76.7)     $1,697.2
                                        ======         ======      ========

      Segment income (loss)             $(56.1)        $(16.7)        $55.8
      Adjustments affecting
      segment income                      23.9              -          43.4
                                          ----            ---          ----
      Adjusted segment income (loss)    $(32.2)        $(16.7)        $99.2
                                         ======         ======         =====
      Adjusted segment margin             (9.9%)                        5.8%


    For the fiscal six months ended
     July 5, 2008
      Revenues from external customers  $356.3          $21.1      $1,804.8
      Intersegment revenues                  -         (107.8)            -
                                         -----         ------        ------
         Total revenues                  356.3          (86.7)      1,804.8
                                         -----          -----       -------

      Segment income (loss)             $(19.4)        $(31.6)         65.3
                                         ======         ======
      Segment margin                      (5.4%)                        3.6%

      Net interest expense                                            (19.6)
      Gain on sale of Mexican operations
       and interest in Australian joint
       venture                                                          1.0
                                                                        ---

      Income before provision for income
       taxes                                                          $46.7
                                                                      =====


      Segment revenues                  $356.3         $(86.7)     $1,804.8
      Adjustments affecting segment
       revenues                              -            0.5           9.7
                                         -----            ---           ---
      Adjusted segment revenues         $356.3         $(86.2)     $1,814.5
                                        ======         ======      ========

      Segment income (loss)             $(19.4)        $(31.6)        $65.3
      Adjustments affecting
       segment income                      0.6            1.5          28.3
                                           ---            ---          ----
      Adjusted segment income (loss)    $(18.8)        $(30.1)        $93.6
                                        ======         ======         =====
      Adjusted segment margin            (5.3%)                         5.2%



                    JONES APPAREL GROUP, INC.
            CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                        (UNAUDITED)

    All amounts in millions


                                     July 4, 2009   July 5, 2008
                                     ------------   ------------
    ASSETS

    CURRENT ASSETS:
      Cash and cash
       equivalents                         $112.5         $322.2
      Accounts receivable                   366.6          382.6
      Inventories                           428.4          466.7
      Prepaid income taxes                    9.1           25.2
      Deferred taxes                         22.9           23.8
      Other current
       assets                                32.2           50.6
                                             ----           ----
         TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS               971.7        1,271.1

    Property, plant and equipment, at cost,
     less accumulated depreciation and
     amortization                           258.1          305.4

    Goodwill                                160.7          974.6
    Other intangibles, less accumulated
     amortization                           589.7          616.9
    Deferred taxes                           13.1              -
    Other assets                            114.6           58.0
                                            -----           ----
                                         $2,107.9       $3,226.0
                                         ========       ========

    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

    CURRENT LIABILITIES:
      Short-term borrowings                 $20.9             $-
      Current portion of long-term
       debt and capital
       lease obligations                     10.2            4.2
      Accounts payable                      158.7          215.3
      Income taxes payable                      -           13.8

      Accrued expenses and other
       current liabilities                  109.0          124.7
                                            -----          -----
         TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES          298.8          358.0
                                            -----          -----

    NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
      Long-term debt and obligation
       under capital leases                 527.6          775.9
      Income taxes payable                   11.4              -
      Deferred taxes                            -           14.8
      Other                                  75.6           67.4
                                             ----           ----
         TOTAL NONCURRENT LIABILITIES       614.6          858.1
                                            -----          -----
         TOTAL LIABILITIES                  913.4        1,216.1
                                            -----        -------

    STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                  1,194.5        2,009.9
                                          -------        -------
                                         $2,107.9       $3,226.0
                                         ========       ========



                    JONES APPAREL GROUP, INC.
               CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                           (UNAUDITED)

    All amounts in millions                   Fiscal Six Months Ended
                                              -----------------------
                                            July 4, 2009  July 5, 2008
                                            ------------  ------------

    CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
      Net Income                                   $13.4         $30.2
                                                   -----         -----

      Adjustments to reconcile net income
       to net cash provided by operating
       activities:
       Loss and costs associated with
        repurchase of 4.250% Senior Notes            2.0             -
       Amortization expense in connection
        with employee stock options
        and restricted stock                         6.6           9.1
        Depreciation and other amortization         37.6          41.4
       Impairment losses on property,
        plant and equipment                         21.2             -
       Provision for losses on accounts
        receivable                                   1.8           4.7
       Deferred taxes                                7.8          26.7
       Write-off of deferred financing fees          7.9             -
       Other items, net                              1.0          (0.7)
       Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
            Accounts receivable                     (7.9)        (50.5)
            Inventories                             82.0          57.1
            Accounts payable                       (72.9)         (8.6)
            Other assets and
             liabilities, net                      (26.8)        (11.2)
                                                    -----         -----
            Total adjustments                       60.3          68.0
                                                    ----          ----
      Net cash provided by
       operating activities                         73.7          98.2
                                                    ----          ----

    CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
      Capital expenditures                         (13.9)        (38.4)
      Investment in GRI Group Limited              (15.2)        (20.0)
      Other                                            -           7.0
                                                    ----           ---
      Net cash used in
       investing activities                        (29.1)        (51.4)
                                                   -----         -----

    CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
      Repurchase of 4.250%
       Senior Notes, including
       consent fees and related costs
                                                  (252.4)            -
      Costs related to secured
       revolving credit
       agreement                                   (30.0)            -
      Net increase in short- term
       borrowings                                   20.9             -
      Dividends paid                                (8.5)        (24.1)
      Other                                         (1.6)         (1.6)
                                                    ----          ----
      Net cash used in
       financing activities                       (271.6)        (25.7)
                                                   ------         -----

    EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATES ON  CASH                1.2          (1.7)
                                                     ---           ----

    NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN
     CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                    (225.8)         19.4

    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,
     BEGINNING                                     338.3         302.8
                                                   -----         -----

    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,
     ENDING                                       $112.5        $322.2
                                                  ======        ======

SOURCE Jones Apparel Group, Inc.

CONTACT:
Investor: John T. McClain, Chief Financial Officer of Jones Apparel Group, +1-212-642-3860;
or Media: Joele Frank or Sharon Stern,
both of Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher, +1-212-355-4449
Web Site: http://www.jonesapparel.com
(JNY)