Abercrombie & Fitch CEO pleased with Q1 results

19 May '11

5 min read

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. reported unaudited results which reflected net income of $25.1 million and net income per diluted share of $0.28 for the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2011, compared to a net loss of $11.8 million and a net loss per basic and diluted share of $0.13 for the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010. Net income for the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2011, included net income per diluted share of $0.01 from discontinued operations.

Mike Jeffries, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Abercrombie & Fitch Co., said:

"We are pleased with our first quarter results, which exceeded our internal objectives and reflected broad strength by brand, by channel, and by region. These strong results give us a solid start to achieving our goals for the year."

First Quarter Summary

Net sales for the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2011 increased 22% to $836.7 million from $687.8 million for the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2010. U.S. sales, including direct-to-consumer sales, increased 13% to $641.0 million. International sales, including direct-to-consumer sales, increased 64% to $195.7 million. Total Company direct-to-consumer sales, including shipping and handling, increased 32% to $105.8 million.

Total comparable store sales for the quarter increased 10%. By brand, comparable store sales increased 8% for Abercrombie & Fitch, increased 11% for abercrombie kids, and increased 11% for Hollister Co. Total sales by brand were $341.7 million for Abercrombie & Fitch, $86.6 million for abercrombie kids and $394.6 million for Hollister Co.

The gross profit rate for the first quarter was 65.0%, 230 basis points higher than last year's first quarter gross profit rate. The increase in the gross profit rate was driven primarily by a lower average unit cost, favorable international mix, including foreign currency impact, and other gross margin items, such as a freight benefit.

Stores and distribution expense, as a percentage of net sales, decreased to 47.7% from 51.5% for the first quarter last year. The decrease in the stores and distribution expense rate was primarily driven by lower store occupancy costs and payroll costs as a percentage of net sales.

Marketing, general and administrative expense for the first quarter was $107.7 million, an 11% increase compared to $96.6 million during the same period last year. The increase in marketing, general and administrative expense was due to increases in compensation and benefits, including incentive and equity compensation, and marketing and other expense.

The effective tax rate for continuing operations for the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2011 was a 35.6% expense as compared to a 39.5% benefit for the Fiscal 2010 comparable period.

Net income was $25.1 million and net income per diluted share was $0.28 for the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2011, compared to a net loss of $11.8 million and a net loss per basic and diluted share of $0.13 for comparable period last year. Net income for the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2011, included net income per diluted share of $0.01 from discontinued operations and related to the settlement of outstanding lease obligations.

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