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 October 30, 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).) þ 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 December 3, 2010
     
$.01 Par Value   87,846,242 Shares
 
 

 

 


 

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
         
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 Exhibit 15
 Exhibit 31.1
 Exhibit 31.2
 Exhibit 32
 EX-101 INSTANCE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 SCHEMA DOCUMENT
 EX-101 CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT

 

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
                                 
    Thirteen Weeks Ended     Thirty-nine Weeks Ended  
    October 30,     October 31,     October 30,     October 31,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
NET SALES
  $ 885,778     $ 753,684     $ 2,319,381     $ 1,992,635  
Cost of Goods Sold
    321,346       270,597       838,186       703,579  
 
                       
GROSS PROFIT
    564,432       483,087       1,481,195       1,289,056  
Stores and Distribution Expense
    385,135       349,362       1,104,027       1,011,968  
Marketing, General and Administrative Expense
    102,612       87,867       294,450       260,878  
Other Operating Income, Net
    (1,692 )     (1,609 )     (4,507 )     (6,266 )
 
                       
OPERATING INCOME
    78,377       47,467       87,225       22,476  
Interest Expense (Income), Net
    671       461       2,303       (2,691 )
 
                       
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAXES
    77,706       47,006       84,922       25,167  
Tax Expense (Benefit) from Continuing Operations
    27,666       (2,217 )     27,232       7,239  
 
                       
NET INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
  $ 50,040     $ 49,223     $ 57,690     $ 17,928  
 
                       
LOSS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, Net of Tax
  $     $ (10,439 )   $     $ (65,131 )
 
                       
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 50,040     $ 38,784     $ 57,690     $ (47,203 )
 
                       
NET INCOME PER SHARE FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS:
                               
BASIC
  $ 0.57     $ 0.56     $ 0.65     $ 0.20  
 
                       
DILUTED
  $ 0.56     $ 0.55     $ 0.64     $ 0.20  
 
                       
NET LOSS PER SHARE FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
                               
BASIC
  $     $ (0.12 )   $     $ (0.74 )
 
                       
DILUTED
  $     $ (0.12 )   $     $ (0.74 )
 
                       
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE:
                               
BASIC
  $ 0.57     $ 0.44     $ 0.65     $ (0.54 )
 
                       
DILUTED
  $ 0.56     $ 0.44     $ 0.64     $ (0.54 )
 
                       
WEIGHTED-AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING:
                               
BASIC
    88,236       87,943       88,184       87,839  
DILUTED
    90,069       88,730       89,731       87,839  
 
                       
DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER SHARE
  $ 0.175     $ 0.175     $ 0.525     $ 0.525  
 
                       
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                               
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
  $ 8,866     $ 1,639     $ 6,631     $ 9,640  
(Loss) gain on Marketable Securities, net of taxes of $543 and $(1,402) for the thirteen week periods ended October 30, 2010 and October 31 2009, respectively, and $(1,422) and $193 for the thirty-nine week periods ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009, respectively
    (925 )     2,387       2,421       (328 )
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative financial instruments, net of taxes of $1,170 and $(1,088) for the thirteen week periods ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009, respectively, and $846 and $1,586 for the thirty-nine week periods ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009, respectively
    (1,991 )     1,840       (1,438 )     (2,699 )
 
                       
Other Comprehensive Income
  $ 5,950     $ 5,866     $ 7,614     $ 6,613  
 
                       
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 55,990     $ 44,650     $ 65,304     $ (40,590 )
 
                       
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)
                 
    October 30, 2010     January 30, 2010  
ASSETS
               
 
               
CURRENT ASSETS:
               
Cash and Equivalents
  $ 618,222     $ 680,113  
Marketable Securities
          32,356  
Receivables
    82,264       90,865  
Inventories
    511,821       310,645  
Deferred Income Taxes
    69,943       44,570  
Other Current Assets
    83,849       77,297  
 
           
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
    1,366,099       1,235,846  
 
               
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
    1,220,103       1,244,019  
 
               
NON-CURRENT MARKETABLE SECURITIES
    124,837       141,794  
 
               
OTHER ASSETS
    211,738       200,207  
 
           
 
               
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 2,922,777     $ 2,821,866  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
 
               
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Accounts Payable
  $ 202,044     $ 150,134  
Accrued Expenses
    242,835       246,289  
Deferred Lease Credits
    43,336       43,597  
Income Taxes Payable
    57,096       9,352  
 
           
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
    545,311       449,372  
 
               
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
               
Deferred Income Taxes
    47,178       47,142  
Deferred Lease Credits
    202,596       212,052  
Long-Term Debt
    81,670       71,213  
Other Liabilities
    199,191       214,170  
 
           
TOTAL LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
    530,635       544,577  
 
               
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
               
Class A Common Stock — $0.01 par value: 150,000 shares authorized and 103,300 shares issued at each of October 30, 2010 and January 30, 2010
    1,033       1,033  
Paid-In Capital
    345,975       339,453  
Retained Earnings
    2,195,096       2,183,690  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, net of tax
    (1,359 )     (8,973 )
Treasury Stock, at Average Cost - 15,489 and 15,314 shares at October 30, 2010 and January 30, 2010, respectively
    (693,914 )     (687,286 )
 
           
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    1,846,831       1,827,917  
 
           
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 2,922,777     $ 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)
                 
    Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended  
    October 30, 2010     October 31, 2009  
 
               
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net Income (Loss)
  $ 57,690     $ (47,203 )
 
               
Impact of Other Operating Activities on Cash Flows:
               
Depreciation and Amortization
    167,756       178,693  
Loss on Disposal / Write-off of Assets
    2,702       8,818  
Non-Cash Charge for Asset Impairment
    2,247       51,536  
Amortization of Deferred Lease Credits
    (34,744 )     (34,726 )
Share-Based Compensation
    30,136       26,615  
Tax Deficiency from Share-Based Compensation
    (1,770 )     (6,199 )
Deferred Taxes
    (23,135 )     (31,722 )
Lessor Construction Allowances
    26,769       29,205  
Changes in Assets and Liabilities:
               
Inventories
    (200,362 )     26,919  
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
    28,877       36,942  
Income Taxes
    47,731       (7,626 )
Other Assets and Liabilities
    (26,444 )     (60,378 )
 
           
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
    77,453       170,874  
 
               
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Capital Expenditures
    (116,965 )     (144,537 )
Purchase of Trust-Owned Life Insurance Policies
    (11,583 )     (9,789 )
Proceeds from Sales of Marketable Securities
    64,917       40,350  
 
           
NET CASH USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES
    (63,631 )     (113,976 )
 
               
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from Share-Based Compensation
    5,985       1,687  
Repayment of Borrowings under Credit Agreement
          (100,000 )
Proceeds from Borrowings under Credit Agreement
          48,056  
Change in Outstanding Checks and Other
    (7,356 )     (20,372 )
Dividends Paid
    (46,285 )     (46,104 )
Purchase of Treasury Shares
    (29,207 )      
 
           
NET CASH USED FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES
    (76,863 )     (116,733 )
 
               
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATES ON CASH
    1,150       4,600  
 
           
 
               
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND EQUIVALENTS:
    (61,891 )     (55,235 )
Cash and Equivalents, Beginning of Period
    680,113       522,122  
 
           
 
               
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD
  $ 618,222     $ 466,887  
 
           
 
               
SIGNIFICANT NON-CASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Change in Accrual for Construction in Progress
  $ 17,479     $ (7,319 )
 
           
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.
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 October 30, 2010 and for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009 are unaudited and are presented pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. 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.
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 Loss from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2009. Results from discontinued operations were immaterial for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010.
The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of October 30, 2010 and for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 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, as amended (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 follows:
Net Sales:
Net sales includes net 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     Thirty-nine Weeks Ended  
(in thousands):   October 30, 2010     October 31, 2009     October 30, 2010     October 31, 2009  
United States
  $ 721,705     $ 665,953     $ 1,903,082     $ 1,773,916  
International
    164,073       87,731       416,299       218,719  
 
                       
Total
  $ 885,778     $ 753,684     $ 2,319,381     $ 1,992,635  
 
                       
 
                               
Long-Lived Assets:
                               
                                 
(in thousands):   October 30, 2010     January 30, 2010                  
United States
  $ 1,054,478     $ 1,137,844                  
International
    274,489       194,461                  
 
                           
Total
  $ 1,328,967     $ 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 $10.2 million and $30.1 million for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended October 30, 2010, respectively, and $9.3 million and $26.6 million for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended October 31, 2009, respectively. The Company also recognized $3.7 million and $10.8 million in tax benefits related to share-based compensation for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended October 30, 2010, respectively, and $3.4 million and $9.8 million in tax benefits related to share-based compensation for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended October 31, 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 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 October 30, 2010, the “pool of windfall tax benefits” account had a balance of $83.3 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 award forfeitures and for changes to the estimate of expected forfeitures based on historical forfeiture experience. The adjustments for forfeitures were credits of $4.1 million and $3.3 million during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009, respectively.
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 October 30, 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 have sufficient shares available in stockholder-approved plans at the time of settlement.
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 using 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 thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010. The weighted-average estimated fair value of stock options granted during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2009, and the weighted-average assumptions used in calculating such fair value, on the date of grant, were as follows:
         
    Thirty-nine  
    Weeks Ended  
    October 31,  
    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 thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010:
                                 
            Weighted-             Weighted-Average  
    Number of     Average     Aggregate     Remaining  
Stock Options   Shares     Exercise Price     Intrinsic Value     Contractual Life  
Outstanding at January 30, 2010
    2,969,861     $ 38.36                  
Granted
                           
Exercised
    (224,016 )     28.19                  
Forfeited or cancelled
    (84,750 )     69.11                  
 
                           
 
                               
Outstanding at October 30, 2010
    2,661,095     $ 38.22     $ 31,682,136       2.9  
 
                       
 
                               
Stock options exercisable at October 30, 2010
    2,422,582     $ 35.89     $ 30,201,366       2.4  
 
                       
 
                               
Stock options expected to become exercisable at October 30, 2010
    224,582     $ 62.08     $ 1,376,608       7.4  
 
                       
The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010 was $2.7 million and was immaterial for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2009.
The grant date fair value of stock options vested during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009 was $3.8 million and $5.1 million, respectively.
As of October 30, 2010, there was $2.4 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 0.7 years.

 

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Stock Appreciation Rights
The weighted-average estimated fair value of stock appreciation rights granted during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009, and the weighted-average assumptions used in calculating such fair value, on the date of grant, were as follows:
                                                 
    Thirty-nine Weeks Ended  
    Chairman and Chief              
    Executive Officer     Other Executive Officers     All Other Associates  
    October 30,     October 31,     October 30,     October 31,     October 30,     October 31,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009     2010     2009  
Grant date market price
  $ 44.86     $ 28.42     $ 44.86     $ 25.77     $ 44.28     $ 25.72  
Exercise price
  $ 44.86     $ 32.99     $ 44.86     $ 25.77     $ 44.28     $ 25.72  
Fair value
  $ 16.96     $ 9.67     $ 16.99     $ 10.06     $ 16.49     $ 9.84  
Assumptions:
                                               
Price volatility
    50 %     47 %     51 %     52 %     53 %     53 %
Expected term (Years)
    4.7       5.6       4.5       4.5       4.1       4.1  
Risk-free interest rate
    2.3 %     2.5 %     2.3 %     1.6 %     2.0 %     1.6 %
Dividend yield
    2.1 %     2.4 %     2.1 %     1.7 %     2.1 %     1.7 %
Below is a summary of stock appreciation rights activity for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 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
    302,100       44.28                  
Exercised
    (40,850 )     25.73                  
Forfeited or cancelled
    (123,475 )     26.36                  
 
                           
 
                               
Outstanding at October 30, 2010
    7,191,339     $ 34.00     $ 70,316,047       6.1  
 
                       
 
                               
Stock appreciation rights exercisable at October 30, 2010
    402,241     $ 30.79     $ 4,853,066       6.8  
 
                       
 
                               
Stock appreciation rights expected to become exercisable at October 30, 2010
    6,651,145     $ 34.10     $ 64,689,708       6.0  
 
                       
The total intrinsic value of stock appreciation rights exercised during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010 was immaterial.

 

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The grant date fair value of stock appreciation rights vested during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010 was $5.0 million.
As of October 30, 2010, there was $58.0 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 1.6 years.
Restricted Stock Units
Below is a summary of restricted stock unit activity for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010:
                 
            Weighted-Average  
            Grant Date Fair  
Restricted Stock Units   Number of Shares     Value  
Non-vested at January 30, 2010
    1,331,048     $ 55.45  
Granted
    423,886       41.36  
Vested
    (394,084 )     59.54  
Forfeited
    (176,231 )     52.03  
 
           
Non-vested at October 30, 2010
    1,184,619     $ 49.52  
 
           
The total fair value of restricted stock units granted during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009 was $17.5 million and $11.0 million, respectively.
The total grant date fair value of restricted stock units vested during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009 was $23.5 million and $25.5 million, respectively.
As of October 30, 2010, there was $34.5 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 1.1 years.
4. NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE
Net income (loss) per basic share is computed based on the weighted-average number of outstanding shares of Common Stock. Net income (loss) per diluted share includes the weighted-average dilutive effect of stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units outstanding.
Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding and Anti-dilutive Shares (in thousands):
                                 
    Thirteen Weeks Ended     Thirty-nine Weeks Ended  
    October 30,
2010
    October 31,
2009
    October 30,
2010
    October 31,
2009
 
Shares of Common Stock issued
    103,300       103,300       103,300       103,300  
Treasury shares
    (15,064 )     (15,357 )     (15,116 )     (15,461 )
 
                       
Weighted-Average — basic shares
    88,236       87,943       88,184       87,839  
 
                               
Dilutive effect of stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units
    1,833       787       1,547        
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted-Average — diluted shares
    90,069       88,730       89,731       87,839  
 
                       
 
                               
Anti-dilutive shares
    6,848 (1)     4,548 (1)     5,491 (1)     10,113 (2)
 
                       
     
(1)   Reflects the number of stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units oustanding, but excluded from the computation of net income per diluted share because the impact would be anti-dilutive.
 
(2)   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
Cash and equivalents consisted of (in thousands):
                 
    October 30, 2010     January 30, 2010  
Cash and equivalents:
               
Cash
  $ 191,274     $ 196,496  
Money market funds
    426,948       483,617  
 
           
Total cash and equivalents
  $ 618,222     $ 680,113  
 
           
6. INVESTMENTS
Investments consisted of (in thousands):
                 
    October 30, 2010     January 30, 2010  
 
               
Marketable securities — Current:
               
Trading securities:
               
Auction rate securities — UBS — student loan backed
  $     $ 20,049  
Auction rate securities — UBS — municipal authority bonds
          12,307  
 
           
Total trading securities
          32,356  
 
               
Marketable securities — Non-Current:
               
 
               
Available-for-sale securities:
               
Auction rate securities — student loan backed
    100,978       118,390  
Auction rate securities — municipal authority bonds
    23,859       23,404  
 
           
Total available-for-sale securities
    124,837       141,794  
 
               
Rabbi Trust assets: (1)
               
Money market funds
    445       1,316  
Municipal notes and bonds
    12,024       18,537  
Trust-owned life insurance policies (at cash surrender value)
    64,788       51,391  
 
           
Total Rabbi Trust assets
    77,257       71,244  
 
           
Total investments
  $ 202,094     $ 245,394  
 
           
     
(1)   Rabbi Trust assets are included in Other Assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and are restricted as to their use.

 

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At October 30, 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 municipal authority bonds, with maturities ranging from 15 to 32 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.
The par and carrying values, and related cumulative temporary impairment charges for the Company’s marketable securities as of October 30, 2010 were as follows:
                         
            Temporary     Carrying  
(in thousands)   Par Value     Impairment     Value  
 
                       
Available-for-sale securities:
                       
Auction rate securities — student loan backed
  $ 106,649     $ (5,671 )   $ 100,978  
Auction rate securities — municipal authority bonds
    28,575       (4,716 )     23,859  
 
                 
Total available-for-sale securities
  $ 135,224     $ (10,387 )   $ 124,837  
 
                 
See Note 7, “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. The Company has not incurred any credit-related losses on available-for-sale ARS and furthermore, 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 with a par value of $76.5 million. Pursuant to the UBS Agreement, the remaining ARS covered by the UBS Agreement, $37.1 million at par, were acquired by UBS during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010.
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 municipal notes and bonds held in the Rabbi Trust were not material for the thirteen or thirty-nine week periods ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009. The change in cash surrender value of the trust-owned life insurance policies held in the Rabbi Trust resulted in realized gains of $0.7 million for the thirteen weeks ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009 and realized gains of $1.8 million and $5.0 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009, respectively, recorded as Interest Expense (Income), Net on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

 

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7. 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 October 30, 2010  
    (in thousands)  
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
ASSETS:
                               
Money market funds(1)
  $ 427,393     $     $     $ 427,393  
ARS — available-for-sale — student loan backed
                100,978       100,978  
ARS — available-for-sale — municipal authority bonds
                23,859       23,859  
Municipal notes and bonds held in the Rabbi Trust
    12,024                   12,024  
 
                       
Total assets measured at fair value
  $ 439,417     $     $ 124,837     $ 564,254  
 
                       
LIABILITIES:
                               
Derivative financial instruments
          2,130             2,130  
 
                       
Total liabilities measured at fair value
  $     $ 2,130     $     $ 2,130  
 
                       
     
(1)   Includes $426.9 million in money market funds included in Cash and Equivalents and $0.4 million of money market funds held in the Rabbi Trust included in Other Assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
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 include investments in insured student loan backed ARS and insured municipal authority bonds ARS which are available-for-sale.
As a result of a lack of liquidity in the current ARS market, the Company measures 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 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.

 

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As of October 30, 2010, approximately 70% of the Company’s ARS were “AAA” rated, approximately 17% were “AA” rated, and approximately 13% were “A-” rated, in each case as rated by one or more of the major credit rating agencies.
The table below includes a roll-forward of the Company’s level 3 assets and liabilities from January 30, 2010 to October 30, 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-     Available-              
    Trading     Trading     for-sale     for-sale              
    ARS -     ARS -     ARS -     ARS -              
    Student     Muni     Student     Muni              
(in thousands)   Loans     Bonds     Loans     Bonds     Put Option     Total  
Fair value, January 30, 2010
  $ 20,049     $ 12,307     $ 118,390     $ 23,404     $ 4,640     $ 178,790  
Redemptions
    (22,100 )     (15,000 )     (21,450 )           (4,640 )     (63,190 )
Tranfers (out)/in
                                   
Gains and (losses), net:
                                               
Reported in Net Income
    2,051       2,693                           4,744  
Reported in Other Comprehensive Income
                4,038       455             4,493  
 
                                   
Fair value, October 30, 2010
  $     $     $ 100,978     $ 23,859     $     $ 124,837  
 
                                   
8. 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 expected future permanent markdowns 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 expected future permanent markdowns necessary to sell through any remaining carryover inventory from the season then ending. The valuation reserve was $34.3 million, $11.4 million and $40.6 million at October 30, 2010, January 30, 2010 and October 31, 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 $2.9 million, $8.1 million and $10.6 million at October 30, 2010, January 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009, respectively.
The inventory balance, net of the above mentioned reserves, was $511.8 million, $310.6 million and $347.2 million at October 30, 2010, January 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009, respectively.

 

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9. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Property and equipment, net, consisted of (in thousands):
                 
    October 30, 2010     January 30, 2010  
Property and equipment, at cost
  $ 2,492,467     $ 2,362,492  
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (1,272,364 )     (1,118,473 )
 
           
 
               
Property and equipment, net
  $ 1,220,103     $ 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.
In the second quarter of Fiscal 2010, as a result of a strategic review of under-performing stores, the Company determined that a number of stores were likely to be closed prior to lease expiration, which caused a triggering event requiring the Company to evaluate the related long-lived assets for impairment. Associated with these expected closures, the Company incurred a non-cash, pre-tax asset impairment charge of $2.2 million, included in stores and distribution expense for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010.
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 $16.7 million and $19.3 million on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at July 31, 2010 and January 30, 2010, respectively.
10. 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):
                 
    October 30, 2010     January 30, 2010  
Deferred lease credits
  $ 568,141     $ 546,191  
Amortized deferred lease credits
    (322,209 )     (290,542 )
 
           
Total deferred lease credits, net
  $ 245,932     $ 255,649  
 
           

 

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11. 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 October 30, 2010. The effective tax rate for continuing operations for the thirteen weeks ended October 30, 2010 was a 35.6% expense compared to a 4.7% benefit for the Fiscal 2009 comparable period. The effective tax rate for continuing operations for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010 was a 32.1% expense compared to a 28.8% expense for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2009. The third quarter 2009 rate was favorably impacted by a true up in the year-to-date tax rate of $18.6 million, along with a benefit of $2.2 million from the settlement of state tax audits.
Cash payments of income taxes made during the thirteen weeks ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009 were approximately $11.8 million and $3.2 million, respectively. Cash payments of income taxes made during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009 were approximately $29.7 million and $22.0 million, respectively.
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, while some have an indefinite carry forward period. As of October 30, 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 that the full amount of the net deferred tax assets will be realized in the future.
12. 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 October 30, 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

 

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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 1.75 to 1.00 at October 30, 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 consecutive 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 consecutive 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 October 30, 2010.
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 $7.7 million and $35.9 million were outstanding on October 30, 2010 and January 30, 2010, respectively. Stand-by letters of credit totaling approximately $2.9 million and $14.1 million were outstanding on October 30, 2010 and January 30, 2010, respectively. The stand-by letters of credit are set to expire primarily during the third quarter of Fiscal 2011. To date, no beneficiary has drawn upon the stand-by letters of credit.
The Company had $57.2 million and $50.9 million outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement as of October 30, 2010, and January 30, 2010, respectively. The amounts outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement as of October 30, 2010 and January 30, 2010 were denominated in Japanese Yen. As of October 30, 2010 and January 30, 2010, the Company also had $24.5 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 October 30, 2010, the carrying value of the Company’s long-term debt approximated fair value. Total interest expense was $1.9 million and $1.8 million for the thirteen week periods ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009, respectively, and $5.7 million and $4.6 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009, respectively. The average interest rate for the long-term debt recorded under the Amended Credit Agreement was 2.7% for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended October 30, 2010.
On March 6, 2009, the Company entered a secured, uncommitted demand line of credit (the “UBS Credit Line”). The amount available under the UBS Credit Line was subject to adjustment from time-to-time based on the market value of the Company’s UBS ARS as determined by UBS. As a result of UBS acquiring the remaining UBS ARS originally purchased by the Company through UBS and described further in Note 6, “Investments”, the UBS Credit Line was terminated during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010.

 

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13. DERIVATIVES
The Company is exposed to risks associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates and uses derivatives, primarily forward contracts, to manage the financial impacts of these exposures. As of October 30, 2010 and January 30, 2010, all outstanding derivative instruments were designated as hedges and all but one 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 Income (“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 the 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 of cash flow hedges during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010. There was no gain or loss reclassified into earnings during the thirteen weeks ended October 30, 2010.
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 intercompany 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 October 30, 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 Income (Loss).

 

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Substantially all of the remaining unrealized gains or losses related to foreign-currency-denominated inter-company inventory sales that have occurred as of October 30, 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 October 30, 2010, the Company had the following outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts that were entered to hedge either a portion of forecasted foreign-currency-denominated inter-company inventory sales, the resulting settlement of the foreign-currency-denominated inter-company accounts receivable, or both:
         
    Notional Amount(1)  
Canadian Dollar
  $ 9,942  
British Pound
  $ 35,163  
Euro
  $ 16,203  
Japanese Yen
  $ 8,694  
     
(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 October 30, 2010 and January 30, 2010 were as follows:
                                         
        Asset Derivatives         Liability Derivatives  
    Balance Sheet   October 30,     January 30,     Balance Sheet   October 30,     January 30,  
(in thousands)   Location   2010     2010     Location   2010     2010  
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
                                       
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts
  Other Current Assets   $     $ 1,348     Accrued Expenses   $ 2,130     $  
 
                               
Refer to Note 7, “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 October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009 on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) are as follows:
                                                                 
                                            Location of Gain        
                    Location of Gain                     Recognized in        
                    (Loss)                     Earnings on        
                    Reclassified from                     Derivative        
                    Accumulated                     (Ineffective     Amount of Gain Recognized  
    Amount of (Loss) Gain     OCI into     Amount of Gain (Loss)     Portion and     in Earnings on Derivative  
    Recognized in OCI on     Earnings     Reclassified from     Amount Excluded     (Ineffective Portion and  
    Derivative Contracts     (Effective     Accumulated OCI into     from Effectiveness     Amount Excluded from  
    (Effective Portion)     Portion)     Earnings (Effective Portion)     Testing)     Effectiveness Testing)  
    (a)           (b)           (c)  
    Thirteen Weeks Ended  
    October 30,     October 31,             October 30,     October 31,             October 30,     October 31,  
(in thousands)   2010     2009             2010     2009             2010     2009  
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
                                                               
 
 
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts
  $ (1,574 )   $ 742     Cost of
Goods Sold
  $ 1,587     $ (2,178 )   Other Operating
Income, Net
  $ 27     $ 17  
 
                                                   
                                                                 
    Thirty-nine Weeks Ended  
    October 30,     October 31,             October 30,     October 31,             October 30,     October 31,  
(in thousands)   2010     2009             2010     2009             2010     2009  
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
                                                               
 
 
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts
  $ (94 )   $ (5,420 )   Cost of
Goods Sold
  $ 2,190     $ (1,135 )   Other Operating
Income, Net
  $ 155     $ 19  
 
                                                   
     
(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 October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009.
14. 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 Loss from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2009. Results from discontinued operations were immaterial for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010.
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 October 30, 2010 related to the closure of RUEHL branded stores and related direct-to-consumer operations (in millions):
         
    Thirty-nine Weeks Ended  
    October 30, 2010  
 
 
Beginning Balance
  $ 46.1  
Interest Accretion / Other, Net
    (0.1 )
Cash Payments
    (20.8 )
 
     
Ending Balance(1)
  $ 25.2  
 
     
     
(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 termination agreement exists, less estimated sublease income. As of October 30, 2010, there were $19.6 million of lease termination charges recorded as a current liability in Accrued Expenses and $5.6 million of lease termination charges recorded as a long-term liability in Other Liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

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15. 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, averaged over the last 36 consecutive full calendar months ending before the CEO’s retirement. The Company recorded net expense of $0.5 million and $2.4 million for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010, respectively, associated with the SERP. The Company recorded income of $0.4 million and $0.5 million for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2009, respectively, associated with the SERP.
The expense for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010, included an expense of $2.1 million to correct a cumulative under-accrual of the SERP relating to prior periods, primarily Fiscal 2008. The Company does not believe this correction was material to the periods affected.
16. 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 sought 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 then continued 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, 2010 trial date previously set by the Court. On July 20, 2010, the trial court vacated the trial date and the defendants then moved to decertify the putative class.

 

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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 alleged 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 sought 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, 2010, the parties reached an agreement in principle to settle the consolidated cases as a class action, subject to Court approval. On September 24, 2010, the District Court approved the settlement and dismissed the class action. The dismissal has now become final.
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 argued and is awaiting decision. 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 pending matters vigorously, as appropriate. The Company is unable to quantify the potential exposure of the aforesaid pending 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.

 

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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 October 30, 2010 and the related condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for each of the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009 and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the thirty-nine week periods ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 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
December 7, 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 and direct-to-consumer operations 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 third quarter of Fiscal 2010, net sales increased 18% to $885.8 million from $753.7 million for the third quarter of Fiscal 2009. Operating income was $78.4 million for the third quarter of Fiscal 2010 compared to $47.5 million for the third quarter of Fiscal 2009. The Company had net income of $50.0 million for the third quarter of Fiscal 2010 compared to net income of $38.8 million for the third quarter of Fiscal 2009. Net income per diluted share was $0.56 for the third quarter of Fiscal 2010 compared to net income per basic and diluted share of $0.44 for the third quarter of Fiscal 2009. Fiscal 2009 third quarter net income per basic and diluted share included a benefit of $0.21 per basic and diluted share associated with the true up of the year-to-date tax rate and a net loss of $0.12 per basic and diluted share from discontinued operations. Results from discontinued operations were immaterial for the third quarter of Fiscal 2010.
During the Fiscal 2010 year-to-date period, net sales increased 16% to $2.319 billion from $1.993 billion for Fiscal 2009. Operating income was $87.2 million for the Fiscal 2010 year-to-date period compared to operating income of $22.5 million for Fiscal 2009. The Company had net income of $57.7 million for the Fiscal 2010 year-to-date period compared to a net loss of $47.2 million for Fiscal 2009. Net income per diluted share was $0.64 for the Fiscal 2010 year-to-date period compared to net loss per basic and diluted share of $0.54 for Fiscal 2009. Fiscal 2010 year-to-date net income per diluted share included a non-cash asset impairment charge associated with expected store closures of $0.02 per diluted share. Fiscal 2009 year-to-date net loss per basic and diluted share included a net loss of $0.74 per basic and diluted share from discontinued operations. Results from discontinued operations were immaterial for the Fiscal 2010 year-to-date period.

 

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Net cash provided by operating activities was $77.5 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010. The Company used $117.0 million of cash for capital expenditures, paid dividends totaling $46.3 million, and repurchased shares totaling $29.2 million during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010. As of October 30, 2010, the Company had $618.2 million in cash and equivalents and outstanding debt and letters of credit of $67.8 million, compared to $466.9 million in cash and equivalents and outstanding debt and letters of credit of $95.9 million as of October 31, 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 Income (Loss) for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009, expressed as a percentage of net sales:
                                 
    Thirteen Weeks Ended     Thirty-nine Weeks Ended  
    October 30,     October 31,     October 30,     October 31,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
NET SALES
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
 
 
Cost of Goods Sold
    36.3 %     35.9 %     36.1 %     35.3 %
 
                       
 
 
GROSS PROFIT
    63.7 %     64.1 %     63.9 %     64.7 %
 
 
Stores and Distribution Expense
    43.5 %     46.4 %     47.6 %     50.8 %
 
 
Marketing, General and Administrative Expense
    11.6 %     11.7 %     12.7 %     13.1 %
 
 
Other Operating Income, Net
    (0.2 )%     (0.2 )%     (0.2 )%     (0.3 )%
 
                       
 
 
OPERATING INCOME
    8.8 %     6.3 %     3.8 %     1.1 %
 
 
Interest Expense (Income), Net
    0.1 %     0.1 %     0.1 %     (0.1 )%
 
                       
 
 
Income from Continuing Operations before Taxes
    8.8 %     6.2 %     3.7 %     1.3 %
 
 
Tax Expense (Benefit) from Continuing Operations
    3.1 %     (0.3 )%     1.2 %     0.4 %
 
                       
 
 
Net Income from Continuing Operations
    5.6 %     6.5 %     2.5 %     0.9 %
 
                       
 
 
Net Loss from Discontinued Operations (net of taxes)
          (1.4 )%           (3.3 )%
 
                       
 
 
NET INCOME (LOSS)
    5.6 %     5.1 %     2.5 %     (2.4 )%
 
                       

 

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Financial Summary
The following summarized financial and statistical data compare the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended October 30, 2010 to the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended October 31, 2009:
                                 
    Thirteen Weeks Ended     Thirty-nine Weeks Ended  
    October 30, 2010     October 31, 2009     October 30, 2010     October 31, 2009  
 
                               
Net sales by brand (in millions)
  $ 885.8     $ 753.7     $ 2,319.4     $ 1,992.6  
 
                               
Abercrombie & Fitch
  $ 384.1     $ 324.3     $ 1,023.4     $ 874.2  
 
 
abercrombie
  $ 99.9     $ 90.8     $ 257.7     $ 231.4  
 
 
Hollister
  $ 392.5     $ 333.4     $ 1,012.9     $ 870.1  
 
 
Gilly Hicks
  $ 9.3     $ 5.2     $ 25.4     $ 16.9  
 
                               
Increase (decrease) in net sales from prior year
    18 %     (15 )%     16 %     (20 )%
 
                               
Abercrombie & Fitch
    18 %     (16 )%     17 %     (22 )%
 
 
abercrombie
    10 %     (17 )%     11 %     (23 )%
 
 
Hollister
    18 %     (13 )%     16 %     (18 )%
 
 
Gilly Hicks
    79 %     34 %     50 %     52 %
 
                               
Increase (decrease) in comparable store sales*
    7 %     (22 )%     5 %     (27 )%
 
                               
Abercrombie & Fitch
    8 %     (18 )%     7 %     (23 )%
 
 
abercrombie
    2 %     (22 )%     3 %     (28 )%
 
 
Hollister
    7 %     (26 )%     3 %     (30 )%
 
                               
Net store sales per average store (in thousands)
  $ 722     $ 624     $ 1,887     $ 1,653  
 
                               
Abercrombie & Fitch
  $ 987     $ 825     $ 2,608     $ 2,202  
 
 
abercrombie
  $ 425     $ 385     $ 1,098     $ 985  
 
 
Hollister
  $ 671     $ 595     $ 1,739     $ 1,571  
 
                               
Net store sales per average gross square foot
  $ 101     $ 88     $ 263     $ 233  
 
                               
Abercrombie & Fitch
  $ 110     $ 93     $ 291     $ 248  
 
 
abercrombie
  $ 90     $ 83     $ 233     $ 213  
 
 
Hollister
  $ 98     $ 87     $ 254     $ 232  
 
                               
Change in transactions per average store
    17 %     (9 )%     17 %     (19 )%
 
                               
Abercrombie & Fitch
    17 %     (10 )%     16 %     (19 )%
 
 
abercrombie
    12 %     (10 )%     14 %     (19 )%
 
 
Hollister
    16 %     (8 )%     17 %     (21 )%
 
                               
Change in average store transaction value
    (1 )%     (11 )%     (3 )%     (8 )%
 
                               
Abercrombie & Fitch
    2 %     (8 )%     2 %     (6 )%
 
 
abercrombie
    (1 )%     (10 )%     (3 )%     (8 )%
 
 
Hollister
    (2 )%     (13 )%     (5 )%     (7 )%

 

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    Thirteen Weeks Ended     Thirty-nine Weeks Ended  
    October 30, 2010     October 31, 2009     October 30, 2010     October 31, 2009  
 
                               
Change in average units per store transaction
    10 %     (2 )%     9 %     (3 )%
 
                               
Abercrombie & Fitch
    8 %     (3 )%     6 %     (4 )%
 
 
abercrombie
    14 %     (2 )%     11 %     (2 )%
 
 
Hollister
    9 %     (2 )%     10 %     (3 )%
 
                               
Change in average unit retail sold, including DTC
    (11 )%     (9 )%     (12 )%     (5 )%
 
                               
Abercrombie & Fitch
    (7 )%     (5 )%     (5 )%     (2 )%
 
 
abercrombie
    (14 )%     (7 )%     (13 )%     (6 )%
 
 
Hollister
    (11 )%     (10 )%     (14 )%     (4 )%
     
*   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
During the third quarter of Fiscal 2010, the Company continued to focus on the key long-term drivers of the business, and was pleased with the year over year progress it made in improving current operating results. The Company’s objective in Fiscal 2010 and subsequent years is to increase its operating margin back toward historical levels, which the Company believes will require a combination of the following factors:
First, returning gross margin toward historical levels. During the third quarter, the gross margin rate decreased 40 basis points primarily due to the 11% decrease in average unit retail, partially off-set by a reduction in average unit cost. The Company expects the near-term environment to remain challenging with regard to the gross margin rate. Cost pressures from raw materials and labor costs have increased throughout the year and transportation costs remain at high levels. At this point, the Company believes progress on gross margin will be challenging given limited visibility into sourcing costs beyond the first half of Fiscal 2011.
Second, improving average domestic store productivity levels, both through same store sales growth and as a result of the closure of underperforming stores. The Company expects to close approximately 65 domestic stores over the course of Fiscal 2010, predominantly at the end of the year. The majority of the closures will be by way of natural lease expirations and in the Abercrombie & Fitch and abercrombie kids brands. The Company also expects approximately 50 additional store closures during Fiscal 2011, also predominantly by way of natural lease expirations at the end of the year.
Third, achieving significantly profitable international growth. The Company continues with its plans for international store openings in Fiscal 2010 and is seeking to accelerate its international growth beyond that. Since the beginning of the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2010, the Company opened Abercrombie & Fitch flagship stores in Fukuoka, Japan and Copenhagen, Denmark, a Gilly Hicks store in the United Kingdom and a Hollister Epic store on Fifth Avenue in New York. The Company will open approximately 20 international mall-based Hollister stores in Fiscal 2010, 11 of which will be opened in the fourth quarter. In Fiscal 2011, the Company also plans to open Abercrombie & Fitch flagship stores in Paris, France and Madrid, Spain, and continues to work on further flagship opportunities in 2011 and beyond.
Fourth, sustaining strong growth rates in its direct-to-consumer business.
Fifth, improving the productivity of the 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.
Finally, maintaining tight control over expenses and seeking greater efficiencies in operations.
The Company ended the third quarter with total inventory at cost up 47% as compared to last year. The Company expects the year-over-year inventory increase to moderate towards a closer alignment with sales for the remainder of Fiscal 2010 and over the course of Fiscal 2011.
During Fiscal 2010, based on new store opening plans and other capital expenditures, the Company now expects total capital expenditures to be approximately $190 million, including approximately $140 million related to new stores, stores refreshes and remodels, and approximately $50 million related to information technology, distribution center and other home office projects.
For the remainder of Fiscal 2010, the Company will seek to sustain improvements in its operating results while continuing to focus on its long-term strategic objectives.

 

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THIRD QUARTER AND YEAR-TO-DATE RESULTS
Net Sales
Net sales for the third quarter of Fiscal 2010 were $885.8 million, an increase of 18% from net sales of $753.7 million during the third quarter of Fiscal 2009. The net sales increase was attributable to a 7% increase in comparable store sales, a 31% increase in the direct-to-consumer business, including shipping and handling revenue, and new stores, primarily international.
Comparable store sales by brand for the third quarter of Fiscal 2010 were as follows: Abercrombie & Fitch increased 8%, with women’s increasing by a mid single digit and men’s increasing by a low double digit. abercrombie kids increased 2%, with girls remaining flat and guys increasing by a mid single digit. Hollister increased 7%, with bettys increasing by a low single digit and dudes increasing by a low teen.
On a comparable store sales basis, the United Kingdom was 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.
For the third quarter of Fiscal 2010, across all brands, the masculine categories continued to out-pace the feminine categories. From a merchandise classification standpoint, for the male business, woven shirts, fleece, and active wear were stronger performing categories while jeans and graphics were the weaker performing categories. In the female business, woven shirts, fleece, and sweaters, were stronger performing categories while knit tops and graphics were weaker performing categories.
Direct-to-consumer net merchandise sales for the third quarter of Fiscal 2010 were $81.4 million, an increase of 32% from Fiscal 2009 third quarter direct-to-consumer net merchandise sales of $61.8 million. Shipping and handling revenue for the corresponding periods was $12.6 million in Fiscal 2010 and $9.9 million in Fiscal 2009. The direct-to-consumer business, including shipping and handling revenue, accounted for 10.6% of total net sales in the third quarter of Fiscal 2010 compared to 9.5% in the third quarter of Fiscal 2009.
Year-to-date net sales in Fiscal 2010 were $2.319 billion, an increase of 16% from net sales of $1.993 billion during the comparable period of Fiscal 2009. The net sales increase was attributable to a 5% increase in comparable store sales, a 39% increase in the direct-to-consumer business, including shipping and handling revenue, and new stores, primarily international.
Year-to-date comparable store sales by brand were as follows: Abercrombie & Fitch increased 7%; abercrombie increased 3%; and Hollister increased 3%.
Direct-to-consumer net merchandise sales for the Fiscal 2010 year-to-date period were $219.1 million, an increase of 40% from Fiscal 2009 year-to-date direct-to-consumer net merchandise sales of $156.3 million. Shipping and handling revenue for the corresponding periods was $34.9 million in Fiscal 2010 and $26.4 million in Fiscal 2009. The direct-to-consumer business, including shipping and handling revenue, accounted for 11.0% of total net sales in the Fiscal 2010 year-to-date period compared to 9.2% in the Fiscal 2009 year-to-date period.
Gross Profit
Gross profit for the third quarter of Fiscal 2010 was $564.4 million compared to $483.1 million for the comparable period in Fiscal 2009. The gross profit rate (gross profit divided by net sales) for the third quarter of Fiscal 2010 was 63.7%, down 40 basis points from the third quarter of Fiscal 2009 rate of 64.1%.

 

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The decrease in the gross profit rate for the third quarter of Fiscal 2010 was primarily driven by an 11% decrease in average unit retail, which was partially offset by a reduction in average unit cost.
Year-to-date gross profit for Fiscal 2010 was $1.481 billion compared to $1.289 billion for the comparable period in Fiscal 2009. The gross profit rate for the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2010 was 63.9%, down 80 basis points from the year-to-date Fiscal 2009 rate of 64.7%.
The decrease in the gross profit rate for the Fiscal 2010 year-to-date period was primarily driven by a 12% decrease in average unit retail, which was partially offset by a reduction in average unit cost.
Stores and Distribution Expense
Stores and distribution expense for the third quarter of Fiscal 2010 was $385.1 million compared to $349.4 million for the comparable period in Fiscal 2009. The stores and distribution expense rate (stores and distribution expense divided by net sales) for the third quarter of Fiscal 2010 was 43.5% compared to 46.4% in the third quarter of Fiscal 2009.
Stores and distribution expense for the Fiscal 2010 year-to-date period was $1.104 billion compared to $1.012 billion for the comparable period in Fiscal 2009. The stores and distribution expense rate for the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2010 was 47.6% compared to 50.8% for the Fiscal 2009 year-to-date period.
The decrease in stores and distribution expense rate for the third quarter of Fiscal 2010 and the Fiscal 2010 year-to-date period was primarily driven by lower store occupancy and payroll costs as a percentage of net sales.
Total direct-to-consumer expenses included in stores and distribution expense were $16.8 million and $42.5 million for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010, respectively. Total direct-to-consumer expenses included in stores and distribution expense were $13.2 million and $34.6 million for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2009, respectively.
Stores and distribution expense for the thirty-nine week period ended October 30, 2010 included a non-cash, pre-tax asset impairment charge associated with expected store closures of $2.2 million, or 0.1% of net sales.
Marketing, General and Administrative Expense
Marketing, general and administrative expense during the third quarter of Fiscal 2010 was $102.6 million compared to $87.9 million during the same period in Fiscal 2009, a 17% increase. For the third quarter of Fiscal 2010, the marketing, general and administrative expense rate (marketing, general and administrative expense divided by net sales) was 11.6% compared to 11.7% for the third quarter of Fiscal 2009.
The increase in marketing, general and administrative expense for the third quarter was primarily due to increases in compensation and benefits, including incentive and equity compensation, and the favorable impact of a $2.5 million insurance recovery in the prior year.
Marketing, general and administrative expense during the Fiscal 2010 year-to-date period was $294.5 million compared to $260.9 million during the same period in Fiscal 2009, a 13% increase. For the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2010, the marketing, general and administrative expense rate was 12.7% compared to 13.1% for the Fiscal 2009 year-to-date period.

 

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The increase in marketing, general and administrative expense for the Fiscal 2010 year-to-date period was primarily due to increases in compensation and benefits, including incentive and equity compensation, and increases in net outside service expense.
Other Operating Income, Net
Third quarter other operating income, net for Fiscal 2010 was $1.7 million compared to $1.6 million for the third quarter of Fiscal 2009.
Year-to-date other operating income, net for Fiscal 2010 was $4.5 million compared to $6.3 million for the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2009.
The decrease for the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2010 was driven primarily by lower net gains from foreign currency denominated transactions in the current period versus the comparable prior year period.
Interest Expense (Income), Net and Tax Expense (Benefit) from Continuing Operations
Third quarter interest expense was $1.9 million in Fiscal 2010, offset by interest income of $1.2 million, compared to interest expense of $1.8 million, offset by interest income of $1.4. million in the third quarter of Fiscal 2009.
Year-to-date interest expense was $5.7 million in Fiscal 2010, offset by interest income of $3.4 million, compared to interest income of $7.3 million, offset by interest expense of $4.6 million in the year-to-date period 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, additional borrowings under the unsecured amended credit agreement and higher fees associated with the unsecured amended credit agreement.
The effective tax rate for continuing operations for the thirteen weeks ended October 30, 2010 was a 35.6% expense compared to a benefit of 4.7% for the 2009 comparable period. The third quarter 2009 rate was favorably impacted by a benefit of $2.2 million from the settlement of state tax audits along with a true up for the difference between the year-to-date tax rate as of the second quarter and the third quarter year-to-date tax rate.
The effective tax rate for continuing operations for the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2010 was a 32.1% expense, compared to a 28.8% expense for the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2009.
On a full year basis, the Company expects the effective tax rate to be approximately 35%. The rate remains sensitive to the domestic/international profit mix and other factors.
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 Loss from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2009. Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, was $10.4 million and $65.1 million for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2009, respectively. Results from discontinued operations were immaterial for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010.
Refer to Note 14, “Discontinued Operations,” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

 

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Net Income (Loss) and Net Income (Loss) per Share
Net income for the third quarter of Fiscal 2010 was $50.0 million compared to net income of $38.8 million for the third quarter of Fiscal 2009. Net income per diluted share for the third quarter of Fiscal 2010 was $0.56 compared to net income per basic and diluted share of $0.44 for the same period of Fiscal 2009. Net income per basic and diluted share for the third quarter of Fiscal 2009 included a benefit of $0.21 per basic and diluted share associated with the true up of the year-to-date tax rate, as well as a net loss of $0.12 per basic and diluted share from discontinued operations.
Net income for the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2010 was $57.7 million compared to a net loss of $47.2 million for the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2009. Net income per diluted share for the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2010 was $0.64 compared to net loss per basic and diluted share of $0.54 for the same period of Fiscal 2009. Net loss per basic and diluted share for the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2009 included a net loss of $0.74 per basic and diluted share from discontinued operations. Net income per diluted share for the thirty-nine week period ended October 30, 2010 included a non-cash asset impairment charge associated with the expected store closures of $0.02 per diluted share.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company had $618.2 million in cash and equivalents available as of October 30, 2010, as well as an additional $292.8 million available (less outstanding letters of credit of $10.6 million) under its unsecured Amended Credit Agreement (as amended in June 2009), as described in Note 12, “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. The Company was in compliance with the applicable ratio requirements and other covenants at October 30, 2010. 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.
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $77.5 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $170.9 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2009. The reduction in cash provided by operating activities compared to Fiscal 2009 was driven primarily by an increase in inventory, partially offset by an increase in net income.
Investing Activities
Cash outflows for investing activities for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 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 store openings. For the thirty-nine week periods ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009, the Company also had cash outflows for investing activities related to the purchase of trust owned life insurance policies and cash inflows from investing activities related to proceeds from the sale of marketable securities.

 

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Financing Activities
Financing activities for the thirty-nine week period ended October 30, 2010 consisted of cash outflows of $46.3 million related to the payment of the $0.175 per share quarterly dividends on March 16, 2010, June 15, 2010, and September 14, 2010.
In addition, the Company repurchased 669,100 shares of A&F’s Common Stock for the thirteen weeks ended October 30, 2010. As of October 30, 2010, approximately 10.7 million shares were authorized 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.
The Company had $57.2 million and $50.9 million of debt outstanding under its unsecured Amended Credit Agreement on October 30, 2010 and January 30, 2010, respectively. The debt outstanding as of October 30, 2010 and January 30, 2010 was denominated in Japanese Yen. The average interest rate for the thirty-nine weeks ended was 2.7%. As of October 30, 2010, the Company had an additional $292.8 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 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 1.75 to 1.00 at October 30, 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 consecutive 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 consecutive 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 October 30, 2010.
The unsecured Amended Credit Agreement is more fully described in Note 12, “Long-Term Debt,” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Trade letters of credit totaling approximately $7.7 million and $35.9 million were outstanding on October 30, 2010 and January 30, 2010, respectively. Stand-by letters of credit totaling approximately $2.9 million and $14.1 million were outstanding on October 30, 2010 and January 30, 2010, respectively. The stand-by letters of credit are set to expire primarily during the third quarter of Fiscal 2011. To date, no beneficiary has drawn upon the stand-by letters of credit.

 

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of October 30, 2010, the Company did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
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 thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010, changes to the contractual obligations from those as of January 30, 2010 included the payment of $20.8 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 October 30, 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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Third Quarter Store Count and Gross Square Feet
Store count and gross square footage by brand for the thirteen weeks ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009, respectively, were as follows:
                                         
    Abercrombie & Fitch     abercrombie     Hollister     Gilly Hicks     Total  
 
                                       
Store Activity
                                       
July 31, 2010
    345       206       530       17       1,098  
New
    2       1       7               10  
Remodels/Conversions (net activity)
          (2 )                 (2 )
Closed
                             
 
                             
 
                                       
October 30, 2010
    347       205       537       17       1,106  
 
                             
 
                                       
Gross Square Feet (thousands)
                                       
 
                                       
July 31, 2010
    3,097       976       3,629       166       7,868  
New
    15       6       54               75  
Remodels/Conversions (net activity)
    6       (10 )     1             (3 )
Closed
                             
 
                             
 
                                       
October 30, 2010
    3,118       972       3,684       166       7,940  
 
                             
 
                                       
Average Store Size
    8,986       4,741       6,860       9,765       7,179  
                                         
    Abercrombie & Fitch     abercrombie     Hollister     Gilly Hicks     Total  
 
                                       
Store Activity
                                       
August 1, 2009
    354       213       520       16       1,103  
New
    1       2       3             6  
Remodels/Conversions (net activity)
                             
Closed
    (3 )     (2 )     (1 )           (6 )
 
                             
 
                                       
October 31, 2009
    352       213       522       16       1,103  
 
                             
 
                                       
Gross Square Feet (thousands)
                                       
 
                                       
August 1, 2009
    3,144       986       3,552       161       7,843  
New
    20       21       24             65  
Remodels/Conversions (net activity)
                             
Closed
    (27 )     (10 )     (7 )           (44 )
 
                             
 
                                       
October 31, 2009
    3,137       997       3,569       161       7,864  
 
                             
 
                                       
Average Store Size
    8,912       4,681       6,837       10,063       7,130  

 

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Year-To-Date Store Count and Gross Square Feet
Store count and gross square footage by brand for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009, respectively, were as follows:
                                         
    Abercrombie & Fitch     abercrombie     Hollister     Gilly Hicks     Total  
 
                                       
Store Activity
                                       
January 30, 2010
    346       209       525       16       1,096  
New
    5       3       13       1       22  
Remodels/Conversions (net activity)
    1       (2 )                 (1 )
Closed
    (5 )     (5 )     (1 )           (11 )
 
                             
 
                                       
October 30, 2010
    347       205       537       17       1,106  
 
                             
 
                                       
Gross Square Feet (thousands)
                                       
 
                                       
January 30, 2010
    3,110       979       3,597       161       7,847  
New
    41       25       97       5       168  
Remodels/Conversions (net activity)
    9       (9 )     (3 )           (3 )
Closed
    (42 )     (23 )     (7 )           (72 )
 
                             
 
                                       
October 30, 2010
    3,118       972       3,684       166       7,940  
 
                             
 
                                       
Average Store Size
    8,986       4,741       6,860       9,765       7,179  
                                         
    Abercrombie & Fitch     abercrombie     Hollister     Gilly Hicks     Total  
Store Activity
                                       
January 31, 2009
    356       212       515       14       1,097  
New
    1       5       9       2       17  
Remodels/Conversions (net activity)
                             
Closed
    (5 )     (4 )     (2 )           (11 )
 
                             
 
                                       
October 31, 2009
    352       213       522       16       1,103  
 
                             
 
                                       
Gross Square Feet (thousands)
                                       
 
                                       
January 31, 2009
    3,164       976       3,474       146       7,760  
New
    20       40       111       15       186  
Remodels/Conversions (net activity)
                (3 )           (3 )
Closed
    (47 )     (19 )     (13 )           (79 )
 
                             
 
                                       
October 31, 2009
    3,137       997       3,569       161       7,864  
 
                             
 
                                       
Average Store Size
    8,912       4,681       6,837       10,063       7,130  

 

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CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
Since the beginning of the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2010, the Company has opened Abercrombie & Fitch flagships in Fukuoka, Japan and Copenhagen, Denmark, its first international Gilly Hicks store in the United Kingdom, and a Hollister Epic store on Fifth Avenue in New York. In Fiscal 2011, the Company expects to open Abercrombie & Fitch flagship stores in Paris, France and Madrid, Spain.
The Company continues to expect to open approximately 20 international mall-based Hollister stores in Fiscal 2010, 11 of which will be opened in the fourth quarter.
Domestically, the Company expects to open its first Abercrombie & Fitch store in Puerto Rico and one Gilly Hicks store in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2010.
Capital expenditures totaled $117.0 million and $144.5 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009, respectively. A summary of capital expenditures is as follows:
                 
    October 30,     October 31,  
Capital Expenditures (in millions)   2010     2009  
New Store Construction, Store Refreshes and Remodels
  $ 86.6     $ 110.1  
Home Office, Distribution Centers and Information Technology
    30.4       34.4  
 
           
Total Capital Expenditures
  $ 117.0     $ 144.5  
 
           
During Fiscal 2010, based on new store opening plans and other capital expenditures, the Company now expects total capital expenditures to be approximately $190 million, including approximately $140 million related to new stores, store refreshes and remodels, and approximately $50 million related 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 Loss from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2009. Results from discontinued operations were immaterial for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 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 $28.9 million in Fiscal 2010, of which $20.8 million was paid during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010, 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 October 30, 2010 related to the closure of the RUEHL branded stores and related direct-to-consumer operations (in millions):
         
    Thirty-nine Weeks Ended  
    October 30, 2010  
Beginning Balance
  $ 46.1  
Interest Accretion / Other, Net
    (0.1 )
Cash Payments
    (20.8 )
 
     
Ending Balance(1)
  $ 25.2  
 
     
     
(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 termination agreement exists, less estimated sublease income. As of October 30, 2010, there were $19.6 million of lease termination charges recorded as a current liability in Accrued Expenses and $5.6 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 value of point of sale coupons that result in a reduction of the price paid by the customer are recorded as a reduction of sales.

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 October 30, 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 reserve as of October 30, 2010 would have affected pre-tax income by approximately $1.0 million for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended October 30, 2010.

A 10% change in the assumption of the redemption pattern for gift cards as of October 30, 2010 would have been immaterial to pre-tax income for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended October 30, 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 October 30, 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 7, “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 a 25% increase in impairment and a 50 basis point decrease in the market required rate of return will yield a 25% decrease 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 permanent markdowns 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 reserve 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 reserve as of October 30, 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 margin(s).

An increase or decrease in the valuation reserve of 10% would have affected pre-tax income by approximately $3.4 million for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended October 30, 2010.

An increase or decrease in the inventory shrink accrual of 10% would have been immaterial to pre-tax income for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended October 30, 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 October 30, 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 October 30, 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 and thirty-nine week periods ended October 30, 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 thirty-nine week period ended October 30, 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) averaged over the last 36 consecutive full calendar months ending before the CEO’s retirement.
  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 October 30, 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 October 30, 2010 would increase the SERP accrual by approximately $1.3 million. A 50 basis point increase in the discount rate as of October 30, 2010 would decrease the SERP accrual by an immaterial amount.
 
   
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.
   

 

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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, 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 and labor costs could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations;
    the interruption or cessation of the flow of merchandise from key vendors and international manufacturers could disrupt the Company’s supply chain;

 

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    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;
    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;

 

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    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 affect 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 three months or less. The Company also holds investments in investment grade auction rate securities (“ARS”) that have maturities ranging from 15 to 32 years. The par and carrying values, and related cumulative temporary impairment charges for the Company’s marketable securities as of October 30, 2010 were as follows:
                         
            Temporary     Carrying  
(in thousands)   Par Value     Impairment     Value  
 
 
Available-for-sale securities:
                       
Auction rate securities — student loan backed
  $ 106,649     $ (5,671 )   $ 100,978  
Auction rate securities — municipal authority bonds
    28,575       (4,716 )     23,859  
 
                 
Total available-for-sale securities
  $ 135,224     $ (10,387 )   $ 124,837  
 
                 
As of October 30, 2010, approximately 70% of the Company’s ARS were “AAA” rated, approximately 17% of the Company’s ARS were “AA” rated, and approximately 13% were “A-” rated, 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. The Company did not incur any credit losses on available-for-sale ARS, and furthermore, the issuers continued to perform under the obligations, including making scheduled interest payments, and the Company expects that this will continue going forward.
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 October 30, 2010, total assets held in the Rabbi Trust were $77.3 million, which included $12.0 million of municipal notes and bonds with maturities that ranged from one to three years, trust-owned life insurance policies with a cash surrender value of $64.8 million and $0.5 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 municipal notes and bonds held in the Rabbi Trust were not material for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 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 $0.7 million for the thirteen weeks ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009. The change in cash surrender value of the trust-owned life insurance policies held in the Rabbi Trust resulted in realized gains of $1.8 million and $5.0 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009, respectively.

 

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Interest Rate Risks
As of October 30, 2010, the Company had $57.2 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 2.7% for the thirteen and thirty-nine week period ended October 30, 2010. Additionally, as of October 30, 2010, the Company had $292.8 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 October 30, 2010, if market interest rates average an increase of 100 basis points over the final thirty-nine week period for Fiscal 2010 compared to the interest rates incurred for the thirty-nine week period ended October 30, 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.
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 October 30, 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 October 30, 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 October 30, 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 sought 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 then continued 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, 2010 trial date previously set by the Court. On July 20, 2010, the trial court vacated the trial date and the defendants then moved to decertify the putative class.
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 alleged 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 sought 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, 2010, the parties reached an agreement in principle to settle the consolidated cases as a class action, subject to Court approval. On September 24, 2010, the District Court approved the settlement and dismissed the class action. The dismissal has now become final.

 

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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 argued and is awaiting decision. 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 pending matters vigorously, as appropriate. The Company is unable to quantify the potential exposure of the aforesaid pending 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.

 

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
The Company’s risk factors as of October 30, 2010 have not changed materially from those disclosed in Part I, “ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS” 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 October 30, 2010:
                                 
                    Total Number of     Maximum Number of  
    Total             Shares Purchased     Shares that May Yet  
    Number of     Average     as Part of Publicly     be Purchased under  
    Shares     Price Paid     Announced Plans     the Plans or  
    Purchased     per Share     or Programs     Programs  
Period (Fiscal Month)   (1)     (2)     (3)     (4)  
August 1, 2010 through August 28, 2010
    9,186     $ 36.52             11,346,900  
 
 
August 29, 2010 through October 2, 2010
    728     $ 35.93             11,346,900  
 
 
October 3, 2010 through October 30, 2010
    669,292     $ 43.65       669,100       10,677,800  
 
                       
 
 
Total
    679,206     $ 43.55       669,100       10,677,800  
 
                       
     
(1)   An aggregate of 10,106 of the shares of A&F’s Common Stock purchased during the quarterly period (thirteen-week period) ended October 30, 2010 represented shares which were withheld for tax payments due upon the vesting of employee restricted stock unit and restricted stock awards. All other shares of A&F Common Stock purchased during the quarterly period were purchased pursuant to A&F’s publicly announced stock repurchase authorizations described in footnote 3 below.
 
(2)   The average price paid per share includes broker commissions, as applicable.
 
(3)   The reported shares were purchased pursuant to A&F’s publicly announced stock repurchase authorizations. 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
         
  10.1    
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, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Abercrombie & Fitch Co.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended May 1, 2010 (File No. 001-12107).
       
 
  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.**
       
 
  101    
The following materials from Abercrombie & Fitch Co.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended October 30, 2010, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at October 30, 2010 and January 30, 2010; (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009; and (iv) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements***
 
     
*   Filed herewith.
 
**   Furnished herewith.
 
***   Pursuant to Rule 406T of SEC Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files on Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under these Sections.

 

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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: December 7, 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
       
 
  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.**
       
 
  101    
The following materials from Abercrombie & Fitch Co.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended October 30, 2010, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at October 30, 2010 and January 30, 2010; (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009; and (iv) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.***
 
     
*   Filed herewith.
 
**   Furnished herewith.
 
***   Pursuant to Rule 406T of SEC Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files on Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under these Sections.

 

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