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'First quarter is clearly difficult' - Abercrombie & Fitch CEO

15 May '09
5 min read

The increase in rent, depreciation and other occupancy costs was primarily attributable to new store openings during 2008 and an increase in pre-opening rent expense. Stores and distribution expense for the first quarter, before taking into account the non-cash impairment charge, was $341.9 million compared to $341.8 million during the same period last year.

Marketing, general and administrative expense for the first quarter was $89.5 million compared to $104.7 million during the same period last year, before taking into account the non-cash impairment charge currently being determined in connection with the strategic review of the Ruehl business. The reduction in marketing, general and administrative expense includes savings related to employee compensation and benefits, travel, outside services and marketing.

Net interest income for the first quarter decreased to $1.4 million compared to $7.6 million during the same period last year. The decrease was primarily attributable to a lower average rate of return on investments compared to last year.

The effective tax rate for the first quarter was a benefit of 34.7% compared to an expense of 36.8% for the same period last year, before taking into account the non-cash impairment charge currently being determined in connection with the strategic review of the Ruehl business.

The Company ended the first quarter with $463.7 million in cash and cash equivalents, and outstanding debt and letters of credit of $143.0 million.

Other Developments
The Company announced that it is conducting a strategic review of its Ruehl operation, the outcome of which has not been determined at this time. However, based on this review and on the requirements of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, the Company has determined that it is appropriate to record a non-cash impairment charge for the fiscal quarter ended May 2, 2009.

The amount of this charge is in the process of being determined and is not reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for the fiscal quarter ended May 2, 2009, but will be reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements included in Abercrombie & Fitch Co.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended May 2, 2009 to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or before June 11, 2009.

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Abercrombie & Fitch Co.

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