Name That Company

Based in New York, I’m a leading maker of intimate apparel, menswear, jeanswear, swimwear, sportswear, dresses, children’s clothes, fragrances and accessories. I sell designer brands to department store retailers. Brand names under my roof include Warner’s, Olga, Lejaby, Bodyslimmers, Chaps by Ralph Lauren, Polo by Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Speedo, Authentic Fitness, Anne Cole Collection, Cole of California, Catalina and A.B.S. My products make their way into more than 25,000 stores in the United States and are also sold in Europe. Drowning in debt, I filed for bankruptcy protection in June. Who am I?

(Answer: Warnaco)

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Credit Cautions

Are there disadvantages to using consumer credit counseling organizations if you have a lot of credit-card debt? C.R., Indianapolis

Yes, be careful with such outfits, even “non-profit” ones. Using them can do serious harm to your credit rating. Your credit report will reflect that you’ve sought professional help, which will decrease your credit score significantly. Worse, while you proceed to dig your way out of debt, many mortgage lenders won’t consider you for a loan.

Exhaust all other options before resorting to these organizations. Discuss your situation with a banker or mortgage officer whom you trust. And before you even do that, learn more about credit-card debt and how to get out of it perhaps starting at www.fool. com/ccc.

What are good signs for buying stocks? S. Thys, via e-mail

If you’re referring to the economy, it may seem counterintuitive, but a slumping economy can offer more stock bargains than an economy firing on all cylinders. In good times, stocks often get bid up beyond their intrinsic worth. In bad times, they can fall below their intrinsic value.

But not all stocks are alike. For any stock you’re considering, you need to get to know the underlying company very well. You should study its annual and quarterly reports.

Super-investor Warren Buffett says he concerns himself with these questions when evaluating stocks: (1) Can I understand the company? (2) Does it have sustainable competitive advantages? (3) Is the management exceptional? (4) Is the price attractive?