10-K 1 anf-20140201x10k.htm 10-K ANF-2014.02.01-10K
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
 
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014
OR
¨
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, Ohio
 
43054
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (614) 283-6500
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock, $.01 Par Value
 
New York Stock Exchange
 
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    x  Yes    ¨  No
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    ¨  Yes    x  No
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.    x  Yes    ¨  No
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files).)     x  Yes    ¨  No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.    ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:
Large accelerated filer  x
 
Accelerated filer  ¨
 
Non-accelerated filer  ¨
 
Smaller reporting company  ¨
 
 
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    ¨  Yes    x  No
Aggregate market value of the Registrant’s Class A Common Stock (the only outstanding common equity of the Registrant) held by non-affiliates of the Registrant (for this purpose, executive officers and directors of the Registrant are considered affiliates) as of August 2, 2013: $3,892,916,542.
Number of shares outstanding of the Registrant’s common stock as of March 21, 2014: 73,403,751 shares of Class A Common Stock.
DOCUMENT INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
Portions of the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be held on June 19, 2014, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 


ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
ITEM 1.
ITEM 1A.
ITEM 1B.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 4.
SUPPLEMENTAL ITEM.
 
ITEM 5.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 7.
 
 
ITEM 7A.
ITEM 8.
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9B.
 
ITEM 10.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 14.
 
ITEM 15.



PART I
 
ITEM 1.
BUSINESS.

GENERAL.
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (“A&F”), a company incorporated in Delaware in 1996, through its subsidiaries (collectively, A&F and its subsidiaries are referred to as “Abercrombie & Fitch” or the “Company”), is a specialty retailer that operates stores and direct-to-consumer operations. Through these channels, the Company sells a broad array of products, including: casual sportswear apparel, including knit and woven shirts, graphic t-shirts, fleece, jeans and woven pants, shorts, sweaters, and outerwear; personal care products; and accessories for men, women and kids under the Abercrombie & Fitch, abercrombie kids, and Hollister brands. The Company also sells bras, underwear, personal care products, sleepwear and at-home products for girls through direct-to-consumer operations and Hollister stores under the Gilly Hicks brand. As of February 1, 2014, the Company operated 843 stores in the United States (“U.S.”) and 163 stores outside of the U.S.
On November 1, 2013, A&F’s Board of Directors approved the closure of the Company’s 24 stand-alone Gilly Hicks branded stores. In connection with a strategic review, the Company has decided to focus the future development of the Gilly Hicks brand through Hollister stores and direct-to-consumer channels. This decision reflects a successful pilot of selling a limited assortment of Gilly Hicks branded intimates in Hollister stores. The Company expects to substantially complete the closures by the end of the first quarter of Fiscal 2014.
The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31, typically resulting in a fifty-two week year, but occasionally giving rise to an additional week, resulting in a fifty-three week year as was the case for Fiscal 2012. Fiscal years are designated in the consolidated financial statements and notes, as well as the remainder of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, by the calendar year in which the fiscal year commences. All references herein to “Fiscal 2013” represent the 52-week fiscal year ended February 1, 2014; to “Fiscal 2012” represent the 53-week fiscal year ended February 2, 2013; and to “Fiscal 2011” represent the 52-week fiscal year ended January 28, 2012. In addition, all references herein to “Fiscal 2014” represent the 52-week fiscal year that will end on January 31, 2015.
A&F makes available free of charge on its Internet website, www.abercrombie.com, under “Investors, SEC Filings,” its annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as well as A&F’s definitive proxy materials filed pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after A&F electronically files such material with, or furnishes it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The SEC maintains a website that contains electronic filings by A&F and other issuers at www.sec.gov. In addition, the public may read and copy any materials A&F files with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.
The Company has included its Internet website addresses throughout this filing as textual references only. The information contained within these Internet websites is not incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
LONG-TERM STRATEGIC PLAN.
Our strategy is focused on improving return on invested capital through a combination of improving operating margin and continuing our disciplined approach to capital allocation.
While the specifics of our strategy may change over time, our current priorities to improve operating margin include:
•
Recovering productivity and profitability in our U.S. stores
•
Continuing our profitable international growth
•
Increasing direct-to-consumer penetration
•
Reducing expense
Our approach to capital allocation includes:
•
Maintaining capital expenditures at approximately $200 million
•
Returning excess cash to shareholders

3

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATIONS.
Brands.
Abercrombie & Fitch.    Rooted in East Coast traditions and Ivy League heritage, Abercrombie & Fitch is the essence of privilege and casual luxury. The Adirondacks supply a clean inspiration to this preppy, youthful All-American lifestyle. A combination of classic and sexy creates a charged atmosphere that is confident and just a bit provocative. Idolized and respected, Abercrombie & Fitch is timeless and always cool.
abercrombie kids.    The essence of privilege and prestigious East Coast prep schools, abercrombie kids directly follows in the footsteps of Abercrombie & Fitch. With an energetic attitude, abercrombie kids are popular, wholesome and athletic. Casual, with classic, preppy style, abercrombie kids aspire to be like their older sibling, Abercrombie & Fitch. The perfect combination of maturity and mischief, abercrombie kids are the signature of All-American cool.
Hollister.    Hollister is the fantasy of Southern California. It’s all about hot lifeguards and beautiful beaches. Young and fun, with a sense of humor, Hollister never takes itself too seriously. Hollister’s laidback lifestyle and All-American image is timeless and effortlessly cool. Hollister brings Southern California to the world.
Gilly Hicks.    Gilly Hicks is the cheeky cousin of Abercrombie & Fitch. Inspired by the free spirit of Sydney, Australia, Gilly Hicks makes the hottest Push ‘Em Up bras and the cutest Down Undies for young, naturally beautiful, confident girls. Carefree and undeniably pretty, Gilly Hicks is the All-American brand with a Sydney sensibility.
Though each of the Company’s brands embodies its own heritage and handwriting, the brands share common elements and characteristics. The brands are classic, casual, confident, intelligent, privileged and possess a sense of humor.
Refer to the “FINANCIAL SUMMARY” in “ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information regarding net sales and other financial and operational data by segment and by brand.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT SEGMENTS.
The Company determines its segments on the same basis that it uses to evaluate performance. All of the Company’s segments sell a similar group of products — casual sportswear apparel, personal care products and accessories for men, women and kids and bras, underwear and sleepwear for girls. The Company has three reportable segments: U.S. Stores, International Stores and Direct-to-Consumer. Refer to Note 2, “SEGMENT REPORTING,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in “ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion of the Company’s reportable segments.
IN-STORE EXPERIENCE AND STORE OPERATIONS.
While, the Company is in the process of evolving its consumer engagement strategy to further develop leading digital experiences, the customer’s in-store experience is still viewed as a primary means of communicating the spirit of each brand. The Company emphasizes the senses of sight, sound, smell, touch and energy by utilizing the visual presentation of merchandise, in-store marketing, music, fragrances, rich fabrics and its sales associates to reinforce the aspirational lifestyles represented by the brands.
The Company’s in-store marketing is designed to convey the principal elements and personality of each brand. The store design, furniture, fixtures and music are all carefully planned and coordinated to create a shopping experience that reflects the Abercrombie & Fitch, abercrombie kids or Hollister brands.
The Company’s sales associates and managers are a central element in creating the atmosphere of the stores. In addition to serving customers, sales associates and managers reflect the casual, energetic and aspirational attitude of the brands.
Merchandise is similarly displayed, regardless of location, to ensure a consistent in-store experience. Store managers receive detailed plans designating fixture and merchandise placement to ensure coordinated execution of the Company-wide merchandising strategy. In addition, standardization of each brand’s store design and merchandise presentation enables the Company to operate stores efficiently.
At the end of Fiscal 2013, the Company operated 1,006 stores. The following table details the number of retail stores operated by the Company at February 1, 2014:
Fiscal 2013
 
Abercrombie &
Fitch
 
abercrombie
kids
 
Hollister
 
Gilly Hicks
 
Total
U.S.
 
253
 
131
 
458
 
1
 
843
International
 
22
 
5
 
129
 
7
 
163
Total
 
275
 
136
 
587
 
8
 
1,006

4

DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER BUSINESS.
The Company operates websites for each brand, both domestically and internationally. The websites reinforce each particular brand’s lifestyle, and are designed to complement the in-store experience. Total net sales through direct-to-consumer operations, including shipping and handling revenue, were $776.9 million for Fiscal 2013, representing 19% of total net sales. The Company operates 46 websites including both desktop and mobile versions. In addition, the websites are available in nine languages, accept seven currencies, and ship to over 120 countries.
MARKETING AND ADVERTISING.
The Company is in the process of evolving its consumer engagement strategy, going beyond its iconic in-store experiences to further develop leading digital experiences. In-store experiences captivate the senses to reinforce the aspirational lifestyle represented by each brand and flagship stores represent the pinnacle of the Company’s in-store branding efforts. The brands also have a strong fan base of globally diverse followers on key social platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Weibo. The brands engage influential personalities that include celebrities, fashion bloggers, and stylists, to communicate key fashion stories, and have launched updated mobile apps, with more than 1 million downloads to date. In addition, the A&F and Hollister club programs provide an opportunity to increase consumer engagement. The Company's total customer relationship management database has over ten million contacts, including email addresses and mobile phone numbers.
MERCHANDISE SUPPLIERS.
During Fiscal 2013, the Company sourced merchandise through approximately 175 vendors located throughout the world, primarily in Asia and Central and South America. The Company did not source more than 10% of its merchandise from any single factory or supplier during Fiscal 2013. The Company pursues a global sourcing strategy that includes relationships with vendors in 20 countries, as well as the U.S. The Company’s foreign sourcing of merchandise is negotiated and settled in U.S. Dollars.
All product sources, including independent manufacturers and suppliers, must achieve and maintain the Company’s high quality standards, which are an integral part of the Company’s identity. The Company has established supplier product quality standards to ensure the high quality of fabrics and other materials used in the Company’s products. The Company utilizes both home office and field employees to help monitor compliance with the Company’s product quality standards.
Before the Company begins production with any factory, the factory must first go through a quality assurance assessment to ensure it meets Company standards. This includes factories that are subcontractors to the factories and vendors with whom the Company works. All business partners are contractually required to adhere to our vendor Code of Conduct, and all factories go through social audits, which includes a factory walk-through to appraise the physical working conditions and health and safety practices, as well as payroll and age document review. Social audits on the factories are also performed once a year after the initial audit. The Company strives to partner with suppliers who respect local laws and share our dedication to utilize best practices in human rights, labor rights, environmental practices and workplace safety.
DISTRIBUTION AND MERCHANDISE INVENTORY.
The Company’s merchandise is shipped to the Company’s distribution centers (“DCs”) where it is received and inspected before being shipped to stores or direct-to-consumer customers. The Company uses its two DCs in New Albany, Ohio to support its North American stores, and direct-to-consumer customers outside of Europe. The Company uses a third-party DC in the Netherlands for the distribution of merchandise to stores and direct-to-consumer customers located in Europe, a third-party DC in Hong Kong for the distribution of merchandise to stores located in Asia and Australia, and a third-party DC in the United Arab Emirates for the distribution of merchandise to stores located in the Middle East. The Company utilizes primarily one contract carrier to ship merchandise and related materials to its North American stores and direct-to-consumer customers, and several contract carriers for its European and Asian stores and direct-to-consumer customers.
The Company strives to maintain sufficient quantities of inventory in its retail stores and DCs to offer customers a full selection of current merchandise. The Company attempts to balance in-stock levels and inventory turnover, and to take markdowns when required to keep merchandise fresh and current with fashion trends.
INFORMATION SYSTEMS.
The Company’s management information systems consist of a full range of retail, merchandising and financial systems. The systems include applications related to point-of-sale, direct-to-consumer, inventory management, supply chain, planning, sourcing, merchandising and financial reporting. The Company continues to invest in technology to upgrade core systems to make the Company scalable and enhance efficiencies, including the support of its direct-to-consumer operations and international expansion.

5

SEASONAL BUSINESS.
The retail apparel market has two principal selling seasons: the Spring season which includes the first and second fiscal quarters (“Spring”); and the Fall season which includes the third and fourth fiscal quarters (“Fall”). As is typical in the apparel industry, the Company experiences its greatest sales activity during the Fall season due to the Back-to-School (August) and Holiday (November and December) selling periods, particularly in the U.S.
TRADEMARKS.
The Abercrombie & Fitch®, abercrombie®, Hollister®, Gilly Hicks®, “Moose” and “Seagull” trademarks are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and registered or pending with the registries of countries where stores are located or likely to be located in the future. In addition, these trademarks are either registered, or the Company has applications for registration pending, with the registries of many of the foreign countries in which the manufacturers of the Company’s products are located. The Company has also registered, or has applied to register, certain other trademarks in the U.S. and around the world. The Company believes its products are identified by its trademarks and, therefore, its trademarks are of significant value. Each registered trademark has a duration of ten to 20 years, depending on the date it was registered, and the country in which it is registered, and is subject to an indefinite number of renewals for a like period upon continued use and appropriate application. The Company intends to continue using its core trademarks and to renew each of its registered trademarks that remain in use.
OTHER INFORMATION.
Additional information about the Company’s business, including its revenues and profits for the last three fiscal years and gross square footage of stores, is set forth under “ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
COMPETITION.
The sale of apparel, accessories and personal care products through stores and direct-to-consumer channels is a highly competitive business with numerous participants, including individual and chain fashion specialty stores, as well as regional and national department stores. As the Company continues expanding internationally, it also faces competition in local markets from established chains, as well as local specialty stores. Brand recognition, fashion, price, service, store location, selection and quality are the principal competitive factors in retail store and direct-to-consumer sales.
The competitive challenges facing the Company include: anticipating and quickly responding to changing fashion trends and maintaining the aspirational positioning of its brands. Furthermore, the Company faces additional competitive challenges as many retailers continue promotional activities, particularly in the U.S. In response to these conditions, the Company has engaged in promotional activity while continuing to focus on preserving the value of its brands.
ASSOCIATE RELATIONS.
As of March 21, 2014, the Company employed approximately 75,000 associates. Approximately 66,000 of the Company’s associates were part-time associates.
On average, the Company employed approximately 23,000 full-time equivalents during Fiscal 2013 which included approximately 13,000 full-time equivalents comprised of part-time associates, including temporary associates hired during peak periods, such as the Back-to-School and Holiday seasons.
The Company believes it maintains a good relationship with its associates. However, in the normal course of business, the Company is party to lawsuits involving former and current associates.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.
Compliance with domestic and international regulations related to environmental matters has not had, nor is it expected to have, any material effect on capital expenditures, earnings, or the Company’s competitive position based on information and circumstances known to us at this time.

6


ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND RISK FACTORS.
We caution that any forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K or made by us, our management or our spokespeople involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, many of which may be beyond our control. Words such as “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements. Except as may be required by applicable law, we assume no obligation to publicly update or revise our forward-looking statements.
The following factors could affect our financial performance and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any of the forward-looking statements:

•
changes in economic and financial conditions, and the resulting impact on consumer confidence and consumer spending, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and liquidity;
•
changing fashion trends and consumer preferences, and the ability to manage our inventory commensurate with customer demand, could adversely impact our sales levels and profitability;
•
fluctuations in the cost, availability and quality of raw materials, labor and transportation, could cause manufacturing delays and increase our costs;
•
a significant component of our growth strategy is international expansion, which requires significant capital investment, adds complexity to our operations and may strain our resources and adversely impact current store performance;
•
our international expansion plan is dependent on a number of factors, any of which could delay or prevent successful penetration into new markets or could adversely affect the profitability of our international operations;
•
we have increased the focus of our growth strategy on direct-to-consumer sales channels, failure to successfully develop our position in these channels could have an adverse impact on our results of operations;
•
our direct-to-consumer operations are subject to numerous risks that could adversely impact sales;
•
failure to successfully implement certain growth initiatives may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations;
•
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations;
•
our business could suffer if our information technology systems are disrupted or cease to operate effectively;
•
comparable sales, including direct-to-consumer, may continue to fluctuate on a regular basis and impact the volatility of the price of our Common Stock;
•
extreme weather conditions may negatively impact our results of operations;
•
our market share may be negatively impacted by increasing competition and pricing pressures from companies with brands or merchandise competitive with ours;
•
our ability to attract customers to our stores depends, in part, on the success of the shopping malls or area attractions in which most of our stores are located;
•
our net sales fluctuate on a seasonal basis, causing our results of operations to be susceptible to changes in Back-to-School and Holiday shopping patterns;
•
our failure to protect our reputation could have a material adverse effect on our brands;
•
we rely on the experience and skills of our senior executive officers, the loss of whom could have a material adverse effect on our business;
•
interruption in the flow of merchandise from our key vendors and international manufacturers could disrupt our supply chain, which could result in lost sales and increased costs;
•
in a number of our European stores, associates are represented by workers’ councils and unions, whose demands could adversely affect our profitability or operating standards for our brands;
•
we depend upon independent third parties for the manufacture and delivery of all our merchandise;
•
our reliance on two distribution centers domestically and three third-party distribution centers internationally makes us susceptible to disruptions or adverse conditions affecting our distribution centers;
•
we rely on third-party vendors as well as other third-party arrangements for many aspects of our business, failure to successfully manage these relationships could negatively impact our results of operations or expose us to liability for the actions of third-party vendors acting on our behalf;
•
we may be exposed to risks and costs associated with credit card fraud and identity theft that would cause us to incur unexpected expenses and loss of revenues;
•
our facilities, systems and stores, as well as the facilities and systems of our vendors and manufacturers, are vulnerable to natural disasters, pandemic disease and other unexpected events, any of which could result in an interruption to our business and adversely affect our operating results;

7

•
our litigation exposure could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations;
•
our inability or failure to adequately protect our trademarks could have a negative impact on our brand image and limit our ability to penetrate new markets;
•
a currently threatened proxy fight and any other actions of activist stockholders could have a negative effect on our business;
•
fluctuations in our tax obligations and effective tax rate may result in volatility in our operating results;
•
the effects of war or acts of terrorism could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition;
•
our inability to obtain commercial insurance at acceptable prices or our failure to adequately reserve for self-insured exposures might increase our expenses and adversely impact our financial results;
•
operating results and cash flows at the store level may cause us to incur impairment charges;
•
we are subject to customs, advertising, consumer protection, privacy, zoning and occupancy and labor and employment laws that could require us to modify our current business practices, incur increased costs or harm our reputation if we do not comply;
•
changes in the regulatory or compliance landscape could adversely affect our business and results of operations;
•
our unsecured Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”) and our Term Loan Agreement include financial and other covenants that impose restrictions on our financial and business operations;
•
compliance with changing regulations and standards for accounting, corporate governance and public disclosure could adversely affect our business, results of operations and reported financial results;
•
our inability to successfully implement our long-range strategic plan could have a negative impact on our growth and profitability; and
•
our estimates of the expenses that we may incur in connection with the closures of the Gilly Hicks stores could prove to be inaccurate.
The following sets forth a description of the preceding risk factors that we believe may be relevant to an understanding of our business. These risk factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any of our forward-looking statements.
Changes in economic and financial conditions, and the resulting impact on consumer confidence and consumer spending, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and liquidity.
Our business depends on consumer demand for our merchandise. Consumer purchases of discretionary items, including our merchandise, generally decline during recessionary periods and other periods where disposable income is adversely affected. Our performance is subject to factors that affect worldwide economic conditions including unemployment, consumer credit availability, consumer debt levels, reductions in net worth based on declines in the financial, residential real estate and mortgage markets, sales tax rates and tax rate increases, fuel and energy prices, interest rates, consumer confidence in future economic and political conditions, consumer perceptions of personal well-being and security, the value of the U.S. Dollar versus foreign currencies and other macroeconomic factors.
These factors may cause levels of spending to remain depressed relative to historical levels for the foreseeable future, including a decrease in discretionary spending on retail items. These factors also may cause consumers to purchase products from lower-priced competitors or to defer purchases of apparel and personal care products.
In addition, we have a significant presence in the European market with stores in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Sweden, Poland and Denmark. The ongoing European debt crisis may impact consumer demand for our merchandise. The economic conditions and factors described above could adversely affect the productivity of our stores, as well as adversely affect the pace of opening new international stores, or their productivity once opened.
Economic uncertainty could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity, and capital resources if reduced consumer demand for our merchandise should occur. It could also impact our ability to fund growth and/or result in our becoming reliant on external financing, the availability of which may be uncertain.
In addition, the economic environment may exacerbate some of the risks noted below, including consumer demand, strain on available resources, our international growth strategy and the availability of real estate, interruption of the flow of merchandise from key vendors and manufacturers, and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. The risks could be exacerbated individually, or collectively.

8

Changing fashion trends and consumer preferences, and the ability to manage our inventory commensurate with customer demand, could adversely impact our sales levels and profitability.
Our success largely depends on our ability to anticipate and gauge the fashion preferences of our customers and provide merchandise that satisfies constantly shifting demands in a timely manner. Our merchandise and our brands must appeal to our consumers, whose preferences cannot be predicted with certainty and are also subject to rapid change. We must translate market trends into appropriate, saleable merchandise far in advance of its sale in our stores or through our websites. Because we enter into agreements for the manufacture and purchase of merchandise well in advance of the applicable selling season, we are vulnerable to changes in consumer preferences and demand, pricing shifts, and the sub-optimal selection and timing of merchandise purchases. Moreover, there can be no assurance that we will continue to anticipate consumer demands and accurately plan inventory successfully in the future. Changing consumer preferences and fashion trends, whether we are able to anticipate, identify and respond to them or not, could adversely impact our sales. Inventory levels for certain merchandise styles no longer considered to be “on trend” may increase, leading to higher markdowns to sell through excess inventory. A distressed economic and retail environment, in which many of our competitors continue to engage in aggressive promotional activities, particularly in the U.S., increases the importance of reacting appropriately to changing consumer preferences and fashion trends. Conversely, if we underestimate consumer demand for our merchandise, or if our manufacturers fail to supply quality products in a timely manner, we may experience inventory shortages, which may negatively impact customer relationships, diminish brand loyalty and result in lost sales. Any of these events could significantly harm our operating results and financial condition.
Fluctuations in the cost, availability and quality of raw materials, labor and transportation, could cause manufacturing delays and increase our costs.
Fluctuations in the cost, availability and quality of the fabrics or other raw materials used to manufacture our merchandise could have a material adverse effect on our cost of goods, or our ability to meet customer demand. The prices for such fabrics depend largely on the market prices for the raw materials used to produce them, particularly cotton, as well as the cost of compliance with sourcing laws. The price and availability of such raw materials may fluctuate significantly, depending on many factors, including crop yields and weather patterns. Such factors may be exacerbated by legislation and regulations associated with global climate change.
In addition, the cost of labor at many of our third-party manufacturers has been increasing significantly, and as the middle class in developing countries continues to grow, it is unlikely such cost pressure will abate. The cost of transportation has been increasing as well and, if the price of oil continues to increase, and there continues to be significant unrest in the Middle East, it is unlikely that such cost pressure will abate.
We may not be able to pass all or a portion of higher raw materials prices or labor or transportation costs on to our customers, which could adversely affect our gross margin and results of our operations.
A significant component of our growth strategy is international expansion, which requires significant capital investment, adds complexity to our operations and may strain our resources and adversely impact current store performance.
Our growth strategy largely depends on the opening of new international stores. This international expansion has placed, and will continue to place, increased demands on our operational, managerial and administrative resources at all levels of the Company. These increased demands may cause us to operate our business less efficiently, which in turn could cause deterioration in the performance of our existing stores or could adversely affect our inventory levels. Furthermore, our ability to conduct business in international markets may be adversely affected by legal, regulatory, political and economic risks. Our international expansion strategy and success could also be adversely impacted by the global economy. Failure to properly implement our growth strategy could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations or could otherwise adversely affect our ability to achieve our objectives.
In addition, as we continue to expand our overseas operations, we are subject to certain U.S. laws, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, in addition to the laws of the foreign countries in which we operate. We must use all commercially reasonable efforts to ensure our associates comply with these laws. If any of our overseas operations, or our associates or agents, violate such laws, we could become subject to sanctions or other penalties that could negatively affect our reputation, business and operating results. Since we use third-parties to assist with our international expansion, we may be exposed to liability for the acts of those third-parties, if taken on our behalf, and if in violation of certain U.S. laws, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

9

Our international expansion plan is dependent on a number of factors, any of which could delay or prevent successful penetration into new markets or could adversely affect the profitability of our international operations.
As we expand internationally, we may incur significant costs related to starting up and maintaining foreign operations. Costs may include, but are not limited to, obtaining prime locations for stores, setting up foreign offices and distribution centers, hiring experienced management and maintaining good relations with individual associates and groups of associates. We may be unable to open and operate new stores successfully, or we may face operational issues that delay our intended pace of international store openings, and, in any such case, our growth may be limited, unless we can:

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identify suitable markets and sites for store locations;
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address the different operational characteristics present in each country to which we expand, including employment and labor, transportation, logistics, real estate, lease provisions and local reporting or legal requirements;
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negotiate acceptable lease terms, in some cases in locations in which the relative rights and obligations of landlords and tenants differ significantly from the customs and practices in the U.S.;
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hire, train and retain qualified store personnel;
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gain and retain acceptance from foreign customers;
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manage inventory effectively to meet the needs of new and existing stores on a timely basis;
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integrate new stores into existing operations and expand infrastructure to accommodate growth;
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foster current relationships and develop new relationships with vendors that are capable of supplying a greater volume of merchandise;
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generate sufficient operating cash flows or secure adequate capital on commercially reasonable terms to fund our expansion plan;
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manage foreign currency exchange risks effectively; and
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achieve acceptable operating margins from new stores.
Failure to implement our international expansion plan consistent with our internal expectations, whether as a result of one or more of the factors listed above or other factors, could adversely affect our ability to achieve the objectives that we have established.
We have increased the focus of our growth strategy on direct-to-consumer sales channels, failure to successfully develop our position in these channels could have an adverse impact on our results of operations.
During Fiscal 2013, we increased our focus on direct-to-consumer sales channels. In order to facilitate growth, we increased our capital spending and labor to develop these channels, increased investment in media to attract new customers and developed more efficient fulfillment, shipping and customer service operations. There is no assurance that we will be able to continue to successfully maintain or expand our direct-to-consumer sales channels. In addition, reliance on direct-to-consumer channels make us vulnerable to certain risks and uncertainties including shifting consumer traffic patterns, customer data breach, direct-to-consumer buying trends, strength of brand perception, changes in technology, website downtime and other technological failures. Changes in foreign governmental regulations relating to direct-to-consumer sales may also negatively impact our customer service operations. Our inability to adequately respond to these risks and uncertainties or to successfully maintain and expand our direct-to-consumer business may have an adverse impact on our results of operations.
Our direct-to-consumer operations are subject to numerous risks that could adversely impact sales.
We sell merchandise for each brand over the Internet, both domestically and internationally. Our direct-to-consumer operations are subject to numerous risks, including:

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reliance on third-party computer hardware/software providers;
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rapid technological change and the implementation of new systems and platforms;
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diversions of sales from our stores;
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liability for online content;
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violations of state, federal or international laws, including those relating to online privacy;
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credit card fraud;
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the failure of the computer systems that operate our websites and their related support systems, including computer viruses;
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telecommunication failures and electronic break-ins and similar disruptions; and
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disruption of Internet service, whether for technical reasons or as a result of state-sponsored censorship.
Our failure to successfully respond to these risks might adversely affect sales in our direct-to-consumer business, as well as damage our reputation and brands.

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Failure to successfully implement certain growth initiatives may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
We believe that our future growth and profitability will depend on certain growth initiatives including third-party brand relationships, wholesale, joint venture or other third-party relationships, new brand concepts and potential acquisitions. The development of these growth initiatives requires management’s focus and attention, as well as significant capital investments. Furthermore, these growth initiatives are susceptible to risks, including lack of customer acceptance, competition from existing or new retailers and unanticipated operating issues. Failure to successfully implement our expansion initiatives through third-party brand relationships, wholesale, joint venture relationships and acquisitions or new brand concepts could have an adverse impact on our financial conditions and results of operations.
We currently have one active joint venture in the United Arab Emirates and are actively pursuing international expansion activities in the Middle East and elsewhere which include additional joint ventures. To the extent our current or future joint ventures partners do not operate the business in a manner consistent with our brand requirements, or in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, our reputation or operations could be adversely affected. Further, the use of joint venture partners or other third parties who act on our behalf expose us to additional risk should they fail to comply with relevant laws and regulations. If we do not exercise adequate oversight and control over these third parties, we may be subject to enforcement actions and fines, including administrative or judicial penalties for violations of third parties acting on our behalf.
Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.
The functional currency of our international subsidiaries is generally the local currency in which each operates, which includes British Pounds, Canadian Dollars, Chinese Yuan, Danish Kroner, Euros, Hong Kong Dollars, Japanese Yen, Polish Zloty, Singapore Dollars, South Korean Won, Swedish Kronor, United Arab Emirates Dirham, Australian Dollar, Brazilian Real and Swiss Francs. Our consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. Dollars. Therefore, we must translate revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities from functional currencies into U.S. Dollars at exchange rates in effect during, or at the end of the reporting period. In addition, our international subsidiaries transact in currencies other than their functional currency, including intercompany transactions, which could result in foreign currency transaction gains or losses. The fluctuation in the value of the U.S. Dollar against other currencies could impact our financial results.
Furthermore, we purchase substantially our entire inventory in U.S. Dollars. As a result, our gross margin rate from international operations is subject to volatility from movements in exchange rates over time, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations and profitability from the growth desired from international operations.
Our business could suffer if our information technology systems are disrupted or cease to operate effectively.
We rely heavily on our information technology systems: to operate our websites; record and process transactions; respond to customer inquiries; manage inventory; purchase, sell and ship merchandise on a timely basis; and maintain cost-efficient operations. Given the significant number of transactions that are completed annually, it is vital to maintain constant operation of our computer hardware and software systems and maintain cyber security. Despite efforts to prevent such an occurrence, our information technology systems may be vulnerable from time to time to damage or interruption from computer viruses, power outages, third-party intrusions and other technical malfunctions. If our systems are damaged, or fail to function properly, we may have to make monetary investments to repair or replace the systems, and we could endure delays in our operations.
In addition, we regularly evaluate our information technology systems and requirements and are currently implementing modifications and/or upgrades to the information technology systems that support our business. Modifications include replacing existing systems with successor systems, making changes to existing systems, acquiring new systems with new functionality, and improving our ability to mitigate business risk in the event of a Force Majeure event at our primary data center. We are aware of the inherent risks associated with replacing and modifying these systems, including inaccurate system information, system disruptions and user acceptance and understanding. We believe we are taking appropriate action to mitigate the risks through disciplined adherence to methodology, program management, testing and user involvement, improving the resiliency of our overall systems, as well as securing appropriate commercial contracts with third-party vendors supplying the replacement technologies.
Any material disruption or slowdown of our systems, including a disruption or slowdown caused by a security breach or our failure to successfully upgrade our systems, could cause information, including data related to customer orders, to be lost or delayed. Such a loss or delay could - especially if the disruption or slowdown occurred during our peak selling seasons - result in delays of merchandise delivery to our stores and customers, which could reduce demand for our merchandise and cause our sales and profitability to decline.

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Comparable sales, including direct-to-consumer, may continue to fluctuate on a regular basis and impact the volatility of the price of our Common Stock.
Our comparable sales, defined as year-over-year sales for a store that has been open as the same brand at least one year and the square footage of which has not been expanded or reduced by more than 20% and our direct-to-consumer sales, have fluctuated significantly in the past on an annual and quarterly basis and are expected to continue to fluctuate in the future. We believe that a variety of factors affect comparable sales results including, but not limited to, fashion trends, actions by competitors or mall anchor tenants, changes in economic conditions and consumer spending patterns, weather conditions, opening and/or closing of our stores in proximity to each other, the timing of the release of new merchandise and promotional events, changes in our merchandise mix and the calendar shifts of tax free and holiday periods.
Comparable sales fluctuations may impact our ability to leverage fixed direct expenses, including store rent and store asset depreciation, which may adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.
In addition, comparable sales fluctuations may have been an important factor in the volatility of the price of our Common Stock in the past, and it is likely that future comparable sales fluctuations will contribute to stock price volatility in the future.
Extreme weather conditions may negatively impact our results of operations.
Severe weather conditions and changes in weather patterns can influence customer trends, consumer traffic and shopping habits. Unseasonably warm temperatures in the winter or cool temperatures in the summer may diminish demand for our seasonal merchandise. In addition, severe weather can also decrease customer traffic in our stores and reduce sales and profitability. As a result, extended periods of extreme weather conditions may negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations.
Our market share may be negatively impacted by increasing competition and pricing pressures from companies with brands or merchandise competitive with ours.
The sale of apparel and personal care products through stores and direct-to-consumer channels is a highly competitive business with numerous participants, including individual and chain fashion specialty stores, as well as regional, national and international department stores. The substantial sales growth in the direct-to-consumer channel within the last few years has encouraged the entry of many new competitors and an increase in competition from established companies. We face a variety of competitive challenges, including:

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anticipating and quickly responding to changing consumer demands or preferences better than our competitors;
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maintaining favorable brand recognition and effectively marketing our products to consumers in several diverse demographic markets;
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sourcing merchandise efficiently;
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developing innovative, high-quality merchandise in styles that appeal to our consumers and in ways that favorably distinguish us from our competitors; and
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countering the aggressive promotional activities of many of our competitors without diminishing the aspirational nature of our brands and brand equity.
In light of the competitive challenges we face, we may not be able to compete successfully in the future. Further, increases in competition could reduce our sales and harm our operating results and business.
Our ability to attract customers to our stores depends, in part, on the success of the shopping malls or area attractions in which most of our stores are located.
In order to generate customer traffic, we locate many of our stores in prominent locations within successful shopping malls or street locations. Our stores benefit from the ability of the malls’ “anchor” tenants, generally large department stores and other area attractions, to generate consumer traffic in the vicinity of our stores and the continuing popularity of malls in the U.S. and, increasingly, in many international locations as shopping destinations. We cannot control the loss of an anchor or other significant tenant in a shopping mall in which we have a store; the development of new shopping malls in the U.S. or around the world; the availability or cost of appropriate locations; competition with other retailers for prominent locations; or the success of individual shopping malls. All of these factors may impact our ability to meet our productivity targets for our domestic stores and our growth objectives for our international stores and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. In addition, some malls that were in prominent locations when we opened stores may cease to be viewed as prominent. If this trend continues or if the popularity of mall shopping continues to decline generally among our customers, our sales may decline, which would impact our gross profits and net income.
Part of our future growth is dependent on our ability to operate stores in desirable locations with capital investment and lease costs providing the opportunity to earn a reasonable return. We cannot be sure as to when or whether such desirable locations will become available at reasonable costs.

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Our net sales fluctuate on a seasonal basis, causing our results of operations to be susceptible to changes in Back-to-School and Holiday shopping patterns.
Historically, our operations have been seasonal, with a significant amount of net sales and net income occurring in the fourth fiscal quarter, due to the increased sales during the Holiday selling season and, to a lesser extent, the third fiscal quarter, reflecting increased sales during the Back-to-School selling season in the U.S. Our net sales and net income during the first and second fiscal quarters are typically lower due, in part, to the traditional slowdown in retail sales immediately following the Holiday selling season. As a result of this seasonality, net sales and net income during any fiscal quarter cannot be used as an accurate indicator of our annual results. Any factors negatively affecting us during the third and fourth fiscal quarters of any year, including inclement weather or unfavorable economic conditions, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations for the entire year.
Our failure to protect our reputation could have a material adverse effect on our brands.
Our ability to maintain our reputation is critical to our brands. Our reputation could be jeopardized if we fail to maintain high standards for merchandise quality and integrity. In addition, our reputation could be jeopardized if our third-party vendors fail to comply with our vendor code of conduct. Any negative publicity about these types of concerns may reduce demand for our merchandise. Failure to comply with ethical, social, product, labor, health and safety or environmental standards, or related political considerations, could also jeopardize our reputation and potentially lead to various adverse consumer actions, including boycotts. Public perception about our products or our stores, whether justified or not, could impair our reputation, involve us in litigation, damage our brands and have a material adverse effect on our business. Failure to comply with local laws and regulations, to maintain an effective system of internal controls or to provide accurate and timely financial statement information could also hurt our reputation. Damage to our reputation or loss of consumer confidence for any of these or other reasons could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition, as well as require additional resources to rebuild our reputation.
We rely on the experience and skills of our senior executive officers, the loss of whom could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Our senior executive officers closely supervise all aspects of our business — in particular, the design of our merchandise and the operation of our stores. Our senior executive officers have substantial experience and expertise in the retail business and have made significant contributions to the growth and success of our brands. If we were to lose the benefit of their involvement — in particular the services of any one or more of Michael S. Jeffries, Chief Executive Officer; James N. Bierbower, Executive Vice President — Human Resources; Diane Chang, Executive Vice President — Sourcing; Jonathan E. Ramsden, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer; Amy Zehrer, Executive Vice President — Stores, — without adequate succession plans, our business could be adversely affected. In addition, our new leadership positions for our major brands will play an important role in enhancing brand engagement and profitability. Failure to find qualified individuals to serve as brand presidents may have a negative effect on the future development of our brands. Competition for such senior executive officers is intense, and we cannot be sure we will be able to attract, retain and develop a sufficient number of qualified senior executive officers in future periods.
Interruption in the flow of merchandise from our key vendors and international manufacturers could disrupt our supply chain, which could result in lost sales and could increase our costs.
We source the majority of our merchandise outside of the U.S. through arrangements with approximately 175 vendors which includes foreign manufacturers located throughout the world, primarily in Asia and Central and South America. In addition, many of our domestic manufacturers maintain production facilities overseas. Political, social or economic instability in Asia, Central or South America, or in other regions in which our manufacturers are located, could cause disruptions in trade, including exports to the U.S. Other events that could also cause disruptions to exports to the U.S. include:

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the imposition of additional trade law provisions or regulations;
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reliance on a limited number of shipping and air carriers who may experience capacity issues that adversely affect our ability to ship inventory in a timely manner or for an acceptable cost;
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the imposition of additional duties, tariffs and other charges on imports and exports;
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quotas imposed by bilateral textile agreements;
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economic uncertainties and adverse economic conditions (including inflation and recession);
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fluctuations in the value of the U.S. Dollar against foreign currencies;
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restrictions on the transfer of funds;
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the potential of manufacturer financial instability, inability to access needed liquidity or bankruptcy;
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significant labor disputes, such as dock strikes;
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significant delays in the delivery of cargo due to port security considerations;
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financial or political instability in any of the countries in which our merchandise is manufactured;

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natural disasters; and
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regulations to address climate change.
In addition, we cannot predict whether the countries in which our merchandise is manufactured, or may be manufactured in the future, will be subject to new or additional trade restrictions imposed by the U.S. or foreign governments, including the likelihood, type or effect of any such restrictions. Trade restrictions, including new or increased tariffs or quotas, embargoes, safeguards and customs restrictions against apparel items, as well as U.S. or foreign labor strikes and work stoppages or boycotts, could increase the cost or reduce the supply of apparel available to us and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
In a number of our European stores, associates are represented by workers’ councils and unions, whose demands could adversely affect our profitability or operating standards for our brands.
In a number of our European stores, particularly in France, Germany, Italy and Spain, associates are represented by workers' councils and unions. These workers’ councils and unions, as well as government officials who support their positions, have, in a number of instances, made demands that could adversely affect our profitability or have a negative effect on the operating standards we believe are critical to our brands. We are committed to working with all of our associates, whether they are represented by a workers’ council or union or not, and we believe we maintain good relations with our associates; however, there can be no assurance that we will not experience work stoppages or other labor-related issues that could have an adverse effect on our profitability or on our operating standards.
We depend upon independent third parties for the manufacture and delivery of all our merchandise.
We do not own or operate any manufacturing facilities. As a result, the continued success of our operations is tied to our timely receipt of quality merchandise from third-party manufacturers. Our products are manufactured to our specifications primarily by foreign manufacturers. We cannot control all of the various factors, which include inclement weather, natural disasters, political and financial instability, strikes, health concerns regarding infectious diseases in countries in which our merchandise is produced, and acts of terrorism, that might affect a manufacturer’s ability to ship orders of our merchandise in a timely manner or to meet our quality standards. A manufacturer’s inability to ship orders in a timely manner or meet our quality standards could cause delays in responding to consumer demands and negatively affect consumer confidence in the quality and value of our brands or negatively impact our competitive position, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. We are also susceptible to increases in sourcing costs from our manufacturers which we may not be able to pass on to our customers and could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.
Additionally, while we utilize third-party compliance auditors to visit and monitor the operations of our manufacturers, we do not have control of the independent manufacturers or their labor practices. As a result, the risk remains that one or more of our manufacturers will not adhere to our global compliance standards and violate labor laws or other laws, including consumer and product safety laws. In addition, our third-party vendor base could expose us to liability for their own failures to comply with local or regulatory requirements. Non-governmental organizations might attempt to create an unfavorable impression of our sourcing practices or the practices of some of our vendors or manufacturers that could harm our image. If either of these events occur, we could lose customer goodwill and favorable brand recognition.
The efficient operation of our stores and direct-to-consumer business depends on the timely receipt of merchandise from our distribution centers. We deliver our merchandise to our stores and direct-to-consumer customers using independent third parties. We utilize primarily one contract carrier to ship merchandise and related materials to our North American stores and direct-to-consumer customers, and a separate contract carrier for our European and Asian stores and direct-to-consumer customers. The independent third parties employ personnel that may be represented by labor unions. Disruptions in the delivery of merchandise or work stoppages by associates or contractors of any of these third parties could delay the timely receipt of merchandise. There can be no assurance that such stoppages or disruptions will not occur in the future. Any failure by a third-party to respond adequately to our distribution needs would disrupt our operations and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. Furthermore, we are susceptible to increases in fuel costs which may increase the cost of distribution. If we are not able to pass this cost on to our customers, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

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Our reliance on two distribution centers domestically and third-party distribution centers internationally makes us susceptible to disruptions or adverse conditions affecting our distribution centers.
Our two distribution centers located in New Albany, Ohio, manage the receipt, storage, sorting, packing and distribution of merchandise to our North American stores and to our North American and Asian direct-to-consumer customers. We also use a third-party distribution center in the Netherlands to manage the receipt, storage, sorting, packing and distribution of merchandise delivered to our stores and direct-to-consumer customers in Europe, a third-party distribution center in Hong Kong to manage receipt, storage, sorting, packing and distribution of merchandise delivered to our stores in Asia and Australia and a third-party distribution center in the United Arab Emirates to manage, receipt, storage, sorting, packing and distribution of merchandise delivered to our stores in the Middle East. As a result, our operations are susceptible to local and regional factors, such as system failures, accidents, economic and weather conditions, natural disasters, demographic and population changes, as well as other unforeseen events and circumstances. If our distribution operations were disrupted, our ability to replace inventory in our stores and process direct-to-consumer orders could be interrupted and sales could be negatively impacted.
We rely on third-party vendors as well as other third-party arrangements for many aspects of our business, failure to successfully manage these relationships could negatively impact our results of operations or expose us to liability for the actions of third-party vendors acting on our behalf.
We regularly rely on third-party relationships for many aspects of our business. These relationships include arrangements with vendors, subcontractors, software system providers and product manufacturers. Our dependence on these third-parties makes our operations vulnerable to such third parties’ failure to meet their contractual obligations or their failure to comply with relevant laws and regulations. Vendors that provide government relations, regulatory assistance, permitting services, or are otherwise acting on our behalf expose us to additional risk should they fail to comply with relevant laws and regulations. These types of third-party relationships are subject to increasing regulatory requirements and attention that necessitates enhanced due diligence in the selection, contracting and ongoing monitoring of these relationships. Changing regulatory requirements may also require us to renegotiate our existing agreements with these third-parties to meet enhanced requirements. If we do not exercise adequate oversight and control over these third-party relationships, we may be subject to enforcement actions and fines, including administrative or judicial penalties for any direct legal or regulatory violations, and potentially for violations of those third parties acting on our behalf. In addition, failure to adequately manage these third-party relationships may negatively impact our results of operations or negatively impact our reputation.
We may be exposed to risks and costs associated with credit card fraud and identity theft that would cause us to incur unexpected expenses and loss of revenues.
In the standard course of business, we process customer information, including payment information, through our stores and direct-to-consumer programs. There is an increased concern over the security of personal information transmitted over the Internet, consumer identity theft and user privacy. We endeavor to protect consumer identity and payment information through the implementation of security technologies, processes, and procedures. It is possible that an individual or group could defeat our security measures and access sensitive customer information. Actual or anticipated attacks may cause us to incur increasing costs, including costs to deploy additional personnel and protection technologies, train employees, and engage third-party experts and consultants. Incidents which result in exposure of customer data will be handled in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Exposure of customer data through any means could materially harm A&F by, but not limited to, reputation loss, regulatory fines, and costs of litigation.
Our facilities, systems and stores, as well as the facilities and systems of our vendors and manufacturers, are vulnerable to natural disasters, pandemic disease and other unexpected events, any of which could result in an interruption to our business and adversely affect our operating results.
Our retail stores, corporate offices, distribution centers, infrastructure projects and direct-to-consumer operations, as well as the operations of our vendors and manufacturers, are vulnerable to damage from natural disasters, pandemic disease and other unexpected events. If any of these events result in damage to our facilities, systems or stores, or the facilities or systems of our vendors or manufacturers, we may experience interruptions in our business until the damage is repaired, resulting in the potential loss of customers and revenues. In addition, we may incur costs in repairing any damage which exceeds our applicable insurance coverage.
Our business is also vulnerable to any interruption related to an outbreak of a pandemic disease in countries where we have retail locations or source our merchandise.

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Our litigation exposure could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
We are involved, from time to time, in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. Litigation matters may include, but are not limited to, contract disputes, employment-related, labor relations, commercial litigation, intellectual property rights and shareholder actions. Any litigation that we become a party to could be costly and time consuming and could divert our management and key personnel from our business operations. Our current litigation exposure could change in the event of the discovery of damaging facts with respect to legal matters pending against us or determinations by judges, juries or other finders of fact that are not in accordance with management’s evaluation of the claims. Should management’s evaluation prove incorrect, our exposure could greatly exceed expectations and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Our inability or failure to adequately protect our trademarks could have a negative impact on our brand image and limit our ability to penetrate new markets.
We believe our core trademarks, Abercrombie & Fitch®, abercrombie®, Hollister®, Gilly Hicks® and the “Moose” and “Seagull” logos, are an essential element of our strategy. We have obtained or applied for federal registration of these trademarks with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the registries of countries where stores are located or likely to be located in the future. In addition, we own registrations and have pending applications for other trademarks in the U.S. and have applied for or obtained registrations from the registries in many foreign countries in which our stores or our manufacturers are located. There can be no assurance that we will obtain registrations that have been applied for or that the registrations we obtain will prevent the imitation of our products or infringement of our intellectual property rights by others. If a third-party copies our products in a manner that projects lesser quality or carries a negative connotation, our brand image could be materially adversely affected.
Because we have not yet registered all of our trademarks in all categories, or in all foreign countries in which we source or offer our merchandise now, or may in the future, our international expansion and our merchandising of products using these marks could be limited. For example, we cannot ensure that others will not try to block the manufacture, export or sale of our products as a violation of their trademarks or other proprietary rights. The pending applications for international registration of various trademarks could be challenged or rejected in those countries because third parties of whom we are not currently aware have already registered similar marks in those countries. Accordingly, it may be possible, in those foreign countries where the status of various applications is pending or unclear, for a third-party owner of the national trademark registration for a similar mark to prohibit the manufacture, sale or exportation of branded goods in or from that country. If we are unable to reach an arrangement with any such party, our manufacturers may be unable to manufacture our products, and we may be unable to sell certain products in those countries. Our inability to register our trademarks or purchase or license the right to use our trademarks or logos in these jurisdictions could limit our ability to obtain supplies from, or manufacture in, less costly markets or penetrate new markets should our business plan include selling our merchandise in those non-U.S. jurisdictions.
We have an anti-counterfeiting program, under the auspices of the Abercrombie & Fitch Asset Protection Team, whose goal is to eliminate the supply of illegal pieces of our products. The Asset Protection Team interacts with investigators, customs officials and law enforcement entities throughout the world to combat the illegal use of our trademarks. Although brand security initiatives are in place, we cannot guarantee that our efforts against the counterfeiting of our brands will be successful.
A currently threatened proxy fight and any other actions of activist stockholders could have a negative effect on our business.
In February 2014, we received a notice from Engaged Capital, a stockholder, that discloses its intent to nominate five individuals for election to our Board of Directors at our 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. If a proxy contest results from this notice or if other activist activities ensue, our business could be adversely affected because responding to proxy contests, litigation and other actions by activist stockholders can be costly and time-consuming, disrupt our operations and divert the attention of management and our employees. In addition, perceived uncertainties as to our future direction may result in the loss of potential business opportunities and harm our ability to attract new investors. If individuals are elected to our Board of Directors with a specific agenda, it may adversely affect our ability to effectively and timely implement our initiatives and to retain and attract experienced executives and employees. Finally, we may experience a significant increase in legal fees, administrative and associated costs incurred in connection with responding to a proxy contest or related action. These actions could also cause our stock price to experience periods of volatility or stagnation.

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Fluctuations in our tax obligations and effective tax rate may result in volatility in our operating results.
We are subject to income taxes in many U.S. and certain foreign jurisdictions. In addition, our products are subject to import and excise duties and/or sales, consumption or value-added taxes (“VAT”) in many jurisdictions. We record tax expense based on our estimates of future payments, which include reserves for estimates of probable settlements of foreign and domestic tax audits. At any one time, many tax years are subject to audit by various taxing jurisdictions. The results of these audits and negotiations with taxing authorities may affect the ultimate settlement of these issues. As a result, we expect that throughout the year there could be ongoing variability in our quarterly tax rates as taxable events occur and exposures are evaluated. In addition, our effective tax rate in any given financial statement period may be materially impacted by changes in the mix and level of earnings or by changes to existing accounting rules or regulations. Fluctuations in duties could also have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. In some international markets, we are required to hold and submit VAT to the appropriate local tax authorities. Failure to correctly calculate or submit the appropriate amounts could subject us to substantial fines and penalties that could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. In addition, tax legislation may be enacted in the future, domestically or abroad, that impacts our current or future tax structure and effective tax rate.
The effects of war or acts of terrorism could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.
The continued threat of terrorism and the associated heightened security measures and military actions in response to acts of terrorism have disrupted commerce. Any further acts of terrorism or a future war may disrupt commerce and undermine consumer confidence, which could negatively impact our sales revenue by causing consumer spending and/or mall traffic to decline. Furthermore, an act of terrorism or war, or the threat thereof, or any other unforeseen interruption of commerce, could negatively impact our business by interfering with our ability to obtain merchandise from foreign manufacturers. Our inability to obtain merchandise from our foreign manufacturers or substitute other manufacturers, at similar costs and in a timely manner, could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.
Our inability to obtain commercial insurance at acceptable prices or our failure to adequately reserve for self-insured exposures might increase our expenses and adversely impact our financial results.
We believe that commercial insurance coverage is prudent for risk management in certain areas of our business. Insurance costs may increase substantially in the future and may be affected by natural catastrophes, fear of terrorism, financial irregularities and other fraud at publicly-held companies, intervention by the government or a decrease in the number of insurance carriers. In addition, the carriers with which we hold our policies may go out of business, or may be otherwise unable to fulfill their contractual obligations. Furthermore, for certain types or levels of risk, such as risks associated with earthquakes, hurricanes or terrorist attacks, we may determine that we cannot obtain commercial insurance at acceptable prices, if at all. Therefore, we may choose to forego or limit our purchase of relevant commercial insurance, choosing instead to self-insure one or more types or levels of risk. We are primarily self-insured for workers’ compensation and associate health benefits. If we suffer a substantial loss that is not covered by commercial insurance or our self-insurance reserves, the loss and attendant expenses could harm our business and operating results. In addition, exposures could exist for which no insurance may be available and for which we have not reserved.
Operating results and cash flows at the store level may cause us to incur impairment charges.
Long-lived assets, primarily property and equipment, are reviewed at the store level at least annually for impairment, or whenever changes in circumstances indicate that a full recovery of net asset values through future cash flows is in question. The review could result in significant charges related to underperforming stores which could impact our results of operations.
Furthermore, our impairment review requires us to make estimates and projections regarding, but not limited to, future cash flows. We make certain estimates and projections in connection with impairment analyses for our store locations and other property and equipment. If these estimates or projections change or prove incorrect, we may be, and have been, required to record impairment charges on certain store locations and other property and equipment. We have recognized significant impairment charges in the past and in the current year and may do so in the future.

17

We are subject to customs, advertising, consumer protection, privacy, zoning and occupancy and labor and employment laws that could require us to modify our current business practices, incur increased costs or harm our reputation if we do not comply.
We are subject to numerous laws and regulations, including customs, truth-in-advertising, consumer protection, general privacy, health information privacy, identity theft, online privacy, employee health and safety, unsolicited commercial communication and zoning and occupancy laws and ordinances that regulate retailers generally and/or govern the importation, intellectual property, promotion and sale of merchandise and the operation of retail stores, direct-to-consumer operations and distribution centers. As our business becomes more international in scope and we enter more countries internationally, the number of laws and regulations that we are subject to, as well as their scope and reach, increase significantly and heighten our risks. If these laws and regulations were to change, or were violated by our management, associates, suppliers, vendors or other parties with whom we do business, the costs of certain merchandise could increase, or we could experience delays in shipments of our merchandise, be subject to fines or penalties, temporary or permanent store closures, increased regulatory scrutiny or suffer reputational harm, which could reduce demand for our merchandise and adversely affect our business and results of operations. Health and Safety in Europe is highly regulated and compliance with these regulations may require additional cost and possible changes to our business practices. Failure to protect personally identifiable information of our customers or associates could subject us to considerable reputational harm, as well as significant fines, penalties and sanctions both domestically and abroad. In addition, changes in federal, state and international minimum wage laws and overtime pay requirements and other laws relating to associate benefits could cause us to incur additional wage and benefits costs, which could hurt our profitability. We are also subject to U.S. securities laws and regulations, as well as stock exchange rules which could subject us to enforcement actions, de-listing and adverse legal sanctions for non-compliance.
Changes in the regulatory or compliance landscape could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Laws and regulations at the state, federal and international levels frequently change, and the ultimate cost of compliance cannot be precisely estimated. In addition, we cannot predict the impact that may result from changes in the regulatory landscape. Any changes in regulations, the imposition of additional regulations, or the enactment of any new or more stringent legislation including those related to health care, taxes, transportation and logistics, privacy, environmental issues, trade, product safety or employment and labor, could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Our unsecured Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”) and our Term Loan Agreement include financial and other covenants that impose restrictions on our financial and business operations.
Our Amended and Restated Credit Agreement expires on July 27, 2016 and our Term Loan Agreement has a maturity date of February 23, 2017. Market conditions could potentially impact the size and terms of a replacement facility or facilities.
Both our Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and our Term Loan Agreement contain financial covenants that require us to maintain a minimum coverage ratio and a maximum leverage ratio. If we fail to comply with the covenants and are unable to obtain a waiver or amendment, an event of default would result, and the lenders could declare outstanding borrowings immediately due and payable. If that should occur, we cannot guarantee that we would have sufficient liquidity at that time to repay or refinance borrowings under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and/or the Term Loan Agreement.
The inability to obtain credit on commercially reasonable terms, or a default under the current Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and/or the Amended Term Loan Agreement, could adversely impact our liquidity and results of operations.
Compliance with changing regulations and standards for accounting, corporate governance and public disclosure could adversely affect our business, results of operations and reported financial results.
Changing regulatory requirements for corporate governance and public disclosure, including SEC regulations and the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s accounting standards requirements are creating additional complexities for public companies. For example, the Dodd-Frank Act contains provisions governing “conflict minerals,” certain minerals originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries. As a result, the SEC adopted annual disclosure and reporting requirements for those companies who use conflict minerals mined in the named countries. There will be costs associated with complying with the disclosure requirements, including diligence to determine the sources of minerals used in our products and possible changes to sources of our inputs.
Stockholder activism, the current political environment, financial reform legislation and the current high level of government intervention and regulatory reform may lead to substantial new regulations and disclosure obligations. In addition, the expected future requirement to transition to, or converge with, international financial reporting standards is creating uncertainty and additional complexities. These changing regulatory requirements may lead to additional compliance costs, as well as the diversion of our management’s time and attention from strategic business activities and could have a significant effect on our reported results for the affected periods.

18

Our inability to successfully implement our long range plan could have a negative impact on our growth and profitability.
Our long range plan includes four key objectives: improving the productivity and profitability in our U.S. stores, continuing our profitable international growth, increasing direct-to-consumer penetration and reducing our expenses. Our ability to execute these strategies successfully and in a timely fashion is subject to various risks and uncertainties as described under this “Risk Factors” section. Specifically, these risks can be categorized into market risk, execution risk and resonance risk. Market risk includes consumer spending, actions of brand competitors and changes in demographics or preferences of our target customer. Achieving the goals of our long range plan is also dependent on us executing the plan successfully. Finally, the strategies we implement in connection with the long range plan may not resonate with our customers.
Our profit improvement initiative, as a key element of the long range plan described above, is expected to achieve annualized gross savings in excess of $175 million across the following work-streams: non-merchandise, supply chain, marketing, store operations and home office expenses. We may be unsuccessful in achieving our annual savings target for several reasons, including, but not limited to, the fact that our assumed savings estimates may be inaccurate due to factors outside of our control, such as raw material costs or that due to business decisions, we decide not to implement certain elements of the profit improvement initiative or we decide to increase spending in one or more of these work-streams.
It may take longer than anticipated to generate the expected benefits from our long range plan and there can be no guarantee that these initiatives will result in improved operating results. In addition, failure to successfully implement our long range plan could have a negative impact on our growth and profitability.
Our estimates of the expenses that we may incur in connection with the closures of the Gilly Hicks stores could prove to be inaccurate.
As announced in November 2013, we approved the closure of our stand-alone Gilly Hicks stores. We expect to substantially complete the closures by the end of the first quarter of Fiscal 2014. In connection with the store closings we incurred $81.5 million in restructuring charges in the third and fourth quarters of Fiscal 2013. We expect our total Gilly Hicks restructuring charges to be approximately $90 million and expect to incur these additional charges in the first quarter of 2014. These estimates are based on a number of significant assumptions and could change materially which could adversely affect our financial results.


19

ITEM 1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
None.

20


ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES.
The Company’s headquarters and support functions occupy 501 acres, consisting of the home office, distribution and shipping facilities centralized on a campus-like setting in New Albany, Ohio and an additional small storage facility located in the Columbus, Ohio area, all of which are owned by the Company. Additionally, the Company leases small facilities to house its design and sourcing support centers in Hong Kong, New York City, New York and Los Angeles, California, as well as offices in the United Kingdom, Japan, Switzerland, Italy, Hong Kong and China.
All of the retail stores operated by the Company, as of March 21, 2014, are located in leased facilities, primarily in shopping centers. The leases expire at various dates, between 2014 and 2031.
The Company’s home office, distribution and shipping facilities, design support centers and stores are currently suitable and adequate.
As of March 21, 2014, the Company’s 1,003 stores were located as follows:
U.S. & U.S. Territories:
Alabama
 
5

 
Kentucky
 
8

 
North Dakota
 
1

Alaska
 
1

 
Louisiana
 
7

 
Ohio
 
29

Arizona
 
15

 
Maine
 
4

 
Oklahoma
 
6

Arkansas
 
6

 
Maryland
 
19

 
Oregon
 
8

California
 
119

 
Massachusetts
 
32

 
Pennsylvania
 
43

Colorado
 
7

 
Michigan
 
22

 
Rhode Island
 
3

Connecticut
 
18

 
Minnesota
 
9

 
South Carolina
 
10

Delaware
 
5

 
Mississippi
 
2

 
Tennessee
 
20

District Of Columbia
 
1

 
Missouri
 
10

 
Texas
 
76

Florida
 
70

 
Montana
 
2

 
Utah
 
7

Georgia
 
20

 
Nebraska
 
3

 
Vermont
 
2

Hawaii
 
4

 
Nevada
 
11

 
Virginia
 
21

Idaho
 
2

 
New Hampshire
 
9

 
Washington
 
19

Illinois
 
34

 
New Jersey (1)
 
39

 
West Virginia
 
4

Indiana
 
15

 
New Mexico
 
3

 
Wisconsin
 
9

Iowa
 
7

 
New York
 
47

 
Puerto Rico
 
1

Kansas
 
5

 
North Carolina
 
22

 
 
 
 
International Stores:
Australia
 
2

 
Germany (1)
 
24

 
Republic of Korea
 
3

Austria
 
6

 
Hong Kong
 
3

 
Singapore
 
1

Belgium
 
3

 
Ireland
 
2

 
Spain
 
13

Canada
 
18

 
Italy
 
13

 
Sweden
 
3

China
 
7

 
Japan
 
4

 
United Kingdom (2)
 
37

Denmark
 
1

 
Netherlands
 
4

 
United Arab Emirates
 
1

France
 
15

 
Poland
 
1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1) Includes one Gilly Hicks store
(2) Includes six Gilly Hicks stores

21


ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
A&F is a defendant in lawsuits and other adversary proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Legal costs incurred in connection with the resolution of claims and lawsuits are generally expensed as incurred, and the Company establishes reserves for the outcome of litigation where it deems appropriate to do so under applicable accounting rules. The Company’s assessment of the current exposure could change in the event of the discovery of additional facts with respect to legal matters pending against the Company or determinations by judges, juries, administrative agencies or other finders of fact that are not in accordance with the Company’s evaluation of claims. Actual liabilities may exceed the amounts reserved, and there can be no assurance that final resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The Company has established accruals for certain matters where losses are deemed probable and reasonably estimable. There are other claims and legal proceedings pending against the Company for which accruals have not been established.



22


ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
Not applicable.

23


SUPPLEMENTAL ITEM.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.
Set forth below is certain information regarding the executive officers of A&F as of March 21, 2014:
Michael S. Jeffries, 69, has been Chief Executive Officer of A&F since February 1992. From May 1998 until January 2014, he also served as Chairman of A&F. From February 1992 to May 1998, Mr. Jeffries held the title of President of A&F. Pursuant to the terms of the Employment Agreement, entered into as of December 9, 2013, between A&F and Mr. Jeffries, A&F is obligated to cause Mr. Jeffries to be nominated as a director of A&F during his employment term.
Jonathan E. Ramsden, 49, has been Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of A&F since January 2014 and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of A&F since December 2008. From December 1998 to December 2008, Mr. Ramsden served as Chief Financial Officer and a member of the Executive Committee of TBWA Worldwide, a large advertising agency network and a division of Omnicom Group Inc. Prior to becoming Chief Financial Officer of TWBA Worldwide, he served as Controller and Principal Accounting Officer of Omnicom Group Inc. from June 1996 to December 1998.
James N. Bierbower, 49, has been Executive Vice President — Human Resources of A&F since January 2014. Prior thereto, Mr. Bierbower held the position of Senior Vice President — Human Resources of A&F from April 2012 to January 2014, the position of Senior Vice President of Organizational Development of A&F from November 2008 to April 2012 and the position of Vice President — Organizational Development of A&F from November 2006 to November 2008. Prior to joining A&F, Mr. Bierbower held a variety of positions in merchandising, human resources, finance and operations with the May Department Stores Company over a period of 20 years.
Diane Chang, 58, has been Executive Vice President — Sourcing of A&F since May 2004. Prior thereto, Ms. Chang held the position of Senior Vice President — Sourcing of A&F from February 2000 to May 2004 and the position of Vice President — Sourcing of A&F from May 1998 to February 2000.
Leslee K. Herro, 53, has been Executive Vice President — Merchandise Planning, Inventory Management and Brand Senses of A&F since January 2012. Prior thereto, she held the position of Executive Vice President — Planning and Allocation of A&F from May 2004 to January 2012, the position of Senior Vice President — Planning and Allocation of A&F from February 2000 to May 2004 and the position of Vice President — Planning & Allocation of A&F from February 1994 to February 2000. On December 9, 2013, A&F announced that Ms. Herro will retire from her position as Executive Vice President — Merchandise Planning, Inventory Management and Brand Senses in the Spring of 2014. Ms. Herro will remain with A&F for a period in a non-named executive officer capacity providing advice and counsel to A&F's Leadership Team and completing certain special projects.
Amy L. Zehrer, 44, has been Executive Vice President — Stores of A&F since February 2013. Prior thereto, Ms. Zehrer held the position of Senior Vice President — Stores of A&F from November 2007 to February 2013 and the position of Vice President — Stores of A&F from August 2006 to November 2007. Ms. Zehrer has been with A&F since 1992 playing an integral part in evolving the brands and the success of the Company's international expansion.
The executive officers serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors of A&F and, in the case of Mr. Jeffries, pursuant to an employment agreement.

24

PART II
 
ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
A&F’s Class A Common Stock (the “Common Stock”) is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “ANF.” The table below sets forth the high and low sales prices of A&F’s Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange for Fiscal 2013 and Fiscal 2012:
 
 
Sales Price
 
 
High
 
Low
Fiscal 2013
 
 
 
 
4th Quarter
 
$
38.31

 
$
31.72

3rd Quarter
 
$
51.66

 
$
33.19

2nd Quarter
 
$
54.41

 
$
43.46

1st Quarter
 
$
52.07

 
$
45.17

Fiscal 2012
 
 
 
 
4th Quarter
 
$
51.07

 
$
30.58

3rd Quarter
 
$
39.36

 
$
29.06

2nd Quarter
 
$
53.29

 
$
29.78

1st Quarter
 
$
53.53

 
$
40.40

Dividends are declared at the discretion of A&F's Board of Directors. A quarterly dividend, of $0.20 per share, was declared in each of February, May, August and November in Fiscal 2013, an increase from $0.175 during each quarter in Fiscal 2012. Dividends were paid in each of March, June, September and December in Fiscal 2013. A&F's Board of Directors reviews the dividend on a quarterly basis and establishes the dividend rate based on A&F's financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, current and projected cash flows, business prospects and other factors which directors deem relevant.
As of March 21, 2014, there were approximately 3,692 stockholders of record. However, when including investors holding shares in broker accounts under street name, active associates of the Company who participate in A&F’s stock purchase plan, and associates of the Company who own shares through A&F-sponsored retirement plans, A&F estimates that there are approximately 43,100 stockholders.
The following table provides information regarding the purchase of shares of the Common Stock of A&F made by or on behalf of A&F or any “affiliated purchaser” as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, during each fiscal month of the quarterly period ended February 1, 2014:
Period (Fiscal Month)
 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased(1)
 
Average
Price  Paid
per Share(2)
 
Total Number of
Shares  Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs(3)
 
Maximum Number of
Shares that May Yet
be Purchased under
the Plans or
Programs(4)
November 3, 2013 through November 30, 2013
 
2,386

 
$
35.22

 
—

 
16,288,339

December 1, 2013 through January 4, 2014
 
389

 
$
35.71

 
—

 
16,288,339

January 5, 2013 through February 1, 2014
 
860

 
$
35.47

 
—

 
16,288,339

Total
 
3,635

 
$
35.33

 
—

 
16,288,339

 
(1) 
All of the 3,635 shares of A&F’s Common Stock purchased during the thirteen-week period ended February 1, 2014 represented shares which were withheld for tax payments due upon the vesting of employee restricted stock unit and restricted share awards.
(2) 
The average price paid per share includes broker commissions, as applicable.
(3) 
No shares were repurchased during the thirteen-week period ended February 1, 2014 pursuant to A&F’s publicly announced stock repurchase authorizations. On May 15, 2012, A&F’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an aggregate of 10.0 million shares of A&F’s Common Stock. On August 14, 2012, A&F's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional 10.0 million shares of A&F’s Common Stock.
(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.

25

During Fiscal 2013, A&F repurchased approximately 2.4 million shares of A&F’s Common Stock in the open market with a cost of approximately $115.8 million. During Fiscal 2012, A&F repurchased approximately 7.5 million shares of A&F’s Common Stock in the open market with a cost of approximately $321.7 million. Repurchases made during the Fiscal 2013 and the Fiscal 2012 were pursuant to authorizations of A&F’s Board of Directors.

26

The following graph shows the changes, over the five-year period ended February 1, 2014 (the last day of A&F’s Fiscal 2013) in the value of $100 invested in (i) shares of A&F’s Common Stock; (ii) the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index (the “S&P 500 Index”); (iii) the Standard & Poor's Midcap 400 Stock Index (the "S&P Midcap 400 Index"); and (iv) the Standard & Poor’s Apparel Retail Composite Index (the “S&P Apparel Retail Index”), including reinvestment of dividends. The plotted points represent the closing price on the last trading day of the fiscal year indicated.
PERFORMANCE GRAPH(1) 
COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
Among Abercrombie & Fitch Co., the S&P 500 Index, the S&P Midcap 400 Index
and the S&P Apparel Retail Index

 *
$100 invested on 1/31/09 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends.
Indexes calculated on month-end basis.

Copyright© 2014 S&P, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. All rights reserved.

In Fiscal 2013, A&F was removed as a component of the S&P 500 Index and became a component of the S&P Midcap 400
Index.     
 
(1) This graph shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC or subject to SEC Regulation 14A or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), except to the extent that A&F specifically requests that the graph be treated as soliciting material or specifically incorporates it by reference into a filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act.

27

ITEM 6.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
(Thousands, except per share and per square foot amounts, ratios and store and associate data)
(Information below excludes amounts related to discontinued operations, except where otherwise noted)
 
 
2013
 
2012 (1)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009(2)
Net Sales
 
$
4,116,897

 
$
4,510,805

 
$
4,158,058

 
$
3,468,777

 
$
2,928,626

Gross Profit
 
$
2,575,435

 
$
2,816,709

 
$
2,550,224

 
$
2,217,429

 
$
1,883,598

Operating Income
 
$
80,823

 
$
374,233

 
$
221,384

 
$
237,180

 
$
117,912

Net Income from Continuing Operations
 
$
54,628

 
$
237,011

 
$
143,138

 
$
155,709

 
$
78,953

Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax (3)
 
—

 
$
—

 
$
796

 
$
—

 
$
(78,699
)
Net Income(3)
 
$
54,628

 
$
237,011

 
$
143,934

 
$
155,709

 
$
254

Dividends Declared Per Share
 
$
0.80

 
$
0.70

 
$
0.70

 
$
0.70

 
$
0.70

Net Income Per Share from Continuing Operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
0.71

 
$
2.89

 
$
1.65

 
$
1.77

 
$
0.90

Diluted
 
$
0.69

 
$
2.85

 
$
1.60

 
$
1.73

 
$
0.89

Net Income (Loss) Per Share from Discontinued Operations(3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
0.01

 
$
—

 
$
(0.90
)
Diluted
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
0.01

 
$
—

 
$
(0.89
)
Net Income Per Share(3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
0.71

 
$
2.89

 
$
1.66

 
$
1.77

 
$
0.00

Diluted
 
$
0.69

 
$
2.85

 
$
1.61

 
$
1.73

 
$
0.00

Basic Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding
 
77,157

 
81,940

 
86,848

 
88,061

 
87,874

Diluted Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding
 
78,666

 
83,175

 
89,537

 
89,851

 
88,609

Other Financial Information
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Assets (including discontinued operations)
 
$
2,850,997

 
$
2,987,401

 
$
3,117,032

 
$
2,994,022

 
$
2,821,866

Working Capital(4)
 
$
752,344

 
$
617,023

 
$
858,248

 
$
927,024

 
$
776,311

Current Ratio(5)
 
2.32

 
1.89

 
2.23

 
2.68

 
2.73

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities(3)
 
$
175,493

 
$
684,171

 
$
365,219

 
$
391,789

 
$
395,487

Capital Expenditures
 
$
163,924

 
$
339,862

 
$
318,598

 
$
160,935

 
$
175,472

Free Cash Flow(6)
 
$
11,569

 
$
344,309

 
$
46,621

 
$
230,854

 
$
220,015

Net Cash Used for Investing Activities
 
$
(173,861
)
 
$
(247,238
)
 
$
(340,689
)
 
$
(92,976
)
 
$
(111,561
)
Net Cash Used for Financing Activities
 
$
(40,831
)
 
$
(380,071
)
 
$
(265,329
)
 
$
(145,333
)
 
$
(136,050
)
Borrowings
 
$
135,000

 
—

 
$
—

 
$
43,805

 
$
50,927

Leasehold Financing Obligations
 
$
60,726

 
$
63,942

 
$
57,851

 
$
24,761

 
$
20,286

Stockholders’ Equity (including discontinued operations)
 
$
1,729,493

 
$
1,818,268

 
$
1,931,335

 
$
1,943,391

 
$
1,827,917

Return on Average Stockholders’ Equity(7)
 
3
 %
 
13
 %
 
7
%
 
8
%
 
0
 %
Comparable Sales(8)
 
(11
)%
 
(1
)%
 
5
%
 
7
%
 
(23
)%
Net Store Sales Per Average Gross Square Foot
 
$
417

 
$
485

 
$
463

 
$
390

 
$
339

Stores at End of Year and Average Associates
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Number of Stores Open
 
1,006

 
1,041

 
1,045

 
1,069

 
1,096

Gross Square Feet
 
7,736

 
7,958

 
7,778

 
7,756

 
7,848

Average Number of Associates(9)
 
95,500

 
95,800

 
91,000

 
83,000

 
83,000

 
(1) 
Fiscal 2012 was a fifty-three week year.
(2) 
Reported results for Fiscal 2009 were not restated to reflect the change to the cost method of accounting for inventory, which was effective in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2012, as the information was not available.
(3) 
Includes results of operations from RUEHL branded stores and related direct-to-consumer operations. Results from discontinued operations were immaterial in Fiscal 2010.
(4) 
Working Capital is computed by subtracting current liabilities (including discontinued operations) from current assets (including discontinued operations).

28

(5) 
Current Ratio is computed by dividing current assets (including discontinued operations) by current liabilities (including discontinued operations).
(6) 
Free Cash Flow is computed by subtracting Capital Expenditures from the GAAP financial measure of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities, both of which are disclosed above in the table immediately preceding the measure of Free Cash Flow. The Company believes that the non-GAAP measure of Free Cash Flow is useful to investors to understand available cash flows generated from operations less cash flows used for capital expenditures. The closest GAAP financial measure is Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities. The non-GAAP financial measure of Free Cash Flow should not be used in isolation or as an alternative to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities or an indicator of the ongoing performance of the Company. It is also not intended to supersede or replace the Company's GAAP financial measure.
(7) 
Return on Average Stockholders’ Equity is computed by dividing net income (including discontinued operations) by the average stockholders’ equity balance (including discontinued operations).
(8) 
A store is included in comparable sales when it has been open as the same brand at least one year and its square footage has not been expanded or reduced by more than 20% within the past year. Beginning with Fiscal 2012, comparable sales include comparable direct-to-consumer sales. Prior year figures have not been restated and only include comparable store sales.
(9) 
Includes employees from RUEHL operations.

29

ITEM 7.
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, typically resulting in a fifty-two week year, but occasionally giving rise to an additional week, resulting in a fifty-three week year as was the case for Fiscal 2012. A store is included in comparable sales when it has been open as the same brand at least one year and its square footage has not been expanded or reduced by more than 20% within the past year. Additionally, beginning with Fiscal 2012, comparable direct-to-consumer sales were included in comparable sales.
For purposes of this “ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS,” the fifty-two week period ended February 1, 2014 is compared to the fifty-three week period ended February 2, 2013 and the fifty-three week period ended February 2, 2013 is compared to the fifty-two week period ended January 28, 2012.
The Company had net sales of $4.117 billion for Fiscal 2013, a decrease of 9% from $4.511 billion for Fiscal 2012. Operating income for Fiscal 2013 was $80.8 million, which decreased 78% from the Fiscal 2012 operating income of $374.2 million.
Net income was $54.6 million and net income per diluted share was $0.69 in Fiscal 2013, compared to net income of $237.0 million and net income per diluted share of $2.85 in Fiscal 2012.

Excluding restructuring charges related to Gilly Hicks, other asset impairment charges, and charges related to the Company's profit improvement initiative, the Company reported adjusted non-GAAP net income of $150.6 million and net income per diluted share of $1.91 for Fiscal 2013 compared to adjusted non-GAAP net income of $241.6 million and net income per diluted share of $2.90 for Fiscal 2012. 
The Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measures above are useful to investors as they provide the ability to measure the Company’s operating performance and compare it against that of prior periods without reference to the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income impact of Gilly Hicks restructuring charges, non-cash, store-related asset impairment charges and charges associated with the Company's profit improvement initiative. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be used as alternatives to net income or net income per diluted share or as indicators of the ongoing operating performance of the Company and are also not intended to supersede or replace the Company’s GAAP financial measures. The table below reconciles the GAAP financial measures to the non-GAAP financial measures discussed above.
    
 
 
Fiscal 2013
 
Fiscal 2012
 
 
Operating Income
 
Net Income
 
Net Income per Diluted Share
 
Operating Income
 
Net Income
 
Net Income per Diluted Share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP
 
$
80,823

 
$
54,628

 
$
0.69

 
$
374,233

 
$
237,011

 
$
2.85

Excluded Charges (1)
 
142,054

 
95,991

 
1.22

 
7,407

 
4,592

 
0.06

Non-GAAP
 
$
222,877

 
$
150,619

 
$
1.91

 
$
381,640

 
$
241,603

 
$
2.90

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) 
Excluded charges for Fiscal 2013 include $81.5 million in pre-tax charges related to the restructuring of the Gilly Hicks brand, $46.7 million in pre-tax charges related to other store-related asset impairments, and $13.8 million in pre-tax charges related to the Company's profit improvement initiative. For Fiscal 2013, asset impairment charges were primarily associated with 23 Abercrombie & Fitch stores, four abercrombie kids stores and 70 Hollister stores. Excluded charges for Fiscal 2012 include $7.4 million in pre-tax charges related to store-related asset impairments associated with one Abercrombie & Fitch store, three abercrombie kids stores, 12 Hollister stores and one Gilly Hicks store.

Net cash provided by operating activities, the Company’s primary source of liquidity, was $175.5 million for Fiscal 2013. During Fiscal 2013, the Company used $163.9 million of cash for capital expenditures, repurchased $115.8 million of Common Stock, and paid dividends totaling $61.9 million. In addition, the Company borrowed $150.0 million under the Term Loan Agreement, of which $15.0 million was repaid during the year. As of February 1, 2014, the Company had $600.1 million in cash and equivalents and insignificant stand-by letters of credit.

30

The following data represents the amounts shown in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the last three fiscal years, expressed as a percentage of net sales:
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
NET SALES
 
100.0%
 
100.0%
 
100.0%
Cost of Goods Sold
 
37.4
 
37.6
 
38.7
GROSS PROFIT
 
62.6
 
62.4
 
61.3
Stores and Distribution Expense
 
46.3
 
43.9
 
43.8
Marketing, General and Administrative Expense
 
11.7
 
10.5
 
10.5
Restructuring Charges
 
2.0
 
—
 
—
Asset Impairment
 
1.1
 
0.2
 
1.6
Other Operating Expense (Income), Net
 
(0.6)
 
(0.4)
 
0.1
OPERATING INCOME
 
2.0
 
8.3
 
5.3
Interest Expense, Net
 
0.2
 
0.2
 
0.1
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAXES
 
1.8
 
8.1
 
5.2
Tax Expense from Continuing Operations
 
0.5
 
2.9
 
1.8
NET INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
 
1.3
 
5.3
 
3.4
INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, Net of Tax
 
—
 
—
 
—
NET INCOME
 
1.3%
 
5.3%
 
3.5%


31

FINANCIAL SUMMARY
The following summarized financial and statistical data compare Fiscal 2013, Fiscal 2012 and Fiscal 2011:
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Net sales by segment (in thousands)
 
$
4,116,897

 
$
4,510,805

 
$
4,158,058

U.S. Stores
 
$
2,161,183

 
$
2,615,138

 
$
2,710,842

International Stores
 
$
1,178,798

 
$
1,195,016

 
$
894,616

Direct-to-Consumer
 
$
776,916

 
$
700,651

 
$
552,600

Net sales as a % of total sales
 
 
 


 


U.S. Stores
 
52
 %
 
58
 %
 
65
%
International Stores
 
29
 %
 
26
 %
 
22
%
Direct-to-Consumer
 
19
 %
 
16
 %
 
13
%
Net sales by brand (in thousands)
 
$
4,116,897

 
$
4,510,805

 
$
4,158,058

Abercrombie & Fitch
 
$
1,547,216

 
$
1,704,190

 
$
1,665,135

abercrombie
 
$
346,739

 
$
382,509

 
$
397,904

Hollister
 
$
2,127,816

 
$
2,314,462

 
$
2,022,002

Gilly Hicks
 
$
95,126

 
$
109,644

 
$
73,017

Increase (decrease) in comparable sales*
 
(11
)%
 
(1
)%
 
5
%
Abercrombie & Fitch
 
(10
)%
 
(3
)%
 
3
%
abercrombie
 
(5
)%
 
0
 %
 
4
%
Hollister
 
(14
)%
 
(1
)%
 
8
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Increase (decrease) in comparable sales by geography*
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S.
 
(11
)%
 
1
 %
 
 
International
 
(11
)%
 
(8
)%
 
 
Increase (decrease) in comparable sales by channel
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Stores
 
(16
)%
 
(5
)%
 
5
%
Direct-to-Consumer
 
13
 %
 
24
 %
 
36
%
*
Beginning with 2012, comparable sales have been reported including comparable direct-to-consumer sales. Prior year figures were not restated. A store is included in comparable 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. The Fiscal 2012 retail year included a fifty-third week and, therefore, Fiscal 2013 comparable sales are compared to the fifty-two week period ended February 2, 2013 and Fiscal 2012 comparable sales are compared to the fifty-three week period ended February 4, 2012.


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CURRENT TRENDS AND OUTLOOK
2013 was a difficult year with sales and earnings falling well short of the objectives we set at the beginning of the year. Despite a challenging environment, it is an important goal of ours that we return to positive growth, particularly in our core U.S. business, and we believe the steps we are taking as we execute against our long-range strategic plan can put us in position to achieve this goal.
Pursuant to our long-range strategic plan, our overall financial objective remains to drive significant improvement in return on invested capital through a combination of operating margin improvement and disciplined capital allocation.
We have four principle objectives in driving operating margin improvement:
First, recovering productivity and profitability in our U.S. stores, where we are focused on continuing to improve our fashion, particularly in our female business, and increasing brand engagement. We are taking steps to evolve our assortment, improve our product test capabilities, shortening lead times and increasing style differentiation across all classifications. In addition, we will be launching global marketing campaigns, featuring evolved content, more personalized customer marketing and other programs, which will be delivered through events, public relations, social media and other means. The campaigns will be supported by a significant increase in planned marketing expense and will leverage our in-depth customer research. While we expect that a number of initiatives will improve average unit retail over time, we believe we will need to be more competitive on average unit retail in the current environment and will look to aggressively reduce merchandise average unit cost in order to give us that flexibility.
Second, continuing our profitable international growth, with the objective of increasing our international penetration to approximately 50% of total sales, while maintaining strong margins. Looking ahead, our store expansion focus has shifted to Asia, particularly Japan and China, and the Middle East.
Third, increasing direct-to-consumer penetration to 25% of net sales or greater, while maintaining strong margins. We plan to continue to invest in direct-to-consumer operations, including upgrading our digital experience, increasing our assortment of web exclusive styles, completing an order management system upgrade that will support omnichannel initiatives, advancing mobile capabilities, and expanding international language and payment options.
Fourth, reducing expense. We now expect gross savings from our profit improvement initiative to be at least $175 million, of which approximately $30 million was recognized in Fiscal 2013, and an incremental $145 million will be recognized in Fiscal 2014, which are weighted to the second and third quarters. Partially offsetting these savings, we expect to increase Fiscal 2014 marketing expenditures by approximately $30 million or greater as compared to Fiscal 2013, skewed toward the first half of the year, to support the Company's global marketing campaigns.
With regard to capital allocation, we anticipate Fiscal 2014 capital expenditures of approximately $200 million or slightly greater, which includes the effect of some timing shifts from Fiscal 2013 and is prioritized towards direct-to-consumer and IT investments to support growth initiatives. Capital expense related to new international store openings is prioritized towards key growth markets of Japan, China and the Middle East. We expect to open 16 full-price international stores throughout the year, including an Abercrombie & Fitch flagship store in Shanghai, and a small number of Abercrombie & Fitch mall-based stores.
We remain committed to returning excess cash to shareholders. To that end, on February 27, 2014, we entered into a $150 million accelerated share repurchase agreement, pursuant to the existing share repurchase authorizations of 16.3 million shares. We currently anticipate that there may be additional share repurchases over the course of the year, utilizing free cash flow generated from operations in addition to utilization of our existing or additional credit facilities.
For Fiscal 2014, we project full year diluted earnings per share in the range of $2.15 to $2.35, based on an assumption of high-single digit decline in comparable store sales and an approximate 20% increase in comparable direct-to-consumer sales. The sales projection does not include any benefit the Company may realize during the year from its strategic plan initiatives, but also does not reflect further potential deterioration in underlying trends.
The 2014 guidance assumes a gross margin rate for the full year that is flat to down slightly compared to Fiscal 2013, with continuing average unit retail pressure and lower shipping and handling revenues relative to sales offsetting average unit cost improvement and a benefit from the Company's profit improvement initiative.
The guidance does not include remaining charges related to the Company's restructuring of the Gilly Hicks brand, any other impairment or store closure charges, or charges related to the implementation of the profit improvement initiative.
The Company's guidance assumes a full year tax rate of approximately 35%, and a base weighted average share count of approximately 78 million shares which excludes the effect of the Accelerated Share Repurchase and any potential additional share repurchases.

33

As we look forward to 2014 and beyond, there is much work ahead of us as we navigate a rapidly changing, difficult and uncertain environment. However, we are encouraged by the progress we are making as we continue to execute against our long range plan objectives, and are committed to achieving meaningful improvements in our business and creating significant value for stockholders.


34

The following measurements are among the key business indicators reviewed by various members of management to gauge the Company’s results:

•
Comparable sales, defined as year-over-year sales for a store that has been open as the same brand at least one year and its square footage has not been expanded or reduced by more than 20% within the past year combined with direct-to-consumer sales;
•
Direct-to-consumer sales growth;
•
U.S. and International store performance;
•
Store productivity;
•
Selling margin, defined as sales price less original cost, by brand and by product category;
•
Stores and distribution expense as a percentage of net sales;
•
Marketing, general and administrative expense as a percentage of net sales;
•
Operating income and operating income as a percentage of net sales;
•
Net income;
•
Inventory per gross square foot;
•
Cash flow and liquidity determined by the Company’s working capital and free cash flow; and
•
Store metrics such as sales per gross square foot, sales per selling square foot, average unit retail, average number of transactions per store, average transaction values, store contribution (defined as store sales less direct costs of operating the store), and average units per transaction.
While not all of these metrics are disclosed publicly by the Company due to the proprietary nature of the information, the Company publicly discloses and discusses many of these metrics as part of its “Financial Summary” and in several sections within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
FISCAL 2013 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2012
Net Sales
Net sales for Fiscal 2013 were $4.117 billion, a decrease of 9% from Fiscal 2012 net sales of $4.511 billion. The net sales decrease was attributable to an 11% decrease in comparable sales, partially off-set by growth from opening new international stores. Including direct-to-consumer sales, U.S. sales decreased 14% to $2.659 billion and international sales increased 2% to $1.458 billion. The impact of changes in foreign currency (based on converting prior year sales at current year exchange rates) benefited sales by approximately $13.4 million in Fiscal 2013.
Direct-to-consumer sales in Fiscal 2013, including shipping and handling revenue, were $776.9 million, an increase of 11% from Fiscal 2012 direct-to-consumer sales of $700.7 million. The direct-to-consumer business, including shipping and handling revenue, accounted for 19% of total net sales in Fiscal 2013 compared to 16% in Fiscal 2012.
The Fiscal 2012 retail year included a fifty-third week and, therefore, Fiscal 2013 comparable sales are compared to the fifty-two week period ended February 2, 2013. The net sales for the fifty-two week period ended February 2, 2013 were approximately $63 million less than the net sales for the reported fifty-three week period ended February 2, 2013.
Total comparable sales for the year, including direct-to-consumer sales, decreased 11% with comparable store sales decreasing 16% and comparable direct-to-consumer sales increasing by 13%. Comparable sales for Fiscal 2013 decreased 11% for the U.S., with comparable store sales decreasing by 15% and comparable direct-to-consumer sales up 7%. Comparable sales for the full year decreased 11% for international, with comparable store sales decreasing by 19% and comparable direct-to-consumer sales up 25%.
For Fiscal 2013, comparable sales by brand, including direct-to-consumer sales, decreased 10% for Abercrombie & Fitch, decreased 5% for abercrombie kids, and decreased 14% for Hollister.
Gross Profit
Gross profit during Fiscal 2013 was $2.575 billion compared to gross profit of $2.817 billion during Fiscal 2012. The gross profit rate (gross profit divided by net sales) for Fiscal 2013 was 62.6%, up 20 basis points from the Fiscal 2012 rate of 62.4%.
    



35

Stores and Distribution Expense
Stores and distribution expense for Fiscal 2013 was $1.908 billion compared to $1.981 billion in Fiscal 2012. The stores and distribution expense rate (stores and distribution expense divided by net sales) for Fiscal 2013 was 46.3% compared to 43.9% in Fiscal 2012. Stores and distribution expense for the full year included $1.1 million of charges related to the profit improvement initiative. Savings in store payroll, store management and support and other stores and distribution expenses, including savings from the profit improvement initiative, were more than off-set by the deleveraging effect of negative comparable sales and higher direct-to-consumer expense.
Shipping and handling costs, including costs incurred to store, move and prepare merchandise for shipment and costs incurred to physically move the product to the customer, associated with direct-to-consumer operations were $93.4 million and $78.6 million for Fiscal 2013 and Fiscal 2012, respectively. The increase in shipping and handling costs in Fiscal 2013 was primarily driven by increased sales volume and a higher international mix component. These amounts are recorded in Stores and Distribution Expense in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
Handling costs, including costs incurred to store, move and prepare merchandise for shipment to the stores were $53.9 million and $59.4 million for Fiscal 2013 and Fiscal 2012, respectively. These amounts are recorded in Stores and Distribution Expense in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
Marketing, General and Administrative Expense
Marketing, general and administrative expense during Fiscal 2013 was $481.8 million compared to $473.9 million in Fiscal 2012. The marketing, general and administrative expense rate (marketing, general and administrative expense divided by net sales) was 11.7% in Fiscal 2013 compared to 10.5% in Fiscal 2012. Marketing, general and administrative expense for Fiscal 2013 included $12.7 million in charges related to the profit improvement initiative.
Restructuring Charges
    
On November 1, 2013, A&F’s Board of Directors approved the closure of the Company’s 24 stand-alone Gilly Hicks branded stores. In connection with the strategic review, the Company decided to focus the future development of the Gilly Hicks brand through Hollister stores and direct-to-consumer channels. Restructuring charges associated with the store closures for the full year were $81.5 million, of which $42.7 million related to lease terminations and store closure costs, $37.9 million for asset impairments.
Asset Impairment
The Company recorded asset impairment charges of $46.7 million in Fiscal 2013 primarily related to 97 stores and $7.4 million in Fiscal 2012 primarily related to 17 stores.
Other Operating Expense (Income), Net
Other operating income, net was $23.1 million for Fiscal 2013 compared to other operating expense, net of $19.3 million for Fiscal 2012. Other operating income, net included income of $9.0 million and $4.8 million related to business interruption insurance recoveries in Fiscal 2013 and Fiscal 2012, respectively.
Operating Income
Operating income for Fiscal 2013 was $80.8 million compared to operating income of $374.2 million for Fiscal 2012. Adjusted operating income excluding pre-tax charges for restructuring, asset impairment and the profit improvement initiative for Fiscal 2013 was $222.9 million compared to adjusted operating income of $381.6 million for Fiscal 2012. The decrease in adjusted operating income excluding charges was primarily driven by the deleveraging effect of negative comparable store sales, both U.S. and international, partially off-set by new international stores, direct-to-consumer operations and expense reductions.
Interest Expense (Income), Net and Tax Expense
Fiscal 2013 interest expense was $11.1 million, offset by interest income of $3.6 million, compared to interest expense of $10.5 million, offset by interest income of $3.2 million, for Fiscal 2012.
The effective tax rate for Fiscal 2013 was 25.5%. Excluding the effect of charges related to restructuring plans for Gilly Hicks, other store-related asset impairment charges, and charges related to the Company’s profit improvement initiative, the effective tax rate was 30.1% compared to 35.4% for Fiscal 2012. The Fiscal 2013 effective tax rate included a benefit of $6.7 million primarily resulting from the settlement of certain state tax audits and other discrete tax matters.

36

As of February 1, 2014, there were approximately $15.8 million of net deferred tax assets in Japan. The realization of the net deferred tax assets will depend upon the future generation of sufficient taxable profits in Japan. While the Company believes it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets will be realized, it is not certain. Should circumstances change, the net deferred tax assets not currently subject to a valuation allowance may become subject to one in the future. Additional valuation allowances would result in additional tax expense.
Net Income and Net Income per Diluted Share
Net income for Fiscal 2013 was $54.6 million compared to net income of $237.0 million for Fiscal 2012. Net income included charges of approximately $96.0 million and $4.6 million in Fiscal 2013 and Fiscal 2012, respectively. Net income per diluted share for Fiscal 2013 was $0.69 compared to net income per diluted share of $2.85 for Fiscal 2012. Net income per diluted share included charges of approximately $1.22 per diluted share and $0.06 per diluted share in Fiscal 2013 and Fiscal 2012, respectively. Refer to the GAAP reconciliation table in the “OVERVIEW” section of this “ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS” for a reconciliation of net income per diluted share on a GAAP basis to net income per diluted share on a non-GAAP basis, excluding charges for the Gilly Hicks restructuring, asset impairment and charges related to the profit improvement initiative.
FISCAL 2012 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2011
Net Sales
Net sales for Fiscal 2012 were $4.511 billion, an increase of 8% from Fiscal 2011 net sales of $4.158 billion. The net sales increase was attributable to new stores, primarily international and a 27% increase in the direct-to-consumer business, including shipping and handling revenue offset by a decrease of 5% from comparable store sales. The impact of foreign currency on sales (based on converting prior year sales at current year exchange rates) adversely affected Fiscal 2012 by $26.3 million and benefited Fiscal 2011 by $21.6 million.
The Fiscal 2012 retail year includes a fifty-third week and, therefore, Fiscal 2012 comparable sales are compared to the fifty-three week period ended February 4, 2012. The fifty-third week added approximately $62.8 million of sales to the comparable base, being sales for the week ended February 4, 2012.
Total U.S. sales, including direct-to-consumer, for Fiscal 2012 were $3.087 billion, a decrease of 1% from Fiscal 2011 sales of $3.108 billion. Total international sales, including direct-to-consumer, for Fiscal 2012 were $1.424 billion, an increase of 36% from Fiscal 2011 sales of $1.050 billion.
Direct-to-consumer sales in Fiscal 2012, including shipping and handling revenue, were $700.7 million, an increase of 27% from Fiscal 2011 direct-to-consumer sales of $552.6 million. The direct-to-consumer business, including shipping and handling revenue, accounted for 16% of total net sales in Fiscal 2012 compared to 13% in Fiscal 2011.
Total comparable sales for the year, including direct-to-consumer sales, decreased 1% with comparable store sales decreasing 5% and comparable direct-to-consumer sales increasing by 24%. Comparable sales for Fiscal 2012 increased 1% for the U.S., with comparable store sales decreasing by 1% and comparable direct-to-consumer sales up 15%. Comparable sales for the full year decreased 8% for international, with comparable store sales decreasing by 19% and comparable direct-to-consumer sales up 46%.
For Fiscal 2012, comparable sales by brand, including direct-to-consumer sales, decreased 3% for Abercrombie & Fitch, were flat for abercrombie kids, and decreased 1% for Hollister. Across the brands, male performed better than female.
Gross Profit
Gross profit during Fiscal 2012 was $2.817 billion compared to gross profit of $2.550 billion during Fiscal 2011. The gross profit rate for Fiscal 2012 was 62.4%, up 110 basis points from the Fiscal 2011 rate of 61.3% .
The increase in the gross profit rate for Fiscal 2012 was primarily driven by a decrease in average unit cost.
Stores and Distribution Expense
Stores and distribution expense for Fiscal 2012 was $1.981 billion compared to $1.820 billion in Fiscal 2011. The stores and distribution expense rate for Fiscal 2012 was 43.9% compared to 43.8% in Fiscal 2011.

37

For Fiscal 2011, stores and distribution expense included asset write-down charges of $14.6 million related to the reconfiguration of three flagship stores and a small write-off related to a cancelled flagship project, and store exit charges of $19.0 million, associated with lease buyouts and other lease obligations related to stores closing prior to natural lease expirations, other lease terminations, and other incidental costs associated with store closures. Excluding the impact of these charges, stores and distribution expense was 43.9% for Fiscal 2012 compared to 43.0% for Fiscal 2011. The increase in stores and distribution expense rate for Fiscal 2012 was primarily the result of deleveraging on negative comparable store sales and higher direct-to-consumer expense.
Shipping and handling costs, including costs incurred to store, move and prepare merchandise for shipment and costs incurred to physically move the product to the customer, associated with direct-to-consumer operations were $78.6 million and $53.6 million for Fiscal 2012 and Fiscal 2011, respectively. The increase in shipping and handling costs in Fiscal 2012 was primarily driven by increased sales volume and a higher international mix component. These amounts are recorded in Stores and Distribution Expense in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
Handling costs, including costs incurred to store, move and prepare merchandise for shipment to the stores were $59.4 million and $62.8 million for Fiscal 2012 and Fiscal 2011, respectively. These amounts are recorded in Stores and Distribution Expense in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
Marketing, General and Administrative Expense
Marketing, general and administrative expense during Fiscal 2012 was $473.9 million compared to $437.1 million in Fiscal 2011. The marketing, general and administrative expense rate was 10.5% in each of Fiscal 2012 and Fiscal 2011. Marketing, general and administrative expense for Fiscal 2011 included $10.0 million in connection with legal settlements.
The increase in marketing, general, and administrative expenses in Fiscal 2012 was due to increases in incentive and other compensation-related expenses, IT, marketing and other expenses.
Asset Impairment
Asset impairment charges were $7.4 million for Fiscal 2012 and were primarily associated with 17 stores. Fiscal 2011 included store-related asset impairment charges of $68.0 million associated with 79 stores.
Other Operating Expense (Income), Net
Other operating income, net was $19.3 million for Fiscal 2012 compared to other operating expense, net of $3.5 million for Fiscal 2011. Other operating income, net for Fiscal 2012, included income of $4.8 million related to business interruption insurance recoveries associated with Superstorm Sandy. Other operating expense in Fiscal 2011 included a charge of $13.4 million related to the Company’s change of intent regarding the sale of its ARS portfolio, which resulted in recognition of an other-than-temporary impairment in Fiscal 2011.
Operating Income
Operating income for Fiscal 2012 was $374.2 million compared to operating income of $221.4 million for Fiscal 2011. Operating income growth by new international stores, existing U.S. stores and direct-to-consumer operations more than offset declines in existing international stores driven by negative comparable store sales and higher non-four wall expenses. Non-four wall expenses include: marketing, general and administrative expense; store management and support functions such as regional and district management and other functions not dedicated to an individual store; and distribution center costs.
Interest Expense (Income), Net and Tax Expense
Fiscal 2012 interest expense was $10.5 million, offset by interest income of $3.2 million, compared to interest expense of $7.9 million, offset by interest income of $4.3 million for Fiscal 2011.
The effective tax rate for Fiscal 2012 was 35.4% compared to 34.3% for Fiscal 2011.
As of February 2, 2013, there were approximately $22.2 million of net deferred tax assets in Japan. The realization of the net deferred tax assets will depend upon the future generation of sufficient taxable profits in Japan. While the Company believes it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets will be realized, it is not certain. Should circumstances change, the net deferred tax assets not currently subject to a valuation allowance may become subject to one in the future. Additional valuation allowances would result in additional tax expense.

38

Net Income and Net Income per Diluted Share
Net income for Fiscal 2012 was $237.0 million compared to net income of $143.9 million for Fiscal 2011. Net income per diluted share for Fiscal 2012 was $2.85 compared to net income per diluted share of $1.61 for Fiscal 2011. Net income per diluted share for Fiscal 2012 included store-related asset impairment charges of approximately $0.06 per diluted share. Net income per diluted share for Fiscal 2011 included store-related asset impairment charges of approximately $0.49 per diluted share, asset write-down charges of approximately $0.10 per diluted share, store closure and exit charges of approximately $0.13 per diluted share, legal charges of approximately $0.07 per diluted share, and other-than-temporary impairment charges of approximately $0.09 per diluted share related to a change in intent regarding the Company’s ARS portfolio.

FINANCIAL CONDITION
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Historical Sources and Uses of Cash
Seasonality of Cash Flows
The Company’s business has two principal selling seasons: the Spring season which includes the first and second fiscal quarters (“Spring”) and the Fall season which includes the third and fourth fiscal quarters ("Fall"). As is typical in the apparel industry, the Company experiences its greatest sales activity during the Fall season due to Back-to-School and Holiday sales periods, particularly in the U.S. The Company relies on excess operating cash flows, which are largely generated in the Fall season, to fund operating expenses throughout the year and to reinvest in the business to support future growth. The Company also has a credit facility available as a source of additional funding.
Credit Agreements
On July 28, 2011, the Company entered into an unsecured amended and restated credit agreement (the “Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”) under which up to $350 million is available. The Company had no borrowings outstanding under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement on February 1, 2014 or February 2, 2013.
On February 24, 2012, the Company entered into a $300 million Term Loan Agreement. On January 23, 2013, the Company amended both the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and Term Loan Agreement to reduce the amount available for borrowing under the Term Loan Agreement to $150 million and lower the applicable Coverage Ratio to 1.75 to 1.00. On February 21, 2013, the Company elected to draw down the full $150 million available under the Term Loan Agreement. Repayments of $3.75 million are due on the last day of each quarter beginning May 2013, with the final repayment of $90.0 million due upon maturity at February 23, 2017. On November 4, 2013, the Company entered into an Amendment No. 3 to its existing Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and an Amendment No. 2 to its existing Term Loan Agreement. The amendments allow the Company to add back to the calculation of consolidated EBITDAR, for purposes of determining the Company's "Coverage Ratio" and the Company's "Leverage Ratio", up to $60 million of non-recurring cash charges associated with the Gilly Hicks restructuring. In addition, the required minimum "Coverage Ratio" was reduced initially for the testing period ended February 1, 2014 and each of the testing periods during the fiscal year ending January 31, 2015, to a level of 1.60 to 1.00, with such level gradually increasing to 1.75 to 1.00, by the testing period ending October 31, 2015. The Company had $135.0 million in borrowings outstanding under the Term Loan Agreement on February 1, 2014 and no borrowings outstanding under the Term Loan Agreement as of February 2, 2013.
The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and the Term Loan Agreement, including the material covenants which apply to each, are described in Note 15, “BORROWINGS,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in "ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. As of February 1, 2014, the Company was in compliance with the applicable ratio requirements and covenants.
As of March 21, 2014, the Company had approximately $341 million available under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and the Term Loan Agreement, including a reduction in availability of approximately $9 million for outstanding letters of credit.
Stand-by letters of credit outstanding as of February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013 were insignificant.

39

Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $175.5 million for Fiscal 2013 compared to $684.2 million for Fiscal 2012 and $365.2 million for Fiscal 2011. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities from Fiscal 2012 was primarily driven by lower net income, adjusted for non-cash items, including asset impairment charges, and changes in inventory and income taxes. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities in Fiscal 2012 from Fiscal 2011 was primarily driven by a change in inventories partially offset by a change in accounts payable.
Investing Activities
Cash outflows for investing activities in Fiscal 2013, Fiscal 2012 and Fiscal 2011were used primarily for capital expenditures related to new store construction and information technology investments. The decrease in cash outflows from Fiscal 2012 to Fiscal 2013 was driven primarily by a decrease in new store construction due to fewer new store openings. Fiscal 2012 cash flows used for investing activities included proceeds received from sales of marketable securities.
Financing Activities
For Fiscal 2013 and Fiscal 2012 and Fiscal 2011, cash outflows for financing activities consisted primarily of the repurchase of A&F’s Common Stock and the payment of dividends. For Fiscal 2013, cash flows from financing activities included proceeds from borrowings under the Term Loan Agreement of $150.0 million, of which $15 million was repaid in Fiscal 2013.
During Fiscal 2013, A&F repurchased approximately 2.4 million shares of A&F’s Common Stock in the open market with a market value of $115.8 million. During Fiscal 2012, A&F repurchased approximately 7.5 million shares of A&F’s Common Stock in the open market with a market value of $321.7 million. During Fiscal 2011, A&F repurchased approximately 3.5 million shares of A&F’s Common Stock in the open market with a market value of $196.6 million. Fiscal 2013, Fiscal 2012 and Fiscal 2011 repurchases were pursuant to the authorizations of A&F's Board of Directors.
As of February 1, 2014, A&F had approximately 16.3 million remaining shares available for repurchase as part of the A&F Board of Directors’ previously approved authorizations.
Future Cash Requirements and Sources of Cash
Over the next twelve months, the Company’s primary cash requirements will be to fund operating activities, including the acquisition of inventory, and obligations related to compensation, leases, taxes and other operating activities, as well as to fund capital expenditures, marketing initiatives, repurchases of the Company's Common Stock, and quarterly dividends to stockholders subject to approval by the Company's Board of Directors'. As referenced below, the Company will incur additional cash expenses related to the closures of the Gilly Hicks stores. The Company has availability under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement as a source of additional funding.
On February 27, 2014, A&F entered into an Accelerated Share Repurchase Agreement ("ASR Agreement") with Goldman, Sachs & Co. (“Goldman”) in order to repurchase shares of A&F's Common Stock from Goldman. A&F entered into the ASR Agreement pursuant to A&F's current stock repurchase authorizations.
Pursuant to the ASR Agreement, on March 4, 2014, A&F paid $150 million to Goldman and, in exchange, received approximately 3.1 million shares of A&F's Common Stock, representing 80% of the repurchase price based on the closing price of A&F's Common Stock on February 27, 2014. Additional shares of Common Stock are expected to be delivered at the maturity of the ASR Agreement. The number of such additional shares will be determined based on the volume-weighted average price per share of A&F's Common Stock during a valuation period expected to last up to two months, less an agreed discount.
The Company currently anticipates that there may be share repurchases in addition to the ASR Agreement over the course of Fiscal 2014. A&F would expect to fund these cash requirements with free cash flow generated from operations and, as appropriate, borrowings under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement or additional credit facilities.
The Company is not dependent on dividends from its foreign subsidiaries to fund its U.S. operations or make distributions to A&F's stockholders. Unremitted earnings from foreign subsidiaries, which are considered to be invested indefinitely, would become subject to income tax if they were remitted as dividends or were lent to A&F or a U.S. affiliate. Although the Company has no intent to repatriate cash held in Europe and Asia, the Company has the ability to repatriate current Europe and Asia cash balances without the occurrence of a taxable dividend in the United States.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of February 1, 2014, the Company did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

40

Contractual Obligations
 
 
 
 
Payments due by period (thousands)
 
 
Total
 
Less than 1 year
 
1-3 years
 
3-5 years
 
More than 5 years
Long-Term Debt Obligations
 
$
135,000

 
$
15,000

 
$
30,000

 
$
90,000

 
$
—

Capital Lease Obligatons
 
3,062

 
611

 
1,249

 
1,189

 
13

Operating Lease Obligations (1)
 
2,377,025

 
421,226

 
715,179

 
466,589

 
774,031

Purchase Obligations
 
260,181

 
223,578

 
36,241

 
362

 
—

Other Obligations
 
46,176

 
33,711

 
168

 
208

 
12,089

Dividends
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Totals
 
$
2,821,444

 
$
694,126

 
$
782,837

 
$
558,348

 
$
786,133

(1) Includes leasehold financing obligations of $60.7 million and related interest. Refer to Note 16, "LEASEHOLD FINANCING OBLIGATIONS," of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in “ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for additional information.
Long-Term debt obligations consist of principal payments under the Term Loan Agreement. Refer to Note 15, "BORROWINGS," of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in “ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K,for additional information.
Operating lease obligations consist primarily of non-cancelable future minimum lease commitments related to store operating leases. See Note 11, “LEASED FACILITIES,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in “ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for further discussion. Excluded from the obligations above are amounts related to portions of lease terms that are currently cancelable at the Company's discretion. While included in the obligations above, in many instances, the Company has options to terminate certain leases if stated sales volume levels are not met or the Company ceases operations in a given country. Operating lease obligations do not include common area maintenance (“CAM”), insurance, marketing or tax payments for which the Company is also obligated. Total expense related to CAM, insurance, marketing and taxes was $177.5 million in Fiscal 2013.
The purchase obligations category represents purchase orders for merchandise to be delivered during Fiscal 2014 and commitments for fabric expected to be used during upcoming seasons. In addition, purchase obligations include agreements to purchase goods or services including information technology contracts and third-party distribution center service contracts.
Other obligations consist primarily of asset retirement obligations and lease termination fees related to the closure of Gilly Hicks stores. See Note 19, “GILLY HICKS RESTRUCTURING,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in “ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for further discussion.
Due to uncertainty as to the amounts and timing of future payments, the contractual obligations table above does not include tax (including accrued interest and penalties) of $5.8 million related to uncertain tax positions at February 1, 2014. Of the total uncertain tax positions, it is reasonably possible that $2 million to $3 million could change in the next twelve months due to audit settlements, expiration of statutes of limitations or other resolution of uncertainties. Due to the uncertain and complex application of tax laws and/or regulations, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of audits may result in amounts which could be different from this estimate. For further discussion, see Note 14, “INCOME TAXES,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in “ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Due to uncertainty as to the amounts and timing of future payments, the table above does not include estimated future retirement payments under the Chief Executive Officer Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP”) for the Company’s Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") with a present value of $14.1 million at February 1, 2014. See Note 20, “RETIREMENT BENEFITS,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in “ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the description of the SERP to be included in the text under the caption “EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION” in A&F’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on June 19, 2014, incorporated by reference in “ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
A&F has historically paid quarterly dividends on its Common Stock. There are no amounts included in the above table related to dividends due to the fact that dividends are subject to determination and approval by A&F's Board of Directors.

41

Gilly Hicks Restructuring
On November 1, 2013, A&F’s Board of Directors approved the closure of the Company’s stand-alone Gilly Hicks stores. The Company anticipates the closure will be substantially complete by the end of the first quarter of Fiscal 2014. Store closures in Europe are subject to applicable notice and consultation provisions.
In connection with a strategic review, the Company has decided to focus the future development of the Gilly Hicks brand through Hollister stores and direct-to-consumer channels. This decision reflects a successful pilot of selling a limited assortment of Gilly Hicks branded intimates in Hollister stores.
As a result of exiting the Gilly Hicks branded stores, the Company currently estimates that it will incur aggregate pre-tax charges of approximately $90 million, inclusive of the $81.5 million recognized during Fiscal 2013. The remaining charges, primarily lease-related are expected to be substantially recognized in the first quarter of Fiscal 2014. These estimates are based on a number of significant assumptions and could change materially.

Below is a summary of pre-tax charges incurred to-date related to the closure of the Gilly Hicks branded stores (in thousands):
 
 
 
Fiscal 2013
Lease Termination and Store Closure
$
42,667

Asset Impairment
37,940

Other
892

Total Charges (1)
$
81,499

(1) For the fifty-two week period ended February 1, 2014, the Company incurred charges related to restructuring plans for the Gilly Hicks brand of $50.5 million for U.S. Stores segment and $31.0 million for International Stores segment.

Costs associated with exit or disposal activities are recorded when the liability is incurred. Below is a roll forward of the liabilities recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of February 1, 2014, related to the closure of the Gilly Hicks stores (in thousands): 
 
February 1, 2014
Accrued Liability as of November 2, 2013
$
—

Costs Incurred, Excluding Non-Cash Charges
44,819

Cash Payments
(2,312
)
Accrued Liability as of February 1, 2014
$
42,507



Excluding the charges above, the Company incurred an operating loss of approximately $30 million related to its Gilly Hicks operations for Fiscal 2013.
Store Activity
During the year, the Company opened 20 international Hollister chain stores, including its first stores in Japan, the United Arab Emirates and Australia, an Abercrombie & Fitch flagship store in Korea and four multi-brand outlet stores, three in Europe and one in the U.S. In addition, the Company closed 62 U.S. stores, including 16 Gilly Hicks stores.
For Fiscal 2014, the Company anticipates opening 16 full-price international stores throughout the year, including an Abercrombie & Fitch flagship store in Shanghai, China in April 2014 and a small number of Abercrombie & Fitch mall-based stores. In addition, the Company plans to open a small number of international and U.S. outlet stores during the fiscal year. The Company also expects to close approximately 60 to 70 stores in the U.S. during the fiscal year primarily through natural lease expirations.



42

Year-To-Date Store Count and Gross Square Feet
Store count and gross square footage by brand for Fiscal 2013 and Fiscal 2012, respectively, were as follows:
Store Activity
 
Abercrombie & Fitch
 
abercrombie
 
Hollister
 
Gilly Hicks
 
Total
U.S. Stores
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
February 2, 2013(1)
 
266

 
141

 
478

 
17

 
902

New
 
2

 
—

 
1

 
—

 
3

Closed
 
(15
)
 
(10
)
 
(21
)
 
(16
)
 
(62
)
February 1, 2014
 
253

 
131

 
458

 
1

 
843

Gross Square Feet at February 1, 2014
 
2,267

 
635

 
3,156

 
7

 
6,065

International Stores
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
February 2, 2013
 
19

 
6

 
107

 
7

 
139

New
 
3

 
—

 
22

 
—

 
25

Closed
 
—

 
(1
)
 
—

 
—

 
(1
)
February 1, 2014
 
22

 
5

 
129

 
7

 
163

Gross Square Feet at February 1, 2014
 
423

 
66

 
1,133

 
49

 
1,671

Total Stores
 
275

 
136

 
587

 
8

 
1,006

Gross Square Feet at February 1, 2014
 
2,690

 
701

 
4,289

 
56

 
7,736

Store Activity
 
Abercrombie & Fitch
 
abercrombie
 
Hollister
 
Gilly Hicks
 
Total
U.S. Stores
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
January 28, 2012 (1)
 
280

 
154

 
493

 
18

 
945

New (1)
 
4

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
4

Closed
 
(18)

 
(13)

 
(15)

 
(1
)
 
(47)

February 2, 2013
 
266

 
141

 
478

 
17

 
902

Gross Square Feet at February 2, 2013
 
2,378

 
677

 
3,287

 
170

 
6,512

International Stores
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
January 28, 2012
 
14

 
5

 
77

 
3

 
99

New
 
5

 
1

 
30

 
4

 
40

Closed
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

February 2, 2013
 
19

 
6

 
107

 
7

 
139

Gross Square Feet at February 2, 2013
 
401

 
71

 
926

 
48

 
1,446

Total Stores
 
285

 
147

 
585

 
24

 
1,041

Gross Square Feet at February 2, 2013
 
2,779

 
748

 
4,213

 
218

 
7,958

(1) Prior period store counts have been restated to count multi-brand outlet stores as a single store. The change reduced U.S. store openings for the fifty-two weeks ended February 2, 2013 by three stores for abercrombie, three stores for Hollister and three stores for Gilly Hicks and reduced the beginning balance for Fiscal 2012 for Hollister by one store.



43

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
Capital expenditures totaled $163.9 million, $339.9 million and $318.6 million for Fiscal 2013, Fiscal 2012 and Fiscal 2011, respectively. A summary of capital expenditures is as follows:
Capital Expenditures (in millions)
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
New Store Construction, Store Refreshes and Remodels
 
$
101.4

 
$
245.3

 
$
258.0

Home Office, Distribution Centers and Information Technology
 
62.5

 
94.6

 
60.6

Total Capital Expenditures
 
$
163.9

 
$
339.9

 
$
318.6

During Fiscal 2014, based on new store opening plans and other capital expenditure plans, the Company expects total capital expenditures to be approximately $200 million, or slightly greater due to a spending shift from Fiscal 2013 to Fiscal 2014.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, which amends Accounting Standards Codification Topic 220, "Comprehensive Income." The ASU contains new requirements related to the presentation and disclosure of items that are reclassified out of other comprehensive income. The new requirements give financial statement users a more comprehensive view of items that are reclassified out of other comprehensive income. ASU 2013-02 is effective for the Company's fiscal year and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2012, and is to be applied prospectively. The adoption did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists,” which amends ASC 740, “Income Taxes.” The amendments provide guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit as either a reduction of a deferred tax asset or as a liability, when a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward exists. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company has determined that the adoption of these changes will not have an impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements and as such adopted the provisions prospectively for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014.


44

Critical Accounting Estimates
The Company’s discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations are based upon the Company’s consolidated financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these 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 believes the following policies are the most critical to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
 
Policy
  
Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions
Revenue Recognition
  
 
The Company recognizes retail sales at the time the customer takes possession of the merchandise. The Company reserves for sales returns through estimates based on historical experience and various other assumptions that management believes to be reasonable. The value of point of sale coupons that result in a reduction of the price paid by the customer is recorded as a reduction of sales.
 
 

  
The Company has not made any material changes in the accounting methodology used to determine the sales return reserve over the past three fiscal years.
 
The Company does not expect material changes in the near term to the underlying assumptions used to measure the sales return reserve as of February 1, 2014. However, changes in these assumptions do occur, and, should those changes be significant, the Company may be exposed to gains or losses that could be material.
 

Inventory Valuation
  
 
Inventories are principally valued at the lower of average cost or market utilizing the weighted average cost method (the "cost method").

The Company reduces the inventory valuation only when the cost of specific inventory items on hand exceeds the amount expected to be realized from the ultimate sale or disposal of the goods through a lower of cost or market ("LCM") reserve.

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 does not expect material changes in the near term to the underlying assumptions used to determine the shrink reserve or the LCM reserve as of February 1, 2014. However, changes in these assumptions do occur, and, should those changes be significant, they could significantly impact the ending inventory valuation at cost, as well as the resulting gross margin(s).

An increase or decrease in the LCM reserve of 10% would have affected pre-tax income by approximately $2.2 million for Fiscal 2013.

An increase or decrease in the inventory shrink accrual of 10% would have affected pre-tax income by approximately $1.4 million for Fiscal 2013.



45

Policy
  
Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions
Property and Equipment
  
 
Long-lived assets, primarily comprised of property and equipment, are reviewed whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that full recoverability of net asset group balances through future cash flows is in question. In addition, the Company conducts an annual impairment analysis in the fourth quarter of each year. For the purposes of the annual review, the Company reviews long-lived assets associated with stores that have an operating loss in the current year and have been open for at least two full years.
 
The Company’s impairment calculation for those stores reviewed requires management to make assumptions and judgments related to factors used in the evaluation for impairment, including, but not limited to, management’s expectations for future operations and projected cash flows. The key assumptions used in our undiscounted future cash flow model include sales, gross margin and, to a lesser extent, operating expenses.
  
The Company has not made any material changes in the accounting methodology used to determine impairment loss over the past three fiscal years.

Based on the impact of current sales trends, a number of stores were tested for impairment during the third quarter. In addition, the Company performed the annual review during the fourth quarter and tested 14 stores, which excludes stores with a de minimis book value, for impairment. Of the 14 stores tested for impairment, one store was impaired. The 13 stores that were not impaired had an insignificant aggregate net asset group value and had undiscounted cash flows which were 150% or more of this net asset group value. Net asset group value includes the value of construction allowances.

The Company does not expect material changes in the near term to the assumptions underlying its impairment calculations as of February 1, 2014. However, if changes in these assumptions do occur, and, should those changes be significant, they could have a material impact on the Company’s determination of whether or not there has been an impairment. A 10% decrease in the sales assumption used to project future cash flows for those stores subject to impairment testing in Fiscal 2013 would have increased the impairment charge by an insignificant amount.
Income Taxes
 
 
The provision for income taxes is determined using the asset and liability approach. Tax laws often require items to be included in tax filings at different times than the items are being reflected in the financial statements. A current liability is recognized for the estimated taxes payable for the current year. Deferred taxes represent the future tax consequences expected to occur when the reported amounts of assets and liabilities are recovered or paid. Deferred taxes are adjusted for enacted changes in tax rates and tax laws. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized.
 
A provision for U.S. income tax has not been recorded on undistributed profits of non-U.S. subsidiaries that the Company has determined to be indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred U.S. income tax liability on these unremitted earnings is not practicable because of the complexities associated with this hypothetical calculation.

The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of tax expense upon settlement, law changes or expiration of statute of limitations.


 
The Company does not expect material changes in the judgments, assumptions or interpretations used to calculate the tax provision for Fiscal 2013. However, changes in these assumptions may occur and should those changes be significant, they could have a material impact on the Company’s income tax provision.





 
If the Company’s intention or U.S. and/or international tax law changes in the future, there may be a material negative impact on the provision for income taxes to record an incremental tax liability in the period the change occurs.




Of the total uncertain tax positions, it is reasonably possible that $2 million to $3 million could change in the next twelve months due to audit settlements, expiration of statutes of limitations or other resolution of uncertainties. Due to the uncertain and complex application of tax laws and/or regulations, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of audits may result in amounts which could be different from this estimate. In such case, the Company will record an adjustment in the period in which such matters are effectively settled.


46

Policy
  
Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions
Equity Compensation Expense
  
 
The Company’s equity compensation expense related to stock options and stock appreciation rights granted is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair value of the stock option and stock appreciation right grants, which requires the Company to estimate the expected term of the stock option and stock appreciation right grants and expected future stock price volatility over the expected term.
  
During Fiscal 2013, the Company granted stock appreciation rights covering an aggregate of 310,200 shares. A 10% increase in the assumed expected term would have yielded a 3% increase in the Black-Scholes valuation for stock appreciation rights granted during the year, while a 10% increase in assumed stock price volatility would have yielded a 9% increase in the Black-Scholes valuation for stock appreciation rights granted during the year.
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
  
 
Effective February 2, 2003, the Company established a Chief Executive Officer Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan to provide additional retirement income to its CEO. Subject to service requirements, the CEO will receive a monthly benefit equal to 50% of his final average compensation (as defined in the SERP) for life. The final average compensation used for the calculation is based on actual compensation (base salary and actual annual cash incentive compensation) averaged over the last 36 consecutive full calendar months ending before the CEO’s retirement.
 
The Company’s accrual for the SERP requires management to make assumptions and judgments related to the CEO’s final average compensation, life expectancy and discount rate.
  
The Company does not expect material changes in the near term to the underlying assumptions used to determine the accrual for the SERP. However, changes in these assumptions do occur, and, should those changes be significant, the Company may be exposed to gains or losses that could be material.
 
A 10% increase in final average compensation would increase the SERP accrual by approximately $1.4 million. A 50 basis point increase in the discount rate would decrease the SERP accrual by an insignificant amount.
Legal Contingencies
  
 
The Company is a defendant in lawsuits and other adversarial proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Legal costs incurred in connection with the resolution of claims and lawsuits are expensed as incurred, and the Company establishes reserves for the outcome of litigation where it deems appropriate to do so under applicable accounting rules.
  
Actual liabilities may exceed or be less than the amounts reserved, and there can be no assurance that the final resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.


47

ITEM 7A.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
Investment Securities
The Company maintains its cash equivalents in financial instruments, primarily money market funds and United States treasury bills, with original maturities of three months or less.
The irrevocable rabbi trust (the “Rabbi Trust”) is intended to be used as a source of funds to match respective funding obligations to participants in the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Nonqualified Savings and Supplemental Retirement Plan I, the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Nonqualified Savings and Supplemental Retirement Plan II and the Chief Executive Officer Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. As of February 1, 2014, total assets held in the Rabbi Trust were $90.2 million and related to trust-owned life insurance policies with a cash surrender value of $90.2 million and an insignificant amount of assets held in money market funds. The trust-owned life insurance policies are recorded at cash surrender value, in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are restricted as to their use as noted above. The change in cash surrender value of the trust-owned life insurance policies held in the Rabbi Trust resulted in realized gains of $2.6 million, $2.4 million and $2.5 million for Fiscal 2013, Fiscal 2012 and Fiscal 2011, respectively.
Interest Rate Risks
As of February 1, 2014, the Company had $135.0 million in borrowings outstanding under its Term Loan Agreement. These borrowings and any future borrowings will bear interest at negotiated rates and would be subject to interest rate risk. Interest on borrowings may be determined under several alternative methods including LIBOR plus a margin based upon the Company’s Leverage Ratio, which represents the ratio of (a) the sum of total debt (excluding specified permitted foreign bank guarantees and trade letters of credit) plus 600% of forward minimum rent commitments to (b) Consolidated EBITDAR (as defined in the Term Loan Agreement) for the trailing four-consecutive-fiscal-quarter period. Covenants are generally consistent with those in the Company’s Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The average interest rate was 1.85% for the fifty-two week period ended February 1, 2014. Additionally, as of February 1, 2014, the Company had $350 million available, less outstanding letters of credit that were insignificant, under its Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. Assuming no changes in the Company’s financial structure as it stood at February 1, 2014, if market interest rates average an increase of 100 basis points over the next fifty-two week period compared to the interest rates being incurred for the fifty-two week period ended February 1, 2014, there would be an insignificant change in interest expense. This amount was determined by calculating the effect of the average hypothetical interest rate increase on the Company’s variable rate Term Loan Agreement. This hypothetical increase in interest rate for the fifty-two week period ended February 1, 2014 may be different from the actual increase in interest expense due to varying interest rate reset dates under the Company’s Term Loan Agreement.
Foreign Exchange Rate Risk
A&F’s international subsidiaries generally operate with functional currencies other than the U.S. Dollar. The Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in U.S. Dollars. Therefore, the Company must translate revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities from functional currencies into U.S. Dollars at exchange rates in effect during or at the end of the reporting period. The fluctuation in the value of the U.S. Dollar against other currencies affects the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities. The potential impact of currency fluctuation increases as international expansion increases.
A&F and its subsidiaries have exposure to changes in currency exchange rates associated with foreign currency transactions and forecasted foreign currency transactions, including the sale of inventory between subsidiaries and foreign denominated assets and liabilities. Such transactions are denominated primarily in U.S. Dollars, Australian Dollars, British Pounds, Canadian Dollars, Chinese Yuan, Danish Kroner, Euros, Hong Kong Dollars, Japanese Yen, Polish Zloty, South Korean Won, Singapore Dollars, Swedish Kroner, Swiss Francs and UAE Dirham. The Company has established a program that primarily utilizes foreign currency forward contracts to partially offset the risks associated with the effects of certain foreign currency transactions and forecasted transactions. Under this program, increases or decreases in foreign currency exposures are partially offset by gains or losses on forward contracts, to mitigate the impact of foreign currency gains or losses. The Company does not use forward contracts to engage in currency speculation. All outstanding foreign currency forward contracts are recorded at fair value at the end of each fiscal period.



48

ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Thousands, except share and per share amounts)
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
 
 
 
NET SALES
$
4,116,897

 
$
4,510,805

 
$
4,158,058

Cost of Goods Sold
1,541,462

 
1,694,096

 
1,607,834

GROSS PROFIT
2,575,435

 
2,816,709

 
2,550,224

Stores and Distribution Expense
1,907,687

 
1,980,519

 
1,820,226

Marketing, General and Administrative Expense
481,784

 
473,883

 
437,120

Restructuring Charges
81,500

 
—

 
—

Asset Impairment
46,715

 
7,407

 
68,022

Other Operating Expense (Income), Net
(23,074
)
 
(19,333
)
 
3,472

OPERATING INCOME
80,823

 
374,233

 
221,384

Interest Expense, Net
7,546

 
7,288

 
3,577

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAXES
73,277

 
366,945

 
217,807

Tax Expense from Continuing Operations
18,649

 
129,934

 
74,669

NET INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
$
54,628

 
$
237,011

 
$
143,138

INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, Net of Tax
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
796

NET INCOME
$
54,628

 
$
237,011

 
$
143,934

NET INCOME PER SHARE FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS:
 
 
 
 
 
BASIC
$
0.71

 
$
2.89

 
$
1.65

DILUTED
$
0.69

 
$
2.85

 
$
1.60

NET INCOME PER SHARE FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
 
 
 
 
 
BASIC
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
0.01

DILUTED
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
0.01

NET INCOME PER SHARE:
 
 
 
 
 
BASIC
$
0.71

 
$
2.89

 
$
1.66

DILUTED
$
0.69

 
$
2.85

 
$
1.61

WEIGHTED-AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING:
 
 
 
 
 
BASIC
77,157

 
81,940

 
86,848

DILUTED
78,666

 
83,175

 
89,537

DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER SHARE
$
0.80

 
$
0.70

 
$
0.70

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
$
(12,683
)
 
$
(427
)
 
$
(8,658
)
Gains on Marketable Securities, net of taxes of $(5,526) for Fiscal 2011
—

 
—

 
9,409

Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments, net of taxes
5,054

 
(19,152
)
 
12,217

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
$
(7,629
)
 
$
(19,579
)
 
$
12,968

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
$
46,999

 
$
217,432

 
$
156,902

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

49

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Thousands, except par value amounts)
 
February 1,
2014
 
February 2,
2013
ASSETS
 
 
 
CURRENT ASSETS:
 
 
 
Cash and Equivalents
$
600,116

 
$
643,505

Receivables
67,965

 
99,622

Inventories
530,192

 
426,962

Deferred Income Taxes
21,835

 
32,558

Other Current Assets
100,458

 
105,177

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
1,320,566

 
1,307,824

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
1,131,341

 
1,308,232

OTHER ASSETS
399,090

 
371,345

TOTAL ASSETS
$
2,850,997

 
$
2,987,401

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
 
 
 
Accounts Payable
$
130,715

 
$
140,396

Accrued Expenses
322,834

 
398,868

Deferred Lease Credits
36,165

 
39,054

Income Taxes Payable
63,508

 
112,483

Short-Term Portion of Borrowings
15,000

 
—

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
568,222

 
690,801

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
 
 
 
Deferred Lease Credits
140,799

 
168,397

Long-Term Portion of Borrowings
120,000

 
—

Leasehold Financing Obligations
60,726

 
63,942

Other Liabilities
231,757

 
245,993

TOTAL LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
553,282

 
478,332

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
 
 
 
Class A Common Stock — $0.01 par value: 150,000 shares authorized and 103,300 shares issued at each of February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013
1,033

 
1,033

Paid-In Capital
433,620

 
403,271

Retained Earnings
2,556,270

 
2,567,261

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss), net of tax
(20,917
)
 
(13,288
)
Treasury Stock, at Average Cost — 26,898 and 24,855 shares at February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013, respectively
(1,240,513
)
 
(1,140,009
)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
1,729,493

 
1,818,268

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$
2,850,997

 
$
2,987,401

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

50

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Common Stock
 
Paid-In
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
 
Treasury Stock
 
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 
Shares
Outstanding
 
Par
Value
 
Shares
 
At Average
Cost
 
Balance, January 29, 2011
87,246

 
$
1,033

 
$
349,258

 
$
2,325,084

 
$
(6,677
)
 
16,054

 
$
(725,308
)
 
$
1,943,390

Net Income
—

 
—

 
—

 
143,934

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
143,934

Purchase of Common Stock
(3,546
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
3,546

 
(196,605
)
 
(196,605
)
Dividends ($0.70 per share)
—

 
—

 
—

 
(60,956
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(60,956
)
Share-Based Compensation Issuances and Exercises
1,938

 
—

 
(34,153
)
 
(18,448
)
 
—

 
(1,938
)
 
87,139

 
34,538

Tax Effect of Share-Based Compensation Issuances and Exercises
—

 
—

 
2,973

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
2,973

Share-Based Compensation Expense
—

 
—

 
51,093

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
51,093

Losses on Marketable Securities reclassed to the Income Statement
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
9,409

 
—

 
 
 
9,409

Net Change in Unrealized Gains or Losses on Derivative Financial Instruments
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
12,217

 
—

 
 
 
12,217

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(8,658
)
 
—

 
 
 
(8,658
)
Balance, January 28, 2012
85,638

 
$
1,033

 
$
369,171

 
$
2,389,614

 
$
6,291

 
17,662

 
$
(834,774
)
 
$
1,931,335

Net Income
—

 
—

 
—

 
237,011

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
237,011

Purchase of Common Stock
(7,548
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
7,548

 
(321,665
)
 
(321,665
)
Dividends ($0.70 per share)
—

 
—

 
—

 
(57,634
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(57,634
)
Share-Based Compensation Issuances and Exercises
355

 
—

 
(18,356
)
 
(1,730
)
 
—

 
(355
)
 
16,430

 
(3,656
)
Tax Effect of Share-Based Compensation Issuances and Exercises
—

 
—

 
(466
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(466
)
Share-Based Compensation Expense
—

 
—

 
52,922

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
52,922

Net Change in Unrealized Gains or Losses on Derivative Financial Instruments
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(19,152
)
 
—

 
 
 
(19,152
)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(427
)
 
—

 
 
 
(427
)
Balance, February 2, 2013
78,445

 
$
1,033

 
$
403,271

 
$
2,567,261

 
$
(13,288
)
 
24,855

 
$
(1,140,009
)
 
$
1,818,268

Net Income
—

 
—

 
—

 
54,628

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
54,628

Purchase of Common Stock
(2,383
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
2,383

 
(115,806
)
 
(115,806
)
Dividends ($0.80 per share)
—

 
—

 
—

 
(61,923
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(61,923
)
Share-Based Compensation Issuances and Exercises
340

 
—

 
(19,363
)
 
(3,696
)
 
—

 
(340
)
 
15,302

 
(7,757
)
Tax Effect of Share-Based Compensation Issuances and Exercises
—

 
—

 
(3,804
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(3,804
)
Share-Based Compensation Expense
—

 
—

 
53,516

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
53,516

Net Change in Unrealized Gains or Losses on Derivative Financial Instruments
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
5,054

 
—

 
 
 
5,054

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(12,683
)
 
—

 
 
 
(12,683
)
Balance, February 1, 2014
76,402

 
$
1,033

 
$
433,620

 
$
2,556,270

 
$
(20,917
)
 
26,898

 
$
(1,240,513
)
 
$
1,729,493

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

51

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Thousands)
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
 
 
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income
$
54,628

 
$
237,011

 
$
143,934

Impact of Other Operating Activities on Cash Flows:
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and Amortization
235,240

 
224,245

 
232,956

Non-Cash Charge for Asset Impairment
84,655

 
7,407

 
68,022

Loss on Disposal / Write-off of Assets
16,909

 
11,866

 
22,460

Lessor Construction Allowances
20,523

 
22,522

 
41,509

Amortization of Deferred Lease Credits
(45,895
)
 
(45,942
)
 
(48,258
)
Deferred Taxes
(41,263
)
 
(21,543
)
 
(31,252
)
Share-Based Compensation
53,516

 
52,922

 
51,093

Auction Rate Securities (Gain) Loss
—

 
(2,454
)
 
13,442

Changes in Assets and Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Inventories
(103,304
)
 
253,650

 
(216,133
)
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
(73,749
)
 
(34,692
)
 
130,180

Income Taxes
(55,456
)
 
35,964

 
2,906

Other Assets
44,138

 
(34,318
)
 
(78,021
)
Other Liabilities
(14,449
)
 
(22,467
)
 
32,381

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
175,493

 
684,171

 
365,219

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Expenditures
(163,924
)
 
(339,862
)
 
(318,598
)
Proceeds from Sales of Marketable Securities
—

 
101,963

 
2,650

Other Investing
(9,937
)
 
(9,339
)
 
(24,741
)
NET CASH USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES
(173,861
)
 
(247,238
)
 
(340,689
)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from Share-Based Compensation
213

 
2,676

 
46,530

Excess Tax Benefit from Share-Based Compensation
2,480

 
1,198

 
4,821

Proceeds from Borrowings
150,000

 
135,000

 
—

Repayment of Borrowings
(15,000
)
 
(135,000
)
 
(45,002
)
Purchase of Common Stock
(115,806
)
 
(321,665
)
 
(196,605
)
Dividends Paid
(61,923
)
 
(57,634
)
 
(60,956
)
Change in Outstanding Checks and Other
(795
)
 
(4,646
)
 
(14,117
)
NET CASH USED FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES
(40,831
)
 
(380,071
)
 
(265,329
)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATES ON CASH
(4,190
)
 
3,148

 
(2,059
)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND EQUIVALENTS:
(43,389
)
 
60,010

 
(242,858
)
Cash and Equivalents, Beginning of Period
643,505

 
583,495

 
826,353

CASH AND EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD
$
600,116

 
$
643,505

 
$
583,495

SIGNIFICANT NON-CASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
Change in Accrual for Construction in Progress
$
10,820

 
$
(12,919
)
 
$
23,040

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

52

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
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 “Abercrombie & Fitch” or the “Company”), is a specialty retailer of high-quality, casual apparel for men, women and kids with an active, youthful lifestyle.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the historical financial statements of, and transactions applicable to, the Company and reflect its assets, liabilities, results of operations and cash flows.
The fifty-two week period ended February 1, 2014 included a reduction of pre-tax expense of $2.6 million and $0.9 million in unrelated tax expense for the correction of errors related to prior periods. The effect of these corrections decreased net income by $0.1 million for the 52-week period ended February 1, 2014. The Company does not believe these corrections were material to any current or prior interim or annual periods that were affected.
FISCAL YEAR
The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31, typically resulting in a 52-week year, but occasionally giving rise to an additional week, resulting in a 53-week year as was the case for Fiscal 2012. Fiscal years are designated in the consolidated financial statements and notes by the calendar year in which the fiscal year commences. All references herein to “Fiscal 2013” represent the 52-week fiscal year ended February 1, 2014; to “Fiscal 2012” represent the 53-week fiscal year ended February 2, 2013; and to “Fiscal 2011” represent the 52-week fiscal year ended January 28, 2012. In addition, all references herein to “Fiscal 2014” represent the 52-week fiscal year that will end on January 31, 2015.
RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified or adjusted to conform to the current year presentation.
2.
SEGMENT REPORTING
The Company determines its segments on the same basis that it uses to allocate resources and assess performance. All of the Company’s segments sell a similar group of products—casual sportswear apparel, personal care products and accessories for men, women and kids and bras, underwear and sleepwear for girls. The Company has three reportable segments: U.S. Stores, International Stores, and Direct-to-Consumer. Corporate functions, interest income and expense, and other income and expense are evaluated on a consolidated basis and are not allocated to the Company’s segments, and therefore are included in Other.
The U.S. Stores reportable segment includes the results of store operations in the United States and Puerto Rico. The International Stores reportable segment includes the results of store operations in Canada, Europe, and Asia. Asia includes the Middle East and Australia. The Direct-to-Consumer reportable segment includes the results of operations directly associated with on-line operations, both U.S. and international.
Operating income is the primary measure of profit the Company uses to make decisions regarding the allocation of resources to its segments. For the U.S. Stores and International Stores reportable segments, operating income is defined as aggregate income directly attributable to individual stores on a four-wall basis plus sell-off of excess merchandise to authorized third-party resellers. Four-wall operating income includes: net sales, cost of merchandise, selling payroll and related costs, rent, utilities, depreciation, repairs and maintenance, supplies and packaging and other store sales-related expenses including credit card and bank fees and indirect taxes. Operating income also reflects pre-opening charges related to stores not yet in operation. For the Direct-to-Consumer reportable segment, operating income is defined as aggregate income attributable to the direct-to-consumer business: net sales, shipping and handling revenue, call center costs, fulfillment and shipping expense, charge card fees and direct-to-consumer operations management and support expenses. The U.S. Stores, International Stores and Direct-to-Consumer reportable segments exclude marketing, general and administrative expense, store management and support functions such as regional and district management and other functions not dedicated to an individual store, as well as distribution center costs. All costs excluded from the three reportable segments are included in Other.

53
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Reportable segment assets include those used directly in or resulting from the operations of each reportable segment. Total assets for the U.S. Stores and International Stores reportable segments primarily consist of store cash, credit card receivables, prepaid rent, store packaging and supplies, lease deposits, merchandise inventory, leasehold acquisition costs, restricted cash and the net book value of store long-lived assets. Total assets for the International Stores reportable segment also include VAT receivables. Total assets for the Direct-to-Consumer reportable segment primarily consist of credit card receivables, merchandise inventory, and the net book value of long-lived assets. Total assets for Other include cash, investments, distribution center inventory, the net book value of home office and distribution center long-lived assets, foreign currency hedge assets and tax-related assets. Reportable segment capital expenditures are direct purchases of property and equipment for that segment.
The following table provides the Company’s segment information as of, and for the fiscal years ended February 1, 2014, February 2, 2013 and January 28, 2012.

 
U.S. Stores
 
International
Stores
 
Direct-to-
Consumer
Operations
 
Segment
Total
 
Other(1)
 
Total
 
(in thousands):
February 1, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales
$
2,161,183

 
$
1,178,798

 
$
776,916

 
$
4,116,897

 
—

 
$
4,116,897

Depreciation and Amortization
75,297

 
92,474

 
7,850

 
175,621

 
59,619

 
235,240

Operating Income(2)
194,582

 
249,331

 
294,951

 
738,864

 
(658,041
)
 
80,823

Total Assets
414,463

 
805,257

 
122,381

 
1,342,101

 
1,508,896

 
2,850,997

Capital Expenditures
18,599

 
82,805

 
15,633

 
117,037

 
46,887

 
163,924

February 2, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales
2,615,138

 
1,195,016

 
700,651

 
4,510,805

 
—

 
4,510,805

Depreciation and Amortization
94,367

 
67,972

 
5,198

 
167,537

 
56,708

 
224,245

Operating Income(3)
432,040

 
350,871

 
269,479

 
1,052,390

 
(678,157
)
 
374,233

Total Assets
587,334

 
840,317

 
63,063

 
1,490,714

 
1,496,687

 
2,987,401

Capital Expenditures
3,016

 
218,933

 
22,567

 
244,516

 
95,346

 
339,862

January 28, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales
2,710,842

 
894,616

 
552,600

 
4,158,058

 
—

 
4,158,058

Depreciation and Amortization
125,827

 
35,844

 
2,876

 
164,547

 
68,409

 
232,956

Operating Income(4)
362,760

 
282,462

 
224,759

 
869,981

 
(648,597
)
 
221,384

Total Assets
755,330

 
661,680

 
90,922

 
1,507,932

 
1,609,100

 
3,117,032

Capital Expenditures
1,105

 
229,959

 
8,367

 
239,431

 
79,167

 
318,598

 
(1) 
Includes corporate functions such as Design, Merchandising, Sourcing, Planning, Allocation, Store Management and Support, Marketing, Distribution Center Operations, Information Technology, Real Estate, Finance, Legal, Human Resources and other corporate overhead. Operating Income includes: marketing, general and administrative expense; store management and support functions such as regional and district management and other functions not dedicated to an individual store; as well as distribution center costs.
(2) 
Includes charges for store-related asset impairment, charges related to restructuring plans for the Gilly Hicks brand and charges related to the Company's profit improvement initiative of $94.9 million for U.S. Stores, $33.3 million for International Stores and $13.8 million for Other.
(3) 
Includes charges for asset impairments of $7.4 million for U.S. Stores.
(4) 
Includes charges for asset impairments, write-down of store-related long-lived assets and store closure charges of $52.1 million for U.S. Stores and $15.9 million for International Stores.




54
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Net Sales:
Net sales includes net merchandise sales through stores and direct-to-consumer operations, including shipping and handling revenue. Net sales are reported by geographic area based on the location of the customer.
Brand Information
Financial information relating to the Company’s operations by brand is as follows:
 
Fiscal 2013
 
Fiscal 2012
 
Fiscal 2011
 
(in thousands):
Abercrombie & Fitch
$
1,547,216

 
$
1,704,190

 
$
1,665,135

abercrombie
346,739

 
382,509

 
397,904

Hollister
2,127,816

 
2,314,462

 
2,022,002

Gilly Hicks
95,126

 
109,644

 
73,017

 
$
4,116,897

 
$
4,510,805

 
$
4,158,058

Geographic Information
Financial information relating to the Company’s operations by geographic area is as follows:
 
Fiscal 2013
 
Fiscal 2012
 
Fiscal 2011
 
(in thousands):
United States
$
2,659,089

 
$
3,087,205

 
$
3,108,380

Europe
1,116,781

 
1,137,664

 
822,473

Other International
341,027

 
285,936

 
227,205

Total
$
4,116,897

 
$
4,510,805

 
$
4,158,058


Long-Lived Assets:
 
February 1, 2014
 
February 2, 2013
 
(in thousands):
United States
$
606,758

 
$
742,926

Europe
438,931

 
496,960

Other International
191,312

 
177,780

Total
$
1,237,001

 
$
1,417,666

Long-lived assets included in the table above include primarily property and equipment (net), store supplies and lease deposits.
 
3.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of A&F and its subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS
See Note 5, “CASH AND EQUIVALENTS.”
RABBI TRUST ASSETS
See Note 6, “RABBI TRUST ASSETS.”

55
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

RECEIVABLES
Receivables primarily include credit card receivables, construction allowances, value added tax (“VAT”) receivables and other tax credits or refunds.
As part of the normal course of business, the Company has approximately three to four days of sales transactions outstanding with its third-party credit card vendors at any point. The Company classifies these outstanding balances as credit card receivables. Construction allowances are recorded for certain store lease agreements for improvements completed by the Company. VAT receivables are payments the Company has made on purchases of goods that will be recovered as those goods are sold.
INVENTORIES
Inventories are principally valued at the lower of cost or market on a weighted-average cost basis. The Company writes down inventory through a lower of cost or market adjustment, the impact of which is reflected in cost of goods sold in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. This adjustment is based on management's judgment regarding future demand and market conditions and analysis of historical experience. The lower of cost or market reserve for inventory as of February 1, 2014, February 2, 2013 and January 28, 2012 was $22.1 million, $9.9 million and $13.0 million, respectively.
Additionally, as part of inventory valuation, inventory shrinkage estimates based on historical trends from actual physical inventories are made each period that reduce the inventory value for lost or stolen items. The Company performs physical inventories on a periodic basis and adjusts the shrink reserve accordingly. The shrink reserve was $13.6 million, $11.8 million and $10.3 million at February 1, 2014, February 2, 2013 and January 28, 2012, respectively.
Ending inventory balances were $530.2 million, $427.0 million and $679.9 million at February 1, 2014, February 2, 2013 and January 28, 2012, respectively. These balances included inventory in transit balances of $76.4 million, $34.8 million and $103.1 million at February 1, 2014, February 2, 2013 and January 28, 2012, respectively. Inventory in transit is considered to be merchandise owned by Abercrombie & Fitch that has not yet been received at an Abercrombie & Fitch distribution center.
OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
Other current assets include prepaid rent, current store supplies, derivative contracts and other prepaids.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment are computed for financial reporting purposes on a straight-line basis, using service lives which are principally: 30 years for buildings; from three to 15 years for leasehold improvements and furniture and fixtures; from three to seven years for information technology; and from three to 20 years for other property and equipment; or the applicable lease term, whichever is shorter. 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 the service lives of the related assets are capitalized.
Long-lived assets, primarily comprised of property and equipment, are reviewed whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. The primary triggering events are (1) when the Company believes that it is more likely than not that long-lived assets will be disposed of before the end of their previously estimated useful life (e.g., store closures before the end of a lease) and (2) if the Company’s performance in any quarter indicates that there has been a long-term and significant change in the economics of the business. The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairments in the quarter in which a triggering event occurs.
In addition, the Company conducts an annual impairment analysis in the fourth quarter of each year. For the purposes of the annual review, the Company reviews long-lived assets associated with stores that have an operating loss in the current year and have been open for at least two full years.
The reviews are conducted at the individual store level, which is the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities.

56
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

The impairment evaluation is performed as a two-step test. First, the Company utilizes an undiscounted future cash flow model to test the individual asset groups for recoverability. If the net carrying value of the asset group exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, the Company proceeds to step two. Under step two, an impairment loss is recognized for the excess of net book value over the fair value of the assets. Factors used in the evaluation include, but are not limited to, management’s plans for future operations, recent operating results and projected cash flows. See Note 8, “PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET,” for further discussion.
The Company expenses all internal-use software costs incurred in the preliminary project stage and capitalizes certain direct costs associated with the development and purchase of internal-use software within property and equipment. Capitalized costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the software, generally not exceeding seven years.
INCOME TAXES
Income taxes are calculated using 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 their 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 assets will not be realized. Currently, there is an insignificant valuation allowance provided for foreign net operating losses.
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. 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.
See Note 14, “INCOME TAXES,” for a discussion regarding the Company’s policies for uncertain tax positions.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION AND TRANSACTIONS
The majority of the Company’s international operations use local currencies as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. Dollars (the reporting currency) at the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date. Equity accounts denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. Dollars at historical exchange rates. Revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are 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, translation adjustments and inter-company loans of a long-term investment nature are reported as an element of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss). Foreign currency transactions resulted in a gain of $2.9 million, $3.3 million and $1.3 million for Fiscal 2013, Fiscal 2012 and Fiscal 2011, respectively.
DERIVATIVES
See Note 17, “DERIVATIVES.”
CONTINGENCIES
In the normal course of business, the Company must make 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 estimation process. However, the ultimate outcome of various legal issues could be different than management estimates, and adjustments may be required. See Note 21, “CONTINGENCIES,” for further discussion.
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
At February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013, there were 150.0 million shares of A&F’s Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value, authorized, of which 76.4 million and 78.4 million shares were outstanding at February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013, respectively, and 106.4 million shares of Class B Common Stock, $0.01 par value, authorized, none of which were outstanding at February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013.
Holders of Class A Common Stock generally have identical rights to holders of Class B Common Stock, except holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share while holders of Class B Common Stock are entitled to three votes per share on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders.

57
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

REVENUE RECOGNITION
The Company recognizes store sales at the time the customer takes possession of the merchandise. Direct-to-consumer sales are recorded based on an estimated date for customer receipt of merchandise, which is based on shipping terms and historical delivery transit times. 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 net sales. The Company reserves for sales returns through estimates based on historical experience. The sales return reserve was $8.0 million, $9.3 million and $7.0 million at February 1, 2014, February 2, 2013 and January 28, 2012, respectively.
The Company sells gift cards in its stores and through direct-to-consumer operations. The Company accounts for gift cards sold to customers by recognizing a liability at the time of sale. Gift cards sold to customers do not expire or lose value over periods of inactivity. The liability remains on the Company’s books until the Company recognizes income from gift cards. Income from gift cards is recognized at the earlier of redemption by the customer (recognized as net sales) or when the Company determines that the likelihood of redemption is remote, referred to as “gift card breakage” (recognized as other operating income). The Company determines the probability of the gift card being redeemed to be remote based on historical redemption patterns. At February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013, the gift card liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets were $42.5 million and $47.7 million, respectively.
The Company is not required by law to escheat the value of unredeemed gift cards to the states in which it operates. During Fiscal 2013, Fiscal 2012 and Fiscal 2011, the Company recognized other operating income for gift card breakage of $8.8 million, $6.9 million and $7.2 million, respectively.
The Company does not include tax amounts collected as part of the sales transaction in its net sales results.
COST OF GOODS SOLD
Cost of goods sold is primarily comprised of: cost incurred to ready inventory for sale, including product costs, freight, and import cost, as well as changes in reserves for shrink and lower of cost or market reserves. Gains and losses associated with foreign currency exchange contracts related to hedging of inventory purchases are also recognized in cost of goods sold when the inventory being hedged is sold.
STORES AND DISTRIBUTION EXPENSE
Stores and distribution expense includes store payroll, store management, rent, utilities and other landlord expenses, depreciation and amortization, repairs and maintenance and other store support functions, as well as Direct-to-Consumer expense and Distribution Center (“DC”) expense.
Shipping and handling costs, including costs incurred to store, move and prepare products for shipment, and costs incurred to physically move the product to the customer, associated with direct-to-consumer operations were $93.4 million, $78.6 million and $53.6 million for Fiscal 2013, Fiscal 2012 and Fiscal 2011, respectively. Handling costs, including costs incurred to store, move and prepare the products for shipment to the stores were $53.9 million, $59.4 million and $62.8 million for Fiscal 2013, Fiscal 2012 and Fiscal 2011, respectively. These amounts are recorded in Stores and Distribution Expense in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. Costs incurred to physically move the product to the stores is recorded in Cost of Goods Sold in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
MARKETING, GENERAL & ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE
Marketing, general and administrative expense includes: photography and social media; store marketing; home office compensation, except for those departments included in stores and distribution expense; information technology; outside services such as legal and consulting; relocation; recruiting; samples and travel expenses.
RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
Restructuring charges consist of exit costs and other costs associated with the reorganization of the Company's operations, including employee termination costs, lease contract termination costs, impairment of assets, and any other qualifying exit costs. Costs associated with exit or disposal activities are recorded when the liability is incurred or when such costs are deemed probable and estimable and represent the Company's best estimates.

58
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

OTHER OPERATING EXPENSE (INCOME), NET
Other operating expense (income) consists primarily of the following: income related to gift card balances whose likelihood of redemption has been determined to be remote; gains and losses on foreign currency transactions; business interruption insurance recoveries; and the Fiscal 2012 and Fiscal 2011 net impact of the change in valuation related to other-than-temporary impairments associated with auction rate securities ("ARS").
WEBSITE AND ADVERTISING COSTS
Advertising costs are comprised of in-store photography, email distribution and other e-commerce direct advertising, and other media advertising. The production of in-store photography and signage are expensed when the marketing campaign commences as a component of Marketing, General and Administrative Expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. Website and other advertising costs related specifically to direct-to-consumer operations are expensed as incurred as a component of Stores and Distribution Expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. All other advertising costs are expensed as incurred as a component of Marketing, General and Administrative Expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. The Company recognized $44.4 million, $36.2 million and $28.3 million in advertising expense in Fiscal 2013, Fiscal 2012 and Fiscal 2011, respectively.
LEASES
The Company leases property for its stores under operating leases. Lease agreements may contain construction allowances, rent escalation clauses and/or contingent rent provisions.
For construction allowances, the Company records a deferred lease credit on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and amortizes the deferred lease credit as a reduction of rent expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income over the terms of the leases.
For scheduled rent escalation clauses during the lease terms, the Company records minimum rental expense on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. The difference between the rent expense and the amount payable under the lease is included in Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The term of the lease over which the Company amortizes construction allowances and minimum rental expenses on a straight-line basis begins on the date of initial possession, which is generally when the Company enters the space and begins construction.
Certain leases provide for contingent rents, which are determined as a percentage of gross sales. The Company records a contingent rent liability in Accrued Expenses on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and the corresponding rent expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income when management determines that achieving the specified levels during the fiscal year is probable. In addition, most of the leases require payment of real estate taxes, insurance and certain common area maintenance costs in addition to the future minimum lease payments.
In certain lease arrangements, the Company is involved with the construction of the building. If it is determined that the Company has substantially all of the risks of ownership during construction of the leased property and therefore is deemed to be the owner of the construction project, the Company records an asset for the amount of the total project costs and an amount related to the value attributed to the pre-existing leased building in Property and Equipment, Net and the related financing obligation in Leasehold Financing Obligations on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Once construction is complete, if it is determined that the asset does not qualify for sale-leaseback accounting treatment, the Company continues to amortize the obligation over the lease term and depreciates the asset over its useful life. The Company does not report rent expense for the portion of the rent payment determined to be related to the assets which are owned for accounting purposes. Rather, this portion of the rent payment under the lease is recognized as a reduction of the financing obligation and interest expense.
STORE PRE-OPENING EXPENSES
Pre-opening expenses related to new store openings are charged to operations as incurred.
DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS
Costs to design and develop the Company’s merchandise are expensed as incurred and are reflected as a component of “Marketing, General and Administrative Expense.”
NET INCOME PER SHARE
Net income per basic share is computed based on the weighted-average number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock (“Common Stock”). Net income per diluted share includes the weighted-average effect of dilutive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units and performance share awards.

59
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding and Anti-Dilutive Shares (in thousands):
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Shares of Common Stock issued
103,300

 
103,300

 
103,300

Treasury shares
(26,143
)
 
(21,360
)
 
(16,452
)
Weighted-Average — basic shares
77,157

 
81,940

 
86,848

Dilutive effect of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units and performance share awards
1,509

 
1,235

 
2,689

Weighted-Average — diluted shares
78,666

 
83,175

 
89,537

Anti-Dilutive shares (1)
4,630

 
5,228

 
2,452

 
(1) 
Reflects the number of shares subject to outstanding stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units and performance share awards but excluded from the computation of net income per diluted share because the impact would be anti-dilutive.
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
See Note 4, “SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION.”
USE OF ESTIMATES IN THE PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Since actual results may differ from those estimates, the Company revises its estimates and assumptions as new information becomes available.
 
4.
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
Financial Statement Impact
The Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $53.5 million, $52.9 million and $51.1 million for Fiscal 2013, Fiscal 2012 and Fiscal 2011, respectively. The Company also recognized $20.3 million, $20.1 million and $19.2 million in tax benefits related to share-based compensation for Fiscal 2013, Fiscal 2012 and Fiscal 2011, respectively.
The fair value of share-based compensation awards is recognized as compensation expense primarily on a straight-line basis over the awards’ requisite service period, net of estimated forfeitures, with the exception of performance share awards. Performance share award expense is primarily recognized in the performance period of the awards' requisite service period. For awards that are expected to result in a tax deduction, a deferred tax asset is recorded in the period in which share-based compensation expense is recognized. A current tax deduction arises upon the vesting of restricted stock units and performance share awards or the exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights and is principally measured at the award’s intrinsic value. If the tax deduction is greater than the recorded deferred tax asset, the tax benefit associated with any excess deduction is considered a “windfall tax benefit” and is recognized as additional paid-in capital. If the tax deduction is less than the recorded deferred tax asset, the resulting difference, or shortfall, is first charged to additional paid in capital, to the extent of the pool of “windfall tax benefits,” with any remainder recognized as tax expense. The Company’s pool of “windfall tax benefits” as of February 1, 2014, is sufficient to fully absorb any shortfall which may develop associated with awards currently outstanding.
The Company adjusts share-based compensation expense on a quarterly basis for actual forfeitures and for changes to the estimate of expected award forfeitures. The effect of adjusting the forfeiture rate is recognized in the period the forfeiture estimate is changed. The effect of adjustments for forfeitures was $2.3 million, $1.3 million and $1.6 million for Fiscal 2013, Fiscal 2012 and Fiscal 2011, respectively.
A&F issues shares of Common Stock from treasury stock upon exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights and vesting of restricted stock units, including those converted from performance share awards. As of February 1, 2014, A&F had sufficient treasury stock available to settle stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units and performance share awards outstanding. Settlement of stock awards in Common Stock also requires that the Company has sufficient shares available in stockholder-approved plans at the applicable time.
In the event, at each reporting date during which share-based compensation awards remain outstanding, there are not sufficient shares of Common Stock available to be issued under the Amended and Restated Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2007 LTIP”) and the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2005

60
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

LTIP”), or under a successor or replacement plan, the Company may be required to designate some portion of the outstanding awards to be settled in cash, which would result in liability classification of such awards. The fair value of liability-classified awards is re-measured each reporting date until such awards no longer remain outstanding or until sufficient shares of Common Stock become available to be issued under the existing plans or under a successor or replacement plan. As long as the awards are required to be classified as a liability, the change in fair value would be recognized in current period expense based on the requisite service period rendered.
Plans
As of February 1, 2014, A&F had two primary share-based compensation plans: the 2005 LTIP, under which A&F grants stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units and performance share awards to associates of the Company and non-associate members of the A&F Board of Directors, and the 2007 LTIP, under which A&F grants stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units and performance share awards to associates of the Company. A&F also has four other share-based compensation plans under which it granted stock options and restricted stock units to associates of the Company and non-associate members of the A&F Board of Directors in prior years.
The 2007 LTIP, a stockholder-approved plan, permits A&F to annually grant awards covering up to 2.0 million of underlying shares of A&F’s Common Stock for each type of award, per eligible participant, plus any unused annual limit from prior years. The 2005 LTIP, a stockholder-approved plan, permits A&F to annually grant awards covering up to 250,000 of underlying shares of A&F’s Common Stock for each award type to any associate of the Company (other than the Chief Executive Officer (the "CEO")) who is subject to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, at the time of the grant, plus any unused annual limit from prior years. In addition, any non-associate director of A&F is eligible to receive awards under the 2005 LTIP. Under both plans, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units vest primarily over four years for associates, while performance share awards are primarily earned and vest over the performance period. Under the 2005 LTIP, restricted stock units typically vest after approximately one year for non-associate directors of A&F. Under both plans, stock options have a ten-year term and stock appreciation rights have up to a ten-year term, subject to forfeiture under the terms of the plans. The plans provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change of control as defined in the plans.
Fair Value Estimates
The Company estimates the fair value of stock appreciation rights using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which requires the Company to estimate the expected term of the stock appreciation rights and expected future stock price volatility over the expected term. Estimates of expected terms, which represent the expected periods of time the Company believes stock appreciation rights will be outstanding, are based on historical experience. Estimates of expected future stock price volatility are based on the volatility of A&F’s Common Stock price for the most recent historical period equal to the expected term of the stock appreciation right, as appropriate. The Company calculates the volatility as the annualized standard deviation of the differences in the natural logarithms of the weekly stock closing price, adjusted for stock splits and dividends.
In the case of restricted stock units and performance share awards, the Company calculates the fair value of awards granted using the market price of the underlying Common Stock on the date of grant reduced for anticipated dividend payments on unvested shares. In determining the fair value, the Company does not take into account any performance-based requirements. The performance-based requirements are taken into account in determining the number of awards expected to vest.
Stock Options
The Company did not grant any stock options during Fiscal 2013, Fiscal 2012 and Fiscal 2011.

Below is a summary of stock option activity for Fiscal 2013:
Stock Options
Number of
Underlying
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
 
Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
Outstanding at February 2, 2013
569,400

 
$
65.40

 
 
 
 
Granted
—

 
—

 
 
 
 
Exercised
(7,500
)
 
28.24

 
 
 
 
Forfeited or expired
(29,500
)
 
75.40

 
 
 
 
Outstanding at February 1, 2014
532,400

 
$
65.37

 
$
942,970

 
3.3
Stock options exercisable at February 1, 2014
532,400

 
$
65.37

 
$
942,970

 
3.3

61
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

The total intrinsic value of stock options which were exercised during Fiscal 2013, Fiscal 2012 and Fiscal 2011 was insignificant, $2.0 million and $48.5 million, respectively.
The grant date fair value of stock options that vested during Fiscal 2013, Fiscal 2012 and Fiscal 2011 was insignificant, $1.3 million and $2.4 million, respectively.
As of February 1, 2014, all compensation cost related to currently outstanding stock options has been fully recognized.
Stock Appreciation Rights
The weighted-average estimated fair value of stock appreciation rights granted during Fiscal 2013, Fiscal 2012 and Fiscal 2011, and the weighted-average assumptions used in calculating such fair value, on the date of grant, were as follows:
 
Fiscal Year
 
Chief Executive
Officer
 
Other Executive Officers
 
All Other Associates
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Grant date market price
—

 
$
—

 
$
56.86

 
$
46.57

 
$
52.89

 
$
54.87

 
$
43.86

 
$
51.31

 
$
55.12

Exercise price
—

 
$
—

 
$
56.86

 
$
46.57

 
$
52.89

 
$
54.87

 
$
43.86

 
$
51.31

 
$
55.12

Fair value
—

 
$
—

 
$
22.99

 
$
20.34

 
$
23.53

 
$
22.29

 
$
16.17

 
$
21.90

 
$
21.98

Assumptions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Price volatility
—

 
—
%
 
53
%
 
61
%
 
56
%
 
53
%
 
53
%
 
61
%
 
55
%
Expected term (years)
—

 
—

 
4.6

 
4.7

 
5.0

 
4.7

 
4.1

 
4.1

 
4.1

Risk-free interest rate
—

 
—
%
 
1.8
%
 
0.7
%
 
1.3
%
 
2.0
%
 
0.7
%
 
0.9
%
 
1.7
%
Dividend yield
—

 
—
%
 
1.5
%
 
1.8
%
 
1.1
%
 
1.6
%
 
1.8
%
 
1.2
%
 
1.6
%
Below is a summary of stock appreciation rights activity for Fiscal 2013:
Stock Appreciation Rights
Number of
Underlying
Shares
 
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
 
Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
Outstanding at February 2, 2013
9,246,859

 
$
40.17

 
 
 
 
Granted:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
—

 
—

 
 
 
 
Other Executive Officers
189,700

 
46.57

 
 
 
 
All Other Associates
120,500

 
43.86

 
 
 
 
Exercised
(510,875
)
 
31.99

 
 
 
 
Forfeited or expired
(63,225
)
 
49.66

 
 
 
 
Outstanding at February 1, 2014
8,982,959

 
$
40.76

 
$
28,670,219

 
3.5
Stock appreciation rights exercisable at February 1, 2014
8,136,184

 
$
39.90

 
$
28,627,582

 
3.0
Stock appreciation rights expected to become exercisable in the future as of February 1, 2014
803,597

 
$
49.14

 
$
30,443

 
8.0
The total intrinsic value of stock appreciation rights exercised during Fiscal 2013, Fiscal 2012 and Fiscal 2011 was $8.5 million, $0.9 million and $11.0 million, respectively.
The grant date fair value of stock appreciation rights that vested during Fiscal 2013, Fiscal 2012 and Fiscal 2011 was $83.7 million, $24.1 million and $11.3 million, respectively.
As of February 1, 2014, there was $9.9 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to stock appreciation rights. The unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of fourteen months.

62
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Restricted Stock Units
Below is a summary of restricted stock unit activity for Fiscal 2013:
Restricted Stock Units
Number of  Underlying
Shares
 
Weighted-Average Grant
Date Fair Value
Unvested at February 2, 2013
1,198,680

 
$
46.88

Granted (1)
806,750

 
42.18

Vested
(369,403
)
 
40.74

Forfeited
(209,448
)
 
46.27

Unvested at February 1, 2014
1,426,579

 
$
46.00

(1)
Number of shares granted includes shares related to the grant of performance share awards ("PSAs") in Fiscal 2013. This reflects the target amount granted; however, the number of PSAs that ultimately are earned would vary from 0% - 200% of target depending on the achievement of performance criteria. The number also includes 15,000 of additional shares earned above the Fiscal 2012 target due to the achievement above target.
The total fair value of restricted stock units granted during Fiscal 2013, Fiscal 2012 and Fiscal 2011 was $34.0 million, $30.1 million and $31.2 million, respectively.
The total grant date fair value of restricted stock units and restricted shares which vested during Fiscal 2013, Fiscal 2012 and Fiscal 2011 was $15.1 million, $19.5 million and $24.3 million, respectively.
As of February 1, 2014, there was $32.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to non-vested restricted stock units. The unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of fifteen months.

5.    CASH AND EQUIVALENTS
Cash and equivalents consisted of (in thousands):
 
February 1, 2014
 
February 2, 2013
Cash and equivalents:
 
 
 
Cash
$
452,116

 
$
398,508

Cash equivalents
148,000

 
244,997

Total cash and equivalents
$
600,116

 
$
643,505

Cash and equivalents include amounts on deposit with financial institutions, United States treasury bills, and other investments, primarily held in money market accounts, with original maturities of less than three months. Any cash that is legally restricted from use is recorded in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The restricted cash balance was $26.7 million on February 1, 2014 and $31.1 million on February 2, 2013. Restricted cash includes various cash deposits with international banks that are used as collateral for customary non-debt banking commitments and deposits into trust accounts to conform to standard insurance security requirements.


63
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

6.    RABBI TRUST ASSETS
Investments consisted of (in thousands):
 
February 1, 2014
 
February 2, 2013
Rabbi Trust assets:
 
 
 
Money market funds
24

 
22

Trust-owned life insurance policies (at cash surrender value)
90,198

 
87,575

Total Rabbi Trust assets
90,222

 
87,597

 
The irrevocable rabbi trust (the “Rabbi Trust”) is intended to be used as a source of funds to match respective funding obligations to participants in the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Nonqualified Savings and Supplemental Retirement Plan I, the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Nonqualified Savings and Supplemental Retirement Plan II and the Chief Executive Officer Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. The Rabbi Trust assets are consolidated and recorded at fair value, with the exception of the trust-owned life insurance policies which are recorded at cash surrender value. The Rabbi Trust assets are included in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are restricted as to their use as noted above. The change in cash surrender value of the trust-owned life insurance policies held in the Rabbi Trust resulted in realized gains of $2.6 million, $2.4 million and $2.5 million for Fiscal 2013, Fiscal 2012 and Fiscal 2011, respectively, recorded as part of Interest Expense, Net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
 
7.
FAIR VALUE
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The inputs used to measure fair value are prioritized based on a three-level hierarchy. The three levels of inputs to measure fair value are as follows:
•
Level 1 — inputs are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities that are available in active markets.
•
Level 2 — inputs are other than quoted market prices included within Level 1 that are observable for assets or liabilities, directly or indirectly.
•
Level 3 — inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable.
The lowest level of significant input determines the placement of the entire fair value measurement in the hierarchy. The three levels of the hierarchy and the distribution of the Company’s assets and liabilities, measured at fair value, within it were as follows:
 
Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of February 1, 2014
 
Level 1    
 
Level 2    
 
Level 3
 
Total    
 
(in thousands)
ASSETS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market funds(1)
$
148,024

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
148,024

Derivative financial instruments
—

 
969

 
—

 
969

Total assets measured at fair value
$
148,024

 
$
969

 
$
—

 
$
148,993

LIABILITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments
—

 
2,555

 
—

 
2,555

Total liabilities measured at fair value
$
—

 
$
2,555

 
$
—

 
$
2,555

 
(1) 
Includes $148.0 million of money market funds included in Cash and Equivalents. Amounts held in the Rabbi Trust were insignificant.

64
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 
Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of February 2, 2013
 
Level 1    
 
Level 2    
 
Level 3
 
Total    
 
(in thousands)
ASSETS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market funds(1)
$
245,019

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
245,019

Derivative financial instruments
—

 
2,493

 
—

 
2,493

Total assets measured at fair value
$
245,019

 
$
2,493

 
$
—

 
$
247,512

LIABILITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments
—

 
9,987

 
—

 
9,987

Total liabilities measured at fair value
$
—

 
$
9,987

 
$
—

 
$
9,987


(1) 
Includes $245.0 million of money market funds included in Cash and Equivalents. Amounts held in the Rabbi Trust were insignificant.
The level 2 assets and liabilities consist of derivative financial instruments, primarily forward foreign exchange contracts. The fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts is determined by using quoted market prices of the same or similar instruments, adjusted for counterparty risk.
Disclosures of Fair Value of Other Assets and Liabilities:
The Company’s borrowings under its Term Loan Agreement are carried at historical cost in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. For disclosure purposes, the Company estimates the fair value of borrowings under the Term Loan Agreement using discounted cash flow analysis based on market rates obtained from independent third parties for similar types of debt. The inputs used to value the borrowings under the Term Loan Agreement are considered to be Level 2 instruments. The carrying amount of borrowings outstanding under the Term Loan Agreement as of February 1, 2014 was approximately $135.0 million. The fair value of borrowings outstanding under the Term Loan Agreement as of February 1, 2014 was approximately $135.0 million. There were no borrowings outstanding under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement or the Term Loan Agreement at February 2, 2013. See Note 15, “BORROWINGS,” for further discussion on the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and the Term Loan Agreement.

8.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Property and equipment, net, consisted of (in thousands):
 
February 1, 2014
 
February 2, 2013
Land
$
37,453

 
$
36,890

Buildings
296,382

 
297,243

Furniture, fixtures and equipment
689,815

 
707,061

Information technology
369,257

 
289,656

Leasehold improvements
1,414,939

 
1,449,568

Construction in progress
33,791

 
90,573

Other
44,075

 
44,081

Total
$
2,885,712

 
$
2,915,072

Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization
(1,754,371
)
 
(1,606,840
)
Property and equipment, net
$
1,131,341

 
$
1,308,232

Long-lived assets, primarily comprised of property and equipment, are reviewed periodically for impairment or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. Factors used in the evaluation include, but are not limited to, management’s plans for future operations, recent operating results, and projected cash flows.

65
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)


In Fiscal 2013, the Company incurred non-cash asset impairment charges of $46.7 million, as a result of the impact of sales trends on the profitability of a number of stores identified in the third quarter of Fiscal 2013 as well as the fiscal year-end review of store-related long-lived assets. The non-cash asset impairment charges included in Asset Impairment on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income, primarily related to 23 Abercrombie & Fitch stores, four abercrombie kids stores and 70 Hollister stores. In addition, the Company incurred $37.9 million related to the Gilly Hicks restructuring.
In Fiscal 2012, as a result of the fiscal year-end review of long-lived store-related assets, the Company incurred non-cash store-related asset impairment charges of $7.4 million included in Asset Impairment on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income for Fiscal 2012. The asset impairment charge was primarily related to one Abercrombie & Fitch stores, three abercrombie kids stores, 12 Hollister stores, and one Gilly Hicks store.
In Fiscal 2011, as a result of the fiscal year-end review of long-lived store-related assets, the Company incurred non-cash store-related asset impairment charges of $68.0 million, included in Asset Impairment on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income for Fiscal 2011. The asset impairment charge was related to 14 Abercrombie & Fitch stores, 21 abercrombie kids stores, 42 Hollister stores, and two Gilly Hicks stores.
Store-related assets are considered level 3 assets in the fair value hierarchy and the fair values were determined at the individual store level, primarily using a discounted cash flow model. The estimation of future cash flows from operating activities requires significant estimates of factors that include future sales, gross margin performance and operating expenses. In instances where the discounted cash flow analysis indicated a negative value at the store level, the market exit price based on historical experience was used to determine the fair value by asset type. Included in property and equipment, net, are store-related assets previously impaired and measured at a fair value of $14.2 million and $10.2 million, net of accumulated depreciation, as of February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013, respectively.
The following table presents quantitative information related to the unobservable inputs used in the Company's level 3 fair value measurements for the impairment loss incurred in Fiscal 2013.
UNOBSERVABLE INPUT
VALUE
Weighted average cost of capital (1)
11%
Annual revenue growth rates (2)
2%
 
 
(1) 
The Company utilized the year-end weighted average cost of capital in the discounted cash flow model.
(2) 
The Company utilized an annual revenue growth rate in the discounted and undiscounted cash flow model.

See Note 19, "GILLY HICKS RESTRUCTURING," for information on impairment charges incurred in relation to the decision to close the stand-alone Gilly Hicks stores in the third quarter of Fiscal 2013.     
In certain lease arrangements, the Company is involved with the construction of the building. If it is determined that the Company has substantially all of the risks of ownership during construction of the leased property and therefore is deemed to be the owner of the construction project, the Company records an asset for the amount of the total project costs and an amount related to the value attributed to the pre-existing leased building in Property and Equipment, Net and the related financing obligation in Leasehold Financing Obligations on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Once construction is complete, if it is determined that the asset does not qualify for sale-leaseback accounting treatment, the Company continues to amortize the obligation over the lease term and depreciates the asset over its useful life. The Company had $52.3 million and $55.2 million of construction project assets in Property and Equipment, Net at February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013, respectively.

66

9.    OTHER ASSETS
Other assets consisted of (in thousands):
 
2013
 
2012
Non-current deferred tax assets
$
97,587

 
$
50,387

Rabbi Trust
90,222

 
87,597

Long-term deposits
68,886

 
71,486

Long-term supplies
36,008

 
42,404

Intellectual property
30,987

 
30,811

Restricted cash
26,686

 
31,137

Prepaid income tax on intercompany items
12,421

 
19,217

Other
36,293

 
38,306

Other assets
$
399,090

 
$
371,345

Restricted cash includes various cash deposits with international banks that are used as collateral for customary non-debt banking commitments and deposits into trust accounts to conform to standard insurance security requirements. Long-term supplies include, but are not limited to, hangers, frames, sign holders, security tags, back-room supplies, and construction materials. Other includes prepaid leases and various other assets.
 
10.
DEFERRED LEASE CREDITS
Deferred lease credits are derived from payments received from landlords to wholly or partially offset store construction costs and are classified between current and long-term liabilities. The amounts, which are amortized as a reduction of rent expense over the respective lives of the related leases, consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
February 1,
2014
 
February 2,
2013
Deferred lease credits
$
543,040

 
$
550,527

Amortized deferred lease credits
(366,076
)
 
(343,076
)
Total deferred lease credits, net
$
176,964

 
$
207,451

 
11.    LEASED FACILITIES
Annual store rent is comprised of a fixed minimum amount and/or contingent rent based on a percentage of sales. For scheduled rent escalation clauses during the lease terms, the Company records minimum rental expenses on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. The term of the lease over which the Company amortizes construction allowances and minimum rental expenses on a straight-line basis begins on the date of initial possession.
Certain leases provide for contingent rents, which are primarily determined as a percentage of sales in excess of a predetermined level. The Company records a contingent rent liability in Accrued Expenses on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and the corresponding rent expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income when the Company determines that it is probable that the expense has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated.
Store lease terms may also require additional payments covering taxes, common area costs and certain other expenses.

67
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

A summary of rent expense follows (in thousands):
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Store rent:
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed minimum
$
464,937

 
$
414,061

 
$
388,004

Contingent
8,624

 
16,828

 
16,942

Deferred lease credits amortization
(45,899
)
 
(45,926
)
 
(48,219
)
Total store rent expense
427,662

 
384,963

 
356,727

Buildings, equipment and other
4,987

 
6,259

 
4,719

Total rent expense
$
432,649

 
$
391,222

 
$
361,446

At February 1, 2014, the Company was committed to non-cancelable leases with remaining terms of one to 17 years. Excluded from the obligations below are amounts related to portions of lease terms that are currently cancelable at the Company's discretion. While included in the obligations below, in many instances, the Company has options to terminate certain leases if stated sales volume levels are not met or the Company ceases operations in a given country. A summary of operating lease commitments, including $60.7 million of leasehold financing obligations and related interest as discussed in Note 16, "LEASEHOLD FINANCING OBLIGATIONS," under non-cancelable leases follows (in thousands):
Fiscal 2014
$
419,798

Fiscal 2015
$
373,534

Fiscal 2016
$
339,786

Fiscal 2017
$
264,714

Fiscal 2018
$
201,308

Thereafter
$
774,031

 
12.
ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued expenses consisted of (in thousands):
 
2013
 
2012
Accrued rent
$
59,997

 
$
36,861

Accrued payroll and related costs
49,878

 
74,747

Accrued taxes
44,100

 
56,219

Gift card liability
42,512

 
47,683

Construction in progress
23,634

 
34,732

Other
102,713

 
148,626

Accrued expenses
$
322,834

 
$
398,868

Accrued payroll and related costs include salaries, incentive compensation, benefits, withholdings and other payroll related costs. Other accrued expenses include expenses incurred but not yet paid related to outside services associated with store and home office operations.

13.
OTHER LIABILITIES
Other liabilities consisted of (in thousands):
 
2013
 
2012
Accrued straight-line rent
$
114,001

 
$
119,057

Deferred compensation
87,385

 
93,211

Uncertain tax positions, including interest and penalties
5,777

 
16,047

Other
24,594

 
17,678

Other liabilities
$
231,757

 
$
245,993


68
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Deferred compensation includes the Chief Executive Officer Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP”), the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Savings and Retirement Plan and the Abercrombie & Fitch Nonqualified Savings and Supplemental Retirement Plan, all further discussed in Note 20, “RETIREMENT BENEFITS,” as well as deferred Board of Directors compensation and other accrued retirement benefits.
 
14.
INCOME TAXES
Income from continuing operations before taxes was comprised of (in thousands):
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Domestic
$
37,325

 
$
302,589

 
$
192,312

Foreign
35,952

 
64,356

 
25,495

Total
$
73,277

 
$
366,945

 
$
217,807

Domestic income from continuing operations above includes intercompany charges to foreign affiliates for management fees, cost-sharing, royalties, including those related to international direct-to-consumer operations, and interest. The provision for tax expense from continuing operations consisted of (in thousands):
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Current:
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
$
52,579

 
$
111,761

 
$
100,495

State
(4,988
)
 
15,323

 
11,085

Foreign
17,851

 
17,984

 
13,262

 
$
65,442

 
$
145,068

 
$
124,842

Deferred:
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
$
(36,732
)
 
$
(10,456
)
 
$
(32,776
)
State
(4,606
)
 
458

 
(8,662
)
Foreign
(5,455
)
 
(5,136
)
 
(8,735
)
 
$
(46,793
)
 
$
(15,134
)
 
$
(50,173
)
Total provision
$
18,649

 
$
129,934

 
$
74,669

Reconciliation between the statutory federal income tax rate and the effective tax rate for continuing operations is as follows:
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Federal income tax rate
35.0
 %
 
35.0
 %
 
35.0
 %
State income tax, net of federal income tax effect
(10.2
)
 
2.7

 
3.9

Tax effect of foreign earnings
2.1

 
(1.8
)
 
(3.0
)
Other items, net
(1.4
)
 
(0.5
)
 
(1.6
)
Total
25.5
 %
 
35.4
 %
 
34.3
 %
Income taxes paid directly to taxing authorities net of refunds received were $116.3 million, $122.5 million, and $120.0 million in Fiscal 2013, Fiscal 2012, and Fiscal 2011, respectively. These amounts include payments and refunds for income and withholding taxes incurred related to the current year and all prior years.

69
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

The effect of temporary differences which gives rise to deferred income tax assets (liabilities) were as follows (in thousands):
 
2013
 
2012
Deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
Deferred compensation
$
91,585

 
$
83,529

Accrued expenses and reserves
22,403

 
18,971

Rent
49,170

 
39,061

Net operating losses (NOL) and credit carryforwards
12,611

 
12,107

Reserves
—

 
6,698

Realized and unrealized investment losses
—

 
592

Other
307

 
—

Valuation allowance
(202
)
 
(158
)
Total deferred tax assets
$
175,874

 
$
160,800

Deferred tax liabilities:
 
 
 
Property, equipment and intangibles
(36,266
)
 
(57,875
)
Inventory
(8,487
)
 
(13,156
)
Store supplies
(7,798
)
 
(9,990
)
Prepaid expenses
(2,116
)
 
—

Other
(3,754
)
 
(2,140
)
Total deferred tax liabilities
$
(58,421
)
 
$
(83,161
)
Net deferred income tax assets
$
117,453

 
$
77,639

Accumulated other comprehensive income is shown net of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities, resulting in a deferred tax asset of $0.3 million and a deferred tax liability of $0.8 million for Fiscal 2013 and Fiscal 2012, respectively. These deferred taxes are not reflected in the table above.
As of February 1, 2014, the Company had deferred tax assets related to foreign and state net operating losses of $11.5 million and $0.2 million, respectively that could be utilized to reduce future years’ tax liabilities. If not utilized, a portion of the foreign net operating loss carryovers will begin to expire in the year 2016 and a portion of state net operating losses will begin to expire in the year 2021. Some foreign net operating losses have an indefinite carryforward period.
As of February 1, 2014 the Company had deferred tax assets related to state credit carryovers of $0.9 million that could be utilized to reduce future years’ tax liabilities. If not utilized, the credit carryforwards will expire in 2023. The utilization of credit carryforwards may be limited in a given year.
The Company believes it is more likely than not that net operating losses and credit carryovers would reduce future years’ tax liabilities in various states and certain foreign jurisdictions less any associated valuation allowance. All foreign net operating loss valuation allowances have been reflected through the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. No other valuation allowances have been provided for deferred tax assets because the Company believes that it is more likely than not that the full amount of the net deferred tax assets will be realized in the future.

70
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of uncertain tax positions is as follows:    
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
(in thousands)
Uncertain tax positions, beginning of the year
$
11,116

 
$
13,404

 
$
14,827

Gross addition for tax positions of the current year
449

 
1,084

 
1,183

Gross addition for tax positions of prior years
30

 
227

 
1,602

Reductions of tax positions of prior years for:
 
 
 
 
 
Lapses of applicable statutes of limitations
(2,880
)
 
(2,053
)
 
(2,448
)
Settlements during the period
(3,936
)
 
(1,480
)
 
(1,631
)
Changes in judgment
(597
)
 
(66
)
 
(129
)
Uncertain tax positions, end of year
$
4,182

 
$
11,116

 
$
13,404

The amount of the above uncertain tax positions at February 1, 2014, February 2, 2013 and January 28, 2012 which would impact the Company’s effective tax rate, if recognized, was $4.2 million, $11.1 million and $13.4 million, respectively.
The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense. During Fiscal 2013, the Company recognized a $1.3 million benefit related to net interest and penalties compared to a $0.9 million benefit recognized during Fiscal 2012. Interest and penalties of $1.6 million had been accrued at the end of Fiscal 2013, compared to $4.9 million accrued at the end of Fiscal 2012.
The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) is currently conducting an examination of the Company’s U.S. federal income tax return for Fiscal 2013 as part of the IRS’s Compliance Assurance Process program. The IRS examinations for Fiscal 2012 has been completed and no changes are anticipated. The IRS examinations for Fiscal 2011 and prior years have been completed and settled. State and foreign returns are generally subject to examination for a period of three to five years after the filing of the respective return. The Company has various state and foreign income tax returns in the process of examination, administrative appeals or litigation. The outcome of which is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements. The Company believes that some of these audits and negotiations will conclude within the next 12 months and that it is reasonably possible the amount of uncertain income tax positions, including interest, may decrease in the range of $2 million to $3 million due to settlements of audits and expirations of statutes of limitations.
The Company does not expect material adjustments to the total amount of uncertain tax positions within the next 12 months, but the outcome of tax matters is uncertain and unforeseen results can occur.
As of February 1, 2014, U.S. taxes have not been provided on approximately $109.5 million of unremitted earnings of subsidiaries operating outside of the United States. These earnings, which are considered to be invested indefinitely, would become subject to income tax if they were remitted as dividends or were lent to Abercrombie & Fitch or a U.S. affiliate, or if Abercrombie & Fitch were to sell its stock in the subsidiaries. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred U.S. income tax liability on these unremitted earnings is not practicable because of the complexities associated with this hypothetical calculation.

15.
BORROWINGS
On July 28, 2011, the Company entered into an unsecured Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, as amended by Amendment No. 1, made as of February 24, 2012, Amendment No. 2, made as of January 23, 2013, and Amendment No. 3, made as of November 4, 2013 (the “Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”) under which up to $350 million is available. As stated in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, the primary purposes of the agreement are for trade and stand-by letters of credit in the ordinary course of business, as well as to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and investments, and other general corporate purposes, including repurchases of A&F's Common Stock.
The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement has several borrowing options, including interest rates that are based on: (i) a defined Base Rate, plus a margin based on the applicable Leverage Ratio, payable quarterly; (ii) an Adjusted Eurodollar Rate (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) plus a margin based on the applicable Leverage Ratio, payable at the end of the applicable interest period for the borrowing and, for interest periods in excess of three months, on the date that is three months after the commencement of the interest period; or (iii) an Adjusted Foreign Currency Rate (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) plus a margin based on the applicable Leverage Ratio, payable at the end of the applicable interest period for the borrowing and, for interest periods in excess of three months, on the date that is three

71
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

months after the commencement of the interest period. The Base Rate represents a rate per annum equal to the highest of (a) PNC Bank, National Association’s then publicly announced prime rate, (b) the Federal Funds Open Rate (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) as then in effect plus 1/2 of 1.0% or (c) the Daily Adjusted Eurodollar Rate (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) as then in effect plus 1.0%.
The facility fees payable under the Amended and Restated 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 specified permitted foreign bank guarantees and trade letters of credit) plus 600% of forward minimum rent commitments to (b) consolidated earnings, as adjusted, before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and rent (“Consolidated EBITDAR”) for the trailing four-consecutive-fiscal-quarter periods. The facility fees accrue at a rate of 0.125% to 0.30% per annum based on the Leverage Ratio for the most recent determination date. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement requires that the Leverage Ratio not be greater than 3.75 to 1.00 at the end of each testing period. Prior to Amendment No. 3, the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement also required that the “Coverage Ratio” for A&F and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis of (i) Consolidated EBITDAR for the trailing four-consecutive-fiscal-quarter period to (ii) the sum of, without duplication, (x) net interest expense for such period, (y) scheduled payments of long-term debt due within twelve months of the date of determination and (z) the sum of minimum rent and contingent store rent, not be less than 1.75 to 1.00. Effective November 4, 2013, the "Coverage Ratio" requirement was amended as discussed more fully below.
The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement will mature on July 27, 2016. The Company had no trade letters of credit outstanding at February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013. Stand-by letters of credit outstanding, under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, on February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013 were insignificant.
As of February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.
On February 24, 2012, the Company entered into a $300 million Term Loan Agreement. On January 23, 2013, the Company amended both the Term Loan Agreement (via Amendment No. 1) (the "Term Loan Agreement") and the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (via Amendment No. 2). The required Coverage Ratio in both agreements was lowered to 1.75 to 1.00 and the availability under the Term Loan Agreement was lowered to $150 million. On February 21, 2013, the Company elected to draw down the full $150 million available under the Term Loan Agreement. Repayments of $3.75 million are due on the last day of each quarter beginning May 2013, with the final repayment of $90.0 million due upon maturity at February 23, 2017. Interest on borrowings may be determined under several alternative methods including LIBOR plus a margin based upon the Company’s Leverage Ratio, as defined above.
On November 4, 2013, the Company entered into an Amendment No. 3 to its existing Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and an Amendment No. 2 to its existing Term Loan Agreement. The amendments allow the Company to add back to the calculation of consolidated EBITDAR, for purposes of determining the Company's "Coverage Ratio" and the Company's "Leverage Ratio", up to $60 million of non-recurring cash charges associated with the Gilly Hicks restructuring. In addition, the required minimum "Coverage Ratio" was reduced initially for the testing period ending February 1, 2014 and each of the testing periods during the fiscal year ending January 31, 2015, to a level of 1.60 to 1.00, with such level gradually increasing to 1.75 to 1.00, by the testing period ending October 31, 2015 and thereafter.
The Company was in compliance with the applicable ratio requirements under both agreements at February 1, 2014.
As of February 1, 2014, the Company had $135.0 million in borrowings outstanding under the Term Loan Agreement. The Company had no borrowings under the Term Loan Agreement as of February 2, 2013. The weighted average interest rate for Fiscal 2013 was 1.85%.
Total interest expense and fees associated with borrowing agreements were $4.6 million, $3.8 million and $2.5 million for Fiscal 2013, Fiscal 2012 and Fiscal 2011, respectively.
     The terms of both the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and the Term Loan Agreement include customary events of default such as payment defaults, cross-defaults to other material indebtedness, undischarged material judgments, bankruptcy and insolvency, the occurrence of a defined change in control, or the failure to observe the negative covenants and other covenants related to the operation and conduct of the business of A&F and its subsidiaries. Upon an event of default: (i) the lenders under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement will not be obligated to make loans or other extensions of credit and may, among other things, terminate their commitments to the Company; and (ii) the lenders under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and the lenders under the Term Loan Agreement may declare any then outstanding loans due and payable immediately.

72
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

16.    LEASEHOLD FINANCING OBLIGATIONS
As of February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013, the Company had $60.7 million and $63.9 million, respectively, of long-term liabilities related to leasehold financing obligations. In certain lease arrangements, the Company is involved in the construction of the building. If it is determined that the Company has substantially all of the risks of ownership during construction of the leased property and therefore is deemed to be the owner of the construction project, the Company records an asset for the amount of the total project costs and an amount related to the value attributed to the pre-existing leased building in Property and Equipment, Net and the related financing obligation in Leasehold Financing Obligations on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Once construction is complete, if it is determined that the asset does not qualify for sale-leaseback accounting treatment, the Company continues to amortize the obligation over the lease term and depreciates the asset over its useful life. The Company does not report rent expense for the portion of the rent payment determined to be related to the assets which are determined to be owned for accounting purposes. Rather, that portion of the rental payments under the lease is recognized as a reduction of the financing obligation and interest expense.
Total interest expense related to landlord financing obligations was $6.6 million, $6.8 million and $5.3 million for Fiscal 2013, Fiscal 2012 and Fiscal 2011, respectively.

17.
DERIVATIVES
The Company is exposed to risks associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates and uses derivatives, primarily forward contracts, to manage the financial impacts of these exposures. The Company does not use forward contracts to engage in currency speculation and does not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.
In order to qualify for hedge accounting treatment, a derivative must be considered highly effective at offsetting changes in either the hedged item’s cash flows or fair value. Additionally, the hedge relationship must be documented to include the risk management objective and strategy, the hedging instrument, the hedged item, the risk exposure, and how hedge effectiveness will be assessed prospectively and retrospectively. The extent to which a hedging instrument has been, and is expected to continue to be, effective at achieving offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows is assessed and documented at least quarterly. Any hedge ineffectiveness is reported in current period earnings and hedge accounting is discontinued if it is determined that the derivative is not highly effective.
For derivatives that either do not qualify for hedge accounting or are not designated as hedges, all changes in the fair value of the derivative are recognized in earnings. For qualifying cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative is recorded as a component of Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”) and recognized in earnings when the hedged cash flows affect earnings. The ineffective portion of the derivative gain or loss, as well as changes in the fair value of the derivative’s time value are recognized in current period earnings. The effectiveness of the hedge is assessed based on changes in the fair value attributable to changes in spot prices. The changes in the fair value of the derivative contract related to the changes in the difference between the spot price and the forward price are excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and are also recognized in current period earnings. If the cash flow hedge relationship is terminated, the derivative gains or losses that are deferred in OCI will be recognized in earnings when the hedged cash flows occur. However, for cash flow hedges that are terminated because the forecasted transaction is not expected to occur in the original specified time period, or a two-month period thereafter, the derivative gains or losses are immediately recognized in earnings.
The Company uses derivative instruments, primarily forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges, to hedge the foreign currency exposure associated with forecasted foreign-currency-denominated intercompany inventory sales to foreign subsidiaries and the related settlement of the foreign-currency-denominated inter-company accounts receivable. Fluctuations in exchange rates will either increase or decrease the Company’s U.S. dollar equivalent cash flows and affect the Company’s U.S. dollar earnings. Gains or losses on the foreign exchange forward contracts that are used to hedge these exposures are expected to partially offset this variability. Foreign exchange forward contracts represent agreements to exchange the currency of one country for the currency of another country at an agreed-upon settlement date. As of February 1, 2014, the length of time over which forecasted foreign-currency-denominated inter-company inventory sales were hedged was nine months. The sale of the inventory to the Company’s customers will result in the reclassification of related derivative gains and losses that are reported in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss). Substantially all of the remaining unrealized gains or losses related to foreign-currency-denominated inter-company inventory sales that have occurred as of February 1, 2014 will be recognized in costs of goods sold over the following two months at the values at the date the inventory was sold to the respective subsidiary.
The Company presents its derivative assets and derivative liabilities at their gross fair values on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. However, our master netting and other similar arrangements allow net settlements under certain conditions.

73
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)


As of February 1, 2014, the Company had the following outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts that were entered to hedge either a portion, or all, of forecasted foreign-currency-denominated inter-company inventory sales, the resulting settlement of the foreign-currency-denominated inter-company accounts receivable, or both:
 
Notional  Amount(1)
Euro
$
80,428

British Pound
$
32,368

Canadian Dollar
$
10,940

 
 
 
(1) 
Amounts are reported in thousands and in U.S. Dollars equivalent as of February 1, 2014.
The Company also uses foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge certain foreign currency denominated net monetary assets/liabilities. Examples of monetary assets/liabilities include cash balances, receivables and payables. Fluctuations in exchange rates result in transaction gains/(losses) being recorded in earnings as U.S. GAAP requires that monetary assets/liabilities be remeasured at the spot exchange rate at quarter-end or upon settlement. The Company has chosen not to apply hedge accounting to these instruments because there are no differences in the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument and the hedged item.
As of February 1, 2014, the Company had the following outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts that were entered into to hedge foreign currency denominated net monetary assets/liabilities:
 
Notional  Amount(1)
Euro
$
27,248

Swiss Franc
$
13,822

 
 
 
(1) 
Amounts are reported in thousands and in U.S. Dollars equivalent as of February 1, 2014.
The location and amounts of derivative fair values on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013 were as follows:
 
 
 
Asset Derivatives
 
 
 
Liability Derivatives
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
February 1, 2014
 
February 2, 2013
 
Balance
Sheet
Location
 
February 1, 2014
 
February 2, 2013
 
(in thousands)
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts
Other Current Assets
 
$
691

 
$
1,967

 
Other Liabilities
 
$
2,503

 
$
9,270

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts
Other Current Assets
 
$
278

 
$
526

 
Other Liabilities
 
$
52

 
$
717

Total
Other Current Assets
 
$
969

 
$
2,493

 
Other Liabilities
 
$
2,555

 
$
9,987

Refer to Note 7, “FAIR VALUE,” for further discussion of the determination of the fair value of derivatives.

74
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

The location and amounts of derivative gains and losses for Fiscal 2013 and Fiscal 2012, respectively, on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income were as follows:
 
 
 
Fiscal 2013
 
Fiscal 2012
 
 
 
February 1, 2014
 
February 2, 2013
 
Location
 
Gain/(Loss)
 
Gain/(Loss)
 
(in thousands)
Derivatives not designated as Hedging Instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts
Other Operating 
Expense (Income), Net
 
$
378

 
$
1,946

 
 
Amount of
Gain  (Loss)
Recognized
in OCI  on
Derivative
Contracts
(Effective
Portion)
(a) 
 
Location of
Gain (Loss)
Reclassified
from
Accumulated
OCI into Earnings
(Effective Portion)
 
Amount of
Gain  (Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated
OCI into
Earnings
(Effective
Portion)
(b)
 
Location of
Gain (Loss)
Recognized 
in
Earnings on
Derivative
Contracts
(Ineffective
Portion and
Amount
Excluded from
Effectiveness
Testing)
 
Amount of
Gain  (Loss)
Recognized
in Earnings
on  Derivative
Contracts
(Ineffective
Portion and
Amount
Excluded
from
Effectiveness
Testing)
(c)
 
February 1,
2014
 
February 2,
2013
 
 
 
February 1,
2014
 
February 2,
2013
 
 
 
February 1,
2014
 
February 2,
2013
 
(in thousands)
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts
$
6,435

 
$
(4,003
)
 
Cost of 
Goods Sold
 
$
857

 
$
17,510

 
Other 
Operating
Expense
(Income), Net
 
$
248

 
$
226

 
 
 
(a)
The amount represents the change in fair value of derivative contracts due to changes in spot rates.
(b)
The amount represents reclassification from OCI into earnings that occurs when the hedged item affects earnings, which is when merchandise is sold to the Company’s customers.
(c)
The amount represents the change in fair value of derivative contracts due to changes in the difference between the spot price and forward price that is excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and, therefore, recognized in earnings.

75
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)


18. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
The activity in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), for the fifty-two weeks ended February 1, 2014 is as follows (in thousands):

 
Fiscal 2013
 
Derivative Financial Instruments
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
Total
Beginning balance at February 2, 2013
(7,220
)
 
(6,068
)
 
(13,288
)
     Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
6,435

 
(12,683
)
 
(6,248
)
     Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (1)
(857
)
 
—

 
(857
)
Tax effect on derivative financial instruments
(524
)
 
—

 
(524
)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)
5,054

 
(12,683
)
 
(7,629
)
Ending balance at February 1, 2014
(2,166
)
 
(18,751
)
 
(20,917
)

(1) 
For the fifty-two weeks ended February 1, 2014, the gain or loss was reclassified from Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to the Cost of Goods Sold line item on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
The tax effect on derivative financial instruments was a $2.4 million benefit and $1.2 million in expense for Fiscal 2012 and Fiscal 2011 within Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments, net of taxes in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, respectively. The tax effect on auction rate securities was a $5.5 million expense for Fiscal 2011 within Gains on Marketable Securities, net of taxes in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, for Fiscal 2011.


19. GILLY HICKS RESTRUCTURING

On November 1, 2013, A&F’s Board of Directors approved the closure of the Company’s stand-alone Gilly Hicks stores. The Company anticipates the closure will be substantially complete by the end of the first quarter of Fiscal 2014. Store closures in Europe are subject to applicable notice and consultation provisions.

In connection with a strategic review, the Company has decided to focus the future development of the Gilly Hicks brand through Hollister stores and direct-to-consumer channels. This decision reflects a successful pilot of selling a limited assortment of Gilly Hicks branded intimates in Hollister stores.

As a result of exiting the Gilly Hicks branded stores, the Company currently estimates that it will incur aggregate pre-tax charges of approximately $90 million, which includes non-cash charges of approximately $60 million. During Fiscal 2013, the Company recognized $81.5 million of charges. The remaining charges, primarily lease-related are expected to be substantially recognized in the first quarter of Fiscal 2014. These estimates are based on a number of significant assumptions and could change materially.

Below is a summary of pre-tax charges incurred to date related to the closure of the Gilly Hicks branded stores (in thousands):
 
 
 
Fifty-Two Weeks Ended February 1, 2014
Lease Terminations and Store Closure Costs
$
42,667

Asset Impairment
$
37,940

Other
$
892

Total Charges (1)
$
81,499

(1) For the fifty-two week period ended February 1, 2014, the Company incurred charges related to restructuring plans for the Gilly Hicks brand of $50.5 million for U.S. Stores segment and $31.0 million for International Stores segment.


76
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)



Costs associated with exit or disposal activities are recorded when the liability is incurred. Below is a roll forward of the liabilities recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of February 1, 2014, related to the closure of the Gilly Hicks stores (in thousands): 
 
February 1, 2014
Accrued Liability as of November 2, 2013
$
—

Costs Incurred, Excluding Non-Cash Charges
$
44,819

Cash Payments
$
(2,312
)
Accrued Liability as of February 1, 2014
$
42,507



20.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The Company maintains the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Savings & Retirement Plan, a qualified plan. All U.S. associates are eligible to participate in this plan if they are at least 21 years of age and have completed a year of employment with 1,000 or more hours of service. In addition, the Company maintains the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Nonqualified Savings and Supplemental Retirement, composed of two sub-plans (Plan I and Plan II). Plan I contains contributions made through December 31, 2004, while Plan II contains contributions made on and after January 1, 2005. Participation in these plans is based on service and compensation. The Company’s contributions are based on a percentage of associates’ eligible annual compensation. The cost of the Company’s contributions to these plans was $18.3 million in Fiscal 2013, $21.1 million in Fiscal 2012 and $16.4 million in Fiscal 2011.
Effective February 2, 2003, the Company established a Chief Executive Officer SERP to provide additional retirement income to its CEO. Subject to service requirements, the CEO will receive a monthly benefit which accumulates annually to 50% of his final average compensation (as defined in the SERP) for life. The final average compensation used for the calculation is based on actual compensation, base salary and cash incentive compensation, averaged over the last 36 consecutive full calendar months ending before the CEO’s retirement. The Company recorded net income of $4.4 million, and expense of $3.9 million and $1.3 million for Fiscal 2013, Fiscal 2012 and Fiscal 2011, respectively, associated with the SERP.

21.
CONTINGENCIES
A&F is a defendant in lawsuits and other adversary proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Legal costs incurred in connection with the resolution of claims and lawsuits are generally expensed as incurred, and the Company establishes reserves for the outcome of litigation where it deems appropriate to do so under applicable accounting rules. The Company’s assessment of the current exposure could change in the event of the discovery of additional facts with respect to legal matters pending against the Company or determinations by judges, juries, administrative agencies or other finders of fact that are not in accordance with the Company’s evaluation of claims. Actual liabilities may exceed the amounts reserved, and there can be no assurance that final resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The Company has established accruals for certain matters where losses are deemed probable and reasonably estimable. There are other claims and legal proceedings pending against the Company for which accruals have not been established.
 
22.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, which amends Accounting Standards Codification Topic 220, "Comprehensive Income." The ASU contains new requirements related to the presentation and disclosure of items that are reclassified out of other comprehensive income. The new requirements give financial statement users a more comprehensive view of items that are reclassified out of other comprehensive income. ASU 2013-02 is effective for the Company's fiscal year and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2012, and is to be applied prospectively. The adoption did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

77
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists,” which amends ASC 740, “Income Taxes.” The amendments provide guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit as either a reduction of a deferred tax asset or as a liability, when a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward exists. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Management has determined that the adoption of these changes will not have an impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements and as such adopted the provisions prospectively for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014.
 

23.
PREFERRED STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS
On July 16, 1998, A&F’s Board of Directors declared a dividend of one Series A Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock Purchase Right (the “Rights”) for each outstanding share of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Common Stock"), of A&F. The dividend was paid on July 28, 1998 to stockholders of record on that date. Shares of Common Stock issued after July 28, 1998 and prior to May 25, 1999 were issued with one Right attached. A&F’s Board of Directors declared a two-for-one stock split (the “Stock Split”) on the Common Stock, payable on June 15, 1999 to the holders of record at the close of business on May 25, 1999. In connection with the Stock Split, the number of Rights associated with each share of Common Stock outstanding as of the close of business on May 25, 1999, or issued or delivered after May 25, 1999 and prior to the “Distribution Date” (as defined below), was proportionately adjusted from one Right to 0.50 Right. Each share of Common Stock issued after May 25, 1999 was issued with 0.50 Right attached so that all shares of Common Stock outstanding prior to the expiration of the Rights had 0.50 Right attached.
On January 27, 2014, A&F entered into an amendment (Amendment Purchase No. 3) to the Rights Agreement, dated as of July 16, 1998, as amended (the "Rights Agreement") between A&F and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as successor rights agent, whereby the expiration of the outstanding Series A Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock Rights (the "Rights") was accelerated from July 16, 2018 to January 28, 2014 and had the effect of terminating the Rights Agreement as of that date. At the time of the termination of the Rights Agreement, all of the Rights distributed to the holders of A&F's Common Stock pursuant to the Rights Agreement also expired.
Rights holders had no rights as a stockholder of A&F, including no right to vote or to receive dividends.

78
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)


24.
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
Summarized unaudited quarterly financial results for Fiscal 2013 and Fiscal 2012 follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
Fiscal Quarter 2013 (6)
First(1)
 
Second(2)
 
Third(3)
 
Fourth(4)
Net sales
$
838,769

 
$
945,698

 
$
1,033,293

 
$
1,299,137

Gross profit
$
553,166

 
$
604,122

 
$
651,040

 
$
767,107

Net income (loss)
$
(7,203
)
 
$
11,370

 
$
(15,644
)
 
$
66,106

Net income (loss) per diluted share
$
(0.09
)
 
$
0.14

 
$
(0.20
)
 
$
0.85

Fiscal Quarter 2012 (6)
First
 
Second
 
Third
 
Fourth(5)
Net sales
$
921,218

 
$
951,407

 
$
1,169,649

 
$
1,468,531

Gross profit
$
541,092

 
$
592,451

 
$
752,514

 
$
930,652

Net income (loss)
$
(21,305
)
 
$
17,051

 
$
84,036

 
$
157,229

Net income (loss) per diluted share
$
(0.25
)
 
$
0.20

 
$
1.02

 
$
1.95

 
 
(1) 
The thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013 included a reduction of pre-tax loss of $2.5 million and an unrelated tax charge of $1.2 million for the correction of errors relating to prior periods. The effect of these corrections decreased net loss by $0.6 million for the thirteen week period ended May 4, 2013.
(2) 
The second quarter of Fiscal 2013 included pre-tax charges of $2.6 million related to the Company's profit improvement initiative. Earnings per diluted share included $0.02 related to the charges. The thirteen week period ended August 3, 2013 included a reduction of pre-tax expense of $4.5 million for the correction of errors related to prior periods; the twenty-six week period ended August 3, 2013 included a reduction of pre-tax expense of $5.5 million and an unrelated tax charge of $1.2 million for the correction of errors related to prior periods. The effect of these corrections increased net income by $2.9 million and $2.5 million for the thirteen and twenty-six week periods ended August 3, 2013.
(3) 
The third quarter of Fiscal 2013 included pre-tax charges of $43.6 million for asset impairment, $44.7 million related to the restructuring of the Gilly Hicks brand and $7.6 million related to the Company's profit improvement initiative. Earnings per diluted share included $0.72 related to the charges. The thirteen week period ended November 2, 2013 included a reduction of pre-tax expense of $2.1 million and an unrelated tax benefit of $1.9 million for the correction of errors related to prior periods; the thirty-nine week period ended November 2, 2013 included a reduction of pre-tax expense of $6.3 million for the correction of errors related to prior periods. The effect of these corrections increased net income by $3.0 million and $4.7 million for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended November 2, 2013.
(4) 
The fourth quarter of Fiscal 2013 included pre-tax charges of $3.1 million for asset impairment, $36.8 million related to the restructuring of the Gilly Hicks brand and $3.7 million related to the Company's profit improvement initiative. Earnings per diluted share included $0.38 related to the charges and $0.11 for a tax true-up related to the restructuring, asset impairment and profit improvement charges primarily incurred in the third quarter of Fiscal 2013, for the true-up of the estimated full year tax rate applied as of the third quarter to the full year Fiscal 2013 tax rate. The thirteen week period ended February 1, 2014 included an increase in pre-tax expense of $6.5 million and an unrelated tax charge of $2.2 million for the correction of errors related to prior periods. The effect of these corrections decreased net income by $6.2 million for the thirteen week period ended February 1, 2014; the fifty-two week period ended February 1, 2014 included a reduction of pre-tax expense of $2.6 million and an unrelated tax expense of $0.9 million.
(5) 
The fourth quarter of Fiscal 2012 included impairment charges of $7.4 million and $0.06 per diluted share. Tax expense for the fourteen weeks ended February 2, 2013 included $1.1 million to correct for understated tax expense relating to the fourth quarter of 2011. Additionally, the fourth quarter included certain other corrections related to the first three quarters of 2012 that had an insignificant effect on the fourth quarter.
(6) 
The Company does not believe these corrections were material to any current or prior interim or annual periods that were affected.


79
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

25.
SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On February 27, 2014, A&F entered into an Accelerated Share Repurchase Agreement ("ASR Agreement") with Goldman, Sachs & Co. (“Goldman”) in order to repurchase shares of A&F's Common Stock from Goldman. A&F entered into the ASR Agreement pursuant to A&F's current stock repurchase authorizations.
Pursuant to the ASR Agreement, on March 4, 2014, A&F paid $150 million to Goldman and, in exchange, received approximately 3.1 million shares of A&F's Common Stock, representing 80% of the repurchase price based on the closing price of A&F's Common Stock on February 27, 2014. The Company increased treasury stock by $120 million and the remaining $30 million was recorded against additional paid in capital until the final share repurchases are settled at the maturity of the ASR Agreement. The number of such additional shares will be determined based on the volume-weighted average price per share of A&F's Common Stock during a valuation period expected to last up to two months, less an agreed discount. The additional shares have not been determined by Goldman or delivered to the Company.


80



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Abercrombie & Fitch Co.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index appearing under Item 15(a)(1) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. and its subsidiaries (the Company) at February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended February 1, 2014 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of February 1, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audit. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/     PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Columbus, Ohio
March 31, 2014


81

ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None.

82


ITEM 9A.
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 Chief Executive Officer of A&F and the Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer 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 Chief Executive Officer of A&F and the Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer 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 year ended February 1, 2014. The Chief Executive Officer of A&F and the Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer 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 February 1, 2014, the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The management of A&F is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. A&F’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluations of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Accordingly, even an effective system of internal control over financial reporting will provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation.
With the participation of the Chief Executive Officer of A&F and the Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of A&F, management evaluated the effectiveness of A&F’s internal control over financial reporting as of February 1, 2014 using criteria established in the Internal Control-Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on the assessment of A&F’s internal control over financial reporting, under the criteria described in the preceding sentence, management has concluded that, as of February 1, 2014, A&F’s internal control over financial reporting was effective.
A&F’s independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, has issued an audit report on the effectiveness of A&F’s internal control over financial reporting as of February 1, 2014 as stated in their report, which is included in “ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in A&F’s internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter ended February 1, 2014 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, A&F’s internal control over financial reporting.

83


ITEM 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION.
None.


84

PART III

ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
Information concerning directors and executive officers of A&F as well as persons nominated or chosen to become directors or executive officers is incorporated by reference from the text to be included under the caption “PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS” in A&F’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on June 19, 2014 and from the text under the caption “SUPPLEMENTAL ITEM. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT” in PART I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act
Information concerning beneficial ownership reporting compliance under Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is incorporated by reference from the text to be included under the caption “SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT — Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in A&F’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on June 19, 2014.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
Information concerning the Abercrombie & Fitch Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is incorporated by reference from the text to be included under the caption “PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS — Code of Business Conduct and Ethics” in A&F’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on June 19, 2014.
Audit Committee
Information concerning A&F’s Audit Committee, including the determination that the Audit Committee has at least one audit committee financial expert (as defined under applicable SEC rules) serving on the Audit Committee, is incorporated by reference from the text to be included under the caption “PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS — Committees of the Board — Audit Committee” in A&F’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on June 19, 2014.
Procedures by which Stockholders May Recommend Nominees to A&F’s Board of Directors
Information concerning the procedures by which stockholders of A&F may recommend nominees to A&F’s Board of Directors is incorporated by reference from the text to be included under the captions “PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS — Director Qualifications and Consideration of Director Candidates” and “PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS — Director Nominations” in A&F’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on June 19, 2014. These procedures have not materially changed from those described in A&F's definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on June 20, 2013.


85

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
Information regarding executive compensation is incorporated by reference from the text to be included under the captions “PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS — Compensation of Directors,” “PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS — Board Role in Risk Oversight,” “PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS — Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,” “COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS,” “REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION” and “EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION” in A&F’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on June 19, 2014.
    

86

ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
Information concerning the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is incorporated by reference from the text to be included under the caption “SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT” in A&F’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on June 19, 2014.
Information regarding the number of securities to be issued and remaining available under equity compensation plans as of February 1, 2014 is incorporated by reference from the text to be included under the caption “EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS” in A&F’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on June 19, 2014.
    

87

ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.
Information concerning certain relationships and transactions involving the Company and certain related persons within the meaning of Item 404(a) of SEC Regulation S-K as well as information concerning A&F’s policies and procedures for the review, approval or ratification of transactions with related persons is incorporated by reference from the text to be included under the captions “PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS — Compensation of Directors” and “PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS — Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions” in A&F’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on June 19, 2014.
Information concerning the independence of the directors of A&F is incorporated by reference from the text to be included under the captions “PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS — Director Independence” and "PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS — Committees of the Board" in A&F’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on June 19, 2014.
    

88

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
Information concerning the pre-approval policies and procedures of A&F’s Audit Committee and the fees for services rendered by the Company’s principal independent registered public accounting firm is incorporated by reference from the text to be included under captions “AUDIT COMMITTEE MATTERS — Pre-Approval Policy” and “AUDIT COMMITTEE MATTERS — Fees of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in A&F’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on June 19, 2014.
    

89

PART IV
 
ITEM 15.
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
(a) The following documents are filed as a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
(1) Consolidated Financial Statements:
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the fiscal years ended February 1, 2014, February 2, 2013 and January 28, 2012.
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013.
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the fiscal years ended February 1, 2014, February 2, 2013 and January 28, 2012.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended February 1, 2014, February 2, 2013 and January 28, 2012.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm — PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
(2) Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules:
All financial statement schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the SEC are omitted because the required information is either presented in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto, or is not applicable, required or material.
(3) Exhibits:
The documents listed below are filed or furnished with this Annual Report on Form 10-K as exhibits or incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K by reference as noted: 

90

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
  
Certificate of Amendment of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Abercrombie & Fitch Co., as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on June 16, 2011, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed June 17, 2011 (File No. 001-12107).
3.5
  
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. reflecting amendments through June 16, 2011, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to A&F’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 30, 2011 (File No. 001-12107). [This document represents the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. in compiled form incorporating all amendments. This compiled document has not been filed with the Delaware Secretary of State.]
3.6
  
Certificate regarding Approval of Amendment to Section 2.03 of Amended and Restated Bylaws of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. by Stockholders of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. at Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on June 10, 2009, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed June 16, 2009 (File No. 001-12107).
3.7
  
Certificate regarding Approval of Addition of New Article IX of Amended and Restated Bylaws by Board of Directors of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. on June 10, 2009, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed June 16, 2009 (File No. 001-12107).
3.8
  
Certificate regarding Approval of Amendments to Sections 1.09 and 2.04 of Amended and Restated Bylaws of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. by Board of Directors of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. on November 15, 2011, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed November 21, 2011 (File No. 001-12107).
3.9
  
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. reflecting amendments through November 15, 2011, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to A&F’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended October 29, 2011 (File No. 001-12107). [This document represents the Amended and Restated Bylaws of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. in compiled form incorporating all amendments.]
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 Form 8-A (Amendment No. 1), 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 (as successor to First Chicago Trust Company of New York), 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
  
Amendment No. 2, dated as of June 11, 2008, to the Rights Agreement, dated as of July 16, 1998, between A&F and National City Bank (as successor to First Chicago Trust Company of New York), as Rights Agent, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.01 to A&F’s Form 8-A/A (Amendment No. 2), dated and filed June 12, 2008 (File No. 001-12107).
4.6
  
Appointment and Acceptance of Successor Rights Agent, effective as of the opening of business on November 2, 2009, between A&F and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC (as successor to National City Bank), as Rights Agent, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to A&F’s Form 8-A/A (Amendment No. 5), dated and filed November 3, 2009 (File No. 001-12107).

91

4.7
 
Amendment No. 3, dated as of January 27, 2014, to the Rights Agreement, dated as of July 16, 1998, as amended, between A&F and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC (as successor to National City Bank), as Rights Agent, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to A&F's Form 8-A/A (Amendment No. 6), dated and filed January 28, 2014 (File No. 001-12107).
4.8
  
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, entered into as of July 28, 2011, among Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co.; the Foreign Subsidiary Borrowers (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement); Abercrombie & Fitch Co.; the Lenders (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement); PNC Bank, National Association, as global agent, the Swing Line Lender and an LC Issuer; PNC Capital Markets LLC, as a co-lead arranger and a co-bookrunner; J.P. Morgan Securities, LLC, as a co-lead arranger and a co-bookrunner; JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as syndication agent and an LC Issuer; Fifth Third Bank, as a co-documentation agent; and The Huntington National Bank, as a co-documentation agent and an LC Issuer, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed August 3, 2011 (File No. 001-12107).
4.9
  
Amended and Restated Guaranty of Payment (Domestic Credit Parties), dated as of July 28, 2011, among Abercrombie & Fitch Co.; the material Domestic Subsidiaries (as defined in the Amended and Restated Guaranty of Payment (Domestic Credit Parties)); and PNC Bank, National Association, as global agent, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed August 3, 2011 (File No. 001-12107).
4.10
  
Supplement No. 1 to Amended and Restated Guaranty of Payment (Domestic Credit Parties), dated as of August 31, 2011, between NSOP, LLC, as a New Guarantor, and PNC Bank, National Association, as global agent, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to A&F’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 30, 2011 (File No. 001-12107).
4.11
  
Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement, made as of February 24, 2012, among Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co. and the Foreign Subsidiary Borrowers (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of July 28, 2011), as borrowers; Abercrombie & Fitch Co., as a guarantor; PNC Bank, National Association, as Global Agent, Swing Line Lender, an LC Issuer and a Lender; JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as an LC Issuer and a Lender; Fifth Third Bank, as a Lender; The Huntington National Bank, as an LC Issuer and a Lender; PNC Bank, National Association, Canada Branch, as a Canadian Lender; JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Toronto Branch, as a Canadian Lender; Bank of America, N.A., as a Lender; U.S. Bank National Association, as a Lender; Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, as a Lender; and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, as a Lender, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed February 29, 2012 (File No. 001-12107).
4.12
 
Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, made as of January 23, 2013, among Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co., as borrower; Abercrombie & Fitch Co., as guarantor; Abercrombie & Fitch Europe S.A., Abercrombie & Fitch (UK) Limited, AFH Stores UK Limited, AFH Canada Stores Co. and AFH Japan, G.K., as foreign subsidiary borrowers; PNC Bank, National Association, as Global Agent, the Swing Line Lender, an LC Issuer and a Lender; JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as a Lender; Fifth Third Bank, as a Lender; The Huntington National Bank, as a Lender; PNC Bank Canada Branch, as a Canadian Lender; JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Toronto Branch, as a Canadian Lender; Bank of America N.A., as a Lender; Citizens Bank of Pennslyvania, as a Lender; U.S. Bank National Association, as a Lender; and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, as a Lender, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to A&F's Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed January 25, 2013 (File No. 001-12107).
4.13
 
Amendment No. 3 to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, made as of November 4, 2013, among Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co., as borrower; Abercrombie & Fitch Co., as guarantor; Abercrombie & Fitch Europe S.A., Abercrombie & Fitch (UK) Limited, AFH Stores UK Limited, AFH Canada Stores Co. and AFH Japan, G.K., as foreign subsidiary borrowers; PNC Bank, National Association, as Global Agent, the Swing Line Lender, an LC Issuer and a Lender; JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as a Lender; Fifth Third Bank, as a Lender; The Huntington National Bank, as a Lender; PNC Bank Canada Branch, as a Canadian Lender; JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Toronto Branch, as a Canadian Lender; Bank of America, N.A., as a Lender; U.S. Bank National Association, as a Lender; Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, as a Lender; and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, as a Lender, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to A&F's Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed November 7, 2013 (File No. 001-12107).
4.14
  
Term Loan Agreement, entered into as of February 24, 2012, among Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co.; Abercrombie & Fitch Co.; the Lenders (as defined in the Term Loan Agreement); PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and a Lender; PNC Capital Markets LLC, as a co-lead arranger and a co-bookrunner; J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, as a co-lead arranger and a co-bookrunner; JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as syndication agent and a Lender; Fifth Third Bank, as a co-documentation agent and a Lender; Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, as a co-documentation agent and a Lender; The Huntington National Bank, as a Lender; U.S. Bank National Association, as a Lender; HSBC Bank USA, N.A., as a Lender; and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, as a Lender, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed February 29, 2012 (File No. 001-12107).
4.15
  
Guaranty of Payment (Credit Parties), dated as of February 24, 2012, among Abercrombie & Fitch Co.; the material Domestic Subsidiaries (as identified in the Guaranty of Payment (Credit Parties)); and PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed February 29, 2012 (File No. 001-12107).

92

4.16
 
Amendment No. 1 to Term Loan Agreement, made as of January 23, 2013, among Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co., as borrower; Abercrombie & Fitch Co., as a guarantor; PNC Bank, National Association, as Agent and a Lender; JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as a Lender; Fifth Third Bank, as a Lender; The Huntington National Bank, as a Lender; HSBC Bank USA, N.A., as a Lender; U.S. Bank National Association, as a Lender; Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, as a Lender; and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, as a Lender, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to A&F's Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed January 25, 2013 (File No. 001-12107).
4.17
 
Amendment No. 2 to Term Loan Agreement, made as of November 4, 2013, among Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co., as borrower; Abercrombie & Fitch Co., as a guarantor; PNC Bank, National Association, as Agent and a Lender; JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Syndication Agent and as a Lender; Fifth Third Bank, as a Lender; The Huntington National Bank, as a Lender; HSBC Bank USA, N.A., as a Lender; U.S. Bank National Association, as a Lender; Citizens Bank of Pennslyvania, as a Lender; and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, as a Lender, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to A&F's Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed November 7, 2013 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.1
  
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, 2012 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.2
  
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2002 Stock Plan for Associates (as amended and restated May 22, 2003), incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to A&F’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended May 3, 2003 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.3
  
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, entered into as of August 15, 2005, by and between A&F and Michael S. Jeffries, including as Exhibit A thereto the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (Michael S. Jeffries) effective February 2, 2003, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed August 26, 2005 (File No. 001-12107).

93

*10.4
  
Employment Agreement, entered into as of December 19, 2008, by and between A&F and Michael S. Jeffries, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed December 22, 2008 (File No. 001-12107). [Note: Expired by its terms on February 1, 2014.]
*10.5
  
Amendment No. 1 to Michael S. Jeffries Employment Agreement, entered into on April 12, 2010, by and between A&F and Michael S. Jeffries, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed April 13, 2010 (File No. 001-12107). [Note: Related Michael S. Jeffries Employment Agreement expired by its terms on February 1, 2014.]
*10.6
  
Amendment No. 2 to Michael S. Jeffries Employment Agreement, made and entered into on January 28, 2011, by and between A&F and Michael S. Jeffries, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed January 31, 2011 (File No. 001-12107). [Note: Related Michael S. Jeffries Employment Agreement expired by its terms on February 1, 2014.]
*10.7
 
Amendment No. 3 to Michael S. Jeffries Employment Agreement, made and entered into on May 7, 2012, by and between A&F and Michael S. Jeffries, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to A&F's Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed May 9, 2012 (File No. 001-12107). [Note: Related Michael S. Jeffries Employment Agreement expired by its terms on February 1, 2014.]
*10.8
 
Employment Agreement entered into as of December 9, 2013 by and between A&F and Michael S. Jeffries, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to A&F's Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed December 9, 2013 (File No. 001-12107).
10.9
  
Aircraft Time Sharing Agreement, made and entered into to be effective as of June 1, 2010, by and between Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co., as Lessor, and Michael S. Jeffries, as Lessee, and consented to by DFZ, LLC, as Owner (the “Gulfstream Agreement”), incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to A&F’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended May 1, 2010 (File No. 001-12107).
10.10
  
Aircraft Time Sharing Agreement, made and entered into to be effective as of November 12, 2010, by and between Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co., as Lessor, and Michael S. Jeffries, as Lessee, and consented to by NetJets Sales, Inc., NetJets Aviation, Inc. and NetJets Services, Inc. (the “NetJets Agreement”), incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to A&F’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2011 (File No. 001-12107).
10.11
  
Letter of Understanding, dated November 12, 2010, between Michael S. Jeffries and Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co. in respect of the Gulfstream Agreement and the NetJets Agreement, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to A&F’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2011 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.12
  
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan (as amended and restated May 22, 2003) — as authorized by the Board of Directors of A&F on December 17, 2007, to become one of two plans following the division of said Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan (as amended and restated May 22, 2003) into two separate plans effective January 1, 2005 and to be named the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan (Plan I) [terms to govern “amounts deferred” (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended) in taxable years beginning before January 1, 2005 and any earnings thereon], incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to A&F’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended May 3, 2003 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.13
  
Abercrombie & Fitch Nonqualified Savings and Supplemental Retirement Plan (January 1, 2001 Restatement) — as authorized by the Compensation Committee of the A&F Board of Directors on August 14, 2008, to become one of two sub-plans following the division of said Abercrombie & Fitch Nonqualified Savings and Supplemental Retirement Plan (January 1, 2001 Restatement) into two sub-plans effective immediately before January 1, 2009 and to be named the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Nonqualified Savings and Supplemental Retirement Plan I [terms to govern amounts “deferred” (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended) before January 1, 2005, and any earnings thereon], incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to A&F’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2003 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.14
  
First Amendment to the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Nonqualified Savings and Supplemental Retirement Plan I (Plan I) (January 1, 2001 Restatement), as authorized by the Compensation Committee of the A&F Board of Directors on August 14, 2008 and executed on behalf of A&F on September 3, 2008, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to A&F’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended August 2, 2008 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.15
  
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Nonqualified Savings and Supplemental Retirement Plan (II) — as authorized by the Compensation Committee of the A&F Board of Directors on August 14, 2008, to become one of two sub-plans following the division of the Abercrombie & Fitch Nonqualified Savings and Supplemental Retirement Plan (January 1, 2001 Restatement) into two sub-plans effective immediately before January 1, 2009 and to be named the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Nonqualified Savings and Supplemental Retirement Plan II [terms to govern amounts “deferred” (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended) in taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2005, and any earnings thereon], incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to A&F’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended August 2, 2008 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.16
  
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2003 Stock Plan for Non-Associate Directors, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to A&F’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended May 3, 2003 (File No. 001-12107).

94

*10.17
  
Form of Stock Option Agreement (Nonstatutory Stock Options) used for grants under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2002 Stock Plan for Associates prior to November 28, 2004, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to A&F’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended October 30, 2004 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.18
  
Form of Stock Option Agreement (Nonstatutory Stock Options) used for grants under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2002 Stock Plan for Associates after November 28, 2004 and before March 6, 2006, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to A&F’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended October 30, 2004 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.19
  
Form of Stock Option Agreement used for grants under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2003 Stock Plan for Non-Associate Directors prior to November 28, 2004, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to A&F’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended October 30, 2004 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.20
  
Form of Stock Option Agreement used for grants under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2003 Stock Plan for Non-Associate Directors after November 28, 2004 and before June 13, 2007, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to A&F’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended October 30, 2004 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.21
  
Form of Stock Option Agreement (Nonstatutory Stock Options) used for grants under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2002 Stock Plan for Associates on or after March 6, 2006 and before June 13, 2007, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to A&F’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2006 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.22
  
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).
*10.23
  
Form of Stock Option Agreement (Nonstatutory Stock Option) used for grants under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan prior to March 6, 2006, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.4 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed August 19, 2005 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.24
  
Summary of Terms of the Annual Restricted Stock Unit Grants to Non-Associate Directors of Abercrombie & Fitch Co., to summarize the terms of the grants to the Board of Directors of A&F under the 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to A&F's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2013 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.25
 
Summary of Compensation Structure for Non-Associate Members of Board of Directors of A&F (Effective for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to A&F's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2103 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.26
  
Summary of Compensation Structure for Non-Associate Members of Board of Directors of A&F (Effective as of February 2, 2014).
*10.27
  
Form of Stock Option Agreement (Nonstatutory Stock Option) for Associates used for grants 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 No. 001-12107).
*10.28
  
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Associates used for grants 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).
*10.29
  
Trust Agreement, made 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).
*10.30
  
Amended and Restated Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2007 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, 2011 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.31
  
Form of Stock Option Agreement used to evidence the grant of non-statutory stock options to associates of A&F and its subsidiaries under the Amended and Restated Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan (formerly known as 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).
*10.32
  
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement used to evidence the grant of restricted stock units to associates of A&F and its subsidiaries under the Amended and Restated Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan (formerly known as the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan) after August 21, 2007 and prior to March 26, 2013, 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).
*10.33
  
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement used to evidence the grant of restricted stock units to Executive Vice Presidents of A&F and its subsidiaries under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan on and after March 4, 2008 and prior to March 26, 2013, 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).
*10.34
  
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Associate Stock Purchase Plan (Effective July 1, 1998), incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1 to the Schedule 13D filed by Michael S. Jeffries on May 2, 2006.

95

*10.35
  
Form of Stock Appreciation Right Agreement used to evidence the grant of stock appreciation rights to associates (employees) of A&F and its subsidiaries under the Amended and Restated Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan (formerly known as the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan) on and after February 12, 2009 and prior to March 26, 2013, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed February 17, 2009 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.36
  
Form of Stock Appreciation Right Agreement used to evidence the Semi-Annual Grants of stock appreciation rights to Michael S. Jeffries under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan (now known as the Amended and Restated Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan) as contemplated by the Employment Agreement, entered into as of December 19, 2008, by and between A&F and Michael S. Jeffries, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed February 17, 2009 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.37
  
Stock Appreciation Right Agreement [Retention Grant Tranche 1], made to be effective as of December 19, 2008, by and between A&F and Michael S. Jeffries entered into to evidence first tranche of Retention Grant covering 1,600,000 stock appreciation rights granted under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan (now known as the Amended and Restated Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan) as contemplated by the Employment Agreement, entered into as of December 19, 2008, by and between A&F and Michael S. Jeffries, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed February 17, 2009 (File No. 001-12107).

96

*10.38
  
Stock Appreciation Right Agreement [Retention Grant Tranche 2] by and between A&F and Michael S. Jeffries entered into effective as of March 2, 2009 to evidence second tranche of Retention Grant covering 1,200,000 stock appreciation rights granted under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan (now known as the Amended and Restated Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan) as contemplated by the Employment Agreement, entered into as of December 19, 2008, by and between A&F and Michael S. Jeffries, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed February 17, 2009 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.39
  
Stock Appreciation Right Agreement [Retention Grant Tranche 3] by and between A&F and Michael S. Jeffries entered into effective as of September 1, 2009 to evidence third tranche of Retention Grant covering 1,200,000 stock appreciation rights granted under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan (now known as the Amended and Restated Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan) as contemplated by the Employment Agreement, entered into as of December 19, 2008, by and between A&F and Michael S. Jeffries, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed February 17, 2009 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.40
  
Form of Stock Appreciation Right Agreement used to evidence the grant of stock appreciation rights to associates (employees) of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. and its subsidiaries under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan after February 12, 2009 and March 26, 2013, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed February 17, 2009 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.41
  
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan (Plan II) — as authorized by the Board of Directors of A&F on December 17, 2007, to become one of two plans following the division of the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan (as amended and restated May 22, 2003) into two separate plans effective January 1, 2005 and to be named Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan (Plan II) [terms to govern “amounts deferred” (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended) in taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2005 and any earnings thereon], incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.50 to A&F’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.42
 
Form of Stock Appreciation Right Agreement used to evidence the grant of stock appreciation rights to associates (employees) of A&F and its subsidiaries under the Amended and Restated Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan on or after March 26, 2013 and prior to August 20, 2013, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed April 29, 2013 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.43
 
Form of Stock Appreciation Right Agreement used to evidence the grant of stock appreciation rights to associates (employees) of A&F and its subsidiaries under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan on or after March 26, 2013 and prior to August 20, 2013, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed April 29, 2013 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.44
 
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement used to evidence the grant of restricted stock units to associates (employees) of A&F and its subsidiaries under the Amended and Restated Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan on or after March 26, 2013 and prior to August 20, 2013, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed April 29, 2013 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.45
 
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement used to evidence the grant of restricted stock units to associates (employees) of A&F and its subsidiaries under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan on or after March 26, 2013 and prior to August 20, 2013, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed April 29, 2013 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.46
 
Form of Performance Share Award Agreement used to evidence the grant of performance shares to associates (employees) of A&F and its subsidiaries under the Amended and Restated Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan on or after March 26, 2013 and prior to August 20, 2013, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed April 29, 2013 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.47
 
Form of Performance Share Award Agreement used to evidence the grant of performance shares to associates (employees) of A&F and its subsidiaries under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan on or after March 26, 2013 and prior to August 20, 2013, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed April 29, 2013 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.48
 
Form of Stock Appreciation Right Agreement used to evidence the grant of stock appreciation rights to associates (employees) of A&F and its subsidiaries, subject to special non-competition and non-solicitation agreements, under the Amended and Restated Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan on or after March 26, 2013 and prior to August 20, 2013, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed April 29, 2013 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.49
 
Form of Stock Appreciation Right Agreement used to evidence the grant of stock appreciation rights to associates (employees) of A&F and its subsidiaries, subject to special non-competition and non-solicitation agreements, under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan on or after March 26, 2013 and prior to August 20, 2013, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed April 29, 2013 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.50
 
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement used to evidence the grant of restricted stock units to associates (employees) of A&F and its subsidiaries, subject to special non-competition and non-solicitation agreements, under the Amended and Restated Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan on or after March 26, 2013 and prior to August 20, 2013, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed April 29, 2013 (File No. 001-12107).

97

*10.51
 
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement used to evidence the grant of restricted stock units to associates (employees) of A&F and its subsidiaries, subject to special non-competition and non-solicitation agreements, under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan on or after March 26, 2013 and prior to August 20, 2013, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed April 29, 2013 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.52
 
Form of Performance Share Award Agreement used to evidence the grant of performance shares to associates (employees) of A&F and its subsidiaries, subject to special non-competition and non-solicitation agreements, under the Amended and Restated Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan on or after March 26, 2013 and prior to August 20, 2013, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed April 29, 2013 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.53
 
Form of Performance Share Award Agreement used to evidence the grant of performance shares to associates (employees) of A&F and its subsidiaries, subject to special non-competition and non-solicitation agreements, under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan on or after March 26, 2013 and prior to August 20, 2013, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed April 29, 2013 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.54
 
Form of Stock Appreciation Right Award Agreement to be used for grants of awards after August 20, 2013 under the Amended and Restated Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan [For employees; grant of award is to form all or part of the consideration for the execution by employee of Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement], incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to A&F’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended November 2, 2013 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.55
 
Form of Stock Appreciation Right Award Agreement to be used for grants of awards after August 20, 2013 under the Amended and Restated Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan [For employees; grant of award will not be associated with execution of Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement], incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to A&F’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended November 2, 2013 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.56
 
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement to be used for grants of awards after August 20, 2013 under the Amended and Restated Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan [For employees; grant of award is to form all or part of the consideration for the execution by employee of Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement], incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to A&F’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended November 2, 2013 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.57
 
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement to be used for grants of awards after August 20, 2013 under the Amended and Restated Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan [For employees; grant of award will not be associated with execution of Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement], incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to A&F’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended November 2, 2013 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.58
 
Form of Performance Share Award Agreement to be used for grants of awards after August 20, 2013 under the Amended and Restated Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan [For employees; grant of award is to form all or part of the consideration for the execution by employee of Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement], incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to A&F’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended November 2, 2013 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.59
 
Form of Performance Share Award Agreement to be used for grants of awards after August 20, 2013 under the Amended and Restated Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan [For employees; grant of award will not be associated with execution of Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement], incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to A&F’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended November 2, 2013 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.60
 
Form of Stock Appreciation Right Award Agreement to be used for grants of awards after August 20, 2013 under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan [For employees; grant of award is to form all or part of the consideration for the execution by employee of Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement], incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to A&F’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended November 2, 2013 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.61
 
Form of Stock Appreciation Right Award Agreement to be used for grants of awards after August 20, 2013 under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan [For employees; grant of award will not be associated with execution of Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement], incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to A&F’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended November 2, 2013 (File No. 001-12107)
*10.62
 
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement to be used for grants of awards after August 20, 2013 under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan [For employees; grant of award is to form all or part of the consideration for the execution by employee of Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement], incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to A&F’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended November 2, 2013 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.63
 
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement to be used for grants of awards after August 20, 2013 under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan [For employees; grant of award will not be associated with execution of Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement], incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to A&F’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended November 2, 2013 (File No. 001-12107).

98

*10.64
 
Form of Performance Share Award Agreement to be used for grants of awards after August 20, 2013 under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan [For employees; grant of award is to form all or part of the consideration for the execution by employee of Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement], incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to A&F’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended November 2, 2013 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.65
 
Form of Performance Share Award Agreement to be used for grants of awards after August 20, 2013 under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan [For employees; grant of award will not be associated with execution of Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement], incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to A&F’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended November 2, 2013 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.66
 
Form of Performance Share Award Agreement to be used for grants of awards to participants involved in the profit improvement initiative under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan [For employees; grant of award will not be associated with execution of Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement], incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to A&F’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended November 2, 2013 (File No. 001-12107).
*10.67
 
Agreement dated as of July 19, 2013 between Ronald A. Robins, Jr. and Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to A&F’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended August 3, 2013 (File No. 001-12107).
12.1
  
Computation of Leverage Ratio and Coverage Ratio for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014.
14.1
  
Abercrombie & Fitch Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, as amended by the Board of Directors of A&F on August 21, 2007, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 14 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed August 27, 2007 (File No. 001-12107).
21.1
  
List of Subsidiaries of A&F
23.1
  
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm — PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
24.1
  
Powers of Attorney
31.1
  
Certifications by Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2
  
Certifications by Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1
  
Certifications by Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002**
101
  
The following materials from Abercrombie & Fitch Co.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the fiscal years ended February 1, 2014, February 2, 2013 and January 28, 2012; (ii) Consolidated Balance Sheets at February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the fiscal years ended February 1, 2014, February 2, 2013 and January 28, 2012; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended February 1, 2014, February 2, 2013 and January 28, 2012; and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 *
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this Annual Report on Form 10-K pursuant to Item 15(a)(3) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
**
These certifications are furnished.
***
Electronically submitted herewith

(b) The documents listed in Item 15(a)(3) are filed or furnished with this Annual Report on Form 10-K as exhibits or incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K by reference.
(c) Financial Statement Schedules
None

99

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or l5(d) 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: March 31, 2014
 
By  /s/    JONATHAN E. RAMSDEN
 
 
Jonathan E. Ramsden,
 
 
Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on March 31, 2014 .
Signature
  
Title
                                 *            
Arthur C. Martinez
 
Chairman and Director
/s/     Michael S. Jeffries
Michael S. Jeffries
 
Chief Executive Officer and Director
                                 *            
James B. Bachmann
 
Director
                                 *            
Lauren J. Brisky
 
Director
                                 *            
Terry Burman
 
Director
                                 *            
Michael E. Greenlees
 
Director
                                 *            
Archie M. Griffin
 
Director
                                 *            
Kevin S. Huvane
 
Director
                                 *            
John W. Kessler
 
Director
                                 *            
Elizabeth M. Lee
 
Director
                                 *            
Charles R. Perrin
 
Director
/s/     Jonathan E. Ramsden            
Jonathan E. Ramsden
 
Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
                                 *            
Craig R. Stapleton
 
Director
  
 
 
*
The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does hereby sign this Annual Report on Form 10-K on behalf of each of the above-named directors of the Registrant pursuant to powers of attorney executed by such directors, which powers of attorney are filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K as exhibits, in the capacities as indicated and on March 31, 2014.
By
 
/s/     Jonathan E. Ramsden            
 
 
Jonathan E. Ramsden
 
 
Attorney-in-fact

100

 
 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
 
 
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 1, 2014
 
 
 
 
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
 
 
EXHIBITS

 
 


 
 


101

EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
No.
  
Document
10.26
 
Summary of Compensation Structure for Non-Associate Members of Board of Directors of A&F (Effective as of February 2, 2014).
12.1
  
Computation of Leverage Ratio and Coverage Ratio for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014.
21.1
  
List of Subsidiaries of A&F
23.1
  
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm — PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
24.1
  
Powers of Attorney
31.1
  
Certifications by Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2
  
Certifications by Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1
  
Certifications by Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101
  
The following materials from Abercrombie & Fitch Co.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the fiscal years ended February 1, 2014, February 2, 2013 and January 28, 2012; (ii) Consolidated Balance Sheets at February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the fiscal years ended February 1, 2014, February 2, 2013 and January 28, 2012; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended February 1, 2014, February 2, 2013 and January 28, 2012; and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


102