Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended May 1, 2010
OR
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     .
Commission File Number 1-12107
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Delaware   31-1469076
     
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)    
     
6301 Fitch Path, New Albany, Ohio   43054
     
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (614) 283-6500
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
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. þ Yes o No
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files).) o Yes o No
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
             
Large accelerated filer þ   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company o
        (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). o Yes þ No
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
     
Class A Common Stock   Outstanding at June 4, 2010
     
$.01 Par Value   88,209,172 Shares
 
 

 

 


 

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
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 Exhibit 4.1
 Exhibit 10.2
 Exhibit 10.3
 Exhibit 15
 Exhibit 31.1
 Exhibit 31.2
 Exhibit 32

 

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(Thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
                 
    Thirteen Weeks Ended  
    May 1, 2010     May 2, 2009  
NET SALES
  $ 687,804     $ 601,729  
Cost of Goods Sold
    256,388       220,277  
 
           
GROSS PROFIT
    431,416       381,453  
Stores and Distribution Expense
    354,410       330,310  
Marketing, General and Administrative Expense
    96,632       86,345  
Other Operating Income, Net
    (914 )     (1,324 )
 
           
OPERATING LOSS
    (18,712 )     (33,878 )
Interest Expense (Income), Net
    825       (1,374 )
 
           
LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAXES
    (19,537 )     (32,504 )
Tax Benefit from Continuing Operations
    (7,709 )     (9,400 )
 
           
NET LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
  $ (11,828 )   $ (23,104 )
 
           
NET LOSS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (net of taxes)
  $     $ (36,135 )
 
           
NET LOSS
  $ (11,828 )   $ (59,239 )
 
           
NET LOSS PER SHARE FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS:
               
BASIC
  $ (0.13 )   $ (0.26 )
DILUTED
  $ (0.13 )   $ (0.26 )
 
           
NET LOSS PER SHARE FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
               
BASIC
  $     $ (0.41 )
 
           
DILUTED
  $     $ (0.41 )
 
           
NET LOSS PER SHARE:
               
BASIC
  $ (0.13 )   $ (0.68 )
 
           
DILUTED
  $ (0.13 )   $ (0.68 )
 
           
WEIGHTED-AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING:
               
BASIC
    88,095       87,697  
DILUTED
    88,095       87,697  
 
           
DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER SHARE
  $ 0.175     $ 0.175  
 
           
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
               
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
  $ (4,683 )   $ 188  
Unrealized loss on Marketable Securities, net of taxes of $163 and $477 for the thirteen week periods ended May 1, 2010 and May 2, 2009, respectively
    (277 )     (810 )
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments, net of taxes of $(721) and $758 for the thirteen week periods ended May 1, 2010 and May 2, 2009, respectively
    1,229       (1,290 )
 
           
Other Comprehensive Loss
  $ (3,731 )   $ (1,912 )
 
           
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
  $ (15,559 )   $ (61,151 )
 
           
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Thousands)
(Unaudited)
                 
    May 1, 2010     January 30, 2010  
ASSETS
               
 
               
CURRENT ASSETS:
               
Cash and Equivalents
  $ 600,452     $ 680,113  
Marketable Securities
    32,356       32,356  
Receivables
    91,811       90,865  
Inventories
    316,447       310,645  
Deferred Income Taxes
    57,145       44,570  
Other Current Assets
    86,825       77,297  
 
           
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
    1,185,036       1,235,846  
 
               
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
    1,209,345       1,244,019  
 
               
NON-CURRENT MARKETABLE SECURITIES
    140,260       141,794  
 
               
OTHER ASSETS
    203,955       200,207  
 
           
 
               
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 2,738,596     $ 2,821,866  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
 
               
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Accounts Payable
  $ 110,123     $ 110,212  
Outstanding Checks
    38,316       39,922  
Accrued Expenses
    210,289       246,289  
Deferred Lease Credits
    42,986       43,597  
Income Taxes Payable
    14,079       9,352  
 
           
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
    415,793       449,372  
 
               
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
               
Deferred Income Taxes
    46,253       47,142  
Deferred Lease Credits
    201,682       212,052  
Long-term Debt
    70,603       71,213  
Other Liabilities
    203,712       214,170  
 
           
TOTAL LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
    522,250       544,577  
 
               
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
               
Class A Common Stock — $0.01 par value: 150,000 shares authorized and 103,300 shares issued at each of May 1, 2010 and January 30, 2010
    1,033       1,033  
Paid-In Capital
    333,288       339,453  
Retained Earnings
    2,156,462       2,183,690  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, net of tax
    (12,704 )     (8,973 )
Treasury Stock, at Average Cost — 15,103 and 15,314 shares at May 1, 2010 and January 30, 2010, respectively
    (677,526 )     (687,286 )
 
           
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    1,800,553       1,827,917  
 
           
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 2,738,596     $ 2,821,866  
 
           
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Thousands)
(Unaudited)
                 
    Thirteen Weeks Ended  
    May 1, 2010     May 2, 2009  
 
               
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net Loss
  $ (11,828 )   $ (59,239 )
 
               
Impact of Other Operating Activities on Cash Flows:
               
Depreciation and Amortization
    56,737       59,676  
Non-Cash Charge for Asset Impairment
          50,731  
Amortization of Deferred Lease Credits
    (11,655 )     (10,689 )
Share-Based Compensation
    9,491       9,008  
Tax Deficiency from Share-Based Compensation
    (1,821 )     (4,610 )
Deferred Taxes
    (14,800 )     (29,363 )
Loss on Disposal / Write-off of Assets
    802       3,222  
Lessor Construction Allowances
    9,941       7,499  
Changes in Assets and Liabilities:
               
Inventories
    (6,104 )     97,856  
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
    (43,882 )     (85,833 )
Income Taxes
    4,747       (16,464 )
Other Assets and Liabilities
    (37,982 )     (8,790 )
 
           
NET CASH (USED FOR) PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
    (46,354 )     13,003  
 
               
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Capital Expenditures
    (19,207 )     (58,748 )
Purchase of Trust-Owned Life Insurance Policies
    (3,750 )     (3,263 )
Proceeds from Sales of Marketable Securities
    8,017       14,600  
 
           
NET CASH USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES
    (14,940 )     (47,411 )
 
           
 
               
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from Share-Based Compensation
    494       41  
Change in Outstanding Checks and Other
    (2,098 )     (9,122 )
Dividends Paid
    (15,400 )     (15,338 )
 
           
NET CASH USED FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES
    (17,004 )     (24,419 )
 
               
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATES ON CASH
    (1,363 )     421  
 
           
 
               
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND EQUIVALENTS:
    (79,661 )     (58,406 )
Cash and Equivalents, Beginning of Period
    680,113       522,122  
 
           
 
               
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD
  $ 600,452     $ 463,716  
 
           
 
               
SIGNIFICANT NON-CASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Change in Accrual for Construction in Progress
  $ 5,475     $ (1,401 )
 
           
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (“A&F”), through its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, A&F and its wholly-owned subsidiaries are referred to as the “Company”), is a specialty retailer of high-quality, casual apparel for men, women and kids with an active, youthful lifestyle.
The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the historical financial statements of, and transactions applicable to, the Company and reflect its assets, liabilities, results of operations and cash flows.
On June 16, 2009, A&F’s Board of Directors approved the closure of the Company’s 29 RUEHL branded stores and related direct-to-consumer operations. The Company completed the closure of the RUEHL branded stores and related direct-to-consumer operations during the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2009. Accordingly, the results of operations of RUEHL are reflected in Net Loss from Discontinued Operations on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2009. Results from discontinued operations were immaterial for the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010.
The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31. Fiscal years are designated in the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes by the calendar year in which the fiscal year commences. All references herein to “Fiscal 2010” represent the 52-week fiscal year that will end on January 29, 2011, and to “Fiscal 2009” represent the 52-week fiscal year that ended January 30, 2010.
The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of May 1, 2010 and for the thirteen week periods ended May 1, 2010 and May 2, 2009 are unaudited and are presented pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto contained in A&F’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal 2009 filed on March 29, 2010. The January 30, 2010 condensed consolidated balance sheet data were derived from audited consolidated financial statements, but do not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
In the opinion of management, the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect all adjustments (which are of a normal recurring nature) necessary to present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position and results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods, but are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be anticipated for Fiscal 2010.
The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of May 1, 2010 and for the thirteen week periods ended May 1, 2010 and May 2, 2009 included herein have been reviewed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, and the report of such firm follows the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Act”) for their report on the condensed consolidated financial statements because their report is not a “report” or a “part” of a registration statement prepared or certified by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.

 

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2. SEGMENT REPORTING
The Company determines its operating segments on the same basis that it uses to evaluate performance internally. The operating segments identified by the Company are Abercrombie & Fitch, abercrombie kids, Hollister and Gilly Hicks. The operating segments have been aggregated and are reported as one reportable segment because they have similar economic characteristics and meet the required aggregation criteria. The Company believes its operating segments may be aggregated for financial reporting purposes because they are similar in each of the following areas: class of consumer, economic characteristics, nature of products, nature of production processes, and distribution methods.
Geographic Information
Financial information relating to the Company’s operations by geographic area is as follows:
Net Sales:
Net sales includes net merchandise sales through stores and direct-to-consumer operations, including shipping and handling revenue. Net sales are reported by geographic area based on the location of the customer.
                 
    Thirteen Weeks Ended  
(in thousands):   May 1, 2010     May 2, 2009  
United States
  $ 568,790     $ 542,908  
International
    119,014       58,821  
 
           
Total
  $ 687,804     $ 601,729  
 
           
Long-Lived Assets:
                 
(in thousands):   May 1, 2010     January 30, 2010  
United States
  $ 1,110,355     $ 1,137,844  
International
    195,956       194,461  
 
           
Total
  $ 1,306,311     $ 1,332,305  
 
           
Long-lived assets included in the table above include primarily property and equipment, net, store supplies, and lease deposits.
3. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
Financial Statement Impact
The Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $9.5 million and $9.0 million for the thirteen week periods ended May 1, 2010 and May 2, 2009, respectively. The Company also recognized $3.3 million and $3.4 million in tax benefits related to share-based compensation for the thirteen week periods ended May 1, 2010 and May 2, 2009, respectively.

 

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For share-based compensation that is expected to result in a tax deduction, a deferred tax asset is established at the time the Company recognizes share-based compensation expense. The actual tax deduction for share-based compensation generally occurs after an equity award vests or is exercised and is principally measured at the equity award’s intrinsic value at the time of vesting or exercise. If the tax deduction exceeds the recorded deferred tax asset, an excess tax benefit is recorded to a “pool of windfall tax benefits” account, as a component of additional paid-in capital. If the tax deduction is less than the recorded deferred tax asset, a “shortfall” is recorded against the “pool of windfall tax benefits” account to the extent of prior recognized aggregate “windfalls”, with any remaining amount charged to tax expense. As of May 1, 2010, the “pool of windfall tax benefits” account had a balance of $84.1 million, which is sufficient to fully absorb any “shortfall” associated with existing outstanding equity awards.
The Company adjusts share-based compensation expense on a quarterly basis for actual forfeitures and for changes to the estimate of expected award forfeitures based on historical forfeiture experience. The effects of adjustments for forfeitures were immaterial during the thirteen week periods ended May 1, 2010 and May 2, 2009.
A&F issues shares of Class A Common Stock (“Common Stock”) for stock option and stock appreciation right exercises and restricted stock unit vestings from treasury stock. As of May 1, 2010, A&F had sufficient treasury stock available to settle stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units outstanding without having to repurchase additional shares of Common Stock. Settlement of stock awards in Common Stock also requires that the Company has sufficient shares available in shareholder-approved plans at the applicable time.
For stock appreciation rights where the Company has the option to settle in stock or cash, the Company uses the equity method to account for awards for which it has the intent and ability to settle in shares of Common Stock.
Fair Value Estimates
The Company estimates the fair value of stock options and stock appreciation rights granted using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which requires the Company to estimate the expected term of the stock options and stock appreciation rights and expected future stock price volatility over the expected term. Estimates of expected terms, which represent the expected periods of time the Company believes stock options and stock appreciation rights will be outstanding, are based on historical experience. Estimates of expected future stock price volatility are based on the volatility of A&F’s Common Stock price for the most recent historical period equal to the expected term of the stock option or stock appreciation right, as appropriate. The Company calculates the volatility as the annualized standard deviation of the differences in the natural logarithms of the weekly stock closing price, adjusted for stock splits and dividends.
In the case of restricted stock units, the Company calculates the fair value of the restricted stock units granted as the market price of the underlying Common Stock on the date of grant adjusted for anticipated dividend payments during the vesting period.

 

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Stock Options
The Company did not grant any stock options during the thirteen week period ended May 1, 2010. The weighted-average estimated fair value of stock options granted during the thirteen week period ended May 2, 2009, and the weighted-average assumptions used in calculating such fair value, on the date of grant, were as follows:
         
    Thirteen Weeks Ended  
    May 2, 2009  
 
       
Grant Date Market Price
  $ 22.87  
Exercise price
  $ 22.87  
Fair value
  $ 8.26  
 
       
Assumptions:
       
Price volatility
    50 %
Expected term (Years)
    4.1  
Risk-free interest rate
    1.6 %
Dividend yield
    1.7 %
Below is a summary of stock option activity for the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010:
                                 
                            Weighted-Average  
    Number of     Weighted-Average     Aggregate Intrinsic     Remaining  
Stock Options   Shares     Exercise Price     Value     Contractual Life  
Outstanding at January 30, 2010
    2,969,861     $ 38.36                  
Granted
                           
Exercised
    (15,056 )     29.47                  
Forfeited or cancelled
                           
 
                       
Outstanding at May 1, 2010
    2,954,805     $ 38.41     $ 36,635,251       3.4  
 
                       
 
                               
Stock options exercisable at May 1, 2010
    2,676,067     $ 35.80     $ 35,099,671       2.9  
 
                       
 
                               
Stock options expected to become exercisable at May 1, 2010
    254,424     $ 63.58     $ 1,380,267       7.7  
 
                       
The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010 and May 2, 2009 was immaterial.
The grant date fair value of stock options vested during the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010 and May 2, 2009 was $3.5 million and $4.3 million, respectively.
As of May 1, 2010, there was $4.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to stock options. The unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.9 years.

 

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Stock Appreciation Rights
The weighted-average estimated fair value of stock appreciation rights granted during the thirteen week periods ended May 1, 2010 and May 2, 2009, and the weighted-average assumptions used in calculating such fair value, on the date of grant, were as follows:
                                                 
    Thirteen Weeks Ended  
                    Executive Officers (excluding        
    Chairman and Chief Executive     Chairman and Chief Executive        
    Officer     Officer)     All Other Associates  
    May 1, 2010     May 2, 2009     May 1, 2010     May 2, 2009     May 1, 2010     May 2, 2009  
Grant Date Market
                                               
Price
  $ 44.86     $ 20.75     $ 44.86     $ 25.77     $ 44.88     $ 25.67  
Exercise price
  $ 44.86     $ 25.94     $ 44.86     $ 25.77     $ 44.88     $ 25.67  
Fair value
  $ 16.96     $ 7.13     $ 16.99     $ 10.06     $ 16.69     $ 9.83  
Assumptions:
                                               
Price volatility
    50 %     45 %     51 %     52 %     52 %     53 %
Expected term (Years)
    4.7       6.2       4.5       4.5       4.1       4.1  
Risk-free interest rate
    2.3 %     2.3 %     2.3 %     1.6 %     2.1 %     1.6 %
Dividend yield
    2.1 %     1.7 %     2.1 %     1.7 %     2.1 %     1.7 %
Below is a summary of stock appreciation rights activity for the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010:
                                 
                            Weighted-Average  
    Number of     Weighted-Average     Aggregate     Remaining  
Stock Appreciation Rights   Shares     Exercise Price     Intrinsic Value     Contractual Life  
Outstanding at January 30, 2010
    5,788,867     $ 30.88                  
Granted:
                               
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
    829,697       44.86                  
Other Executive Officers
    435,000       44.86                  
All Other Associates
    282,000       44.88                  
Exercised
    (500 )     22.87                  
Forfeited or cancelled
    (1,500 )     22.87                  
 
                       
Outstanding at May 1, 2010
    7,333,564     $ 33.82     $ 77,535,923       6.6  
 
                       
 
                               
Stock appreciation rights exercisable at May 1, 2010
    178,625     $ 25.73     $ 3,215,355       8.9  
 
                       
 
                               
Stock appreciation rights expected to become exercisable at May 1, 2010
    6,968,340     $ 33.93     $ 73,016,470       6.5  
 
                       
As of May 1, 2010, there was $67.9 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to stock appreciation rights. The unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years.

 

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Restricted Stock Units
Below is a summary of restricted stock unit activity for the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010:
                 
            Weighted-Average  
Restricted Stock Units   Number of Shares     Grant Date Fair Value  
Non-vested at January 30, 2010
    1,331,048     $ 55.45  
Granted
    362,800       42.63  
Vested
    (304,171 )     61.39  
Forfeited
    (44,710 )     46.63  
 
           
Non-vested at May 1, 2010
    1,344,967     $ 50.77  
 
           
The total fair value of restricted stock units granted during the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010 and May 2, 2009 was $15.5 million and $9.6 million, respectively.
The total grant date fair value of restricted stock units vested during the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010 and May 2, 2009 was $18.7 million and $20.4 million, respectively.
As of May 1, 2010, there was $48.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to non-vested restricted stock units. The unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.3 years.
4. NET LOSS PER SHARE
Net loss per basic share is computed based on the weighted-average number of outstanding shares of Common Stock. Net loss per diluted share includes the weighted-average effect of dilutive stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units.
Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding and Anti-dilutive Shares (in thousands):
                 
    Thirteen Weeks Ended  
    May 1, 2010     May 2, 2009  
Shares of Common Stock issued
    103,300       103,300  
Treasury shares
    (15,205 )     (15,603 )
 
           
Weighted-Average — basic shares
    88,095       87,697  
 
               
Dilutive effect of stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units
           
 
           
Weighted-Average — diluted shares
    88,095       87,697  
 
           
 
               
Anti-dilutive shares
    11,633 (1)     11,610 (1)
 
           
     
(1)   Reflects the number of stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units oustanding, but excluded from the computation of net loss per diluted share because the Company was in a net loss position and the impact would be anti-dilutive.

 

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5. CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AND INVESTMENTS
Cash and equivalents and investments consisted of (in thousands):
                 
    May 1, 2010     January 30, 2010  
Cash and equivalents:
               
Cash
  $ 184,541     $ 196,496  
Money market funds
    415,911       483,617  
 
           
Total cash and equivalents
    600,452       680,113  
 
               
Marketable securities — Current:
               
Trading securities:
               
Auction rate securities — UBS — student loan backed
    20,049       20,049  
Auction rate securities — UBS — municipal authority bonds
    12,307       12,307  
 
           
Total trading securities
    32,356       32,356  
 
               
Marketable securities — Non-Current:
               
 
               
Available-for-sale securities:
               
Auction rate securities — student loan backed
    116,856       118,390  
Auction rate securities — municipal authority bonds
    23,404       23,404  
 
           
Total available-for-sale securities
    140,260       141,794  
 
               
Rabbi Trust assets: (1)
               
Money market funds
    7,797       1,316  
Municipal notes and bonds
    12,115       18,537  
Trust-owned life insurance policies (at cash surrender value)
    55,669       51,391  
 
           
Total Rabbi Trust assets
    75,581       71,244  
 
           
Total cash and equivalents and investments
  $ 848,649     $ 925,507  
 
           
     
(1)   Rabbi Trust assets are included in Other Assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and are restricted as to their use.
At May 1, 2010 and January 30, 2010, the Company’s marketable securities consisted of investment grade auction rate securities (“ARS”) invested in insured student loan backed securities and insured municipal authority bonds, with maturities ranging from 17 to 33 years. Each investment in student loans is insured by (1) the U.S. government under the Federal Family Education Loan Program, (2) a private insurer or (3) a combination of both. The percentage of insurance coverage of the outstanding principal and interest of the ARS varies by security.

 

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The par and carrying values, and related cumulative impairment charges for the Company’s marketable securities as of May 1, 2010 were as follows:
                                 
                    Other-Than        
            Temporary     Temporary-     Carrying  
(in thousands)   Par Value     Impairment     Impairment (“OTTI”)     Value  
 
 
Trading securities:
                               
Auction rate securities — UBS — student loan backed
  $ 22,100     $     $ (2,051 )   $ 20,049  
Auction rate securities — UBS — municipal authority bonds
    15,000             (2,693 )     12,307  
 
                       
Total trading securities
    37,100             (4,744 )     32,356  
 
                       
 
                               
Available-for-sale securities:
                               
Auction rate securities — student loan backed
    126,449       (9,593 )           116,856  
Auction rate securities — municipal authority bonds
    28,575       (5,171 )           23,404  
 
                       
Total available-for-sale securities
    155,024       (14,764 )           140,260  
 
                       
 
                               
Total
  $ 192,124     $ (14,764 )   $ (4,744 )   $ 172,616  
 
                       
See Note 6, “Fair Value,” for further discussion on the valuation of the ARS.
An impairment is considered to be other-than-temporary if an entity (i) intends to sell the security, (ii) more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovering its amortized cost basis, or (iii) does not expect to recover the security’s entire amortized cost basis, even if there is no intent to sell the security. As of May 1, 2010, the Company had not incurred any credit-related losses on available-for-sale ARS. Furthermore, as of May 1, 2010, the issuers continued to perform under the obligations, including making scheduled interest payments, and the Company expects that this will continue going forward.
On November 13, 2008, the Company entered into an agreement (the “UBS Agreement”) with UBS AG (“UBS”), a Swiss corporation, relating to ARS (“UBS ARS”) with a par value of $76.5 million, of which $37.1 million, at par value, were still held as of May 1, 2010. By entering into the UBS Agreement, UBS received the right to purchase the UBS ARS at par, at any time, commencing on November 13, 2008 and the Company received the right to sell (“Put Option”) the UBS ARS back to UBS at par, commencing on June 30, 2010. Upon acceptance of the UBS Agreement, the Company no longer had the intent to hold the UBS ARS until maturity. As a result, the impairment could no longer be considered temporary, the UBS ARS were classified as trading securities and any resulting gains or losses were recognized as other-than-temporary impairments in Other Operating Income, Net in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss. In addition, and simultaneously, the Company elected to apply fair value accounting for the related Put Option and recognized the Put Option as an asset in Other Current Assets. Any gains or losses on the Put Option are recognized in Other Operating Income, Net in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss. During the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010, the Company did not recognize any change to the other-than-temporary impairment related to the UBS ARS. Furthermore, the Company had an immaterial gain related to the Put Option. As the Company has the right to sell the UBS ARS back to UBS on June 30, 2010, the remaining UBS ARS were classified as Current Assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of May 1, 2010.

 

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The irrevocable rabbi trust (the “Rabbi Trust”) is intended to be used as a source of funds to match respective funding obligations to participants in the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Nonqualified Savings and Supplemental Retirement Plan I, the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Nonqualified Savings and Supplemental Retirement Plan II and the Chief Executive Officer Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. The Rabbi Trust assets are consolidated and recorded at fair value, with the exception of the trust-owned life insurance policies which are recorded at cash surrender value. The Rabbi Trust assets are included in Other Assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and are restricted as to their use as noted above. Net unrealized gains and losses related to the available-for-sale securities held in the Rabbi Trust were not material for the thirteen week periods ended May 1, 2010 and May 2, 2009. The change in cash surrender value of the trust-owned life insurance policies held in the Rabbi Trust resulted in realized gains of $0.5 million and $1.2 million for the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010 and May 2, 2009, respectively, recorded in Interest Expense (Income), Net on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.
6. FAIR VALUE
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The inputs used to measure fair value are prioritized based on a three-level hierarchy. The three levels of inputs to measure fair value are as follows:
    Level 1 — inputs are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities that are available in active markets.
    Level 2 — inputs are other than quoted market prices included within Level 1 that are observable for assets or liabilities, directly or indirectly.
    Level 3 — inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable.
The lowest level of significant input determines the placement of the entire fair value measurement in the hierarchy. The three levels of the hierarchy and the distribution of the Company’s assets and liabilities, measured at fair value, within it were as follows:
                                 
    Assets at Fair Value as of May 1, 2010  
    (in thousands)  
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
ASSETS:
                               
Money market funds(1)
  $ 423,708     $     $     $ 423,708  
ARS — trading — student loan backed
                20,049       20,049  
ARS — trading — municipal authority bonds
                12,307       12,307  
ARS — available-for-sale — student loan backed
                116,856       116,856  
ARS — available-for-sale — municipal authority bonds
                23,404       23,404  
UBS Put Option
                4,701       4,701  
Municipal bonds held in the Rabbi Trust
    12,115                   12,115  
Derivative financial instruments
          1,873             1,873  
 
                       
Total assets measured at fair value
  $ 435,823     $ 1,873     $ 177,317     $ 615,013  
 
                       
     
(1)   Includes $415.9 million in money market funds included in Cash and Equivalents and $7.8 million of money market funds held in the Rabbi Trust which are included in Other Assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

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The level 2 assets consist of derivative financial instruments, primarily forward foreign exchange contracts. The fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts is determined by using quoted market prices of the same or similar instruments, adjusted for counterparty risk.
The level 3 assets primarily include investments in insured student loan backed ARS and insured municipal authority bonds ARS, which include both the available-for-sale and trading ARS. Additionally, level 3 assets include the Put Option related to the UBS Agreement.
As a result of a lack of liquidity in the current ARS market, the Company measured the fair value of its ARS primarily using a discounted cash flow model as of May 1, 2010. Certain significant inputs into the model are unobservable in the market including the periodic coupon rate adjusted for the marketability discount, market required rate of return and expected term. The coupon rate is estimated using the results of a regression analysis factoring in historical data on the par swap rate and the maximum coupon rate paid in the event of an auction failure. In making the assumption of the market required rate of return, the Company considered the risk-free interest rate and an appropriate credit spread, depending on the type of security and the credit rating of the issuer. The expected term is identified as the time the Company believes the principal will become available to the investor. The Company utilized a term of five years to value its securities. The Company also included a marketability discount which takes into account the lack of activity in the current ARS market.
As of May 1, 2010, approximately 69% of the Company’s ARS were “AAA” rated and approximately 15% of the Company’s ARS were “AA” or “A” rated, with the remaining ARS having an “A-” or “BBB+” rating, in each case as rated by one or more of the major credit rating agencies.
In Fiscal 2008, the Company elected to apply fair value accounting for the Put Option related to the Company’s UBS ARS. The fair value of the Put Option was determined by calculating the present value of the difference between the par value and the fair value of the UBS ARS as of May 1, 2010, adjusted for counterparty risk. The present value was calculated using a discount rate that incorporates an investment grade corporate bond index rate and the credit default swap rate for UBS. The Put Option is recognized as an asset within Other Current Assets on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and the corresponding gains and losses within Other Operating Income, Net on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.

 

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The table below includes a roll forward of the Company’s level 3 assets and liabilities from January 30, 2010 to May 1, 2010. When a determination is made to classify an asset or liability within level 3, the determination is based upon the lack of significance of the observable parameters to the overall fair value measurement. However, the fair value determination for level 3 financial assets and liabilities may include observable components.
                                                 
                    Available-for-     Available-for-              
    Trading ARS -     Trading ARS -     sale ARS -     sale ARS -              
(in thousands)   Student Loans     Muni Bonds     Student Loans     Muni Bonds     Put Option     Total  
Fair value, January 30, 2010
  $ 20,049     $ 12,307     $ 118,390     $ 23,404     $ 4,640     $ 178,790  
Redemptions
                (1,650 )                 (1,650 )
Tranfers (out)/in
                                   
Gains and losses, net:
                                               
Reported in Net Loss
                            61       61  
Reported in Other Comprehensive Loss
                116                   116  
 
                                   
Fair value, May 1, 2010
  $ 20,049     $ 12,307     $ 116,856     $ 23,404     $ 4,701     $ 177,317  
 
                                   
7. INVENTORIES
Inventories are principally valued at the lower of average cost or market utilizing the retail method. The Company determines market value as the anticipated future selling price of the merchandise less a normal margin. An initial markup is applied to inventory at cost in order to establish a cost-to-retail ratio. Permanent markdowns, when taken, reduce both the retail and cost components of inventory on-hand so as to maintain the already established cost-to-retail relationship. At first and third fiscal quarter end, the Company reduces inventory value by recording a valuation reserve that represents the estimated future anticipated selling price decreases necessary to sell-through the current season inventory. At second and fourth fiscal quarter end, the Company reduces inventory value by recording a valuation reserve that represents the estimated future selling price decreases necessary to sell-through any remaining carryover inventory from the season then ending. The valuation reserve was $38.7 million, $11.4 million and $35.3 million at May 1, 2010, January 30, 2010 and May 2, 2009, respectively.
Additionally, as part of inventory valuation, inventory shrinkage estimates based on historical trends from actual physical inventories, are made that reduce the inventory value for lost or stolen items. The Company performs physical inventories on a periodic basis and adjusts the shrink reserve accordingly. The shrink reserve was $5.5 million, $8.1 million and $12.1 million at May 1, 2010, January 30, 2010 and May 2, 2009, respectively.
The inventory balance, net of the above mentioned reserves, was $316.4 million, $310.6 million and $274.7 million at May 1, 2010, January 30, 2010 and May 2, 2009, respectively.

 

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8. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Property and equipment, net, consisted of (in thousands):
                 
    May 1, 2010     January 30, 2010  
Property and equipment, at cost
  $ 2,380,096     $ 2,362,492  
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (1,170,751 )     (1,118,473 )
 
           
 
               
Property and equipment, net
  $ 1,209,345     $ 1,244,019  
 
           
Long-lived assets, primarily comprised of property and equipment, are reviewed periodically for impairment or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that full recoverability of net asset balances through future cash flows is in question. Factors used in the evaluation include, but are not limited to, management’s plans for future operations, recent operating results and projected cash flows.
Store related assets are considered Level 3 assets in the fair value hierarchy and the fair values were determined at the store level, primarily using a discounted cash flow model. The estimation of future cash flows from operating activities requires significant estimates of factors that include future sales, gross margin performance and operating expenses. In instances where the discounted cash flow analysis indicated a negative value at the store level, the market exit price based on historical experience was used to determine the fair value by asset type. The Company had store related assets measured at fair value of $19.3 million on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at January 30, 2010.
9. DEFERRED LEASE CREDITS
Deferred lease credits are derived from payments received from landlords to wholly or partially offset store construction costs and are classified between current and long-term liabilities. The amounts, which are amortized over the life of the related leases, consisted of the following (in thousands):
                 
    May 1, 2010     January 30, 2010  
Deferred lease credits
  $ 545,042     $ 546,191  
Amortized deferred lease credits
    (300,374 )     (290,542 )
 
           
Total deferred lease credits, net
  $ 244,668     $ 255,649  
 
           
10. INCOME TAXES
The provision for income taxes is based on the current estimate of the annual effective tax rate adjusted to reflect the impact of items discrete to the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010. The effective tax rate for continuing operations for the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010 was a 39.5% benefit as compared to a 28.9% benefit for the Fiscal 2009 comparable period. The tax benefit associated with the loss from continuing operations increased during the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010 primarily due to a net reduction in reserves resulting from the settlement of tax audits and the net release of valuation allowances. The tax benefit for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2009 was reduced by a net increase in tax reserves and the establishment of a valuation allowance.
Cash payments of income taxes made during the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010 and May 2, 2009 were approximately $3.6 million and $17.8 million, respectively.

 

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The Company recorded a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets arising from net operating losses of certain foreign subsidiaries and from realized and unrealized U.S. operations’ investment losses. A portion of net operating loss carryovers begin expiring in Fiscal 2011, some of which have an indefinite carry forward period.
As of May 1, 2010 and January 30, 2010, the valuation allowance totaled $1.1 million and $1.3 million, respectively. No other valuation allowances have been provided for deferred tax assets because management believes that it is more likely than not the full amount of net deferred tax assets will be realized in the future.
11. LONG-TERM DEBT
On April 15, 2008, the Company entered into a syndicated unsecured credit agreement (as previously amended by Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement made as of December 29, 2008, the “Credit Agreement”) under which up to $450 million was available. On June 16, 2009, the Company amended the Credit Agreement and, as a result, revised the ratio requirements, as further discussed below, and also reduced the amount available from $450 million to $350 million (as amended, the “Amended Credit Agreement”). As stated in the Amended Credit Agreement, the primary purposes of the agreement are for trade and stand-by letters of credit in the ordinary course of business, as well as to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and investments, and other general corporate purposes.
The Amended Credit Agreement has several borrowing options, including interest rates that are based on: (i) a Base Rate, plus a margin based on the Leverage Ratio, payable quarterly; (ii) an Adjusted Eurodollar Rate (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) plus a margin based on the Leverage Ratio, payable at the end of the applicable interest period for the borrowing and, for interest periods in excess of three months, on the date that is three months after the commencement of the interest period; or (iii) an Adjusted Foreign Currency Rate (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) plus a margin based on the Leverage Ratio, payable at the end of the applicable interest period for the borrowing and, for interest periods in excess of three months, on the date that is three months after the commencement of the interest period. The Base Rate represents a rate per annum equal to the higher of (a) PNC Bank’s then publicly announced prime rate or (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) as then in effect plus 1/2 of 1.0%. The facility fees payable under the Amended Credit Agreement are based on the Company’s Leverage Ratio (i.e., the ratio, on a consolidated basis, of (a) the sum of total debt (excluding trade letters of credit) plus 600% of forward minimum rent commitments to (b) consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and rent with the further adjustments to be discussed in the following paragraphs (“Consolidated EBITDAR”) for the trailing four-consecutive-fiscal-quarter periods. The facility fees accrue at a rate of 0.25% to 0.625% per annum based on the Leverage Ratio for the most recent determination date. The Amended Credit Agreement did not have a utilization fee as of May 1, 2010. The Amended Credit Agreement requires that the Leverage Ratio not be greater than 3.75 to 1.00 at the end of each testing period. The Amended Credit Agreement also required that the Coverage Ratio for A&F and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis of (i) Consolidated EBITDAR for the trailing four-consecutive-fiscal-quarter period to (ii) the sum of, without duplication, (x) net interest expense for such period, (y) scheduled payments of long-term debt due within twelve months of the date of determination and (z) the sum of minimum rent and contingent store rent, not be less than 1.65 to 1.00 at May 1, 2010. The minimum Coverage Ratio varies over time based on the terms set forth in the Amended Credit Agreement. The Amended Credit Agreement amended the definition of Consolidated EBITDAR to add back the following items, among others: (a) recognized losses arising from investments in certain ARS to the extent such losses do not exceed a defined level of impairments for those investments; (b) non-cash charges in an amount not to exceed $50 million related to the closure of RUEHL branded stores and related direct-to-consumer operations; (c) non-recurring cash charges in an aggregate amount not to exceed $61 million related to the closure of RUEHL branded stores and related direct-to-consumer operations; (d) additional non-recurring non-cash charges in an amount not to exceed $20 million in the aggregate over the trailing four fiscal quarter period; and (e) other non-recurring cash charges in an amount not to exceed $10 million in the aggregate over the trailing four fiscal quarter period. The Amended Credit Agreement also limits the Company’s consolidated capital expenditures to $325 million in Fiscal 2010, plus $99.5 million representing the unused portion of the allowable capital expenditures from Fiscal 2009. The Company was in compliance with the applicable ratio requirements and other covenants at May 1, 2010.

 

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The terms of the Amended Credit Agreement include customary events of default such as payment defaults, cross-defaults to other material indebtedness, bankruptcy and insolvency, the occurrence of a defined change in control, or the failure to observe the negative covenants and other covenants related to the operation and conduct of the business of A&F and its subsidiaries. Upon an event of default, the lenders will not be obligated to make loans or other extensions of credit and may, among other things, terminate their commitments to the Company, and declare any then outstanding loans due and payable immediately.
The Amended Credit Agreement will mature on April 12, 2013. Trade letters of credit totaling approximately $29.2 million and $35.9 million were outstanding on May 1, 2010 and January 30, 2010, respectively. Stand-by letters of credit totaling approximately $16.4 million and $14.1 million were outstanding on May 1, 2010 and January 30, 2010, respectively. The stand-by letters of credit are set to expire primarily during the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2010. To date, no beneficiary has drawn upon the stand-by letters of credit.
The Company had $49.0 million and $50.9 million outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement as of May 1, 2010, and January 30, 2010, respectively. The amounts outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement as of May 1, 2010 and January 30, 2010 were denominated in Japanese Yen. As of May 1, 2010 and January 30, 2010, the Company also had $21.6 million and $20.3 million, respectively, of long-term debt related to the landlord financing obligation for certain leases where the Company is deemed the owner of the project for accounting purposes, as substantially all of the risk of ownership during construction of a leased property is held by the Company. The landlord financing obligation is amortized over the life of the related lease.
As of May 1, 2010, the carrying value of the Company’s long-term debt approximated fair value. Total interest expense was $1.9 million and $0.8 million for the thirteen week periods ended May 1, 2010 and May 2, 2009, respectively. The average interest rate for the long-term debt recorded under the Amended Credit Agreement was 2.6% for the thirteen week period ended May 1, 2010.
On March 6, 2009, the Company entered a secured, uncommitted demand line of credit (the “UBS Credit Line”) under which up to $26.3 million was available at May 1, 2010. The amount available under the UBS Credit Line is subject to adjustment from time-to-time based on the market value of the Company’s UBS ARS as determined by UBS. The UBS Credit Line is to be used for general corporate purposes. Being a demand line of credit, the UBS Credit Line does not have a stated maturity date. The UBS Credit Line will expire upon the exercise of the put option related to the UBS ARS, or at the bank’s discretion, as stated in the unsecured, uncommitted demand line of credit agreement.
As security for the payment and performance of the Company’s obligations under the UBS Credit Line, the UBS Credit Line provides that the Company grants a security interest to UBS Bank USA, as lender, in each account of the Company at UBS Financial Services Inc. that is identified as a Collateral Account (as defined in the UBS Credit Line), as well as any and all money, credit balances, securities, financial assets and other investment property and other property maintained from time-to-time in any Collateral Account, any over-the-counter options, futures, foreign exchange, swap or similar contracts between the Company and UBS Financial Services Inc. or any of its affiliates, any and all accounts of the Company at UBS Bank USA or any of its affiliates, any and all supporting obligations and other rights relating to the foregoing property, and any and all interest, dividends, distributions and other proceeds of any of the foregoing property, including proceeds of proceeds.

 

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Because certain of the Collateral consists of ARS (as defined in the UBS Credit Line), the UBS Credit Line provides further that the interest rate payable by the Company will reflect any changes in the composition of such ARS Collateral (as defined in the UBS Credit Line) as may be necessary to cause the interest payable by the Company under the UBS Credit Line to equal the interest or dividend rate payable to the Company by the issuer of any ARS Collateral.
The terms of the UBS Credit Line include customary events of default such as payment defaults, the failure to maintain sufficient collateral, the failure to observe any covenant or material representation, bankruptcy and insolvency, cross-defaults to other indebtedness and other stated events of default. Upon an event of default, the obligations under the UBS Credit Line will become immediately due and payable. No borrowings were outstanding under the UBS Credit Line as of May 1, 2010.
12. DERIVATIVES
The Company is exposed to risks associated with the effect of changes in foreign currency rates and uses derivatives, primarily forward contracts, to manage the financial impacts of these exposures. As of May 1, 2010 and January 30, 2010, all outstanding derivative instruments were designated as hedges and qualified for hedge accounting treatment. The Company does not use forward contracts to engage in currency speculation and does not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.
In order to qualify for hedge accounting treatment, a derivative must be considered highly effective at offsetting changes in either the hedged item’s cash flows or fair value. Additionally, the hedge relationship must be documented to include the risk management objective and strategy, the hedging instrument, the hedged item, the risk exposure, and how hedge effectiveness will be assessed prospectively and retrospectively. The extent to which a hedging instrument has been and is expected to continue to be effective at achieving offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows is assessed and documented at least quarterly. Any hedge ineffectiveness is reported in current period earnings and hedge accounting is discontinued if it is determined that the derivative is not highly effective.
For derivatives that either do not qualify for hedge accounting or are not designated as hedges, all changes in the fair value of the derivative are recognized in earnings. For qualifying cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative is recorded as a component of Other Comprehensive Loss (“OCI”) and recognized in earnings when the hedged cash flows affect earnings. The ineffective portion of the derivative gain or loss, as well as changes in the fair value of the derivative’s time value are recognized in current period earnings. The effectiveness of the hedge is assessed based on changes in fair value attributable to changes in spot prices. The changes in the fair value of the derivative contract related to the changes in the difference between the spot price and the forward price are excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and are also recognized in current period earnings. If the cash flow hedge relationship is terminated, the derivative gains or losses that are deferred in OCI will be recognized in earnings when the hedged cash flows occur. However, for cash flow hedges that are terminated because the forecasted transaction is not expected to occur in the original specified time period, or a two-month period thereafter, the derivative gains or losses are immediately recognized in earnings. The Company recognized a gain of $0.7 million reclassified into earnings as a result of the de-designation cash flow hedges as of May 1, 2010.

 

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The Company uses derivative instruments, primarily forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges, to hedge the foreign currency exposure associated with forecasted foreign-currency-denominated inter-company inventory sales to foreign subsidiaries and the related settlement of the foreign-currency-denominated inter-company receivable. Fluctuations in exchange rates will either increase or decrease the Company’s U.S. dollar equivalent cash flows and affect the Company’s U.S. dollar earnings. Gains or losses on the foreign exchange forward contracts that are used to hedge these exposures are expected to partially offset this variability. Foreign exchange forward contracts represent agreements to exchange the currency of one country for the currency of another country at an agreed-upon settlement date. As of May 1, 2010, the maximum length of time over which forecasted foreign-currency-denominated inter-company inventory sales were hedged was twelve months. The sale of the inventory to the Company’s customers will result in the reclassification of related derivative gains and losses that are reported in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss. Substantially all of the remaining unrealized gains or losses related to foreign-currency-denominated inter-company inventory sales that have occurred as of May 1, 2010 will be recognized in costs of goods sold over the following two months at the values at the date the inventory was sold to the respective subsidiary.
The Company nets derivative assets and liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet to the extent that master netting arrangements meet the specific accounting requirements set forth by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
As of May 1, 2010, the Company had the following outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts that were entered into to hedge forecasted foreign-currency-denominated inter-company inventory sales and the resulting settlement of the foreign-currency-denominated inter-company accounts receivable:
         
    Notional Amount(1)  
Canadian Dollar
  $ 22,957  
British Pound
  $ 62,542  
Euro
  $ 7,095  
     
(1)   Amounts are reported in thousands and in U.S. Dollars.
The location and amounts of derivative fair values on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of May 1, 2010 and January 30, 2010 were as follows:
                                         
    Balance Sheet   Asset Derivatives     Balance Sheet   Liability Derivatives  
(in thousands)   Location   May 1, 2010     January 30, 2010     Location   May 1, 2010     January 30, 2010  
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
                                       
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts
  Other Current Assets   $ 1,873     $ 1,348     Accrued Expenses   $     $  
 
                               
Refer to Note 6, “Fair Value” for further discussion of the determination of the fair value of derivatives.

 

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The location and amounts of derivative gains and losses for the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010 and May 2, 2009 on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss are as follows:
                                                         
                                             
                    Location of                          
                    (Loss) Gain                     Amount of Gain (Loss)  
                    Reclassified from   Amount of (Loss) Gain     Location of Gain (Loss)   Recognized in Earnings on  
    Amount of Gain (Loss)     Accumulated   Reclassified from     Recognized in Earnings   Derivative (Ineffective  
    Recognized in OCI on     OCI into   Accumulated OCI into     on Derivative   Portion and Amount  
    Derivative Contracts     Earnings   Earnings (Effective     (Ineffective Portion and   Excluded from  
    (Effective Portion)     (Effective   Portion)     Amount Excluded from   Effectiveness Testing)  
    (a)     Portion)   (b)     Effectiveness Testing)   (c)  
    Thirteen Weeks Ended  
(in thousands)   May 1, 2010     May 2, 2009         May 1, 2010     May 2, 2009         May 1, 2010     May 2, 2009  
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
                                                       
 
 
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts
  $ 1,094     $ (612 )   Cost of
Goods Sold
  $ (856 )   $ 1,436     Other Operating
Income, Net
  $ 135     $ (234 )
 
                                           
     
(a)   The amount represents the change in fair value of derivative contracts due to changes in spot rates.
 
(b)   The amount represents reclassification from OCI into earnings that occurs when the hedged item affects earnings, which is when merchandise is sold to the Company’s customers.
 
(c)   The amount represents the change in fair value of derivative contracts due to changes in the difference between the spot price and forward price that is excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and, therefore, recognized in earnings. There were no ineffective portions recorded in earnings for the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010 and May 2, 2009.
13. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
On June 16, 2009, A&F’s Board of Directors approved the closure of the Company’s 29 RUEHL branded stores and related direct-to-consumer operations. The Company completed the closure of the RUEHL branded stores and related direct-to-consumer operations during the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2009. Accordingly, the results of operations of RUEHL are reflected in Net Loss from Discontinued Operations on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2009. Results from discontinued operations were immaterial for the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010.

 

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Costs associated with exit or disposal activities are recorded when the liability is incurred. Below is a roll forward of the liabilities recognized on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of May 1, 2010 related to the closure of RUEHL branded stores and related direct-to-consumer operations (in millions):
         
    Thirteen Weeks Ended  
    May 1, 2010  
Beginning Balance, January 30, 2010
  $ 46.1  
Interest Accretion
    0.3  
Cash Payments / Other
    (19.5 )
 
     
Ending Balance, May 1, 2010(1)
  $ 26.9  
 
     
     
(1)   Ending balance primarily reflects the net present value of obligations due under signed lease termination agreements and obligations due under a lease, for which no agreement exists, less estimated sublease income. As of May 1, 2010, there were $20.9 million of lease termination charges recorded as a current liability in Accrued Expenses and $6.0 million of lease termination charges recorded as a long-term liability in Other Liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
14. CONTINGENCIES
A&F is a defendant in lawsuits and other adversary proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Legal costs incurred in connection with the resolution of claims and lawsuits are generally expensed as incurred, and the Company establishes reserves for the outcome of litigation where it deems appropriate to do so under applicable accounting rules. Actual liabilities may exceed the amounts reserved, and there can be no assurance that final resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The Company’s identified contingencies include the following matters:
On June 23, 2006, Lisa Hashimoto, et al. v. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. and Abercrombie & Fitch Stores, Inc., was filed in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles. In that action, plaintiffs alleged, on behalf of a putative class of California store managers employed in Hollister and abercrombie kids stores, that they were entitled to receive overtime pay as “non-exempt” employees under California wage and hour laws. The complaint seeks injunctive relief, equitable relief, unpaid overtime compensation, unpaid benefits, penalties, interest and attorneys’ fees and costs. The defendants answered the complaint on August 21, 2006, denying liability. On June 23, 2008, the defendants settled all claims of Hollister and abercrombie kids store managers who served in stores from June 23, 2002 through April 30, 2004, but continued to oppose the plaintiffs’ remaining claims. On January 29, 2009, the Court certified a class consisting of all store managers who served at Hollister and abercrombie kids stores in California from May 1, 2004 through the future date upon which the action concludes. The parties are continuing to litigate the claims of that putative class. On May 24, 2010, plaintiffs filed a notice that they did not intend to continue to pursue their claim that members of the class did not exercise independent managerial judgment and discretion. They also asked the Court to vacate the August 9 trial date previously set by the Court.
On September 2, 2005, a purported class action, styled Robert Ross v. Abercrombie & Fitch Company, et al., was filed against A&F and certain of its officers in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio on behalf of a purported class of all persons who purchased or acquired shares of A&F’s Common Stock between June 2, 2005 and August 16, 2005. In September and October of 2005, five other purported class actions were subsequently filed against A&F and other defendants in the same Court. All six securities cases allege claims under the federal securities laws related to sales of Common Stock by certain defendants and to a decline in the price of A&F’s Common Stock during the summer of 2005, allegedly as a result of misstatements attributable to A&F. Plaintiffs seek unspecified monetary damages. On November 1, 2005, a motion to consolidate all of these purported class actions into the first-filed case was filed by some of the plaintiffs. A&F joined in that motion. On March 22, 2006, the motions to consolidate were granted, and these actions (together with the federal court derivative cases described in the following paragraph) were consolidated for purposes of motion practice, discovery and pretrial proceedings. A consolidated amended securities class action complaint (the “Complaint”) was filed on August 14, 2006. On October 13, 2006, all defendants moved to dismiss that Complaint. On August 9, 2007, the Court denied the motions to dismiss. On September 14, 2007, defendants filed answers denying the material allegations of the Complaint and asserting affirmative defenses. On October 26, 2007, plaintiffs moved to certify their purported class. After briefing and argument, the motion was submitted on March 24, 2009, and granted on May 21, 2009. On June 5, 2009, defendants petitioned the Sixth Circuit for permission to appeal the class certification order and on August 24, 2009, the Sixth Circuit granted leave to appeal. On May 26, 2010, after mediation which commenced on May 17, the parties reached an agreement in principle to settle the consolidated cases as a class action, subject to Court approval. The entire settlement payment of $12 million will be paid by A&F’s insurers.

 

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On September 16, 2005, a derivative action, styled The Booth Family Trust v. Michael S. Jeffries, et al., was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, naming A&F as a nominal defendant and seeking to assert claims for unspecified damages against nine of A&F’s present and former directors, alleging various breaches of the directors’ fiduciary duty and seeking equitable and monetary relief. In the following three months, four similar derivative actions were filed (three in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio and one in the Court of Common Pleas for Franklin County, Ohio) against present and former directors of A&F alleging various breaches of the directors’ fiduciary duty allegedly arising out of the same matters alleged in the Ross case and seeking equitable and monetary relief on behalf of A&F. In March of 2006, the federal court derivative actions were consolidated with the Ross actions for purposes of motion practice, discovery and pretrial proceedings. A consolidated amended derivative complaint was filed in the federal proceeding on July 10, 2006. On February 16, 2007, A&F announced that its Board of Directors had received a report of the Special Litigation Committee established by the Board to investigate and act with respect to claims asserted in the derivative lawsuit, which concluded that there was no evidence to support the asserted claims and directed the Company to seek dismissal of the derivative cases. On September 10, 2007, the Company moved to dismiss the federal derivative cases on the authority of the Special Litigation Committee report. On March 12, 2009, the Company’s motion was granted and, on April 10, 2009, plaintiffs filed an appeal from the order of dismissal. Plaintiffs appeal has been fully briefed and has been set for argument on June 10, 2010. The state court has stayed further proceedings in the state-court derivative action until resolution of the consolidated federal derivative cases.
The Company intends to defend the aforesaid matters vigorously, as appropriate. The Company is unable to quantify the potential exposure of the aforesaid matters. However, the Company’s assessment of the current exposure could change in the event of the discovery of additional facts with respect to legal matters pending against the Company or determinations by judges, juries, administrative agencies or other finders of fact that are not in accordance with the Company’s evaluation of the claims.
15. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On May 26, 2010, the Company entered into an agreement in principle with the litigants in the federal securities law litigation styled Robert Ross vs. Abercrombie & Fitch Company, et al. Pursuant to the agreement in principle, the parties have agreed to settle all outstanding claims, as a class action, for $12 million, including all attorneys’ fees and other costs and expenses. The full settlement amount is to be paid by the Company’s insurers during the second quarter of Fiscal 2010. The agreement in principle is subject to definitive documentation, notice to the class and final approval by the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and
Shareholders of Abercrombie & Fitch Co.:
We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. and its subsidiaries as of May 1, 2010 and the related condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss for the thirteen week periods ended May 1, 2010 and May 2, 2009 and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the thirteen week periods ended May 1, 2010 and May 2, 2009. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.
We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying condensed consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet as of January 30, 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, of shareholders’ equity and of cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein), and in our report dated March 29, 2010, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of January 30, 2010, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Columbus, Ohio
June 8, 2010

 

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ITEM 2.   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW
The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31. Fiscal years are designated in the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes by the calendar year in which the fiscal year commences. All references herein to “Fiscal 2010” represent the 52-week fiscal year that will end on January 29, 2011, and to “Fiscal 2009” represent the 52-week fiscal year that ended January 30, 2010.
The Company is a specialty retailer that operates stores and direct-to-consumer operations selling casual sportswear apparel, including knit and woven shirts, graphic t-shirts, fleece, jeans and woven pants, shorts, sweaters, outerwear, personal care products and accessories for men, women and kids under the Abercrombie & Fitch, abercrombie kids and Hollister brands. In addition, the Company operates stores under the Gilly Hicks brand offering bras, underwear, personal care products, sleepwear and at-home products for women.
Abercrombie & Fitch is rooted in East Coast traditions and Ivy League heritage, the essence of privilege and casual luxury. Abercrombie & Fitch is a combination of classic and sexy creating an atmosphere that is confident and just a bit provocative. abercrombie kids directly follows in the footsteps of its older sibling, Abercrombie & Fitch. abercrombie kids has an energetic attitude and is popular, wholesome and athletic — the signature of All-American cool. Hollister is young, spirited, with a sense of humor and brings Southern California to the world. Gilly Hicks is the cheeky cousin of Abercrombie & Fitch, inspired by the free spirit of Sydney, Australia. Gilly Hicks is classic and vibrant, always confident and is the All-American brand with a Sydney sensibility.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
During the first quarter of Fiscal 2010, net sales increased 14% to $687.8 million from $601.7 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2009. The operating loss was $18.7 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2010, compared to an operating loss of $33.9 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2009. The Company had a net loss of $11.8 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2010 compared to a net loss of $59.2 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2009. Net loss per basic and diluted share was $0.13 in the first quarter of Fiscal 2010 compared to net loss per basic and diluted share of $0.68 in the first quarter of Fiscal 2009. The Fiscal 2009 first quarter net loss per basic and diluted share included a net loss of $0.41 per basic and diluted share from discontinued operations. Results from discontinued operations were immaterial for the first quarter of Fiscal 2010.
Net cash used for operating activities was $46.4 million for the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010. The Company used $19.2 million of cash for capital expenditures. The Company also paid dividends totaling $15.4 million during the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010. As of May 1, 2010, the Company had $600.5 million in cash and equivalents, and outstanding debt and letters of credit of $94.6 million, compared to $463.7 million in cash and equivalents, and outstanding debt and letters of credit of $143.0 million as of May 2, 2009.
Due to seasonal variations in the retail industry, the results of operations for any current period are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full fiscal year. The seasonality of the Company’s operations may also lead to significant fluctuations in certain asset and liability accounts.

 

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The following data represents the amounts shown in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the thirteen week periods ended May 1, 2010 and May 2, 2009, expressed as a percentage of net sales:
                 
    Thirteen Weeks Ended  
    May 1, 2010     May 2, 2009  
NET SALES
    100.0 %     100.0 %
 
               
Cost of Goods Sold
    37.3 %     36.6 %
 
           
 
               
GROSS PROFIT
    62.7 %     63.4 %
 
               
Stores and Distribution Expense
    51.5 %     54.9 %
 
               
Marketing, General and Administrative Expense
    14.0 %     14.3 %
 
               
Other Operating Income, Net
    (0.1 )%     (0.2 )%
 
           
 
               
OPERATING LOSS
    (2.7 )%     (5.6 )%
 
               
Interest Expense (Income), Net
    0.1 %     (0.2 )%
 
           
 
               
Loss from Continuing Operations before Taxes
    (2.8 )%     (5.4 )%
 
               
Tax Benefit for Continuing Operations
    (1.1 )%     (1.6 )%
 
           
 
               
Net Loss from Continuing Operations
    (1.7 )%     (3.8 )%
 
               
Net Loss from Discontinued Operations (net of taxes)
          (6.0 )%
 
           
 
               
NET LOSS
    (1.7 )%     (9.8 )%
 
           

 

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Financial Summary
The following summarized financial and statistical data compare the thirteen week period ended May 1, 2010 to the thirteen week period ended May 2, 2009:
                 
    Thirteen Weeks Ended  
    May 1, 2010     May 2, 2009  
 
               
Net sales by brand (in millions)
  $ 687.8     $ 601.7  
Abercrombie & Fitch
  $ 303.7     $ 264.7  
abercrombie
  $ 78.7     $ 69.1  
Hollister
  $ 298.2     $ 262.4  
Gilly Hicks
  $ 7.2     $ 5.5  
 
               
Increase (decrease) in net sales from prior year
    14 %     (24 )%
Abercrombie & Fitch
    15 %     (26 )%
abercrombie
    14 %     (28 )%
Hollister
    14 %     (21 )%
Gilly Hicks
    31 %     80 %
 
               
Increase (decrease) in comparable store sales*
    1 %     (29 )%
Abercrombie & Fitch
    3 %     (26 )%
abercrombie
    6 %     (33 )%
Hollister
    (2 )%     (32 )%
 
               
Net store sales per average store (in thousands)
  $ 555     $ 497  
Abercrombie & Fitch
  $ 764     $ 658  
abercrombie
  $ 333     $ 293  
Hollister
  $ 510     $ 474  
 
               
Net store sales per average gross square foot
  $ 78     $ 70  
Abercrombie & Fitch
  $ 85     $ 74  
abercrombie
  $ 71     $ 64  
Hollister
  $ 75     $ 70  
 
               
Change in transactions per average store
    16 %     (27 )%
Abercrombie & Fitch
    14 %     (23 )%
abercrombie
    17 %     (27 )%
Hollister
    16 %     (29 )%
 
               
Change in average store transaction value
    (4 )%     (4 )%
Abercrombie & Fitch
    2 %     (5 )%
abercrombie
    (3 )%     (7 )%
Hollister
    (7 )%     (1 )%
 
               
Change in average units per store transaction
    7 %     (4 )%
Abercrombie & Fitch
    2 %     (4 )%
abercrombie
    6 %     (2 )%
Hollister
    8 %     (4 )%
 
               
Change in average unit retail sold, including DTC
    (10 )%     0 %
Abercrombie & Fitch
    (2 )%     1 %
abercrombie
    (8 )%     (5 )%
Hollister
    (14 )%     3 %
     
*   A store is included in comparable store sales when it has been open as the same brand 12 months or more and its square footage has not been expanded or reduced by more than 20% within the past year.

 

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CURRENT TRENDS AND OUTLOOK
In the first quarter of Fiscal 2010, the Company continued to focus on the key long-term drivers of the business. The Company’s objective in Fiscal 2010 and subsequent years is to increase its operating margin back towards historical levels, which the Company believes will require a combination of several factors.
First, returning gross margin to historic levels. The Company believes the factors in achieving this will be optimizing its average unit retails, achieving further reductions in average unit cost, and benefiting from international operations with higher gross margins. During the first quarter, the gross margin rate decreased 70 basis points primarily due to the 10% decrease in average unit retail, which would have been somewhat greater adjusted for selling mix. The Company expects some further gross margin erosion in the second quarter. Going forward, the Company also expects some pressure on gross margin from higher raw material prices, particularly cotton.
Second, improvements in domestic productivity levels and the closure of underperforming stores. Overall domestic sales increased 5% for the quarter combining store and direct-to-consumer sales. Abercrombie & Fitch tourist and high volume stores performed more strongly than the rest of the chain and this is a significant consideration in the review of the domestic footprint of the brand. The Company is in the process of reviewing underperforming stores and, to the extent it does not foresee a recovery for applicable stores, plans to address these stores through a combination of natural lease expirations, rent relief negotiations with landlords and, potentially, early closures of certain underperforming stores.
Third, the Company continues with its plans for international openings in Fiscal 2010 and is seeking to accelerate its international growth beyond that. In Fiscal 2010, the Company remains on track to open Abercrombie & Fitch flagship stores in Fukuoka and Copenhagen and a Hollister Epic store on Fifth Avenue in New York. The Company currently plans to open approximately 25 international mall-based Hollister stores in Fiscal 2010 as well as one Abercrombie & Fitch store in Canada. In addition, the Company plans to open its first Gilly Hicks store in the United Kingdom in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2010.
The Company is also focusing significant attention on improving the productivity of its Gilly Hicks brand, which the Company believes is a necessary precursor to expanding the store count for the brand and having a path to profitability.
The Company is also focusing on growth opportunities in its direct-to-consumer business.
Finally, the Company will continue to maintain tight control over expenses and to seek greater efficiencies in its operations.
In Fiscal 2010, the Company will continue to concentrate on protecting the brands, while seeking to drive improvement in its domestic business, and continue its international growth.

 

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FIRST QUARTER RESULTS
Net Sales
Net sales for the first quarter of Fiscal 2010 were $687.8 million, an increase of 14% from net sales of $601.7 million during the first quarter of Fiscal 2009. The net sales increase was attributable to a 1% increase in comparable store sales, a 42% increase in the direct-to-consumer business, and new stores, primarily international.
Abercrombie & Fitch comparable store sales increased 3%, with women’s decreasing by a low single digit and men’s increasing by a high single digit. abercrombie kids comparable store sales increased 6%, with girls increasing by a mid single digit and guys increasing by a high single digit. Hollister comparable store sales decreased 2%, with bettys decreasing by a mid single digit and dudes increasing by a mid single digit.
On a regional basis, comparable store sales for the United Kingdom were the strongest performing region while Canada and the Midwest U.S. regions were the weakest. Within the U.S., flagship and tourist stores outperformed the non-tourist stores.
Across all brands, the masculine categories continue to out-pace the feminine categories. From a merchandise classification standpoint, for the male business, woven shirts, knit tops and fleece were stronger performing categories while graphic tees was a weaker performing category. In the female business, dresses, woven shirts and graphic tees were stronger performing categories while knit tops and sweaters were weaker performing categories.
Direct-to-consumer net merchandise sales for the first quarter of Fiscal 2010 were $68.8 million, an increase of 42% from Fiscal 2009 first quarter direct-to-consumer net merchandise sales of $48.5 million. Shipping and handling revenue for the corresponding periods was $11.3 million in Fiscal 2010 and $8.4 million in Fiscal 2009. The direct-to-consumer business, including shipping and handling revenue, accounted for 11.6% of total net sales in the first quarter of Fiscal 2010 compared to 9.5% in the first quarter of Fiscal 2009.
Gross Profit
Gross profit for the first quarter of Fiscal 2010 was $431.4 million compared to $381.5 million for the comparable period in Fiscal 2009. The gross profit rate (gross profit divided by net sales) for the first quarter of Fiscal 2010 was 62.7%, down 70 basis points from the first quarter of Fiscal 2009 rate of 63.4%. The decrease in the gross profit rate was primarily driven by a 10% decrease in average unit retail. Adjusted for selling mix, the reduction in average unit retail was somewhat greater.
Stores and Distribution Expense
Stores and distribution expense for the first quarter of Fiscal 2010 was $354.4 million compared to $330.3 million for the comparable period in Fiscal 2009. The stores and distribution expense rate (stores and distribution expense divided by net sales) for the first quarter of Fiscal 2010 was 51.5% compared to 54.9% in the first quarter of Fiscal 2009. The decrease in stores and distribution expense rate was primarily driven by lower store occupancy costs as a percentage of net sales.

 

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Marketing, General and Administrative Expense
Marketing, general and administrative expense during the first quarter of Fiscal 2010 was $96.6 million compared to $86.3 million during the same period in Fiscal 2009, a 12% increase. For the first quarter of Fiscal 2010, the marketing, general and administrative expense rate (marketing, general and administrative expense divided by net sales) was 14.0% compared to 14.3% for the first quarter of Fiscal 2009. The increase in marketing, general and administrative expense was primarily due to higher net legal expenses, incentive compensation and marketing expenses.
Other Operating Income, Net
First quarter other operating income for Fiscal 2010 was $0.9 million compared to $1.3 million for the first quarter of Fiscal 2009. The decrease was driven by net losses from foreign currency transactions in the first quarter of Fiscal 2010 compared to net gains from foreign currency transactions in the first quarter of Fiscal 2009.
Interest Expense (Income), Net and Tax Benefit from Continuing Operations
First quarter interest income was $1.1 million in Fiscal 2010, offset by interest expense of $1.9 million, compared to interest income of $2.2 million, offset by interest expense of $0.8 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2009. The decrease in interest income was primarily the result of a lower average rate of return on investments. The increase in interest expense was due primarily to imputed interest expense related to certain store lease transactions and higher fees associated with the unsecured amended credit agreement.
The effective tax rate for continuing operations for the first quarter of Fiscal 2010 was a 39.5% benefit, compared to a 28.9% benefit for the first quarter of Fiscal 2009. The tax benefit associated with the loss from continuing operations increased in Fiscal 2010 primarily due to a net reduction in reserves resulting from the settlement of tax audits and the net release of valuation allowances. The tax benefit in Fiscal 2009 was reduced by a net increase in tax reserves and the establishment of a valuation allowance.
Net Loss from Discontinued Operations
The Company completed the closure of its RUEHL branded stores and related direct-to-consumer operations in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2009. Accordingly, the after-tax operating results appear in Net Loss from Discontinued Operations on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2009. Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, was $36.1 million for thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2009.
Refer to Note 13, “Discontinued Operations” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
Net Loss and Net Loss per Share
Net loss for the first quarter of Fiscal 2010 was $11.8 million compared to a net loss of $59.2 million for the first quarter of Fiscal 2009. Net loss per basic and diluted share for the first quarter of Fiscal 2010 was $0.13 compared to net loss per basic and diluted share of $0.68 for the same period of Fiscal 2009. Net loss per basic and diluted share for the first quarter of Fiscal 2009 included a net loss of $0.41 per basic and diluted share from discontinued operations.

 

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FINANCIAL CONDITION
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company had $600.5 million in cash and equivalents available as of May 1, 2010, as well as an additional $301.0 million available (less outstanding letters of credit of $45.6 million) under its unsecured Amended Credit Agreement (as amended in June 2009) and $26.3 million available under the UBS Credit Line, both described in Note 11, “Long-Term Debt” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The unsecured Amended Credit Agreement contains financial covenants that require the Company to maintain a minimum coverage ratio and a maximum leverage ratio and also limits the Company’s consolidated capital expenditures to $325 million in Fiscal 2010, plus the $99.5 million representing the unused portion of the allowable expenditures from Fiscal 2009, all defined in the Amended Credit Agreement. If circumstances occur that would lead to the Company failing to meet the covenants under the Amended Credit Agreement and the Company is unable to obtain a waiver or amendment, an event of default would result and the lenders could declare outstanding borrowings immediately due and payable. The Company believes it is likely that it would either obtain a waiver or amendment in advance of a default, or would have sufficient cash available to repay borrowings in the event a waiver was not obtained.
A summary of the Company’s working capital position and capitalization follows (in thousands):
                 
    May 1, 2010     January 30, 2010  
 
               
Working capital
  $ 769,243     $ 786,474  
 
           
 
               
Capitalization:
               
Shareholders’ equity
  $ 1,800,553     $ 1,827,917  
 
           
Operating Activities
Net cash used for operating activities was $46.4 million for the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010, compared to a source of cash of $13.0 million for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2009. The increase in cash used for operating activities was primarily driven by an increase in inventory. The increase in inventory was partially off-set by a decrease in the use of cash related to accounts payable and accrued expenses primarily due to the timing of receipts and higher direct-to-consumer inventory, but consistent with the overall increase in sales in the first quarter of Fiscal 2010.
Investing Activities
Cash outflows for investing activities for the thirteen week period ended May 1, 2010 were primarily for capital expenditures related to new store construction and information technology investments (see the discussion in “Capital Expenditures and Lessor Construction Allowances”). The decrease in capital expenditures compared to Fiscal 2009 primarily related to the timing of new flagship and domestic mall-based store openings. For the thirteen week periods ended May 1, 2010 and May 2, 2009, the Company also had cash outflows for investing activities related to the purchase of rabbi trust assets and cash inflows for investing activities related to the sale of marketable securities.

 

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Financing Activities
Financing activities for the thirteen week period ended May 1, 2010 consisted of cash outflows of $15.4 million related to the payment of the $0.175 per share quarterly dividends on March 16, 2010.
As of May 1, 2010, approximately 11.3 million shares were available for repurchase as part of the August 15, 2005 and November 20, 2007 A&F Board of Directors’ authorizations to repurchase 6.0 million shares and 10.0 million shares, respectively, of A&F’s Common Stock. A&F did not repurchase any shares of A&F’s Common Stock during the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010.
The Company had $49.0 million and $50.9 million of debt outstanding under its unsecured Amended Credit Agreement on May 1, 2010 and January 30, 2010, respectively. The debt outstanding as of May 1, 2010 and January 30, 2010 was denominated in Japanese Yen. The average interest rate for the thirteen weeks ended was 2.6%. As of May 1, 2010, the Company had an additional $301.0 million available (less outstanding letters of credit) under its unsecured Amended Credit Agreement.
The Amended Credit Agreement requires that the Leverage Ratio not be greater than 3.75 to 1.00 at the end of each testing period. The Amended Credit Agreement also requires that the Coverage Ratio for A&F and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis of (i) Consolidated EBITDAR for the trailing four-consecutive-fiscal-quarter period to (ii) the sum of, without duplication, (x) net interest expense for such period, (y) scheduled payments of long-term debt due within twelve months of the date of determination and (z) the sum of minimum rent and contingent store rent, not be less than 1.65 to 1.00 at May 1, 2010. The minimum Coverage Ratio varies over time based on the terms set forth in the Amended Credit Agreement. On June 16, 2009, the definition of Consolidated EBITDAR was amended for the purpose of the Amended Credit Agreement, to add back the following items, among others, (a) recognized losses arising from investments in certain auction rate securities to the extent such losses do not exceed a defined level of impairments for those investments, (b) non-cash charges in an amount not to exceed $50 million related to the closure of RUEHL branded stores and related direct-to-consumer operations, (c) non-recurring cash charges in an aggregate amount not to exceed $61 million related to the closure of RUEHL branded stores and related direct-to-consumer operations, (d) additional non-recurring non-cash charges in an amount not to exceed $20 million in the aggregate over the trailing four fiscal quarter period and (e) other non-recurring cash charges in an amount not to exceed $10 million in the aggregate over the trailing four fiscal quarter period. The Amended Credit Agreement also limits the Company’s consolidated capital expenditures to $325 million in Fiscal 2010, plus $99.5 million representing the unused portion of the allowable capital expenditures from Fiscal 2009. The Company was in compliance with the applicable ratio requirements and other covenants at May 1, 2010.
The unsecured Amended Credit Agreement is more fully described in Note 11, “Long-Term Debt” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Trade letters of credit totaling approximately $29.2 million and $35.9 million were outstanding on May 1, 2010 and January 30, 2010, respectively. Stand-by letters of credit totaling approximately $16.4 million and $14.1 million were outstanding on May 1, 2010 and January 30, 2010, respectively. The stand-by letters of credit are set to expire primarily during the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2010. To date, no beneficiary has drawn upon the stand-by letters of credit.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of May 1, 2010, the Company did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

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Contractual Obligations
The Company’s contractual obligations consist primarily of letters of credit outstanding, operating leases, purchase orders for merchandise inventory, unrecognized tax benefits, certain retirement obligations, lease deposits and other agreements to purchase goods and services that are legally binding and that require minimum quantities to be purchased. These contractual obligations impact the Company’s short- and long-term liquidity and capital resource needs. During the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010, changes to the contractual obligations from those as of January 30, 2010 included the payment of $19.5 million in previously accrued charges related to the closure of RUEHL branded stores and related direct-to-consumer operations. There were no other material changes in contractual obligations as of May 1, 2010, with the exception of those obligations which occurred in the normal course of business (primarily changes in the Company’s merchandise inventory-related purchases and lease obligations, which fluctuate throughout the year as a result of the seasonal nature of the Company’s operations).

 

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First Quarter Store Count and Gross Square Feet
Store count and gross square footage by brand for the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010 and May 2, 2009, respectively, were as follows:
                                         
    Abercrombie & Fitch     abercrombie     Hollister     Gilly Hicks     Total  
Store Activity                                        
 
 
January 30, 2010
    346       209       525       16       1,096  
 
                                       
New
    2       1       4             7  
 
                                       
Remodels/Conversions (net activity)
                             
 
                                       
Closed
    (1 )     (1 )     (1 )           (3 )
 
                             
 
                                       
May 1, 2010
    347       209       528       16       1,100  
 
                             
 
                                       
Gross Square Feet (thousands)
                                       
 
                                       
January 30, 2010
    3,110       979       3,597       161       7,847  
 
                                       
New
    13       13       29             55  
 
                                       
Remodels/Conversions (net activity)
    (4 )           (4 )           (8 )
 
                                       
Closed
    (8 )     (4 )     (7 )           (19 )
 
                             
 
                                       
May 1, 2010
    3,111       988       3,615       161       7,875  
 
                             
 
                                       
Average Store Size
    8,965       4,727       6,847       10,063       7,159  
                                         
    Abercrombie & Fitch     abercrombie     Hollister     Gilly Hicks     Total  
Store Activity                                        
 
 
January 31, 2009
    356       212       515       14       1,097  
 
                                       
New
          2       1       2       5  
 
                                       
Remodels/Conversions (net activity)
                             
 
                                       
Closed
    (2 )     (2 )     (1 )           (5 )
 
                             
 
                                       
May 2, 2009
    354       212       515       16       1,097  
 
                             
 
                                       
Gross Square Feet (thousands)
                                       
 
                                       
January 31, 2009
    3,164       976       3,474       146       7,760  
 
                                       
New
          14       7       15       36  
 
                                       
Remodels/Conversions (net activity)
                             
 
                                       
Closed
    (20 )     (9 )     (6 )           (35 )
 
                             
 
                                       
May 2, 2009
    3,144       981       3,475       161       7,761  
 
                             
 
                                       
Average Store Size
    8,881       4,627       6,748       10,063       7,075  

 

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CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
During Fiscal 2010, the Company plans to open Abercrombie & Fitch flagship stores in Copenhagen, Demark and Fukuoka, Japan and a Hollister Epic store on Fifth Avenue in New York. The Company has also confirmed plans to open approximately 25 international Hollister mall-based stores in Fiscal 2010 as well as one Abercrombie & Fitch store in Canada. Furthermore, the Company plans to open its first international Gilly Hicks store in the United Kingdom in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2010. Domestically, the Company plans to open three Abercrombie & Fitch stores, two abercrombie kids stores, three Hollister stores, two Gilly Hicks stores and five outlet stores.
Capital expenditures totaled $19.2 million and $58.7 million for the thirteen week periods ended May 1, 2010 and May 2, 2009, respectively. A summary of capital expenditures is as follows:
                 
Capital Expenditures (in millions)   May 1, 2010     May 2, 2009  
New Store Construction, Store Refreshes and Remodels
  $ 14.0     $ 45.3  
Home Office, Distribution Centers and Information Technology
    5.2       13.4  
 
           
Total Capital Expenditures
  $ 19.2     $ 58.7  
 
           
During Fiscal 2010, based on new store opening plans and other capital expenditures, the Company anticipates capital expenditures between approximately $200 million and $225 million. Approximately $165 million to $190 million of this amount is allocated to new store construction, full store remodels and store refreshes and approximately $35 million is allocated to information technology, distribution center and other home office projects.
CLOSURE OF RUEHL BRANDED STORES AND RELATED DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER OPERATIONS
On June 16, 2009, A&F’s Board of Directors approved the closure of the Company’s 29 RUEHL branded stores and related direct-to-consumer operations. The Company completed the closure of the RUEHL branded stores and related direct-to-consumer operations during the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2009. Accordingly, the results of operations of RUEHL are reflected in Net Loss from Discontinued Operations on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2009. Results from discontinued operations were immaterial for the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010.
Costs associated with exit or disposal activities are recorded when the liability is incurred. The Company expects to make gross cash payments of approximately $29.5 million in Fiscal 2010, of which $19.5 million was paid in the first quarter, and an aggregate of $19.2 million in fiscal years thereafter, related primarily to lease termination agreements associated with the closure of RUEHL branded stores.

 

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Below is a roll forward of the present value of liabilities recognized on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of May 1, 2010 related to the closure of the RUEHL branded stores and related direct-to-consumer operations (in millions):
         
    Thirteen Weeks Ended  
    May 1, 2010  
Beginning Balance, January 30, 2010
  $ 46.1  
Interest Accretion
    0.3  
Cash Payments / Other
    (19.5 )
 
     
Ending Balance, May 1, 2010(1)
  $ 26.9  
 
     
     
(1)   Ending balance primarily reflects the net present value of obligations due under signed lease termination agreements and obligations due under a lease, for which no agreement exists, less estimated sublease income. As of May 1, 2010, there were $20.9 million of lease termination charges recorded as a current liability in Accrued Expenses and $6.0 million of lease termination charges recorded as a long-term liability in Other Liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The Company’s discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations are based upon the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Since actual results may differ from those estimates, the Company revises its estimates and assumptions as new information becomes available.
The Company’s significant accounting policies can be found in Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in “ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA” of A&F’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal 2009 filed on March 29, 2010. The Company believes the following policies are the most critical to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
     
Policy   Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions
 
 
Revenue Recognition
   
 
   
The Company recognizes retail sales at the time the customer takes possession of the merchandise. The Company reserves for sales returns through estimates based on historical experience and various other assumptions that management believes to be reasonable.

The Company sells gift cards in its stores and through direct-to-consumer operations. The Company accounts for gift cards sold to customers by recognizing a liability at the time of sale. The liability remains on the Company’s books until the earlier of redemption (recognized as revenue) or when the Company determines the likelihood of redemption is remote, known as breakage (recognized as other operating income), based on historical redemption patterns.
  The Company has not made any material changes in the accounting methodology used to determine the sales return reserve and revenue recognition for gift cards over the past three fiscal years.

The Company does not expect material changes in the near term to the underlying assumptions used to measure the sales return reserve or to measure the timing and amount of future gift card redemptions as of May 1, 2010. However, changes in these assumptions do occur, and, should those changes be significant, the Company may be exposed to gains or losses that could be material.

A 10% change in the sales return rate as of May 1, 2010 would have affected pre-tax loss by approximately $0.5 million for the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010.

A 10% change in the assumption of the redemption pattern for gift cards as of May 1, 2010 would have been immaterial to pre-tax loss for the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010.

 

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Policy   Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions
 
 
Auction Rate Securities (“ARS”)
   
 
   
As a result of the market failure and lack of liquidity in the current ARS market, the Company measured the fair value of its ARS primarily using a discounted cash flow model. Certain significant inputs into the model are unobservable in the market including the periodic coupon rate adjusted for the marketability discount, market required rate of return and expected term.
  The Company has not made any material changes in the accounting methodology used to determine the fair value of the ARS.

The Company does not expect material changes in the near term to the underlying assumptions used to determine the unobservable inputs used to calculate the fair value of the ARS as of May 1, 2010. However, changes in these assumptions do occur, and, should those changes be significant, the Company may be exposed to gains or losses that could be material.

Assuming all other assumptions disclosed in Note 6, “Fair Value” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, being equal, a 50 basis point increase in the market required rate of return will yield an 18% decrease in impairment and a 50 basis point decrease in the market required rate of return will yield an 18% increase in impairment.
 
   
Inventory Valuation
   
 
   
Inventories are principally valued at the lower of average cost or market utilizing the retail method.

The Company reduces inventory value by recording a valuation reserve that represents estimated future anticipated selling price decreases necessary to sell-through the inventory.

Additionally, as part of inventory valuation, an inventory shrink estimate is made each period that reduces the value of inventory for lost or stolen items.
  The Company has not made any material changes in the accounting methodology used to determine the shrink reserve or valuation allowance over the past three fiscal years.

The Company does not expect material changes in the near term to the underlying assumptions used to determine the shrink reserve or valuation allowance as of May 1, 2010. However, changes in these assumptions do occur, and, should those changes be significant, they could significantly impact the ending inventory valuation at cost, as well as the resulting gross margins.

An increase or decrease in the valuation allowance of 10% would have affected pre-tax loss by approximately $3.9 million for the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010.

An increase or decrease in the inventory shrink accrual of 10% would have affected pre-tax loss by approximately $0.6 million for the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010.

 

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Policy   Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions
 
 
Property and Equipment
   
 
   
Long-lived assets, primarily comprised of property and equipment, are reviewed periodically for impairment or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that full recoverability of net asset balances through future cash flows is in question.

The Company’s impairment calculation requires management to make assumptions and judgments related to factors used in the evaluation for impairment, including, but not limited to, management’s expectations for future operations and projected cash flows.
  The Company has not made any material changes in the accounting methodology used to determine impairment loss over the past three fiscal years.

The Company does not expect material changes in the near term to the assumptions underlying its impairment calculations as of May 1, 2010. However, changes in these assumptions do occur, and, should those changes be significant, they could have a material impact on the Company’s determination of whether or not there has been an impairment.
 
   
Income Taxes
   
 
   
Income taxes are calculated using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using current enacted tax rates in effect for the years in which those temporary differences are expected to reverse. Inherent in the measurement of deferred balances are certain judgments and interpretations of enacted tax law and published guidance with respect to applicability to the Company’s operations.

The provision for income taxes is based on the current estimate of the annual effective tax rate adjusted to reflect the tax impact of items discrete to the quarter. The effective tax rate is affected by changes in law, the tax jurisdiction of new stores, the level of earnings, provision-to-return adjustments, tax-exempt income, the results of tax audits, etc.
  The Company does not expect material changes in the judgments and interpretations used to calculate deferred tax assets and liabilities as of May 1, 2010. However, changes may occur and actual results could differ materially.




The Company does not expect material changes in the near term to underlying assumptions used to calculate the tax provisions for the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010. However, changes in these assumptions may occur and should those changes be significant, they could have a material impact on the Company’s income tax expense.
 
   
Equity Compensation Expense
   
 
   
The Company’s equity compensation expense related to stock options and stock appreciation rights is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair value of the stock option and stock appreciation right grants, which requires the Company to estimate the expected term of the stock option and stock appreciation right grants and expected future stock price volatility over the expected term.
  The Company does not expect material changes in the near term to the underlying assumptions used to calculate equity compensation expense for the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010. However, changes in these assumptions do occur, and, should those changes be significant, they could have a material impact on the Company’s equity compensation expense.

A 10% increase in term would yield a 3% increase in the Black-Scholes valuation for stock appreciation rights, while a 10% increase in volatility would yield a 9% increase in the Black-Scholes valuation for stock appreciation rights.

 

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Policy   Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions
 
 
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
   
 
   
Effective February 2, 2003, the Company established a Chief Executive Officer Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP”) to provide additional retirement income to its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”). Subject to service requirements, the CEO will receive a monthly benefit equal to 50% of his final average compensation (as defined in the SERP) for life. The final average compensation used for the calculation is based on actual compensation, base salary and cash incentive compensation for the past three fiscal years.

The Company’s accrual for the SERP requires management to make assumptions and judgments related to the CEO’s final average compensation, life expectancy and discount rate.
  The Company does not expect material changes in the near term to the underlying assumptions used to determine the accrual for the SERP as of May 1, 2010. However, changes in these assumptions do occur, and, should those changes be significant, the Company may be exposed to gains or losses that could be material.

A 10% increase in final average compensation as of May 1, 2010 would increase the SERP accrual by approximately $1.0 million. A 50 basis point increase in the discount rate as of May 1, 2010 would decrease the SERP accrual by approximately $0.3 million.

 

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Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
The Company cautions that any forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or made by the Company, its management or spokespeople involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various important factors, many of which may be beyond the Company’s control. Words such as “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements.
The following factors, in addition to those included in the disclosure under the heading “FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND RISK FACTORS” in “ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS” of A&F’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal 2009 filed on March 29, 2010, in some cases have affected and in the future could affect the Company’s financial performance and could cause actual results for Fiscal 2010 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any of the forward-looking statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or otherwise made by management:

    general economic and financial conditions could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and liquidity;

    loss of the services of skilled senior executive officers could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business;

    ability to hire, train and retain qualified associates could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business

    equity-based compensation awarded under the employment agreement with the Company’s Chief Executive Officer could adversely impact the Company’s cash flows, financial position or results of operations and could have a dilutive effect on the Company’s outstanding Common Stock;

    failure to anticipate, identify and respond to changing consumer preferences and fashion trends in a timely manner could cause the Company’s profitability to decline;

    unseasonable weather conditions affecting consumer preferences could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business;

    disruptive weather conditions affecting the consumers’ ability to shop could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business;

    the Company’s market share may be adversely impacted at any time by a significant number of competitors;

    the Company’s international expansion plan is dependent on many factors, any of which could delay or prevent successful penetration into new markets and strain its resources

    the Company’s growth strategy relies on the addition of new stores, which may strain the Company’s resources and adversely impact current store performance;

    the Company may incur costs related to store closures;

    availability and market prices of key raw materials could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations;

    the interruption of the flow of merchandise from key vendors and international manufacturers could disrupt the Company’s supply chain;

    the Company does not own or operate any manufacturing facilities and therefore depends upon independent third parties for the manufacture of all its merchandise;

    the Company’s reliance on two distribution centers domestically located in the same vicinity, and one distribution center internationally, makes it susceptible to disruptions or adverse conditions affecting its distribution centers;

    the Company’s reliance on third parties to deliver merchandise from its distribution centers to its stores and direct-to-consumer customers could result in disruptions to its business;

    the Company’s development of new brand concepts could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations;

 

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    fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could adversely impact financial results;

    the Company’s net sales and inventory levels fluctuate on a seasonal basis, causing its results of operations to be particularly susceptible to changes to back-to-school and holiday shopping patterns;

    the Company’s ability to attract customers to its stores depends heavily on the success of the shopping centers in which they are located;

    comparable store sales will continue to fluctuate on a regular basis;

    the Company’s net sales are affected by direct-to-consumer sales;

    the Company may be exposed to risks and costs associated with credit card fraud and identity theft;

    the Company’s litigation exposure could exceed expectations, having a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations;

    the Company’s failure to adequately protect its trademarks could have a negative impact on its brand image and limit its ability to penetrate new markets;

    the Company’s unsecured credit agreement includes financial and other covenants that impose restrictions on its financial and business operations;

    changes in taxation requirements could adversely impact financial results;

    the Company’s inability to obtain commercial insurance at acceptable prices or failure to adequately reserve for self-insured exposures might increase expense and adversely impact financial results;

    modifications and/or upgrades to information technology systems may disrupt operations;

    the Company could suffer if the Company’s computer systems are disrupted or cease to operate effectively;

    effects of political and economic events and conditions domestically, and in foreign jurisdictions in which the Company operates, including, but not limited to, acts of terrorism or war could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business;

    potential disruption of the Company’s business due to the occurrence of, or fear of, a health pandemic could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business;

    changes in the regulatory or compliance landscape could adversely effect the Company’s business or results of operations; and

    the Company’s operations may be effected by greenhouse emissions and climate change.
Future economic and industry trends that could potentially impact revenue and profitability are difficult to predict. Therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by the Company, or any other person, that the objectives of the Company will be achieved. The forward-looking statements included herein are based on information presently available to the management of the Company. Except as may be required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized.

 

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ITEM 3.   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Investment Securities
The Company maintains its cash equivalents in financial instruments, primarily money market funds, with original maturities of 90 days or less. The Company also holds investments in investment grade auction rate securities (“ARS”) that have maturities ranging from 17 to 33 years. The par and carrying values, and related cumulative impairment charges for the Company’s marketable securities as of May 1, 2010 were as follows:
                                 
                    Other-Than        
            Temporary     Temporary-     Carrying  
(in thousands)   Par Value     Impairment     Impairment (“OTTI”)     Value  
 
                               
Trading securities:
                               
Auction rate securities — UBS — student loan backed
  $ 22,100     $     $ (2,051 )   $ 20,049  
Auction rate securities — UBS — municipal authority bonds
    15,000             (2,693 )     12,307  
 
                       
Total trading securities
    37,100             (4,744 )     32,356  
 
                       
 
                               
Available-for-sale securities:
                               
Auction rate securities — student loan backed
    126,449       (9,593 )           116,856  
Auction rate securities — municipal authority bonds
    28,575       (5,171 )           23,404  
 
                       
Total available-for-sale securities
    155,024       (14,764 )           140,260  
 
                       
 
                               
Total
  $ 192,124     $ (14,764 )   $ (4,744 )   $ 172,616  
 
                       
As of May 1, 2010, approximately 69% of the Company’s ARS were “AAA” rated and approximately 15% of the Company’s ARS were “AA” or “A” rated, with the remaining ARS having an “A-” or “BBB+” rating, in each case as rated by one or more of the major credit rating agencies. The ratings take into account insurance policies guaranteeing both the principal and accrued interest. Each investment in student loans is insured by (1) the U.S. government under the Federal Family Education Loan Program, (2) a private insurer or (3) a combination of both. The percentage coverage of the outstanding principal and interest of the ARS varies by security. The credit ratings may change over time and would be an indicator of the default risk associated with the ARS and could have a material effect on the value of the ARS. If the Company expects that it will not recover the entire cost basis of the available-for-sale ARS, intends to sell the available-for-sale ARS or it becomes more than likely that the Company will be required to sell the available-for-sale ARS before recovery of their cost basis, which may be at maturity, the Company may be required to record an other-than-temporary impairment or additional temporary impairment to write down the assets’ fair value. As of May 1, 2010, the Company did not incur any credit losses on available-for-sale ARS. Furthermore, as of May 1, 2010, the issuers continued to perform under the obligations, including making scheduled interest payments, and the Company expects that this will continue going forward.
On November 13, 2008, the Company entered into an agreement (the “UBS Agreement”) with UBS AG (“UBS”), a Swiss corporation, relating to ARS (“UBS ARS”) with a par value of $76.5 million, of which $37.1 million, at par value, were still held as of May 1, 2010. By entering into the UBS Agreement, UBS received the right to purchase these UBS ARS at par, at any time, commencing on November 13, 2008 and the Company received the right to sell (“Put Option”) the UBS ARS back to UBS at par, commencing on June 30, 2010. Upon acceptance of the UBS Agreement, the Company no longer had the intent to hold the UBS ARS until maturity. As a result, the impairment could no longer be considered temporary and the UBS ARS are classified as trading securities and any gains or losses are recognized as other-than-temporary impairments in Other Operating Income, Net in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss. In addition, and simultaneously, the Company elected to apply fair value accounting for the related Put Option and recognized the Put Option as an asset in Other Current Assets. Any gains or losses on the Put Option are recognized in Other Operating Income, Net in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss. During the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010, the Company did not recognize any change to the other-than-temporary impairment related to the UBS ARS. Furthermore, the Company had an immaterial gain related to the Put Option. As the Company has the right to sell the UBS ARS back to UBS on June 30, 2010, the remaining UBS ARS were classified as Current Assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of May 1, 2010.

 

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The irrevocable rabbi trust (the “Rabbi Trust”) is intended to be used as a source of funds to match respective funding obligations to participants in the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Nonqualified Savings and Supplemental Retirement Plan I, the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Nonqualified Savings and Supplemental Retirement Plan II and the Chief Executive Officer Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. As of May 1, 2010, total assets held in the Rabbi Trust were $75.6 million, which included $12.1 million of available-for-sale municipal notes and bonds with maturities that ranged from three to four years, trust-owned life insurance policies with a cash surrender value of $55.7 million and $7.8 million held in money market funds. The Rabbi Trust assets are consolidated and recorded at fair value, with the exception of the trust-owned life insurance policies which are recorded at cash surrender value in Other Assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and are restricted as to their use as noted above. Net unrealized gains or losses related to the available-for-sale securities held in the Rabbi Trust were not material for the thirteen week periods ended May 1, 2010 and May 2, 2009, respectively. The change in cash surrender value of the trust-owned life insurance policies held in the Rabbi Trust resulted in realized gains of $0.5 million and $1.2 million for the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010 and May 2, 2009, respectively.
Interest Rate Risks
As of May 1, 2010, the Company had $49.0 million in long-term debt outstanding under the unsecured Amended Credit Agreement. This borrowing and any future borrowings will bear interest at negotiated rates and would be subject to interest rate risk. The unsecured Amended Credit Agreement has several borrowing options, including interest rates that are based on (i) a Base Rate, plus a margin based on a Leverage Ratio, payable quarterly, (ii) an Adjusted Eurodollar Rate (as defined in the unsecured Amended Credit Agreement) plus a margin based on a Leverage Ratio, payable at the end of the applicable interest period for the borrowing and, for interest periods in excess of three months, on the date that is three months after the commencement of the interest period; or (iii) an Adjusted Foreign Currency Rate (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) plus a margin based on the Leverage Ratio, payable at the end of the applicable interest period for the borrowing and, for interest periods in excess of three months, on the date that is three months after the commencement of the interest period. The Base Rate represents a rate per annum equal to the higher of (a) PNC Bank’s then publicly announced prime rate or (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate (as defined in the unsecured Amended Credit Agreement) as then in effect plus 1/2 of 1.0%. The average interest rate was 2.6% for the thirteen week period ended May 1, 2010. Additionally, as of May 1, 2010, the Company had $301.0 million available, less outstanding letters of credit, under its unsecured Amended Credit Agreement. Assuming no changes in the Company’s financial structure as it stood at May 1, 2010, if market interest rates average an increase of 100 basis points over the next thirty-nine week period for Fiscal 2010 compared to the interest rates being incurred for the thirteen week period ended May 1, 2010, there would be an immaterial change in interest expense. This amount was determined by calculating the effect of the average hypothetical interest rate increase on the Company’s variable rate unsecured Amended Credit Agreement. This hypothetical increase in interest rate for the fifty-two week period ended January 29, 2011 may be different from the actual increase in interest expense due to varying interest rate reset dates under the Company’s unsecured Amended Credit Agreement.

 

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Foreign Exchange Rate Risk
The Company’s international subsidiaries generally operate with functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in U.S. dollars. Therefore, the Company must translate revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities from functional currencies into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect during, or at the end of, the reporting period. The fluctuation in the value of the U.S. dollar against other currencies affects the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities.
The Company and its subsidiaries have exposure to changes in currency exchange rates associated with foreign currency transactions and forecasted foreign currency transactions, including the sale of inventory between subsidiaries and foreign denominated assets and liabilities. Such transactions are denominated primarily in U.S. dollars, Euros, Canadian Dollars, Japanese Yen and British Pounds. The Company has established a program that primarily utilizes foreign currency forward contracts to partially offset the risks associated with the effects of certain foreign currency transactions and forecasted transactions. Under this program, increases or decreases in foreign currency exposures are partially offset by gains or losses on forward contracts, to mitigate the impact of foreign currency gains or losses. The Company does not use forward contracts to engage in currency speculation. All outstanding foreign currency forward contracts are recorded at fair value at the end of each fiscal period.

 

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ITEM 4.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
A&F maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports that A&F files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to A&F’s management, including the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of A&F (the principal executive officer) and the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of A&F (the principal financial officer), as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Because of inherent limitations, disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance that the objectives of disclosure controls and procedures are met.
A&F’s management, including the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of A&F and the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of A&F, evaluated the effectiveness of A&F’s design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the fiscal quarter ended May 1, 2010. Based upon that evaluation, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of A&F and the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of A&F concluded that A&F’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at a reasonable level of assurance as of May 1, 2010, the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in A&F’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during A&F’s fiscal quarter ended May 1, 2010 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, A&F’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
A&F is a defendant in lawsuits and other adversary proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Legal costs incurred in connection with the resolution of claims and lawsuits are generally expensed as incurred, and the Company establishes reserves for the outcome of litigation where it deems appropriate to do so under applicable accounting rules. Actual liabilities may exceed the amounts reserved, and there can be no assurance that final resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The Company’s identified contingencies include the following matters:
On June 23, 2006, Lisa Hashimoto, et al. v. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. and Abercrombie & Fitch Stores, Inc., was filed in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles. In that action, plaintiffs alleged, on behalf of a putative class of California store managers employed in Hollister and abercrombie kids stores, that they were entitled to receive overtime pay as “non-exempt” employees under California wage and hour laws. The complaint seeks injunctive relief, equitable relief, unpaid overtime compensation, unpaid benefits, penalties, interest and attorneys’ fees and costs. The defendants answered the complaint on August 21, 2006, denying liability. On June 23, 2008, the defendants settled all claims of Hollister and abercrombie kids store managers who served in stores from June 23, 2002 through April 30, 2004, but continued to oppose the plaintiffs’ remaining claims. On January 29, 2009, the Court certified a class consisting of all store managers who served at Hollister and abercrombie kids stores in California from May 1, 2004 through the future date upon which the action concludes. The parties are continuing to litigate the claims of that putative class. On May 24, 2010, plaintiffs filed a notice that they did not intend to continue to pursue their claim that members of the class did not exercise independent managerial judgment and discretion. They also asked the Court to vacate the August 9 trial date previously set by the Court.
On September 2, 2005, a purported class action, styled Robert Ross v. Abercrombie & Fitch Company, et al., was filed against A&F and certain of its officers in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio on behalf of a purported class of all persons who purchased or acquired shares of A&F’s Common Stock between June 2, 2005 and August 16, 2005. In September and October of 2005, five other purported class actions were subsequently filed against A&F and other defendants in the same Court. All six securities cases allege claims under the federal securities laws related to sales of Common Stock by certain defendants and to a decline in the price of A&F’s Common Stock during the summer of 2005, allegedly as a result of misstatements attributable to A&F. Plaintiffs seek unspecified monetary damages. On November 1, 2005, a motion to consolidate all of these purported class actions into the first-filed case was filed by some of the plaintiffs. A&F joined in that motion. On March 22, 2006, the motions to consolidate were granted, and these actions (together with the federal court derivative cases described in the following paragraph) were consolidated for purposes of motion practice, discovery and pretrial proceedings. A consolidated amended securities class action complaint (the “Complaint”) was filed on August 14, 2006. On October 13, 2006, all defendants moved to dismiss that Complaint. On August 9, 2007, the Court denied the motions to dismiss. On September 14, 2007, defendants filed answers denying the material allegations of the Complaint and asserting affirmative defenses. On October 26, 2007, plaintiffs moved to certify their purported class. After briefing and argument, the motion was submitted on March 24, 2009, and granted on May 21, 2009. On June 5, 2009, defendants petitioned the Sixth Circuit for permission to appeal the class certification order and on August 24, 2009, the Sixth Circuit granted leave to appeal. On May 26, 2010, after mediation which commenced on May 17, the parties reached an agreement in principle to settle the consolidated cases as a class action, subject to Court approval. The entire settlement payment of $12 million will be paid by A&F’s insurers.

 

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On September 16, 2005, a derivative action, styled The Booth Family Trust v. Michael S. Jeffries, et al., was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, naming A&F as a nominal defendant and seeking to assert claims for unspecified damages against nine of A&F’s present and former directors, alleging various breaches of the directors’ fiduciary duty and seeking equitable and monetary relief. In the following three months, four similar derivative actions were filed (three in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio and one in the Court of Common Pleas for Franklin County, Ohio) against present and former directors of A&F alleging various breaches of the directors’ fiduciary duty allegedly arising out of the same matters alleged in the Ross case and seeking equitable and monetary relief on behalf of A&F. In March of 2006, the federal court derivative actions were consolidated with the Ross actions for purposes of motion practice, discovery and pretrial proceedings. A consolidated amended derivative complaint was filed in the federal proceeding on July 10, 2006. On February 16, 2007, A&F announced that its Board of Directors had received a report of the Special Litigation Committee established by the Board to investigate and act with respect to claims asserted in the derivative lawsuit, which concluded that there was no evidence to support the asserted claims and directed the Company to seek dismissal of the derivative cases. On September 10, 2007, the Company moved to dismiss the federal derivative cases on the authority of the Special Litigation Committee report. On March 12, 2009, the Company’s motion was granted and, on April 10, 2009, plaintiffs filed an appeal from the order of dismissal. Plaintiffs appeal has been fully briefed and has been set for argument on June 10, 2010. The state court has stayed further proceedings in the state-court derivative action until resolution of the consolidated federal derivative cases.
The Company intends to defend the aforesaid matters vigorously, as appropriate. The Company is unable to quantify the potential exposure of the aforesaid matters. However, the Company’s assessment of the current exposure could change in the event of the discovery of additional facts with respect to legal matters pending against the Company or determinations by judges, juries, administrative agencies or other finders of fact that are not in accordance with the Company’s evaluation of the claims.
ITEM 1A.   RISK FACTORS
The Company’s risk factors as of May 1, 2010 have not changed materially from those disclosed in Part I, Item 1A of A&F’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal 2009 filed on March 29, 2010.

 

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ITEM 2.   UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
The following table provides information regarding A&F’s purchases of its Common Stock during the thirteen-week period ended May 1, 2010:
                                 
                    Total Number of        
    Total             Shares Purchased     Maximum Number of  
    Number of     Average     as Part of Publicly     Shares that May Yet be  
    Shares     Price Paid     Announced Plans     Purchased under the  
Period (Fiscal Month)   Purchased (1)     per Share (2)     or Programs (3)     Plans or Programs (4)  
January 31, 2010 through February 27, 2010
    5,931     $ 35.30             11,346,900  
 
                               
February 28, 2010 through April 3, 2010
    101,658     $ 42.79             11,346,900  
 
                               
April 4, 2010 through May 1, 2010
    456     $ 48.06             11,346,900  
 
                       
 
                               
Total
    108,045     $ 42.41             11,346,900  
 
                       
     
(1)   The shares of A&F’s Common Stock purchased during the quarterly period (thirteen-week period) ended May 1, 2010 represented an aggregate of 108,045 shares which were withheld for tax payments due upon the vesting of employee restricted stock unit and restricted stock awards.
 
(2)   The average price paid per share includes broker commissions, as applicable.
 
(3)   There were no shares purchased pursuant to A&F’s publicly announced stock repurchase authorizations during the quarterly period (thirteen-week period) ended May 1, 2010. On August 16, 2005, A&F announced the August 15, 2005 authorization by A&F’s Board of Directors to repurchase 6.0 million shares of A&F’s Common Stock. On November 21, 2007, A&F announced the November 20, 2007 authorization by A&F’s Board of Directors to repurchase 10.0 million shares of A&F’s Common Stock, in addition to the approximately 2.0 million shares of A&F’s Common Stock which remained available under the August 2005 authorization as of November 20, 2007.
 
(4)   The number shown represents, as of the end of each period, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may yet be purchased under A&F’s publicly announced stock repurchase authorizations described in footnote 3 above. The shares may be purchased, from time to time, depending on market conditions.

 

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ITEM 6.   EXHIBITS
(a) Exhibits
         
  4.1    
Supplement No. 1 dated as of May 26, 2010, executed by AFH Puerto Rico LLC and PNC Bank, National Association (as successor by merger to National City Bank), as Global Agent, to the Guaranty of Payment (Domestic Credit Parties), dated as of April 15, 2008, among Abercrombie & Fitch Co.; each direct and indirect Domestic Subsidiary (as defined in the Guaranty of Payment) other than Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co.; and PNC Bank, National Association (as successor by merger to National City Bank), as Global Agent*
       
 
  10.1    
Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement, made and entered into on April 12, 2010, by and between Abercrombie & Fitch Co. and Michael S. Jeffries, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Abercrombie & Fitch Co.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed April 13, 2010 (File No. 001-12107)
       
 
  10.2    
Aircraft Time Sharing Agreement, made and entered into to be effective as of June 1, 2010, by and between Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co., as Lessor, and Michael S. Jeffries, as Lessee, and consented to by DFZ, LLC, as Owner*
       
 
  10.3    
Summary of Compensation Structure for Non-Associate Members of Board of Directors of Abercrombie & Fitch Co., effective February 23, 2010*
       
 
  15    
Letter re: Unaudited Interim Financial Information to Securities and Exchange Commission re:
       
Inclusion of Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm — PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.*
       
 
  31.1    
Certifications by Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
       
 
  31.2    
Certifications by Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
       
 
  32    
Certifications by Principal Executive Officer and Principal 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.

 

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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 thereunto duly authorized.
         
  ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
 
 
Date: June 8, 2010  By:   /s/ JONATHAN E. RAMSDEN    
    Jonathan E. Ramsden   
    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Authorized Officer) 
 

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX
         
Exhibit No.   Document
       
 
  4.1    
Supplement No. 1 dated as of May 26, 2010, executed by AFH Puerto Rico LLC and PNC Bank, National Association (as successor by merger to National City Bank), as Global Agent, to the Guaranty of Payment (Domestic Credit Parties), dated as of April 15, 2008, among Abercrombie & Fitch Co.; each direct and indirect Domestic Subsidiary (as defined in the Guaranty of Payment) other than Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co.; and PNC Bank, National Association (as successor by merger to National City Bank), as Global Agent*
       
 
  10.1    
Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement, made and entered into on April 12, 2010, by and between Abercrombie & Fitch Co. and Michael S. Jeffries, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Abercrombie & Fitch Co.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed April 13, 2010 (File No. 001-12107).
       
 
  10.2    
Aircraft Time Sharing Agreement, made and entered into to be effective as of June 1, 2010, by and between Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co., as Lessor, and Michael S. Jeffries, as Lessee, and consented to by DFZ, LLC, as Owner*
       
 
  10.3    
Summary of Compensation Structure for Non-Associate Members of Board of Directors of Abercrombie & Fitch Co., effective February 23, 2010*
       
 
  15    
Letter re: Unaudited Interim Financial Information to Securities and Exchange Commission re: Inclusion of Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
       
 
  31.1    
Certifications by Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
       
 
  31.2    
Certifications by Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
       
 
  32    
Certifications by Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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