Abercrombie & Fitch Q3FY'13 sales fall 12%

Net sales for the thirteen weeks ended November 2, 2013 decreased 12% to $1.033 billion from $1.170 billion for the thirteen weeks ended October 27, 2012.

Total comparable sales for the quarter, including direct-to-consumer sales, decreased 14% with comparable U.S. sales decreasing 14% and comparable international sales decreasing 15%. Total direct-to-consumer comparable sales increased 11% for the quarter. Third quarter comparable sales are compared to the thirteen-week period ended November 3, 2012.

For the third quarter, the Company expects to incur pre-tax charges in the aggregate of approximately $90 million - $100 million related to its restructuring plans for the Gilly Hicks brand, non-cash impairment charges related to other stores, and charges related to the Company's profit improvement initiative. Excluding these charges, the Company expects to report adjusted non-GAAP earnings per diluted share at the higher end of prior non-GAAP guidance of $0.40 to $0.45.

This expectation now reflects lower sales and gross margin rate than anticipated offset by expense and other favorabilities. Pending finalization of the material charges mentioned above, the comparable U.S. GAAP earnings per share figure is not available at this time, but will be available when earnings are released on November 21, 2013.

Based on a projected low double digit decrease in comparable sales for the fourth quarter, the Company expects full year adjusted non-GAAP earnings per diluted share to be in the range of $1.40 to $1.50. This projection also assumes significant gross margin rate erosion in the fourth quarter as the Company clears through excess inventory.

The guidance for the full year does not include charges related to the Company's restructuring plans for the Gilly Hicks brand, other impairment and store closure charges, charges related to the implementation of the Company's profit improvement initiative, or the effect of any additional share repurchases.

Mike Jeffries, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Abercrombie & Fitch Co., said, "Our results for the third quarter reflect continued top-line challenges, with overall spending among younger consumers remaining weak. Until we have seen a clear trend improvement, we are continuing to take a cautious approach into the fourth quarter and are working to end the year with appropriate levels of fall carryover inventory.

During the quarter, we completed our long-term strategic review, and believe that we now have a clear roadmap for sustainable growth in sales, profitability and return on invested capital. We look forward to sharing the results of our review in our analyst meeting."

Abercrombie & Fitch