ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO. 10-Q
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended May 3, 2008
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
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
6301 Fitch Path, New Albany, OH   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 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. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer þAccelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company o
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). o Yes þ No
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
     
Class A Common Stock   Outstanding at June 6, 2008
$.01 Par Value   86,912,557 Shares
 
 

 


 

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
                 
            Page No.
 
               
Part I. Financial Information        
 
  Item 1.   Financial Statements        
 
      Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Income and Comprehensive Income Thirteen Weeks Ended May 3, 2008 and May 5, 2007     3  
 
      Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets May 3, 2008 and February 2, 2008     4  
 
      Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Thirteen Weeks Ended May 3, 2008 and May 5, 2007     5  
 
      Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements     6  
 
      Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm     19  
 
  Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     20  
 
  Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk     38  
 
  Item 4.   Controls and Procedures     40  
 
               
Part II. Other Information        
 
  Item 1.   Legal Proceedings     41  
 
  Item 1A.   Risk Factors     43  
 
  Item 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds     44  
 
  Item 6.   Exhibits     45  
 EX-4.11
 EX-4.12
 EX-4.13
 EX-15
 EX-31.1
 EX-31.2
 EX-32

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET INCOME
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
                 
    Thirteen Weeks Ended  
    May 3, 2008     May 5, 2007  
 
               
NET SALES
  $ 800,178     $ 742,410  
 
               
Cost of Goods Sold
    266,012       255,141  
 
           
 
               
GROSS PROFIT
    534,166       487,269  
 
               
Stores and Distribution Expense
    341,788       308,238  
Marketing, General and Administrative Expense
    104,698       90,175  
Other Operating Income, Net
    (2,941 )     (3,854 )
 
           
 
               
OPERATING INCOME
    90,621       92,710  
 
               
Interest Income, Net
    (7,646 )     (3,711 )
 
           
 
               
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    98,267       96,421  
 
               
Provision for Income Taxes
    36,151       36,340  
 
           
 
               
NET INCOME
  $ 62,116     $ 60,081  
 
           
 
               
NET INCOME PER SHARE:
               
BASIC
  $ 0.72     $ 0.68  
DILUTED
  $ 0.69     $ 0.65  
 
           
 
               
WEIGHTED-AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING:
               
BASIC
    86,335       87,746  
DILUTED
    90,138       92,292  
 
           
 
               
DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER SHARE
  $ 0.175     $ 0.175  
 
           
 
               
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS)/INCOME
               
Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
  $ (144 )   $ 1,687  
Unrealized Loss on Available-For-Sale Securities, net of taxes of $139 and ($12) for the thirteen-week periods ended May 3, 2008 and May 5, 2007, respectively
    (19,023 )     (18 )
 
           
Other Comprehensive (Loss)/Income
  $ (19,167 )   $ 1,669  
 
           
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
  $ 42,949     $ 61,750  
 
           
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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ABERCROMBIE & FITCH
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Thousands)
(Unaudited)
                 
    May 3, 2008     February 2, 2008  
ASSETS
               
CURRENT ASSETS:
               
Cash and Equivalents
  $ 187,217     $ 118,044  
Marketable Securities
          530,486  
Receivables
    68,643       53,801  
Inventories
    347,628       333,153  
Deferred Income Taxes
    38,160       36,128  
Other Current Assets
    72,346       68,643  
 
           
 
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
    713,994       1,140,255  
 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
    1,341,259       1,318,291  
 
MARKETABLE SECURITIES
    318,136        
 
OTHER ASSETS
    112,454       109,052  
 
           
 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 2,485,843     $ 2,567,598  
 
           
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Accounts Payable
  $ 128,080     $ 108,437  
Outstanding Checks
    33,043       43,361  
Accrued Expenses
    208,777       280,910  
Deferred Lease Credits
    42,018       37,925  
Income Taxes Payable
    6,459       72,480  
 
           
 
               
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
    418,377       543,113  
 
               
LONG TERM LIABILITIES:
               
Deferred Income Taxes
    23,179       22,491  
Deferred Lease Credits
    218,902       213,739  
Other Liabilities
    181,068       169,942  
 
           
 
TOTAL LONG TERM LIABILITIES
    423,149       406,172  
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
               
Class A Common Stock — $0.01 par value: 150,000 shares authorized and 103,300 shares issued at each of May 3, 2008 and February 2, 2008
    1,033       1,033  
Paid-In Capital
    328,249       319,451  
Retained Earnings
    2,096,844       2,051,463  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss)/Gain, net of tax
    (12,049 )     7,118  
Treasury Stock, at Average Cost - 16,854 and 17,141 shares at May 3, 2008 and February 2, 2008, respectively
    (769,760 )     (760,752 )
 
           
 
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    1,644,317       1,618,313  
 
           
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 2,485,843     $ 2,567,598  
 
           
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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ABERCROMBIE & FITCH
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Thousands)
(Unaudited)
                 
    Thirteen Weeks Ended  
    May 3, 2008     May 5, 2007  
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net Income
  $ 62,116     $ 60,081  
 
               
Impact of Other Operating Activities on Cash Flows:
               
Depreciation and Amortization
    52,749       42,410  
Amortization of Deferred Lease Credits
    (10,137 )     (9,045 )
Share-Based Compensation
    10,683       5,222  
Tax Benefit from Share-Based Compensation
    12,082       7,517  
Excess Tax Benefit from Share-Based Compensation
    (5,741 )     (6,018 )
Deferred Taxes
    (1,344 )     (10,388 )
Loss on Disposal of Assets and Charges for Impairment
    176       243  
Lessor Construction Allowances
    11,454       9,636  
Foreign Currency Gains
    525        
Changes in Assets and Liabilities:
               
Inventories
    (14,536 )     26,019  
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
    (63,420 )     (65,858 )
Income Taxes
    (65,990 )     (85,960 )
Other Assets and Liabilities
    (5,792 )     28,346  
 
           
NET CASH (USED FOR) PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
    (17,175 )     2,205  
 
               
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Capital Expenditures
    (91,176 )     (113,624 )
Purchases of Marketable Securities
    (49,411 )     (236,228 )
Proceeds from Sales of Marketable Securities
    242,955       416,149  
 
           
NET CASH PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES
    102,368       66,297  
 
               
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from Share-Based Compensation
    32,706       13,348  
Excess Tax Benefit from Share-Based Compensation
    5,741       6,018  
Purchase of Treasury Stock
    (50,000 )     (79,040 )
Change in Outstanding Checks and Other
    9,375       (1,503 )
Dividends Paid
    (14,847 )     (15,365 )
 
           
NET CASH USED FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES
    (17,025 )     (76,542 )
 
               
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE ON CASH
    1,005        
 
               
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND EQUIVALENTS:
    69,173       (8,040 )
Cash and Equivalents, Beginning of Year
    118,044       81,959  
 
           
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD
  $ 187,217     $ 73,919  
 
           
SIGNIFICANT NON-CASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Change in Accrual for Construction in Progress
  $ (17,124 )   $ 7,427  
 
           
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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ABERCROMBIE & FITCH
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 the 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 2008” represent the 52-week fiscal year that will end on January 31, 2009, and to “Fiscal 2007” represent the 52-week fiscal year that ended February 2, 2008.
 
    In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” (“SFAS No. 131”), the Company determines its operating segments on the same basis that it uses internally to evaluate performance. The operating segments identified by the Company include Abercrombie & Fitch, abercrombie, Hollister, RUEHL and Gilly Hicks. The operating segments have been aggregated and are reported as one reportable financial segment. RUEHL and Gilly Hicks were determined to be immaterial for segment reporting purposes, and are therefore included in the one reportable segment as they have similar economic characteristics and meet the majority of the aggregation criteria in paragraph 17 of SFAS No. 131. The Company aggregates its other operating segments because they meet the aggregation criteria set forth in paragraph 17 of SFAS No. 131. 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. Revenues relating to the Company’s international operations for the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2008 and May 5, 2007 and long-lived assets relating to the Company’s international operations as of May 3, 2008 and February 2, 2008 were not material and were not reported separately from domestic revenues and long-lived assets.
 
    The condensed consolidated financial statements as of May 3, 2008 and for the thirteen-week periods ended May 3, 2008 and May 5, 2007 are unaudited and are presented pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, these condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in A&F’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal 2007 filed on March 28, 2008. The year-end 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.

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    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 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 2008.
 
    In connection with the Company’s adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”) on February 4, 2007, a $2.8 million cumulative effect adjustment was recorded as a reduction to beginning of the year retained earnings. The Company’s unrecognized tax benefits as of February 4, 2007 were reclassified from current taxes payables to other long-term liabilities.
 
    The condensed consolidated financial statements as of May 3, 2008 and for the thirteen- week periods ended May 3, 2008 and May 5, 2007 included herein have been reviewed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, and the report of such firm follows the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
    PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Act”) for their report on the condensed consolidated financial statements because their report is not a “report” or a “part” of a registration statement prepared or certified by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.
 
2.   SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
 
    The Company accounts for share-based compensation under the provisions of SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS No. 123(R)”), which requires share-based compensation related to stock options to be measured based on estimated fair values at the date of grant using an option-pricing model.
 
    Financial Statement Impact
 
    The following table summarizes share-based compensation expense (in thousands):
                 
    Thirteen     Thirteen  
    Weeks Ended     Weeks Ended  
    May 3, 2008     May 5, 2007  
 
               
Stores and distribution expense
  $ 768     $ 73  
Marketing, general and administrative expense
    9,915       5,149  
 
           
Total expense
  $ 10,683     $ 5,222  
 
           
    The Company also recognized $3.9 million and $2.0 million in tax benefits related to share-based compensation for the thirteen-week periods ended May 3, 2008 and May 5, 2007, respectively.

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    The Company adjusts share-based compensation expense on a quarterly basis for actual forfeitures and for changes to the estimate of expected award forfeitures based on historical forfeiture experience. The effect of adjustments for forfeitures during the thirteen-week periods ended May 3, 2008 and May 5, 2007 was immaterial.
 
    A&F issues shares of Class A Common Stock (“Common Stock”) for stock option exercises and restricted stock unit vestings from treasury stock. As of May 3, 2008, A&F had enough treasury stock available to cover stock options and restricted stock units outstanding without having to repurchase additional shares of Common Stock.
 
    Fair Value Estimates
 
    The Company estimates the fair value of stock options granted using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which requires the Company to estimate the expected term of the stock option grants and expected future stock price volatility over the expected term. Estimates of the expected term, which represents the expected period of time the Company believes the stock options 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. 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.
 
    The weighted-average estimated fair values of stock options granted during the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2008 and May 5, 2007, as well as the assumptions used in calculating such values, on the date of grant, were as follows:
                 
    Thirteen Weeks Ended   Thirteen Weeks Ended
    May 3, 2008   May 5, 2007
Exercise price
  $ 78.58     $ 73.42  
 
               
Fair value
  $ 19.73     $ 22.62  
 
               
Assumptions:
               
 
               
Price volatility
    30 %     34 %
Expected term (Years)
    4       4  
Risk-free interest rate
    2.5 %     4.5 %
Dividend yield
    0.9 %     1.0 %
    In the case of restricted stock units, the Company calculates the fair value of the restricted stock units granted as the market price of the underlying Common Stock on the date of grant adjusted for anticipated dividend payments during the vesting period.

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    Stock Option Activity
 
    Below is the summary of stock option activity for the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2008:
                                 
                            Weighted-Average  
    Number of     Weighted-Average     Aggregate     Remaining  
Stock Options   Shares     Exercise Price     Intrinsic Value     Contractual Life  
Outstanding at February 2, 2008
    7,738,112     $ 41.03                  
Granted
    369,200       78.58                  
Exercised
    (886,737 )     41.99                  
Forfeited or cancelled
    (4,750 )     53.59                  
 
                       
Outstanding at May 3, 2008
    7,215,825     $ 42.83     $ 237,299,837       3.2  
 
                       
Options expected to vest at May 3, 2008
    723,297     $ 71.37     $ 3,143,470       8.8  
 
                       
Options exercisable at May 3, 2008
    6,337,762     $ 38.81     $ 233,901,635       2.4  
 
                       
    The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2008 and May 5, 2007 was $29.9 million and $22.0 million, respectively.
 
    The fair value of stock options vested during the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2008 and May 5, 2007 was $3.5 million and $3.0 million, respectively.
 
    As of May 3, 2008, there was $17.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to stock options. The unrecognized cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years.
 
    Restricted Stock Unit and Restricted Share Activity
 
    Below is the summary of restricted stock unit and restricted share activity for the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2008:
                 
            Weighted-Average  
            Grant Date  
Restricted Stock Units / Restricted Shares   Number of Shares     Fair Value  
Non-vested at February 2, 2008
    2,354,871     $ 48.02  
Granted
    593,250     $ 76.63  
Vested
    (284,224 )   $ 52.24  
Forfeited
    (22,200 )   $ 67.27  
 
           
Non-vested at May 3, 2008
    2,641,697     $ 53.83  
 
           
    The total fair value of restricted stock units granted during the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2008 and May 5, 2007 was $45.5 million and $33.7 million, respectively.
 
    The total fair value of restricted stock units and restricted shares vested during the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2008 and May 5, 2007 was $14.8 million and $10.5 million, respectively.
 
    As of May 3, 2008, there was $100.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to non-vested restricted stock units and restricted shares. The unrecognized cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years.

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3.   NET INCOME PER SHARE AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
    Net income per share is computed in accordance with SFAS No. 128, “Earnings Per Share.” Net income per basic share is computed based on the weighted-average number of outstanding shares of Common Stock. Net income per diluted share includes the weighted-average effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock units.
 
    Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding (in thousands):
                 
    Thirteen Weeks Ended
    May 3, 2008   May 5, 2007
Shares of Common Stock issued
    103,300       103,300  
Treasury shares
    (16,965 )     (15,554 )
 
               
Basic shares outstanding
    86,335       87,746  
 
               
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units
    3,803       4,546  
 
               
Diluted shares outstanding
    90,138       92,292  
 
               
    Stock options to purchase approximately 0.8 million shares of Common Stock during the thirteen-week period ended May 3, 2008 were outstanding, but were not included in the computation of net income per diluted share because the impact of such stock options would be anti-dilutive. Anti-dilutive shares were immaterial during the thirteen-week period ended May 5, 2007.
 
    A&F repurchased approximately 0.7 million and 1.0 million shares of A&F’s Common Stock during the thirteen-week periods ended May 3, 2008 and May 5, 2007, respectively. As of May 3, 2008, an aggregate of approximately 11.3 million shares of A&F’s Common Stock were available for repurchase as part of the August 15, 2005 and November 20, 2007 A&F Board of Directors’ authorizations to repurchase 6.0 million and 10.0 million shares of A&F’s Common Stock, respectively.
 
4.   CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AND INVESTMENTS
 
    Cash and equivalents and investments consisted of (in thousands):
                 
    May 3, 2008     February 2, 2008  
Cash and equivalents:
               
Cash
  $ 65,217     $ 74,753  
Money market funds
    122,000       43,291  
 
           
Total cash and equivalents
    187,217       118,044  
 
               
Marketable Securities:
               
Auction rate securities — student loan backed
    240,442       258,355  
Auction rate securities — municipal authority bonds
    77,694       272,131  
 
           
Total marketable securities
    318,136       530,486  
 
               
Rabbi trust assets: (1)
               
Money market funds
    1,767       1,350  
Municipal notes and bonds
    18,144       18,599  
Trust-owned life insurance policies (at Cash Surrender Value)
    32,195       31,306  
 
           
Total rabbi trust assets
    52,106       51,255  
 
           
Total cash and equivalents and investments
  $ 557,459     $ 699,785  
 
           
 
(1)   Rabbi trust assets are included in other assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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    Investments with original maturities greater than 90 days are accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,” and are classified accordingly by the Company at the time of purchase. At May 3, 2008 and February 2, 2008, the Company’s marketable securities consisted of investment grade auction rate securities (“ARS”) invested in federally insured student loan backed securities and insured municipal authority bonds, with maturities ranging from eight to 34 years, all classified as available-for-sale. As of May 3, 2008, approximately 85% of the Company’s ARS were “AAA” rated by one or more of the major credit rating agencies, with the remaining ARS having ratings ranging from “A3” to “BBB+”.
 
    Despite the underlying long-term maturity of ARS, such securities had historically been priced and subsequently traded as short-term investments because of an interest-rate reset feature, which reset through a Dutch auction process at predetermined periods ranging from seven to 35 days. Due to the frequent nature of the reset feature, ARS were classified as current assets and reported at par, which approximated fair value, as of February 2, 2008.
 
    On February 13, 2008, the Company began to experience “failed” auctions. A failed auction does not result in default of the debt instrument. The securities will continue to accrue interest and be auctioned until one of the following: the auction succeeds; the issuer calls the securities; or the securities mature. Due to the lack of liquidity in the current market, as of May 3, 2008, all ARS were classified as non-current assets and the Company determined that the par value of the ARS no longer approximates fair value.
 
    The Company used a discounted cash flow model to determine the estimated fair value of these investments as of May 3, 2008. See Note 5, “Fair Value” for further discussion on the valuation of the ARS.
 
    During the thirteen-week period ended May 3, 2008, the Company recorded an unrealized loss of $18.8 million, related to ARS, included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company deemed the loss to be temporary because the Company does not plan to sell any of the ARS prior to maturity at an amount below the original purchase value and, at this time, does not deem it probable that it will receive less than 100% of the principal and accrued interest from the issuer.
 
    The Company has established an irrevocable rabbi trust (the “Rabbi Trust”), the purpose of which is to be a source of funds to match respective funding obligations to participants in the Abercrombie & Fitch Nonqualified Savings and Supplemental Retirement Plan and the Chief Executive Officer Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. The Rabbi Trust assets are consolidated in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 97-14, “Accounting for Deferred Compensation Agreements Where Amounts Earned Are Held in a Rabbi Trust and Invested” (“EITF 97-14”) and recorded at fair value, with the exception of the trust-owned life insurance which is recorded at cash surrender value, in other assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Net unrealized losses related to the Rabbi Trust were immaterial for the thirteen-week periods ended May 3, 2008 and May 5, 2007.

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5.   FAIR VALUE
 
    Effective February 3, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”), for financial assets and liabilities and any other assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about instruments measured at fair value. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value as 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. SFAS No. 157 also establishes a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements, which prioritizes valuation inputs 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 financial assets within it are as follows:
                                 
    Assets at Fair Value as of May 3, 2008  
    (in thousands)  
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
Money market funds (1)
  $ 123,767     $     $     $ 123,767  
Auction rate securities
                318,136       318,136  
Municipal bonds held in the Rabbi Trust
    18,144                   18,144  
 
                       
Total assets at fair value
  $ 141,911     $     $ 318,136     $ 460,047  
 
                       
 
(1)   Includes $122.0 million in money market funds included in cash and equivalents and $1.8 million of money market funds held in the Rabbi Trust, which are included in other assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
    The level 3 assets are investments in federally insured student loan backed securities and insured municipal authority bonds ARS and were transferred from Level 2 as a result of current market conditions. Due to the fact that there is a limited active market available, the Company used a discounted cash flow model to determine the estimated fair value of these investments as of May 3, 2008. Some of the inputs into the model are unobservable in the market and are significant. The assumptions used in preparing the model include, but are not limited to, periodic coupon rates, 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 failure. In making the assumption of the required rate of return, the Company considers risk-free interest rate and credit spread. The expected term is identified as the time the principal becomes available to the investor. The principal can become available under three different scenarios: (1) the assumed coupon rate is above the required rate of return and the ARS is assumed to be called, (2) the market has returned to normal and auctions have

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    recommenced; and (3) the principal has reached maturity. The Company also includes a marketability discount which takes into account the lack of liquidity in the current ARS market.
 
    The table below includes a roll forward of the Company’s investments in ARS from February 2, 2008 to May 3, 2008, and the reclassification of these investments from Level 2 to Level 3 in the hierarchy. When a determination is made to classify a financial instrument 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 instruments may include observable components.
 
    Auction Rate Securities:
 
    (in thousands):
                 
    Significant Other     Significant  
    Observable Inputs     Unobservable Inputs  
    (Level 2)     (Level 3)  
Fair value, February 2, 2008
  $ 530,486     $  
Purchases
    49,411        
Redemptions
    (242,955 )      
Tranfers (out)/in
    (336,942 )     336,942  
Unrealized (losses)
          (18,806 )
 
           
Fair value, May 3, 2008
  $     $ 318,136  
 
           
    Also effective February 3, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities-Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 permits companies to measure many financial instruments and certain other assets and liabilities at fair value on an instrument by instrument basis. The Company has elected not to apply the fair value option to its existing financial assets and liabilities, and accordingly, there was no financial statement impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 159.
 
6.   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. Therefore, 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. The inventory balance was $347.6 million, $333.2 million and $401.8 million at May 3, 2008, February 2, 2008 and May 5, 2007, respectively.
 
    The fiscal year is comprised of two principal selling seasons: Spring (the first and second fiscal quarters) and Fall (the third and fourth fiscal quarters). The Company classifies its inventory into three categories: spring fashion, fall fashion and basic. The Company reduces inventory valuation at the end of the first and third fiscal quarters to reserve for projected markdowns required to sell through the current season inventory prior to the beginning of the following season. Additionally, the Company reduces inventory at season end by recording a markdown reserve that represents the estimated future selling price decreases necessary to sell through the remaining carryover fashion inventory for the season just passed. The valuation reserve was $36.3 million, $5.4 million and $30.2 million at May 3, 2008, February 2, 2008 and May 5, 2007, respectively. The valuation reserve at February 2, 2008 reflects the estimated markdowns, at cost, necessary to sell through fashion carryover inventory on-hand at the end of the Fall season.

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    Further, 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 throughout the year and adjusts the shrink reserve accordingly. The shrink reserve was $15.0 million, $11.5 million and $12.4 million at May 3, 2008, February 2, 2008 and May 5, 2007, respectively.
 
7.   PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
 
    Property and equipment, net, consisted of (in thousands):
                 
    May 3, 2008     February 2, 2008  
Property and equipment, at cost
  $ 2,123,812     $ 2,054,275  
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (782,553 )     (735,984 )
 
           
 
               
Property and equipment, net
  $ 1,341,259     $ 1,318,291  
 
           
8.   DEFERRED LEASE CREDITS
 
    Deferred lease credits are derived from payments received from landlords to partially offset store construction costs and are classified between current and long-term liabilities. The amounts, which are amortized over the life of the related leases, consisted of the following (in thousands):
                 
    May 3, 2008     February 2, 2008  
Deferred lease credits
  $ 490,289     $ 471,498  
Amortized deferred lease credits
    (229,369 )     (219,834 )
 
           
Total deferred lease credits, net
  $ 260,920     $ 251,664  
 
           
9.   INCOME TAXES
 
    The provision for income taxes is based on the current estimate of the annual effective tax rate adjusted to reflect the impact of items discrete to the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2008. Cash payments of income taxes made during both the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2008 and May 5, 2007 were approximately $89.6 million.
 
    The effective tax rate for the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2008 was 36.8% as compared to 37.7% for the Fiscal 2007 comparable period. The effective tax rate in the first quarter of Fiscal 2008 reflected the favorable impact of higher tax exempt interest income.
 
    The Company has recorded a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets arising from the net operating loss of a foreign subsidiary and on the temporary impairment of ARS included in other comprehensive loss. As of May 3, 2008 and February 2, 2008, the valuation allowance totaled $7.9 million and $0.9 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.

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10.   LONG-TERM DEBT
 
    On April 15, 2008, the Company entered into a syndicated unsecured credit agreement (the “New Credit Agreement”) under which up to $450 million will initially be available. The New Credit Agreement replaces the Credit Agreement, dated as of November 14, 2002, as amended and restated as of December 15, 2004 (the “Original Credit Agreement”), which had been due to expire on December 15, 2009. The primary purposes of the New Credit Agreement are for trade and stand-by letters of credit in the ordinary course of business as well as working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and investments, and other general corporate purposes. During the life of the New Credit Agreement, the Company is permitted to make multiple requests for additional credit commitments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $150 million.
 
    The New Credit Agreement has several borrowing options, including interest rates that are based on (i) a Base Rate, payable quarterly, or (ii) an Adjusted Eurodollar Rate (as defined in the New Credit Agreement) plus a margin based on a Leverage Ratio, payable at the end of the applicable interest period for the borrowing. The Base Rate represents a rate per annum equal to the higher of (a) National City Bank’s then publicly announced prime rate or (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate (as defined in the New Credit Agreement) as then in effect plus 1/2 of 1%. The facility fees payable under the New 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 for the trailing four-consecutive-fiscal-quarter periods. The facility fees are projected to accrue at a rate of 0.125% per annum. In addition, a utilization fee is payable under the New Credit Agreement when the aggregate credit facility exposure, excluding trade letters of credit, exceeds 50% of the total lender commitments then in effect, at a rate per annum equal to 0.100% of the credit facility exposure for each day it is at such a level.
 
    The New Credit Agreement contains limitations, subject to negotiated carve-outs, on indebtedness, liens, significant corporate changes including mergers and acquisition transactions with third parties, investments, loans, advances and guarantees in or for the benefit of third parties, hedge agreements, restricted payments (including dividends and stock repurchases) and transactions with affiliates. The New Credit Agreement will mature on April 12, 2013. Trade letters of credit totaling approximately $75.4 million and $61.6 million were outstanding on May 3, 2008 and February 2, 2008, respectively. Standby letters of credit totaling approximately $14.9 million and $14.5 million were outstanding on May 3, 2008 and February 2, 2008. The standby letters of credit are set to expire primarily during the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2008 and 2010. To date, no beneficiary has drawn upon the standby letters of credit.
 
    No borrowings were outstanding under the New Credit Agreement on May 3, 2008 or under the Original Credit Agreement on February 2, 2008, respectively.

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11.   CONTINGENCIES
 
    A&F is a defendant in lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business.
 
    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, three plaintiffs allege, on behalf of a putative class of California store managers employed in Hollister and abercrombie stores, that they were entitled to receive overtime pay as “non-exempt” employees under California wage and hour laws. The complaint seeks injunctive relief, equitable relief, unpaid overtime compensation, unpaid benefits, penalties, interest and attorneys’ fees and costs. The defendants filed an answer to the complaint on August 21, 2006. The parties are engaging in discovery. On December 10, 2007, the defendants reached an agreement in principle with plaintiffs’ counsel to settle certain claims in the action. The agreement resulted in a written Stipulation and Settlement Agreement, effective as of February 7, 2008, settling all claims of Hollister and abercrombie store managers who served in stores from June 23, 2002 until April 30, 2004. Neither the agreement in principle nor the Stipulation affects claims which are alleged to have arisen in the period commencing on April 30, 2004. On February 27, 2008, the Court entered an order noting its preliminary approval of the Stipulation and Settlement Agreement and setting a noticed hearing for June 9, 2008, to determine whether the proposed settlement should be finally approved. The cost of the settlement, if approved, is not expected to be material.
 
    On September 2, 2005, a purported class action, styled Robert Ross v. Abercrombie & Fitch Company, et al., was filed against A&F and certain of its officers in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio on behalf of a purported class of all persons who purchased or acquired shares of A&F’s Common Stock between June 2, 2005 and August 16, 2005. In September and October of 2005, five other purported class actions were subsequently filed against A&F and other defendants in the same Court. All six securities cases allege claims under the federal securities laws, and seek unspecified monetary damages, as a result of a decline in the price of A&F’s Common Stock during the summer of 2005. 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. The motion has not been fully briefed or submitted.
 
    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 (October, November and December of 2005), 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,

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    Ohio) against present and former directors of A&F alleging various breaches of the directors’ fiduciary duty and seeking equitable and monetary relief. A&F is also a nominal defendant in each of the four later derivative actions. On November 4, 2005, a motion to consolidate all of the federal court derivative actions with the purported securities law class actions described in the preceding paragraph was filed. On March 22, 2006, the motion to consolidate was granted, and the federal court derivative actions have been consolidated with the aforesaid purported securities law class 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. A&F filed a motion to stay the consolidated federal derivative case and that motion was granted. The state court action was also stayed. On February 16, 2007, A&F announced its Board of Directors received a report of the Special Litigation Committee established by the Board to investigate and act with respect to claims asserted in certain previously disclosed derivative lawsuits brought against current and former directors and management, including Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael S. Jeffries. The Special Litigation Committee has concluded that there is no evidence to support the asserted claims and directed the Company to seek dismissal of the derivative actions. On September 10, 2007, the Company moved to dismiss the federal derivative cases on the authority of the Special Litigation Committee report and on October 18, 2007, the state court stayed further proceedings until resolution of the consolidated federal derivative cases.
 
    Management intends to defend the aforesaid matters vigorously, as appropriate. Management is unable to quantify the potential exposure of the aforesaid matters. However, management’s assessment of the Company’s 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 or other finders of fact that are not in accordance with management’s evaluation of the claims.
 
    In December 2005, the Company received a formal order of investigation from the SEC concerning trading in shares of A&F’s Common Stock. The SEC thereafter requested information from A&F and certain of its current and former officers and directors. The Company and its personnel cooperated fully with the SEC. On May 5, 2008, the Company was informed by the SEC that the SEC’s investigation had been closed.
 
12.   RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
    In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) 157-2 (“FSP 157-2”) that partially defers the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for one year for non-financial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a non-recurring basis. Consequently, SFAS No. 157 will be effective for the Company on February 1, 2009 for non-financial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a non-recurring basis. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting FSP 157-2 on the consolidated results of operations and consolidated financial condition.

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    In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (“SFAS No. 161”) which changes the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities. SFAS No. 161 requires enhanced disclosures about (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” and its related interpretations, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 will be effective for the Company on February 1, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting SFAS No. 161 in the disclosures to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
    In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” (“SFAS No. 162”). SFAS No. 162 identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles to be used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. SFAS No. 162 is effective sixty days following the SEC’s approval of PCAOB amendments to AU Section 411, “The Meaning of ‘Present fairly in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles’ ”. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact, if any, of the adoption of SFAS No. 162 on its consolidated financial statements.
 
13.   SUBSEQUENT EVENT
 
    Subsequent to May 3, 2008, the Company borrowed $100.0 million under its New Credit Agreement in order to increase its cash position and enhance financial flexibility. See Note 10, “Long-Term Debt” for further discussion on the New Credit Agreement.

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and
Shareholders of Abercrombie & Fitch Co.:
We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. and its subsidiaries as of May 3, 2008, and the related condensed consolidated statements of net income and comprehensive income for each of the thirteen week periods ended May 3, 2008 and May 5, 2007 and the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the thirteen week periods ended May 3, 2008 and May 5, 2007. 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 February 2, 2008, and the related consolidated statements of net income and comprehensive income, of shareholders’ equity, and of cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein), and in our report dated March 28, 2008, 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 February 2, 2008, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Columbus, Ohio
June 10, 2008

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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 2008” represent the 52-week fiscal year that will end on January 31, 2009, and to “Fiscal 2007” represents the 52-week fiscal year that ended February 2, 2008.
The Company is a specialty retailer that operates stores and websites 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, Hollister and RUEHL brands. In addition, the Company operates stores under the Gilly Hicks brand offering bras, underwear, personal care products, sleepwear and at-home products for women.
Abercrombie & Fitch is rooted in the essence of privilege and casual luxury. Abercrombie and Fitch is a combination of classic and sexy creating an atmosphere that is confident and just a bit provocative. abercrombie directly follows in the footsteps of its older sibling, Abercrombie & Fitch. abercrombie 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. RUEHL personifies the post-grad that has arrived in Greenwich Village, New York City to live the dream. RUEHL embraces its culture and artistic nature and defines the aspirational New York City lifestyle. Gilly Hicks is the cheeky cousin of Abercrombie & Fitch, inspired by the free spirit of Sydney, Australia. Gilly Hicks is classic and vibrant, always confident and is the All-American brand with a Sydney sensibility.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
During the first quarter of Fiscal 2008, net sales increased 8% to $800.2 million from $742.4 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2007. Operating income decreased to $90.6 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2008 from $92.7 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2007. Net income increased to $62.1 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2008 compared to $60.1 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2007. Net income per diluted weighted-average share was $0.69 in the first quarter of Fiscal 2008 compared to $0.65 in the first quarter of Fiscal 2007.
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 or of future financial results. 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 represent the amounts shown in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of income for the thirteen-week periods ended May 3, 2008 and May 5, 2007, expressed as a percentage of net sales:
                 
    Thirteen Weeks Ended
    May 3, 2008   May 5, 2007
NET SALES
    100.0 %     100.0 %
 
               
Cost of Goods Sold
    33.2 %     34.4 %
 
               
 
               
GROSS PROFIT
    66.8 %     65.6 %
Stores and Distribution Expense
    42.7 %     41.5 %
Marketing, General and Administrative Expense
    13.1 %     12.1 %
Other Operating Income, Net
    (0.4 )%     (0.5 )%
 
               
 
               
OPERATING INCOME
    11.3 %     12.5 %
Interest Income, Net
    (1.0 )%     (0.5 )%
 
               
 
               
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    12.3 %     13.0 %
Provision for Income Taxes
    4.5 %     4.9 %
 
               
 
               
NET INCOME
    7.8 %     8.1 %
 
               

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Financial Summary
The following summarized financial and statistical data compares the thirteen-week period ended May 3, 2008 to the thirteen-week period ended May 5, 2007:
                         
    Thirteen Weeks Ended    
    May 3, 2008   May 5, 2007   % Change
 
                       
Net sales by brand (in thousands)
  $ 800,178     $ 742,410       8 %
Abercrombie & Fitch
  $ 357,724     $ 333,343       7 %
abercrombie
  $ 96,179     $ 89,149       8 %
Hollister
  $ 330,167     $ 309,668       7 %
RUEHL
  $ 13,039     $ 10,250       27 %
Gilly Hicks **
  $ 3,069       n/a       n/a  
 
                       
Increase/(decrease) in comparable store sales*
    (3 )%     (4 )%        
Abercrombie & Fitch
    3 %     (4 )%        
abercrombie
    (7 )%     (2 )%        
Hollister
    (8 )%     (5 )%        
RUEHL
    (17 )%     (3 )%        
 
                       
Retail sales increase attributable to new and remodeled stores and websites
    11 %     17 %        
Net retail sales per average store (in thousands)
  $ 699     $ 729       (4 )%
Abercrombie & Fitch
  $ 894     $ 845       6 %
abercrombie
  $ 427     $ 458       (7 )%
Hollister
  $ 676     $ 749       (10 )%
RUEHL
  $ 494     $ 674       (27 )%
 
                       
Net retail sales per average gross square foot
  $ 98     $ 103       (5 )%
Abercrombie & Fitch
  $ 101     $ 96       5 %
abercrombie
  $ 94     $ 103       (9 )%
Hollister
  $ 101     $ 113       (11 )%
RUEHL
  $ 53     $ 72       (26 )%
 
                       
Transactions per average retail store
    11,063       11,518       (4 )%
Abercrombie & Fitch
    10,751       10,759       (0 )%
abercrombie
    6,616       7,198       (8 )%
Hollister
    13,501       14,278       (5 )%
RUEHL
    6,115       8,392       (27 )%
 
                       
Average retail transaction value
  $ 63.18     $ 63.31       (0 )%
Abercrombie & Fitch
  $ 83.15     $ 78.50       6 %
abercrombie
  $ 64.58     $ 63.58       2 %
Hollister
  $ 50.05     $ 52.43       (5 )%
RUEHL
  $ 80.78     $ 80.28       1 %
 
                       
Average units per retail transaction
    2.44       2.39       2 %
Abercrombie & Fitch
    2.43       2.36       3 %
abercrombie
    2.80       2.80       0 %
Hollister
    2.36       2.32       2 %
RUEHL
    2.43       2.60       (7 )%
 
                       
Average unit retail sold
  $ 25.89     $ 26.49       (2 )%
Abercrombie & Fitch
  $ 34.22     $ 33.26       3 %
abercrombie
  $ 23.06     $ 22.71       2 %
Hollister
  $ 21.21     $ 22.60       (6 )%
RUEHL
  $ 33.24     $ 30.88       8 %
 
*   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.
 
**   Net sales for Gilly Hicks for the thirteen-week periods ended May 3, 2008 and May 5, 2007 reflect the activity of 5 and 0 stores, respectively. Operational data was deemed immaterial for inclusion in the table above.

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CURRENT TRENDS AND OUTLOOK
Despite a challenging selling environment, led by tough macroeconomic conditions and softness in the female fashion business, the Company produced record first quarter sales and earnings, marking sixty-five consecutive quarters of year-over-year sales and earnings improvement. The Company’s long-standing performance record demonstrates its continued ability to effectively position its brands, which have attained global recognition.
During the first quarter, the Company benefited from an increase in global brand awareness, particularly for the Abercrombie & Fitch brand. While international stores in London and Canada were highly productive, U.S. “international tourist” stores produced significant year- over-year sales growth. These stores were led by the Fifth Avenue flagship in New York and included stores in such tourist destinations as Miami, Orlando, Las Vegas and San Francisco. Complementing this growth, the international direct-to-consumer business increased 78% over last year. These results not only demonstrate the importance of owning a global brand during a domestic economic downturn but also bolsters the Company’s confidence in its international expansion plans.
Importantly, these results were achieved without compromising long-term brand positioning or jeopardizing growth initiatives. The Company continued to invest in stores, merchandise development and home office infrastructure, which it believes will enhance quality, improve productivity and support future growth. Moreover, the Company avoided using promotions to drive top-line growth, a disciplined approach which is critical to sustaining its aspirational brand positioning.
Growth initiatives remain on target, with the first Hollister flagship in New York still scheduled for an early 2009 opening. In addition, the Company plans to open its first abercrombie flagship on Fifth Avenue in New York in 2010. The Company believes that both flagships will further fortify the iconic image and global recognition of these brands. Internationally, the Company will open four Hollister mall-based stores in the United Kingdom later this year. The Abercrombie & Fitch Tokyo flagship is scheduled for a late 2009 opening and a second European Abercrombie & Fitch flagship in Copenhagen, Denmark is planned to open in late 2009.
Domestically, the Company believes it has significant long-term growth potential. Hollister has opportunities in many high quality U.S. malls as indicated by new store contribution rates, which are on par with those of existing chain stores. Opportunities also exist through the introduction of new categories in both established and newly introduced brands, such as Gilly Hicks.
The Company will continue to focus on long-term positioning of its brands by maintaining the highest quality product, a disciplined pricing approach and an exceptional in-store environment. Furthermore, the Company will seek to strategically control expense and improve operating efficiencies, but will not sacrifice its long-term goals for short-term performance.

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FIRST QUARTER RESULTS
Net Sales
Net sales for the first quarter of Fiscal 2008 were $800.2 million, an increase of 8% over net sales of $742.4 million during the first quarter of Fiscal 2007. The net sales increase was attributed to the net addition of 93 stores, and a 44% increase in the direct-to-consumer business, partially offset by a 3% decrease in comparable store sales.
Abercrombie & Fitch comparable store sales increased 3% with women’s comparable store sales decreasing by a low single-digit and men’s comparable store sales increasing by a low double-digit. At abercrombie, comparable store sales decreased 7% with girls posting a low double-digit decrease and boys posting a low single-digit increase. At Hollister, comparable store sales decreased 8% with bettys declining by a low double-digit and dudes posting a low single-digit increase. RUEHL comparable store sales decreased 17% with women’s comparable store sales decreasing by high twenties and men’s comparable store sales decreasing by a low single-digit.
Regionally, comparable store sales were strongest in the international and tourist stores and weakest in the South and Midwest.
From a merchandise classification standpoint across all brands, stronger performing masculine categories included tops, fragrance and fleece, while shorts and active wear posted negative comparable sales. In the feminine businesses, across all brands, stronger performing categories included jeans, fleece and shorts, while knit tops, skirts and pants posted negative comparable sales.
Direct-to-consumer net merchandise sales, which are sold through the Company’s websites for the first quarter of Fiscal 2008 were $62.5 million, an increase of 44% over Fiscal 2007 first quarter net merchandise sales of $43.5 million. Shipping and handling revenue for the corresponding periods was $10.5 million in Fiscal 2008 and $6.6 million in Fiscal 2007. The direct-to-consumer business, including shipping and handling revenue, accounted for 9.1% of total net sales in the first quarter of Fiscal 2008 compared to 6.7% in the first quarter of Fiscal 2007. The increase was driven by store expansion, global brand recognition and continued improvement in targeted e-mail marketing and website functionality.
Gross Profit
Gross profit for the first quarter of Fiscal 2008 was $534.2 million compared to $487.3 million for the comparable period in Fiscal 2007. The gross profit rate (gross profit divided by net sales) for the first quarter of Fiscal 2008 was 66.8%, up 120 basis points from the first quarter of Fiscal 2007 rate of 65.6%. The increase in the gross profit rate reflects an improved initial markup rate, driven by London premium pricing, sourcing and logistics benefits and select pricing increases, and a lower shrink rate, partially offset by a slightly higher markdown rate.

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Stores and Distribution Expense
Stores and distribution expense for the first quarter of Fiscal 2008 was $341.8 million compared to $308.2 million for the comparable period in Fiscal 2007. The stores and distribution expense rate (stores and distribution expense divided by net sales) for the first quarter of Fiscal 2008 was 42.7%, up 120 basis points from 41.5% in the first quarter of Fiscal 2007. The increase in the rate resulted primarily from the Company’s negative 3% comparable store sales and the impact of higher minimum wage rates and higher direct expense rates, including pre-opening expenses associated with the Abercrombie & Fitch Tokyo flagship lease. Partially offsetting the increases was a reduction in variable expenses, particularly payroll hours, which were reduced on a per store basis in response to the sales trends during the quarter.
Distribution center productivity, as measured in units processed per labor hour (“UPH”), increased 12.1% during the first quarter of Fiscal 2008 as compared to the first quarter of Fiscal 2007.
Marketing, General and Administrative Expense
Marketing, general and administrative expense during the first quarter of Fiscal 2008 was $104.7 million compared to $90.2 million during the same period in Fiscal 2007. For the first quarter of Fiscal 2008, the marketing, general and administrative expense rate (marketing, general and administrative expense divided by net sales) was 13.1% compared to 12.1% for the first quarter of Fiscal 2007. The increase in rate was driven by increases in home office payroll and outside service expense rates as the Company continues to invest in home office infrastructure to support its growth initiatives, partially offset by decreases in the travel expense rate.
Other Operating Income, Net
First quarter other operating income for Fiscal 2008 was $2.9 million compared to $3.9 million for the first quarter of Fiscal 2007. The decrease was driven primarily by losses on foreign currency transactions in the first quarter of Fiscal 2008, compared to gains on foreign currency transactions in the first quarter of Fiscal 2007.
Operating Income
Operating income for the first quarter of Fiscal 2008 decreased to $90.6 million from $92.7 million in the comparable period of Fiscal 2007. The operating income rate (operating income divided by net sales) was 11.3% for the first quarter of Fiscal 2008 compared to 12.5% for the first quarter of Fiscal 2007.
Interest Income, Net and Income Tax Expense
First quarter net interest income was $7.6 million in Fiscal 2008 compared to $3.7 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2007. The increase in net interest income was due to higher investment balances and higher average interest rates during the first quarter of Fiscal 2008 when compared to the first quarter of Fiscal 2007.
The effective tax rate for the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2008 was 36.8%, compared to 37.7% for the Fiscal 2007 comparable period. The effective tax rate in the first quarter of Fiscal 2008 reflected the favorable impact of higher tax-exempt interest income.

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Net Income and Net Income per Share
Net income for the first quarter of Fiscal 2008 was $62.1 million versus $60.1 million for the first quarter of Fiscal 2007. Net income per diluted weighted-average share outstanding for the first quarter of Fiscal 2008 was $0.69 versus $0.65 for the same period of Fiscal 2007, an increase of 6.2%.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company expects that substantially all future operations, including projected growth, seasonal requirements and capital expenditures will be funded with cash from operations. In addition, as of May 3, 2008, the Company had $450 million available, less outstanding letters of credit, under its unsecured credit agreement to support operations. Furthermore, the Company expects that cash from operating activities will fund dividends currently being paid at a rate of $0.175 per share per quarter. The Board of Directors will review the Company’s cash position and results of operations and address the appropriateness of future dividend amounts.
A summary of the Company’s working capital position and capitalization follows (in thousands):
                 
    May 3, 2008     February 2, 2008  
 
               
Working capital
  $ 295,617     $ 597,142  
 
           
Capitalization:
               
Shareholders’ equity
  $ 1,644,317     $ 1,618,313  
 
           
As of May 3, 2008, the decrease in working capital was primarily driven by the reclassification of $318.1 million in investments in federally insured student loan backed securities and insured municipal authority bonds auction rate securities (“ARS”) from current assets to non-current assets.
The ARS have maturities ranging from eight to 34 years. Despite the underlying long-term maturity of ARS, such securities have been historically priced and subsequently traded as short-term investments because of an interest-rate reset feature, which reset through a Dutch auction process at predetermined periods ranging from seven to 35 days. Due to the frequent nature of the reset feature, ARS were classified as current assets and reported at par, which approximated fair value, as of February 2, 2008.
On February 13, 2008, the Company began to experience “failed” auctions. Due to the lack of liquidity in the current market, as of May 3, 2008, all ARS were classified as non-current assets and the Company determined that par value of the ARS no longer approximates fair value.
The Company does not believe that failures in the ARS market will have a material impact on the Company’s liquidity. The Company expects that substantially all future operations, including projected growth, seasonal requirements and capital expenditures will be funded with cash from operations. Additionally, as of May 3, 2008, the Company had $450 million available, less outstanding letters of credit, under its unsecured credit agreement to support operations.
Subsequent to May 3, 2008, the Company borrowed $100.0 million under its unsecured credit agreement in order to increase its cash position and enhance financial flexibility.

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Operating Activities
Net cash used by operating activities, the Company’s primary source of liquidity, totaled $17.2 million for the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2008 versus net cash provided by operating activities of $2.2 million for the comparable period in Fiscal 2007. Cash was used primarily to fund accounts payable, accrued expenses, and income taxes payable and an increase in inventory. Cash was provided by net income adjusted for non-cash items including depreciation and amortization, amortization of deferred lease credits and share-based compensation and collection of lessor construction allowances.
Investing Activities
Cash inflows from investing activities were generated by sales of marketable securities. Cash outflows for investing activities were for purchases of marketable securities and for capital expenditures primarily related to new store construction and other construction in progress (see the discussion in “Capital Expenditures and Lessor Construction Allowances”). As of May 3, 2008, the Company held $318.1 million of marketable securities classified as long-term.
Financing Activities
Financing activities for the thirteen-week period ended May 3, 2008 consisted primarily of $50.0 million for the repurchase of treasury stock, $14.8 million for the payment of the $0.175 per share quarterly dividend on March 18, 2008 and $32.7 million received in connection with stock option exercises.
A&F repurchased approximately 0.7 million shares of A&F’s Common Stock for the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2008. As of May 3, 2008, approximately 11.3 million shares were available for repurchase as part of the August 15, 2005 and November 20, 2007 A&F Board of Directors’ authorizations to repurchase 6.0 million shares and 10.0 million shares, respectively, of A&F’s Common Stock.
The Company has $450 million available (less outstanding letters of credit and borrowings) under its Credit Agreement, as described in Note 10, “Long-Term Debt” of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Trade letters of credit totaling approximately $75.4 million and $61.6 million were outstanding on May 3, 2008 and February 2, 2008, respectively. Standby letters of credit totaling approximately $14.9 million and $14.5 million were outstanding on May 3, 2008 and February 2, 2008. The standby letters of credit are set to expire primarily during the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2008 and 2010. To date, no beneficiary has drawn upon the standby letters of credit.
No borrowings were outstanding under the New Credit Agreement on May 3, 2008 or under the Original Credit Agreement on February 2, 2008, respectively.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of May 3, 2008, the Company did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

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Contractual Obligations
The Company’s contractual obligations consist primarily of letters of credit outstanding, operating leases, purchase orders for merchandise inventory, unrecognized tax benefits, certain retirement obligations, lease deposits and other agreements to purchase goods and services that are legally binding and that require minimum quantities to be purchased. These contractual obligations impact the Company’s short- and long-term liquidity and capital resource needs. As of May 3, 2008, there had been no material changes in the Company’s contractual obligations from those as of February 2, 2008, other than those which occur 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). Subsequent to May 3, 2008, the Company borrowed $100.0 million under its New Credit Agreement in order to increase its cash position and enhance financial flexibility.

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Store Count and Gross Square Feet
Store count and gross square footage by brand for the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2008 and May 5, 2007, respectively, were as follows:
                                                 
Store Activity   Abercrombie & Fitch   abercrombie   Hollister   RUEHL   Gilly Hicks   Total
February 2, 2008
    359       201       450       22       3       1,035  
New
    1       2       10       1       2       16  
Remodels/Conversions (net activity)
                                   
Closed
    (3 )     (1 )                       (4 )
 
                                               
May 3, 2008
    357       202       460       23       5       1,047  
 
                                               
 
                                               
Gross Square Feet (thousands)
                                               
February 2, 2008
    3,167       917       3,015       204       34       7,337  
New
    18       8       62       14       23       125  
Remodels/Conversions (net activity)
                                   
Closed
    (23 )     (2 )                       (25 )
 
                                               
May 3, 2008
    3,162       923       3,077       218       57       7,437  
 
                                               
Average Store Size
    8,857       4,569       6,689       9,478       11,400       7,103  
 
                                               
Store Activity   Abercrombie & Fitch   abercrombie   Hollister   RUEHL   Gilly Hicks   Total
February 3, 2007
    360       177       393       14             944  
New
    1       4       6       1             12  
Remodels/Conversions (net activity)
    (1 )     (1 )           1 (1)           (1 )
Closed
    (1 )                             (1 )
 
                                               
May 5, 2007
    359       180       399       16             954  
 
                                               
 
                                               
Gross Square Feet (thousands)
                                               
February 3, 2007
    3,171       788       2,604       130             6,693  
New
    25       17       47       10             99  
Remodels/Conversions (net activity)
    (16 )     (4 )           9 (1)           (11 )
Closed
    (7 )                             (7 )
 
                                               
May 5, 2007
    3,173       801       2,651       149             6,774  
 
                                               
Average Store Size
    8,838       4,450       6,644       9,313             7,101  
 
(1)   Includes one RUEHL store reopened after being temporarily closed due to fire.

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Capital Expenditures and Lessor Construction Allowances
Capital expenditures totaled $91.2 million and $113.6 million for the thirteen-week periods ended May 3, 2008 and May 5, 2007, respectively. Additionally, the non-cash accrual for construction in progress decreased $17.1 million for the thirteen-week period ended May 3, 2008 compared to an increase of $7.4 million for the thirteen-week period ended May 5, 2007. Capital expenditures related primarily to new store construction, store remodels and refreshes, and other store related projects. The balance of capital expenditures are related to various home office and distribution center projects, and in Fiscal 2007, the purchase of an airplane.
Lessor construction allowances are an integral part of the decision-making process for assessing the viability of new store leases. In making the decision whether to invest in a store location, the Company calculates the estimated future return on its investment based on the cost of construction, less any construction allowances to be received from the landlord. For the thirteen- week periods ended May 3, 2008 and May 5, 2007, the Company received $11.5 million and $9.6 million in construction allowances, respectively.
During Fiscal 2008, the Company anticipates capital expenditures between $410 million and $415 million. Approximately $290 million of this amount is allocated to new store construction and full store remodels. Approximately $50 million is expected to be allocated to refresh existing stores. The store refresh will include new floors, sound systems and fixture replacements at Abercrombie & Fitch and abercrombie stores. In addition, the store refresh will include the addition of video walls and the refitting of lighting and shelving to accommodate the rollout of the personal care product line to Hollister stores. The balance in capital expenditures is allocated for home office infrastructure, information technology and distribution center investments.
By the end of Fiscal 2008, the Company plans to increase gross square footage by approximately 10% over Fiscal 2007. Domestically, the Company anticipates the addition of approximately two new Abercrombie & Fitch stores, 10 new abercrombie stores, 64 new Hollister stores, six new RUEHL stores, 14 new Gilly Hicks stores and two new outlet stores. The Company also plans to open one new Abercrombie & Fitch store, two new abercrombie stores and three new Hollister stores in Canada. Additionally, the Company plans to open four new Hollister stores in the United Kingdom.
During Fiscal 2008, the Company expects the average construction cost per square foot, net of construction allowances, for new stores to be approximately $203, $170, $141, $260 and $386 per store for Abercrombie & Fitch, abercrombie, Hollister, RUEHL and Gilly Hicks, respectively. The Company expects initial inventory purchases for the stores to average approximately $0.4 million, $0.2 million, $0.4 million, $0.5 million, $0.6 million per store for Abercrombie & Fitch, abercrombie, Hollister, RUEHL and Gilly Hicks, respectively.
The Company expects that substantially all future capital expenditures will be funded with cash from operations and landlord construction allowances. In addition, the Company has $450 million available (less outstanding letters of credit) under its New Credit Agreement to support operations. Subsequent to May 3, 2008, the Company borrowed $100.0 million under its New Credit Agreement in order to increase its cash position and enhance financial flexibility. Therefore, it has $350 million available, less outstanding letters of credit.

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Critical Accounting Policies and 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 2007 filed on March 28, 2008. The Company believes the following policies are the most critical to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
Revenue Recognition — The Company recognizes retail sales at the time the customer takes possession of the merchandise. Direct-to-consumer sales are recorded upon customer receipt of merchandise. Amounts relating to shipping and handling billed to customers in a sale transaction are classified as revenue and the related direct shipping and handling costs are classified as stores and distribution expense. Associate discounts are classified as a reduction of revenue. The Company reserves for sales returns through estimates based on historical experience and various other assumptions that management believes to be reasonable. The sales return reserve was $8.5 million, $10.7 million and $8.2 million at May 3, 2008, February 2, 2008 and May 5, 2007, respectively.
The Company’s gift cards do not expire or lose value over periods of inactivity. The Company accounts for gift cards by recognizing a liability at the time a gift card is sold. 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 (recognized as other operating income). The Company determines the probability of the gift card being redeemed to be remote based on historical redemption patterns and recognizes the remaining balance as other operating income. At May 3, 2008 and February 2, 2008, the gift card liability on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets was $52.9 million and $68.8 million, respectively. The Company is not required by law to escheat the value of unredeemed gift cards to the states in which it operates.
Auction Rate Securities — As a result of the market failure and lack of liquidity in the current ARS market, ARS are valued using a discounted cash flow model to determine the estimated fair value. Some of the inputs into the model are unobservable in the market and are significant. The assumptions used in preparing the model include, but are not limited to, periodic coupon rates, market required rate of return and 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 failure. In making the assumption of the required rate of return, the Company considers the risk-free interest rate and credit spread. The term is identified as the time the principal becomes available to the investor. The principal can become available under three different scenarios: (1) the assumed coupon rate is above the required rate of return and the ARS is assumed to be called, (2) the market has returned to normal and auctions have recommenced; and (3) the principal has reached maturity. The Company also includes a marketability discount which takes into account the lack of liquidity in the current ARS market.

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The use of the discounted cash flow model resulted in a temporary impairment recorded as an unrealized loss of $18.8 million taken as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Assuming all other assumptions disclosed in Note 5, “Fair Value” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, being equal, a 50 bp increase in the interest rate will yield a 3% decrease in fair value and a 50 bp decrease in the interest rate will yield a 1% increase in fair value.
The Company does not plan to sell any of the ARS, prior to maturity, at an amount below the original purchase value and at this time does not deem it probable that it will receive less than 100% of the principal at maturity and interest from the issuer. Therefore, no other-than-temporary impairment charge was taken against net income.
Inventory Valuation — 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 markdown reserve that represents the estimated future anticipated selling price decreases necessary to sell-through the current season inventory. At second and fourth fiscal quarter end, the Company reduces inventory value by recording a valuation reserve that represents the estimated future selling price decreases necessary to sell-through any remaining carryover inventory from the season just passed. The valuation reserve was $36.3 million, $5.4 million and $30.2 million at May 3, 2008, February 2, 2008 and May 5, 2007, respectively. The valuation reserve at February 2, 2008 reflects the estimated markdowns, at cost, necessary to sell through fashion carryover inventory on-hand at the end of the Fall season.
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 performs physical inventories throughout the year and adjusts the shrink reserve accordingly. The shrink reserve was $15.0 million, $11.5 million and $12.4 million at May 3, 2008, February 2, 2008 and May 5, 2007, respectively.
Inherent in the retail method calculation are certain significant judgments and estimates including, among others, markdowns and shrinkage, which could significantly impact the ending inventory valuation at cost as well as the resulting gross margins. An increase or decrease in the inventory shrink estimate of 10% would not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations. Management believes this inventory valuation method is appropriate since it preserves the cost-to-retail relationship in ending inventory.
Property and Equipment — Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment are computed for financial reporting purposes on a straight-line basis, using service lives ranging principally from 30 years for buildings; the lesser of the useful life of the asset, which ranges from three to 15 years, or the term of the lease for leasehold improvements; the lesser of the useful life of the asset, which ranges from three to seven years, or the term of the lease when applicable for information technology; and three to 20 years for other property and equipment. The cost of assets sold or retired and the related accumulated depreciation or amortization are removed from the accounts with any resulting gain or loss included in net income. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Major remodels and improvements that extend service lives of the assets are capitalized. Long-lived assets are reviewed at the store level periodically for impairment or whenever events or changes

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in circumstances indicate that full recoverability of net assets 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.
Income Taxes — Income taxes are calculated in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” which requires the use of the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. 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. A valuation allowance is established against deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company has recorded a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets arising from the net operating loss of a foreign subsidiary and on the temporary impairment of ARS included in other comprehensive loss. As of May 3, 2008 and February 2, 2008, the valuation allowance totaled $7.9 million and $0.9 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. The effective tax rate utilized by the Company reflects management’s judgment of the expected tax liabilities within the various taxing jurisdictions.
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 Company records tax expense or benefit that does not relate to ordinary income in the current fiscal year discretely in the period in which it occurs pursuant to the requirements of Accounting Principals Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 28, “Interim Financial Reporting” and FIN 18, “Accounting for Income Taxes in Interim Periods — an Interpretation of APB Opinion No. 28.” Examples of such types of discrete items include, but are not limited to, changes in estimates of the outcome of tax matters related to prior years, provision-to-return adjustments, tax-exempt income and the settlement of tax audits.
Foreign Currency Translation — Some of the Company’s international operations use local currencies as the functional currency. In accordance with SFAS No. 52, “Foreign Currency Translation,” assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies were translated into U.S. dollars (the reporting currency) at the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date. Equity accounts denominated in foreign currencies were translated into U.S. dollars at historical exchange rates. Revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies were translated into U.S. dollars at the monthly average exchange rate for the period. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in the results of operations, whereas related translation adjustments and inter-company loans of a long-term investment nature are reported as an element of other comprehensive income in accordance with SFAS No. 130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income.
Contingencies — In the normal course of business, the Company must make continuing estimates of potential future legal obligations and liabilities, which requires the use of management’s judgment on the outcome of various issues. Management may also use outside legal advice to assist in the estimating process. However, the ultimate outcome of various legal issues could be different than management estimates, and adjustments may be required.

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Equity Compensation Expense — The Company’s equity compensation expense related to stock options is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair value of the stock option grants, which requires the Company to estimate the expected term of the stock option grants and expected future stock price volatility over the expected term. Estimates of the expected term, which represents the expected period of time the Company believes the stock options will be outstanding, are based on historical information. Estimates of the expected future stock price volatility are based on the volatility of A&F’s Common Stock for the most recent historical period equal to the expected term of the stock option. The Company calculates the historic volatility as the annualized standard deviation of the differences in the natural logarithms of the weekly stock closing price, adjusted for stock splits.
The fair value calculation under the Black-Scholes valuation model is particularly sensitive to changes in the expected term and volatility assumptions. Increases in the expected term or volatility will result in a higher fair valuation of stock option grants. Assuming all other assumptions disclosed in Note 2, “Share-Based Compensation” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, being equal, a 10% increase in term will yield a 5% increase in the Black-Scholes valuation, while a 10% increase in volatility will yield an 8% increase in the Black-Scholes valuation. The Company believes that changes in the expected term and volatility would not have a material effect on the Company’s results since the number of stock options granted during the periods presented was not material.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) 157-2 (“FSP 157-2”) that partially defers the effective date of SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”) for one year for non-financial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a non-recurring basis. Consequently, SFAS No. 157 will be effective for the Company on February 1, 2009 for non-financial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a non-recurring basis. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting FSP 157-2 on the consolidated results of operations and consolidated financial condition.
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (“SFAS No. 161”) which changes the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities. SFAS No. 161 requires enhanced disclosures about (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” and its related interpretations, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 will be effective for the Company on February 1, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact, if any, of adopting SFAS No. 161 on disclosures in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

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In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” (“SFAS No. 162”). SFAS No. 162 identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles to be used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. SFAS No. 162 is effective sixty days following the SEC’s approval of PCAOB amendments to AU Section 411, “The Meaning of ‘Present fairly in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles’ ”. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact, if any, of the adoption of SFAS No. 162 on its consolidated financial statements.

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Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
The Company cautions that any forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or made by the Company, its management or spokespeople involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various important factors, many of which may be beyond the Company’s control. Words such as “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements.
The following factors, in addition to those included in the disclosure under the heading “FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND RISK FACTORS” in “ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS” of A&F’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal 2007 filed on March 28, 2008, in some cases have affected and in the future could affect the Company’s financial performance and could cause actual results for Fiscal 2008 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:
    loss of services of skilled senior executive officers;
 
    ability to hire, train and retain qualified associates;
 
    changes in consumer spending patterns and consumer preferences;
 
    ability to develop innovative, high-quality new merchandise in response to changing fashion trends;
 
    effects on consumer purchases due to a general economic downturn;
 
    the impact of competition and pricing pressures;
 
    availability and market prices of key raw materials;
 
    ability of manufacturers to comply with applicable laws, regulations and ethical business practices;
 
    availability of suitable store locations on appropriate terms;
 
    currency and exchange risks and changes in existing or potential duties, tariffs or quotas;
 
    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;
 
    unseasonable weather conditions affecting consumer preferences;
 
    disruptive weather conditions affecting consumers’ ability to shop; and
 
    effects of capital market conditions.

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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 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
The Company maintains its cash equivalents in financial instruments, primarily money market funds, with original maturities of 90 days or less. The Company also holds investments in investment grade auction rate securities (“ARS”), all classified as available-for-sale securities as of May 3, 2008, that have maturities ranging from eight to 34 years. As of May 3, 2008, the Company held approximately $318.1 million in ARS classified as non-current marketable securities. Approximately $77.7 million of these securities were invested in insured municipal authority bonds and approximately $240.4 million were invested in federally insured student loan backed securities.
At February 2, 2008, despite the underlying long-term maturity of ARS, such securities were priced and subsequently traded as short-term investments because of the interest rate reset feature. Interest rates reset through a Dutch auction process at predetermined periods ranging from seven to 35 days. If there are insufficient buyers, the auction is said to “fail” and the holders are unable to liquidate the investments through auction. A failed auction does not result in a default of the debt instrument. The securities continue to accrue interest and be auctioned until the auction succeeds, the issuer calls the securities, or the securities mature.
On February 13, 2008, the Company began to experience failed auctions on some of its ARS. Based on the overall failure rate of these auctions, the frequency of the failures, and the underlying maturities of the securities, which range from eight to 34 years, the ARS have been classified as non-current assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of May 3, 2008.
Due to the lack of liquidity in the current market for the ARS, the Company determined that the estimated fair value of the ARS no longer approximates par value. As of May 3, 2008, the Company used a discounted cash flow model to determine the estimated fair value of these investments and an unrealized loss of $18.8 million was recorded, related to the ARS and is included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Assuming all other assumptions disclosed in Note 5, “Fair Value” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, being equal, a 50 bp increase in the interest rate will yield a 3% decrease in fair value and a 50 bp decrease in the interest rate will yield a 1% increase in fair value. If it becomes probable that the Company will not receive 100% of the principal and interest as to any of the ARS, the Company will be required to recognize an other-than-temporary impairment charge against net income.
As of May 3, 2008, approximately 85% of the Company’s ARS were “AAA” rated by one or more of the major credit rating agencies, with the remaining ARS having ratings ranging from “A3” to “BBB+”. The ratings take into account insurance policies guaranteeing both the principal and accrued interest. Each investment in student loans is substantially guaranteed by the U.S. government under the Federal Family Education Loan Program. The credit ratings may change over time and would subject the ARS to default risk.
The Company does not believe that failures in the auction market will have a material impact on the Company’s liquidity. Additionally, as of May 3, 2008, the Company has $450 million available, less outstanding letters of credit, under its unsecured credit agreement to support operations. Subsequent to May 3, 2008, the Company borrowed $100 million under its unsecured credit agreement; therefore, as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, it has $350 million available, less outstanding letters of credit.

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The Company has established an irrevocable rabbi trust (the “Rabbi Trust”), the purpose of which is to be a source of funds to match respective funding obligations to participants in the Abercrombie & Fitch Nonqualified Savings and Supplemental Retirement Plan and the Chief Executive Officer Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. As of May 3, 2008, total assets held in the Rabbi Trust were $52.1 million, which included $18.1 million of available-for-sale municipal notes and bonds with maturities that ranged from four to six years, trust-owned life insurance policies with a cash surrender value of $32.2 million and $1.8 million held in money market funds. The Rabbi Trust assets are consolidated in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 97-14, “Accounting for Deferred Compensation Arrangements Where Amounts Earned are Held in a Rabbi Trust and Invested,” and recorded at fair value in other assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and are restricted as to their use as noted above.
Net unrealized losses were approximately $19.0 million as of May 3, 2008 and net unrealized gains were approximately $0.01 million as of May 5, 2007, all related to available-for-sale securities.
The Company does not enter into financial instruments for trading purposes.
As of May 3, 2008, the Company had no long-term debt outstanding. Subsequent to May 3, 2008, the Company borrowed $100.0 million under its unsecured credit agreement in order to increase its cash position and enhance financial flexibility. This borrowing and any future borrowings will bear interest at negotiated rates and would be subject to interest rate risk.
The Company has exposure to changes in currency exchange rates associated with foreign currency transactions, including inter-company transactions. Such foreign currency transactions are denominated in Euros, Canadian Dollars, Japanese Yen, Danish Krones, Swiss Francs 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 exposures. 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 transaction gains or losses. The Company does not use forward contracts to engage in currency speculation.
All outstanding foreign currency forward contracts are marked to market at the end of each fiscal period. The Company’s ultimate realized gain or loss with respect to foreign currency fluctuations will depend on the foreign currency exchange rate changes and other factors in effect as the contracts mature.

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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 and the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of A&F, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Because of inherent limitations, disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance that the objectives of disclosure controls and procedures are met.
A&F’s management, including the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of A&F and the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of A&F, evaluated the effectiveness of A&F’s design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the fiscal quarter ended May 3, 2008. Based upon that evaluation, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of A&F and the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of A&F concluded that A&F’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at a reasonable level of assurance as of May 3, 2008, the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in A&F’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during A&F’s fiscal quarter ended May 3, 2008 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 arising in the ordinary course of business.
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, three plaintiffs allege, on behalf of a putative class of California store managers employed in Hollister and abercrombie stores, that they were entitled to receive overtime pay as “non-exempt” employees under California wage and hour laws. The complaint seeks injunctive relief, equitable relief, unpaid overtime compensation, unpaid benefits, penalties, interest and attorneys’ fees and costs. The defendants filed an answer to the complaint on August 21, 2006. On December 10, 2007, the defendants reached an agreement in principle with plaintiffs’ counsel to settle certain claims in the action. The agreement resulted in a written Stipulation and Settlement Agreement, effective as of February 7, 2008, settling all claims of Hollister and abercrombie store managers who served in stores from June 23, 2002 until April 30, 2004. On June 9, 2008, the Court approved that settlement. The settlement does not affect claims which are alleged to have arisen in the period commencing on April 30, 2004, and the parties are continuing to litigate those claims.
On September 2, 2005, a purported class action, styled Robert Ross v. Abercrombie & Fitch Company, et al., was filed against A&F and certain of its officers in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio on behalf of a purported class of all persons who purchased or acquired shares of A&F’s Common Stock between June 2, 2005 and August 16, 2005. In September and October of 2005, five other purported class actions were subsequently filed against A&F and other defendants in the same Court. All six securities cases allege claims under the federal securities laws, and seek unspecified monetary damages, as a result of a decline in the price of A&F’s Common Stock during the summer of 2005. 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. The motion has not been fully briefed or submitted.
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 (October, November and December of 2005), 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

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directors of A&F alleging various breaches of the directors’ fiduciary duty and seeking equitable and monetary relief. A&F is also a nominal defendant in each of the four later derivative actions. On November 4, 2005, a motion to consolidate all of the federal court derivative actions with the purported securities law class actions described in the preceding paragraph was filed. On March 22, 2006, the motion to consolidate was granted, and the federal court derivative actions have been consolidated with the aforesaid purported securities law class 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. A&F filed a motion to stay the consolidated federal derivative case and that motion was granted. The state court action was also stayed. On February 16, 2007, A&F announced its Board of Directors received a report of the Special Litigation Committee established by the Board to investigate and act with respect to claims asserted in certain previously disclosed derivative lawsuits brought against current and former directors and management, including Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael S. Jeffries. The Special Litigation Committee has concluded that there is no evidence to support the asserted claims and directed the Company to seek dismissal of the derivative actions. On September 10, 2007, the Company moved to dismiss the federal derivative cases on the authority of the Special Litigation Committee report and on October 18, 2007, the state court stayed further proceedings until resolution of the consolidated federal derivative cases.
Management intends to defend the aforesaid matters vigorously, as appropriate. Management is unable to quantify the potential exposure of the aforesaid matters. However, management’s assessment of the Company’s 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 or other finders of fact that are not in accord with management’s evaluation of the claims.
In December 2005, the Company received a formal order of investigation from the SEC concerning trading in shares of A&F’s Common Stock. The SEC thereafter requested information from A&F and certain of its current and former officers and directors. The Company and its personnel cooperated fully with the SEC. On May 5, 2008, the Company was informed by the SEC that the investigation had been closed.

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ITEM 1A.   RISK FACTORS
The Company’s risk factors as of May 3, 2008 have not changed materially from those disclosed in A&F’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal 2007 filed on March 28, 2008.

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ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
The following table provides information regarding A&F’s purchases of its Common Stock during the thirteen-week period ended May 3, 2008:
                                 
                    Total Number of        
                    Shares Purchased     Maximum Number of  
    Total Number     Average     as Part of Publicly     Shares that May Yet be  
    of Shares     Price Paid     Announced Plans     Purchased under the  
Period (Fiscal Month)   Purchased (1)     per Share (2)     or Programs (3)     Plans or Programs (4)  
February 3, 2008 through March 1, 2008
    7,530     $ 75.43             12,029,200  
March 2, 2008 through April 5, 2008
    776,885     $ 73.48       682,300       11,346,900  
April 6, 2008 through May 3, 2008
    573     $ 77.26             11,346,900  
 
                       
Total
    784,988     $ 73.50       682,300       11,346,900  
 
                       
 
(1)   Included in the total number of shares of A&F’s Common Stock purchased during the quarterly period (thirteen-week period) ended May 3, 2008 are an aggregate of 102,688 shares which were withheld for tax payments due upon the vesting of employee restricted stock units 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
3.1   Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of A&F as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on August 27, 1996, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to A&F’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended November 2, 1996 (File No. 001-12107).
 
3.2   Certificate of Designation of Series A Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock of A&F as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on July 21, 1998, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to A&F’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 1999 (File No. 001-12107).
 
3.3   Certificate of Decrease of Shares Designated as Class B Common Stock as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on July 30, 1999, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to A&F’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 31, 1999 (File No. 001-12107).
 
3.4   Amended and Restated Bylaws of A&F (reflecting amendments through May 20, 2004), incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.7 to A&F’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended May 1, 2004 (File No. 001-12107).
 
4.1   Rights Agreement, dated as of July 16, 1998, between A&F and First Chicago Trust Company of New York, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1 to A&F’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated and filed July 21, 1998 (File No. 001-12107).
 
4.2   Amendment No. 1 to Rights Agreement, dated as of April 21, 1999, between A&F and First Chicago Trust Company of New York, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2 to A&F’s Amendment No. 1 to Form 8-A dated April 23, 1999 and filed April 26, 1999 (File No. 001-12107).
 
4.3   Certificate of adjustment of number of Rights associated with each share of Class A Common Stock, dated May 27, 1999, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to A&F’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 31, 1999 (File No. 001-12107).
 
4.4   Appointment and Acceptance of Successor Rights Agent, effective as of the opening of business on October 8, 2001, between A&F and National City Bank, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to A&F’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended August 4, 2001 (File No. 001-12107).
 
4.5   Credit Agreement, dated as of November 14, 2002, as amended and restated as of December 15, 2004, among Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co., as Borrower, A&F, as Guarantor, the Lenders party thereto, National City Bank, as Administrative Agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Syndication Agent, and National City Bank and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., as Co-Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed December 21, 2004 (File No. 001-12107). [Terminated April 15, 2008]

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4.6   Guarantee Agreement, dated as of November 14, 2002, as amended and restated as of December 15, 2004, among A&F, each direct and indirect domestic subsidiary of A&F other than Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co., and National City Bank, as Administrative Agent, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed December 21, 2004 (File No. 001-12107). [Terminated April 15, 2008]
 
4.7   First Amendment dated as of June 22, 2005, to the Credit Agreement, dated as of November 14, 2002, as amended and restated as of December 15, 2004, among Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co., as Borrower, A&F, as Guarantor, the Lenders party thereto, and National City Bank, as Administrative Agent, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed June 22, 2005 (File No. 001-12107). [Terminated April 15, 2008]
 
4.8   Notice of Termination, dated April 15, 2008, from Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co. to National City Bank, as Administrative Agent, in respect of Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of December 15, 2004, among Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co., the various financial institutions party thereto and National City Bank, as Administrative Agent, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed April 18, 2008 (File No. 001-12107).
 
4.9   Credit Agreement, dated as of April 15, 2008, among Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co.; the Foreign Subsidiary Borrowers (as defined in the Credit Agreement) from time to time party to the Credit Agreement; A&F; the Lenders (as defined in the Credit Agreement) from time to time party to the Credit Agreement; National City Bank, as a co-lead arranger, a co-bookrunner and Global Administrative Agent, as the Swing Line Lender and an LC Issuer; J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc., as a co-leader arranger, a co-bookrunner and as syndication agent; and each of Fifth Third Bank and Huntington National Bank, as a documentation agent, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed April 18, 2008 (File No. 001-12107).
 
4.10   Guaranty of Payment (Domestic Credit Parties), dated as of April 15, 2008, among A&F; each direct and indirect Domestic Subsidiary (as defined in the Guaranty of Payment) of A&F other than Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co.; and National City Bank, as Global Administrative Agent, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed April 18, 2008 (File No. 001-12107).
 
4.11   Joinder Agreement, dated as of May 14, 2008, between AFH Canada Stores Co., as an Additional Borrower, and National City Bank, as Global Administrative Agent. *
 
4.12   Joinder Agreement, dated as of May 14, 2008, between Abercrombie & Fitch (UK) Limited, as an Additional Borrower, and National City Bank, as Global Administrative Agent. *
 
4.13   Joinder Agreement, dated as of May 14, 2008, between Abercrombie & Fitch Europe S.A., as an Additional Borrower, and National City Bank, as Global Administrative Agent. *

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10.1   Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed June 17, 2005 (File No. 001-12107).
 
10.2   Form of Stock Option Agreement (Nonstatutory Stock Option) for Associates under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan on or after March 6, 2006, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to A&F’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2006 (File 001-12107).
 
10.3   Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Associates under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan on or after March 6, 2006, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to A&F’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2006 (File No. 001-12107).
 
10.4   Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement used and to be used to evidence the grant of restricted stock units to Executive Vice Presidents of A&F and its subsidiaries under the Abercrombie & Fitch 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan on and after March 4, 2008, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed March 6, 2008 (File No. 001-12107).
 
10.5   Trust Agreement, dated as of October 16, 2006, between A&F and Wilmington Trust Company, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed October 17, 2006 (File No. 001-12107).
 
10.6   Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed June 18, 2007 (File No. 001-12107).
 
10.7   Form of Stock Option Agreement used and to be used to evidence the grant of nonstatutory stock options to employees of A&F and its subsidiaries under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan after August 21, 2007, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed August 27, 2007 (File No. 001-12107).
 
10.8   Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement used and to be used to evidence the grant of restricted stock units to employees of A&F and its subsidiaries under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan after August 21, 2007, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed August 27, 2007 (File No. 001-12107).
 
10.9   Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Incentive Compensation Performance Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed June 18, 2007 (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   Certification 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.*

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31.2   Certification 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   Certification by Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
 
*   Filed herewith.

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
         
  ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
 
 
Date: June 10, 2008  By  /s/ MICHAEL W. KRAMER    
    Michael W. Kramer   
    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Authorized Officer) 
 

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EXHIBIT INDEX
     
Exhibit No.   Document
 
   
4.11
  Joinder Agreement, dated as of May 14, 2008, between AFH Canada Stores Co., as an Additional Borrower, and National City Bank, as Global Administrative Agent.
 
   
4.12
  Joinder Agreement, dated as of May 14, 2008, between Abercrombie & Fitch (UK) Limited, as an Additional Borrower, and National City Bank, as Global Administrative Agent.
 
   
4.13
  Joinder Agreement, dated as of May 14, 2008, between Abercrombie & Fitch Europe S.A., as an Additional Borrower, and National City Bank, as Global Administrative Agent.
 
   
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
  Certification 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
  Certification 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
  Certification by Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

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