-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, Q3Hlkxb75hhRWA5KO02zqBZE3NA/gGaPD0MDMogbFeGplMbxgX0Bz5cL4cEG657G 1oXOYQ4dWpRvElI+hepFZQ== 0001193125-08-240594.txt : 20081121 0001193125-08-240594.hdr.sgml : 20081121 20081121080925 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-08-240594 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 4 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20081121 ITEM INFORMATION: Results of Operations and Financial Condition ITEM INFORMATION: Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Principal Officers ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20081121 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20081121 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ANNTAYLOR STORES CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000874214 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: RETAIL-WOMEN'S CLOTHING STORES [5621] IRS NUMBER: 133499319 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0202 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-10738 FILM NUMBER: 081205361 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 7 TIMES SQUARE STREET 2: 15TH FLOOR CITY: NEW YORK STATE: NY ZIP: 10036 BUSINESS PHONE: 2125413300 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 7 TIMES SQUARE STREET 2: 15TH FLOOR CITY: NEW YORK STATE: NY ZIP: 10036 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: TAYLOR ANN STORES CORP DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19960221 8-K 1 d8k.htm FORM 8-K Form 8-K

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): November 21, 2008

 

 

ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   1-10738   13-3499319

(State or Other Jurisdiction

of Incorporation)

  (Commission File Number)  

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

7 Times Square

New York, New York 10036

(Address, including Zip Code, of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)

(212) 541-3300

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Not Applicable

(Former Names or Former Addresses, if Changed

Since Last Report)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

 


Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

AnnTaylor Stores Corporation issued a Press Release, dated November 21, 2008. A copy of the Press Release is appended to this report as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

The Press Release furnished with this report contains non-GAAP financial measures within the meaning of Regulation G promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company is providing operating income, net income and earnings per share data for the quarters and nine months ended November 1, 2008 and November 3, 2007, that exclude costs associated with the Company’s previously-announced restructuring program. The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures assist the reader’s understanding by removing the impact of the restructuring program from its continuing business operations. These measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 

Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

The Company issued a Press Release announcing the election of Michelle Gass to the Company’s Board of Directors and Ms. Gass’ appointment to its Compensation Committee, effective November 20, 2008. Ms. Gass will participate in the Company’s previously disclosed standard non-employee director compensation arrangements. A copy of the Press Release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2 and is incorporated by reference.

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

  (d) Exhibits.

 

99.1    Press Release issued by AnnTaylor Stores Corporation on November 21, 2008.
99.2    Press Release issued by AnnTaylor Stores Corporation on November 20, 2008.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

  ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION
  By:  

/s/ Barbara K. Eisenberg

    Barbara K. Eisenberg
Date: November 21, 2008     Executive Vice President,
    General Counsel and Secretary


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description

99.1   Press Release issued by AnnTaylor Stores Corporation on November 21, 2008.
99.2   Press Release issued by AnnTaylor Stores Corporation on November 20, 2008.
EX-99.1 2 dex991.htm PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION ON NOVEMBER 21, 2008. Press Release issued by AnnTaylor Stores Corporation on November 21, 2008.

Exhibit 99.1

LOGO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ann Taylor Reports Third Quarter Results

New York, NY, November 21, 2008 – AnnTaylor Stores Corporation (NYSE: ANN) today reported results for the third quarter of fiscal 2008, ended November 1, 2008. Earnings per diluted share, excluding restructuring charges, were break-even, compared with earnings per diluted share of $0.67, on the same basis, in the third quarter of 2007. On a GAAP basis, including the aforementioned restructuring charges, which totaled $0.24 and $0.01 per diluted share in the third quarters of 2008 and 2007, respectively, loss per diluted share was $0.24 in the third quarter of 2008, compared with earnings per diluted share of $0.66 in the third quarter of 2007.

Commenting on the results of the quarter, Ann Taylor President and Chief Executive Officer Kay Krill stated, “As previously reported, after a solid first-half performance this year, our business turned soft in the third quarter, reflecting the dramatic deterioration in the overall economy and consumer spending—particularly during the latter part of the period. As a result, we have taken aggressive action to expand the cost reduction initiatives we announced earlier this year and to accelerate and increase the savings we expect from our restructuring program. At the same time, we are also aggressively managing our inventory levels and conserving our cash, to ensure we are well positioned to weather the very weak consumer environment we expect in the months ahead. We continue to maintain a strong balance sheet, including a solid cash and liquidity position. We are focusing our resources on managing through this difficult period, while also continuing to position our business for growth when the economy improves.”

Fiscal Third Quarter Results

Net sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 were $527.2 million, compared with net sales of $600.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2007. By division, net sales at Ann Taylor were $159.5 million in the third quarter of 2008, compared with net sales of $213.5 million in the third quarter of 2007. At LOFT, net sales were $263.0 million in the third quarter of 2008, compared with net sales of $296.9 million in the third quarter of 2007.

Comparable store sales for the quarter declined 19.4% versus the prior year, with Ann Taylor down 24.8% and LOFT down 15.4%. This performance reflected weakening trends at both divisions as the quarter progressed and was primarily due to the overall impact the dramatic decline both in consumer confidence and spending had on the Company’s in-store metrics and sales trends.


ANNTAYLOR

Page 2 of 7

 

Gross margin, as a percentage of sales, declined 7.3 margin points to 48.8% for the third quarter of 2008, compared with a gross margin of 56.1% in the year-ago period. This performance reflected the impact of the top-line weakness and aggressive promotional activity to move through inventory.

Total inventory per square foot at the end of the third quarter of 2008 was down 10% versus year-ago, reflecting lower in-store inventory at all divisions and despite the impacts of LOFT Outlet, which was launched in July 2008, and Beauty, which was launched for Holiday 2007. By division, in-store inventory on a per square foot basis at Ann Taylor, excluding Beauty, declined 22% and, at LOFT, in-store inventory on a per square foot basis declined 14%.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the third quarter of 2008 declined 4.3%, to $257.5 million, versus selling, general and administrative expenses of $269.0 million for the third quarter of 2007. This improvement reflected the benefit of restructuring savings and tight management of expenses and was achieved despite a 5% increase in the Company’s store base versus year-ago and the impact of planned expenses supporting the launch of LOFT Outlet.

During the third quarter of 2008, the Company recorded pre-tax restructuring charges totaling $19.9 million, reflecting $12.2 million in cash charges and $7.7 million in non-cash charges. The cash charges incurred during the quarter primarily related to severance associated with the Company’s organizational streamlining announced on November 6, 2008. The non-cash charges incurred during the quarter related to the additional write-down of assets associated with the Company’s store closure plan announced in January 2008. On an after-tax basis, restructuring charges incurred during the third quarter of 2008 totaled $13.2 million, or approximately $0.24 per diluted share. In the third quarter of 2007, pre-tax restructuring charges totaled $1.3 million, primarily related to consulting services to support the launch of the program. On an after-tax basis, restructuring charges in the third quarter of 2007 totaled $0.8 million, or approximately $0.01 per diluted share.

Excluding the aforementioned pre-tax restructuring charges, the Company reported essentially break-even operating income in the third quarter of 2008, compared with operating income of $67.9 million in the third quarter of 2007. On a GAAP basis, including restructuring charges, the Company reported an operating loss of $20.2 million in the third quarter of 2008, compared with operating income of $66.6 million in the third quarter of 2007.

Net income, excluding the aforementioned after-tax restructuring charges, was essentially break-even in the third quarter of 2008, compared with net income of $41.5 million, or $0.67 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2007. On a GAAP basis, including restructuring charges, the Company reported a net loss in the third quarter of 2008 of $13.4 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, versus net income of $40.8 million, or $0.66 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2007.


ANNTAYLOR

Page 3 of 7

 

During the quarter, the Company opened eight LOFT stores, five Ann Taylor Factory stores and two LOFT Outlet stores. The Company closed seven LOFT stores and one Ann Taylor store during the quarter. Total store count at the end of the quarter was 966, comprised of 344 Ann Taylor stores, 520 LOFT stores, 90 Ann Taylor Factory stores and 12 LOFT Outlet stores. For the year, the Company expects to open 66 new stores, comprised of 25 LOFT stores, 23 Factory stores, 14 LOFT Outlet stores and four Ann Taylor stores. As part of its strategic restructuring program, the Company expects to close approximately 60 stores in fiscal 2008, with 33 Ann Taylor stores planned for closure and 27 LOFT stores planned for closure.

The Company did not repurchase shares of its common stock during the third quarter of fiscal 2008. During the first nine months of fiscal 2008, the Company purchased a total of 4.1 million shares, at an approximate cost of $101 million.

Fiscal 2008 Nine-Months Results

Net sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2008 were $1.7 billion, compared with net sales of $1.8 billion in the first nine months of fiscal 2007. By division, net sales at Ann Taylor were $542.9 million in the first nine months of 2008, compared with net sales of $652.6 million in the first nine months of 2007. At LOFT, net sales were $857.1 million in the first nine months of 2008, compared with net sales of $881.1 million in the first nine months of 2007.

Comparable store sales for the first nine months of 2008 declined 11.6%, with a 16.7% decline at Ann Taylor and an 8.0% decline at LOFT.

Gross margin, as a percentage of net sales, decreased 1.8 margin points to 51.6% in the first nine months of 2008. Selling, general and administrative expenses of $788.0 million in the first nine months of 2008 were down slightly, versus selling, general and administrative expenses of $789.4 million in the first nine months of 2007.

During the first nine months of 2008, the Company recorded pre-tax restructuring charges totaling $26.8 million, compared with $2.2 million in the first nine months of 2007. On an after-tax basis, restructuring charges totaled $16.4 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, in the first nine months of 2008, compared with after-tax restructuring charges of $1.3 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, in the first nine months of 2007.

Excluding pre-tax restructuring charges, operating income in the first nine months of 2008 was $94.3 million, compared with operating income of $169.5 million in the first nine months of 2007. On a GAAP basis, including restructuring charges, operating income in the first nine months of 2008 was $67.5 million, compared with operating income of $167.3 million in the first nine months of 2007.


ANNTAYLOR

Page 4 of 7

 

Net income, excluding after-tax restructuring charges, totaled $58.1 million, or $1.00 per diluted share, in the first nine months of 2008, compared with net income of $105.2 million, or $1.63 per diluted share, for the first nine months of 2007. On a GAAP basis, including restructuring charges, net income for the first nine months of 2008 was $41.7 million, or $0.72 per diluted share, compared with net income of $103.9 million, or $1.61 per diluted share, for the first nine months of 2007.

Outlook

The Company indicated that it currently expects the weakness in consumer spending to persist through the fourth quarter and, as a result, it expects its fourth quarter top-line performance to be consistent with the trends experienced towards the latter part of the third quarter. Furthermore, the Company indicated that it expects the competitive environment to remain highly promotional and, coupled with a fourth quarter receipt plan that did not anticipate the magnitude of the current softness, it expects gross margin to remain under significant pressure. Given the volatility and uncertainty heading into the fourth quarter, the Company is not providing earnings per share guidance for the fourth quarter or the full year of fiscal 2008 at this time.

As noted above, the Company indicated that it is focused on preserving cash during the fourth quarter and into 2009 and has therefore significantly scaled back capital spending for next year. The Company indicated that it maintains a strong, debt-free balance sheet and believes that it will maintain a solid cash position throughout the fourth quarter and fiscal 2009.

About Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor Stores Corporation is one of the leading women’s specialty retailers for fashionable clothing in the United States, operating 966 Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor LOFT, Ann Taylor Factory, and LOFT Outlet stores in 46 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico as of November 1, 2008, as well as online at AnnTaylor.com and AnnTaylorLOFT.com. Visit AnnTaylorStoresCorp.com for more information (NYSE: ANN).

Contact:

Judith Pirro

Director, Investor Relations

Ann Taylor Stores Corporation

212-541-3300 ext. 3598


ANNTAYLOR

Page 5 of 7

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements may use the words “expect”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “intend”, “project”, “may”, “believe” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements also include representations of the expectations or beliefs of the Company concerning future events that involve risks and uncertainties, including:

 

   

the Company’s ability to predict accurately client fashion preferences;

 

   

competitive influences and decline in the demand for merchandise offered by the Company;

 

   

the Company’s ability to successfully execute brand extensions and new concepts;

 

   

effectiveness of the Company’s brand awareness and marketing programs, and its ability to maintain the value of its brands;

 

   

the Company’s ability to secure and protect trademarks and other intellectual property rights in the United States and/or foreign countries;

 

   

general economic conditions, including the impact of higher fuel and energy prices, a downturn in the retail industry or changes in levels of store traffic;

 

   

continuation of lowered levels of consumer spending resulting from the worldwide economic downturn, lowered levels of consumer confidence and higher levels of unemployment;

 

   

the behavior of financial markets, including fluctuations in interest rates and the value of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies, or restrictions on the transfer of funds;

 

   

the commercial and consumer credit environment;

 

   

continued volatility and further deterioration of the capital markets;

 

   

fluctuation in the Company’s level of sales and earnings growth;

 

   

the Company’s ability to locate new store sites or negotiate favorable lease terms for additional stores or for the lease renewal or expansion of existing stores;

 

   

risks associated with the performance and operations of the Company’s Internet operations;

 

   

a significant change in the regulatory environment applicable to the Company’s business;

 

   

risks associated with the possible inability of the Company, particularly through its sourcing and logistics functions, to operate within production and delivery constraints and the Company’s dependence on a single distribution facility;

 

   

the uncertainties of sourcing associated with the current quota environment, including changes in sourcing patterns resulting from the elimination of quota on apparel products and the re-imposition of quotas in certain categories, and other possible trade law or import restrictions;

 

   

risks associated with the Company’s reliance on foreign sources of production, including financial or political instability in any of the countries in which the Company’s goods are manufactured;

 

   

risks associated with a failure by independent manufacturers to comply with the Company’s quality, product safety and social practices requirements;

 

   

the potential impact of natural disasters and public health concerns, particularly on the Company’s foreign sourcing offices and manufacturing operations of the Company’s vendors;

 

   

acts of war or terrorism in the United States or worldwide;

 

   

work stoppages, slowdowns or strikes;

 

   

the Company’s ability to hire, retain and train key personnel;

 

   

the Company’s ability to successfully upgrade and maintain its information systems, including adequate system security controls;

 

   

the Company’s ability to continue operations in accordance with its business continuity plan in the event of an interruption;

 

   

the Company’s ability to achieve the results of its restructuring program, including the risk that the benefits expected from the restructuring program will not be achieved or may take longer to achieve than expected; and

 

   

changes in management’s assumptions and projections concerning costs and timing in execution of the restructuring program.

Further description of these risks and uncertainties and other important factors are set forth in the Company’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K, including but not limited to Item 1A – Risk Factors and Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations therein, and in the Company’s other filings with the SEC. Although these forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current expectations concerning future events, actual results may differ materially from current expectations or historical results. The Company does not assume any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements at any time for any reason.


ANNTAYLOR

Page 6 of 7

 

ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For the Quarters and Nine Months Ended November 1, 2008 and November 3, 2007

(unaudited)

 

     Quarters Ended     Nine Months Ended  
   November 1,     November 3,     November 1,     November 3,  
   2008     2007     2008     2007  
   (in thousands, except per share amounts)  

Net sales

   $ 527,216     $ 600,949     $ 1,711,194     $ 1,795,709  

Cost of sales

     270,060       264,106       828,911       836,817  
                                

Gross margin

     257,156       336,843       882,283       958,892  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     257,511       268,958       788,032       789,438  

Restructuring and asset impairment charges

     19,893       1,300       26,761       2,200  
                                

Operating (loss) income

     (20,248 )     66,585       67,490       167,254  

Interest income

     311       1,450       1,571       6,197  

Interest expense

     325       620       1,025       1,597  
                                

(Loss) income before income taxes

     (20,262 )     67,415       68,036       171,854  

Income tax (benefit) provision

     (6,815 )     26,656       26,336       67,948  
                                

Net (loss) income

   $ (13,447 )   $ 40,759     $ 41,700     $ 103,906  
                                

Basic (loss) earnings per share of common stock

   $ (0.24 )   $ 0.67     $ 0.72     $ 1.63  
                                

Weighted average shares outstanding

     56,252       60,930       57,697       63,629  

Diluted (loss) earnings per share of common stock

   $ (0.24 )   $ 0.66     $ 0.72     $ 1.61  
                                

Weighted average shares outstanding, assuming dilution

     56,252       61,533       57,943       64,438  

Number of stores open at beginning of period

     959       887       929       869  

Number of stores opened during period

     15       38       63       60  

Number of stores closed during period

     (8 )     (4 )     (26 )     (8 )

Number of stores open at end of period

     966       921       966       921  

Number of stores expanded/relocated during period *

     —         4       8       10  

Total store square footage at end of period (000’s)

     5,651       5,371      

 

 

* Expanded stores are excluded from comparable store sales for the first year following expansion.


ANNTAYLOR

Page 7 of 7

 

ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

November 1, 2008, February 2, 2008 and November 3, 2007

(unaudited)

 

     November 1,     February 2,     November 3,  
     2008     2008     2007  
     (in thousands)  
Assets       

Current assets

      

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 80,687     $ 134,025     $ 94,046  

Short-term investments

     —         9,110       24,257  

Accounts receivable

     23,421       16,944       29,160  

Merchandise inventories

     274,450       250,697       289,740  

Deferred income taxes

     33,925       29,161       22,895  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     61,406       67,954       62,999  
                        

Total current assets

     473,889       507,891       523,097  

Property and equipment, net

     545,958       561,270       585,125  

Goodwill

     286,579       286,579       286,579  

Deferred financing costs, net

     1,370       288       379  

Deferred income taxes

     25,840       23,314       19,852  

Other assets

     20,051       14,413       13,351  
                        

Total assets

   $ 1,353,687     $ 1,393,755     $ 1,428,383  
                        
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity       

Current liabilities

      

Trade notes and accounts payable

   $ 118,835     $ 125,388     $ 124,866  

Accrued salaries and bonus

     26,103       13,000       14,297  

Accrued tenancy

     44,693       44,945       45,502  

Gift certificates and merchandise credits redeemable

     38,043       54,564       35,891  

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     89,698       74,979       96,677  
                        

Total current liabilities

     317,372       312,876       317,233  

Deferred lease costs

     224,646       230,052       229,431  

Deferred income taxes

     1,633       1,960       1,406  

Other liabilities

     18,560       9,383       10,034  

Commitments and contingencies

      

Stockholders’ equity

      

Common stock, $.0068 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 82,476,328, 82,288,607 and 82,255,479 shares issued, respectively

     561       560       559  

Additional paid-in capital

     788,638       781,048       776,433  

Retained earnings

     808,108       766,408       773,079  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (4,230 )     (3,460 )     —    
                        
     1,593,077       1,544,556       1,550,071  
                        

Treasury stock, 25,358,195, 21,408,843 and 20,556,835 shares respectively, at cost

     (801,601 )     (705,072 )     (679,792 )
                        

Total stockholders’ equity

     791,476       839,484       870,279  
                        

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 1,353,687     $ 1,393,755     $ 1,428,383  
                        
EX-99.2 3 dex992.htm PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION ON NOVEMBER 20, 2008. Press Release issued by AnnTaylor Stores Corporation on November 20, 2008.

Exhibit 99.2

LOGO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ann Taylor Elects Michelle Gass to Board of Directors

New York, NY, November 20, 2008 – AnnTaylor Stores Corporation (NYSE: ANN) today announced that Michelle Gass has been elected to the Company’s Board of Directors. She will also join the Board’s Compensation Committee.

Ms. Gass currently serves as Executive Vice President, Marketing and Category, at Starbucks Coffee Company. In this role, she oversees the company’s beverage, food, coffee and merchandise categories, future innovation pipeline, and overall brand and marketing efforts. She has held numerous marketing leadership positions during her twelve-year tenure with Starbucks, and also served in a recent assignment as Senior Vice President, Global Strategy. Prior to Starbucks, Ms. Gass was with Procter & Gamble Company, from 1990 to 1996, in various marketing and product management roles.

Commenting on the announcement, Ronald W. Hovsepian, Chairman of Ann Taylor’s Board of Directors, stated, “We are delighted to welcome Michelle to the Board. She brings with her deep knowledge and experience in developing and marketing products for iconic brands, and her background, combined with her consumer-focused and entrepreneurial spirit, will make Michelle a very valuable addition to our Board.”

Ms. Gass will bring the number of independent directors on Ann Taylor’s nine-person Board of Directors to eight.

About Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor Stores Corporation is one of the leading women’s specialty retailers for fashionable clothing in the United States, operating 959 Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor LOFT, Ann Taylor Factory, and LOFT Outlet stores in 46 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico as of August 2, 2008, as well as online at AnnTaylor.com and AnnTaylorLOFT.com. Visit AnnTaylorStoresCorp.com for more information (NYSE: ANN).

Contact:

Maria A. Sceppaguercio

   Judith A. Pirro

SVP of Finance, Communications & Investor Relations

   Director of Investor Relations

Ann Taylor Stores Corporation

   Ann Taylor Stores Corporation

212-541-3300, ext. 2199

   212-541-3300, ext. 3598

 


ANNTAYLOR

Page 2 of 2

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements may use the words “expect”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “intend”, “project”, “may”, “believe” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements also include representations of the expectations or beliefs of the Company concerning future events that involve risks and uncertainties, including:

 

   

the Company's ability to predict accurately client fashion preferences;

 

   

competitive influences and decline in the demand for merchandise offered by the Company;

 

   

the Company’s ability to successfully execute brand extensions and new concepts;

 

   

effectiveness of the Company’s brand awareness and marketing programs, and its ability to maintain the value of its brands;

 

   

the Company’s ability to secure and protect trademarks and other intellectual property rights in the United States and/or foreign countries;

 

   

general economic conditions, including the impact of higher fuel and energy prices, a downturn in the retail industry or changes in levels of store traffic;

 

   

continuation of lowered levels of consumer spending resulting from the worldwide economic downturn, lowered levels of consumer confidence and higher levels of unemployment;

 

   

the behavior of financial markets, including fluctuations in interest rates and the value of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies, or restrictions on the transfer of funds;

 

   

the commercial and consumer credit environment;

 

   

continued volatility and further deterioration of the capital markets;

 

   

fluctuation in the Company’s level of sales and earnings growth;

 

   

the Company’s ability to locate new store sites or negotiate favorable lease terms for additional stores or for the lease renewal or expansion of existing stores;

 

   

risks associated with the performance and operations of the Company’s Internet operations;

 

   

a significant change in the regulatory environment applicable to the Company’s business;

 

   

risks associated with the possible inability of the Company, particularly through its sourcing and logistics functions, to operate within production and delivery constraints and the Company’s dependence on a single distribution facility;

 

   

the uncertainties of sourcing associated with the current quota environment, including changes in sourcing patterns resulting from the elimination of quota on apparel products and the re-imposition of quotas in certain categories, and other possible trade law or import restrictions;

 

   

risks associated with the Company’s reliance on foreign sources of production, including financial or political instability in any of the countries in which the Company’s goods are manufactured;

 

   

risks associated with a failure by independent manufacturers to comply with the Company’s quality, product safety and social practices requirements;

 

   

the potential impact of natural disasters and public health concerns, particularly on the Company’s foreign sourcing offices and manufacturing operations of the Company’s vendors;

 

   

acts of war or terrorism in the United States or worldwide;

 

   

work stoppages, slowdowns or strikes;

 

   

the Company’s ability to hire, retain and train key personnel;

 

   

the Company’s ability to successfully upgrade and maintain its information systems, including adequate system security controls;

 

   

the Company’s ability to continue operations in accordance with its business continuity plan in the event of an interruption;

 

   

the Company’s ability to achieve the results of its restructuring program, including the risk that the benefits expected from the restructuring program will not be achieved or may take longer to achieve than expected; and

 

   

changes in management’s assumptions and projections concerning costs and timing in execution of the restructuring program.

Further description of these risks and uncertainties and other important factors are set forth in the Company’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K, including but not limited to Item 1A – Risk Factors and Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations therein, and in the Company’s other filings with the SEC. Although these forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current expectations concerning future events, actual results may differ materially from current expectations or historical results. The Company does not assume any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements at any time for any reason.

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