AI Terminal

MODULE: AI_ANALYST
Interactive Q&A, Risk Assessment, Summarization
MODULE: DATA_EXTRACT
Excel Export, XBRL Parsing, Table Digitization
MODULE: PEER_COMP
Sector Benchmarking, Sentiment Analysis
SYSTEM ACCESS LOCKED
Authenticate / Register Log In

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO /DE/

Quarterly Report Sep 1, 2023

Preview not available for this file type.

Download Source File

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

(Mark One)

☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended July 29, 2023

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 001-12107

Abercrombie & Fitch Co.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware — (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 31-1469076 — (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
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value ANF New York Stock Exchange

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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit such files). x Yes ¨ No

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨ Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the Registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ☐ Yes x No

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Class A Common Stock Shares outstanding as of August 30, 2023
$0.01 Par Value 50,357,071

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION — Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) 3
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets 4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity 5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 7
Index for Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 8
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 9
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 22
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 37
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 39
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 40
Item 1A. Risk Factors 40
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 40
Item 5. Other Information 40
Item 6. Exhibits 41
Signatures 42

Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Abercrombie & Fitch Co.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(Thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

Thirteen Weeks Ended — July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022 Twenty-Six Weeks Ended — July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
Net sales $ 935,345 $ 805,091 $ 1,771,339 $ 1,617,853
Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization 350,965 339,200 677,165 702,416
Gross profit 584,380 465,891 1,094,174 915,437
Stores and distribution expense 352,730 340,791 684,343 678,334
Marketing, general and administrative expense 144,502 124,168 287,133 246,317
Asset impairment 2,170 4,436 5,592
Other operating (income) loss, net ( 2,694 ) 953 ( 5,588 ) ( 2,889 )
Operating income (loss) 89,842 ( 2,191 ) 123,850 ( 11,917 )
Interest expense, net 1,097 6,917 4,540 14,224
Income (loss) before income taxes 88,745 ( 9,108 ) 119,310 ( 26,141 )
Income tax expense 30,014 5,634 42,732 3,447
Net income (loss) 58,731 ( 14,742 ) 76,578 ( 29,588 )
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 1,837 2,092 3,113 3,715
Net income (loss) attributable to A&F $ 56,894 $ ( 16,834 ) $ 73,465 $ ( 33,303 )
Net income (loss) per share attributable to A&F
Basic $ 1.13 $ ( 0.33 ) $ 1.47 $ ( 0.65 )
Diluted $ 1.10 $ ( 0.33 ) $ 1.43 $ ( 0.65 )
Weighted-average shares outstanding
Basic 50,322 50,441 49,952 51,262
Diluted 51,548 50,441 51,535 51,262
Other comprehensive loss
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax $ ( 3,836 ) $ ( 4,914 ) $ ( 3,525 ) $ ( 15,317 )
Derivative financial instruments, net of tax 2,242 ( 1,729 ) 2,647 ( 17 )
Other comprehensive loss ( 1,594 ) ( 6,643 ) ( 878 ) ( 15,334 )
Comprehensive income (loss) 57,137 ( 21,385 ) 75,700 ( 44,922 )
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests 1,837 2,092 3,113 3,715
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A&F $ 55,300 $ ( 23,477 ) $ 72,587 $ ( 48,637 )

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

Table of Contents

Abercrombie & Fitch Co.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Thousands, except par value amounts)

(Unaudited)

July 29, 2023 January 28, 2023
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and equivalents $ 617,339 $ 517,602
Receivables 112,597 104,506
Inventories 493,479 505,621
Other current assets 87,850 100,289
Total current assets 1,311,265 1,228,018
Property and equipment, net 553,680 551,585
Operating lease right-of-use assets 714,977 723,550
Other assets 216,792 209,947
Total assets $ 2,796,714 $ 2,713,100
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 323,197 $ 258,895
Accrued expenses 375,544 413,303
Short-term portion of operating lease liabilities 191,700 213,979
Income taxes payable 46,039 16,023
Total current liabilities 936,480 902,200
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term portion of operating lease liabilities 692,046 713,361
Long-term borrowings, net 297,385 296,852
Other liabilities 92,019 94,118
Total long-term liabilities 1,081,450 1,104,331
Stockholders’ equity
Class A Common Stock: $ 0.01 par value: 150,000 shares authorized and 103,300 shares issued for all periods presented 1,033 1,033
Paid-in capital 410,398 416,255
Retained earnings 2,400,032 2,368,815
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (“AOCL”) ( 138,405 ) ( 137,527 )
Treasury stock, at average cost: 53,159 and 54,298 shares as of July 29, 2023 and January 28, 2023, respectively ( 1,904,752 ) ( 1,953,735 )
Total Abercrombie & Fitch Co. stockholders’ equity 768,306 694,841
Noncontrolling interests 10,478 11,728
Total stockholders’ equity 778,784 706,569
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 2,796,714 $ 2,713,100

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

Table of Contents

Abercrombie & Fitch Co.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

(Thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

Thirteen Weeks Ended July 29, 2023 — Common Stock Paid-in capital Non-controlling interests Retained earnings AOCL Treasury stock Total stockholders’ equity
Shares outstanding Par value Shares At average cost
Balance, April 29, 2023 50,062 $ 1,033 $ 400,699 $ 9,116 $ 2,344,522 $ ( 136,811 ) 53,238 $ ( 1,907,586 ) $ 710,973
Net income 1,837 56,894 58,731
Share-based compensation issuances and exercises 79 ( 1,860 ) ( 1,384 ) ( 79 ) 2,834 ( 410 )
Share-based compensation expense 11,559 11,559
Derivative financial instruments, net of tax 2,242 2,242
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax ( 3,836 ) ( 3,836 )
Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net ( 475 ) ( 475 )
Ending balance at July 29, 2023 50,141 $ 1,033 $ 410,398 $ 10,478 $ 2,400,032 $ ( 138,405 ) 53,159 $ ( 1,904,752 ) $ 778,784
Thirteen Weeks Ended July 30, 2022
Common Stock Paid-in capital Non-controlling interests Retained earnings AOCL Treasury stock Total stockholders’ equity
Shares outstanding Par value Shares At average cost
Balance, April 30, 2022 50,442 $ 1,033 $ 398,412 $ 9,444 $ 2,350,807 $ ( 123,397 ) 52,858 $ ( 1,931,494 ) $ 704,805
Net income (loss) 2,092 ( 16,834 ) ( 14,742 )
Purchase of Common Stock ( 1,000 ) 1,000 ( 17,775 ) ( 17,775 )
Share-based compensation issuances and exercises 29 ( 1,045 ) ( 106 ) ( 29 ) 1,070 ( 81 )
Share-based compensation expense 7,760 7,760
Derivative financial instruments, net of tax ( 1,729 ) ( 1,729 )
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax ( 4,914 ) ( 4,914 )
Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net ( 397 ) ( 397 )
Ending balance at July 30, 2022 49,471 $ 1,033 $ 405,127 $ 11,139 $ 2,333,867 $ ( 130,040 ) 53,829 $ ( 1,948,199 ) $ 672,927

Table of Contents

Abercrombie & Fitch Co.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

(Thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

Twenty-Six Weeks Ended July 29, 2023 — Common Stock Paid-in capital Non-controlling interests Retained earnings AOCL Treasury stock Total stockholders’ equity
Shares outstanding Par value Shares At average cost
Balance, January 28, 2023 49,002 $ 1,033 $ 416,255 $ 11,728 $ 2,368,815 $ ( 137,527 ) 54,298 $ ( 1,953,735 ) $ 706,569
Net income 3,113 73,465 76,578
Share-based compensation issuances and exercises 1,139 ( 25,504 ) ( 42,248 ) ( 1,139 ) 48,983 ( 18,769 )
Share-based compensation expense 19,647 19,647
Derivative financial instruments, net of tax 2,647 2,647
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax ( 3,525 ) ( 3,525 )
Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net ( 4,363 ) ( 4,363 )
Ending balance at July 29, 2023 50,141 $ 1,033 $ 410,398 $ 10,478 $ 2,400,032 $ ( 138,405 ) 53,159 $ ( 1,904,752 ) $ 778,784
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended July 30, 2022
Common Stock Paid-in capital Non-controlling interests Retained earnings AOCL Treasury stock Total stockholders’ equity
Shares outstanding Par value Shares At average cost
Balance, January 29, 2022 52,985 $ 1,033 $ 413,190 $ 11,234 $ 2,386,156 $ ( 114,706 ) 50,315 $ ( 1,859,583 ) $ 837,324
Net income (loss) 3,715 ( 33,303 ) ( 29,588 )
Purchase of Common Stock ( 4,260 ) 4,260 ( 117,775 ) ( 117,775 )
Share-based compensation issuances and exercises 746 ( 24,179 ) ( 18,986 ) ( 746 ) 29,159 ( 14,006 )
Share-based compensation expense 16,116 16,116
Derivative financial instruments, net of tax ( 17 ) ( 17 )
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax ( 15,317 ) ( 15,317 )
Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net ( 3,810 ) ( 3,810 )
Ending balance at July 30, 2022 49,471 $ 1,033 $ 405,127 $ 11,139 $ 2,333,867 $ ( 130,040 ) 53,829 $ ( 1,948,199 ) $ 672,927

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

Table of Contents

Abercrombie & Fitch Co.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Thousands)

(Unaudited)

Twenty-Six Weeks Ended — July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
Operating activities
Net income (loss) $ 76,578 $ ( 29,588 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 72,411 65,543
Asset impairment 4,436 5,592
Loss (gain) on disposal 1,622 ( 1,083 )
Benefit from deferred income taxes ( 822 ) ( 1,629 )
Share-based compensation 19,647 16,116
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Inventories 11,909 ( 184,657 )
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 40,954 ( 34,013 )
Operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities ( 36,289 ) ( 41,122 )
Income taxes 28,281 ( 17,154 )
Other assets 1,115 ( 38,436 )
Other liabilities ( 3,514 ) 698
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities 216,328 ( 259,733 )
Investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment ( 89,780 ) ( 59,582 )
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment 7,972
Net cash used for investing activities ( 89,780 ) ( 51,610 )
Financing activities
Payment of debt modification costs and fees ( 17 )
Purchases of Common Stock ( 117,775 )
Other financing activities ( 23,325 ) ( 17,649 )
Net cash used for financing activities ( 23,342 ) ( 135,424 )
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash ( 3,672 ) ( 7,567 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents, and restricted cash and equivalents 99,534 ( 454,334 )
Cash and equivalents, and restricted cash and equivalents, beginning of period 527,569 834,368
Cash and equivalents, and restricted cash and equivalents, end of period $ 627,103 $ 380,034
Supplemental information related to non-cash activities
Purchases of property and equipment not yet paid at end of period $ 45,506 $ 50,133
Operating lease right-of-use assets additions, net of terminations, impairments and other reductions 91,007 139,751
Supplemental information related to cash activities
Cash paid for interest 13,108 13,463
Cash paid for income taxes 16,565 24,566
Cash received from income tax refunds 442 139
Cash paid for amounts included in measurement of operating lease liabilities, net of abatements 156,486 159,423

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

Table of Contents

Abercrombie & Fitch Co.

Index for Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Note 1. NATURE OF BUSINESS Page No. — 9
Note 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 9
Note 3. REVENUE RECOGNITION 11
Note 4. NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE 11
Note 5. FAIR VALUE 12
Note 6. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET 13
Note 7. LEASES 13
Note 8. ASSET IMPAIRMENT 14
Note 9. INCOME TAXES 14
Note 10. BORROWINGS 14
Note 11. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION 16
Note 12. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS 18
Note 13. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS 19
Note 14. SEGMENT REPORTING 20

Table of Contents

Abercrombie & Fitch Co.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

1. NATURE OF BUSINESS

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 global, digitally-led omnichannel retailer. The Company offers a broad assortment of apparel, personal care products and accessories for men, women and kids, which are sold primarily through its digital channels and Company-owned stores, as well as through various third-party arrangements.

During the second quarter of Fiscal 2023, to leverage the knowledge and experience of our regional teams to better drive brand growth, the Company reorganized its structure and now manages its business on a geographic basis, consisting of three reportable segments: Americas; Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA); and Asia-Pacific (APAC). Corporate functions and other income and expenses are evaluated on a consolidated basis and are not allocated to the Company’s segments, and therefore are included as a reconciling item between segment and total operating income (loss). There was no impact on consolidated net sales, operating income (loss) or net income (loss) per share as a result of these changes. All prior periods presented are recast to conform to the new segment presentation.

The Company’s brands include Abercrombie brands, which includes the Company’s Abercrombie & Fitch and abercrombie kids brands, and Hollister brands, which includes the Company’s Hollister, Gilly Hicks, and Social Tourist brands. These brands share a commitment to offering unique products of enduring quality and exceptional comfort that allow customers around the world to express their own individuality and style.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of consolidation

The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include historical financial statements of, and transactions applicable to, the Company and reflect its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

The Company has interests in Emirati and Kuwaiti business ventures with Majid al Futtaim Fashion L.L.C. (“MAF”) and in a United States of America (the “U.S.”) business venture with Dixar L.L.C. (“Dixar”), each of which meets the definition of a variable interest entity (“VIE”). The purpose of the business ventures with MAF is to operate stores in the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait and the purpose of the business venture with Dixar is to hold the intellectual property related to the Social Tourist brand. The Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of these VIEs; therefore, the Company has consolidated the operating results, assets and liabilities of these VIEs, with the noncontrolling interests’ (“NCI”) portions of net income (loss) presented as net income attributable to NCI on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) and the NCI portion of stockholders’ equity presented as NCI on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Fiscal year

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31. This typically results in a fifty-two week year, but occasionally gives rise to an additional week, resulting in a fifty-three week year, as will be the case in Fiscal 2023. Fiscal years are designated in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and notes, as well as the remainder of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, by the calendar year in which the fiscal year commences. All references herein to the Company’s fiscal years are as follows:

Fiscal year Year ended/ending Number of weeks
Fiscal 2022 January 28, 2023 52
Fiscal 2023 February 3, 2024 53
Fiscal 2024 February 1, 2025 52

Interim financial statements

The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of July 29, 2023, and for the thirteen and twenty-six week periods ended July 29, 2023 and July 30, 2022, are unaudited and are presented pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for interim consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto contained in A&F’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal 2022 filed with the SEC on March 27, 2023 (the “Fiscal 2022 Form 10-K”). The January 28, 2023 consolidated balance sheet data, included herein, were derived from audited consolidated financial statements, but do not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”).

Table of Contents

In the opinion of management, the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect all adjustments (which are of a normal recurring nature) necessary to state fairly, in all material respects, the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods, but are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be anticipated for Fiscal 2023.

Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with GAAP, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of net sales and expenses during the reporting period. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved with estimates, actual results may differ. Additionally, these estimates and assumptions may change as a result of the impact of conditions affecting the global economy, such as the uncertainty regarding the economy, rising interest rates, continued inflation, fluctuation in foreign exchange rates, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and result in material impacts to the Company’s consolidated financial statements in future reporting periods.

Recent accounting pronouncements

The Company reviews recent accounting pronouncements on a quarterly basis and has excluded discussion of those not applicable to the Company and those that did not have, or are not expected to have, a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The following table provides a brief description of certain accounting pronouncements that the company has adopted.

Accounting Standards Update (ASU) Description Date of adoption Effect on the financial statements or other significant matters
ASU 2022-04, Liabilities — Supplier Finance Programs (Subtopic 405-50): Disclosure of Supplier Finance Program Obligations The update relates to disclosure requirements for buyers in supplier finance programs. The amendments in the update require that a buyer disclose qualitative and quantitative information about their supplier finance programs. Interim and annual requirements include disclosure of outstanding amounts under the obligations as of the end of the reporting period, and annual requirements include a roll-forward of those obligations for the annual reporting period, as well as a description of payment and other key terms of the programs. This update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022, and interim periods within those fiscal years, except for the requirement to disclose roll-forward information, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023. January 29, 2023 The Company adopted the changes to the standard under the retrospective method in the first quarter of Fiscal 2023, except for roll-forward information, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

Supply Chain Finance Program

Under the supply chain finance (“SCF”) program, which is administered by a third party, the Company’s vendors, at their sole discretion, are given the opportunity to sell receivables from the Company to a participating financial institution at a discount that leverages the Company’s credit profile. The commercial terms negotiated by the Company with its vendors are consistent, irrespective of whether a vendor participates in the SCF program. A participating vendor has the option to be paid by the financial institution earlier than the original invoice due date. The Company’s responsibility is limited to making payment on the terms originally negotiated by the Company with each vendor, regardless of whether the vendor sells its receivable to a financial institution. If a vendor chooses to participate in the SCF program, the Company pays the financial institution the stated amount of confirmed merchandise invoices on the stated maturity date, which are primarily 75 days from the invoice date. The agreement with the financial institution does not require the Company to provide assets pledged as security or other forms of guarantees for the SCF program.

As of July 29, 2023 and January 28, 2023, $ 79.8 million and $ 68.4 million of SCF program liabilities were recorded in accounts payable in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, respectively, and reflected as a cash flow from operating activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows when settled.

Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows reconciliation

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and equivalents and restricted cash and equivalents to the amounts shown on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:

(in thousands) Location July 29, 2023 January 28, 2023 July 30, 2022 January 29, 2022
Cash and equivalents Cash and equivalents $ 617,339 $ 517,602 $ 369,957 $ 823,139
Long-term restricted cash and equivalents Other assets 9,764 9,967 10,077 11,229
Cash and equivalents and restricted cash and equivalents $ 627,103 $ 527,569 $ 380,034 $ 834,368

3. REVENUE RECOGNITION

Disaggregation of revenue

All revenues are recognized in net sales in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. For information regarding the disaggregation of revenue, refer to Note 14, “ SEGMENT REPORTING .

Contract liabilities

The following table details certain contract liabilities representing unearned revenue as of July 29, 2023, January 28, 2023, July 30, 2022 and January 29, 2022:

(in thousands) July 29, 2023 January 28, 2023 ⁽¹⁾ July 30, 2022 January 29, 2022 ⁽¹⁾
Gift card liability (1) $ 36,967 $ 39,235 $ 35,205 $ 36,984
Loyalty programs liability 23,969 25,640 21,525 22,757

(1) Includes $ 26.4 million and $ 23.9 million of revenue recognized during the twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2023 and July 30, 2022, respectively, that was included in the gift card liability at the beginning of January 28, 2023 and January 29, 2022, respectively.

The following table details recognized revenue associated with the Company’s gift card program and loyalty programs for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2023 and July 30, 2022:

(in thousands) Thirteen Weeks Ended — July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022 Twenty-Six Weeks Ended — July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
Revenue associated with gift card redemptions and gift card breakage $ 24,426 $ 22,652 $ 48,650 $ 45,653
Revenue associated with reward redemptions and breakage related to the Company’s loyalty programs 11,636 10,630 23,918 20,811

4. NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE

Net income (loss) per basic and diluted share attributable to A&F is computed based on the weighted-average number of outstanding shares of A&F’s Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value (“Common Stock”). The following table provides additional information pertaining to net income (loss) per share attributable to A&F for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2023 and July 30, 2022:

(in thousands) Thirteen Weeks Ended — July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022 Twenty-Six Weeks Ended — July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
Shares of Common Stock issued 103,300 103,300 103,300 103,300
Weighted-average treasury shares ( 52,978 ) ( 52,859 ) ( 53,348 ) ( 52,038 )
Weighted-average — basic shares 50,322 50,441 49,952 51,262
Dilutive effect of share-based compensation awards 1,226 1,583
Weighted-average — diluted shares 51,548 50,441 51,535 51,262
Anti-dilutive shares (1) 1,453 4,209 1,779 4,245

(1) Reflects the total number of shares related to outstanding share-based compensation awards that have been excluded from the computation of net income (loss) per diluted share because the impact would have been anti-dilutive. Unvested shares related to restricted stock units with performance-based and market-based vesting conditions can achieve up to 200% of their target vesting amount and are reflected at the maximum vesting amount less any dilutive portion.

Table of Contents

5. 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 that the Company can access at the measurement date.

• 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 following table provides the three levels of the hierarchy and the distribution of the Company’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis, as of July 29, 2023 and January 28, 2023:

(in thousands) Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of July 29, 2023 — Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Assets:
Cash equivalents (1) $ 116,607 $ 26,700 $ — $ 143,307
Derivative instruments (2) 536 536
Rabbi Trust assets (3) 1,161 51,813 52,974
Restricted cash equivalents (1) 1,383 5,226 6,609
Total assets $ 119,151 $ 84,275 $ — $ 203,426
Liabilities:
Derivative instruments (2) $ — $ 2,312 $ — $ 2,312
Total liabilities $ — $ 2,312 $ — $ 2,312
(in thousands) Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of January 28, 2023 — Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Assets:
Cash equivalents (1) $ 50,364 $ — $ — $ 50,364
Derivative instruments (2) 32 32
Rabbi Trust assets (3) 1 51,681 51,682
Restricted cash equivalents (1) 1,690 5,174 6,864
Total assets $ 52,055 $ 56,887 $ — $ 108,942
Liabilities:
Derivative instruments (2) $ — $ 4,986 $ — $ 4,986
Total liabilities $ — $ 4,986 $ — $ 4,986

(1) Level 1 assets consisted of investments in money market funds and U.S. treasury bills. Level 2 assets consisted of time deposits.

(2) Level 2 assets and liabilities consisted primarily of foreign currency exchange forward contracts.

(3) Level 1 assets consisted of investments in money market funds. Level 2 assets consisted of trust-owned life insurance policies.

The Company’s Level 2 assets consisted of:

• Trust-owned life insurance policies, which were valued using the cash surrender value of the life insurance policies;

• Time deposits, which were valued at cost, approximating fair value, due to the short-term nature of these investments; and

• Derivative instruments, primarily foreign currency exchange forward contracts, which were valued using quoted market prices of the same or similar instruments, adjusted for counterparty risk.

Fair value of long-term borrowings

The Company’s borrowings under its senior secured notes, which have a fixed 8.75 % interest rate and mature on July 15, 2025 (the “Senior Secured Notes”), are carried at historical cost in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following table provides the carrying amount and fair value of the Company’s long-term gross borrowings as of July 29, 2023 and January 28, 2023:

(in thousands) July 29, 2023 January 28, 2023
Gross borrowings outstanding, carrying amount $ 299,730 $ 299,730
Gross borrowings outstanding, fair value (1) 304,226 304,975

(1) Classified as Level 2 measurements within the fair value hierarchy.

Table of Contents

6. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET

The following table provides property and equipment, net as of July 29, 2023 and January 28, 2023:

(in thousands) July 29, 2023 January 28, 2023
Property and equipment, at cost $ 2,497,947 $ 2,517,862
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization ( 1,944,267 ) ( 1,966,277 )
Property and equipment, net $ 553,680 $ 551,585

R efer to Note 8, “ ASSET IMPAIRMENT ,” for details related to property and equipment impairment charges incurred during the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2023 and July 30, 2022.

7. LEASES

The Company is a party to leases related to its Company-operated retail stores as well as for certain of its distribution centers, office space, information technology and equipment.

The following table provides a summary of the Company’s operating lease costs for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2023 and July 30, 2022:

(in thousands) Thirteen Weeks Ended — July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022 Twenty-Six Weeks Ended — July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
Single lease cost (1) $ 62,655 $ 61,953 $ 120,995 $ 119,533
Variable lease cost (2) 51,782 32,520 87,477 65,678
Operating lease right-of-use asset impairment (3) 1,573 1,414 3,488
Sublease income (4) ( 996 ) ( 952 ) ( 1,980 ) ( 1,961 )
Total operating lease cost $ 113,441 $ 95,094 $ 207,906 $ 186,738

(1) Included amortization and interest expense associated with operating lease right-of-use assets and the impact from remeasurement of operating lease liabilities.

(2) Includes variable payments related to both lease and nonlease components, such as contingent rent payments made by the Company based on performance, and payments related to taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs, as well as the benefit of $ 1.0 million and $ 1.1 million of rent abatements during the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2023, respectively, related to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic that resulted in the total payments required by the modified contract being substantially the same as or less than total payments required by the original contract. The benefit related to rent abatements recognized during the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2022 was $ 0.9 million and $ 2.6 million, respectively.

(3) Refer to Note 8, “ ASSET IMPAIRMENT ,” for details related to operating lease right-of-use asset impairment charges.

(4) The terms of the sublease agreement entered into by the Company with a third party during Fiscal 2020 related to one of its previous flagship store locations have not changed materially from that disclosed in Note 7, “LEASES,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of the Fiscal 2022 Form 10-K. Sublease income is recognized in other operating (income) loss, net on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

The Company had minimum commitments related to operating lease contracts that have not yet commenced, primarily for certain Company-operated retail stores, of approximately $ 21.8 million as of July 29, 2023.

Table of Contents

8. ASSET IMPAIRMENT

The following table provides asset impairment charges for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2023 and July 30, 2022:

(in thousands) Thirteen Weeks Ended — July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022 Twenty-Six Weeks Ended — July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
Operating lease right-of-use asset impairment $ — $ 1,573 $ 1,414 $ 3,488
Property and equipment asset impairment 597 3,022 2,104
Total asset impairment $ — $ 2,170 $ 4,436 $ 5,592

Asset impairment charges for the thirteen weeks ended July 30, 2022 and twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2023 and July 30, 2022 related to certain of the Company’s assets including stores across certain brands, geographies and store formats. The store impairment charges for the twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2023 reduced the then carrying amount of the impaired stores’ assets to their fair value of approximately $ 6.1 million, including $ 3.2 million related to operating lease right-of-use assets.

9. INCOME TAXES

The quarterly provision for income taxes is based on the current estimate of the annual effective income tax rate and the tax effect of discrete items occurring during the quarter. The Company’s quarterly provision and the estimate of the annual effective tax rate are subject to significant variation due to several factors. These factors include variability in the pre-tax jurisdictional mix of earnings, changes in how the Company does business including entering into new businesses or geographies, changes in foreign currency exchange rates, changes in laws, regulations, interpretations and administrative practices, relative changes in expenses or losses for which tax benefits are not recognized and the impact of discrete items. In addition, jurisdictions where the Company anticipates an ordinary loss for the fiscal year for which the Company does not anticipate future tax benefits are excluded from the overall computation of estimated annual effective tax rate and no tax benefits are recognized in the period related to losses in such jurisdictions. The impact of these items on the effective tax rate will be greater at lower levels of pre-tax earnings.

Impact of valuation allowances

During the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2023, the Company did not recognize income tax benefits on $ 22.7 million and $ 43.0 million, respectively, of pretax losses, primarily in Switzerland, resulting in adverse tax impacts of $ 3.4 million and $6.5 million, respectively.

As of July 29, 2023, the Company had net deferred tax assets of approximately $ 11.2 million, $ 8.3 million, and $ 16.6 million in China, Japan and the United Kingdom, respectively. While the Company believes that these net deferred tax assets are more-likely-than-not to be realized, it is not a certainty, as the Company continues to evaluate and respond to emerging situations. Should circumstances change, the net deferred tax assets may become subject to additional valuation allowances in the future. Additional valuation allowances would result in additional tax expense.

During the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2022, the Company did not recognize income tax benefits on $ 26.4 million and $ 39.8 million, respectively, of pretax losses, primarily in Switzerland, resulting in adverse tax impacts of $ 4.8 million and $ 7.2 million, respectively.

As of January 28, 2023, there were approximately $ 8.0 million, $ 9.1 million, and $ 15.6 million of net deferred tax assets in China, Japan, and the United Kingdom, respectively.

Share-based compensation

Refer to Note 11, “ SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION ,” for details on income tax benefits and charges related to share-based compensation awards during the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2023 and July 30, 2022.

Table of Contents

10. BORROWINGS

The following table provides details on the Company’s long-term borrowings, net, as of July 29, 2023 and January 28, 2023 :

(in thousands) July 29, 2023 January 28, 2023
Long-term portion of borrowings, gross at carrying amount $ 299,730 $ 299,730
Unamortized fees ( 2,345 ) ( 2,878 )
Long-term borrowings, net $ 297,385 $ 296,852

Senior Secured Notes

The terms of the Senior Secured Notes have remained unchanged from those disclosed in Note 12, “BORROWINGS,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of the Fiscal 2022 Form 10-K.

ABL Facility

The terms of the Company’s senior secured revolving credit facility of up to $ 400.0 million (the “ABL Facility”) have remained unchanged from those disclosed in Note 12, “ BORROWINGS ,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of the Fiscal 2022 Form 10-K.

The Company did not have any borrowings outstanding under the ABL Facility as of July 29, 2023 or as of January 28, 2023.

As of July 29, 2023, availability under the ABL Facility was $ 396.7 million, net of $ 0.4 million in outstanding stand-by letters of credit. As the Company must maintain excess availability equal to the greater of 10% of the loan cap or $30 million under the ABL Facility, borrowing capacity available to the Company under the ABL Facility was $ 356.9 million as of July 29, 2023.

Representations, warranties and covenants

The agreements related to the Senior Secured Notes and the ABL Facility contain various representations, warranties and restrictive covenants that, among other things and subject to specified exceptions, restrict the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to: grant or incur liens; incur, assume or guarantee additional indebtedness; sell or otherwise dispose of assets, including capital stock of subsidiaries; make investments in certain subsidiaries; pay dividends, make distributions or redeem or repurchase capital stock; change the nature of their business; and consolidate or merge with or into, or sell substantially all of the assets of the Company or Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co. (“A&F Management”) to another entity.

The Senior Secured Notes are guaranteed on a senior secured basis, jointly and severally, by A&F and each of the existing and future wholly-owned domestic restricted subsidiaries of A&F that guarantee or will guarantee A&F Management’s Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”) or certain future capital markets indebtedness.

Certain of the agreements related to the Senior Secured Notes and the ABL Facility also contain certain affirmative covenants, including reporting requirements such as delivery of financial statements, certificates and notices of certain events, maintaining insurance and providing additional guarantees and collateral in certain circumstances.

The Company was in compliance with all debt covenants under these agreements as of July 29, 2023.

Table of Contents

11. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

Financial statement impact

The following table provides share-based compensation expense and the related income tax impacts for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2023 and July 30, 2022:

(in thousands) Thirteen Weeks Ended — July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022 Twenty-Six Weeks Ended — July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
Share-based compensation expense $ 11,559 $ 7,760 $ 19,647 $ 16,116
Income tax benefit associated with share-based compensation expense recognized 1,079 1,015 2,083 1,980

The following table provides discrete income tax benefits and charges related to share-based compensation awards during the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2023 and July 30, 2022:

(in thousands) Thirteen Weeks Ended — July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022 Twenty-Six Weeks Ended — July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
Income tax discrete benefits (charges) realized for tax deductions related to the issuance of shares $ 325 $ ( 113 ) $ 1,442 $ 1,998
Income tax discrete charges realized upon cancellation of stock appreciation rights ( 8 ) ( 101 ) ( 203 )
Total income tax discrete benefits (charges) related to share-based compensation awards $ 325 $ ( 121 ) $ 1,341 $ 1,795

The following table provides the amount of employee tax withheld by the Company upon the issuance of shares associated with restricted stock units vesting and the exercise of stock appreciation rights for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2023 and July 30, 2022:

(in thousands) Thirteen Weeks Ended — July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022 Twenty-Six Weeks Ended — July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
Employee tax withheld upon issuance of shares (1) $ 410 $ 312 $ 18,769 $ 14,006

(1) Classified within other financing activities on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Restricted stock units

The following table provides the summarized activity for restricted stock units for the twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2023:

Service-based Restricted Stock Units — Number of Underlying Shares Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Performance-based Restricted Stock Units — Number of Underlying Shares Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Market-based Restricted Stock Units — Number of Underlying Shares Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at January 28, 2023 2,461,395 $ 21.30 336,549 $ 31.08 662,137 $ 23.68
Granted 883,296 28.66 222,144 28.36 111,077 41.20
Adjustments for performance achievement 493,854 16.24
Vested ( 906,730 ) 19.48 ( 987,708 ) 16.24
Forfeited ( 74,456 ) 25.02 ( 7,123 ) ( 3,562 ) 43.46
Unvested at July 29, 2023 (1) 2,363,505 $ 24.65 551,570 $ 30.00 275,798 $ 43.81

(1) Unvested shares related to restricted stock units with performance-based and market-based vesting conditions are reflected at 100% of their target vesting amount in the table above. Unvested shares related to restricted stock units with performance-based and market-based vesting conditions can be achieved at up to 200% of their target vesting amount.

The following table provides the unrecognized compensation cost and the remaining weighted-average period over which these costs are expected to be recognized for restricted stock units as of July 29, 2023:

Service-based Restricted Stock Units Performance-based Restricted Stock Units Market-based Restricted Stock Units
Unrecognized compensation cost (in thousands) $ 46,071 $ 14,810 $ 6,969
Remaining weighted-average period cost is expected to be recognized (years) 1.3 1.7 1.7

Table of Contents

The following table provides additional information pertaining to restricted stock units for the twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2023 and July 30, 2022:

(in thousands) Twenty-Six Weeks Ended — July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
Service-based restricted stock units:
Total grant date fair value of awards granted $ 25,315 $ 27,173
Total grant date fair value of awards vested 17,663 15,393
Performance-based restricted stock units:
Total grant date fair value of awards granted 6,300 5,300
Total grant date fair value of awards vested 4,482
Market-based restricted stock units:
Total grant date fair value of awards granted 4,576 3,731
Total grant date fair value of awards vested 16,040 4,105

The following table provides the weighted-average assumptions used for market-based restricted stock units in the Monte Carlo simulation during the twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2023 and July 30, 2022:

Twenty-Six Weeks Ended — July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
Grant date market price $ 28.36 $ 32.07
Fair value 41.20 45.15
Price volatility 63 % 66 %
Expected term (years) 2.9 2.9
Risk-free interest rate 4.6 % 2.3 %
Dividend yield
Average volatility of peer companies 66.0 72.9
Average correlation coefficient of peer companies 0.5295 0.5146

Stock appreciation rights

The following table provides the summarized stock appreciation rights activity for the twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2023:

Number of Underlying Shares Weighted-Average Exercise Price Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands) Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)
Outstanding at January 28, 2023 190,589 $ 29.43
Exercised ( 13,788 ) 23.19
Forfeited or expired ( 23,700 ) 45.69
Outstanding at July 29, 2023 153,101 $ 27.47 $ 1,914 1.3
Stock appreciation rights exercisable at July 29, 2023 153,101 $ 27.47 $ 1,914 1.3

The following table provides additional information pertaining to stock appreciation rights exercised during the twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2023:

(in thousands) July 29, 2023
Total grant date fair value of awards exercised $ 115

No stock appreciation rights were exercised during the twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2022.

Table of Contents

12. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

The Company is exposed to risks associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates and uses derivative instruments, 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.

The Company uses derivative instruments, primarily foreign currency exchange forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges, to hedge the foreign currency exchange rate exposure associated with forecasted foreign-currency-denominated intercompany inventory sales to foreign subsidiaries and the related settlement of the foreign-currency-denominated intercompany receivables. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates will either increase or decrease the Company’s intercompany equivalent cash flows and affect the Company’s U.S. Dollar earnings. Gains or losses on the foreign currency exchange forward contracts that are used to hedge these exposures are expected to partially offset this variability. Foreign currency exchange forward contracts represent agreements to exchange the currency of one country for the currency of another country at an agreed upon settlement date. These foreign currency exchange forward contracts typically have a maximum term of twelve 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 AOCL into earnings.

The Company also uses foreign currency 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 foreign currency exchange rates result in transaction gains or losses being recorded in earnings, as GAAP requires that monetary assets/liabilities be remeasured at the spot exchange rate at quarter-end and upon settlement. The Company has chosen not to apply hedge accounting to these instruments because there are no anticipated differences in the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instruments and the hedged items.

As of July 29, 2023, the Company had outstanding the following foreign currency exchange forward contracts that were entered into to hedge either a portion, or all, of forecasted foreign-currency-denominated intercompany transactions:

(in thousands) Notional Amount (1)
Euro $ 80,554
British pound 67,170
Canadian dollar 27,760

(1) Amounts reported are the U.S. Dollar notional amounts outstanding as of July 29, 2023.

The fair value of derivative instruments is determined using quoted market prices of the same or similar instruments, adjusted for counterparty risk. The following table provides the location and amounts of derivative fair values of foreign currency exchange forward contracts on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of July 29, 2023 and January 28, 2023:

(in thousands) Location July 29, 2023 January 28, 2023 Location July 29, 2023 January 28, 2023
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments other current assets $ 536 $ 32 accrued expenses $ 2,312 $ 4,986

The following table provides information pertaining to derivative gains or losses from foreign currency exchange forward contracts designated as cash flow hedging instruments for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2023 and July 30, 2022:

(in thousands) Thirteen Weeks Ended — July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022 Twenty-Six Weeks Ended — July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
Gain recognized in AOCL (1) $ 558 $ 2,361 $ 51 $ 7,724
(Loss) gain reclassified from AOCL to cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization (2) ( 1,708 ) 4,124 $ ( 2,614 ) $ 7,809

(1) Amount represents the change in fair value of derivative instruments.

(2) Amount represents (loss) gain reclassified from AOCL to cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) when the hedged item affects earnings, which is when merchandise is converted to cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization.

Substantially all of the unrealized gain will be recognized in costs of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) over the next twelve months .

The following table provides additional information pertaining to derivative gains or losses from foreign currency exchange forward contracts not designated as hedging instruments for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2023 and July 30, 2022:

(in thousands) Thirteen Weeks Ended — July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022 Twenty-Six Weeks Ended — July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
(Loss) gain, net recognized in other operating (income) loss, net $ ( 540 ) $ 631 $ ( 1,087 ) $ 1,772

Table of Contents

13. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

The following tables provide activity in AOCL fo r the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2023:

(in thousands) Thirteen Weeks Ended July 29, 2023 — Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments Total
Beginning balance at April 29, 2023 $ ( 132,342 ) $ ( 4,469 ) $ ( 136,811 )
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications ( 3,836 ) 558 ( 3,278 )
Reclassified loss from AOCL (1) 1,708 1,708
Tax effect ( 24 ) ( 24 )
Other comprehensive (loss) income after reclassifications ( 3,836 ) 2,242 ( 1,594 )
Ending balance at July 29, 2023 $ ( 136,178 ) $ ( 2,227 ) $ ( 138,405 )
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended July 29, 2023
(in thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments Total
Beginning balance at January 28, 2023 $ ( 132,653 ) $ ( 4,874 ) $ ( 137,527 )
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications ( 3,525 ) 51 ( 3,474 )
Reclassified loss from AOCL (1) 2,614 2,614
Tax effect ( 18 ) ( 18 )
Other comprehensive (loss) income after reclassifications ( 3,525 ) 2,647 ( 878 )
Ending balance at July 29, 2023 $ ( 136,178 ) $ ( 2,227 ) $ ( 138,405 )

(1) Amount represents loss reclassified from AOCL to cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

The following tables provide activity in AOCL for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2022:

(in thousands) Thirteen Weeks Ended July 30, 2022 — Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments Total
Beginning balance at April 30, 2022 $ ( 131,092 ) $ 7,695 $ ( 123,397 )
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications ( 4,914 ) 2,361 ( 2,553 )
Reclassified gain from AOCL (1) ( 4,124 ) ( 4,124 )
Tax effect 34 34
Other comprehensive loss after reclassifications ( 4,914 ) ( 1,729 ) ( 6,643 )
Ending balance at July 30, 2022 $ ( 136,006 ) $ 5,966 $ ( 130,040 )
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended July 30, 2022
(in thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments Total
Beginning balance at January 29, 2022 $ ( 120,689 ) $ 5,983 $ ( 114,706 )
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications ( 15,317 ) 7,724 ( 7,593 )
Reclassified gain from AOCL (1) ( 7,809 ) ( 7,809 )
Tax effect 68 68
Other comprehensive loss after reclassifications ( 15,317 ) ( 17 ) ( 15,334 )
Ending balance at July 30, 2022 $ ( 136,006 ) $ 5,966 $ ( 130,040 )

(1) Amount represents loss reclassified from AOCL to cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Table of Contents

14. SEGMENT REPORTING

The Company's reportable segments are based on the financial information the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) uses to allocate resources and assess performance of its business.

During the second quarter of Fiscal 2023, to leverage the knowledge and experience of our regional teams to better drive brand growth, the Company reorganized its structure and now manages its business on a geographic basis, consisting of three reportable segments: Americas; Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA); and Asia-Pacific (APAC). Corporate functions and other income and expenses are evaluated on a consolidated basis and are not allocated to the Company’s segments, and therefore are included as a reconciling item between segment and total operating income (loss). The Americas reportable segment includes the results of operations in North America and South America. The EMEA reportable segment includes the results of operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The APAC reportable segment includes the results of operations in the Asia-Pacific region, including Asia and Oceania. Intersegment sales and transfers are recorded at cost and are treated as a transfer of inventory. All intercompany revenues are eliminated in consolidation and are not reviewed when evaluating segment performance. All prior periods presented are recast to conform to the new segment presentation.

The group comprised of the Company’s (i) Chief Executive Officer and (ii) Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer functions as the Company’s CODM. The Company’s CODM manages business operations and evaluates the performance of each segment based on the net sales and operating income (loss) of the segment.

Net sales by segment are presented by attributing revenues on the basis of the segment that fulfills the order. Operating income (loss) for each segment includes net sales to third parties, related cost of sales and operating expenses directly attributed to the segment. Corporate/other expenses include expenses incurred that are not directly attributed to a reportable segment and primarily relate to corporate or global functions such as design, sourcing, brand management, corporate strategy, information technology, finance, treasury, legal, human resources, and other corporate support services, as well as certain globally managed components of the planning, merchandising, and marketing functions.

The Company reports inventories by segment as that information is used by the CODM in determining allocation of resources to the segments. The Company does not report its other assets by segment as that information is not used by the CODM in assessing segment performance or allocating resources.

The following tables provide the Company’s segment information as of July 29, 2023 and January 28, 2023, and for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2023 and July 30, 2022:

Net Sales — Thirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
(in thousands) July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022 July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
Americas $ 731,427 $ 613,244 $ 1,396,850 $ 1,235,205
EMEA 171,962 164,827 310,068 326,554
APAC 31,956 27,020 64,421 56,094
Segment total $ 935,345 $ 805,091 $ 1,771,339 $ 1,617,853
Operating Income (loss) — Thirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
(in thousands) July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022 July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
Americas $ 177,063 $ 85,836 $ 333,508 $ 172,100
EMEA 29,860 17,545 28,375 26,652
APAC ( 464 ) ( 6,380 ) ( 3,011 ) ( 15,485 )
Segment total $ 206,459 $ 97,001 $ 358,872 $ 183,267
Operating Income (loss) not attributed to Segments:
Stores and distribution expense ( 3,114 ) ( 2,825 ) ( 5,003 ) ( 4,718 )
Marketing, general and administrative expense ( 116,198 ) ( 95,388 ) ( 235,603 ) ( 193,361 )
Other operating loss (income), net 2,695 ( 979 ) 5,584 2,895
Total operating income (loss) $ 89,842 $ ( 2,191 ) $ 123,850 $ ( 11,917 )

Table of Contents

(in thousands) Assets — July 29, 2023 January 28, 2023
Inventories
Americas $ 403,469 $ 404,040
EMEA 72,827 80,447
APAC 17,183 21,134
Total inventories $ 493,479 $ 505,621
Assets not attributed to Segments 2,303,235 2,207,479
Total assets $ 2,796,714 $ 2,713,100

Brand Information

The following table provides additional disaggregated revenue information, which is categorized by brand, for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2023 and July 30, 2022:

(in thousands) Thirteen Weeks Ended — July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022 Twenty-Six Weeks Ended — July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
Abercrombie 462,711 368,157 $ 898,755 $ 752,113
Hollister $ 472,634 $ 436,934 $ 872,584 $ 865,740
Total $ 935,345 $ 805,091 $ 1,771,339 $ 1,617,853

Table of Contents

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) should be read together with the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q in “ Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) ,” to which all references to Notes in MD&A are made.

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The Company cautions that any forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or made by the Company or, its management and spokespeople 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,” “should,” “are confident,” “will,” “could,” “outlook,” or the negative versions of these words or other comparable words, and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements. 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 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q will prove to be accurate. Factors that could cause results to differ from those expressed in the Company’s forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the risks described or referenced in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors,” in the Company’s Fiscal 2022 Form 10-K and otherwise in our reports and filings with the SEC, as well as the following:

• risks related to changes in global economic and financial conditions, including volatility in the financial markets as a result of the failure, or rumored failure, of financial institutions, and the resulting impact on consumer confidence and consumer spending, as well as other changes in consumer discretionary spending habits;

• risks related to continued inflationary pressures with respect to labor and raw materials and global supply chain constraints that have, and could continue to, affect freight, transit and other costs;

• risks related to geopolitical conflict, including ongoing geopolitical challenges between the United States and China, the on-going hostilities in Ukraine, acts of terrorism, mass casualty events, social unrest, civil disturbance or disobedience;

• risks related to natural disasters and other unforeseen catastrophic events;

• risks related to our failure to engage our customers, anticipate customer demand and changing fashion trends, and manage our inventory;

• risks related to our ability to successfully invest in and execute on our customer, digital and omnichannel initiatives;

• risks related to the effects of seasonal fluctuations on our sales and our performance during the back-to-school and holiday selling seasons;

• risks related to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates;

• risks related to fluctuations in our tax obligations and effective tax rate, including as a result of earnings and losses generated from our international operations;

• risks related to our ability to execute on our strategic and growth initiatives, including those outlined in our Always Forward Plan;

• risks related to international operations, including changes in the economic or political conditions where we sell or source our products or changes in import tariffs or trade restrictions;

• risks and uncertainty related to adverse public health developments, such as the COVID-19 pandemic;

• risks related to cybersecurity threats and privacy or data security breaches;

• risks related to the potential loss or disruption of our information systems;

• risks related to the continued validity of our trademarks and our ability to protect our intellectual property;

• risks associated with climate change and other corporate responsibility issues; and

• uncertainties related to future legislation, regulatory reform, policy changes, or interpretive guidance on existing legislation.

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 included 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, including any financial targets and estimates, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

MD&A is provided as a supplement to the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto to help provide an understanding of the Company’s results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity. MD&A is organized as follows:

• Overview . A general description of the Company’s business and certain segment information.

Current Trends and Outlook . A discussion related to certain of the Company’s focus areas for the current fiscal year and discussion of certain risks and challenges, as well as a summary of the Company’s performance for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2023 and July 30, 2022.

Results of Operations . An analysis of certain components of the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2023 and July 30, 2022.

Liquidity and Capital Resources . A discussion of the Company’s financial condition, changes in financial condition and liquidity as of July 29, 2023, which includes (i) an analysis of financial condition as compared to January 28, 2023; (ii) an analysis of changes in cash flows for the twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2023, as compared to the twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2022; and (iii) an analysis of liquidity, including availability under the Company’s ABL Facility, the Company’s share repurchase program, and outstanding debt and covenant compliance.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements . A discussion, as applicable, of the recent accounting pronouncements the Company has adopted or is currently evaluating, including the dates of adoption and/or expected dates of adoption, and anticipated effects on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Critical Accounting Estimates . A discussion of the accounting estimates considered to be important to the Company’s results of operations and financial condition, which typically require significant judgment and estimation on the part of management in their application.

• Non-GAAP Financial Measures . MD&A provides a discussion of certain financial measures that have been determined to not be presented in accordance with GAAP. This section includes certain reconciliations between GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures and additional details on non-GAAP financial measures, including information as to why the Company believes the non-GAAP financial measures provided within MD&A are useful to investors.

Table of Contents

OVERVIEW

Business summary

The Company is a global, digitally-led omnichannel retailer. The Company offers a broad assortment of apparel, personal care products and accessories for men, women and kids, which are sold primarily through its digital channels and Company-owned stores, as well as through various third-party arrangements.

During the second quarter of Fiscal 2023, to leverage the knowledge and experience of our regional teams to better drive brand growth, as indicated in our Always Forward Plan, the Company reorganized its structure and now manages its business on a geographic basis, consisting of three reportable segments: Americas; Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA); and Asia-Pacific (APAC). Corporate functions and other income and expenses are evaluated on a consolidated basis and are not allocated to the Company’s segments, and therefore are included as a reconciling item between segment and total operating income (loss). There was no impact on consolidated net sales, operating income (loss) or net income (loss) per share as a result of these changes. All prior periods presented are recast to conform to the new segment presentation.

The Company’s brands include Abercrombie brands, which includes the Company’s Abercrombie & Fitch and abercrombie kids brands, and Hollister brands, which includes the Company’s Hollister, Gilly Hicks, and Social Tourist brands. These brands share a commitment to offering unique products of enduring quality and exceptional comfort that allow customers around the world to express their own individuality and style.

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31. All references herein to the Company’s fiscal years are as follows:

Fiscal year Year ended/ending Number of weeks
Fiscal 2022 January 28, 2023 52
Fiscal 2023 February 3, 2024 53
Fiscal 2024 February 1, 2025 52

Seasonality

Historically, the Company’s operations have been seasonal in nature and consist of 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”). Due to the seasonal nature of the retail apparel industry, the results of operations for any current period are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full fiscal year and the Company could have significant fluctuations in certain asset and liability accounts. The Company historically experiences its greatest sales activity during the Fall season due to back-to-school and holiday sales periods, respectively.

CURRENT TRENDS AND OUTLOOK

Focus areas for Fiscal 2023

The Company remains committed to, and confident in, its long-term vision of being a digitally-led global omnichannel apparel retailer and continues to evaluate opportunities to make progress toward initiatives that support this vision as outlined in its Always Forward Plan.

The Always Forward Plan, which outlines the Company’s long-term strategic goals, including growing shareholder value, is anchored on three strategic growth principles, which are to:

• Execute focused brand growth plans;

• Accelerate an enterprise-wide digital revolution; and

• Operate with financial discipline.

The following focus areas for Fiscal 2023 serve as a framework for the Company achieving sustainable growth and progressing toward the Always Forward Plan:

• Execute focused brand growth plans

• Drive Abercrombie brands through marketing and store investment;

• Optimize the Hollister product and brand voice to enable growth in the second half of Fiscal 2023; and

• Support Gilly Hicks growth with an evolved assortment mix

• Accelerate an enterprise-wide digital revolution

• Progress on current phase of our modernization efforts around key data platforms;

• Continue to progress on our multi-year enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) transformation and cloud migration journey; and

• Improve our digital and app experience across key parts of the customer journey

• Operate with financial discipline

Table of Contents

• Maintain appropriately lean inventory levels that put Abercrombie and Hollister in a position to chase inventory throughout the year; and

• Properly balance investments, inflation and efficiency efforts to improve profitability

Supply chain and impact of inflation

Previously, the Company experienced inflationary pressures with respect to labor, cotton, freight and other raw materials and other costs, which has negatively impacted expenses and margins. While freight costs have decreased and supply chain constraints are waning, there continues to be inflationary pressures with respect to cotton and other raw materials, as well as other operating costs. Continued inflationary pressures could further impact expenses and have a long-term impact on the Company because increasing costs may impact its ability to maintain satisfactory margins. The Company may be unsuccessful in passing these increased costs on to its customers through higher average unit retail (“AUR”).

Furthermore, increases in inflation may not be matched by growth in consumer income, which also could have a negative impact on discretionary spending. In periods of perceived or actual unfavorable economic conditions, consumers may reallocate available discretionary spending, which may adversely impact demand for our products.

Global Store Network Optimization

The Company has a goal of opening smaller, omni-enabled stores that cater to local customers. The Company continues to use data to inform its focus on aligning store square footage with digital penetration, and during the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2023, the Company opened 15 new stores, while closing 18 stores. As part of this focus, the Company plans to be a net store opener again this year with approximately 35 new stores, while closing approximately 30 stores, during Fiscal 2023, pending negotiations with our landlord partners.

Future closures could be completed through natural lease expirations, while certain other leases include early termination options that can be exercised under specific conditions. The Company may also elect to exit or modify other leases, and could incur charges related to these actions.

Impact of global events and uncertainty

As we are a global multi-brand omnichannel specialty retailer, with operations in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, among other regions, management is mindful of macroeconomic risks, global challenges and the changing global geopolitical environment, including ongoing geopolitical challenges between the United States and China and the ongoing hostilities in Ukraine, that could adversely impact certain areas of the business. As a result, management continues to monitor global events. The Company continues to assess the potential impacts these events and similar events may have on the business in future periods and continues to develop and update contingency plans to assist in mitigating potential impacts. It is possible that the Company’s preparations for such events are not adequate to mitigate their impact, and that these events could further adversely affect its business and results of operations.

For a discussion of material risks that have the potential to cause our actual results to differ materially from our expectations, refer to Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” on the Fiscal 2022 Form 10-K.

Table of Contents

Summary of results

A summary of results for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2023 and July 30, 2022 was as follows:

(in thousands, except change in net sales, comparable sales, gross profit rate, operating income (loss) margin and per share amounts) GAAP — July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022 Non-GAAP (1) — July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
Thirteen Weeks Ended
Net sales $ 935,345 $ 805,091
Change in net sales 16.2 % (6.9) %
Comparable sales (2) 13 % — %
Gross profit rate 62.5 % 57.9 %
Operating income (loss) $ 89,842 $ (2,191) $ (21)
Operating income (loss) margin 9.6 % (0.3) % — %
Net income (loss) attributable to A&F $ 56,894 $ (16,834) $ (15,275)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to A&F 1.10 (0.33) (0.30)
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
Net sales $ 1,771,339 $ 1,617,853
Change in net sales 9.5 % (1.7) %
Comparable sales (2) 8 % — %
Gross profit rate 61.8 56.6
Operating income (loss) $ 123,850 $ (11,917) $ 128,286 $ (6,325)
Operating income (loss) margin 7.0 % (0.7) % 7.2 % (0.4) %
Net income (loss) attributable to A&F. $ 73,465 $ (33,303) $ 76,694 $ (29,240)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to A&F 1.43 (0.65) 1.49 (0.57)

(1) Discussion as to why the Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors and a reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP are provided below under “ NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES .”

(2) Comparable sales are calculated on a constant currency basis and exclude revenue other than store and digital sales. Refer to the discussion below in “ NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES ,” for further details on the comparable sales calculation. In light of store closures related to COVID-19, comparable sales for periods prior to Fiscal 2023 included in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are not disclosed.

Certain components of the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of July 29, 2023 and January 28, 2023 were as follows:

(in thousands) July 29, 2023 January 28, 2023
Cash and equivalents $ 617,339 $ 517,602
Gross long-term borrowings outstanding, carrying amount 299,730 299,730
Inventories 493,479 505,621

Certain components of the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the twenty-six week periods ended July 29, 2023 and July 30, 2022 were as follows:

(in thousands) July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities $ 216,328 $ (259,733)
Net cash used for investing activities (89,780) (51,610)
Net cash used for financing activities (23,342) (135,424)

Table of Contents

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The estimated basis point (“BPS”) change disclosed throughout this Results of Operations section has been rounded based on the change in the percentage of net sales.

Net sales

The Company’s net sales by reportable segment for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2023 and July 30, 2022 were as follows:

(in thousands, except ratios) Thirteen Weeks Ended — July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022 $ Change % Change Comparable Sales (1 )
By segment:
Americas $ 731,427 $ 613,244 $ 118,183 19 % 14 %
EMEA 171,962 164,827 7,135 4 6
APAC 31,956 27,020 4,936 18 26
Total $ 935,345 $ 805,091 $ 130,254 16 13
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
(in thousands, except ratios) July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022 $ Change % Change Comparable Sales (1)
Americas $ 1,396,850 $ 1,235,205 $ 161,645 13 % 9 %
EMEA 310,068 326,554 (16,486) (5) 2
APAC 64,421 56,094 8,327 15 25
Total $ 1,771,339 $ 1,617,853 $ 153,486 9 8

(1) Comparable sales are calculated on a constant currency basis. Refer to NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES, for further details on the comparable sales calculation.

For the second quarter of Fiscal 2023, net sales increased 16%, as compared to the second quarter of Fiscal 2022, primarily due to an increase in higher unit selling and AUR. The year-over-year increase in net sales reflects a positive comparable sales of 13%, as compared to the second quarter of Fiscal 2022, with growth in the Americas, EMEA and APAC segments.

For the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2023, net sales increased 9%, as compared to the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2022, primarily due to an increase in AUR. The year-over-year increase in net sales reflects positive comparable sales of 8%, as compared to the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2022, with comparable sales growth in the Americas, EMEA and APAC segments.

The Company’s net sales by brand for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2023 and July 30, 2022 were as follows:

(in thousands, except ratios) Thirteen Weeks Ended — July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022 $ Change % Change Comparable Sales (1)
Abercrombie (2) $ 462,711 $ 368,157 $ 94,554 26 % 23 %
Hollister (3) 472,634 436,934 35,700 8 5
Total $ 935,345 $ 805,091 $ 130,254 16 13
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
(in thousands, except ratios) July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022 $ Change % Change Comparable Sales (1)
Abercrombie (2) $ 898,755 $ 752,113 $ 146,642 19 % 19 %
Hollister (3) 872,584 865,740 6,844 1 (1)
Total $ 1,771,339 $ 1,617,853 $ 153,486 9 8

(1) Comparable sales are calculated on a constant currency basis. Refer to NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES, for further details on the comparable sales calculation.

(2) Includes Abercrombie & Fitch and abercrombie kids brands.

(3) Includes Hollister, Gilly Hicks, and Social Tourist brands.

Table of Contents

Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization

Thirteen Weeks Ended
July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
(in thousands, except ratios) % of Net sales % of Net sales BPS Change
Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization $ 350,965 37.5 % $ 339,200 42.1 % (460)
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
(in thousands, except ratios) % of Net Sales % of Net Sales BPS Change
Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization $ 677,165 38.2% $ 702,416 43.4% (520)

For the second quarter of Fiscal 2023, cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, as a percentage of net sales decreased by approximately 460 basis points, as compared to the second quarter of Fiscal 2022. The year-over-year decrease was primarily driven by a benefit of 400 basis points from year-over-year AUR growth and 340 basis points from lower freight costs, partially offset by 180 basis points from higher cotton costs and 60 basis points from the adverse impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

For the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2023, cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, as a percentage of net sales decreased by approximately 520 basis points, as compared to the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2022. The year-over-year decrease was primarily attributable to a benefit from lower freight costs of approximately 540 basis points and 350 basis points from year-over-year AUR growth. These benefits were partially offset by approximately 220 basis points from higher cotton costs and 80 basis points due to the adverse impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Gross profit, exclusive of depreciation and amortization

Thirteen Weeks Ended
July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
(in thousands, except ratios) % of Net sales % of Net sales BPS Change
Gross profit, exclusive of depreciation and amortization $ 584,380 62.5 % $ 465,891 57.9 % 460
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
(in thousands, except ratios) % of Net Sales % of Net Sales BPS Change
Gross profit, exclusive of depreciation and amortization $ 1,094,174 61.8 % $ 915,437 56.6 % 520

Stores and distribution expense

Thirteen Weeks Ended
July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
(in thousands, except ratios) % of Net sales % of Net sales BPS Change
Stores and distribution expense $ 352,730 37.7 % $ 340,791 42.3 % (460)
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
(in thousands, except ratios) % of Net Sales % of Net Sales BPS Change
Stores and distribution expense $ 684,343 38.6 % $ 678,334 41.9 % (330)

For the second quarter of Fiscal 2023, stores and distribution expense increased 460 basis points, as compared to the second quarter of Fiscal 2022. The increase was primarily driven by an increase in store occupancy expense, partially offset by a decrease in fulfillment costs as compared to the second quarter of Fiscal 2022.

For the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2023, stores and distribution expense increased 330 basis points, as compared to the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2022. The increase was primarily driven by an increase in store occupancy expense compared to the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2022.

Table of Contents

Marketing, general and administrative expense

Thirteen Weeks Ended
July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
(in thousands, except ratios) % of Net sales % of Net sales BPS Change
Marketing, general and administrative expense $ 144,502 15.4 % $ 124,168 15.4 %
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
(in thousands, except ratios) % of Net Sales % of Net Sales BPS Change
Marketing, general and administrative expense $ 287,133 16.2 % $ 246,317 15.2 % 100

For the second quarter of Fiscal 2023, marketing, general and administrative expense, as a percentage of net sales, was essentially flat, as compared to the second quarter of Fiscal 2022, primarily driven by an increase in technology expenses and incentive-based compensation, fully offset by decreases in payroll and marketing.

For the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2023, marketing, general and administration expense, as a percentage of net sales, increased 100 basis points as compared to the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2022, primarily due to an increase in technology expenses and incentive-based compensation.

Asset impairment

Thirteen Weeks Ended
July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
(in thousands, except ratios) % of Net sales % of Net sales BPS Change
Asset impairment $ — —% $ 2,170 0.3% (30)
Excluded items:
Asset impairment charges (1) (2,170) (0.3) 30
Adjusted non-GAAP asset impairment (1) $ — $ —
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
(in thousands, except ratios) % of Net Sales % of Net Sales BPS Change
Asset impairment $ 4,436 0.3% $ 5,592 0.3%
Excluded items:
Asset impairment charges (1) (4,436) (0.3) (5,592) (0.3)
Adjusted non-GAAP asset impairment (1) $ — $ —

(1) Refer to NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES for further details.

Refer to Note 8, “ ASSET IMPAIRMENT .”

Other operating income (loss), net

Thirteen Weeks Ended
July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
(in thousands, except ratios) % of Net sales % of Net sales BPS Change
Other operating income (loss), net $ 2,694 0.3 % $ (953) (0.1) % 40
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
(in thousands, except ratios) % of Net Sales % of Net Sales BPS Change
Other operating income, net $ 5,588 0.3 % $ 2,889 0.2 % 10

Table of Contents

Operating income (loss)

Thirteen Weeks Ended
July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
(in thousands, except ratios) % of Net sales % of Net sales BPS Change
Operating income (loss) $ 89,842 9.6 % $ (2,191) (0.3) % 990
Excluded items:
Asset impairment charges (1) 2,170 0.3 (30)
Adjusted non-GAAP operating income (loss) ⁽¹⁾ $ 89,842 9.6 $ (21) 0.0 960
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
(in thousands, except ratios) % of Net Sales % of Net Sales BPS Change
Operating income (loss) $ 123,850 7.0 % $ (11,917) (0.7) % 770
Excluded items:
Asset impairment charges (1) 4,436 0.3 5,592 0.3
Adjusted non-GAAP operating income (loss) $ 128,286 7.2 $ (6,325) (0.4) 760

(1) Refer to NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES for further details.

Interest expense, net

Thirteen Weeks Ended
July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
(in thousands, except ratios) % of Net sales % of Net sales BPS Change
Interest expense $ 7,635 0.8 % $ 7,660 1.0 % (20)
Interest income (6,538) (0.7) (743) (0.1) (60)
Interest expense, net $ 1,097 0.1 $ 6,917 0.9 (80)
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
(in thousands, except ratios) % of Net Sales % of Net Sales BPS Change
Interest expense $ 15,093 0.9 % $ 15,469 1.0 % (10)
Interest income (10,553) (0.6) (1,245) (0.1) (50)
Interest expense, net $ 4,540 0.3 $ 14,224 0.9 (60)

For the second quarter of Fiscal 2023, interest expense, net decreased $5.8 million, as compared to the second quarter of Fiscal 2022, as a result of higher interest income due to the increase in balance and rates received on deposits and money market accounts.

For the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2023, interest expense, net decreased $9.7 million, as compared to the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2022, as a result of higher interest income due to the increase in balance and rates received on deposits and money market accounts.

Table of Contents

Income tax expense

Thirteen Weeks Ended — July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
(in thousands, except ratios) Effective Tax Rate Effective Tax Rate
Income tax expense $ 30,014 33.8 % $ 5,634 (61.9) %
Excluded items:
Tax effect of pre-tax excluded items (1) 611
Adjusted non-GAAP income tax expense ⁽¹⁾ $ 30,014 33.8 $ 6,245 (90.0)
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
(in thousands, except ratios) Effective Tax Rate Effective Tax Rate
Income tax expense $ 42,732 35.8 % $ 3,447 (13.2) %
Excluded items:
Tax effect of pre-tax excluded items (1) 1,207 1,529
Adjusted non-GAAP income tax expense $ 43,939 35.5 $ 4,976 (24.2)

(1) The tax effect of pre-tax excluded items is the difference between the tax provision calculation on a GAAP basis and on an adjusted non-GAAP basis. Refer to “ Operating income (loss) ” and “ NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES ” for details of pre-tax excluded items.

The change in the effective tax rates during the second quarter and year-to-date period of Fiscal 2023 is due to higher levels of income offsetting tax losses for which no benefit is recognized incurred outside of the U.S.

Refer to Note 9, “ INCOME TAXES .”

Net income (loss) attributable to A&F

Thirteen Weeks Ended
July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
(in thousands) % of Net sales % of Net sales BPS Change
Net income (loss) attributable to A&F $ 56,894 6.1 % $ (16,834) (2.1) % 820
Excluded items, net of tax (1) 1,559 0.2 (20)
Adjusted non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to A&F (2) $ 56,894 6.1 $ (15,275) (1.9) 800
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
(in thousands) % of Net Sales % of Net Sales BPS Change
Net income (loss) attributable to A&F. $ 73,465 4.1 % $ (33,303) (2.1) % 620
Excluded items, net of tax (1) 3,229 0.2 4,063 0.3 (10)
Adjusted non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to A&F (2) $ 76,694 4.3 $ (29,240) (1.8) 610

(1) Excluded items presented above under “ Operating income (loss) ,” and “ Income tax expense

(2) Refer to “ NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES ” for further details.

Table of Contents

Net income (loss) per share attributable to A&F

Thirteen Weeks Ended — July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022 $ Change
Net income (loss) per diluted share attributable to A&F $ 1.10 $ (0.33) $ 1.43
Excluded items, net of tax (1) 0.03 (0.03)
Adjusted non-GAAP net income (loss) per diluted share attributable to A&F 1.10 (0.30) 1.40
Impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates (0.02) 0.02
Adjusted non-GAAP net income (loss) per diluted share attributable to A&F on a constant currency basis (2) 1.10 (0.32) 1.42
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022 $ Change
Net income (loss) per diluted share attributable to A&F $ 1.43 $ (0.65) $2.08
Excluded items, net of tax (1) 0.06 0.08 (0.02)
Adjusted non-GAAP net income (loss) per diluted share attributable to A&F 1.49 (0.57) 2.06
Impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates (0.14) 0.14
Adjusted non-GAAP net income (loss) per diluted share attributable to A&F on a constant currency basis (2) 1.49 (0.71) 2.20

(1) Excluded items presented above under “ Operating income (loss) ,” and “ Income tax expense .

(2) Refer to “ NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES ” for further details.

Table of Contents

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Overview

The Company’s capital allocation strategy, priorities and investments are reviewed by A&F’s Board of Directors considering both liquidity and valuation factors. The Company believes that it will have adequate liquidity to fund operating activities for the next 12 months. The Company monitors financing market conditions and may in the future determine whether and when to amend, modify, repurchase, or restructure its ABL Facility and/or the Senior Secured Notes. For a discussion of the Company’s share repurchase activity and suspended dividend program, please see below under “ Share repurchases and dividends .”

Primary sources and uses of cash

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”). The Company generally experiences its greatest sales activity during the Fall season, due to the back-to-school and holiday sales periods. The Company relies on excess operating cash flows, which are largely generated in Fall, to fund operations throughout the year and to reinvest in the business to support future growth. The Company also has the ABL Facility available as a source of additional funding, which is described further below under “ Credit facility and Senior Secured Notes ”.

Over the next twelve months, the Company expects its primary cash requirements to be directed towards prioritizing investments in the business and continuing to fund operating activities, including the acquisition of inventory, and obligations related to compensation, marketing, leases and any lease buyouts or modifications it may exercise, taxes and other operating activities.

The Company evaluates opportunities for investments in the business that are in line with initiatives that position the business for sustainable long-term growth that align with its strategic pillars as described within Part I, “Item 1. Business - STRATEGY AND KEY BUSINESS PRIORITIES” included on the Fiscal 2022 Form 10-K, including being opportunistic regarding growth opportunities. Examples of potential investment opportunities include, but are not limited to, new store experiences, and investments in the Company’s digital and omnichannel initiatives. Historically, the Company has utilized free cash flow generated from operations to fund any discretionary capital expenditures, which have been prioritized towards new store experiences, as well as digital and omnichannel investments, information technology, and other projects. For the year-to-date period ended July 29, 2023, the Company used $89.8 million towards capital expenditures. Total capital expenditures for Fiscal 2023 are expected to be approximately $160 million.

The Company measures liquidity using total cash and cash equivalents and incremental borrowing available under the ABL Facility. As of July 29, 2023, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $617.3 million and total liquidity of approximately $974.3 million, compared with cash and cash equivalents of $517.6 million and total liquidity of approximately $865.7 million at the beginning of Fiscal 2023. This allows the Company to evaluate potential opportunities to strategically deploy excess cash and/or deleverage the balance sheet, depending on various factors, such as market and business conditions, including the Company’s ability to accelerate investments in the business. Such opportunities include, but are not limited to, returning cash to shareholders through share repurchases or purchasing outstanding Senior Secured Notes.

Share repurchases and dividends

In November 2021, A&F’s Board of Directors approved a $500 million share repurchase authorization, replacing the prior 2021 share repurchase authorization of 10.0 million shares, which had approximately 3.9 million shares remaining available. During the year-to-date period ended July 29, 2023, the Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock pursuant to this share repurchase authorization. The Company has $232 million in share repurchase authorization remaining under the authorization approved in November 2021.

Historically, the Company has repurchased shares of its Common Stock from time to time, dependent on excess liquidity, market conditions, and business conditions, with the objectives of returning excess cash to shareholders and offsetting dilution from issuances of Common Stock associated with the exercise of employee stock appreciation rights and the vesting of restricted stock units. Shares may be repurchased in the open market, including pursuant to trading plans established in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), through privately negotiated transactions or other transactions or by a combination of such methods. Refer to “ Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds ” of Part II of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the amount remaining available for purchase under the Company’s publicly announced share repurchase authorization.

In May 2020, the Company announced that it had suspended its dividend program in order to preserve liquidity and maintain financial flexibility in light of COVID-19. The Company may in the future review its dividend program to determine, in light of facts and circumstances at that time, whether and when to reinstate. Any dividends are declared at the discretion of A&F’s Board of Directors. A&F’s Board of Directors reviews and establishes a dividend amount, if at all, based on A&F’s financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, current and projected cash flows, business prospects and other factors, including any restrictions under the Company’s agreements related to the Senior Secured Notes and the ABL Facility. There can be no

Table of Contents

assurance that the Company will declare and pay dividends in the future or, if dividends are paid, that they will be in amounts similar to past dividends.

Credit facility and Senior Secured Notes

As of July 29, 2023, the Company had $299.7 million of gross borrowings outstanding under the Senior Secured Notes.

In addition, the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, as amended by the First Amendment (as defined below), provides for the ABL Facility, which is a senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility of up to $400 million. As of July 29, 2023, the Company did not have any borrowings outstanding under the ABL Facility. The ABL Facility matures on April 29, 2026.

Details regarding the remaining borrowing capacity under the ABL Facility as of July 29, 2023 are as follows:

(in thousands) July 29, 2023
Loan cap $ 397,087
Less: Outstanding stand-by letters of credit (435)
Borrowing capacity 396,652
Less: Minimum excess availability (1) (39,709)
Borrowing capacity available $ 356,943

(1) The Company must maintain excess availability equal to the greater of 10% of the loan cap or $30 million under the ABL Facility.

Refer to Note 10, “ BORROWINGS .”

Income taxes

The Company’s earnings and profits from its foreign subsidiaries could be repatriated to the U.S. without incurring additional federal income tax. The Company determined that the balance of the Company’s undistributed earnings and profits from its foreign subsidiaries as of February 2, 2019 are considered indefinitely reinvested outside of the U.S., and if these funds were to be repatriated to the U.S., the Company would expect to incur an insignificant amount of state income taxes and foreign withholding taxes. The Company accrues for both state income taxes and foreign withholding taxes with respect to earnings and profits earned after February 2, 2019, in such a manner that these funds could be repatriated without incurring additional tax expense. As of July 29, 2023, $205.9 million of the Company’s $617.3 million of cash and equivalents were held by foreign affiliates.

Refer to Note 9, “ INCOME TAXES .”

Analysis of cash flows

The table below provides certain components of the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2023 and July 30, 2022:

Twenty-Six Weeks Ended — July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022
(in thousands)
Cash and equivalents, and restricted cash and equivalents, beginning of period $ 527,569 $ 834,368
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities 216,328 (259,733)
Net cash used for investing activities (89,780) (51,610)
Net cash used for financing activities (23,342) (135,424)
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash (3,672) (7,567)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents, and restricted cash and equivalents 99,534 (454,334)
Cash and equivalents, and restricted cash and equivalents, end of period $ 627,103 $ 380,034

Operating activities - During the year-to-date period ended July 29, 2023, net cash provided by operating activities included increased cash receipts as a result of the 9% year-over-year increase in net sales as well as increased payments to vendors in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2022 which resulted in lower cash payments in the first quarter of Fiscal 2023.

Investing activities - During the year-to-date period ended July 29, 2023, net cash used for investing activities was primarily used for capital expenditures of $89.8 million. Net cash used for investing activities for the year-to-date period ended July 30, 2022 was primarily used for capital expenditures of $59.6 million, partially offset by the proceeds from the sale of property and equipment of $8.0 million.

Table of Contents

Financing activities - During the year-to-date period ended July 29, 2023, net cash used for financing activities included amounts related to shares of Common Stock withheld (repurchased) to cover tax withholdings upon vesting of share-based compensation awards. During the year-to-date period ended July 30, 2022, net cash used for financing activities included the repurchase of approximately 4.3 million shares of Common Stock with a market value of approximately $117.8 million.

Contractual obligations

The Company’s contractual obligations consist primarily of operating leases, purchase orders for merchandise inventory, unrecognized tax benefits, certain retirement obligations, lease deposits, and other agreements to purchase goods and services that are legally binding and that require minimum quantities to be purchased. These contractual obligations impact the Company’s short-term and long-term liquidity and capital resource needs.

There have been no material changes in the Company’s contractual obligations since January 28, 2023, with the exception of those obligations which occurred in the normal course of business (primarily changes in the Company’s merchandise inventory-related purchases and lease obligations, which fluctuate throughout the year as a result of the seasonal nature of the Company’s operations).

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

The Company describes its significant accounting policies in Note 2, “SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES , ” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” included on the Fiscal 2022 Form 10-K. The Company reviews recent accounting pronouncements on a quarterly basis and has excluded discussion of those not applicable to the Company and those that did not have, or are not expected to have, a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

The Company describes its critical accounting estimates in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” included on the Fiscal 2022 Form 10-K. There have been no significant changes in critical accounting policies and estimates since the end of Fiscal 2022.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes discussion of certain financial measures calculated and presented on both a GAAP and a non-GAAP basis. The Company believes that each of the non-GAAP financial measures presented in this “ Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ” is useful to investors as it provides a meaningful basis to evaluate the Company’s operating performance excluding the effect of certain items that the Company believes may not reflect its future operating outlook, such as certain asset impairment charges, thereby supplementing investors’ understanding of comparability of operations across periods. Management used these non-GAAP financial measures during the periods presented to assess the Company’s performance and to develop expectations for future operating performance. These non-GAAP financial measures should be used as a supplement to, and not as an alternative to, the Company’s GAAP financial results, and may not be calculated in the same manner as similar measures presented by other companies.

Comparable sales

At times, the Company provides comparable sales, defined as the year-over-year percentage change in the aggregate of (1) net sales for stores that have been open as the same brand at least one year and square footage has not been expanded or reduced by more than 20% within the past year, with the prior year’s net sales converted at the current year’s foreign currency exchange rates to remove the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, and (2) digital net sales with the prior year’s net sales converted at the current year’s foreign currency exchange rates to remove the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Comparable sales excludes revenue other than store and digital sales. Management uses comparable sales to understand the drivers of year-over-year changes in net sales and believes comparable sales is a useful metric as it can assist investors in distinguishing the portion of the Company’s revenue attributable to existing locations from the portion attributable to the opening or closing of stores. The most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is change in net sales. In light of store closures related to COVID-19, comparable sales for periods prior to Fiscal 2023 included in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are not disclosed.

Table of Contents

Excluded items

The following financial measures are disclosed on a GAAP and on an adjusted non-GAAP basis excluding the following items, as applicable:

Financial measures (1) Excluded items
Operating income (loss) Asset impairment charges
Income tax expense (2) Tax effect of pre-tax excluded items
Net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share attributable to A&F (2) Pre-tax excluded items and the tax effect of pre-tax excluded items

(1) Certain of these financial measures are also expressed as a percentage of net sales.

(2) The tax effect of excluded items is the difference between the tax provision calculation on a GAAP basis and on an adjusted non-GAAP basis.

Financial information on a constant currency basis

The Company provides certain financial information on a constant currency basis to enhance investors’ understanding of underlying business trends and operating performance by removing the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Management also uses financial information on a constant currency basis to award employee performance-based compensation. The effect from foreign currency exchange rates, calculated on a constant currency basis, is determined by applying the current period’s foreign currency exchange rates to the prior year’s results and is net of the year-over-year impact from hedging. The per diluted share effect from foreign currency exchange rates is calculated using a 26% effective tax rate.

Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial metrics on a constant currency basis to financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2023 and July 30, 2022 were as follows:

(in thousands, except change in net sales, gross profit rate, operating margin and per share data) — Net sales Thirteen Weeks Ended — July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022 % Change Twenty-Six Weeks Ended — July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022 % Change
GAAP $ 935,345 $ 805,091 16 % $ 1,771,339 $ 1,617,853 9%
Impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates 2,873 (5,724)
Non-GAAP on a constant currency basis $ 935,345 $ 807,964 16 $ 1,771,339 $ 1,612,129 10
Gross profit, exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022 BPS Change (1) July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022 BPS Change (1)
GAAP $ 584,380 $ 465,891 460 $ 1,094,174 $ 915,437 520
Impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates (2,977) 60 (15,577) 80
Non-GAAP on a constant currency basis $ 584,380 $ 462,914 520 $ 1,094,174 $ 899,860 600
Operating income (loss) July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022 BPS Change (1) July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022 BPS Change (1)
GAAP $ 89,842 $ (2,191) 990 $ 123,850 $ (11,917) 770
Excluded items (2) (2,170) 30 (4,436) (5,592) 10
Adjusted non-GAAP $ 89,842 $ (21) 960 $ 128,286 $ (6,325) 760
Impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates (971) 10 (9,610) 60
Adjusted non-GAAP on a constant currency basis $ 89,842 $ (992) 970 $ 128,286 $ (15,935) 820
Net income (loss) per share attributable to A&F July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022 $ Change July 29, 2023 July 30, 2022 $ Change
GAAP $ 1.10 $ (0.33) $ 1.43 $ 1.43 $ (0.65) $2.08
Excluded items, net of tax (2) (0.03) 0.03 (0.06) (0.08) 0.02
Adjusted non-GAAP $ 1.10 $ (0.30) $ 1.40 $ 1.49 $ (0.57) $2.06
Impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates (0.01) 0.01 (0.14) 0.14
Adjusted non-GAAP on a constant currency basis $ 1.10 $ (0.32) $ 1.42 $ 1.49 $ (0.71) $2.20

(1) The estimated basis point change has been rounded based on the change in the percentage of net sales.

(2) Excluded items for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2023 and July 30, 2022 consisted of pre-tax store asset impairment charges and the tax effect of pre-tax excluded items.

Table of Contents

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The Company maintains its cash equivalents in financial instruments, primarily time deposits and money market funds, with original maturities of three months or less. Due to the short-term nature of these instruments, changes in interest rates are not expected to materially affect the fair value of these financial instruments.

The Rabbi Trust includes amounts to meet 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 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. The Rabbi Trust assets primarily consist of trust-owned life insurance policies, which are recorded at cash surrender value. The change in cash surrender value and benefits paid pursuant to the trust-owned life insurance policies held in the Rabbi Trust resulted in realized gains of $0.9 million and $0.4 million for the thirteen weeks ended July 29, 2023 and July 30, 2022, respectively, and $1.3 million and $0.7 million for the twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2023 and July 30, 2022, respectively, which are recorded in interest expense, net on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

The Rabbi Trust assets were included in other assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of July 29, 2023 and January 28, 2023 and are restricted in their use as noted above.

INTEREST RATE RISK

Prior to July 2, 2020, the Company’s exposure to market risk due to changes in interest rates related primarily to the increase or decrease in the amount of interest expense from fluctuations in the LIBO rate, or an alternate base rate associated with the Company’s former term loan facility (the “Term Loan Facility”) and the ABL Facility. On July 2, 2020, the Company issued the Senior Secured Notes and repaid all outstanding borrowings under the Term Loan Facility and the ABL Facility, thereby eliminating any then-existing cash flow market risk due to changes in interest rates. The Senior Secured Notes are exposed to interest rate risk that is limited to changes in fair value. This analysis for Fiscal 2023 may differ from the actual results due to potential changes in gross borrowings outstanding under the ABL Facility and potential changes in interest rate terms and limitations described within the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.

In July 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority (the authority that regulates LIBO rate) announced it intended to stop compelling banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBO rate after 2021. Certain publications of the LIBO rate were phased out at the end of 2021 and all LIBO rate publications ceased after June 30, 2023. On March 15, 2023, the Company entered into the First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “First Amendment”) to eliminate LIBO rate based loans and to use the current market definitions with respect to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, as well as to make other conforming changes.

FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE RISK

A&F’s international subsidiaries generally operate with functional currencies other than the U.S. Dollar. Since the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in U.S. Dollars, the Company must translate all components of these financial statements 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 foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations increases as international operations relative to domestic operations increase.

A&F and its subsidiaries have exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates associated with foreign currency transactions and forecasted foreign currency transactions, including the purchase of inventory between subsidiaries and foreign-currency-denominated assets and liabilities. The Company has established a program that primarily utilizes foreign currency exchange 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 exchange rate exposures are partially offset by gains or losses on foreign currency exchange forward contracts, to mitigate the impact of foreign currency exchange gains or losses. The Company does not use forward contracts to engage in currency speculation. Outstanding foreign currency exchange forward contracts are recorded at fair value at the end of each fiscal period.

Table of Contents

Foreign currency exchange forward contracts are sensitive to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. As of July 29, 2023, the Company assessed the risk of loss in fair values from the effect of a hypothetical 10% devaluation of the U.S. Dollar against the exchange rates for foreign currencies under contract. Such a hypothetical devaluation would decrease derivative contract fair values by approximately $17.7 million. As the Company’s foreign currency exchange forward contracts are primarily designated as cash flow hedges of forecasted transactions, the hypothetical change in fair values would be expected to be largely offset by the net change in fair values of the underlying hedged items. Refer to Note 12, “ DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS ,” for the fair value of any outstanding foreign currency exchange forward contracts included in other current assets and accrued expenses as of July 29, 2023 and January 28, 2023.

Table of Contents

Item 4. 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 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 A&F’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, 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 (who serves as Principal Executive Officer of A&F) and the Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of A&F (who serves as Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting 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 quarter ended July 29, 2023. The Chief Executive Officer of A&F (in such individual’s capacity as the Principal Executive Officer of A&F) and the Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of A&F (in such individual’s capacity as the Principal Financial Officer of A&F) concluded that A&F’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at a reasonable level of assurance as of July 29, 2023.

CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

There were no changes in A&F’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter ended July 29, 2023 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, A&F’s internal control over financial reporting.

Table of Contents

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

The Company is a defendant in lawsuits and other adversary proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company’s legal costs incurred in connection with the resolution of claims and lawsuits are generally expensed as incurred, and the Company establishes estimated liabilities for the outcome of litigation where losses are deemed probable and the amount of loss, or range of loss, is reasonably estimable. The Company also determines estimates of reasonably possible losses or ranges of reasonably possible losses in excess of related accrued liabilities, if any, when it has determined that a loss is reasonably possible, and it is able to determine such estimates. The Company’s accrued charges for certain legal contingencies are classified within accrued expenses on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets included in “ Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) ,” of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on currently available information, the Company cannot estimate a range of reasonably possible losses in excess of the accrued charges for legal contingencies. In addition, the Company has not established accruals for certain claims and legal proceedings pending against the Company where it is not possible to reasonably estimate the outcome or potential liability, and the Company cannot estimate a range of reasonably possible losses for these legal matters. Actual liabilities may differ from the amounts recorded, due to uncertainties regarding final settlement agreement negotiations and the terms of any approval by the courts, and there can be no assurance that the final resolution of legal matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. The Company’s assessment of the current exposure could change in the event of the discovery of additional facts.

In addition, pursuant to Item 103(c)(3)(iii) of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act, the Company is required to disclose certain information about environmental proceedings to which a governmental authority is a party if the Company reasonably believes such proceedings may result in monetary sanctions, exclusive of interest and costs, above a stated threshold. The Company has elected to apply a threshold of $1 million for purposes of determining whether disclosure of any such proceedings is required.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The Company’s risk factors as of July 29, 2023 have not changed materially from those disclosed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of the Fiscal 2022 Form 10-K.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

There were no sales of equity securities during the second quarter of Fiscal 2023 that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

The following table provides information regarding the purchase of shares of Common Stock made by or on behalf of A&F or any “affiliated purchaser” as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Exchange Act during each fiscal month of the thirteen weeks ended July 29, 2023:

Period (fiscal month) Total Number of Shares Purchased (1) Average Price Paid per Share Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (2) Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (2)(3)
April 30, 2023 through May 27, 2023 1,490 $ 23.42 $ 232,184,768
May 28, 2023 through July 1, 2023 8,412 36.23 232,184,768
July 2, 2023 through July 29, 2023 1,231 37.01 232,184,768
Total 11,133 34.60 232,184,768

(1) An aggregate of 11,133 shares of Common Stock purchased during the thirteen weeks ended July 29, 2023 were withheld for tax payments due upon the vesting of employee restricted stock units and the exercise of employee stock appreciation rights.

(2) On November 23, 2021, we announced that A&F’s Board of Directors approved a new $500 million share repurchase authorization, replacing the prior 2021 share repurchase authorization of 10.0 million shares, which had approximately 3.9 million shares remaining available for repurchase.

(3) The number shown represents, as of the end of each period, the approximate dollar value of Common Stock that may yet be purchased under A&F’s publicly announced share repurchase authorization described in footnote 2 above. The shares may be purchased, from time to time depending on business and market conditions.

Item 5. Other Information

During the thirteen weeks ended July 29, 2023, no director or officer of the Company adopted a new “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement ” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” and no director or officer of the Company modified or terminated an existing “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement ” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act.

Table of Contents

Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibit Document
3.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Abercrombie & Fitch Co., reflecting amendments through the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, 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.]
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. reflecting amendments through the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed November 22, 2022 (File No. 001-12107) [This document represents the Amended and Restated Bylaws of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. in compiled form incorporating all amendments.]
10.1 Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan for Associates (as amended on June 8, 2023), incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to A&F’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 14, 2023 (File No. 001-12107)
10.2 Agreement entered into between A&F Management and Jay Rust as of May 9, 2023, the execution date by A & F Management and Mr. Rust*
31.1 Certifications by Chief Executive Officer (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 Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer (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 Chief Executive Officer (who serves as Principal Executive Officer) and Executive Vice President , Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer (who serves as 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.INS Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its Inline XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.*
101.SCH Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.*
101.CAL Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.*
101.DEF Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.*
101.LAB Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.*
101.PRE Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.*
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL with applicable taxonomy extension information contained in Exhibits 101).*
  • Filed herewith.

** Furnished herewith.

Table of Contents

Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

/s/ Scott D. Lipesky
Scott D. Lipesky
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer (Principal Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer and Authorized Officer)

Talk to a Data Expert

Have a question? We'll get back to you promptly.