EX-99.1 8 c81209exv99w1.htm EXHIBIT 99.1 Filed by Bowne Pure Compliance
Exhibit 99.1
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER
AND FISCAL YEAR-END RESULTS
FOURTH QUARTER NET INCOME PER DILUTED SHARE OF $0.78 AFTER TAKING
NON-CASH ASSET IMPAIRMENT CHARGE OF $0.21 AND TAX EXPENSE CHARGE OF $0.11
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MAINTAINS QUARTERLY DIVIDEND OF $0.175
New Albany, Ohio, February 13, 2009: Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE: ANF) today reported unaudited results which reflected net income of $68.4 million and net income per diluted share of $0.78 for the thirteen weeks ended January 31, 2009, including a non-cash, after-tax charge of $0.21 associated with the impairment of store-related assets and a charge to tax expense of $0.11 related to the execution of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer’s new employment agreement.
The Company also reported net income of $272.3 million and net income per diluted share of $3.05, after the above charges, for the fifty-two week fiscal year ended January 31, 2009.
Fourth Quarter Sales Highlights
    Total Company net sales decreased 19% to $998 million; comparable store sales decreased 25%
 
    Total direct-to-consumer net sales decreased 12% to $95.1 million
 
    Abercrombie & Fitch net sales of $404.4 million; Abercrombie & Fitch comparable store sales decreased 23%
 
    abercrombie net sales of $120.1 million; abercrombie comparable store sales decreased 30%
 
    Hollister Co. net sales of $449.6 million; Hollister Co. comparable store sales decreased 25%
 
    RUEHL net sales of $17.1 million; RUEHL comparable store sales decreased 25%
Mike Jeffries, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Abercrombie & Fitch Co., said:
“The fourth quarter proved to be a catastrophe for the retail industry; a nightmare that included unprecedented promotional activity by other retailers in the malls and consumers who continued to show reluctance to spend, especially for premium brands. However, despite the unprecedented volatility, we are satisfied with our results for the quarter. Our comparable store sales decrease was lower than we had projected, our earnings per diluted share, excluding the effect of one-time items, exceeded our guidance and we maintained the aspirational nature of all of our brands. As we look toward 2009, we continue to see a tumultuous environment. We will again rely on our ability to manage the aspects of the business that are under our control and continue to protect and position our brands for more promising times.”

 

 


 

Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2008 Financial Results
Net sales for the thirteen weeks ended January 31, 2009 decreased 19% to $998 million from $1.229 billion for the thirteen weeks ended February 2, 2008. Total Company direct-to-consumer net sales decreased 12% to $95.1 million for the thirteen week period ended January 31, 2009, compared to the thirteen week period ended February 2, 2008. Total Company fourth quarter comparable store sales decreased 25%. For the fifty-two week fiscal year ended January 31, 2009, the Company reported a net sales decrease of 6% to $3.54 billion from $3.75 billion for the fifty-two week fiscal year ended February 2, 2008. Total Company direct-to-consumer net sales increased 5% to $271.0 million for the fifty-two week fiscal year ended January 31, 2009, compared to the fifty-two week fiscal year ended February 2, 2008. Fiscal 2008 comparable store sales decreased 13%.
The gross profit rate for the quarter was 64.4%, 280 basis points lower than last year. The decrease in gross profit rate was attributable to an increase in markdowns taken to clear through seasonal inventory. For Fiscal 2008, the gross profit rate was 66.7% versus 67.0% last year.
Stores and distribution expense for the quarter, as a percentage of sales, increased to 42.3% from 31.6%. The Company was able to achieve reductions in store payroll, but at less than the rate of the sales decline. In addition, the Company recorded a $30.6 million non-cash impairment charge related to long-lived assets associated with 11 Abercrombie & Fitch stores, six abercrombie stores, three Hollister stores and nine Ruehl stores. The majority of the $30.6 million impairment charge is associated with the nine Ruehl stores. For Fiscal 2008, stores and distribution expense, as a percentage of sales, increased to 42.7% versus 37.0% last year.
Marketing, general and administrative expense for the quarter was $101.0 million compared to $103.1 million during the same period last year. The reduction in expense includes savings in incentive compensation and benefits, travel and outside services. For Fiscal 2008, marketing, general and administrative expense was $419.7 million compared to $395.8 million last year.
Interest income for the quarter decreased to $1.4 million compared to $6.4 million during the same period last year. The decrease was attributable to a lower average rate of return on investments compared to last year. For Fiscal 2008, interest income decreased to $11.4 million compared to $18.8 million last year.
The effective tax rate for the fourth quarter was 45.7% compared to 36.9% for the Fiscal 2007 comparable period. The fourth quarter tax rate reflects a charge of $9.9 million to tax expense as a result of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer’s new employment agreement, which pursuant to section 162(m) results in the exclusion of previously recognized tax benefits. Under the previous employment agreement, the Company recorded deferred tax assets based on the anticipated delivery of benefits to the CEO in the calendar year following the year of his retirement. As a result of the new employment agreement, the CEO receives the benefits during his employment; therefore the expected tax benefits will no longer be available. For Fiscal 2008, the effective tax rate was 39.6% compared to 37.4% for Fiscal 2007.

 

 


 

2009 Outlook
The Company anticipates a difficult selling environment to persist throughout 2009 and believes there may be significant volatility in sales levels. Due to the current economic conditions, and in particular, their impact on sales trends, the Company is not providing EPS guidance for Fiscal 2009.
Based on current lease commitments, the Company expects total capital expenditures to be in the range of $165 to $175 million, including $120 to $125 million related to new stores, store refreshes and remodels, and $45 to $50 million related to information technology, distribution center and other home office projects. The Company is also in active discussions with regard to additional store openings in Europe.
The flagship openings to which the Company is committed in 2009 include Hollister Co. in Soho, Abercrombie & Fitch and abercrombie in Milan and Abercrombie & Fitch in Tokyo. The Company now expects the Abercrombie & Fitch flagship in Copenhagen and the abercrombie flagship in New York to open in 2010.
The Company also confirmed it is in an on-going process of reviewing operating expenses, and has already implemented a number of cost reduction actions.
Other Developments
The Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.175 per share on the Class A Common Stock of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. payable on March 17, 2009 to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 27, 2009.
The Company operated 352 Abercrombie & Fitch stores, 210 abercrombie stores, 507 Hollister Co. stores, 28 RUEHL stores and 14 Gilly Hicks stores in the United States at the end of fiscal January. The Company operates three Abercrombie & Fitch stores, two abercrombie stores and five Hollister Co. stores in Canada, and one Abercrombie & Fitch store and three Hollister Co. stores in the United Kingdom. The Company operates e-commerce websites at www.abercrombie.com, www.abercrombiekids.com, www.hollisterco.com, www.RUEHL.com and www.gillyhicks.com.
Today at 8:30 AM, Eastern Time, the Company will conduct a conference call. Management will discuss the Company’s performance, its plans for the future and will accept questions from participants. To listen to the live conference call, dial (888) 737-3662 or internationally at (913) 312-9321. To listen via the internet, go to www.abercrombie.com, select the Investors page and scroll through the Calendar of Events. Replays of the call will be available shortly after its completion. The audio replay can be accessed for two weeks following the reporting date by calling (888) 203-1112 or internationally at (719) 457-0820 followed by the conference ID number 6647238; or for 12 months by visiting the Company’s website at www.abercrombie.com.
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For further information, call:
  Investor Inquiries:
 
  Eric Cerny
 
  Manager, Investor Relations
 
  (614) 283-6385

 

 


 

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
A&F cautions that any forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) contained in this Press Release or made by management of A&F involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various important factors, many of which may be beyond the Company’s control. Words such as “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements. The following factors, in addition to those included in the disclosure under the heading “MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OEPRATIONS” in “ITEM 2. Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995” of A&F’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended November 1, 2008, in some cases have affected and in the future could affect the Company’s financial performance and could cause actual results for the 2009 Fiscal year and beyond to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any of the forward-looking statements included in this Press Release or otherwise made by management: changes in consumer spending patterns and consumer preferences; the effects of political and economic events and conditions domestically and in foreign jurisdictions in which the Company operates, including, but not limited to, acts of terrorism or war; the impact of competition and pricing; changes in weather patterns; postal rate increases and changes; paper and printing costs; market price of key raw materials; ability to source product from its global supplier base; political stability; currency and exchange risks and changes in existing or potential duties, tariffs or quotas; availability of suitable store locations at appropriate terms; ability to develop new merchandise; ability to hire, train and retain associates; and the outcome of pending litigation. Future economic and industry trends that could potentially impact revenue and profitability are difficult to predict. Therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this Press Release will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by the Company, or any other person, that the objectives of the Company will be achieved. The forward-looking statements herein are based on information presently available to the management of the Company. Except as may be required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized.
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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)
                 
    (Unaudited)        
    January 31, 2009     February 2, 2008  
 
               
ASSETS
               
 
               
Current Assets
               
Cash and Equivalents
  $ 522,122     $ 118,044  
Marketable Securities
          530,486  
Receivables
    53,110       53,801  
Inventories
    372,422       333,153  
Deferred Income Taxes
    43,408       36,128  
Other Current Assets
    93,763       68,643  
 
           
 
               
Total Current Assets
    1,084,825       1,140,255  
 
               
Property and Equipment, Net
    1,398,655       1,318,291  
 
               
Marketable Securities
    229,081        
 
               
Other Assets
    135,620       109,052  
 
           
 
               
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 2,848,181     $ 2,567,598  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
 
               
Current Liabilities
               
Accounts Payable and Outstanding Checks
  $ 149,753     $ 151,798  
Accrued Expenses
    241,231       280,910  
Deferred Lease Credits
    42,358       37,925  
Income Taxes Payable
    16,455       72,480  
 
           
 
               
Total Current Liabilities
    449,797       543,113  
 
               
Long-Term Liabilities
               
Deferred Income Taxes
    34,085       22,491  
Deferred Lease Credits
    211,978       213,739  
Debt
    100,000        
Other Liabilities
    206,743       169,942  
 
           
 
               
Total Long-Term Liabilities
    552,806       406,172  
 
               
Total Shareholders’ Equity
    1,845,578       1,618,313  
 
           
 
               
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 2,848,181     $ 2,567,598  
 
           

 

 


 

Abercrombie & Fitch Co.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
Thirteen Weeks Ended January 31, 2009 and Thirteen Weeks Ended February 2, 2008
(in thousands, except per share data)
                                 
    ACTUAL     ACTUAL  
    2008     % of Sales     2007     % of Sales  
 
                               
Net Sales
  $ 997,955       100.0 %   $ 1,228,969       100.0 %
 
                               
Cost of Goods Sold
    355,341       35.6 %     403,352       32.8 %
 
                       
 
                               
Gross Profit
    642,614       64.4 %     825,617       67.2 %
 
                               
Total Stores and Distribution Expense
    422,459       42.3 %     388,421       31.6 %
 
                               
Total Marketing, General and Administrative Expense
    100,978       10.1 %     103,147       8.4 %
 
                               
Other Operating Income, Net
    (5,468 )     -0.5 %     (3,019 )     -0.2 %
 
                       
 
                               
Operating Income
    124,645       12.5 %     337,068       27.4 %
 
                               
Interest Income, Net
    (1,419 )     -0.1 %     (6,356 )     -0.5 %
 
                       
 
                               
Income Before Income Taxes
    126,064       12.6 %     343,424       27.9 %
 
                               
Income Tax Expense
    57,657       5.8 %     126,668       10.3 %
 
                               
Effective Rate
    45.7 %             36.9 %        
 
                           
 
                               
Net Income
  $ 68,407       6.9 %   $ 216,756       17.6 %
 
                       
 
                               
Net Income Per Share:
                               
Basic
  $ 0.79             $ 2.52          
Diluted
  $ 0.78             $ 2.40          
 
                               
Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding:
                               
Basic
    87,052               86,122          
Diluted
    88,258               90,235          

 

 


 

Abercrombie & Fitch Co.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
Fifty-Two Weeks Ended January 31, 2009 and Fifty-Two Weeks Ended February 2, 2008
(in thousands, except per share data)
                                 
    ACTUAL     ACTUAL  
    2008     % of Sales     2007     % of Sales  
 
                               
Net Sales
  $ 3,540,276       100.0 %   $ 3,749,847       100.0 %
 
                               
Cost of Goods Sold
    1,178,584       33.3 %     1,238,480       33.0 %
 
                       
 
                               
Gross Profit
    2,361,692       66.7 %     2,511,367       67.0 %
 
                               
Total Stores and Distribution Expense
    1,511,511       42.7 %     1,386,846       37.0 %
 
                               
Total Marketing, General and Administrative Expense
    419,659       11.9 %     395,758       10.6 %
 
                               
Other Operating Income, Net
    (8,864 )     -0.3 %     (11,734 )     -0.3 %
 
                       
 
                               
Operating Income
    439,386       12.4 %     740,497       19.7 %
 
                               
Interest Income, Net
    (11,382 )     -0.3 %     (18,828 )     -0.5 %
 
                       
 
                               
Income Before Income Taxes
    450,768       12.7 %     759,325       20.2 %
 
                               
Income Tax Expense
    178,513       5.0 %     283,628       7.6 %
 
                               
Effective Rate
    39.6 %             37.4 %        
 
                           
 
                               
Net Income
  $ 272,255       7.7 %   $ 475,697       12.7 %
 
                       
 
                               
Net Income Per Share:
                               
Basic
  $ 3.14             $ 5.45          
Diluted
  $ 3.05             $ 5.20          
 
                               
Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding:
                               
Basic
    86,816               87,248          
Diluted
    89,291               91,523