Table of Contents


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549  
 
FORM 10-Q  
 
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended July 30, 2016
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 1-12107
 
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
31-1469076
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(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)  
 
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 and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files).     x   Yes     ¨   No
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
x
Accelerated filer
¨
Non-accelerated filer
¨   (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
¨
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
 
Outstanding at September 1, 2016
$.01 Par Value
 
67,661,309 Shares



Table of Contents


ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page No.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2

Table of Contents


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(Thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)



 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Twenty-six Weeks Ended
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
Net sales
$
783,160

 
$
817,756

 
$
1,468,643

 
$
1,527,178

Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization
306,053

 
307,894

 
565,815

 
605,767

Gross profit
477,107

 
509,862

 
902,828

 
921,411

Stores and distribution expense
382,917

 
389,193

 
752,035

 
780,831

Marketing, general and administrative expense
111,719

 
119,846

 
226,166

 
227,379

Restructuring benefit

 

 

 
(1,598
)
Asset impairment
6,356

 

 
6,356

 
6,133

Other operating income, net
(13,080
)
 
(1,139
)
 
(16,013
)
 
(3,099
)
Operating (loss) income
(10,805
)
 
1,962

 
(65,716
)
 
(88,235
)
Interest expense, net
4,741

 
4,567

 
9,247

 
9,206

Loss before taxes
(15,546
)
 
(2,605
)
 
(74,963
)
 
(97,441
)
Income tax benefit
(3,515
)
 
(3,217
)
 
(24,302
)
 
(34,807
)
Net (loss) income
(12,031
)
 
612

 
(50,661
)
 
(62,634
)
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
1,098

 
1,422

 
2,055

 
1,422

Net loss attributable to A&F
$
(13,129
)
 
$
(810
)
 
$
(52,716
)
 
$
(64,056
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss per share attributable to A&F
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
(0.19
)
 
$
(0.01
)
 
$
(0.78
)
 
$
(0.92
)
Diluted
$
(0.19
)
 
$
(0.01
)
 
$
(0.78
)
 
$
(0.92
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average shares outstanding
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
67,944

 
69,713

 
67,785

 
69,612

Diluted
67,944

 
69,713

 
67,785

 
69,612

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends declared per share
$
0.20

 
$
0.20

 
$
0.40

 
$
0.40

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive (loss) income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation, net of tax
$
(7,361
)
 
$
(9,856
)
 
$
13,064

 
$
(9,871
)
Derivative financial instruments, net of tax
6,575

 
(2,916
)
 
(3,380
)
 
(8,336
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income
(786
)
 
(12,772
)
 
9,684

 
(18,207
)
Comprehensive loss
(12,817
)
 
(12,160
)
 
(40,977
)
 
(80,841
)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
1,098

 
1,422

 
2,055

 
1,422

Comprehensive loss attributable to A&F
$
(13,915
)
 
$
(13,582
)
 
$
(43,032
)
 
$
(82,263
)


The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
3

Table of Contents


ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Thousands, except par value amounts)
(Unaudited)

 


 
July 30, 2016
 
January 30, 2016
Assets
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and equivalents
$
455,606

 
$
588,578

Receivables
79,012

 
56,868

Inventories, net
453,175

 
436,701

Other current assets
108,878

 
96,833

Total current assets
1,096,671

 
1,178,980

Property and equipment, net
850,114

 
894,178

Other assets
385,605

 
359,881

Total assets
$
2,332,390

 
$
2,433,039

Liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
180,834

 
$
184,175

Accrued expenses
279,918

 
321,237

Short-term portion of deferred lease credits
21,962

 
23,303

Income taxes payable
15,162

 
5,988

Short-term portion of borrowings, net
1,468

 

Total current liabilities
499,344

 
534,703

Long-term liabilities:
 
 
 
Long-term portion of deferred lease credits
79,877

 
89,256

Long-term portion of borrowings, net
285,528

 
286,235

Leasehold financing obligations
50,132

 
47,440

Other liabilities
185,285

 
179,683

Total long-term liabilities
600,822

 
602,614

Stockholders' equity
 
 
 
Class A Common Stock - $0.01 par value: 150,000 shares authorized and 103,300 shares issued at each of July 30, 2016 and January 30, 2016
1,033

 
1,033

Paid-in capital
394,925

 
407,029

Retained earnings
2,446,287

 
2,530,196

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
(104,935
)
 
(114,619
)
Treasury stock, at average cost: 35,634 and 35,952 shares at July 30, 2016 and January 30, 2016, respectively
(1,511,366
)
 
(1,532,576
)
Total Abercrombie & Fitch Co. stockholders' equity
1,225,944

 
1,291,063

Noncontrolling interests
6,280

 
4,659

Total stockholders' equity
1,232,224

 
1,295,722

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
2,332,390

 
$
2,433,039



The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
4

Table of Contents


ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Thousands)
(Unaudited)
 


 
Twenty-six Weeks Ended
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
Operating activities
 
 
 
Net loss
$
(50,661
)
 
$
(62,634
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used for operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
99,933

 
108,359

Asset impairment
6,356

 
6,133

Loss on disposal
1,336

 
4,447

Amortization of deferred lease credits
(12,577
)
 
(14,624
)
Benefit from deferred income taxes
(38,167
)
 
(34,745
)
Share-based compensation
11,000

 
14,083

Changes in assets and liabilities
 
 
 
Inventories
(26,517
)
 
(18,560
)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
(35,922
)
 
47,433

Lessor construction allowances
2,530

 
2,105

Income taxes
6,800

 
(35,556
)
Return of long-term lease deposit
22,801

 

Other assets
(42,139
)
 
(16,529
)
Other liabilities
(2,632
)
 
(20,665
)
Net cash used for operating activities
(57,859
)
 
(20,753
)
Investing activities
 
 
 
Purchases of property and equipment
(58,009
)
 
(69,121
)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
4,098

 
11,109

Net cash used for investing activities
(53,911
)
 
(58,012
)
Financing activities
 
 
 
Repayments of borrowings

 
(1,500
)
Dividends paid
(26,992
)
 
(27,785
)
Other financing activities
(1,787
)
 
(1,053
)
Net cash used for financing activities
(28,779
)
 
(30,338
)
Effect of exchange rates on cash
7,577

 
(3,294
)
Net decrease in cash and equivalents
(132,972
)
 
(112,397
)
Cash and equivalents, beginning of period
588,578

 
520,708

Cash and equivalents, end of period
$
455,606

 
$
408,311

Significant non-cash investing activities
 
 
 
Change in accrual for construction in progress
$
(4,744
)
 
$
26,030

Supplemental information
 
 
 
Cash paid for interest
$
7,537

 
$
7,740

Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds
$
19,041

 
$
41,419



The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
5

Table of Contents


ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Nature of Business

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (“A&F”), through its subsidiaries (collectively, A&F and its subsidiaries are referred to as “Abercrombie & Fitch” or the “Company”), is a specialty retailer of branded apparel and accessories. The Company operates stores in North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East and direct-to-consumer operations in North America, Europe and Asia that serve its customers throughout the world.

Principles of Consolidation

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

The Company has interests in a United Arab Emirates business venture and in a Kuwait business venture with Majid al Futtaim Fashion L.L.C. ("MAF"), each of which meets the definition of a variable interest entity (“VIE”). The Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of these VIEs; therefore, the Company has consolidated the assets, liabilities, results of operations and cash flows of these VIEs.

Fiscal Year

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31. All references herein to “Fiscal 2016 ” and “Fiscal 2015 ” represent the fifty-two week fiscal years ending on January 28, 2017 and ended on January 30, 2016 , respectively.

Interim Financial Statements

The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of July 30, 2016 , and for the thirteen and twenty-six week periods ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 , are unaudited and are presented pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Accordingly, these 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 2015 filed with the SEC on March 28, 2016. The January 30, 2016 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 United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).

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 and 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 2016 .

6



Recent Accounting Pronouncements

The following table provides a brief description of recent accounting pronouncements that could affect the Company's financial statements:
Accounting Standards Update (ASU)
 
Description
 
Date of
Adoption
 
Effect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
Standards not yet adopted
ASU 2015-11,  Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory
 
This update amends ASC 330, Inventory . The new guidance applies to inventory measured using first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average cost. Under this amendment, inventory should be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value, which is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation.
 
January 29, 2017*
 
The adoption of this amendment is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
ASU 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation
 
This update amends ASC 718, Compensation . Under the new guidance, simplified measures will be used for accounting for income taxes, identifying statutory tax withholding thresholds, and classifying tax effects and taxes paid related to stock compensation. This guidance also allows for entities to make a policy election to estimate forfeitures or account for them when they occur.
 
January 29, 2017*
 
The Company is currently evaluating the method of adoption and the impact that this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.
ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers
 
This update supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, Revenue Recognition . The new guidance requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.
 
February 4, 2018
 
The Company is currently evaluating the method of adoption and the impact that this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.
ASU 2016-02, Leases
 
This update supersedes the leasing requirements in ASC 840, Leases . The new guidance requires an entity to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclose key leasing information that depicts the lease rights and obligations of an entity.
 
February 3, 2019*
 
The Company is currently evaluating the method of adoption and the impact that this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.

* Early adoption is permitted.

7



2. NET LOSS PER SHARE

Net loss per basic and diluted share is computed based on the weighted-average number of outstanding shares of common stock.

The following table presents weighted-average shares outstanding and anti-dilutive shares:
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Twenty-six Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
Shares of common stock issued
103,300

 
103,300

 
103,300

 
103,300

Weighted-average treasury shares
(35,356
)
 
(33,587
)
 
(35,515
)
 
(33,688
)
Weighted-average — basic shares
67,944

 
69,713

 
67,785

 
69,612

Dilutive effect of share-based compensation awards

 

 

 

Weighted-average — diluted shares
67,944

 
69,713

 
67,785

 
69,612

Anti-dilutive shares (1)
6,622

 
12,258

 
6,251

 
12,258


(1)  
Reflects the total number of shares related to outstanding share-based compensation awards that have been excluded from the computation of net loss per diluted share because the impact would have been anti-dilutive.


3. 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 three levels of the hierarchy and the distribution within it of the Company’s assets and liabilities, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, were as follows:
 
Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of July 30, 2016
(in thousands)
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trust-owned life insurance policies (at cash surrender value)
$

 
$
98,113

 
$

 
$
98,113

Money market funds
23

 

 

 
23

Derivative financial instruments

 
3,645

 

 
3,645

Total assets
$
23

 
$
101,758

 
$

 
$
101,781

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments
$

 
$
2,867

 
$

 
$
2,867

 
Assets at Fair Value as of January 30, 2016
(in thousands)
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market funds
$
311,349

 
$

 
$

 
$
311,349

Derivative financial instruments

 
4,166

 

 
4,166

Total assets
$
311,349

 
$
4,166

 
$

 
$
315,515


The Level 2 assets and liabilities consist of derivative financial instruments, primarily forward foreign currency exchange contracts. The fair value of forward foreign currency exchange contracts is determined by using quoted market prices of the same or similar instruments, adjusted for counterparty risk.

8



Fair value of borrowings:

The Company’s borrowings under the Company's credit facilities are carried at historical cost in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. For disclosure purposes, the Company estimated the fair value of borrowings outstanding based on market rates for similar types of debt, which are considered to be Level 2 inputs.

The carrying amount and fair value of the Company's term loan facility were as follows:
(in thousands)
July 30, 2016
 
January 30, 2016
Gross borrowings outstanding, carrying amount
$
293,250

 
$
293,250

Gross borrowings outstanding, fair value
$
290,318

 
$
284,453


No borrowings were outstanding under the Company's senior secured revolving credit facility as of July 30, 2016 or January 30, 2016 .


4. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET

Property and equipment, net consisted of:
(in thousands)
July 30, 2016
 
January 30, 2016
Property and equipment, at cost
$
2,825,737

 
$
2,792,437

Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization
(1,975,623
)
 
(1,898,259
)
Property and equipment, net
$
850,114

 
$
894,178


Long-lived assets, primarily comprised of leasehold improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment, are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the long-lived assets might not be recoverable. These include, but are not limited to, material declines in operational performance, a history of losses, an expectation of future losses, other than temporary adverse market conditions and store closure or relocation decisions. On at least a quarterly basis, the Company reviews for indicators of impairment at the individual store level, the lowest level for which cash flows are identifiable.

Stores that display an indicator of impairment are subjected to an impairment assessment. The Company’s impairment assessment requires management to make assumptions and judgments related, but not limited, to management's expectations for future operations and projected cash flows. The key assumptions used in the Company's undiscounted future cash flow models include sales, gross margin and, to a lesser extent, operating expenses.

An impairment loss would be recognized when these undiscounted future cash flows are less than carrying amount of the asset group. In the circumstance of impairment, the loss would be measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the asset group over its fair value. The key assumptions used in estimating the fair value of impaired assets may include projected cash flows and discount rate.

In the second quarter of Fiscal 2016, the Company incurred non-cash asset impairment charges of $6.4 million as it was determined that the carrying value of certain store assets would not be recoverable and exceeded fair value. These asset impairment charges are related to the Company's abercrombie kids flagship store in London.

In the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2015, the Company incurred non-cash asset impairment charges of $6.1 million related to a decision to remove certain store fixtures in connection with changes to the Abercrombie and Hollister store experiences, and a fair value adjustment related to the Company-owned aircraft which was sold in the second quarter of Fiscal 2015.

The Company had $38.1 million and $37.3 million of construction project assets in property and equipment, net at July 30, 2016 and January 30, 2016 , respectively, related to the construction of buildings in certain lease arrangements where the Company is deemed to be the owner of the construction project.

9



5. INCOME TAXES

The Company’s quarterly tax provision and the estimate of the annual effective tax rate are subject to significant variation due to several factors. These 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 law, regulations, and administrative practices, relative changes of expenses or losses for which tax benefits are not recognized and the impact of discrete items. The impact of these items on the effective tax rate will be greater at lower levels of pre-tax income (loss) .

6. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $4.4 million and $11.0 million for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2016 , respectively, and $7.2 million and $14.1 million for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015 , respectively. The Company also recognized tax benefits related to share-based compensation of $1.7 million and $4.1 million for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2016 , respectively, and $2.5 million and $4.8 million for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015 , respectively.

Stock Options

The following table summarizes stock option activity for the twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2016 :
 
Number of
Underlying
Shares
 
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
 
Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
Outstanding at January 30, 2016
271,000

 
$
63.05

 
 
 
 
Granted

 

 
 
 
 
Exercised
(2,000
)
 
22.87

 
 
 
 
Forfeited or expired
(19,200
)
 
66.19

 
 
 
 
Outstanding at July 30, 2016
249,800

 
$
63.13

 
$
16,200

 
0.9
Stock options exercisable at July 30, 2016
249,800

 
$
63.13

 
$
16,200

 
0.9

Stock Appreciation Rights

The following table summarizes stock appreciation rights activity for the twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2016 :
 
Number of
Underlying
Shares
 
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
 
Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
Outstanding at January 30, 2016
5,301,115

 
$
45.02

 
 
 
 
Granted

 

 
 
 
 
Exercised
(9,533
)
 
22.46

 
 
 
 
Forfeited or expired
(136,347
)
 
30.68

 
 
 
 
Outstanding at July 30, 2016
5,155,235

 
$
45.51

 
$
55,187

 
2.6
Stock appreciation rights exercisable at July 30, 2016
4,548,819

 
$
47.96

 
$
594

 
1.9
Stock appreciation rights expected to become exercisable in the future as of July 30, 2016
522,109

 
$
27.40

 
$
38,048

 
8.4

As of July 30, 2016 , there was $6.8 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to stock appreciation rights. The unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 14 months .

The grant date fair value of stock appreciation rights that vested during the twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 was $4.0 million and $4.2 million , respectively.

10



Restricted Stock Units

The following table summarizes activity for restricted stock units for the twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2016 :
 
Service-based Restricted
Stock Units
 
Performance-based Restricted
Stock Units
 
Market-based Restricted
Stock Units
 
Number of 
Underlying
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
 
Number of 
Underlying
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
 
Number of 
Underlying
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
Unvested at January 30, 2016
1,671,597

 
$
28.13

 
185,500

 
$
23.42

 
117,711

 
$
25.00

Granted
1,028,888

 
26.07

 
112,398

 
27.20

 
112,406

 
34.12

Adjustments for performance achievement

 

 

 

 

 

Vested
(576,387
)
 
30.77

 
(32,625
)
 
36.12

 

 

Forfeited
(166,539
)
 
26.27

 
(78,677
)
 
24.22

 
(62,553
)
 
31.91

Unvested at July 30, 2016
1,957,559

 
$
26.44

 
186,596

 
$
23.14

 
167,564

 
$
28.54


Fair value of both service-based and performance-based restricted stock units is calculated using the market price of the underlying common stock on the date of grant reduced for anticipated dividend payments on unvested shares. In determining fair value, the Company does not take into account performance-based vesting requirements. Performance-based vesting requirements are taken into account in determining the number of awards expected to vest. For market-based restricted stock units, fair value is calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation with the number of shares that ultimately vest dependent on the Company's total stockholder return measured against the total stockholder return of a select group of peer companies over a three-year period. For an award with performance-based or market-based vesting requirements, the number of shares that ultimately vest can vary from 0% to 200% of target depending on the level of achievement of performance criteria. Unvested shares related to restricted stock units with performance-based vesting conditions are reflected at 100% of their target vesting amount in the table above.

Service-based restricted stock units are expensed on a straight-line basis over the total requisite service period, net of forfeitures. Performance-based restricted stock units subject to graded vesting are expensed on an accelerated attribution basis, net of forfeitures. Market-based restricted stock units without graded vesting features are expensed on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, net of forfeitures.

As of July 30, 2016 , there was $48.8 million , $2.4 million and $3.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to service-based, performance-based and market-based restricted stock units, respectively. The unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 17 months , 16 months and 15 months for service-based, performance-based and market-based restricted stock units, respectively.

Additional information pertaining to restricted stock units for the twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 follows:
(in thousands)
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
Service-based restricted stock units:
 
 
 
Total grant date fair value of awards granted
$
26,823

 
$
20,009

Total grant date fair value of awards vested
17,735

 
16,906

 
 
 
 
Performance-based restricted stock units:
 
 
 
Total grant date fair value of awards granted
$
3,057

 
$
2,278

Total grant date fair value of awards vested
1,178

 
1,861

 
 
 
 
Market-based restricted stock units:
 
 
 
Total grant date fair value of awards granted
$
3,835

 
$
2,158

Total grant date fair value of awards vested

 


11



The weighted-average assumptions used for market-based restricted stock units in the Monte Carlo simulation during the twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 were as follows:
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
Grant date market price
$
29.56

 
$
22.46

Fair value
$
34.12

 
$
19.04

Assumptions:
 
 
 
Price volatility
44
%
 
45
%
Expected term (years)
2.8

 
2.8

Risk-free interest rate
1.1
%
 
0.9
%
Dividend yield
2.8
%
 
3.5
%
Average volatility of peer companies
34.5
%
 
34.0
%
Average correlation coefficient of peer companies
0.3389

 
0.3288



7. 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 forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges, to hedge the foreign currency 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 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 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 accumulated other comprehensive loss ("AOCL"). Substantially all of the unrealized gains or losses related to designated cash flow hedges as of July 30, 2016 will be recognized in cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, over the next twelve months .

The Company presents its derivative assets and derivative liabilities at their gross fair values on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. However, our master netting and other similar arrangements allow net settlements under certain conditions.

As of July 30, 2016 , 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 inventory sales, the resulting settlement of the foreign-currency-denominated intercompany accounts receivable, or both:
(in thousands)
Notional Amount (1)
Euro
$
102,221

British pound
$
24,423

Canadian dollar
$
20,884

Japanese yen
$
11,225


(1)  
Amounts are reported in U.S. Dollars equivalent as of July 30, 2016 .

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

12



As of July 30, 2016 , the Company had outstanding the following foreign currency exchange forward contracts that were entered into to hedge foreign-currency-denominated net monetary assets/liabilities:
(in thousands)
Notional Amount (1)
Euro
$
12,388

Swiss franc
$
4,044

British pound
$
984


(1)  
Amounts are reported in U.S. Dollars equivalent as of July 30, 2016 .

The location and amounts of derivative fair values on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of July 30, 2016 and January 30, 2016 were as follows:
 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
(in thousands)
Location
 
July 30,
2016
 
January 30,
2016
 
Location
 
July 30,
2016
 
January 30,
2016
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts
Other current assets
 
$
3,645

 
$
4,097

 
Accrued expenses
 
$
2,570

 
$

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts
Other current assets
 
$

 
$
69

 
Accrued expenses
 
$
297

 
$

Total
Other current assets
 
$
3,645

 
$
4,166

 
Accrued expenses
 
$
2,867

 
$


Refer to Note 3, “ FAIR VALUE, ” for further discussion of the determination of the fair value of derivative financial instruments.


13



The location and amounts of derivative gains and losses for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss were as follows:
 
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Twenty-six Weeks Ended
 
 
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
(in thousands)
Location
 
Gain/(Loss)
 
Gain/(Loss)
 
Gain/(Loss)
 
Gain/(Loss)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts
Other operating income, net
 
$
618

 
$
264

 
$
(1,159
)
 
$
424

 
 
Effective Portion
 
Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative Contracts (1)
 
Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Earnings
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Earnings (2)
 
Location of Gain Recognized in Earnings on Derivative Contracts
 
Amount of Gain  Recognized in Earnings on Derivative Contracts (3)
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
July 30,
2016
 
August 1,
2015
 
 
 
July 30,
2016
 
August 1,
2015
 
 
 
July 30,
2016
 
August 1,
2015
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts
$
7,422

 
$
2,167

 
Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization
 
$
(204
)
 
$
4,839

 
Other operating income, net
 
$
259

 
$
204

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Twenty-six Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
 
 
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
 
 
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts
$
(1,960
)
 
$
2,386

 
Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization
 
$
2,101

 
$
10,875

 
Other operating income, net
 
$
613

 
$
239


(1)  
The amount represents the change in fair value of derivative contracts due to changes in spot rates.
(2)  
The amount represents the reclassification from AOCL into earnings when the hedged item affects earnings, which is when merchandise is sold to the Company’s customers.
(3)  
The amount represents the change in fair value of derivative contracts due to changes in the difference between the spot price and forward price that is excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and, therefore, recognized in earnings.
 

14



8. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

The activity in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2016 was as follows:
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended July 30, 2016
(in thousands)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
 
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments
 
Total
Beginning balance at April 30, 2016
$
(98,771
)
 
$
(5,378
)
 
$
(104,149
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
(12,596
)
 
7,422

 
(5,174
)
Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1)

 
204

 
204

Tax effect
5,235

 
(1,051
)
 
4,184

Other comprehensive income (loss)
(7,361
)
 
6,575

 
(786
)
Ending balance at July 30, 2016
$
(106,132
)
 
$
1,197

 
$
(104,935
)
 
Twenty-six Weeks Ended July 30, 2016
(in thousands)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
 
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments
 
Total
Beginning balance at January 30, 2016
$
(119,196
)
 
$
4,577

 
$
(114,619
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications
13,064

 
(1,960
)
 
11,104

Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1)

 
(2,101
)
 
(2,101
)
Tax effect

 
681

 
681

Other comprehensive (loss) income
13,064

 
(3,380
)
 
9,684

Ending balance at July 30, 2016
$
(106,132
)
 
$
1,197

 
$
(104,935
)

(1)  
For the thirteen weeks ended July 30, 2016 , a gain was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to the cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization line item on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss. For the twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2016 , a loss was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to the cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization line item on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.

The activity in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015 was as follows:
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended August 1, 2015
(in thousands)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
 
Total
Beginning balance at May 2, 2015
$
7,680

 
$
(96,695
)
 
$
(89,015
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
2,167

 
(9,856
)
 
(7,689
)
Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (2)
(4,839
)
 

 
(4,839
)
Tax effect
(244
)
 

 
(244
)
Other comprehensive loss
(2,916
)
 
(9,856
)
 
(12,772
)
Ending balance at August 1, 2015
$
4,764

 
$
(106,551
)
 
$
(101,787
)
 
Twenty-six Weeks Ended August 1, 2015
(in thousands)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
 
Total
Beginning balance at January 31, 2015
$
13,100

 
$
(96,680
)
 
$
(83,580
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
2,386

 
(9,871
)
 
(7,485
)
Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (2)
(10,875
)
 

 
(10,875
)
Tax effect
153

 

 
153

Other comprehensive loss
(8,336
)
 
(9,871
)
 
(18,207
)
Ending balance at August 1, 2015
$
4,764

 
$
(106,551
)
 
$
(101,787
)

(2)  
For the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015 , a loss was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.


15



9. SEGMENT REPORTING

The Company has two operating segments: Abercrombie, which includes the Company's Abercrombie & Fitch and abercrombie kids brands; and Hollister. These operating segments have similar economic characteristics, classes of consumers, products, and production and distribution methods, and have been aggregated into one reportable segment.

The following table provides the Company's net sales by operating segment for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 .
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Twenty-six Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
Abercrombie
$
363,076

 
$
380,615

 
$
686,412

 
$
720,367

Hollister
420,084

 
437,141

 
782,231

 
806,811

Total
$
783,160

 
$
817,756

 
$
1,468,643

 
$
1,527,178


The following table provides the Company’s net sales by geographic area for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 .
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Twenty-six Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
United States
$
478,755

 
$
514,526

 
$
904,184

 
$
963,415

Europe
193,070

 
200,150

 
354,527

 
366,234

Other
111,335

 
103,080

 
209,932

 
197,529

Total
$
783,160

 
$
817,756

 
$
1,468,643

 
$
1,527,178



10. CONTINGENCIES

The Company is a defendant in lawsuits and other adversary proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Legal costs incurred in connection with the resolution of claims and lawsuits are generally expensed as incurred, and the Company establishes reserves for the outcome of litigation where losses are deemed probable and reasonably estimable. The Company’s assessment of the current exposure could change in the event of the discovery of additional facts with respect to legal matters pending against the Company or determinations by judges, juries, administrative agencies or other finders of fact that are not in accordance with the Company’s evaluation of claims. As of July 30, 2016 , the Company had accrued charges of approximately $10 million for certain legal contingencies. In addition, there are certain claims and legal proceedings pending against the Company for which accruals have not been established. Actual liabilities may exceed the amounts reserved, and there can be no assurance that final resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Additionally, for the quarter ended July 30, 2016 , the Company recognized a $12.3 million gain in other operating income, net in connection with a settlement of certain economic loss claims associated with the April 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

16



ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


OVERVIEW

BUSINESS SUMMARY

The Company is a specialty retailer that operates stores in North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East and direct-to-consumer operations in North America, Europe and Asia that serve its customers throughout the world. The Company sells casual sportswear apparel, including knit tops and woven shirts, graphic t-shirts, fleece, jeans and woven pants, shorts, sweaters, and outerwear; personal care products; and accessories for men, women and kids under the Abercrombie & Fitch, abercrombie kids and Hollister brands.

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31. Fiscal years are designated in the consolidated financial statements and notes by the calendar year in which the fiscal year commences. All references herein to “Fiscal 2016 ” represent the fifty-two week fiscal year that will end on January 28, 2017 , and to “Fiscal 2015 ” represent the fifty-two week fiscal year that ended January 30, 2016 .

For the second quarter of Fiscal 2016 , net sales decreased 4% to $783.2 million from $817.8 million for the second quarter of Fiscal 2015 . The gross profit rate for the second quarter of Fiscal 2016 was 60.9% compared to 62.3% for the second quarter of Fiscal 2015 . Operating loss was $10.8 million for the second quarter of Fiscal 2016 compared to operating income of $2.0 million for the second quarter of Fiscal 2015 . Net loss and net loss per diluted share attributable to A&F were $13.1 million and $0.19 , respectively, for the second quarter of Fiscal 2016 , compared to net loss and net loss per diluted share attributable to A&F of $0.8 million and $0.01 , respectively, for the second quarter of Fiscal 2015 .
For the Fiscal 2016 year-to-date period, net sales decreased 4% to $1.469 billion from $1.527 billion for the comparable period of Fiscal 2015 . The gross profit rate for the Fiscal 2016 year-to-date period was 61.5% compared to 60.3% for the comparable period of Fiscal 2015 . Operating loss was $65.7 million for the Fiscal 2016 year-to-date period compared to $88.2 million for the comparable period of Fiscal 2015 . Net loss and net loss per diluted share attributable to A&F were $52.7 million and $0.78 , respectively, for the Fiscal 2016 year-to-date period, compared to net loss and net loss per diluted share attributable to A&F of $64.1 million and $0.92 , respectively, for the comparable period of Fiscal 2015 .
Excluding certain items, the adjusted non-GAAP gross profit rate was 60.9% , operating loss was $16.7 million and net loss and net loss per diluted share attributable to A&F were $16.8 million and $0.25 , respectively, for the second quarter of 2016 , compared to adjusted non-GAAP gross profit rate of 62.0% , operating income of $16.5 million , and net income and net income per diluted share attributable to A&F of $8.6 million and $0.12 , respectively, for the second quarter of 2015 . Excluding certain items, adjusted non-GAAP gross profit rate was 61.5% , operating loss was $71.6 million and net loss and net loss per diluted share attributable to A&F were $56.4 million and $0.83 , respectively, for the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2016 , compared to adjusted non-GAAP gross profit rate of 61.9% , operating loss of $35.9 million , and net loss and net loss per diluted share attributable to A&F of $28.6 million and $0.41 , respectively, for the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2015 .
As of July 30, 2016 , the Company had $455.6 million in cash and equivalents, and $293.3 million in gross borrowings outstanding under its term loan facility. Net cash used by operating activities was $57.9 million for the twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2016 . The Company also used cash of $58.0 million for capital expenditures and $27.0 million to pay dividends during the twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2016 .


17

Table of Contents


NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes discussion of certain financial measures under "RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" on both a GAAP and a non-GAAP basis. The Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measures presented in this "ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" are useful to investors as they provide a measure of the Company’s operating performance as compared to historical periods, excluding the effect of certain items which the Company believes do not reflect its future operating outlook, and therefore supplements investors' understanding of comparability across periods. These non-GAAP financial measures should be used supplemental to, not as an alternative to, the Company's GAAP financial results, and may not be the same as similar measures presented by other companies.

Changes in comparable sales are calculated on a constant currency basis by converting prior year store and online sales at current year exchange rates. For the purpose of this calculation, a store must have been open as the same brand at least one year and its square footage must not have been expanded or reduced by more than 20% within the past year.

In addition, the following financial measures are disclosed on a GAAP basis and, as applicable, on a non-GAAP basis excluding items relating to asset impairment, claims settlement benefits, inventory write-down, net, legal settlement charges, store fixture disposal, profit improvement initiative, lease termination and store closure costs and restructuring benefit: cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization; gross profit; stores and distribution expense; marketing, general and administrative expense; other operating income, net; operating (loss) income; income tax (benefit) expense; effective tax rate; net loss attributable to A&F; and, net loss per diluted share attributable to A&F. Certain of these GAAP and non-GAAP measures are also expressed as a percentage of net sales. The income tax effect of non-GAAP items is calculated as the difference in income tax (benefit) expense with and without the non-GAAP adjustments to income before income taxes based upon the tax laws and statutory income tax rates of the affected tax jurisdictions. 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.

18

Table of Contents


The tables below reconcile GAAP financial measures to non-GAAP financial measures for the thirteen and twenty-six week periods ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 .
 
 
July 30, 2016
(in thousands, except gross profit rate and per share amounts)
 
GAAP
 
Excluded Items (1)
 
Non-GAAP
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross profit rate
 
60.9
%
 
%
 
60.9
%
Operating loss
 
$
(10,805
)
 
$
(5,926
)
 
$
(16,731
)
Net loss attributable to A&F
 
$
(13,129
)
 
$
(3,679
)
 
$
(16,808
)
Net loss per diluted share attributable to A&F
 
$
(0.19
)
 
$
(0.06
)
 
$
(0.25
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Twenty-six Weeks Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross profit rate
 
61.5
%
 
%
 
61.5
%
Operating loss
 
$
(65,716
)
 
$
(5,926
)
 
$
(71,642
)
Net loss attributable to A&F
 
$
(52,716
)
 
$
(3,679
)
 
$
(56,395
)
Net loss per diluted share attributable to A&F
 
$
(0.78
)
 
$
(0.05
)
 
$
(0.83
)
 
 
August 1, 2015
(in thousands, except gross profit rate and per share amounts)
 
GAAP
 
Excluded Items (1)
 
Non-GAAP
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross profit rate
 
62.3
%
 
(0.3
)%
 
62.0
%
Operating income
 
$
1,962

 
$
14,526

 
$
16,488

Net (loss) income attributable to A&F
 
$
(810
)
 
$
9,407

 
$
8,597

Net (loss) income per diluted share attributable to A&F
 
$
(0.01
)
 
$
0.13

 
$
0.12

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Twenty-six Weeks Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross profit rate
 
60.3
%
 
1.6
 %
 
61.9
%
Operating loss
 
$
(88,235
)
 
$
52,380

 
$
(35,855
)
Net loss attributable to A&F
 
$
(64,056
)
 
$
35,479

 
$
(28,577
)
Net loss per diluted share attributable to A&F
 
$
(0.92
)
 
$
0.51

 
$
(0.41
)

(1)
Refer to "RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" for details on excluded items.

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. The seasonality of the Company’s operations may also lead to significant fluctuations in certain asset and liability accounts.

19

Table of Contents


CURRENT TRENDS AND OUTLOOK

Traffic remained a significant headwind for the second quarter of Fiscal 2016 as flagship and tourist stores, which are concentrated in the Abercrombie brand, accounted for the vast majority of the comparable sales decline across brands and geographies. Comparable sales improvement from the first quarter in international markets, driven by a recovery in the Hollister European business, including in the U.K., was offset by a decline in the U.S. trend. In addition, we saw strong growth in our direct-to-consumer business, both domestically and internationally.

During the quarter, we began to roll out programs that reflect our new brand positions for both the Abercrombie and Hollister brands. Our goal for Abercrombie is to be the iconic American casual luxury brand for today's twenty-something consumer, and our goal for Hollister is to be the iconic brand of the global teenage consumer. While still in the early stages, a clearly defined brand image and voice is beginning to be communicated across all customer touch points.

As we look to the rest of the year, we expect the environment to remain challenging with flagship and tourist locations continuing to weigh on the business. We are confident, however, that we are focusing on the right priorities and we expect to see traction in our business over time as we introduce new product and invest in marketing to drive awareness and relevance for our brands.

For Fiscal 2016, we now expect:
Comparable sales to remain challenging through the second half of the year, with a disproportionate effect from flagship and tourist locations .
Adverse effects from foreign currency exchange rates on sales and operating income.
A gross margin rate flat to last year's adjusted non-GAAP rate of 61.9%, but down in the third quarter due to adverse effects from foreign currency .
Operating expense dollars to be down slightly to last year's adjusted non-GAAP operating expense, with investments in marketing, skewed towards the third quarter, offset by savings from expense reduction efforts
An effective tax rate in the mid-to-upper 30s .
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests of approximately $5 million
A weighted average diluted share count of approximately 68 million shares, excluding the effect of potential share buybacks .

We expect capital expenditures to be at the low end of the range of $150 million to $175 million for the full year.

We plan to open approximately 15 new stores in Fiscal 2016, including approximately 10 in international markets, primarily China, and approximately five in the U.S. We also plan to open six new outlet stores, primarily in the U.S. In addition, we anticipate closing up to 60 stores in the U.S. during the fiscal year through natural lease expirations.

Excluded from our outlook are the effects of certain potential items, including, but not limited to, insurance recoveries and impairments.

20

Table of Contents


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

STORE ACTIVITY

Store count and gross square footage by brand for the thirteen weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 , respectively, were as follows:
 
Abercrombie (1)(2)
 
Hollister (3)
 
Total
 
United States
 
International
 
United States
 
International
 
United States
 
International
April 30, 2016
334

 
39

 
411

 
141

 
745

 
180

New
1

 

 
1

 
2

 
2

 
2

Closed
(2
)
 

 
(1
)
 

 
(3
)
 

July 30, 2016
333

 
39

 
411

 
143

 
744

 
182

Gross square feet (in thousands) :
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
July 30, 2016
2,554

 
619

 
2,830

 
1,206

 
5,384

 
1,825

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Abercrombie (1)
 
Hollister
 
Total
 
United States
 
International
 
United States
 
International
 
United States
 
International
May 2, 2015
354

 
33

 
432

 
137

 
786

 
170

New
1

 
1

 

 
2

 
1

 
3

Closed
(1
)
 

 
(3
)
 
(2
)
 
(4
)
 
(2
)
August 1, 2015
354

 
34

 
429

 
137

 
783

 
171

Gross square feet (in thousands) :
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
August 1, 2015
2,728

 
571

 
2,955

 
1,182

 
5,683

 
1,753


(1)
Includes Abercrombie & Fitch and abercrombie kids brands.

(2)
Excludes one international franchise store as of July 30, 2016 and April 30, 2016.

(3)
Excludes two international franchise stores as of July 30, 2016 and April 30, 2016.

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Table of Contents


Store count and gross square footage by brand for the twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 , respectively, were as follows:
 
Abercrombie (1)(2)
 
Hollister (3)
 
Total
 
United States
 
International
 
United States
 
International
 
United States
 
International
January 30, 2016
340

 
39

 
414

 
139

 
754

 
178

New
2

 

 
1

 
4

 
3

 
4

Closed
(9
)
 

 
(4
)
 

 
(13
)
 

July 30, 2016
333

 
39

 
411

 
143

 
744

 
182

Gross square feet (in thousands) :
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
July 30, 2016
2,554

 
619

 
2,830

 
1,206

 
5,384

 
1,825

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Abercrombie (1)
 
Hollister
 
Total
 
United States
 
International
 
United States
 
International
 
United States
 
International
January 31, 2015
361

 
32

 
433

 
135

 
794

 
167

New
4

 
2

 

 
4

 
4

 
6

Closed
(11
)
 

 
(4
)
 
(2
)
 
(15
)
 
(2
)
August 1, 2015
354

 
34

 
429

 
137

 
783

 
171

Gross square feet (in thousands) :
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
August 1, 2015
2,728

 
571

 
2,955

 
1,182

 
5,683

 
1,753


(1)
Includes Abercrombie & Fitch and abercrombie kids brands.

(2)
Excludes one international franchise store as of July 30, 2016 and January 30, 2016.

(3)
Excludes two international franchise stores as of July 30, 2016 and January 30, 2016.

22

Table of Contents


Net Sales
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
 
 
 
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Net Sales
 
Change in
Comparable
Sales (1)
 
Net Sales
 
Change in
Comparable
Sales (1)
 
Net Sales
$ Change
 
Net Sales
% Change
Abercrombie (2)
$
363,076

 
(7)%
 
$
380,615

 
(7)%
 
$
(17,539
)
 
(5)%
Hollister
420,084

 
(2)%
 
437,141

 
(1)%
 
(17,057
)
 
(4)%
Total net sales
$
783,160

 
(4)%
 
$
817,756

 
(4)%
 
$
(34,596
)
 
(4)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S.
$
478,755

 
(4)%
 
$
514,526

 
(4)%
 
$
(35,771
)
 
(7)%
International
304,405

 
(4)%
 
303,230

 
(4)%
 
1,175

 
—%
Total net sales
$
783,160

 
(4)%
 
$
817,756

 
(4)%
 
$
(34,596
)
 
(4)%
 
Twenty-six Weeks Ended
 
 
 
 
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Net Sales
 
Change in
Comparable
Sales (1)
 
Net Sales
 
Change in
Comparable
Sales (1)
 
Net Sales
$ Change
 
Net Sales
% Change
Abercrombie (2)
$
686,412

 
(7)%
 
$
720,367

 
(8)%
 
$
(33,955
)
 
(5)%
Hollister
782,231

 
(1)%
 
806,811

 
(4)%
 
(24,580
)
 
(3)%
Total net sales
$
1,468,643

 
(4)%
 
$
1,527,178

 
(6)%
 
$
(58,535
)
 
(4)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S.
$
904,184

 
(3)%
 
$
963,415

 
(6)%
 
$
(59,231
)
 
(6)%
International
564,459

 
(5)%
 
563,763

 
(6)%
 
696

 
—%
Total net sales
$
1,468,643

 
(4)%
 
$
1,527,178

 
(6)%
 
$
(58,535
)
 
(4)%

(1)  
Changes in comparable sales are calculated on a constant currency basis by converting prior year store and online sales at current year exchange rates. For the purpose of this calculation, a store must have been open as the same brand at least one year and its square footage must not have been expanded or reduced by more than 20% within the past year.

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

For the second quarter and year-to-date period of Fiscal 2016 , net sales decreased 4% compared to the second quarter and year-to-date period of Fiscal 2015 , primarily attributable to a 4% decrease in comparable sales in each period, mainly driven by flagship and tourist stores across both brands and geographies.

23

Table of Contents


Cost of Sales, Exclusive of Depreciation and Amortization
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
(in thousands)
 
 
% of Net Sales
 
 
 
% of Net Sales
Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization
$
306,053

 
39.1%
 
$
307,894

 
37.7%
Recovery on inventory write-down

 
—%
 
2,621

 
0.3%
Adjusted non-GAAP cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization
$
306,053

 
39.1%
 
$
310,515

 
38.0%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross profit
$
477,107

 
60.9%
 
$
509,862

 
62.3%
Recovery on inventory write-down

 
—%
 
(2,621
)
 
(0.3)%
Adjusted non-GAAP gross profit
$
477,107

 
60.9%
 
$
507,241

 
62.0%
 
Twenty-six Weeks Ended
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
(in thousands)
 
 
% of Net Sales
 
 
 
% of Net Sales
Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization
$
565,815

 
38.5%
 
$
605,767

 
39.7%
Inventory write-down, net (1)

 
—%
 
(24,240
)
 
(1.6)%
Adjusted non-GAAP cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization
$
565,815

 
38.5%
 
$
581,527

 
38.1%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross profit
$
902,828

 
61.5%
 
$
921,411

 
60.3%
Inventory write-down, net (1)

 
—%
 
24,240

 
1.6%
Adjusted non-GAAP gross profit
$
902,828

 
61.5%
 
$
945,651

 
61.9%

(1)
Inventory write-down charges related to a first quarter of Fiscal 2015 decision to accelerate the disposition of certain aged merchandise, net of recoveries realized during the second quarter Fiscal 2015.

For the second quarter of Fiscal 2016 , cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, as a percentage of net sales increased by approximately 140 basis points as compared to the second quarter of Fiscal 2015 , primarily due to the adverse effects from changes in foreign currency exchange rates of approximately 90 basis points and the net impact of higher average unit costs partially offset by higher average unit retails. Excluding certain items, presented in the table above, second quarter Fiscal 2016 adjusted non-GAAP cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, as a percentage of net sales increased by approximately 110 basis points as compared to the second quarter of Fiscal 2015 .

For the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2016 , cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, as a percentage of net sales decreased by approximately 110 basis points as compared to the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2015 , which included a $24.2 million , net inventory write-down. Excluding the $24.2 million , net inventory write-down, year-to-date Fiscal 2016 adjusted non-GAAP cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, as a percentage of net sales increased by approximately 40 basis points as compared to the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2015 , primarily due to the adverse effects from changes in foreign currency exchange rates of approximately 80 basis points and the net impact of higher average unit cost partially offset by higher average unit retails.


24

Table of Contents


Stores and Distribution Expense
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
(in thousands)
 
 
% of Net Sales
 
 
 
% of Net Sales
Stores and distribution expense
$
382,917

 
48.9%
 
$
389,193

 
47.6%
Store fixture disposal

 
—%
 
(2,236
)
 
(0.3)%
Recovery on store closure costs

 
—%
 
842

 
0.1%
Adjusted non-GAAP stores and distribution expense
$
382,917

 
48.9%
 
$
387,799

 
47.4%
 
Twenty-six Weeks Ended
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
(in thousands)
 
 
% of Net Sales
 
 
 
% of Net Sales
Stores and distribution expense
$
752,035

 
51.2%
 
$
780,831

 
51.1%
Store fixture disposal

 
—%
 
(3,617
)
 
(0.2)%
Lease termination and store closure costs

 
—%
 
(1,756
)
 
(0.1)%
Charges related to the Company's profit improvement initiative

 
—%
 
(709
)
 
—%
Adjusted non-GAAP stores and distribution expense
$
752,035

 
51.2%
 
$
774,749

 
50.7%

For the second quarter of Fiscal 2016 , stores and distribution expense as a percentage of net sales increased by approximately 130 basis points as compared to the second quarter of Fiscal 2015 , primarily due to the deleveraging effect of negative comparable sales and higher direct-to-consumer expense, partially offset by expense reduction efforts. Excluding certain items, presented in the table above, second quarter Fiscal 2016 adjusted non-GAAP stores and distribution expense as a percentage of net sales increased by approximately 150 basis points as compared to the second quarter of Fiscal 2015 .

For the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2016 , stores and distribution expense as a percentage of net sales increased by approximately 10 basis points as compared to the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2015 , primarily due to the deleveraging effect from negative comparable sales and higher direct-to-consumer expense, partially offset by expense reduction efforts. Excluding certain items, presented in the table above, year-to-date Fiscal 2016 adjusted non-GAAP stores and distribution expense as a percentage of net sales increased by approximately 50 basis points as compared to the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2015 .

For the second quarter of Fiscal 2016 , shipping and handling costs, including costs incurred to store, move and prepare product for shipment and costs incurred to physically move product to the customer, associated with direct-to-consumer operations were $27.4 million as compared to $25.7 million for the second quarter of Fiscal 2015 . For the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2016 , shipping and handling costs were $50.2 million as compared to $47.8 million for the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2015 .

For the second quarter of Fiscal 2016 , handling costs, including costs incurred to store, move and prepare product for shipment to stores, were $10.3 million as compared to $11.0 million for the second quarter of Fiscal 2015 . For the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2016 , handling costs were $20.7 million as compared to $21.9 million for the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2015 .

Shipping and handling costs are included in stores and distribution expense on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.

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Table of Contents


Marketing, General and Administrative Expense
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
(in thousands)
 
 
% of Net Sales
 
 
 
% of Net Sales
Marketing, general and administrative expense
$
111,719

 
14.3%
 
$
119,846

 
14.7%
Legal settlement charges

 
—%
 
(15,753
)
 
(1.9)%
Adjusted non-GAAP marketing, general and administrative expense
$
111,719

 
14.3%
 
$
104,093

 
12.7%
 
Twenty-six Weeks Ended
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
(in thousands)
 
 
% of Net Sales
 
 
 
% of Net Sales
Marketing, general and administrative expense
$
226,166

 
15.4%
 
$
227,379

 
14.9%
Legal settlement charges

 
—%
 
(15,753
)
 
(1.0)%
Profit improvement initiative

 
—%
 
(1,770
)
 
(0.1)%
Adjusted non-GAAP marketing, general and administrative expense
$
226,166

 
15.4%
 
$
209,856

 
13.7%

For the second quarter of Fiscal 2016 , marketing, general and administrative expense as a percentage of net sales decreased by approximately 40 basis points as compared to the second quarter of Fiscal 2015 , which included $15.8 million of legal settlement charges. Excluding the $15.8 million of legal settlement charges, second quarter Fiscal 2016 adjusted non-GAAP marketing, general and administrative expense as a percentage of net sales increased by approximately 150 basis points as compared to the second quarter of Fiscal 2015 , primarily due to higher marketing and other expenses and the deleveraging effect from negative comparable sales.

For the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2016 , marketing, general and administrative expense as a percentage of net sales increased by approximately 50 basis points as compared to the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2015 , which included $15.8 million of legal settlement charges. Excluding certain items, presented in the table above, year-to-date Fiscal 2016 adjusted non-GAAP marketing, general and administrative expense as a percentage of net sales increased by approximately 170 basis points as compared to the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2015 , primarily due to higher marketing and other expenses and the deleveraging effect from negative comparable sales.

Restructuring Benefit

For the year-to-date period of Fiscal  2015 , benefits associated with the restructuring of the Gilly Hicks brand were  $1.6 million .

Asset Impairment

For the
second quarter of Fiscal 2016 , the Company incurred non-cash asset impairment charges of $6.4 million related to the Company's abercrombie kids flagship store in London, compared to none for the second quarter of Fiscal 2015 .

For the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2016 , the Company incurred non-cash asset impairment charges of $6.4 million compared to $6.1 million for the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2015 . For the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2015 , the asset impairment charges primarily related to a decision to remove certain store fixtures in connection with changes to the Abercrombie and Hollister store experiences.

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Table of Contents


Other Operating Income, Net
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
(in thousands)
 
 
% of Net Sales
 
 
 
% of Net Sales
Other operating income, net
$
13,080

 
1.7%
 
$
1,139

 
0.1%
Claims settlement benefits (1)
(12,282
)
 
(1.6)%
 

 
—%
Adjusted non-GAAP other operating income, net
$
798

 
0.1%
 
$
1,139

 
0.1%
 
Twenty-six Weeks Ended
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
(in thousands)
 
 
% of Net Sales
 
 
 
% of Net Sales
Other operating income, net
$
16,013

 
1.1%
 
$
3,099

 
0.2%
Claims settlement benefits  (1)
(12,282
)
 
(0.8)%
 

 
—%
Adjusted non-GAAP other operating income, net
$
3,731

 
0.3%
 
$
3,099

 
0.2%

(1)
Includes benefits related to related to a settlement of certain economic loss claims associated with the April 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

For the second quarter of Fiscal 2016 , other operating income, net was $13.1 million and included $12.3 million of claims settlement benefits, as compared to $1.1 million for the second quarter Fiscal 2015 . Excluding the $12.3 million of claims settlement benefits, second quarter Fiscal 2016 adjusted non-GAAP other operating income, net as a percentage of net sales was approximately flat as compared to the second quarter of Fiscal 2015 .

For the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2016 , other operating income, net was $16.0 million and included $12.3 million of claims settlement benefits, as compared to $3.1 million for the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2015 . Excluding the $12.3 million of claims settlement benefits, year-to-date Fiscal 2016 adjusted non-GAAP other operating income, net as a percentage of net sales increased by approximately 10 basis points as compared to the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2015 .


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Table of Contents


Operating (Loss) Income
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
(in thousands)
 
 
% of Net Sales
 
 
 
% of Net Sales
Operating (loss) income
$
(10,805
)
 
(1.4)%
 
$
1,962

 
0.2%
Asset impairment (1)
6,356

 
0.8%
 

 
—%
Claims settlement benefits (2)
(12,282
)
 
(1.6)%
 

 
—%
Legal settlement charges (3)

 
—%
 
15,753

 
1.9%
Recovery on inventory write-down (4)

 
—%
 
(2,621
)
 
(0.3)%
Store fixture disposal

 
—%
 
2,236

 
0.3%
Recovery on store closure costs

 
—%
 
(842
)
 
(0.1)%
Adjusted non-GAAP operating (loss) income
$
(16,731
)
 
(2.1)%
 
$
16,488

 
2.0%
 
Twenty-six Weeks Ended
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
(in thousands)
 
 
% of Net Sales
 
 
 
% of Net Sales
Operating loss
$
(65,716
)
 
(4.5)%
 
$
(88,235
)
 
(5.8)%
Asset impairment (1)
6,356

 
0.4%
 
6,133

 
0.4%
Claims settlement benefits  (2)
(12,282
)
 
(0.8)%
 

 
—%
Inventory write-down, net (4)

 
—%
 
24,240

 
1.6%
Legal settlement charges (3)

 
—%
 
15,753

 
1.0%
Store fixture disposal

 
—%
 
3,617

 
0.2%
Profit improvement initiative

 
—%
 
2,479

 
0.2%
Lease termination and store closures costs

 
—%
 
1,756

 
0.1%
Restructuring benefit

 
—%
 
(1,598
)
 
(0.1)%
Adjusted non-GAAP operating loss
$
(71,642
)
 
(4.9)%
 
$
(35,855
)
 
(2.3)%

(1)
Includes charges related to store asset impairment.
(2)
Includes benefits related to related to a settlement of certain economic loss claims associated with the April 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
(3)
Accrued expense for certain proposed legal settlements.
(4)
Includes inventory write-down charge related to a decision to accelerate the disposition of certain aged merchandise, net of recoveries.

For the second quarter of Fiscal 2016, the Company incurred an operating loss as a percent of net sales of approximately 140 basis points as compared to operating income as a percent of net sales of approximately 20 basis points for the second quarter of Fiscal 2015. The year-over-year change in rate was primarily driven by the deleveraging effect from negative comparable sales, a reduction in the gross profit rate and higher marketing and direct-to-consumer expenses, partially offset by the net year-over-year impact of certain items presented in the above table. Excluding certain items, presented in the table above, second quarter of Fiscal 2016 adjusted non-GAAP operating loss as a percentage of net sales was approximately 210 basis points as compared to adjusted non-GAAP operating income as a percentage of net sales of approximately 200 basis points for the second quarter of Fiscal 2015 .

For the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2016 , operating loss as a percentage of net sales decreased by approximately 130 basis points as compared to the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2015 , primarily driven by the deleveraging effect from negative comparable sales, a reduction in the gross profit rate and higher marketing and direct-to-consumer expenses, partially offset by the net year-over-year impact of certain items presented in the above table and expense reduction efforts. Excluding certain items, presented in the table above, year-to-date Fiscal 2016 adjusted non-GAAP operating loss as a percentage of net sales increased by approximately 250 basis points as compared to the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2015 .


28

Table of Contents


Interest Expense, Net
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
(in thousands)
 
 
% of Net Sales
 
 
 
% of Net Sales
Interest expense
$
5,734

 
0.7%
 
$
5,657

 
0.7%
Interest income
(993
)
 
(0.1)%
 
(1,090
)
 
(0.1)%
Interest expense, net
$
4,741

 
0.6%
 
$
4,567

 
0.6%
 
Twenty-six Weeks Ended
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
(in thousands)
 
 
% of Net Sales
 
 
 
% of Net Sales
Interest expense
$
11,347

 
0.8%
 
$
11,324

 
0.7%
Interest income
(2,100
)
 
(0.1)%
 
(2,118
)
 
(0.1)%
Interest expense, net
$
9,247

 
0.6%
 
$
9,206

 
0.6%

Income Tax (Benefit) Expense
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
(in thousands, except ratios)
 
 
Effective Tax Rate
 
 
 
Effective Tax Rate
Income tax benefit
$
(3,515
)
 
22.6%
 
$
(3,217
)
 
123.5%
Tax effect of excluded items (1)
(2,247
)
 
 

5,119

 
 
Adjusted non-GAAP income tax (benefit) expense
$
(5,762
)
 
26.8%
 
$
1,902

 
16.0%
 
Twenty-six Weeks Ended
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
(in thousands, except ratios)
 
 
Effective Tax Rate
 
 
 
Effective Tax Rate
Income tax benefit
$
(24,302
)
 
32.4%
 
$
(34,807
)
 
35.7%
Tax effect of excluded items (1)
(2,247
)
 
 
 
16,901

 
 
Adjusted non-GAAP income tax benefit
$
(26,549
)
 
32.8%
 
$
(17,906
)
 
39.7%

(1)  
Refer to " Operating (Loss) Income " for details of excluded items. The Company computed the tax effect of excluded items based on non-GAAP pre-tax (loss) income.

For the second quarter of Fiscal 2016 , the effective tax rate was 22.6% as compared to 123.5% for the second quarter of Fiscal 2015 . The change in tax rate was primarily driven by the change in the level and mix of consolidated pretax income between operating and valuation allowance jurisdictions. Excluding certain items, as presented above in the table under " Operating (Loss) Income ," the second quarter Fiscal 2016 adjusted non-GAAP effective tax rate was 26.8% as compared to 16.0% for the second quarter of Fiscal 2015 .

For the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2016 , the effective tax rate was 32.4% as compared to 35.7% for the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2015 . The decrease in rate was primarily due to the change in mix of consolidated pretax income as well as the recognition of deferred U.S. income taxes on net income generated after October 31, 2015. Excluding certain items, as presented above in the table under " Operating (Loss) Income ," year-to-date Fiscal 2016 adjusted non-GAAP effective tax rate was 32.8% as compared to 39.7% for the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2015 .


29

Table of Contents


Net (Loss) Income and Net (Loss) Income per Share Attributable to A&F

For the second quarter of Fiscal 2016, net loss and net loss per diluted share attributable to A&F were $13.1 million and $0.19 , respectively, as compared to net loss and net loss per diluted share attributable to A&F of $0.8 million and $0.01 , respectively, for the second quarter of Fiscal 2015 . Excluding certain items, as presented above under " Operating (Loss) Income , " and " Income Tax (Benefit) Expense , " second quarter Fiscal 2016 adjusted non-GAAP net loss and net loss per diluted share attributable to A&F were $16.8 million and $0.25 , respectively, as compared to adjusted non-GAAP net income and net income per diluted share attributable to A&F of $8.6 million and $0.12 , respectively, for the second quarter of Fiscal 2015 .

For the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2016, net loss and net loss per diluted share attributable to A&F were $52.7 million and $0.78 , respectively, as compared to net loss and net loss per diluted share attributable to A&F of $64.1 million and $0.92 , respectively, for the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2015 . Excluding certain items, as presented above under " Operating (Loss) Income , " and " Income Tax (Benefit) Expense , " year-to-date Fiscal 2016 adjusted non-GAAP net loss and net loss per diluted share attributable to A&F were $56.4 million and $0.83 , respectively, as compared to $28.6 million and $0.41 for the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2015 .

30

Table of Contents


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

HISTORICAL SOURCES AND USES OF CASH

Seasonality of Cash Flows

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"). As is typical in the apparel industry, the Company experiences its greatest sales activity during the Fall season due to Back-to-School and Holiday sales periods. The Company relies on excess operating cash flows, which are largely generated in the Fall season, to fund operating expenses throughout the year and to reinvest in the business to support future growth. The Company also has a revolving credit facility available as a source of additional funding.

Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility

The Company has a senior secured revolving credit facility with availability of up to $400 million (the “ABL Facility”), subject to a borrowing base. The ABL Facility is available for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes. The ABL Facility will mature on August 7, 2019. No borrowings were outstanding under the ABL Facility as of July 30, 2016 .

Amounts borrowed under the ABL Facility bear interest, at the Company’s option, at either an adjusted LIBOR rate plus a margin of 1.25% to 1.75% per annum, or an alternate base rate plus a margin of 0.25% to 0.75% per annum based on average historical excess availability during the preceding quarter. The Company is also required to pay a fee of 0.25% per annum on undrawn commitments under the ABL Facility. Customary agency fees and letter of credit fees are also payable in respect of the ABL Facility.

As of July 30, 2016 , the borrowing base on the ABL Facility was $312.9 million . As of September 1, 2016, the Company had not drawn on the ABL Facility, but had approximately $1.8 million in outstanding stand-by letters of credit under the ABL Facility.

Term Loan Facility

The Company is also party to a term loan agreement, which provides for a term loan facility of $300 million (the “Term Loan Facility” and, together with the ABL Facility, the “2014 Credit Facilities”). The Term Loan Facility was issued at a $3 million or 1.0% discount. In addition, the Company recorded deferred financing fees associated with the issuance of the 2014 Credit Facilities of $5.8 million in aggregate, of which $3.2 million was paid to lenders. The Company is amortizing the debt discount and deferred financing fees over the respective contractual terms of the 2014 Credit Facilities.

The Company's Term Loan debt is presented in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, net of the unamortized discount and fees paid to lenders. Net borrowings as of July 30, 2016 were as follows:
(in thousands)
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
Borrowings, gross at carrying amount
$
293,250

 
$
297,750

Unamortized discount
(2,143
)
 
(2,571
)
Unamortized fees paid to lenders
(4,111
)
 
(3,328
)
Borrowings, net
286,996

 
291,851

Less: short-term portion of borrowings, net
(1,468
)
 
(2,017
)
Long-term portion of borrowings, net
$
285,528

 
$
289,834


The Term Loan Facility will mature on August 7, 2021 and amortizes at a rate equal to 0.25% of the original principal amount per quarter, beginning with the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2014. The Term Loan Facility is subject to (a) beginning in 2016, an annual mandatory prepayment in an amount equal to 0% to 50% of the Company’s excess cash flows in the preceding fiscal year, depending on the Company’s leverage ratio and (b) certain other mandatory prepayments upon receipt by the Company of proceeds of certain debt issuances, asset sales and casualty events, subject to certain exceptions specified therein, including reinvestment rights. The Company was not required to make any mandatory prepayments under the Term Loan Facility in Fiscal 2016.

At the Company’s option, borrowings under the Term Loan Facility will bear interest at either (a) an adjusted LIBOR rate no lower than 1.00% plus a margin of 3.75% per annum or (b) an alternate base rate plus a margin of 2.75% per annum. Customary agency fees are also payable in respect of the Term Loan Facility. The interest rate on borrowings under the Term Loan Facility was 4.75% as of July 30, 2016 .

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Operating Activities

Net cash used by operating activities was $57.9 million for the twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2016 compared to $20.8 million for the twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015 . The year-over-year change in cash flow associated with operating activities was primarily the result of the extension of vendor payment terms in the second quarter of Fiscal 2015 and incentive compensation payments in the first quarter of Fiscal 2016, partially offset by the return of a $22.8 million long-term lease deposit and a $22.4 million decrease in cash paid for income taxes in Fiscal 2016.

Investing Activities

Cash outflows for investing activities for the twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 were used primarily for new construction, store updates, information technology, and direct-to-consumer and omnichannel capabilities.

Financing Activities

Cash outflows for financing activities consisted primarily of the payment of dividends of $27.0 million and $27.8 million for the twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 , respectively.

As of July 30, 2016 , A&F had approximately 6.5 million remaining shares available for repurchase as part of the A&F Board of Directors’ previously approved authorization.

FUTURE CASH REQUIREMENTS AND SOURCES OF CASH

Over the next twelve months, the Company’s primary cash requirements will be to fund operating activities, including the acquisition of inventory, and obligations related to compensation, leases, taxes and other operating activities, as well as to fund capital expenditures, marketing initiatives, quarterly dividends to stockholders subject to approval by A&F's Board of Directors and debt service requirements, including required repayments, if any, based on annual excess cash flows, as defined in the term loan agreement. The Company has availability under the ABL Facility as a source of additional funding.

The Company expects total capital expenditures for Fiscal 2016 to be at the low end of the range of $150 million to $175 million, primarily for store remodels, new stores, direct-to-consumer and IT investments to support growth initiatives.

The Company may continue to repurchase shares of its Common Stock and would anticipate funding these cash requirements utilizing free cash flow generated from operations or proceeds from its existing credit facilities.

As of July 30, 2016 , $275.1 million of the Company's $455.6 million of cash and equivalents was held by foreign affiliates. The Company is not dependent on dividends from its foreign affiliates to fund its U.S. operations or pay dividends to A&F's stockholders. Unremitted earnings from foreign affiliates generally would become subject to U.S. income tax if remitted as dividends or lent to A&F or a U.S. affiliate. As of July 30, 2016 , a provision for U.S. income tax has not been recorded on approximately $214 million of the cash and equivalents held by foreign affiliates which is considered indefinitely invested in foreign operations.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

The Company uses, in the ordinary course of business, stand-by letters of credit under the existing ABL Facility. The Company had $1.8 million in stand-by letters of credit outstanding as of July 30, 2016 . The Company has no other off-balance sheet arrangements.

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. During the thirteen weeks ended July 30, 2016 , there were no material changes in the contractual obligations as of January 30, 2016 , 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).

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RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

See Note 1, " BASIS OF PRESENTATION--Recent Accounting Pronouncements " of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in "ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS," of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for recent accounting pronouncements, including the expected dates of adoption and estimated effects on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

We describe our 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” of A&F’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal 2015. We discuss our critical accounting estimates in "ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS", in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal 2015. There have been no significant changes in our significant accounting policies or critical accounting estimates since the end of Fiscal 2015.

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SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

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, its management or 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,” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements.

The following factors, including the disclosures under the heading “FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND RISK FACTORS” in “ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS” of A&F’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal 2015 , in some cases have affected and in the future could affect the Company’s financial performance and could cause actual results for Fiscal 2016 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any of the forward-looking statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or otherwise made by management:

changes in global economic and financial conditions, and the resulting impact on consumer confidence and consumer spending, as well as other changes in consumer discretionary spending habits, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and liquidity;
our inability to anticipate customer demand and changing fashion trends and to manage our inventory commensurately could adversely impact our sales levels and profitability;
a significant component of our growth strategy is international expansion, which requires significant capital investment, the success of which is dependent on a number of factors that could affect the profitability of our international operations;
direct-to-consumer sales channels are a significant component of our growth strategy, and the failure to successfully develop our position in these channels could have an adverse impact on our results of operations;
our market share may be negatively impacted by increasing competition and pricing pressures from companies with brands or merchandise competitive with ours;
we have currently suspended our search for a new Chief Executive Officer and the continuance of our interim governance structure may create uncertainty;
our inability to successfully implement our strategic plans could have a negative impact on our growth and profitability;
our failure to protect our reputation could have a material adverse effect on our brands;
our business could suffer if our information technology systems are disrupted or cease to operate effectively;
we may be exposed to risks and costs associated with cyber-attacks, credit card fraud and identity theft that would cause us to incur unexpected expenses and reputation loss;
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations;
fluctuations in the cost, availability and quality of raw materials, labor and transportation, could cause manufacturing delays and increase our costs;
we depend upon independent third parties for the manufacture and delivery of all our merchandise, and a disruption of the manufacture or delivery of our merchandise could result in lost sales and could increase our costs;
our ability to attract customers to our stores depends, in part, on the success of the shopping malls or area attractions that our stores are located in or around;
we rely on the experience and skills of our senior executive officers, the loss of whom could have a material adverse effect on our business;
our reliance on two distribution centers domestically and third-party distribution centers internationally makes us susceptible to disruptions or adverse conditions affecting our distribution centers;
our litigation exposure could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations;
our inability or failure to adequately protect our trademarks could have a negative impact on our brand image and limit our ability to penetrate new markets;
fluctuations in our tax obligations and effective tax rate may result in volatility in our operating results;
extreme weather conditions and the seasonal nature of our business may cause net sales to fluctuate and negatively impact our results of operations;
our facilities, systems and stores, as well as the facilities and systems of our vendors and manufacturers, are vulnerable to natural disasters, pandemic disease and other unexpected events, any of which could result in an interruption to our business and adversely affect our operating results;
the impact of war or acts of terrorism could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition;
changes in the regulatory or compliance landscape could adversely affect our business and results of operations;
our Asset-Based Revolving Credit Agreement and our Term Loan Agreement include restrictive covenants that limit our flexibility in operating our business; and,
compliance with changing regulations and standards for accounting, corporate governance and public disclosure could adversely affect our business, results of operations and reported financial results.


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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. 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 even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized.


ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Investment Securities

The irrevocable rabbi trust (the “Rabbi Trust”) is intended to be used as a source of funds to match respective 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 of the trust-owned life insurance policies held in the Rabbi Trust resulted in realized gains of $0.8 million for each of the thirteen weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 and $1.5 million and $1.6 million for the twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 , respectively, which are recorded in interest expense, net on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.

The Rabbi Trust assets are included in other assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of July 30, 2016 and January 30, 2016 , and are restricted in their use as noted above.

Interest Rate Risks

The Company has approximately $293.3 million in gross borrowings outstanding under its term loan facility (the "Term Loan Facility") and no borrowings outstanding under its senior secured revolving credit facility (the "ABL Facility" and, together with the Term Loan Facility, the "2014 Credit Facilities"). The 2014 Credit Facilities carry interest rates that are tied to LIBOR, or an alternate base rate, plus a margin. The interest rate on the Term Loan Facility has a 100 basis point LIBOR floor, and assuming no changes in the Company’s financial structure as it stands, an increase in market interest rates of 100 basis points would increase annual interest expense by approximately $2.2 million . This hypothetical analysis for the fifty-two weeks ending January 28, 2017 may differ from the actual change in interest expense due to various conditions which may result in changes in interest rates under the Company’s 2014 Credit Facilities.

Foreign 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 revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities 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 currency fluctuation increases as international expansion increases.

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 sale 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 exposures are partially offset by gains or losses on forward contracts, to mitigate the impact of foreign currency gains or losses. The Company does not use forward contracts to engage in currency speculation. All outstanding foreign currency exchange forward contracts are recorded at fair value at the end of each fiscal period.

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The fair value of outstanding foreign currency exchange forward contracts included in other current assets was $3.6 million and $4.2 million as of July 30, 2016 and January 30, 2016 , respectively. The fair value of outstanding foreign currency exchange forward contracts included in other liabilities was $2.9 million as of July 30, 2016 . Foreign currency exchange forward contracts are sensitive to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. 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. The results would decrease derivative contract fair values by approximately $17.5 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 value would be largely offset by the net change in fair values of the underlying hedged items.


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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (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 the principal executive officer and the 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 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of A&F (who serves as Interim Principal Executive Officer; 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 30, 2016 . The Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of A&F (in such individual's capacity as the Interim Principal Executive Officer and 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 30, 2016 , the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

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) that occurred during A&F’s fiscal quarter ended July 30, 2016 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, A&F’s internal control over financial reporting.

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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. Legal costs incurred in connection with the resolution of claims and lawsuits are generally expensed as incurred, and the Company establishes reserves for the outcome of litigation where losses are deemed probable and reasonably estimable. The Company’s assessment of the current exposure could change in the event of the discovery of additional facts with respect to legal matters pending against the Company or determinations by judges, juries, administrative agencies or other finders of fact that are not in accordance with the Company’s evaluation of claims. As of July 30, 2016 , the Company had accrued charges of approximately $10 million for certain legal contingencies. In addition, there are certain claims and legal proceedings pending against the Company for which accruals have not been established. Actual liabilities may exceed the amounts reserved, and there can be no assurance that final resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.


ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS

The Company's risk factors as of July 30, 2016 have not changed materially from those disclosed in Part I, "ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS" of A&F's Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal 2015 . Although there has been no no material change in the risk factors disclosed in our Form 10-K for Fiscal 2015, certain of such risks may be heightened as a result of the recent decision by the United Kingdom to leave the European Union ("Brexit"). This decision has increased uncertainty in the economic and political environment in Europe and, in particular, our business and results of operations in the United Kingdom may be impacted by fluctuations in currency exchange rates, changes in trade policies, or changes in labor, immigration, tax or other laws. As of July 30, 2016 A&F operated 34 stores in the United Kingdom.


ITEM 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

There were no sales of equity securities during the second quarter of Fiscal 2016 that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933.

The following table provides information regarding the purchase of shares of Common Stock of A&F made by or on behalf of A&F or any "affiliated purchaser" as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, during each fiscal month of the thirteen weeks ended July 30, 2016 :
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)
 
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased under the Plans or Programs (3)
May 1, 2016 through May 28, 2016
2,760

 
$
27.52

 

 
6,503,656

May 29, 2016 through July 2, 2016
9,062

 
$
19.88

 

 
6,503,656

July 3, 2016 through July 30, 2016
3,114

 
$
18.32

 

 
6,503,656

Total
14,936

 
$
20.96

 

 
6,503,656


(1)  
All of the 14,936 shares of A&F’s Common Stock purchased during the thirteen weeks ended July 30, 2016  represented shares which were withheld for tax payments due upon the exercise of employee stock appreciation rights and vesting of employee restricted stock units.
(2)  
No shares were repurchased during the thirteen weeks ended July 30, 2016 pursuant to A&F's publicly announced stock repurchase authorization. On August 14, 2012, A&F's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of 10.0 million shares of A&F's Common Stock, which was announced on August 15, 2012.
(3)  
The number shown represents, as of the end of each period, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may yet be purchased under A&F’s publicly announced stock repurchase authorization described in footnote 2 above. The shares may be purchased, from time to time, depending on market conditions .

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ITEM 6.     EXHIBITS
Exhibit No.
Document
10.1
Offer Letter from Abercrombie & Fitch to Stacia Andersen, executed by Ms. Andersen on May 11, 2016, incorporated herein reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. dated May 23, 2016 and filed on the same date (File No. 1-12107) (the "May 23, 2016 Form 8-K")
10.2
Executive Agreement entered into between Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co. and Stacia Andersen, effective as of May 20, 2016, the execution date by Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the May 23, 2016 Form 8-K
10.3
Offer Letter from Abercrombie & Fitch to Kristin Scott, executed by Ms. Scott on May 15, 2016, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the May 23, 2016 Form 8-K
10.4
Executive Agreement entered into between Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co. and Kristin Scott, effective as of May 20, 2016, the execution date by Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the May 23, 2016 Form 8-K
10.5.1
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan for Associates, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (Registration No. 333-212060) filed on June 16, 2016
10.5.2
Certificate regarding Approval of Amendment of Section 3(b) of the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan for Associates by the Board of Directors of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. on August 31, 2016*
10.6
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement used to evidence the grant of restricted stock units to associates (employees) of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. and its subsidiaries under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan for Associates after June 16, 2016*
10.7
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement used to evidence the grant of restricted stock units to associates (employees) of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. and its subsidiaries, subject to special non-competition and non-solicitation agreements, under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan for Associates after June 16, 2016*
10.8
Form of Performance Share Award Agreement used to evidence the grant of performance shares to associates (employees) of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. and its subsidiaries under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan after June 16, 2016*
10.9
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan for Directors, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (Registration No. 333-212059) filed on June 16, 2016
10.10
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement used to evidence the grant of restricted stock units to non-associate directors of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan for Directors on and after June 16, 2016*
10.11
Certificate regarding Approval of Amendment of Section 3(b) of the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan by Board of Directors of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. on August 20, 2014*
10.12
Certificate regarding Approval of Amendment of Section 3(b) of the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Amended and Restated 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan by Board of Directors of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. on August 20, 2014*
31
Certifications by Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (who serves as Interim Principal Executive Officer; and 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
Certifications by Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (who serves as Interim Principal Executive Officer; and 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
The following materials from Abercrombie & Fitch Co.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 30, 2016, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the Thirteen and Twenty-six Weeks Ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at July 30, 2016 and January 30, 2016; (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Twenty-six Weeks Ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015; and (iv) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements*
 
*
Filed herewith.
**
Furnished herewith.

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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.
 
 
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
Date: September 6, 2016
By
/s/ Joanne C. Crevoiserat
 
 
Joanne C. Crevoiserat
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Interim Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer and Authorized Officer)


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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.
Document
10.1
Offer Letter from Abercrombie & Fitch to Stacia Andersen, executed by Ms. Andersen on May 11, 2016, incorporated herein reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. dated May 23, 2016 and filed on the same date (File No. 1-12107) (the "May 23, 2016 Form 8-K")
10.2
Executive Agreement entered into between Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co. and Stacia Andersen, effective as of May 20, 2016, the execution date by Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the May 23, 2016 Form 8-K
10.3
Offer Letter from Abercrombie & Fitch to Kristin Scott, executed by Ms. Scott on May 15, 2016, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the May 23, 2016 Form 8-K
10.4
Executive Agreement entered into between Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co. and Kristin Scott, effective as of May 20, 2016, the execution date by Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the May 23, 2016 Form 8-K
10.5.1
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan for Associates, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (Registration No. 333-212060) filed on June 16, 2016
10.5.2
Certificate regarding Approval of Amendment of Section 3(b) of the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan for Associates by the Board of Directors of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. on August 31, 2016*
10.6
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement used to evidence the grant of restricted stock units to associates (employees) of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. and its subsidiaries under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan for Associates after June 16, 2016*
10.7
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement used to evidence the grant of restricted stock units to associates (employees) of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. and its subsidiaries, subject to special non-competition and non-solicitation agreements, under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan for Associates after June 16, 2016*
10.8
Form of Performance Share Award Agreement used to evidence the grant of performance shares to associates (employees) of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. and its subsidiaries under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan after June 16, 2016*
10.9
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan for Directors, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (Registration No. 333-212059) filed on June 16, 2016
10.10
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement used to evidence the grant of restricted stock units to non-associate directors of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan for Directors on and after June 16, 2016*
10.11
Certificate regarding Approval of Amendment of Section 3(b) of the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan by Board of Directors of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. on August 20, 2014*
10.12
Certificate regarding Approval of Amendment of Section 3(b) of the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Amended and Restated 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan by Board of Directors of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. on August 20, 2014*
31
Certifications by Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (who serves as Interim Principal Executive Officer; and 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
Certifications by Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (who serves as Interim Principal Executive Officer; and 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
The following materials from Abercrombie & Fitch Co.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 30, 2016, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the Thirteen and Twenty-six Weeks Ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at July 30, 2016 and January 30, 2016; (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Twenty-six Weeks Ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015; and (iv) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements*
 
*
Filed herewith.
**
Furnished herewith.

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EXHIBIT 10.5.2

Certificate regarding Approval of Amendment of Section 3(b) of the
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan for Associates by Board of Directors of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. on August 31, 2016

The undersigned hereby certifies that he is the duly elected, qualified and acting Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Abercrombie & Fitch Co., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”); that a regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company was duly called and held on August 31, 2016, at which regular meeting a quorum of the directors of the Company was at all times present; and that the Board of Directors duly approved the amendment of Section 3(b) of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan for Associates to read as set forth on Annex A attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Abercrombie & Fitch Co., acting for and on behalf of the Company, has hereunto set his hand this 6th day of September, 2016.

 
 
/s/ Robert E. Bostrom
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Robert E. Bostrom
 
 
 
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Abercrombie & Fitch Co.
 





Annex A
Abercrombie & Fitch Co.

Amendment to Section 3(b) of Abercrombie & Fitch Co.
2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan for Associates

3. Administration

(b) Manner of Exercise of Committee Authority. The express grant of any specific power to the Committee, and the taking of any action by the Committee, shall not be construed as limiting any power or authority of the Committee. The Committee may act through subcommittees, including for purposes of perfecting exemptions under Rule 16b-3 or qualifying Awards under Code Section 162(m) as performance-based compensation, in which case the subcommittee shall be subject to and have authority under the charter applicable to the Committee, and the acts of the subcommittee shall be deemed to be acts of the Committee hereunder. The Committee may delegate the administration of the Plan to one or more officers or associates of the Company, and such administrator(s) may have the authority to grant Awards under the Plan, as may be determined by the Committee from time to time, to execute and distribute Award agreements or other documents evidencing or relating to Awards granted by the Committee under this Plan, to maintain records relating to Awards, to process or oversee the issuance of Stock under Awards, to interpret and administer the terms of Awards and to take such other actions as may be necessary or appropriate for the administration of the Plan and of Awards under the Plan, provided that in no case shall any such administrator be authorized (i) to take any action that would result in the loss of an exemption under Rule 16b-3 for Awards granted to or held by Participants who at the time are subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act in respect of the Company or that would cause Awards intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Code Section 162(m) to fail to so qualify, (ii) to take any action inconsistent with Section 157 and other applicable provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or (iii) to make any determination required to be made by the Committee under the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance standards applicable to listed company compensation committees (currently, Rule 303A.05). Any action by any such administrator within the scope of its delegation shall be deemed for all purposes to have been taken by the Committee and, except as otherwise specifically provided, references in this Plan to the Committee shall include any such administrator. The Committee established pursuant to Section 3(a) and, to the extent it so provides, any subcommittee, shall have sole authority to determine whether to review any actions and/or interpretations of any such administrator, and if the Committee shall decide to conduct such a review, any such actions and/or interpretations of any such administrator shall be subject to approval, disapproval or modification by the Committee.




EXHIBIT 10.6

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT
(2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan for Associates)


This RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT (this “AGREEMENT”) is made to be effective as of [Grant Date] (the date on which the COMMITTEE (as defined below) approves the award, referred to as the “GRANT DATE”), by and between Abercrombie & Fitch Co., a Delaware corporation (the “COMPANY”), and [Participant Name], an employee of the COMPANY or one of the COMPANY’s subsidiaries or affiliates (“PARTICIPANT”).

WITNESSETH :

WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of the 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan for Associates of the COMPANY (the “PLAN”), the Compensation and Organization Committee (the “COMMITTEE”) of the Board of Directors of the COMPANY (the “BOARD”) administers the PLAN; and

WHEREAS, the COMMITTEE has determined that PARTICIPANT should be granted rights to receive [Shares Granted] shares of Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value, of the COMPANY (such rights, the “RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS”), subject to the restrictions, conditions and other terms set forth in this AGREEMENT;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the parties hereto make the following agreement, intending to be legally bound thereby:

1.      Grant of RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS . Pursuant to, and subject to, the terms and conditions set forth in this AGREEMENT and in the PLAN, the COMPANY hereby grants to PARTICIPANT [Shares Granted] RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS of the COMPANY (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 11(c) of the PLAN and Section 5(F) of this AGREEMENT, if applicable). Each RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT shall represent the right to receive one issued and outstanding share of Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value (the “SHARES”), of the COMPANY, but shall be subject to the restrictions, conditions and other terms set forth in this AGREEMENT.

2.      Terms and Conditions of the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS .

(A)      RESTRICTED PERIOD . Except as provided under Sections 3 and 4 of this AGREEMENT, the period of restriction (the “RESTRICTED PERIOD”), after which the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS shall become vested and no longer be subject to forfeiture to the COMPANY shall lapse according to the following schedule:

(i)      the RESTRICTED PERIOD shall lapse as to 25% of the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 11(c) of the PLAN), and such RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS shall become vested, on the first anniversary of the date which is approved by the COMMITTEE and then recorded and communicated through the System of Record and which shall not be earlier than the GRANT DATE (hereinafter referred to as the “VESTING DATE”), provided PARTICIPANT is employed by the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY on such date;





(ii)      the RESTRICTED PERIOD shall lapse as to 25% of the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 11(c) of the PLAN), and such RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS shall become vested, on the second anniversary of the VESTING DATE, provided PARTICIPANT is employed by the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY on such date;

(iii)      the RESTRICTED PERIOD shall lapse as to 25% of the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 11(c) of the PLAN), and such RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS shall become vested, on the third anniversary of the VESTING DATE, provided PARTICIPANT is employed by the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY on such date; and

(iv)      the RESTRICTED PERIOD shall lapse as to 25% of the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 11(c) of the PLAN), and such RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS shall become vested, on the fourth anniversary of the VESTING DATE, provided PARTICIPANT is employed by the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY on such date.

(B)      Non-Transferability of RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS . RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS may not be pledged, hypothecated or otherwise encumbered or subject to any lien, obligation or liability of PARTICIPANT to any party (other than the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY) or assigned or transferred (whether by operation of law or otherwise) by PARTICIPANT, otherwise than by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution, and the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS shall not be subject to execution, attachment or similar process.

(C)      Lapse of RESTRICTED PERIOD . Upon the lapse of the RESTRICTED PERIOD applicable to any RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS, as promptly as is reasonably practicable, and in no case later than March 15th of the year after the year the RESTRICTED PERIOD lapses, SHARES of the COMPANY shall be issued to PARTICIPANT and the COMPANY shall deliver a stock certificate or other appropriate documentation evidencing the number of SHARES of the COMPANY issued in settlement of such vested RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS to PARTICIPANT.

(D)      Tax Withholding . The COMPANY shall have the right to require PARTICIPANT to remit to the COMPANY an amount sufficient to satisfy any applicable federal, state, local and foreign tax withholding requirements in respect of the settlement of the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS. Unless PARTICIPANT is notified otherwise, the COMPANY will withhold SHARES of the COMPANY otherwise deliverable upon settlement of the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS having a FAIR MARKET VALUE (as defined in the PLAN) on the date of settlement equal to the amount required to be withheld (but only to the extent of the minimum amount that must be withheld to comply with applicable federal, state, local and foreign income, employment and wage tax laws). Pursuant to the PLAN, the COMPANY reserves the right to notify PARTICIPANT prior to settlement of the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS, that in lieu of the foregoing, the COMPANY may require that the minimum amount that must be withheld to comply with applicable federal, state, local and foreign income, employment and wage tax laws) be settled in cash either: (i) through the sale, on PARTICIPANT’s behalf on the open market, of a

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number of SHARES of the COMPANY required to cover such amount or (ii) at PARTICIPANT’s option, through a direct cash payment by PARTICIPANT to the COMPANY to cover such amount.

(E)      Rights as Holder of RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS . With respect to these RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS, PARTICIPANT shall have no rights as a stockholder of the COMPANY (including no right to vote or receive dividends) with respect to any SHARES of the COMPANY until the date of issuance to PARTICIPANT of a certificate or other evidence of ownership representing such SHARES in settlement thereof. In addition, dividend equivalents will not be paid or payable with respect to the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS subject to this AGREEMENT until such date of issuance.

3.      Change of Control . Unless the BOARD or the COMMITTEE provides otherwise prior to a “Change of Control” (as such term is defined in the PLAN), upon a Change of Control, Section 9 of the PLAN shall govern the treatment of the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS.

4.      Effect of Termination of Employment .

(A)      The grant of the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS shall not confer upon PARTICIPANT any right to continue in the employment of the COMPANY or any of the subsidiaries or affiliates of the COMPANY or interfere with or limit in any way the right of the COMPANY or any of the subsidiaries or affiliates of the COMPANY to modify the terms of or terminate the employment of PARTICIPANT at any time in accordance with applicable law and the COMPANY’s or the subsidiary’s or affiliate’s governing corporate documents.

(B)      Except as the COMMITTEE may at any time provide, and subject to Section 4(E) of this AGREEMENT, if the employment of PARTICIPANT with the COMPANY and the subsidiaries and affiliates of the COMPANY is terminated for any reason other than death or “total disability” (as defined below) prior to the lapsing of the RESTRICTED PERIOD applicable to any RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS, such RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS shall be forfeited to the COMPANY.

(C)      If PARTICIPANT becomes totally disabled prior to the lapsing of the RESTRICTED PERIOD applicable to any RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS, such RESTRICTED PERIOD shall immediately lapse and the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS shall become fully vested.

(D)      If PARTICIPANT dies while employed by the COMPANY or one of the subsidiaries or affiliates of the COMPANY prior to the lapsing of the RESTRICTED PERIOD applicable to any RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS, such RESTRICTED PERIOD shall immediately lapse and the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS shall become fully vested.

(E)      Upon the retirement of PARTICIPANT, the COMMITTEE may, but shall not be required to, shorten or terminate the RESTRICTED PERIOD applicable to the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS.

(F)      For purposes of this AGREEMENT, “total disability” shall have the definition set forth in the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Long Term Disability Plan, which definition is incorporated herein by reference.


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5.      Forfeiture of RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS .

(A)      The RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS shall be subject to the following additional forfeiture conditions, to which PARTICIPANT, by accepting the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS, agrees. If any of the events specified in Section 5(B)(i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) of this AGREEMENT occurs (a “FORFEITURE EVENT”), the following forfeiture will result:

(i)      any RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS held by PARTICIPANT and not then settled will be immediately forfeited and canceled upon the occurrence of the FORFEITURE EVENT; and

(ii)      PARTICIPANT will be obligated to repay to the COMPANY, in cash, within five business days after demand is made therefor by the COMPANY, the total amount of “AWARD GAIN” (as defined below) realized by PARTICIPANT upon each settlement of RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS that occurred on or after (x) the date that is twenty-four months prior to the occurrence of the FORFEITURE EVENT, if the FORFEITURE EVENT occurred while PARTICIPANT was employed by the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY, or (y) the date that is twenty-four months prior to the date PARTICIPANT’s employment by the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY terminated, if the FORFEITURE EVENT occurred after PARTICIPANT ceased to be so employed. For purposes of this Section 5, the term “AWARD GAIN” shall mean, in respect of any settlement of RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS granted to PARTICIPANT, the FAIR MARKET VALUE as of the applicable VESTING DATE of the cash and/or SHARES of the COMPANY paid or payable to PARTICIPANT (regardless of any elective deferrals).

(B)      The forfeitures specified in Section 5(A) of this AGREEMENT will be triggered upon the occurrence of any one of the following FORFEITURE EVENTS at any time during PARTICIPANT’s employment by the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY, or during the twenty-four-month period following termination of such employment:

(i)      PARTICIPANT, acting alone or with others, directly or indirectly, (I) engages, either as an employee, employer, consultant, advisor, or director, or as an owner, investor, partner, or stockholder unless PARTICIPANT’s interest is insubstantial, in any business in an area or region in which the COMPANY or any subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY conducts business at the date the event occurs, which is directly in competition with a business then conducted by the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY; (II) induces any customer or supplier of the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY, with which the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY has a business relationship, to curtail, cancel, not renew, or not continue his or her or its business with the COMPANY or any subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY; or (III) induces, or attempts to influence, any employee of or service provider to the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY to terminate such employment or service. The COMMITTEE shall, in its discretion, determine which lines of business the COMPANY and the subsidiaries and affiliates of the COMPANY conduct on any particular date and which third parties may reasonably be deemed to be in competition with the COMPANY or any subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY. For purposes of this Section 5(B)(i),

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PARTICIPANT’s interest as a stockholder is insubstantial if it represents beneficial ownership of less than five percent of the outstanding class of stock, and PARTICIPANT’s interest as an owner, investor, or partner is insubstantial if it represents ownership, as determined by the COMMITTEE in its discretion, of less than five percent of the outstanding equity of the entity;

(ii)      PARTICIPANT discloses, uses, sells, or otherwise transfers, except in the course of employment with or other service to the COMPANY or any subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY, any confidential or proprietary information of the COMPANY or any subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY, including but not limited to information regarding the COMPANY’s or any subsidiary’s or affiliate’s current and potential customers, organization, employees, finances, and methods of operations and investments, so long as such information has not otherwise been disclosed to the public or is not otherwise in the public domain (other than by PARTICIPANT’s breach of this provision), except as required by law or pursuant to legal process, or PARTICIPANT makes statements or representations, or otherwise communicates, directly or indirectly, in writing, orally, or otherwise, or takes any other action which may, directly or indirectly, disparage or be damaging to the COMPANY or any of the subsidiaries or affiliates of the COMPANY or their respective officers, directors, employees, advisors, businesses or reputations, except as required by law or pursuant to legal process;

(iii)      PARTICIPANT fails to cooperate with the COMPANY or any subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY in any way, including, without limitation, by making PARTICIPANT available to testify on behalf of the COMPANY or such subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY in any action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative, or otherwise fails to assist the COMPANY or any subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY in any way, including, without limitation, in connection with any such action, suit, or proceeding by providing information and meeting and consulting with members of management of, other representatives of, or counsel to, the COMPANY or such subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY, as reasonably requested; or

(iv)      PARTICIPANT, during the period PARTICIPANT is employed by the COMPANY or any subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY and for twenty-four months thereafter (the “NON-SOLICITATION PERIOD”), alone or in conjunction with another person, (I) interferes with or harms, or attempts to interfere with or harm, the relationship of the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY with any person who at any time was a customer or supplier of the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY or otherwise had a business relationship with the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY; or (II) hires, solicits for hire, aids in or facilitates the hire, or causes to be hired, either as an employee, contractor or consultant, any person who is currently employed, or was employed at any time during the six-month period prior thereto, as an employee, contractor or consultant of the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY.

(C)      Despite the conditions set forth in this Section 5, PARTICIPANT is not hereby prohibited from engaging in any activity set forth in Section 5(B)(i) of this AGREEMENT, including but not limited to competition with the COMPANY and the subsidiaries and affiliates of the COMPANY. Rather, the non-occurrence of the FORFEITURE EVENTS set forth in Section 5(B) of this AGREEMENT is a condition to PARTICIPANT’s

5



right to realize and retain value from the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS, and the consequences under the PLAN and this AGREEMENT if PARTICIPANT engages in an activity giving rise to any such FORFEITURE EVENTS are the forfeitures specified therein and as otherwise provided in this AGREEMENT. The COMPANY and PARTICIPANT shall not be precluded by this provision or otherwise from entering into other agreements concerning the subject matter of Sections 5(A) and 5(B) of this AGREEMENT.

(D)      The COMMITTEE may, in its discretion, waive in whole or in part the COMPANY’s right to forfeiture under this Section 5, but no such waiver shall be effective unless evidenced by a writing signed by a duly authorized officer of the COMPANY.

(E)      In addition to the above, PARTICIPANT agrees that any of the conduct described in Sections 5(B)(ii) and (iv) of this AGREEMENT would result in irreparable injury and damage to the Company for which the Company would have no adequate remedy at law. PARTICIPANT agrees that in the event of such occurrence or any threat thereof, the Company shall be entitled to an immediate injunction and restraining order to prevent such conduct and threatened conduct and/or continued conduct by PARTICIPANT and/or any and all persons and/or entities acting for and/or with PARTICIPANT, and without having to prove damages and to all costs and expenses incurred by the Company in seeking to enforce the COMPANY’s rights under this Agreement. These remedies are in addition to any other remedies to which the Company may be entitled at law or in equity. PARTICIPANT agrees that the covenants of PARTICIPANT contained in Section 5(B) of this AGREEMENT are reasonable. For the same reasons, the COMPANY shall be entitled to an immediate injunction without having to prove damages to enforce the COMPANY’s right to forfeit the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS pursuant to Section 5(C) for a violation of Section 5(B)(i).

(F)      This Section 5(F) shall apply only if PARTICIPANT was granted the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS under this AGREEMENT pursuant to the achievement of a performance goal under Section 7 of the PLAN. If the COMMITTEE determines that the earlier determination as to the achievement of the performance goal was based on incorrect data and that in fact the performance goal had not been achieved or had been achieved to a lesser extent than originally determined and a number of the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS would not have been granted, given the correct data, then (i) the aggregate number of RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS set forth in Section 1 of this AGREEMENT shall be reduced by such number of RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS that would not have been granted (such RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS, the “EXCESS RSUs”), (ii) any EXCESS RSUs that have not yet vested in accordance with the terms of this AGREEMENT shall be forfeited and (iii) any SHARES of the COMPANY received upon settlement of vested EXCESS RSUs (or if such SHARES were disposed of, the cash equivalent) shall be returned to the COMPANY as provided by the COMMITTEE.

6.      Restrictions on Transfers of SHARES . Anything contained in this AGREEMENT or elsewhere to the contrary notwithstanding, the COMPANY may postpone the issuance and delivery of SHARES of the COMPANY upon any settlement of the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS until completion of any stock exchange listing or registration or other qualification of such SHARES under any state, federal or foreign law, rule or regulation as the COMPANY may consider appropriate; and may require PARTICIPANT in connection with the issuance of the SHARES to make such representations and furnish such information as the COMPANY may consider

6



appropriate in connection with the issuance of the SHARES in compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. SHARES of the COMPANY issued and delivered upon settlement of the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS shall be subject to such restrictions on trading, including appropriate legending of certificates to that effect, as the COMPANY, in its discretion, shall determine are necessary to satisfy applicable laws, rules and regulations.

7.      PLAN as Controlling; PARTICIPANT Acknowledgments . All terms and conditions of the PLAN applicable to the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS which are not set forth in this AGREEMENT shall be deemed incorporated herein by reference. In the event that any term or condition of this AGREEMENT is inconsistent with the terms and conditions of the PLAN, the PLAN shall be deemed controlling. PARTICIPANT acknowledges receipt of a copy of the PLAN and of the Prospectus related to the PLAN. PARTICIPANT also acknowledges that all decisions, determinations and interpretations of the COMMITTEE in respect of the PLAN, this AGREEMENT and the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS shall be final, conclusive and binding on PARTICIPANT, all other persons interested in the PLAN and stockholders of the COMPANY.

8.      Governing Law . To the extent not preempted by applicable federal or foreign law, this AGREEMENT shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, except with respect to provisions relating to the covenants set forth in Section 5 of this AGREEMENT, which shall be governed by the laws of the State of Ohio.

9.      Rights and Remedies Cumulative . All rights and remedies of the COMPANY and of PARTICIPANT enumerated in this AGREEMENT shall be cumulative and, except as expressly provided otherwise in this AGREEMENT, none shall exclude any other rights or remedies allowed by law or in equity, and each of said rights or remedies may be exercised and enforced concurrently.

10.      Captions . The captions contained in this AGREEMENT are included only for convenience of reference and do not define, limit, explain or modify this AGREEMENT or its interpretation, construction or meaning and are in no way to be construed as a part of this AGREEMENT.

11.      Severability . If any provision of this AGREEMENT or the application of any provision hereof to any person or any circumstance shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable, then such determination shall not affect any other provision of this AGREEMENT or the application of said provision to any other person or circumstance, all of which other provisions shall remain in full force and effect, and it is the intention of each party to this AGREEMENT that if any provision of this AGREEMENT is susceptible of two or more constructions, one of which would render the provision enforceable and the other or others of which would render the provision unenforceable, then the provision shall have the meaning which renders it enforceable.

12.      Number and Gender . When used in this AGREEMENT, the number and gender of each pronoun shall be construed to be such number and gender as the context, circumstances or its antecedent may require.

13.      Entire Agreement . This AGREEMENT, including the PLAN incorporated herein by reference, constitutes the entire agreement between the COMPANY and PARTICIPANT in

7



respect of the subject matter of this AGREEMENT, and this AGREEMENT supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements between the parties hereto in connection with the subject matter of this AGREEMENT. No officer, employee or other servant or agent of the COMPANY, and no servant or agent of PARTICIPANT, is authorized to make any representation, warranty or other promise not contained in this AGREEMENT. Other than as set forth in Section 11(e) of the PLAN, no change, termination or attempted waiver of any of the provisions of this AGREEMENT shall be binding upon either party hereto unless contained in a writing signed by the party to be charged.

14.      Successors and Assigns of the COMPANY . The obligations of the COMPANY under this AGREEMENT shall be binding upon any successor corporation or organization resulting from the merger, consolidation or other reorganization of the COMPANY, or upon any successor corporation or organization succeeding to substantially all of the assets and businesses of the COMPANY.



[Remainder of page intentionally left blank; signature page follows]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the COMPANY has caused this AGREEMENT to be executed by its duly authorized officer, and PARTICIPANT has executed this AGREEMENT, in each case effective as of the GRANT DATE.

 
COMPANY :
 
 
 
 
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
 
By:
 
 
It's
Senior Vice President
 
Title
Human Resources
 
PARTICIPANT :
 
 
 
 
 
 
Printed Name: [Participant Name]
 
 
 
 
Address:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
[Acceptance Date]

9

EXHIBIT 10.7

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT
(2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan for Associates)


This RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT (this “AGREEMENT”) is made to be effective as of [Grant Date] (the date on which the COMMITTEE (as defined below) approves the award, referred to as the “GRANT DATE”), by and between Abercrombie & Fitch Co., a Delaware corporation (the “COMPANY”), and [Participant Name], an employee of the COMPANY or one of the COMPANY’s subsidiaries or affiliates (“PARTICIPANT”).

WITNESSETH :

WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of the 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan for Associates of the COMPANY (the “PLAN”), the Compensation and Organization Committee (the “COMMITTEE”) of the Board of Directors of the COMPANY (the “BOARD”) administers the PLAN; and

WHEREAS, the COMMITTEE has determined that PARTICIPANT should be granted rights to receive [Shares Granted] shares of Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value, of the COMPANY (such rights, the “RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS”), subject to the restrictions, conditions and other terms set forth in this AGREEMENT;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the parties hereto make the following agreement, intending to be legally bound thereby:

1.      Grant of RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS . Pursuant to, and subject to, the terms and conditions set forth in this AGREEMENT and in the PLAN, the COMPANY hereby grants to PARTICIPANT [Shares Granted] RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS of the COMPANY (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 11(c) of the PLAN and Section 5(F) of this AGREEMENT, if applicable). Each RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT shall represent the right to receive one issued and outstanding share of Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value (the “SHARES”), of the COMPANY, but shall be subject to the restrictions, conditions and other terms set forth in this AGREEMENT.

2.      Terms and Conditions of the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS .

(A)      RESTRICTED PERIOD . Except as provided under Sections 3 and 4 of this AGREEMENT, the period of restriction (the “RESTRICTED PERIOD”), after which the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS shall become vested and no longer be subject to forfeiture to the COMPANY shall lapse according to the following schedule:

(i)      the RESTRICTED PERIOD shall lapse as to 33.3% of the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 11(c) of the PLAN), and such RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS shall become vested, on the first anniversary of the “VESTING DATE”. The VESTING DATE shall be defined as the later of (1) the date for vesting which is approved by the COMMITTEE and then recorded and communicated through the System of Record and which shall not be earlier than the GRANT DATE; or (2) the date on which PARTICIPANT signs the Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement for which all or part




of the consideration is formed by the grant of the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS covered by this AGREEMENT (the “NON-COMPETE”), provided PARTICIPANT is employed by the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY on such date;

(ii)      the RESTRICTED PERIOD shall lapse as to 33.3% of the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 11(c) of the PLAN), and such RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS shall become vested, on the second anniversary of the VESTING DATE, provided PARTICIPANT is employed by the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY on such date;

(iii)      the RESTRICTED PERIOD shall lapse as to 33.4% of the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 11(c) of the PLAN), and such RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS shall become vested, on the third anniversary of the VESTING DATE, provided PARTICIPANT is employed by the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY on such date; and

(B)      Non-Transferability of RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS . RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS may not be pledged, hypothecated or otherwise encumbered or subject to any lien, obligation or liability of PARTICIPANT to any party (other than the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY) or assigned or transferred (whether by operation of law or otherwise) by PARTICIPANT, otherwise than by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution, and the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS shall not be subject to execution, attachment or similar process.

(C)      Lapse of RESTRICTED PERIOD . Upon the lapse of the RESTRICTED PERIOD applicable to any RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS, as promptly as is reasonably practicable, and in no case later than March 15th of the year after the year the RESTRICTED PERIOD lapses, SHARES of the COMPANY shall be issued to PARTICIPANT and the COMPANY shall deliver a stock certificate or other appropriate documentation evidencing the number of SHARES of the COMPANY issued in settlement of such vested RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS to PARTICIPANT.

(D)      Tax Withholding . The COMPANY shall have the right to require PARTICIPANT to remit to the COMPANY an amount sufficient to satisfy any applicable federal, state, local and foreign tax withholding requirements in respect of the settlement of the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS. Unless PARTICIPANT is notified otherwise, the COMPANY will withhold SHARES of the COMPANY otherwise deliverable upon settlement of the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS having a FAIR MARKET VALUE (as defined in the PLAN) on the date of settlement equal to the amount required to be withheld (but only to the extent of the minimum amount that must be withheld to comply with applicable federal, state, local and foreign income, employment and wage tax laws). Pursuant to the PLAN, the COMPANY reserves the right to notify PARTICIPANT prior to settlement of the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS, that in lieu of the foregoing, the COMPANY may require that the minimum amount that must be withheld to comply with applicable federal, state, local and foreign income, employment and wage tax laws) be settled in cash either: (i) through the sale, on PARTICIPANT’s behalf on the open market, of a number of SHARES of the COMPANY required to cover such amount or (ii) at PARTICIPANT’s option, through a direct cash payment by PARTICIPANT to the COMPANY to cover such amount.

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(E)      Rights as Holder of RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS . With respect to these RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS, PARTICIPANT shall have no rights as a stockholder of the COMPANY (including no right to vote or receive dividends) with respect to any SHARES of the COMPANY until the date of issuance to PARTICIPANT of a certificate or other evidence of ownership representing such SHARES in settlement thereof. In addition, dividend equivalents will not be paid or payable with respect to the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS subject to this AGREEMENT until such date of issuance.

3.      Change of Control . Unless the BOARD or the COMMITTEE provides otherwise prior to a “Change of Control” (as such term is defined in the PLAN), upon a Change of Control, Section 9 of the PLAN shall govern the treatment of the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS.

4.      Effect of Termination of Employment .
(A)      The grant of the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS shall not confer upon PARTICIPANT any right to continue in the employment of the COMPANY or any of the subsidiaries or affiliates of the COMPANY or interfere with or limit in any way the right of the COMPANY or any of the subsidiaries or affiliates of the COMPANY to modify the terms of or terminate the employment of PARTICIPANT at any time in accordance with applicable law and the COMPANY’s or the subsidiary’s or affiliate’s governing corporate documents.

(B)      Except as the COMMITTEE may at any time provide, and subject to Section 4(E) of this AGREEMENT, if the employment of PARTICIPANT with the COMPANY and the subsidiaries and affiliates of the COMPANY is terminated for any reason other than death or “total disability” (as defined below) prior to the lapsing of the RESTRICTED PERIOD applicable to any RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS, such RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS shall be forfeited to the COMPANY.

(C)      If PARTICIPANT becomes totally disabled prior to the lapsing of the RESTRICTED PERIOD applicable to any RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS, such RESTRICTED PERIOD shall immediately lapse and the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS shall become fully vested.

(D)      If PARTICIPANT dies while employed by the COMPANY or one of the subsidiaries or affiliates of the COMPANY prior to the lapsing of the RESTRICTED PERIOD applicable to any RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS, such RESTRICTED PERIOD shall immediately lapse and the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS shall become fully vested.

(E)      Upon the retirement of PARTICIPANT, the COMMITTEE may, but shall not be required to, shorten or terminate the RESTRICTED PERIOD applicable to the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS.

(F)      For purposes of this AGREEMENT, “total disability” shall have the definition set forth in the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Long Term Disability Plan, which definition is incorporated herein by reference.

5.      Forfeiture of RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS .

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(A)      In addition to the forfeiture provisions described in Section 3 of the NON-COMPETE, the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS shall be subject to the following additional forfeiture conditions, to which PARTICIPANT, by accepting the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS, agrees. If any of the events specified in Section 5(B)(i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) of this AGREEMENT occurs (a “FORFEITURE EVENT”), the following forfeiture will result:

(i)      any RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS held by PARTICIPANT and not then settled will be immediately forfeited and canceled upon the occurrence of the FORFEITURE EVENT; and

(ii)      PARTICIPANT will be obligated to repay to the COMPANY, in cash, within five business days after demand is made therefor by the COMPANY, the total amount of “AWARD GAIN” (as defined below) realized by PARTICIPANT upon each settlement of RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS that occurred on or after (x) the date that is twenty-four months prior to the occurrence of the FORFEITURE EVENT, if the FORFEITURE EVENT occurred while PARTICIPANT was employed by the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY, or (y) the date that is twenty-four months prior to the date PARTICIPANT’s employment by the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY terminated, if the FORFEITURE EVENT occurred after PARTICIPANT ceased to be so employed. For purposes of this Section 5, the term “AWARD GAIN” shall mean, in respect of any settlement of RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS granted to PARTICIPANT, the FAIR MARKET VALUE as of the applicable VESTING DATE of the cash and/or SHARES of the COMPANY paid or payable to PARTICIPANT (regardless of any elective deferrals).

(B)      The forfeitures specified in Section 5(A) of this AGREEMENT will be triggered upon the occurrence of any one of the following FORFEITURE EVENTS at any time during PARTICIPANT’s employment by the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY, or during the twenty-four-month period following termination of such employment:

(i)      PARTICIPANT, acting alone or with others, directly or indirectly, (I) engages, either as an employee, employer, consultant, advisor, or director, or as an owner, investor, partner, or stockholder unless PARTICIPANT’s interest is insubstantial, in any business in an area or region in which the COMPANY or any subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY conducts business at the date the event occurs, which is directly in competition with a business then conducted by the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY; (II) induces any customer or supplier of the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY, with which the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY has a business relationship, to curtail, cancel, not renew, or not continue his or her or its business with the COMPANY or any subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY; or (III) induces, or attempts to influence, any employee of or service provider to the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY to terminate such employment or service. The COMMITTEE shall, in its discretion, determine which lines of business the COMPANY and the subsidiaries and affiliates of the COMPANY conduct on any particular date and which third parties may reasonably be deemed to be in competition with the COMPANY or any subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY. For purposes of this Section 5(B)(i), PARTICIPANT’s interest as a stockholder is insubstantial if it represents beneficial ownership of less than five percent of the outstanding class of stock, and PARTICIPANT’s interest as an owner, investor, or partner is insubstantial if it represents

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ownership, as determined by the COMMITTEE in its discretion, of less than five percent of the outstanding equity of the entity;

(ii)      PARTICIPANT discloses, uses, sells, or otherwise transfers, except in the course of employment with or other service to the COMPANY or any subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY, any confidential or proprietary information of the COMPANY or any subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY, including but not limited to information regarding the COMPANY’s or any subsidiary’s or affiliate’s current and potential customers, organization, employees, finances, and methods of operations and investments, so long as such information has not otherwise been disclosed to the public or is not otherwise in the public domain (other than by PARTICIPANT’s breach of this provision), except as required by law or pursuant to legal process, or PARTICIPANT makes statements or representations, or otherwise communicates, directly or indirectly, in writing, orally, or otherwise, or takes any other action which may, directly or indirectly, disparage or be damaging to the COMPANY or any of the subsidiaries or affiliates of the COMPANY or their respective officers, directors, employees, advisors, businesses or reputations, except as required by law or pursuant to legal process;

(iii)      PARTICIPANT fails to cooperate with the COMPANY or any subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY in any way, including, without limitation, by making PARTICIPANT available to testify on behalf of the COMPANY or such subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY in any action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative, or otherwise fails to assist the COMPANY or any subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY in any way, including, without limitation, in connection with any such action, suit, or proceeding by providing information and meeting and consulting with members of management of, other representatives of, or counsel to, the COMPANY or such subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY, as reasonably requested; or

(iv)      PARTICIPANT, during the period PARTICIPANT is employed by the COMPANY or any subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY and for twenty-four months thereafter (the “NON-SOLICITATION PERIOD”), alone or in conjunction with another person, (I) interferes with or harms, or attempts to interfere with or harm, the relationship of the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY with any person who at any time was a customer or supplier of the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY or otherwise had a business relationship with the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY; or (II) hires, solicits for hire, aids in or facilitates the hire, or causes to be hired, either as an employee, contractor or consultant, any person who is currently employed, or was employed at any time during the six-month period prior thereto, as an employee, contractor or consultant of the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY.

(C)      Despite the conditions set forth in this Section 5 but subject to the provisions of the NON-COMPETE, PARTICIPANT is not hereby prohibited from engaging in any activity set forth in Section 5(B)(i) of this AGREEMENT, including but not limited to competition with the COMPANY and the subsidiaries and affiliates of the COMPANY. Rather, the non-occurrence of the FORFEITURE EVENTS set forth in Section 5(B) of this AGREEMENT is a condition to PARTICIPANT’s right to realize and retain value from the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS, and the consequences under the PLAN and this AGREEMENT if PARTICIPANT engages in an

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activity giving rise to any such FORFEITURE EVENTS are the forfeitures specified therein and as otherwise provided in this AGREEMENT. The COMPANY and PARTICIPANT shall not be precluded by this provision or otherwise from entering into other agreements concerning the subject matter of Sections 5(A) and 5(B) of this AGREEMENT, including the NON-COMPETE. For purposes of clarity, this Section 5(C) shall not affect the COMPANY’S and PARTICIPANTS rights and obligations under the NON-COMPETE.

(D)      The COMMITTEE may, in its discretion, waive in whole or in part the COMPANY’s right to forfeiture under this Section 5, but no such waiver shall be effective unless evidenced by a writing signed by a duly authorized officer of the COMPANY.

(E)      In addition to the above, PARTICIPANT agrees that any of the conduct described in Sections 5(B)(ii) and (iv) of this AGREEMENT would result in irreparable injury and damage to the Company for which the Company would have no adequate remedy at law. PARTICIPANT agrees that in the event of such occurrence or any threat thereof, the Company shall be entitled to an immediate injunction and restraining order to prevent such conduct and threatened conduct and/or continued conduct by PARTICIPANT and/or any and all persons and/or entities acting for and/or with PARTICIPANT, and without having to prove damages and to all costs and expenses incurred by the Company in seeking to enforce the COMPANY’s rights under this Agreement. These remedies are in addition to any other remedies to which the Company may be entitled at law or in equity. PARTICIPANT agrees that the covenants of PARTICIPANT contained in Section 5(B) of this AGREEMENT are reasonable. For the same reasons, the COMPANY shall be entitled to an immediate injunction without having to prove damages to enforce the COMPANY’s right to forfeit the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS pursuant to Section 5(C) for a violation of Section 5(B)(i).

(F)      This Section 5(F) shall apply only if PARTICIPANT was granted the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS under this AGREEMENT pursuant to the achievement of a performance goal under Section 7 of the PLAN. If the COMMITTEE determines that the earlier determination as to the achievement of the performance goal was based on incorrect data and that in fact the performance goal had not been achieved or had been achieved to a lesser extent than originally determined and a number of the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS would not have been granted, given the correct data, then (i) the aggregate number of RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS set forth in Section 1 of this AGREEMENT shall be reduced by such number of RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS that would not have been granted (such RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS, the “EXCESS RSUs”), (ii) any EXCESS RSUs that have not yet vested in accordance with the terms of this AGREEMENT shall be forfeited and (iii) any SHARES of the COMPANY received upon settlement of vested EXCESS RSUs (or if such SHARES were disposed of, the cash equivalent) shall be returned to the COMPANY as provided by the COMMITTEE.

6.      Restrictions on Transfers of SHARES . Anything contained in this AGREEMENT or elsewhere to the contrary notwithstanding, the COMPANY may postpone the issuance and delivery of SHARES of the COMPANY upon any settlement of the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS until completion of any stock exchange listing or registration or other qualification of such SHARES under any state, federal or foreign law, rule or regulation as the COMPANY may consider appropriate; and may require PARTICIPANT in connection with the issuance of the SHARES to make such representations and furnish such information as the COMPANY may consider appropriate in

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connection with the issuance of the SHARES in compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. SHARES of the COMPANY issued and delivered upon settlement of the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS shall be subject to such restrictions on trading, including appropriate legending of certificates to that effect, as the COMPANY, in its discretion, shall determine are necessary to satisfy applicable laws, rules and regulations.

7.      PLAN as Controlling; PARTICIPANT Acknowledgments . All terms and conditions of the PLAN applicable to the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS which are not set forth in this AGREEMENT shall be deemed incorporated herein by reference. In the event that any term or condition of this AGREEMENT is inconsistent with the terms and conditions of the PLAN, the PLAN shall be deemed controlling. PARTICIPANT acknowledges receipt of a copy of the PLAN and of the Prospectus related to the PLAN. PARTICIPANT also acknowledges that all decisions, determinations and interpretations of the COMMITTEE in respect of the PLAN, this AGREEMENT and the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS shall be final, conclusive and binding on PARTICIPANT, all other persons interested in the PLAN and stockholders of the COMPANY.

8.      Governing Law . To the extent not preempted by applicable federal or foreign law, this AGREEMENT shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, except with respect to provisions relating to the covenants set forth in Section 5 of this AGREEMENT, which shall be governed by the laws of the State of Ohio.

9.      Rights and Remedies Cumulative . All rights and remedies of the COMPANY and of PARTICIPANT enumerated in this AGREEMENT shall be cumulative and, except as expressly provided otherwise in this AGREEMENT, none shall exclude any other rights or remedies allowed by law or in equity, and each of said rights or remedies may be exercised and enforced concurrently.

10.      Captions . The captions contained in this AGREEMENT are included only for convenience of reference and do not define, limit, explain or modify this AGREEMENT or its interpretation, construction or meaning and are in no way to be construed as a part of this AGREEMENT.

11.      Severability . If any provision of this AGREEMENT or the application of any provision hereof to any person or any circumstance shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable, then such determination shall not affect any other provision of this AGREEMENT or the application of said provision to any other person or circumstance, all of which other provisions shall remain in full force and effect, and it is the intention of each party to this AGREEMENT that if any provision of this AGREEMENT is susceptible of two or more constructions, one of which would render the provision enforceable and the other or others of which would render the provision unenforceable, then the provision shall have the meaning which renders it enforceable.

12.      Number and Gender . When used in this AGREEMENT, the number and gender of each pronoun shall be construed to be such number and gender as the context, circumstances or its antecedent may require.

13.      Entire Agreement . This AGREEMENT, including the PLAN incorporated herein by reference, together with the NON-COMPETE, constitute the entire agreement between the COMPANY and PARTICIPANT in respect of the subject matter of this AGREEMENT, and this

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AGREEMENT, together with the NON-COMPETE, supersede all prior and contemporaneous agreements between the parties hereto in connection with the subject matter of this AGREEMENT. No officer, employee or other servant or agent of the COMPANY, and no servant or agent of PARTICIPANT, is authorized to make any representation, warranty or other promise not contained in this AGREEMENT. Other than as set forth in Section 11(e) of the PLAN, no change, termination or attempted waiver of any of the provisions of this AGREEMENT shall be binding upon either party hereto unless contained in a writing signed by the party to be charged.

14.      Successors and Assigns of the COMPANY . The obligations of the COMPANY under this AGREEMENT shall be binding upon any successor corporation or organization resulting from the merger, consolidation or other reorganization of the COMPANY, or upon any successor corporation or organization succeeding to substantially all of the assets and businesses of the COMPANY.



[Remainder of page intentionally left blank; signature page follows]


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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the COMPANY has caused this AGREEMENT to be executed by its duly authorized officer, and PARTICIPANT has executed this AGREEMENT, in each case effective as of the GRANT DATE.

 
COMPANY :
 
 
 
 
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
 
By:
 
 
It's
Senior Vice President
 
Title
Human Resources
 
PARTICIPANT :
 
 
 
 
 
 
Printed Name: [Participant Name]
 
 
 
 
Address:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
[Acceptance Date]


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EXHIBIT 10.8

PERFORMANCE SHARE AWARD AGREEMENT
(2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan for Associates)

This PERFORMANCE SHARE AWARD AGREEMENT (this “AGREEMENT”) is made to be effective as of June 16, 2016 (the date on which the COMMITTEE (as defined below) approves the award, referred to as the “GRANT DATE”), by and between Abercrombie & Fitch Co., a Delaware corporation (the “COMPANY”), and ______________, an employee of the COMPANY or one of the COMPANY’s subsidiaries or affiliates (“PARTICIPANT”).

WITNESSETH :

WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of the 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan for Associates of the COMPANY (the “PLAN”), the Compensation and Organization Committee (the “COMMITTEE”) of the Board of Directors of the COMPANY (the “BOARD”) administers the PLAN; and

WHEREAS, the COMMITTEE has determined that PARTICIPANT should be granted rights to earn a target number of shares of Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value of the COMPANY (the “SHARES”), equal to _________ SHARES (such rights, the “AWARD”), subject to the restrictions, conditions and other terms set forth in this AGREEMENT;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the parties hereto make the following agreement, intending to be legally bound thereby:

1.      Grant of AWARD . Pursuant to, and subject to, the terms and conditions set forth in this AGREEMENT and in the PLAN, the COMPANY hereby grants to PARTICIPANT an AWARD with a target number of SHARES of the COMPANY (the “TARGET AWARD”) equal to _________ SHARES (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 11(c) of the PLAN and Section 5(F) of this AGREEMENT, if applicable). The AWARD represents the right to earn up to 200% of the target number of SHARES of the COMPANY subject to the AWARD, subject to the restrictions, conditions and other terms set forth in this AGREEMENT.

2.      Terms and Conditions of the AWARD .

(A)      EARNED UNITS . The issuance of SHARES of the COMPANY pursuant to this AGREEMENT shall be subject to the COMPANY’s achievement with respect to the RELATIVE TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN AND RETURN ON INVESTED CAPITAL goals set forth in the tables below. Each performance metric will be equally weighted. If any of the RELATIVE TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN AND RETURN ON INVESTED CAPTIAL goals for the three-fiscal-year period ending February 2, 2019 does not exceed the respective THRESHOLD performance level set forth in the respective table below, the portion of the AWARD associated with such performance goal shall be forfeited. If both of the performance goals fall below the respective THRESHOLD performance level set forth in the respective table below, the AWARD and




PARTICIPANT’s right to receive any SHARES of the COMPANY pursuant to this AGREEMENT shall expire and be forfeited without payment of any additional consideration, effective as of the last day of the fiscal year ending February 2, 2019. Subject to the foregoing, the number of “EARNED UNITS” for purposes of this AGREEMENT shall be determined in accordance with the following schedule:
Performance Level
FY 2016 through FY 2018 Relative Total Shareholder Return (1)    Required to Achieve Performance Level
% of TARGET AWARD Earned
BELOW THRESHOLD
At or below 30th percentile as compared to INDEX
0%
TARGET
60th percentile as compared to INDEX
100%
MAXIMUM
At or above 90th percentile as compared to INDEX
200%

(1) Total Shareholder Return is measured against those companies in the full S&P Retail Select Industry Index (the “INDEX”) at both the beginning and at the end of the performance period, and shall be measured using an average of the closing stock 20 trading days immediately before both the beginning and end of the FY 2016 through FY 2018 performance period. Payout with respect to this performance metric shall be capped at TARGET if COMPANY Total Shareholder Return over the performance period is negative.

Performance Level
FY 2016 through FY 2018 Average Return on Invested Capital (1)  Required to Achieve Performance Level
% of TARGET AWARD Earned
BELOW THRESHOLD
Less than or equal to 11.9%
0%
TARGET
13.1%
100%
MAXIMUM
14.4% or greater
200%

(1) Return on Invested Capital shall be measured on an average non-GAAP basis for the three years comprising the performance period.

In the event that performance for either or both of the two performance goals is between the THRESHOLD and the TARGET performance levels, or between the TARGET and the MAXIMUM performance levels, linear interpolation will be used to determine the number of EARNED UNITS with respect to that metric. Any portion of the TARGET AWARD not earned based upon the actual performance achieved shall expire and be forfeited without payment of any additional consideration, effective as of the last day of the fiscal year ending February 2, 2019. The achievement of the performance goals set forth in this Section 2(A) (and the extent or lack thereof) shall be evidenced by the COMMITTEE’s written certification.

(B)      RESTRICTED PERIOD . Except as provided under Sections 3 and 4 of this AGREEMENT, the period of restriction (the “RESTRICTED PERIOD”), after

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which the EARNED UNITS shall become vested and no longer be subject to forfeiture to the COMPANY, shall lapse according to the following terms. The VESTING DATE shall be defined as the date for vesting which is approved by the COMMITTEE following completion of the three-year performance period and then recorded and communicated through the System of Record, but not later than the earlier of 60 days after the close of the performance period, and the date of filing of Form 10-K, if sooner. The RESTRICTED PERIOD shall lapse as to one-hundred percent of the EARNED UNITS (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 11(c) of the PLAN), and such EARNED UNITS shall become vested, on the VESTING DATE, provided PARTICIPANT is employed by the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY on such date.

(C)      Non-Transferability of AWARD . The AWARD and any EARNED UNITS may not be pledged, hypothecated or otherwise encumbered or subject to any lien, obligation or liability of PARTICIPANT to any party (other than the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY), or assigned or transferred (whether by operation of law or otherwise) by PARTICIPANT, otherwise than by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution, and the AWARD and any EARNED UNITS shall not be subject to execution, attachment or similar process.

(D)      Lapse of RESTRICTED PERIOD . Upon the lapse of the RESTRICTED PERIOD applicable to any EARNED UNITS, as promptly as is reasonably practicable, and in no case later than the 15th day of the third month immediately following the completion of the three-year performance period, SHARES of the COMPANY shall be issued to PARTICIPANT and the COMPANY shall deliver a stock certificate or other appropriate documentation evidencing the number of SHARES of the COMPANY issued in settlement of such vested EARNED UNITS to PARTICIPANT (with each EARNED UNIT representing the right to receive one SHARE of the COMPANY).

(E)      Tax Withholding . The COMPANY shall have the right to require PARTICIPANT to remit to the COMPANY an amount sufficient to satisfy any applicable federal, state, local and foreign tax withholding requirements in respect of the settlement of the AWARD. Unless PARTICIPANT is notified otherwise, the COMPANY will withhold SHARES of the COMPANY otherwise deliverable upon settlement of the AWARD having a FAIR MARKET VALUE (as defined in the PLAN) on the date of settlement equal to the amount required to be withheld (but only to the extent of the minimum amount that must be withheld to comply with applicable federal, state, local and foreign income, employment and wage tax laws). Pursuant to the PLAN, the COMPANY reserves the right to notify PARTICIPANT prior to settlement of the AWARD, that in lieu of the foregoing, the COMPANY may require that the minimum amount that must be withheld to comply with applicable federal, state, local and foreign income, employment and wage tax laws be settled in cash, either: (i) through the sale, on PARTICIPANT’s behalf on the open market, of a number of SHARES of the COMPANY required to cover such amount or (ii) at PARTICIPANT’s option, through a direct cash payment by PARTICIPANT to the COMPANY to cover such amount.

(F)      Rights as Holder of AWARD . With respect to the AWARD, PARTICIPANT shall have no rights as a stockholder of the COMPANY (including no right

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to vote or receive dividends) with respect to any SHARES of the COMPANY covered by the AWARD until the date of issuance to PARTICIPANT of a certificate or other evidence of ownership representing such SHARES in settlement thereof. In addition, dividend equivalents will not be paid or payable with respect to the SHARES of the COMPANY and/or the EARNED UNITS subject to this AGREEMENT until such date of issuance.

3.      Change of Control . Unless the BOARD or the COMMITTEE provides otherwise prior to a “Change of Control” (as such term is defined in the PLAN), upon a Change of Control, Section 9 of the PLAN shall govern the treatment of the AWARD. For the avoidance of doubt, the performance period under this AGREEMENT for purposes of Section 9(b) of the PLAN shall be the three-fiscal-year period ending February 2, 2019. Notwithstanding anything in Section 9(b) of the PLAN to the contrary, for all purposes under this AGREEMENT, in the event of a Change of Control in which fifty percent (50%) or more of the performance period applicable to the AWARD has elapsed as of the date of the Change of Control, the PARTICIPANT shall be entitled to a pro-rata payment, vesting or settlement of such AWARD based upon actual performance of each of the two performance goals. In the event of a Change of Control in which less than fifty percent (50%) of the performance period applicable to the AWARD has elapsed as of the date of the Change of Control, the PARTICIPANT shall be entitled to a pro-rata payment, vesting or settlement of such AWARD based upon a TARGET level of performance of each of the two performance goals.

4.      Effect of Termination of Employment .

(A)      The grant of the AWARD shall not confer upon PARTICIPANT any right to continue in the employment of the COMPANY or any of the subsidiaries or affiliates of the COMPANY or interfere with or limit in any way the right of the COMPANY or any of the subsidiaries or affiliates of the COMPANY to modify the terms of or terminate the employment of PARTICIPANT at any time in accordance with applicable law and the COMPANY’s or the subsidiary’s or affiliate’s governing corporate documents.

(B)      Except as the COMMITTEE may at any time provide, if the employment of PARTICIPANT with the COMPANY and the subsidiaries and affiliates of the COMPANY is terminated by the COMPANY for “CAUSE” or as a result of PARTICIPANT’S resignation for any reason other than “retirement” (as defined below), in either case, prior to the lapsing of the RESTRICTED PERIOD applicable to the AWARD and/or any EARNED UNITS, such AWARD and/or the EARNED UNITS shall be forfeited to the COMPANY. For purposes of this AGREEMENT only, “CAUSE” shall mean: (i) PARTICIPANT’S conviction of, or entrance of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony under federal or state law; or (ii) fraudulent conduct by PARTICIPANT in connection with the business affairs of the COMPANY; or (iii) PARTICIPANT’S willful refusal to materially perform PARTICIPANT’S duties; or (iv) PARTICIPANT’S willful misconduct which has, or would have if generally known, a materially adverse effect on the business or reputation of the COMPANY; or (v) PARTICIPANT’S material breach of a covenant, representation, warranty or obligation of PARTICIPANT to the COMPANY.   As to the grounds stated in the above mentioned clauses (iii), (iv), and (v), such grounds will only constitute CAUSE once the COMPANY has provided PARTICIPANT written notice and PARTICIPANT has failed to cure such issue within 30 days.

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(C)      If PARTICIPANT’s employment is terminated by the COMPANY without CAUSE prior to the lapsing of the RESTRICTED PERIOD, such RESTRICTED PERIOD shall immediately lapse and (1) if such termination occurs within the first year of the three-year performance period, the AWARD and/or the EARNED UNITS shall be forfeited to the COMPANY, or (2) if such termination occurs after the first year of the three-year performance period, the AWARD shall remain outstanding, the number of EARNED UNITS shall be earned based upon the actual achievement of the respective performance goals over the full three-fiscal-year period and then pro-rated for the number of days PARTICIPANT was employed during the performance period, and such pro-rated number of EARNED UNITS shall become vested upon the COMMITTEE’s written certification of the achievement of such goals and payable as of the VESTING DATE notwithstanding the fact that PARTICIPANT is not employed as of the VESTING DATE and any remaining portion of the AWARD shall be forfeited to the COMPANY.

(D)      If PARTICIPANT becomes totally disabled prior to the lapsing of the RESTRICTED PERIOD, such RESTRICTED PERIOD shall immediately lapse and (1) if such termination occurs after the end of the three-year performance period, the EARNED UNITS shall become fully vested and payable immediately, or (2) if such termination occurs prior to the end of the three-year performance period, the TARGET AWARD shall become fully vested and payable immediately.

(E)      If PARTICIPANT dies while employed by the COMPANY or one of the subsidiaries or affiliates of the COMPANY prior to the lapsing of the RESTRICTED PERIOD, such RESTRICTED PERIOD shall immediately lapse and (1) if PARTICIPANT’s death occurs after the end of the three-year performance period, the EARNED UNITS shall become fully vested and payable immediately, or (2) if PARTICIPANT’s death occurs prior to the end of the three-year performance period, the TARGET AWARD shall become fully vested and payable immediately.

(F)      If PARTICIPANT retires from employment with the COMPANY and the subsidiaries and affiliates of the COMPANY at or after attaining the age of 65 (such termination of employment, a “retirement”) prior to the lapsing of the RESTRICTED PERIOD applicable to any EARNED UNITS, such RESTRICTED PERIOD shall immediately lapse and the EARNED UNITS shall become fully vested and payable as of the VESTING DATE notwithstanding the fact that PARTICIPANT is not employed as of the VESTING DATE (and, if such termination occurs prior to February 2, 2019, the number of EARNED UNITS shall be based upon the actual achievement of the respective performance goals over the full three-fiscal-year period and such EARNED UNITS shall become fully vested upon the COMMITTEE’s written certification of the achievement of such goals and payable as of the VESTING DATE notwithstanding the fact that PARTICIPANT is not employed as of the VESTING DATE and any remaining portion of the AWARD shall be forfeited to the COMPANY.

(G)      For purposes of this AGREEMENT, “total disability” shall have the definition set forth in the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Long Term Disability Plan, which definition is incorporated herein by reference.

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5.      Forfeiture of AWARD .

(A) The AWARD and any EARNED UNITS shall be subject to the following additional forfeiture conditions, to which PARTICIPANT, by accepting the AWARD, agrees. If any of the events specified in Section 5(B)(i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) of this AGREEMENT occurs (a “FORFEITURE EVENT”), the following forfeiture will result:

(i)      the AWARD and any EARNED UNITS held by PARTICIPANT and not then settled will be immediately forfeited and canceled upon the occurrence of the FORFEITURE EVENT ; and

(ii) PARTICIPANT will be obligated to repay to the COMPANY, in cash, within five business days after demand is made therefor by the COMPANY, the total amount of “AWARD GAIN” (as defined below) realized by PARTICIPANT upon settlement of the AWARD that occurred on or after (x) the date that is twenty-four months prior to the occurrence of the FORFEITURE EVENT, if the FORFEITURE EVENT occurred while PARTICIPANT was employed by the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY, or (y) the date that is twenty-four months prior to the date PARTICIPANT’s employment by the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY terminated, if the FORFEITURE EVENT occurred after PARTICIPANT ceased to be so employed. For purposes of this Section 5, the term “AWARD GAIN” shall mean, in respect of any settlement of the AWARD granted to PARTICIPANT, the FAIR MARKET VALUE as of the applicable VESTING DATE of the cash and/or SHARES of the COMPANY paid or payable to PARTICIPANT (regardless of any elective deferrals).

(B)      The forfeitures specified in Section 5(A) of this AGREEMENT will be triggered upon the occurrence of any one of the following FORFEITURE EVENTS at any time during PARTICIPANT’s employment by the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY, or during the twenty-four - month period following termination of such employment:

(i)      PARTICIPANT, acting alone or with others, directly or indirectly, (I) engages, either as an employee, employer, consultant, advisor, or director, or as an owner, investor, partner, or stockholder unless PARTICIPANT’s interest is insubstantial, in any business in an area or region in which the COMPANY or any subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY conducts business at the date the event occurs, which is directly in competition with a business then conducted by the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY; (II) induces any customer or supplier of the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY, with which the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY has a business relationship, to curtail, cancel, not renew, or not continue his or her or its business with the COMPANY or any subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY; or (III) induces, or attempts to influence, any employee of or service provider to the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY to terminate such employment or service. The COMMITTEE shall, in its discretion, determine which lines of business the COMPANY and the subsidiaries and affiliates of the COMPANY conduct on any particular date and which third parties may reasonably be deemed to be in competition with the COMPANY or any

6



subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY. For purposes of this Section 5(B)(i), PARTICIPANT’s interest as a stockholder is insubstantial if it represents beneficial ownership of less than five percent of the outstanding class of stock, and PARTICIPANT’s interest as an owner, investor, or partner is insubstantial if it represents ownership, as determined by the COMMITTEE in its discretion, of less than five percent of the outstanding equity of the entity;

(ii)      PARTICIPANT discloses, uses, sells, or otherwise transfers, except in the course of employment with or other service to the COMPANY or any subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY, any confidential or proprietary information of the COMPANY or any subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY, including but not limited to information regarding the COMPANY’s or any subsidiary’s or affiliate’s current and potential customers, organization, employees, finances, and methods of operations and investments, so long as such information has not otherwise been disclosed to the public or is not otherwise in the public domain (other than by PARTICIPANT’s breach of this provision), except as required by law or pursuant to legal process, or PARTICIPANT makes statements or representations, or otherwise communicates, directly or indirectly, in writing, orally, or otherwise, or takes any other action which may, directly or indirectly, disparage or be damaging to the COMPANY or any of the subsidiaries or affiliates of the COMPANY or their respective officers, directors, employees, advisors, businesses or reputations, except as required by law or pursuant to legal process;

(iii)      PARTICIPANT fails to cooperate with the COMPANY or any subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY in any way, including, without limitation, by making PARTICIPANT available to testify on behalf of the COMPANY or such subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY in any action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative, or otherwise fails to assist the COMPANY or any subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY in any way, including, without limitation, in connection with any such action, suit, or proceeding by providing information and meeting and consulting with members of management of, other representatives of, or counsel to, the COMPANY or such subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY, as reasonably requested; or

(iv)      PARTICIPANT, during the period PARTICIPANT is employed by the COMPANY or any subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY and for twenty-four months thereafter (the “NON-SOLICITATION PERIOD”), alone or in conjunction with another person, (I) interferes with or harms, or attempts to interfere with or harm, the relationship of the COMPANY or any subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY with any person who at any time was a customer or supplier of the COMPANY or any subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY or otherwise had a business relationship with the COMPANY or any subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY; or (II) hires, solicits for hire, aids in or facilitates the hire, or causes to be hired, either as an employee, contractor or consultant, any person who is currently employed, or was employed at any time during the six-month period prior thereto, as an employee, contractor or consultant of the COMPANY or any subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY.

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(C)      Despite the conditions set forth in this Section 5, PARTICIPANT is not hereby prohibited from engaging in any activity set forth in Section 5(B)(i) of this AGREEMENT, including but not limited to competition with the COMPANY and the subsidiaries and affiliates of the COMPANY. Rather, the non-occurrence of the FORFEITURE EVENTS set forth in Section 5(B) of this AGREEMENT is a condition to PARTICIPANT’s right to realize and retain value from the AWARD, and the consequences under the PLAN and this AGREEMENT if PARTICIPANT engages in an activity giving rise to any such FORFEITURE EVENTS are the forfeitures specified therein and as otherwise provided in this AGREEMENT. The COMPANY and PARTICIPANT shall not be precluded by this provision or otherwise from entering into other agreements concerning the subject matter of Sections 5(A) and 5(B) of this AGREEMENT.

(D)      The COMMITTEE may, in its discretion, waive in whole or in part the COMPANY’s right to forfeiture under this Section 5, but no such waiver shall be effective unless evidenced by a writing signed by a duly authorized officer of the COMPANY.

(E)      In addition to the above, PARTICIPANT agrees that any of the conduct described in Sections 5(B)(ii) and (iv) of this AGREEMENT would result in irreparable injury and damage to the COMPANY for which the COMPANY would have no adequate remedy at law. PARTICIPANT agrees that in the event of such occurrence or any threat thereof, the COMPANY shall be entitled to an immediate injunction and restraining order to prevent such conduct and threatened conduct and/or continued conduct by PARTICIPANT and/or any and all persons and/or entities acting for and/or with PARTICIPANT, and without having to prove damages and to all costs and expenses incurred by the COMPANY in seeking to enforce the COMPANY’s rights under this AGREEMENT. These remedies are in addition to any other remedies to which the COMPANY may be entitled at law or in equity. PARTICIPANT agrees that the covenants of PARTICIPANT contained in Section 5(B) of this AGREEMENT are reasonable. For the same reasons, the COMPANY shall be entitled to an immediate injunction without having to prove damages to enforce the COMPANY’s right to forfeit the AWARD pursuant to Section 5(C) for a violation of Section 5(B)(i).

(F)      If the COMMITTEE determines that the earlier determination as to the achievement of any performance goal or performance-based vesting criteria hereunder was based on incorrect data and that in fact the performance goal or performance-based vesting criteria had not been achieved or had been achieved to a lesser extent than originally determined and a number of the EARNED UNITS would not have been granted, earned and/or vested, given the correct data, then (i) the aggregate number of SHARES of the COMPANY subject to the TARGET AWARD set forth in Section 1 of this AGREEMENT, and/or the aggregate number of EARNED UNITS earned hereunder, shall be reduced by such number of EARNED UNITS that would not have been granted, earned and/or vested (such EARNED UNITS, the “EXCESS UNITS”), (ii) any EXCESS UNITS that have not yet vested in accordance with the terms of this AGREEMENT shall be forfeited and (iii) any SHARES of the COMPANY received upon settlement of vested

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EXCESS UNITS (or if such SHARES were disposed of, the cash equivalent) shall be returned to the COMPANY as provided by the COMMITTEE.

6.      Restrictions on Transfers of SHARES . Anything contained in this AGREEMENT or elsewhere to the contrary notwithstanding, the COMPANY may postpone the issuance and delivery of SHARES of the COMPANY upon any settlement of the AWARD until completion of any stock exchange listing or registration or other qualification of such SHARES under any state, federal or foreign law, rule or regulation as the COMPANY may consider appropriate; and may require PARTICIPANT in connection with the issuance of the SHARES to make such representations and furnish such information as the COMPANY may consider appropriate in connection with the issuance of the SHARES in compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. SHARES of the COMPANY issued and delivered upon settlement of the AWARD shall be subject to such restrictions on trading, including appropriate legending of certificates to that effect, as the COMPANY, in its discretion, shall determine are necessary to satisfy applicable laws, rules and regulations.

7.      PLAN as Controlling; PARTICIPANT Acknowledgments . All terms and conditions of the PLAN applicable to the AWARD which are not set forth in this AGREEMENT shall be deemed incorporated herein by reference. In the event that any term or condition of this AGREEMENT is inconsistent with the terms and conditions of the PLAN, the PLAN shall be deemed controlling. PARTICIPANT acknowledges receipt of a copy of the PLAN and of the Prospectus related to the PLAN. PARTICIPANT also acknowledges that all decisions, determinations and interpretations of the COMMITTEE in respect of the PLAN, this AGREEMENT and the AWARD shall be final, conclusive and binding on PARTICIPANT, all other persons interested in the PLAN and stockholders of the COMPANY.

8.      Governing Law . To the extent not preempted by applicable federal or foreign law, this AGREEMENT shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, except with respect to provisions relating to the covenants set forth in Section 5 of this AGREEMENT, which shall be governed by the laws of the State of Ohio.

9.      Rights and Remedies Cumulative . All rights and remedies of the COMPANY and of PARTICIPANT enumerated in this AGREEMENT shall be cumulative and, except as expressly provided otherwise in this AGREEMENT, none shall exclude any other rights or remedies allowed by law or in equity, and each of said rights or remedies may be exercised and enforced concurrently.

10.      Captions . The captions contained in this AGREEMENT are included only for convenience of reference and do not define, limit, explain or modify this AGREEMENT or its interpretation, construction or meaning and are in no way to be construed as a part of this AGREEMENT.

11.      Severability . If any provision of this AGREEMENT or the application of any provision hereof to any person or any circumstance shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable, then such determination shall not affect any other provision of this AGREEMENT or the application of said provision to any other person or circumstance, all

9



of which other provisions shall remain in full force and effect, and it is the intention of each party to this AGREEMENT that if any provision of this AGREEMENT is susceptible of two or more constructions, one of which would render the provision enforceable and the other or others of which would render the provision unenforceable, then the provision shall have the meaning which renders it enforceable.

12.      Number and Gender . When used in this AGREEMENT, the number and gender of each pronoun shall be construed to be such number and gender as the context, circumstances or its antecedent may require.

13.      Entire Agreement . This AGREEMENT, including the PLAN incorporated herein by reference, constitutes the entire agreement between the COMPANY and PARTICIPANT in respect of the subject matter of this AGREEMENT, and this AGREEMENT supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements between the parties hereto in connection with the subject matter of this AGREEMENT. No officer, employee or other servant or agent of the COMPANY, and no servant or agent of PARTICIPANT, is authorized to make any representation, warranty or other promise not contained in this AGREEMENT. Other than as set forth in Section 11(e) of the PLAN, no change, termination or attempted waiver of any of the provisions of this AGREEMENT shall be binding upon either party hereto unless contained in a writing signed by the party to be charged.

14.      Successors and Assigns of the COMPANY . The obligations of the COMPANY under this AGREEMENT shall be binding upon any successor corporation or organization resulting from the merger, consolidation or other reorganization of the COMPANY, or upon any successor corporation or organization succeeding to substantially all of the assets and businesses of the COMPANY.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank; signature page follows]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the COMPANY has caused this AGREEMENT to be executed by its duly authorized officer, and PARTICIPANT has executed this AGREEMENT, in each case effective as of the GRANT DATE.

 
COMPANY :
 
 
 
 
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
 
By:
 
 
It's
Senior Vice President
 
Title
Human Resources
 
PARTICIPANT :
 
 
 
 
 
 
Printed Name: [Participant Name]
 
 
 
 
Address:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
[Acceptance Date]


11

EXHIBIT 10.10

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT
(2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan for Directors)


This RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT (this “AGREEMENT”) is made to be effective as of [Grant Date] (the date on which the COMMITTEE (as defined below) approves the award, referred to as the “GRANT DATE”), by and between Abercrombie & Fitch Co., a Delaware corporation (the “COMPANY”), and [Participant Name], a non-employee director of the COMPANY or one of the COMPANY’s subsidiaries or affiliates (“PARTICIPANT”).
WITNESSETH :
WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of the 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan for Directors of the COMPANY (the “PLAN”), the Compensation and Organization Committee (the “COMMITTEE”) of the Board of Directors of the COMPANY (the “BOARD”) administers the PLAN; and
WHEREAS, the COMMITTEE has determined that PARTICIPANT should be granted rights to receive [Shares Granted] shares of Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value, of the COMPANY (such rights, the “RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS”), subject to the restrictions, conditions and other terms set forth in this AGREEMENT;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the parties hereto make the following agreement, intending to be legally bound thereby:
1.      Grant of RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS . Pursuant to, and subject to, the terms and conditions set forth in this AGREEMENT and in the PLAN, the COMPANY hereby grants to PARTICIPANT [Shares Granted] RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS of the COMPANY (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 11(c) of the PLAN and Section 5(F) of this AGREEMENT, if applicable). Each RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT shall represent the right to receive one issued and outstanding share of Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value (the “SHARES”), of the COMPANY, but shall be subject to the restrictions, conditions and other terms set forth in this AGREEMENT.
2.      Terms and Conditions of the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS .
(A)      RESTRICTED PERIOD . Except as provided under Sections 3 and 4 of this AGREEMENT, the period of restriction (the “RESTRICTED PERIOD”), after which the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS shall become vested and no longer be subject to forfeiture to the COMPANY shall lapse upon the earlier of (i) the first anniversary of the GRANT DATE and (ii) the date of the next regularly scheduled annual meeting of stockholders; provided the PARTICIPANT is a non-employee director of the COMPANY on such date.
(B)      Non-Transferability of RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS . RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS may not be pledged, hypothecated or otherwise encumbered or subject to any lien, obligation or liability of PARTICIPANT to any party (other than the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate of the COMPANY) or assigned or transferred (whether by operation of law or otherwise) by PARTICIPANT, otherwise than by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution, and the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS shall not be subject to execution, attachment or similar process.




(C)      Lapse of RESTRICTED PERIOD . Upon the lapse of the RESTRICTED PERIOD applicable to any RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS, as promptly as is reasonably practicable, and in no case later than March 15th of the year after the year the RESTRICTED PERIOD lapses, SHARES of the COMPANY shall be issued to PARTICIPANT and the COMPANY shall deliver a stock certificate or other appropriate documentation evidencing the number of SHARES of the COMPANY issued in settlement of such vested RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS to PARTICIPANT.
(D)      Tax Withholding . The COMPANY shall have the right to require PARTICIPANT to remit to the COMPANY an amount sufficient to satisfy any applicable federal, state, local and foreign tax withholding requirements in respect of the settlement of the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS. Unless PARTICIPANT is notified otherwise, the COMPANY will withhold SHARES of the COMPANY otherwise deliverable upon settlement of the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS having a FAIR MARKET VALUE (as defined in the PLAN) on the date of settlement equal to the amount required to be withheld (but only to the extent of the minimum amount that must be withheld to comply with applicable federal, state, local and foreign income, employment and wage tax laws). Pursuant to the PLAN, the COMPANY reserves the right to notify PARTICIPANT prior to settlement of the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS, that in lieu of the foregoing, the COMPANY may require that the minimum amount that must be withheld to comply with applicable federal, state, local and foreign income, employment and wage tax laws) be settled in cash either: (i) through the sale, on PARTICIPANT’s behalf on the open market, of a number of SHARES of the COMPANY required to cover such amount or (ii) at PARTICIPANT’s option, through a direct cash payment by PARTICIPANT to the COMPANY to cover such amount.
(E)      Rights as Holder of RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS . With respect to these RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS, PARTICIPANT shall have no rights as a stockholder of the COMPANY (including no right to vote or receive dividends) with respect to any SHARES of the COMPANY until the date of issuance to PARTICIPANT of a certificate or other evidence of ownership representing such SHARES in settlement thereof. In addition, dividend equivalents will not be paid or payable with respect to the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS subject to this AGREEMENT until such date of issuance.
3.      Change of Control . Unless the BOARD or the COMMITTEE provides otherwise prior to a “Change of Control” (as such term is defined in the PLAN), upon a Change of Control, Section 9 of the PLAN shall govern the treatment of the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS.
4.      Effect of Termination of Service as a Director .
(A)      The grant of the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS shall not confer upon PARTICIPANT any right to continue as a director of the COMPANY or any of the subsidiaries or affiliates of the COMPANY or interfere with or limit in any way the right of the COMPANY or any of the subsidiaries or affiliates of the COMPANY to modify the terms of or terminate the service of PARTICIPANT at any time in accordance with applicable law and the COMPANY’s or the subsidiary’s or affiliate’s governing corporate documents.
(B)      Except as the COMMITTEE may at any time provide, and subject to Section 4(E) of this AGREEMENT, if the service of PARTICIPANT as a director of the COMPANY and the subsidiaries and affiliates of the COMPANY is terminated for any reason other than death or “total disability” (as defined below) prior to the lapsing of the RESTRICTED PERIOD applicable to any RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS, such RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS shall be forfeited to the COMPANY.
(C)      If PARTICIPANT becomes totally disabled prior to the lapsing of the RESTRICTED PERIOD applicable to any RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS, such RESTRICTED PERIOD shall immediately lapse and the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS shall become fully vested.

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(D)      If PARTICIPANT dies while employed by the COMPANY or one of the subsidiaries or affiliates of the COMPANY prior to the lapsing of the RESTRICTED PERIOD applicable to any RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS, such RESTRICTED PERIOD shall immediately lapse and the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS shall become fully vested.
(E)      For purposes of this AGREEMENT, “total disability” shall have the definition set forth in the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Long Term Disability Plan, which definition is incorporated herein by reference.
5.      Restrictions on Transfers of SHARES . Anything contained in this AGREEMENT or elsewhere to the contrary notwithstanding, the COMPANY may postpone the issuance and delivery of SHARES of the COMPANY upon any settlement of the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS until completion of any stock exchange listing or registration or other qualification of such SHARES under any state, federal or foreign law, rule or regulation as the COMPANY may consider appropriate; and may require PARTICIPANT in connection with the issuance of the SHARES to make such representations and furnish such information as the COMPANY may consider appropriate in connection with the issuance of the SHARES in compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. SHARES of the COMPANY issued and delivered upon settlement of the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS shall be subject to such restrictions on trading, including appropriate legending of certificates to that effect, as the COMPANY, in its discretion, shall determine are necessary to satisfy applicable laws, rules and regulations.     
6.      PLAN as Controlling; PARTICIPANT Acknowledgments . All terms and conditions of the PLAN applicable to the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS which are not set forth in this AGREEMENT shall be deemed incorporated herein by reference. In the event that any term or condition of this AGREEMENT is inconsistent with the terms and conditions of the PLAN, the PLAN shall be deemed controlling. PARTICIPANT acknowledges receipt of a copy of the PLAN and of the Prospectus related to the PLAN. PARTICIPANT also acknowledges that all decisions, determinations and interpretations of the COMMITTEE in respect of the PLAN, this AGREEMENT and the RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS shall be final, conclusive and binding on PARTICIPANT, all other persons interested in the PLAN and stockholders of the COMPANY.
7.      Governing Law . To the extent not preempted by applicable federal or foreign law, this AGREEMENT shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.
8.      Rights and Remedies Cumulative . All rights and remedies of the COMPANY and of PARTICIPANT enumerated in this AGREEMENT shall be cumulative and, except as expressly provided otherwise in this AGREEMENT, none shall exclude any other rights or remedies allowed by law or in equity, and each of said rights or remedies may be exercised and enforced concurrently.
9.      Captions . The captions contained in this AGREEMENT are included only for convenience of reference and do not define, limit, explain or modify this AGREEMENT or its interpretation, construction or meaning and are in no way to be construed as a part of this AGREEMENT.
10.      Severability . If any provision of this AGREEMENT or the application of any provision hereof to any person or any circumstance shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable, then such determination shall not affect any other provision of this AGREEMENT or the application of said provision to any other person or circumstance, all of which other provisions shall remain in full force and effect, and it is the intention of each party to this AGREEMENT that if any provision of this AGREEMENT is susceptible of two or more constructions, one of which would render the provision enforceable and the other or others of which would render the provision unenforceable, then the provision shall have the meaning which renders it enforceable.

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11.      Number and Gender . When used in this AGREEMENT, the number and gender of each pronoun shall be construed to be such number and gender as the context, circumstances or its antecedent may require.
12.      Entire Agreement . This AGREEMENT, including the PLAN incorporated herein by reference, constitutes the entire agreement between the COMPANY and PARTICIPANT in respect of the subject matter of this AGREEMENT, and this AGREEMENT supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements between the parties hereto in connection with the subject matter of this AGREEMENT. No officer, employee or other servant or agent of the COMPANY, and no servant or agent of PARTICIPANT, is authorized to make any representation, warranty or other promise not contained in this AGREEMENT. Other than as set forth in Section 11(e) of the PLAN, no change, termination or attempted waiver of any of the provisions of this AGREEMENT shall be binding upon either party hereto unless contained in a writing signed by the party to be charged.
13.      Successors and Assigns of the COMPANY . The obligations of the COMPANY under this AGREEMENT shall be binding upon any successor corporation or organization resulting from the merger, consolidation or other reorganization of the COMPANY, or upon any successor corporation or organization succeeding to substantially all of the assets and businesses of the COMPANY.



[Remainder of page intentionally left blank; signature page follows]


4



IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the COMPANY has caused this AGREEMENT to be executed by its duly authorized officer, and PARTICIPANT has executed this AGREEMENT, in each case effective as of the GRANT DATE.

 
COMPANY :
 
 
 
 
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
 
By:
 
 
It's
Senior Vice President
 
Title
Human Resources
 
PARTICIPANT :
 
 
 
 
 
 
Printed Name: [Participant Name]
 
 
 
 
Address:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
[Acceptance Date]






5


EXHIBIT 10.11

Certificate regarding Approval of Amendment of Section 3(b) of the
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan
by Board of Directors of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. on August 20, 2014

The undersigned hereby certifies that he is the duly elected, qualified and acting Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Abercrombie & Fitch Co., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”); that a regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company was duly called and held on August 20, 2014, at which regular meeting a quorum of the directors of the Company was at all times present; and that the Board of Directors duly approved the amendment of Section 3(b) of the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan to read as set forth on Annex A attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Abercrombie & Fitch Co., acting for and on behalf of the Company, has hereunto set his hand this 6th day of September, 2016.

 
 
/s/ Robert E. Bostrom
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Robert E. Bostrom
 
 
 
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Abercrombie & Fitch Co.
 





Annex A
Abercrombie & Fitch Co.

Amendment to Section 3(b) of Abercrombie & Fitch Co.
2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan

3. Administration

(b) Manner of Exercise of Committee Authority. The express grant of any specific power to the Committee, and the taking of any action by the Committee, shall not be construed as limiting any power or authority of the Committee. The Committee may act through subcommittees, including for purposes of perfecting exemptions under Rule 16b-3 or qualifying Awards under Code Section 162(m) as performance-based compensation, in which case the subcommittee shall be subject to and have authority under the charter applicable to the Committee, and the acts of the subcommittee shall be deemed to be acts of the Committee hereunder. The Committee may delegate the administration of the Plan to one or more officers or employees of the Company, and such administrator(s) may have the authority to grant Awards under the Plan, as may be determined by the Committee from time to time, to execute and distribute Award agreements or other documents evidencing or relating to Awards granted by the Committee under this Plan, to maintain records relating to Awards, to process or oversee the issuance of Stock under Awards, to interpret and administer the terms of Awards and to take such other actions as may be necessary or appropriate for the administration of the Plan and of Awards under the Plan, provided that in no case shall any such administrator be authorized (i)  to take any action that would result in the loss of an exemption under Rule 16b-3 for Awards granted to or held by Participants who at the time are subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act in respect of the Company or that would cause Awards intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Code Section 162(m) to fail to so qualify, (ii) to take any action inconsistent with Section 157 and other applicable provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or (iii) to make any determination required to be made by the Committee under the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance standards applicable to listed company compensation committees (currently, Rule 303A.05). Any action by any such administrator within the scope of its delegation shall be deemed for all purposes to have been taken by the Committee and, except as otherwise specifically provided, references in this Plan to the Committee shall include any such administrator. The Committee established pursuant to Section 1.3(a) and, to the extent it so provides, any subcommittee, shall have sole authority to determine whether to review any actions and/or interpretations of any such administrator, and if the Committee shall decide to conduct such a review, any such actions and/or interpretations of any such administrator shall be subject to approval, disapproval or modification by the Committee.







EXHIBIT 10.12

Certificate regarding Approval of Amendment of Section 3(b) of the
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Amended and Restated 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan
by Board of Directors of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. on August 20, 2014

The undersigned hereby certifies that he is the duly elected, qualified and acting Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Abercrombie & Fitch Co., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”); that a regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company was duly called and held on August 20, 2014, at which regular meeting a quorum of the directors of the Company was at all times present; and that the Board of Directors duly approved the amendment of Section 3(b) of the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Amended and Restated 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan to read as set forth on Annex A attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Abercrombie & Fitch Co., acting for and on behalf of the Company, has hereunto set his hand this 6th day of September, 2016.

 
 
/s/ Robert E. Bostrom
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Robert E. Bostrom
 
 
 
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Abercrombie & Fitch Co.
 





Annex A
Abercrombie & Fitch Co.

Amendment to Section 3(b) of Abercrombie & Fitch Co.
Amended and Restated 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan

3. Administration

(b) Manner of Exercise of Committee Authority. The express grant of any specific power to the Committee, and the taking of any action by the Committee, shall not be construed as limiting any power or authority of the Committee. The Committee may act through subcommittees, including for purposes of perfecting exemptions under Rule 16b-3 or qualifying Awards under Code Section 162(m) as performance-based compensation, in which case the subcommittee shall be subject to and have authority under the charter applicable to the Committee, and the acts of the subcommittee shall be deemed to be acts of the Committee hereunder. The Committee may delegate the administration of the Plan to one or more officers or employees of the Company, and such administrator(s) may have the authority to grant Awards under the Plan, as may be determined by the Committee from time to time, to execute and distribute Award agreements or other documents evidencing or relating to Awards granted by the Committee under this Plan, to maintain records relating to Awards, to process or oversee the issuance of Stock under Awards, to interpret and administer the terms of Awards and to take such other actions as may be necessary or appropriate for the administration of the Plan and of Awards under the Plan, provided that in no case shall any such administrator be authorized (i)  to take any action that would result in the loss of an exemption under Rule 16b-3 for Awards granted to or held by Participants who at the time are subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act in respect of the Company or that would cause Awards intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Code Section 162(m) to fail to so qualify, (ii) to take any action inconsistent with Section 157 and other applicable provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or (iii) to make any determination required to be made by the Committee under the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance standards applicable to listed company compensation committees (currently, Rule 303A.05). Any action by any such administrator within the scope of its delegation shall be deemed for all purposes to have been taken by the Committee and, except as otherwise specifically provided, references in this Plan to the Committee shall include any such administrator. The Committee established pursuant to Section 1.3(a) and, to the extent it so provides, any subcommittee, shall have sole authority to determine whether to review any actions and/or interpretations of any such administrator, and if the Committee shall decide to conduct such a review, any such actions and/or interpretations of any such administrator shall be subject to approval, disapproval or modification by the Committee.





EXHIBIT 31
 
CERTIFICATIONS

I, Joanne C. Crevoiserat, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. for the quarterly period ended July 30, 2016 ;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;    
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
 
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
 
 
 
Date: September 6, 2016
By:
/s/ Joanne C. Crevoiserat
 
 
Joanne C. Crevoiserat
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
(Interim Principal Executive Officer; and Principal Financial Officer)





EXHIBIT 32
            

Certifications by Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (who serves as Interim Principal Executive Officer; and Principal Financial Officer) pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (the “Corporation”) on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 30, 2016 , as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), the undersigned Joanne C. Crevoiserat, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation (serving as Interim Principal Executive Officer; and Principal Financial Officer), certifies, pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
(1)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of the Corporation and its subsidiaries.

/s/ Joanne C. Crevoiserat
 
 
Joanne C. Crevoiserat
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Interim Principal Executive Officer; and Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
Date: September 6, 2016
 
 


*
These certifications are being furnished as required by Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code, and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liability of that Section. These certifications shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the Corporation specifically incorporates these certifications by reference in such filing.