Exhibit 10.1
STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHT AGREEMENT
(2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan)
This STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT (this AGREEMENT) is made to be effective as of
, 200
(the GRANT DATE), by and between Abercrombie & Fitch Co., a
Delaware corporation (the COMPANY), and
(the PARTICIPANT).
WITNESSETH
:
WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of the 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan of the COMPANY (the
PLAN), the Compensation Committee (the COMMITTEE) of the Board of Directors of the COMPANY (the
BOARD) administers the PLAN; and
WHEREAS, the COMMITTEE has determined that an award of stock appreciation rights (SARs) with
respect to
(
) shares of Class A Common
Stock, $0.01 par value (the SHARES), of the COMPANY should be granted to the PARTICIPANT upon the
terms and conditions 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 the PARTICIPANT an award of
(
) SARs (the AWARD). Each SAR represents
the right to receive, upon exercise of the SAR, pursuant to this AGREEMENT, from the COMPANY, a
payment, paid in SHARES of the COMPANY, having a value equal to the excess of the FAIR MARKET VALUE
(as defined in the PLAN), on the date of exercise, of one SHARE of the COMPANY (subject to
adjustment as provided in Section 11(c) of the PLAN) over the BASE PRICE (as defined below).
2.
Terms and Conditions of the AWARD
.
(A)
BASE PRICE
. The BASE PRICE shall be $
per share (subject to
adjustment as provided in Section 11(c) of the PLAN).
(B)
Exercise of the AWARD
. Except as provided under Sections 3 and 5 of this
AGREEMENT, no portion of the AWARD may be exercised until the first anniversary of the GRANT DATE,
provided that the PARTICIPANT is employed by the COMPANY or a subsidiary of the COMPANY on such
date. Thereafter, except as otherwise provided in this AGREEMENT, the AWARD may be exercised as
follows:
(i) at any time after the first anniversary of the GRANT DATE, as to
% of
the SARs subject to the AWARD, provided that the PARTICIPANT is employed by the COMPANY or a
subsidiary of the COMPANY on such date;
(ii) at any time after the second anniversary of the GRANT DATE, as to an additional
% of the SARs subject to the AWARD, provided that the PARTICIPANT is employed by the COMPANY or a subsidiary of the COMPANY on such date;
(iii) at any time after the third anniversary of the GRANT DATE, as to an additional
% of the SARs subject to the AWARD, provided that the PARTICIPANT is employed
by the COMPANY or a subsidiary of the COMPANY on such date; and
(iv) at any time after the fourth anniversary of the GRANT DATE, as to an additional
% of the SARs subject to the AWARD, provided that the PARTICIPANT is employed
by the COMPANY or a subsidiary of the COMPANY on such date.
Subject to the other provisions of this AGREEMENT, including Section 5, if the AWARD becomes
vested and exercisable as to certain SARs, it shall remain exercisable as to those SARs until the
date of expiration of the AWARD term. The COMMITTEE may, but shall not be required to (unless
otherwise provided in this AGREEMENT), accelerate the vesting and exercisability of the AWARD.
The grant of the AWARD shall not confer upon the PARTICIPANT any right to continue in the
employment of the COMPANY or any of its subsidiaries or interfere with or limit in any way the
right of the COMPANY or any of its subsidiaries to modify the terms of or terminate the employment
of the PARTICIPANT at any time in accordance with applicable law and the COMPANYs or the
subsidiarys governing corporate documents.
(C)
AWARD Term
. The AWARD shall in no event be exercisable after the expiration of ten
years from the GRANT DATE and shall expire on such date.
(D)
Method of Exercise
. The AWARD may be exercised by giving written or electronic
notice of exercise to the COMMITTEE, in care of the Human Resources Department of the COMPANY, or
such third-party administrator as the Human Resources Department may from time to time designate,
stating the number of SARs subject to the AWARD in respect of which the AWARD is being exercised.
After proper notice has been made, and subject to Section 2(E) below, the COMPANY shall take all
such actions as are necessary to deliver an appropriate certificate or other
evidence of ownership representing the SHARES due upon the exercise of the AWARD as promptly
thereafter as is reasonably practicable.
(E)
Tax Withholding
. The COMPANY shall have the right to require the PARTICIPANT to
remit to the COMPANY an amount sufficient to satisfy any applicable federal, state and local tax
withholding requirements in respect of the exercise of the AWARD. These tax withholding
requirements may be satisfied in one of several ways, including:
(i) The PARTICIPANT may give the COMPANY cash equal to the amount required to be withheld or
tender SHARES of the COMPANY already owned by the PARTICIPANT for at least six months by actual
delivery of the already-owned SHARES and having a FAIR MARKET VALUE on the exercise date equal to
the amount required to be withheld; or
(ii) The COMPANY may withhold SHARES otherwise issuable upon exercise of the AWARD having FAIR
MARKET VALUE on the exercise date 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 state, federal and
local income, employment and wage tax laws).
3.
Change of Control
. Unless the BOARD or 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.
4.
Non-Transferability of AWARD
. The AWARD may not be transferred, assigned, pledged
or hypothecated (whether by operation of law or otherwise) by the PARTICIPANT, except as provided
by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution, and the AWARD shall not be subject
to execution, attachment or similar process.
5.
Exercise After Termination of Employment
.
(A) Except as the COMMITTEE may at any time provide, if the employment of the PARTICIPANT with
the COMPANY and its subsidiaries is terminated for any reason other than death or total
disability (as defined below), the AWARD may be exercised (to the extent that the PARTICIPANT was
entitled to do so on the date of the termination of the PARTICIPANTs employment) at any time
within three months after such termination of employment, subject to the provisions of Section 2(C)
of this AGREEMENT, and shall then expire. To the extent the PARTICIPANT was not entitled to
exercise the AWARD on the date of termination of the PARTICIPANTs employment, such portion of the
AWARD shall expire on the date of such termination.
(B) If the PARTICIPANT becomes totally disabled, the AWARD shall become immediately vested and
exercisable in full, and the AWARD may be exercised at any time during the first twelve (12) months
that the PARTICIPANT receives benefits under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Long-Term Disability
Program, or any successor program, subject to the provisions of Section 2(C) of this AGREEMENT, and
shall then expire.
(C) If the PARTICIPANT dies while employed by the COMPANY or one of its subsidiaries, the
AWARD shall become immediately vested and exercisable in full by the PARTICIPANTs estate or by the
person who acquires the right to exercise the AWARD upon the PARTICIPANTs death by bequest or
inheritance. The AWARD may be exercised at any time within one year after the date of the
PARTICIPANTs death, or such other period as the COMMITTEE may at any time provide, subject to the
provisions of Section 2(C) of this AGREEMENT, and shall then expire.
(D) For purposes of this AGREEMENT, total disability shall have the definition set forth in
the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Long-Term Disability Program, which definition is incorporated herein
by reference.
6.
Forfeiture of AWARD
.
(A) The AWARD shall be subject to the following additional forfeiture conditions, to which the
PARTICIPANT, by accepting the AWARD, agrees. If any of the
events specified in Section 6(B)(i), (ii), or (iii) occurs (a FORFEITURE EVENT), the
following forfeiture will result:
(i) The unexercised portion of the AWARD held by the PARTICIPANT, whether or not vested, will
be immediately forfeited and canceled upon the occurrence of the FORFEITURE EVENT; and
(ii) The 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 the PARTICIPANT upon each exercise of the AWARD that occurred on or after
(I) the date that is six months prior to the occurrence of the FORFEITURE EVENT, if the FORFEITURE
EVENT occurred while the PARTICIPANT was employed by the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate, or
(II) the date that is six months prior to the date the PARTICIPANTs employment by the COMPANY or a
subsidiary or affiliate terminated, if the FORFEITURE EVENT occurred after the PARTICIPANT ceased
to be so employed. For purposes of this Section, the term AWARD GAIN shall mean, in respect of a
given AWARD exercise, the product of (x) the FAIR MARKET VALUE per SHARE of the COMPANY at the date
of such exercise (without regard to any subsequent change in the market price of shares) minus the
BASE PRICE times (y) the number of SARs as to which the AWARD was exercised at that date.
(B) The forfeitures specified in Section 6(A) will be triggered upon the occurrence of any one
of the following FORFEITURE EVENTS at any time during PARTICIPANTs employment by the COMPANY or a
subsidiary or affiliate, or during the one-year period following termination of such employment:
(i) PARTICIPANT, acting alone or with others, directly or indirectly, (I) engages, either as
employee, employer, consultant, advisor, or director, or as an owner, investor, partner, or
stockholder unless PARTICIPANTs interest is insubstantial, in any business in an area or region
in which 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; (II)
induces any customer or supplier of the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate, with which the
COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate 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; or (III)
induces, or attempts to influence, any employee of or service provider to the COMPANY or a
subsidiary or affiliate to terminate such employment or service. The COMMITTEE shall, in its
discretion, determine which lines of business the COMPANY conducts on any particular date and which
third parties may reasonably be deemed to be in competition with the COMPANY. For purposes of this
Section 6(B)(i), PARTICIPANTs interest as a stockholder is insubstantial if it represents
beneficial ownership of less than five percent of the outstanding class of stock, and PARTICIPANTs
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, any confidential or
proprietary information of the COMPANY or any subsidiary
or affiliate, including but not limited to information regarding the COMPANYs 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 PARTICIPANTs 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 its
subsidiaries or affiliates or their respective officers, directors, employees, advisors, businesses
or reputations, except as required by law or pursuant to legal process; or
(iii) PARTICIPANT fails to cooperate with the COMPANY or any subsidiary or affiliate in any
way, including, without limitation, by making himself or herself available to testify on behalf of
the COMPANY or such subsidiary or affiliate in any action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil,
criminal, administrative, or investigative, or otherwise fails to assist the COMPANY or any
subsidiary or affiliate 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, as reasonably requested.
(C) Despite the conditions set forth in this Section 6, a PARTICIPANT is not hereby prohibited
from engaging in any activity, including but not limited to competition with the COMPANY and its
subsidiaries and affiliates. Rather, the non-occurrence of the FORFEITURE EVENTS set forth in
Section 6(B) is a condition to the PARTICIPANTs right to realize and retain value from the AWARD,
and the consequence under the PLAN and this AGREEMENT if the PARTICIPANT engages in an activity
giving rise to any such FORFEITURE EVENTS are the forfeitures specified therein and herein. The
COMPANY and PARTICIPANT shall not be precluded by this provision or otherwise from entering into
other agreements concerning the subject matter of Sections 6(A) and 6(B).
(D) The COMMITTEE may, in its discretion, waive in whole or in part the COMPANYs right to
forfeiture under this Section 6, but no such waiver shall be effective unless evidenced by a
writing signed by a duly authorized officer of the COMPANY.
7.
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 upon any exercise of the AWARD until completion of any stock exchange listing or
registration or other qualification of such SHARES under any state or federal law, rule or
regulation as the COMPANY may consider appropriate; and may require the PARTICIPANT when exercising
the AWARD 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 issued and delivered upon exercise 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.
8.
Rights of the PARTICIPANT as a Stockholder
. The PARTICIPANT shall have no rights as
a stockholder of the COMPANY with respect to any SHARES of the COMPANY covered by the AWARD until
the date of issuance to the PARTICIPANT of a certificate or other evidence of ownership
representing such SHARES.
9.
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. The PARTICIPANT
acknowledges receipt of a copy of the PLAN and of the Prospectus related to the PLAN. The
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 the PARTICIPANT, all other persons interested in the PLAN and stockholders.
10.
Governing Law
. To the extent not preempted by federal law, this AGREEMENT shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.
11.
Rights and Remedies Cumulative
. All rights and remedies of the COMPANY and of the
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.
12.
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.
13.
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.
14.
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 required.
15.
Entire Agreement
. This AGREEMENT, including the PLAN incorporated herein by
reference, constitutes the entire agreement between the COMPANY and the 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 the 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.
16.
Successors 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.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the COMPANY has caused this AGREEMENT to be executed by its duly
authorized officer, and the PARTICIPANT has executed this AGREEMENT, in each case effective as of
the GRANT DATE.
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COMPANY
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ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
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By:
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Its:
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Title:
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PARTICIPANT
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Printed Name:
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Address:
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Exhibit 10.2
STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHT AGREEMENT
(2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan)
Semi-Annual Grant
This STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT (this AGREEMENT) is made to be effective as of
, 200
(the GRANT DATE), by and between Abercrombie & Fitch Co., a
Delaware corporation (the COMPANY), and Michael S. Jeffries (the PARTICIPANT).
WITNESSETH
:
WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of the 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan of the COMPANY (the
PLAN), the Compensation Committee (the COMMITTEE) of the Board of Directors of the COMPANY (the
BOARD) administers the PLAN;
WHEREAS, the Employment Agreement between the COMPANY and the PARTICIPANT, dated as of
December 19, 2008 (the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT) provides that the PARTICIPANT shall receive certain
equity grants under the PLAN; and
WHEREAS, the COMMITTEE has determined that an award of stock appreciation rights (SARs) with
respect to
(
) [TO BE DETERMINED PURSUANT
TO SECTION 4(d) OF THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT] shares of Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value (the
SHARES), of the COMPANY should be granted to the PARTICIPANT upon the terms and conditions set
forth in the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT and 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, the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT and in the PLAN, the COMPANY hereby grants to the
PARTICIPANT an award of
(
) SARs (the
AWARD) [TO BE DETERMINED PURSUANT TO SECTION 4(d) OF THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT]. Each SAR
represents the right to receive, upon exercise of the SAR, pursuant to this AGREEMENT, from the
COMPANY, a payment, paid in SHARES of the COMPANY, having a value equal to the excess of the FAIR
MARKET VALUE (as defined in the PLAN), on the date of exercise, of one SHARE of the COMPANY
(subject to adjustment as provided in Section 11(c) of the PLAN) over the BASE PRICE (as defined
below).
2.
Terms and Conditions of the AWARD
.
(A)
BASE PRICE
. The BASE PRICE shall be $
per share [TO BE EQUAL
TO THE FAIR MARKET VALUE ON THE GRANT DATE] (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 11(c) of
the PLAN).
(B)
Exercise of the AWARD
. Except as provided under Sections 3 and 5 of this
AGREEMENT, no portion of the AWARD may be exercised until the first anniversary of the GRANT DATE,
provided that the PARTICIPANT is employed by the COMPANY or a subsidiary of the COMPANY on such
date. Thereafter, except as otherwise provided in this AGREEMENT, the AWARD may be exercised as
follows:
(i) at any time after the first anniversary of the GRANT DATE, as to 25% of the SARs subject
to the AWARD, provided that the PARTICIPANT is employed by the COMPANY or a subsidiary of the
COMPANY on such date;
(ii) at any time after the second anniversary of the GRANT DATE, as to an additional 25% of
the SARs subject to the AWARD, provided that the PARTICIPANT is employed by the COMPANY or a
subsidiary of the COMPANY on such date;
(iii) at any time after the third anniversary of the GRANT DATE, as to an additional 25% of
the SARs subject to the AWARD, provided that the PARTICIPANT is employed by the COMPANY or a
subsidiary of the COMPANY on such date; and
(iv) at any time after the fourth anniversary of the GRANT DATE, as to an additional 25% of
the SARs subject to the AWARD, provided that the PARTICIPANT is employed by the COMPANY or a
subsidiary of the COMPANY on such date.
Subject to the other provisions of this AGREEMENT, including Section 5, if the AWARD becomes
vested and exercisable as to certain SARs, it shall remain exercisable as to those SARs until the
date of expiration of the AWARD term. The COMMITTEE may, but shall not be required to (unless
otherwise provided in this AGREEMENT or the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT), accelerate the vesting and
exercisability of the AWARD.
The grant of the AWARD shall not confer upon the PARTICIPANT any right to continue in the
employment of the COMPANY or any of its subsidiaries or interfere with or limit in any way the
right of the COMPANY or any of its subsidiaries to modify the terms of or terminate the employment
of the PARTICIPANT at any time in accordance with applicable law and the COMPANYs or the
subsidiarys governing corporate documents.
(C)
AWARD Term
. The AWARD shall in no event be exercisable after the expiration of
seven (7) years from the GRANT DATE and shall expire on such date.
(D)
Method of Exercise
. The AWARD may be exercised by giving written or electronic
notice of exercise to the COMMITTEE, in care of the Human Resources Department of the COMPANY, or
such third-party administrator as the Human Resources Department may from time to time designate,
stating the number of SARs subject to the AWARD in respect of which the AWARD is being exercised.
After proper notice has been made, and subject to Section 2(E) below, the COMPANY shall take all
such actions as are necessary to deliver an appropriate certificate or other evidence of ownership
representing the SHARES due upon the exercise of the AWARD as promptly thereafter as is reasonably
practicable.
(E)
Tax Withholding
. The COMPANY shall have the right to require the PARTICIPANT to
remit to the COMPANY an amount sufficient to satisfy any applicable federal, state and local tax
withholding requirements in respect of the exercise
of the AWARD. These tax withholding requirements may be satisfied in one of several ways,
including:
(i) The PARTICIPANT may give the COMPANY cash equal to the amount required to be withheld or
tender SHARES of the COMPANY already owned by the PARTICIPANT for at least six months by actual
delivery of the already-owned SHARES and having a FAIR MARKET VALUE on the exercise date equal to
the amount required to be withheld; or
(ii) The COMPANY may withhold SHARES otherwise issuable upon exercise of the AWARD having FAIR
MARKET VALUE on the exercise date 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 state, federal and
local income, employment and wage tax laws).
3.
Termination of Employment
. Subject to the terms of the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, if
the PARTICIPANT is terminated by the COMPANY for any reason other than for CAUSE (as defined in the
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT) or by the PARTICIPANT for GOOD REASON (as defined in the EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT), subject, except in the case of a termination of employment by reason of the
PARTICIPANTs death or DISABILITY (as defined in the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT), to the PARTICIPANT
executing a release in favor of the COMPANY pursuant to Section 10(j) of the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT,
this AWARD shall become immediately and fully vested as of such termination date.
4.
Non-Transferability of AWARD
. The AWARD may not be transferred, assigned, pledged
or hypothecated (whether by operation of law or otherwise) by the PARTICIPANT, except as provided
by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution, and the AWARD shall not be subject
to execution, attachment or similar process.
5.
Exercise After Termination of Employment
.
(A) Except as the COMMITTEE may at any time provide, if the employment of the PARTICIPANT with
the COMPANY and its subsidiaries is terminated for any reason other than CAUSE, the AWARD may be
exercised (to the extent that the PARTICIPANT was entitled to do so on the date of the termination
of the PARTICIPANTs employment and after taking into account any vesting acceleration pursuant to
Section 3 hereof or the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT) at any time after such termination of employment,
subject to the provisions of Section 2(C) of this AGREEMENT.
(B) If the employment of the PARTICIPANT with the COMPANY and its subsidiaries is terminated
by the COMPANY for CAUSE, the AWARD may be exercised (to the extent that the PARTICIPANT was
entitled to do so on the date of the termination of the PARTICIPANTs employment) at any time
within three months after
such termination of employment, subject to the provisions of Section 2(C) of this AGREEMENT,
and shall then expire.
(C) To the extent the PARTICIPANT was not entitled to exercise the AWARD on the date of
termination of the PARTICIPANTs employment, such portion of the AWARD shall expire on the date of
such termination. To the extent the PARTICIPANT was not entitled to exercise the AWARD on the date
of termination of the PARTICIPANTs employment (after taking into account any vesting acceleration
pursuant to Section 3 hereof or the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT), such portion of the AWARD shall expire
on the date of such termination.
6.
Forfeiture of AWARD
.
(A) The AWARD shall be subject to the following additional forfeiture conditions, to which the
PARTICIPANT, by accepting the AWARD, agrees. If any of the events specified in Section 6(B)(i),
(ii), (iii) or (iv) occurs (a FORFEITURE EVENT), the following forfeiture will result:
(i) The unexercised portion of the AWARD held by the PARTICIPANT, whether or not vested, will
be immediately forfeited and canceled upon the occurrence of the FORFEITURE EVENT; and
(ii) The 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 the PARTICIPANT upon each exercise of the AWARD that occurred on or after
(I) the date that is six months prior to the occurrence of the FORFEITURE EVENT, if the FORFEITURE
EVENT occurred while the PARTICIPANT was employed by the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate, or
(II) the date that is six months prior to the date the PARTICIPANTs employment by the COMPANY or a
subsidiary or affiliate terminated, if the FORFEITURE EVENT occurred after the PARTICIPANT ceased
to be so employed. For purposes of this Section, the term AWARD GAIN shall mean, in respect of a
given AWARD exercise, the product of (x) the FAIR MARKET VALUE per SHARE of the COMPANY at the date
of such exercise (without regard to any subsequent change in the market price of shares) minus the
BASE PRICE times (y) the number of SARs as to which the AWARD was exercised at that date.
(B) The forfeitures specified in Section 6(A) will be triggered upon the occurrence of any one
of the following FORFEITURE EVENTS at any time during PARTICIPANTs employment by the COMPANY or a
subsidiary or affiliate, or during the one-year period following termination of such employment:
(i) PARTICIPANT, acting alone or with others, directly or indirectly, (I) engages, either as
employee, employer, consultant, advisor, or director, or as an owner, investor, partner, or
stockholder unless PARTICIPANTs interest is insubstantial, in any business in an area or region
in which 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; (II) induces any customer or supplier of the COMPANY
or a subsidiary or affiliate, with which the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate 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; or (III) induces, or attempts to influence, any employee of
or service provider to the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate to terminate such employment or
service. The COMMITTEE shall, in its discretion, determine which lines of business the COMPANY
conducts on any particular date and which third parties may reasonably be deemed to be in
competition with the COMPANY. For purposes of this Section 6(B)(i), PARTICIPANTs interest as a
stockholder is insubstantial if it represents beneficial ownership of less than five percent of the
outstanding class of stock, and PARTICIPANTs 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, any confidential or
proprietary information of the COMPANY or any subsidiary or affiliate, including but not limited to
information regarding the COMPANYs 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 PARTICIPANTs
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 its subsidiaries or affiliates 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 in any
way, including, without limitation, by making himself or herself available to testify on behalf of
the COMPANY or such subsidiary or affiliate in any action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil,
criminal, administrative, or investigative, or otherwise fails to assist the COMPANY or any
subsidiary or affiliate 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, as reasonably requested; or
(iv) PARTICIPANT is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to have materially breached any
of the material terms of Section 11 of the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
provisions of this Section 6(B)(iv) shall not apply if a CHANGE OF CONTROL (as defined in the
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT) has occurred or if the PARTICIPANTs employment has been terminated by the
COMPANY without CAUSE or by the Executive with GOOD REASON.
(C) Despite the conditions set forth in this Section 6, a PARTICIPANT is not hereby prohibited
from engaging in any activity, including but not limited to competition with the COMPANY and its
subsidiaries and affiliates. Rather, the non-occurrence of the FORFEITURE EVENTS set forth in
Section 6(B) is a condition to the PARTICIPANTs right to realize and retain value from the AWARD,
and the consequence under the PLAN and this AGREEMENT if the PARTICIPANT engages in an activity
giving rise to any such FORFEITURE EVENTS are the forfeitures specified therein and herein. The
COMPANY and PARTICIPANT shall not be precluded by this provision or otherwise from entering into
other agreements concerning the subject matter of Sections 6(A) and 6(B).
(D) The COMMITTEE may, in its discretion, waive in whole or in part the COMPANYs right to
forfeiture under this Section 6, but no such waiver shall be effective unless evidenced by a
writing signed by a duly authorized officer of the COMPANY.
7.
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 upon any exercise of the AWARD until completion of any stock exchange listing or
registration or other qualification of such SHARES under any state or federal law, rule or
regulation as the COMPANY may consider appropriate; and may require the PARTICIPANT when exercising
the AWARD 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 issued and delivered upon exercise 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.
8.
Rights of the PARTICIPANT as a Stockholder
. The PARTICIPANT shall have no rights as
a stockholder of the COMPANY with respect to any SHARES of the COMPANY covered by the AWARD until
the date of issuance to the PARTICIPANT of a certificate or other evidence of ownership
representing such SHARES.
9.
PLAN as Controlling; PARTICIPANT Acknowledgments
. All terms and conditions of the
PLAN and the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT 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 or the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT,
the PLAN or the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (and, as between the PLAN and the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, the
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT) shall be deemed controlling. The PARTICIPANT acknowledges receipt of a copy
of the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, the PLAN and of the Prospectus related to the PLAN. The PARTICIPANT
also acknowledges that all decisions, determinations and interpretations of the COMMITTEE in
respect of the PLAN, this AGREEMENT, the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT and the AWARD shall be final,
conclusive and binding on the PARTICIPANT, all other persons interested in the PLAN and
stockholders.
10.
Governing Law
. To the extent not preempted by federal law, this AGREEMENT shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.
11.
Rights and Remedies Cumulative
. All rights and remedies of the COMPANY and of the
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.
12.
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.
13.
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.
14.
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 required.
15.
Entire Agreement
. This AGREEMENT, including the PLAN incorporated herein by
reference, and the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT constitute the entire agreement between the COMPANY and the
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 the 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.
16.
Successors 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.
[signature page follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the COMPANY has caused this AGREEMENT to be executed by its duly
authorized officer, and the PARTICIPANT has executed this AGREEMENT, in each case effective as of
the GRANT DATE.
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COMPANY
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ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
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By:
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Its:
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Title:
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PARTICIPANT
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Printed Name:
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Michael S. Jeffries
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Address:
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Exhibit 10.3
STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHT AGREEMENT
(2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan)
Retention Grant Tranche 1
This STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT (this AGREEMENT) is made to be effective as of December 19, 2008
(the GRANT DATE), by and between Abercrombie & Fitch Co., a Delaware corporation (the COMPANY),
and Michael S. Jeffries (the PARTICIPANT).
WITNESSETH
:
WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of the 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan of the COMPANY (the
PLAN), the Compensation Committee (the COMMITTEE) of the Board of Directors of the COMPANY (the
BOARD) administers the PLAN;
WHEREAS, the Employment Agreement between the COMPANY and the PARTICIPANT, dated as of
December 19, 2008 (the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT) provides that the PARTICIPANT shall receive certain
equity grants under the PLAN; and
WHEREAS, the COMMITTEE has determined that an award of stock appreciation rights (SARs) with
respect to one million six hundred thousand (1,600,000) shares of Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par
value (the SHARES), of the COMPANY should be granted to the PARTICIPANT upon the terms and
conditions set forth in the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT and 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, the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT and in the PLAN, the COMPANY hereby grants to the
PARTICIPANT an award of one million six hundred thousand (1,600,000) SARs (the AWARD). Each SAR
represents the right to receive, upon exercise of the SAR, pursuant to this AGREEMENT, from the
COMPANY, a payment, paid in SHARES of the COMPANY, having a value equal to the excess of the FAIR
MARKET VALUE (as defined in the PLAN), on the date of exercise, of one SHARE of the COMPANY
(subject to adjustment as provided in Section 11(c) of the PLAN) over the BASE PRICE (as defined
below).
2.
Terms and Conditions of the AWARD
.
(A)
BASE PRICE
. The BASE PRICE for the AWARD shall be as follows:
(i) with respect to eight hundred thousand (800,000) of the SARs awarded hereunder, the BASE
PRICE shall be $22.84 per share (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 11(c) of the PLAN);
(ii) with respect to two hundred thousand (200,000) of the SARs awarded hereunder, the BASE
PRICE shall be $27.408 per share (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 11(c) of the PLAN);
(iii) with respect to two hundred thousand (200,000) of the SARs awarded hereunder, the BASE
PRICE shall be $31.976 per share (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 11(c) of the PLAN);
(iv) with respect to two hundred thousand (200,000) of the SARs awarded hereunder, the BASE
PRICE shall be $36.544 per share (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 11(c) of the PLAN);
and
(v) with respect to two hundred thousand (200,000) of the SARs awarded hereunder, the BASE
PRICE shall be $41.112 per share (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 11(c) of the PLAN).
(B)
Exercise of the AWARD
. Except as otherwise provided in this AGREEMENT, the AWARD
may be exercised at any time on or after January 31, 2014, as to 100% of the SARs subject to the
AWARD, provided that the PARTICIPANT is employed by the COMPANY or a subsidiary of the COMPANY on
such date.
Subject to the other provisions of this AGREEMENT, including Section 5, if the AWARD becomes
vested and exercisable as to certain SARs, it shall remain exercisable as to those SARs until the
date of expiration of the AWARD term. The COMMITTEE may, but shall not be required to (unless
otherwise provided in this AGREEMENT or the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT), accelerate the vesting and
exercisability of the AWARD.
The grant of the AWARD shall not confer upon the PARTICIPANT any right to continue in the
employment of the COMPANY or any of its subsidiaries or interfere with or limit in any way the
right of the COMPANY or any of its subsidiaries to modify the terms of or terminate the employment
of the PARTICIPANT at any time in accordance with applicable law and the COMPANYs or the
subsidiarys governing corporate documents.
(C)
AWARD Term
. The AWARD shall in no event be exercisable after December 19, 2015 and
shall expire on such date.
(D)
Method of Exercise
. The AWARD may be exercised by giving written or electronic
notice of exercise to the COMMITTEE, in care of the Human Resources Department of the COMPANY, or
such third-party administrator as the Human Resources Department may from time to time designate,
stating the number of SARs subject to the AWARD in respect of which the AWARD is being exercised.
After proper notice has been made, and subject to Section 2(E) below, the COMPANY shall take all
such actions as are necessary to deliver an appropriate certificate or other evidence of ownership
representing the SHARES due upon the exercise of the AWARD as promptly thereafter as is reasonably
practicable.
(E)
Tax Withholding
. The COMPANY shall have the right to require the PARTICIPANT to
remit to the COMPANY an amount sufficient to satisfy any applicable federal, state and local tax
withholding requirements in respect of the exercise of the AWARD. These tax withholding
requirements may be satisfied in one of several ways, including:
(i) The PARTICIPANT may give the COMPANY cash equal to the amount required to be withheld or
tender SHARES of the COMPANY already owned by the PARTICIPANT for at least six months by actual
delivery of the already-owned SHARES and having a FAIR MARKET VALUE on the exercise date equal to
the amount required to be withheld; or
(ii) The COMPANY may withhold SHARES otherwise issuable upon exercise of the AWARD having FAIR
MARKET VALUE on the exercise date 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 state, federal and
local income, employment and wage tax laws).
3.
Termination of Employment
.
(A) Subject to the terms of the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, if the PARTICIPANT is terminated by the
COMPANY without CAUSE (as defined in the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT), other than due to death or
DISABILITY (as defined in the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT), or by the PARTICIPANT for GOOD REASON (as
defined in the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT) prior to a CHANGE IN CONTROL (as defined in the EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT), and subject to the PARTICIPANT executing a release in favor of the COMPANY pursuant to
Section 10(j) of the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, this AWARD shall become vested as of such termination as
to that number of SARs equal to the product of (i) the total number of SARs subject to this AWARD
and (ii) the fraction obtained by dividing (1) the number of days of service by the PARTICIPANT to
the COMPANY during the period commencing on the December 19, 2008 and ending on the termination
date (provided, however, that in no event shall such resulting number be less than 730) by
(2) 1,870.
(B) Subject to the terms of the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, if the PARTICIPANT is terminated by the
COMPANY without CAUSE, other than due to death or DISABILITY, or by the PARTICIPANT for GOOD REASON
within two (2) years after a CHANGE IN CONTROL, and subject to the PARTICIPANT executing a release
in favor of the COMPANY pursuant to Section 10(j) of the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, this AWARD shall
become immediately and fully vested and exercisable as of such termination date.
(C) Subject to the terms of the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, if the PARTICIPANT is terminated by
either the PARTICIPANT or the COMPANY by reason of the PARTICIPANTs death or DISABILITY, this
AWARD shall become vested as of such termination date as to that number of SARs equal to the
product of (i) the total number of SARs subject to this AWARD and (ii) the fraction obtained by
dividing (1) the number of days of service by the PARTICIPANT to the COMPANY during the period
commencing on the December 19, 2008 and ending on the termination date (provided, however, that in
no event shall such resulting number be less than 730) by (2) 1,870.
(D) If the PARTICIPANT is terminated by the COMPANY for CAUSE, the AWARD, whether or not
vested and exercisable on the date of termination, shall terminate immediately upon such
termination of the PARTICIPANTs employment.
4.
Non-Transferability of AWARD
. The AWARD may not be transferred, assigned, pledged
or hypothecated (whether by operation of law or otherwise) by the PARTICIPANT, except as provided
by will or by the applicable laws of descent and
distribution, and the AWARD shall not be subject to execution, attachment or similar process.
5.
Exercise After Termination of Employment
. Except as the COMMITTEE may at any time
provide, if the employment of the PARTICIPANT with the COMPANY and its subsidiaries is terminated
for any reason other than for CAUSE, the AWARD may be exercised (to the extent that the PARTICIPANT
was entitled to do so on the date of the termination of the PARTICIPANTs employment and after
taking into account any vesting acceleration pursuant to Section 3 hereof or the EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT) at any time after such termination of employment, subject to the provisions of
Section 2(C) of this AGREEMENT. To the extent the PARTICIPANT was not entitled to exercise the
AWARD on the date of termination of the PARTICIPANTs employment (after taking into account any
vesting acceleration pursuant to Section 3 hereof or the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT), such portion of the
AWARD shall expire on the date of such termination.
6.
Forfeiture of AWARD
.
(A) The AWARD shall be subject to the following additional forfeiture conditions, to which the
PARTICIPANT, by accepting the AWARD, agrees. If any of the events specified in Section 6(B)(i),
(ii), (iii) or (iv) occurs (a FORFEITURE EVENT), the following forfeiture will result:
(i) The unexercised portion of the AWARD held by the PARTICIPANT, whether or not vested, will
be immediately forfeited and canceled upon the occurrence of the FORFEITURE EVENT; and
(ii) The 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 the PARTICIPANT upon each exercise of the AWARD that occurred on or after
(I) the date that is six months prior to the occurrence of the FORFEITURE EVENT, if the FORFEITURE
EVENT occurred while the PARTICIPANT was employed by the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate, or
(II) the date that is six months prior to the date the PARTICIPANTs employment by the COMPANY or a
subsidiary or affiliate terminated, if the FORFEITURE EVENT occurred after the PARTICIPANT ceased
to be so employed. For purposes of this Section, the term AWARD GAIN shall mean, in respect of a
given AWARD exercise, the product of (x) the FAIR MARKET VALUE per SHARE of the COMPANY at the date
of such exercise (without regard to any subsequent change in the market price of shares) minus the
BASE PRICE times (y) the number of SARs as to which the AWARD was exercised at that date.
(B) The forfeitures specified in Section 6(A) will be triggered upon the occurrence of any one
of the following FORFEITURE EVENTS at any time during PARTICIPANTs employment by the COMPANY or a
subsidiary or affiliate, or during the one-year period following termination of such employment:
(i) PARTICIPANT, acting alone or with others, directly or indirectly, (I) engages, either as
employee, employer, consultant, advisor, or director, or as an owner, investor, partner, or
stockholder unless PARTICIPANTs interest is insubstantial, in any business in an area or region
in which 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; (II)
induces any customer or supplier of the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate, with which the
COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate 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; or (III)
induces, or attempts to influence, any employee of or service provider to the COMPANY or a
subsidiary or affiliate to terminate such employment or service. The COMMITTEE shall, in its
discretion, determine which lines of business the COMPANY conducts on any particular date and which
third parties may reasonably be deemed to be in competition with the COMPANY. For purposes of this
Section 6(B)(i), PARTICIPANTs interest as a stockholder is insubstantial if it represents
beneficial ownership of less than five percent of the outstanding class of stock, and PARTICIPANTs
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, any confidential or
proprietary information of the COMPANY or any subsidiary or affiliate, including but not limited to
information regarding the COMPANYs 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 PARTICIPANTs
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 its subsidiaries or affiliates 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 in any
way, including, without limitation, by making himself or herself available to testify on behalf of
the COMPANY or such subsidiary or affiliate in any action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil,
criminal, administrative, or investigative, or otherwise fails to assist the COMPANY or any
subsidiary or affiliate 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, as reasonably requested; or
(iv) PARTICIPANT is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to have materially breached any
of the material terms of Section 11 of the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
provisions of this Section 6(B)(iv) shall not apply if a CHANGE OF CONTROL has occurred or if the
PARTICIPANTs
employment has been terminated by the COMPANY without CAUSE or by the Executive with GOOD
REASON.
(C) Despite the conditions set forth in this Section 6, a PARTICIPANT is not hereby prohibited
from engaging in any activity, including but not limited to competition with the COMPANY and its
subsidiaries and affiliates. Rather, the non-occurrence of the FORFEITURE EVENTS set forth in
Section 6(B) is a condition to the PARTICIPANTs right to realize and retain value from the AWARD,
and the consequence under the PLAN and this AGREEMENT if the PARTICIPANT engages in an activity
giving rise to any such FORFEITURE EVENTS are the forfeitures specified therein and herein. The
COMPANY and PARTICIPANT shall not be precluded by this provision or otherwise from entering into
other agreements concerning the subject matter of Sections 6(A) and 6(B).
(D) The COMMITTEE may, in its discretion, waive in whole or in part the COMPANYs right to
forfeiture under this Section 6, but no such waiver shall be effective unless evidenced by a
writing signed by a duly authorized officer of the COMPANY.
7.
Restrictions on Transfers of SHARES
.
(A) Anything contained in this Agreement or elsewhere to the contrary notwithstanding, the
COMPANY may postpone the issuance and delivery of SHARES upon any exercise of the AWARD until
completion of any stock exchange listing or registration or other qualification of such SHARES
under any state or federal law, rule or regulation as the COMPANY may consider appropriate; and may
require the PARTICIPANT when exercising the AWARD 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 issued and delivered upon
exercise 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.
(B) Any SHARES acquired pursuant to this AWARD shall be subject to the following holding
period (HOLDING PERIOD): (i) with respect to 50% of the net SHARES acquired pursuant to this
AWARD (not including any SHARES withheld by the COMPANY pursuant to Section 2(E)), the PARTICIPANT
may not transfer, sell, pledge, hypothecate, or otherwise dispose of such SHARES until the first
trading day on the New York Stock Exchange immediately following July 31, 2014, and (ii) with
respect to the remaining 50% of the net SHARES acquired pursuant to this AWARD (not including any
SHARES withheld by the COMPANY pursuant to Section 2(E)), the PARTICIPANT may not transfer, sell,
pledge, hypothecate, or otherwise dispose of such shares until the first trading day on the New
York Stock Exchange immediately following January 31, 2015. Notwithstanding anything herein to the
contrary, in the event that any portion of the AWARD vests prior to January 31, 2014 pursuant to
the terms of this AGREEMENT, the HOLDING PERIOD described in this Section 7(B) will not apply to
any of the SHARES so acquired under this AWARD. Any share certificates representing SHARES
acquired pursuant to this AGREEMENT shall be appropriately legended to reflect these restrictions.
8.
Rights of the PARTICIPANT as a Stockholder
. The PARTICIPANT shall have no rights as
a stockholder of the COMPANY with respect to any SHARES of the COMPANY covered by the AWARD until
the date of issuance to the PARTICIPANT of a certificate or other evidence of ownership
representing such SHARES.
9.
PLAN as Controlling; PARTICIPANT Acknowledgments
. All terms and conditions of the
PLAN and the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT 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 or the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT,
the PLAN or the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (and, as between the PLAN and the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, the
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT) shall be deemed controlling. The PARTICIPANT acknowledges receipt of a copy
of the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, the PLAN and of the Prospectus related to the PLAN. The PARTICIPANT
also acknowledges that all decisions, determinations and interpretations of the COMMITTEE in
respect of the PLAN, this AGREEMENT, the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT and the AWARD shall be final,
conclusive and binding on the PARTICIPANT, all other persons interested in the PLAN and
stockholders.
10.
Governing Law
. To the extent not preempted by federal law, this AGREEMENT shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.
11.
Rights and Remedies Cumulative
. All rights and remedies of the COMPANY and of the
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.
12.
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.
13.
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.
14.
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 required.
15.
Entire Agreement
. This AGREEMENT, including the PLAN incorporated herein by
reference, and the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT constitute the entire agreement between the COMPANY and the
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 the 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.
16.
Successors 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.
[signature page follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the COMPANY has caused this AGREEMENT to be executed by its duly
authorized officer, and the PARTICIPANT has executed this AGREEMENT, in each case effective as of
the GRANT DATE.
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COMPANY
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ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
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PARTICIPANT
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Printed Name:
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Michael S. Jeffries
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Exhibit 10.4
STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHT AGREEMENT
(2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan)
Retention Grant Tranche 2
This STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT (this AGREEMENT) is made to be effective as of March 2, 2009 (the
GRANT DATE), by and between Abercrombie & Fitch Co., a Delaware corporation (the COMPANY), and
Michael S. Jeffries (the PARTICIPANT).
WITNESSETH
:
WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of the 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan of the COMPANY (the
PLAN), the Compensation Committee (the COMMITTEE) of the Board of Directors of the COMPANY (the
BOARD) administers the PLAN;
WHEREAS, the Employment Agreement between the COMPANY and the PARTICIPANT, dated as of
December 19, 2008 (the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT) provides that the PARTICIPANT shall receive certain
equity grants under the PLAN; and
WHEREAS, the COMMITTEE has determined that an award of stock appreciation rights (SARs) with
respect to one million two hundred thousand (1,200,000) shares of Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par
value (the SHARES), of the COMPANY should be granted to the PARTICIPANT upon the terms and
conditions set forth in the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT and 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, the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT and in the PLAN, the COMPANY hereby grants to the
PARTICIPANT an award of one million two hundred thousand (1,200,000) SARs (the AWARD). Each SAR
represents the right to receive, upon exercise of the SAR, pursuant to this AGREEMENT, from the
COMPANY, a payment, paid in SHARES of the COMPANY, having a value equal to the excess of the FAIR
MARKET VALUE (as defined in the PLAN), on the date of exercise, of one SHARE of the COMPANY
(subject to adjustment as provided in Section 11(c) of the PLAN) over the BASE PRICE (as defined
below).
2.
Terms and Conditions of the AWARD
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(A)
BASE PRICE
. The BASE PRICE for the AWARD shall be as follows:
(i) with respect to six hundred thousand (600,000) of the SARs awarded hereunder, the BASE
PRICE shall be $
per share [TO BE EQUAL TO THE FAIR MARKET VALUE ON THE GRANT DATE] (subject
to adjustment as provided in Section 11(c) of the PLAN);
(ii) with respect to one hundred fifty thousand (150,000) of the SARs awarded hereunder, the
BASE PRICE shall be $
per share [TO BE EQUAL TO 120% OF THE FAIR MARKET VALUE ON THE GRANT
DATE] (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 11(c) of the PLAN);
(iii) with respect to one hundred fifty thousand (150,000) of the SARs awarded hereunder, the
BASE PRICE shall be $
per share [TO BE EQUAL TO 140% OF THE FAIR MARKET VALUE ON THE GRANT
DATE] (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 11(c) of the PLAN);
(iv) with respect to one hundred fifty thousand (150,000) of the SARs awarded hereunder, the
BASE PRICE shall be $
per share [TO BE EQUAL TO 160% OF THE FAIR MARKET VALUE ON THE GRANT
DATE] (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 11(c) of the PLAN); and
(v) with respect to one hundred fifty thousand (150,000) of the SARs awarded hereunder, the
BASE PRICE shall be $
per share [TO BE EQUAL TO 180% OF THE FAIR MARKET VALUE ON THE GRANT
DATE] (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 11(c) of the PLAN).
(B)
Exercise of the AWARD
. Except as otherwise provided in this AGREEMENT, the AWARD
may be exercised at any time on or after January 31, 2014, as to 100% of the SARs subject to the
AWARD, provided that the PARTICIPANT is employed by the COMPANY or a subsidiary of the COMPANY on
such date.
Subject to the other provisions of this AGREEMENT, including Section 5, if the AWARD becomes
vested and exercisable as to certain SARs, it shall remain exercisable as to those SARs until the
date of expiration of the AWARD term. The COMMITTEE may, but shall not be required to (unless
otherwise provided in this AGREEMENT or the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT), accelerate the vesting and
exercisability of the AWARD.
The grant of the AWARD shall not confer upon the PARTICIPANT any right to continue in the
employment of the COMPANY or any of its subsidiaries or interfere with or limit in any way the
right of the COMPANY or any of its subsidiaries to modify the terms of or terminate the employment
of the PARTICIPANT at any time in accordance with applicable law and the COMPANYs or the
subsidiarys governing corporate documents.
(C)
AWARD Term
. The AWARD shall in no event be exercisable after December 19, 2015 and
shall expire on such date.
(D)
Method of Exercise
. The AWARD may be exercised by giving written or electronic
notice of exercise to the COMMITTEE, in care of the Human Resources Department of the COMPANY, or
such third-party administrator as the Human Resources Department may from time to time designate,
stating the number of SARs subject to the AWARD in respect of which the AWARD is being exercised.
After proper notice has been made, and subject to Section 2(E) below, the COMPANY shall take all
such actions as are necessary to deliver an appropriate certificate or other evidence of ownership
representing the SHARES due upon the exercise of the AWARD as promptly thereafter as is reasonably
practicable.
(E)
Tax Withholding
. The COMPANY shall have the right to require the PARTICIPANT to
remit to the COMPANY an amount sufficient to satisfy any applicable federal, state and local tax
withholding requirements in respect of the exercise of the AWARD. These tax withholding
requirements may be satisfied in one of several ways, including:
(i) The PARTICIPANT may give the COMPANY cash equal to the amount required to be withheld or
tender SHARES of the COMPANY already owned by the PARTICIPANT for at least six months by actual
delivery of the already-owned SHARES and having a FAIR MARKET VALUE on the exercise date equal to
the amount required to be withheld; or
(ii) The COMPANY may withhold SHARES otherwise issuable upon exercise of the AWARD having FAIR
MARKET VALUE on the exercise date 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 state, federal and
local income, employment and wage tax laws).
3.
Termination of Employment
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(A) Subject to the terms of the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, if the PARTICIPANT is terminated by the
COMPANY without CAUSE (as defined in the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT), other than due to death or
DISABILITY (as defined in the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT), or by the PARTICIPANT for GOOD REASON (as
defined in the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT) prior to a CHANGE IN CONTROL (as defined in the EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT), and subject to the PARTICIPANT executing a release in favor of the COMPANY pursuant to
Section 10(j) of the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, this AWARD shall become vested as of such termination as
to that number of SARs equal to the product of (i) the total number of SARs subject to this AWARD
and (ii) the fraction obtained by dividing (1) the number of days of service by the PARTICIPANT to
the COMPANY during the period commencing on the December 19, 2008 and ending on the termination
date (provided, however, that in no event shall such resulting number be less than 730) by
(2) 1,870.
(B) Subject to the terms of the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, if the PARTICIPANT is terminated by the
COMPANY without CAUSE, other than due to death or DISABILITY, or by the PARTICIPANT for GOOD REASON
within two (2) years after a CHANGE IN CONTROL, and subject to the PARTICIPANT executing a release
in favor of the COMPANY pursuant to Section 10(j) of the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, this AWARD shall
become immediately and fully vested and exercisable as of such termination date.
(C) Subject to the terms of the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, if the PARTICIPANT is terminated by
either the PARTICIPANT or the COMPANY by reason of the PARTICIPANTs death or DISABILITY, this
AWARD shall become vested as of such termination date as to that number of SARs equal to the
product of (i) the total number of SARs subject to this AWARD and (ii) the fraction obtained by
dividing (1) the number of days of service by the PARTICIPANT to the COMPANY during the period
commencing on the December 19, 2008 and ending on the termination date (provided, however, that in
no event shall such resulting number be less than 730) by (2) 1,870.
(D) If the PARTICIPANT is terminated by the COMPANY for CAUSE, the AWARD, whether or not
vested and exercisable on the date of termination, shall terminate immediately upon such
termination of the PARTICIPANTs employment.
4.
Non-Transferability of AWARD
. The AWARD may not be transferred, assigned, pledged
or hypothecated (whether by operation of law or otherwise) by the PARTICIPANT, except as provided
by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution, and the AWARD shall not be subject
to execution, attachment or similar process.
5.
Exercise After Termination of Employment
. Except as the COMMITTEE may at any time
provide, if the employment of the PARTICIPANT with the COMPANY and its subsidiaries is terminated
for any reason other than for CAUSE, the AWARD may be exercised (to the extent that the PARTICIPANT
was entitled to do so on the date of the termination of the PARTICIPANTs employment and after
taking into account any vesting acceleration pursuant to Section 3 hereof or the EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT) at any time after such termination of employment, subject to the provisions of
Section 2(C) of this AGREEMENT. To the extent the PARTICIPANT was not entitled to exercise the
AWARD on the date of termination of the PARTICIPANTs employment (after taking into account any
vesting acceleration pursuant to Section 3 hereof or the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT), such portion of the
AWARD shall expire on the date of such termination.
6.
Forfeiture of AWARD
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(A) The AWARD shall be subject to the following additional forfeiture conditions, to which the
PARTICIPANT, by accepting the AWARD, agrees. If any of the events specified in Section 6(B)(i),
(ii), (iii) or (iv) occurs (a FORFEITURE EVENT), the following forfeiture will result:
(i) The unexercised portion of the AWARD held by the PARTICIPANT, whether or not vested, will
be immediately forfeited and canceled upon the occurrence of the FORFEITURE EVENT; and
(ii) The 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 the PARTICIPANT upon each exercise of the AWARD that occurred on or after
(I) the date that is six months prior to the occurrence of the FORFEITURE EVENT, if the FORFEITURE
EVENT occurred while the PARTICIPANT was employed by the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate, or
(II) the date that is six months prior to the date the PARTICIPANTs employment by the COMPANY or a
subsidiary or affiliate terminated, if the FORFEITURE EVENT occurred after the PARTICIPANT ceased
to be so employed. For purposes of this Section, the term AWARD GAIN shall mean, in respect of a
given AWARD exercise, the product of (x) the FAIR MARKET VALUE per SHARE of the COMPANY at the date
of such exercise (without regard to any subsequent change in the market price of shares) minus the
BASE PRICE times (y) the number of SARs as to which the AWARD was exercised at that date.
(B) The forfeitures specified in Section 6(A) will be triggered upon the occurrence of any one
of the following FORFEITURE EVENTS at any time during PARTICIPANTs employment by the COMPANY or a
subsidiary or affiliate, or during the one-year period following termination of such employment:
(i) PARTICIPANT, acting alone or with others, directly or indirectly, (I) engages, either as
employee, employer, consultant, advisor, or director, or as an owner, investor, partner, or
stockholder unless PARTICIPANTs interest is insubstantial, in any business in an area or region
in which 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; (II)
induces any customer or supplier of the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate, with which the
COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate 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; or (III)
induces, or attempts to influence, any employee of or service provider to the COMPANY or a
subsidiary or affiliate to terminate such employment or service. The COMMITTEE shall, in its
discretion, determine which lines of business the COMPANY conducts on any particular date and which
third parties may reasonably be deemed to be in competition with the COMPANY. For purposes of this
Section 6(B)(i), PARTICIPANTs interest as a stockholder is insubstantial if it represents
beneficial ownership of less than five percent of the outstanding class of stock, and PARTICIPANTs
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, any confidential or
proprietary information of the COMPANY or any subsidiary or affiliate, including but not limited to
information regarding the COMPANYs 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 PARTICIPANTs
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 its subsidiaries or affiliates 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 in any
way, including, without limitation, by making himself or herself available to testify on behalf of
the COMPANY or such subsidiary or affiliate in any action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil,
criminal, administrative, or investigative, or otherwise fails to assist the COMPANY or any
subsidiary or affiliate 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, as reasonably requested; or
(iv) PARTICIPANT is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to have materially breached any
of the material terms of Section 11 of the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of this Section 6(B)(iv) shall not
apply if a CHANGE OF CONTROL has occurred or if the PARTICIPANTs employment has been terminated by
the COMPANY without CAUSE or by the Executive with GOOD REASON.
(C) Despite the conditions set forth in this Section 6, a PARTICIPANT is not hereby prohibited
from engaging in any activity, including but not limited to competition with the COMPANY and its
subsidiaries and affiliates. Rather, the non-occurrence of the FORFEITURE EVENTS set forth in
Section 6(B) is a condition to the PARTICIPANTs right to realize and retain value from the AWARD,
and the consequence under the PLAN and this AGREEMENT if the PARTICIPANT engages in an activity
giving rise to any such FORFEITURE EVENTS are the forfeitures specified therein and herein. The
COMPANY and PARTICIPANT shall not be precluded by this provision or otherwise from entering into
other agreements concerning the subject matter of Sections 6(A) and 6(B).
(D) The COMMITTEE may, in its discretion, waive in whole or in part the COMPANYs right to
forfeiture under this Section 6, but no such waiver shall be effective unless evidenced by a
writing signed by a duly authorized officer of the COMPANY.
7.
Restrictions on Transfers of SHARES
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(A) Anything contained in this Agreement or elsewhere to the contrary notwithstanding, the
COMPANY may postpone the issuance and delivery of SHARES upon any exercise of the AWARD until
completion of any stock exchange listing or registration or other qualification of such SHARES
under any state or federal law, rule or regulation as the COMPANY may consider appropriate; and may
require the PARTICIPANT when exercising the AWARD 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 issued and delivered upon
exercise 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.
(B) Any SHARES acquired pursuant to this AWARD shall be subject to the following holding
period (HOLDING PERIOD): (i) with respect to 50% of the net SHARES acquired pursuant to this
AWARD (not including any SHARES withheld by the COMPANY pursuant to Section 2(E)), the PARTICIPANT
may not transfer, sell, pledge, hypothecate, or otherwise dispose of such SHARES until the first
trading day on the New York Stock Exchange immediately following July 31, 2014, and (ii) with
respect to the remaining 50% of the net SHARES acquired pursuant to this AWARD (not including any
SHARES withheld by the COMPANY pursuant to Section 2(E)), the PARTICIPANT may not transfer, sell,
pledge, hypothecate, or otherwise dispose of such shares until the first trading day on the New
York Stock Exchange immediately following January 31, 2015. Notwithstanding anything herein to the
contrary, in the event that any portion of the AWARD vests prior to January 31, 2014 pursuant to
the terms of this AGREEMENT, the HOLDING PERIOD described in this Section 7(B) will not apply to
any of the SHARES so acquired under this AWARD. Any share certificates representing SHARES
acquired pursuant to this AGREEMENT shall be appropriately legended to reflect these restrictions.
8.
Rights of the PARTICIPANT as a Stockholder
. The PARTICIPANT shall have no rights as
a stockholder of the COMPANY with respect to any SHARES of the COMPANY covered by the AWARD until
the date of issuance to the PARTICIPANT of a certificate or other evidence of ownership
representing such SHARES.
9.
PLAN as Controlling; PARTICIPANT Acknowledgments
. All terms and conditions of the
PLAN and the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT 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 or the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT,
the PLAN or the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (and, as between the PLAN and the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, the
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT) shall be deemed controlling. The PARTICIPANT acknowledges receipt of a copy
of the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, the PLAN and of the Prospectus related to the PLAN. The PARTICIPANT
also acknowledges that all decisions, determinations and interpretations of the COMMITTEE in
respect of the PLAN, this AGREEMENT, the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT and the AWARD shall be final,
conclusive and binding on the PARTICIPANT, all other persons interested in the PLAN and
stockholders.
10.
Governing Law
. To the extent not preempted by federal law, this AGREEMENT shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.
11.
Rights and Remedies Cumulative
. All rights and remedies of the COMPANY and of the
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.
12.
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.
13.
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.
14.
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 required.
15.
Entire Agreement
. This AGREEMENT, including the PLAN incorporated herein by
reference, and the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT constitute the entire agreement between the COMPANY and the
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 the 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.
16.
Successors 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.
[signature page follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the COMPANY has caused this AGREEMENT to be executed by its duly
authorized officer, and the PARTICIPANT has executed this AGREEMENT, in each case effective as of
the GRANT DATE.
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COMPANY
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ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
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Its:
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Title:
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PARTICIPANT
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Printed Name:
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Michael S. Jeffries
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Address:
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Exhibit 10.5
STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHT AGREEMENT
(2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan)
Retention Grant Tranche 3
This STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT (this AGREEMENT) is made to be effective as of September 1, 2009
(the GRANT DATE), by and between Abercrombie & Fitch Co., a Delaware corporation (the COMPANY),
and Michael S. Jeffries (the PARTICIPANT).
WITNESSETH
:
WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of the 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan of the COMPANY (the
PLAN), the Compensation Committee (the COMMITTEE) of the Board of Directors of the COMPANY (the
BOARD) administers the PLAN;
WHEREAS, the Employment Agreement between the COMPANY and the PARTICIPANT, dated as of
December 19, 2008 (the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT) provides that the PARTICIPANT shall receive certain
equity grants under the PLAN; and
WHEREAS, the COMMITTEE has determined that an award of stock appreciation rights (SARs) with
respect to one million two hundred thousand (1,200,000) shares of Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par
value (the SHARES), of the COMPANY should be granted to the PARTICIPANT upon the terms and
conditions set forth in the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT and 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, the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT and in the PLAN, the COMPANY hereby grants to the
PARTICIPANT an award of one million two hundred thousand (1,200,000) SARs (the AWARD). Each SAR
represents the right to receive, upon exercise of the SAR, pursuant to this AGREEMENT, from the
COMPANY, a payment, paid in SHARES of the COMPANY, having a value equal to the excess of the FAIR
MARKET VALUE (as defined in the PLAN), on the date of exercise, of one SHARE of the COMPANY
(subject to adjustment as provided in Section 11(c) of the PLAN) over the BASE PRICE (as defined
below).
2.
Terms and Conditions of the AWARD
.
(A)
BASE PRICE
. The BASE PRICE for the AWARD shall be as follows:
(i) with respect to six hundred thousand (600,000) of the SARs awarded hereunder, the BASE
PRICE shall be $
per share [TO BE EQUAL TO THE FAIR MARKET VALUE ON THE GRANT DATE] (subject
to adjustment as provided in Section 11(c) of the PLAN);
(ii) with respect to one hundred fifty thousand (150,000) of the SARs awarded hereunder, the
BASE PRICE shall be $
per share [TO BE EQUAL TO 120% OF THE FAIR MARKET VALUE ON THE GRANT
DATE] (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 11(c) of the PLAN);
(iii) with respect to one hundred fifty thousand (150,000) of the SARs awarded hereunder, the
BASE PRICE shall be $
per share [TO BE EQUAL TO 140% OF THE FAIR MARKET VALUE ON THE GRANT
DATE] (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 11(c) of the PLAN);
(iv) with respect to one hundred fifty thousand (150,000) of the SARs awarded hereunder, the
BASE PRICE shall be $
per share [TO BE EQUAL TO 160% OF THE FAIR MARKET VALUE ON THE GRANT
DATE] (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 11(c) of the PLAN); and
(v) with respect to one hundred fifty thousand (150,000) of the SARs awarded hereunder, the
BASE PRICE shall be $
per share [TO BE EQUAL TO 180% OF THE FAIR MARKET VALUE ON THE GRANT
DATE] (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 11(c) of the PLAN).
(B)
Exercise of the AWARD
. Except as otherwise provided in this AGREEMENT, the AWARD
may be exercised at any time on or after January 31, 2014, as to 100% of the SARs subject to the
AWARD, provided that the PARTICIPANT is employed by the COMPANY or a subsidiary of the COMPANY on
such date.
Subject to the other provisions of this AGREEMENT, including Section 5, if the AWARD becomes
vested and exercisable as to certain SARs, it shall remain exercisable as to those SARs until the
date of expiration of the AWARD term. The COMMITTEE may, but shall not be required to (unless
otherwise provided in this AGREEMENT or the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT), accelerate the vesting and
exercisability of the AWARD.
The grant of the AWARD shall not confer upon the PARTICIPANT any right to continue in the
employment of the COMPANY or any of its subsidiaries or interfere with or limit in any way the
right of the COMPANY or any of its subsidiaries to modify the terms of or terminate the employment
of the PARTICIPANT at any time in accordance with applicable law and the COMPANYs or the
subsidiarys governing corporate documents.
(C)
AWARD Term
. The AWARD shall in no event be exercisable after December 19, 2015 and
shall expire on such date.
(D)
Method of Exercise
. The AWARD may be exercised by giving written or electronic
notice of exercise to the COMMITTEE, in care of the Human Resources Department of the COMPANY, or
such third-party administrator as the Human Resources Department may from time to time designate,
stating the number of SARs subject to the AWARD in respect of which the AWARD is being exercised.
After proper notice has been made, and subject to Section 2(E) below, the COMPANY shall take all
such actions as are necessary to deliver an appropriate certificate or other evidence of ownership
representing the SHARES due upon the exercise of the AWARD as promptly thereafter as is reasonably
practicable.
(E)
Tax Withholding
. The COMPANY shall have the right to require the PARTICIPANT to
remit to the COMPANY an amount sufficient to satisfy any applicable federal, state and local tax
withholding requirements in respect of the exercise of the AWARD. These tax withholding
requirements may be satisfied in one of several ways, including:
(i) The PARTICIPANT may give the COMPANY cash equal to the amount required to be withheld or
tender SHARES of the COMPANY already owned by the PARTICIPANT for at least six months by actual
delivery of the already-owned SHARES and having a FAIR MARKET VALUE on the exercise date equal to
the amount required to be withheld; or
(ii) The COMPANY may withhold SHARES otherwise issuable upon exercise of the AWARD having FAIR
MARKET VALUE on the exercise date 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 state, federal and
local income, employment and wage tax laws).
3.
Termination of Employment
.
(A) Subject to the terms of the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, if the PARTICIPANT is terminated by the
COMPANY without CAUSE (as defined in the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT), other than due to death or
DISABILITY (as defined in the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT), or by the PARTICIPANT for GOOD REASON (as
defined in the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT) prior to a CHANGE IN CONTROL (as defined in the EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT), and subject to the PARTICIPANT executing a release in favor of the COMPANY pursuant to
Section 10(j) of the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, this AWARD shall become vested as of such termination as
to that number of SARs equal to the product of (i) the total number of SARs subject to this AWARD
and (ii) the fraction obtained by dividing (1) the number of days of service by the PARTICIPANT to
the COMPANY during the period commencing on the December 19, 2008 and ending on the termination
date (provided, however, that in no event shall such resulting number be less than 730) by
(2) 1,870.
(B) Subject to the terms of the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, if the PARTICIPANT is terminated by the
COMPANY without CAUSE, other than due to death or DISABILITY, or by the PARTICIPANT for GOOD REASON
within two (2) years after a CHANGE IN CONTROL, and subject to the PARTICIPANT executing a release
in favor of the COMPANY pursuant to Section 10(j) of the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, this AWARD shall
become immediately and fully vested and exercisable as of such termination date.
(C) Subject to the terms of the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, if the PARTICIPANT is terminated by
either the PARTICIPANT or the COMPANY by reason of the PARTICIPANTs death or DISABILITY, this
AWARD shall become vested as of such termination date as to that number of SARs equal to the
product of (i) the total number of SARs subject to this AWARD and (ii) the fraction obtained by
dividing (1) the number of days of service by the PARTICIPANT to the COMPANY during the period
commencing on the December 19, 2008 and ending on the termination date (provided, however, that in
no event shall such resulting number be less than 730) by (2) 1,870.
(D) If the PARTICIPANT is terminated by the COMPANY for CAUSE, the AWARD, whether or not
vested and exercisable on the date of termination, shall terminate immediately upon such
termination of the PARTICIPANTs employment.
4.
Non-Transferability of AWARD
. The AWARD may not be transferred, assigned, pledged
or hypothecated (whether by operation of law or otherwise) by the PARTICIPANT, except as provided
by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution, and the AWARD shall not be subject
to execution, attachment or similar process.
5.
Exercise After Termination of Employment
. Except as the COMMITTEE may at any time
provide, if the employment of the PARTICIPANT with the COMPANY and its subsidiaries is terminated
for any reason other than for CAUSE, the AWARD may be exercised (to the extent that the PARTICIPANT
was entitled to do so on the date of the termination of the PARTICIPANTs employment and after
taking into account any vesting acceleration pursuant to Section 3 hereof or the EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT) at any time after such termination of employment, subject to the provisions of
Section 2(C) of this AGREEMENT. To the extent the PARTICIPANT was not entitled to exercise the
AWARD on the date of termination of the PARTICIPANTs employment (after taking into account any
vesting acceleration pursuant to Section 3 hereof or the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT), such portion of the
AWARD shall expire on the date of such termination.
6.
Forfeiture of AWARD
.
(A) The AWARD shall be subject to the following additional forfeiture conditions, to which the
PARTICIPANT, by accepting the AWARD, agrees. If any of the events specified in Section 6(B)(i),
(ii), (iii) or (iv) occurs (a FORFEITURE EVENT), the following forfeiture will result:
(i) The unexercised portion of the AWARD held by the PARTICIPANT, whether or not vested, will
be immediately forfeited and canceled upon the occurrence of the FORFEITURE EVENT; and
(ii) The 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 the PARTICIPANT upon each exercise of the AWARD that occurred on or after
(I) the date that is six months prior to the occurrence of the FORFEITURE EVENT, if the FORFEITURE
EVENT occurred while the PARTICIPANT was employed by the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate, or
(II) the date that is six months prior to the date the PARTICIPANTs employment by the COMPANY or a
subsidiary or affiliate terminated, if the FORFEITURE EVENT occurred after the PARTICIPANT ceased
to be so employed. For purposes of this Section, the term AWARD GAIN shall mean, in respect of a
given AWARD exercise, the product of (x) the FAIR MARKET VALUE per SHARE of the COMPANY at the date
of such exercise (without regard to any subsequent change in the market price of shares) minus the
BASE PRICE times (y) the number of SARs as to which the AWARD was exercised at that date.
(B) The forfeitures specified in Section 6(A) will be triggered upon the occurrence of any one
of the following FORFEITURE EVENTS at any time during PARTICIPANTs employment by the COMPANY or a
subsidiary or affiliate, or during the one-year period following termination of such employment:
(i) PARTICIPANT, acting alone or with others, directly or indirectly, (I) engages, either as
employee, employer, consultant, advisor, or director, or as an owner, investor, partner, or
stockholder unless PARTICIPANTs interest is insubstantial, in any business in an area or region
in which 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; (II)
induces any customer or supplier of the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate, with which the
COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate 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; or (III)
induces, or attempts to influence, any employee of or service provider to the COMPANY or a
subsidiary or affiliate to terminate such employment or service. The COMMITTEE shall, in its
discretion, determine which lines of business the COMPANY conducts on any particular date and which
third parties may reasonably be deemed to be in competition with the COMPANY. For purposes of this
Section 6(B)(i), PARTICIPANTs interest as a stockholder is insubstantial if it represents
beneficial ownership of less than five percent of the outstanding class of stock, and PARTICIPANTs
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, any confidential or
proprietary information of the COMPANY or any subsidiary or affiliate, including but not limited to
information regarding the COMPANYs 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 PARTICIPANTs
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 its subsidiaries or affiliates 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 in any
way, including, without limitation, by making himself or herself available to testify on behalf of
the COMPANY or such subsidiary or affiliate in any action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil,
criminal, administrative, or investigative, or otherwise fails to assist the COMPANY or any
subsidiary or affiliate 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, as reasonably requested; or
(iv) PARTICIPANT is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to have materially breached any
of the material terms of Section 11 of the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of this Section 6(B)(iv) shall not
apply if a CHANGE OF CONTROL has occurred or if the PARTICIPANTs employment has been terminated by
the COMPANY without CAUSE or by the Executive with GOOD REASON.
(C) Despite the conditions set forth in this Section 6, a PARTICIPANT is not hereby prohibited
from engaging in any activity, including but not limited to competition with the COMPANY and its
subsidiaries and affiliates. Rather, the non-occurrence of the FORFEITURE EVENTS set forth in
Section 6(B) is a condition to the PARTICIPANTs right to realize and retain value from the AWARD,
and the consequence under the PLAN and this AGREEMENT if the PARTICIPANT engages in an activity
giving rise to any such FORFEITURE EVENTS are the forfeitures specified therein and herein. The
COMPANY and PARTICIPANT shall not be precluded by this provision or otherwise from entering into
other agreements concerning the subject matter of Sections 6(A) and 6(B).
(D) The COMMITTEE may, in its discretion, waive in whole or in part the COMPANYs right to
forfeiture under this Section 6, but no such waiver shall be effective unless evidenced by a
writing signed by a duly authorized officer of the COMPANY.
7.
Restrictions on Transfers of SHARES
.
(A) Anything contained in this Agreement or elsewhere to the contrary notwithstanding, the
COMPANY may postpone the issuance and delivery of SHARES upon any exercise of the AWARD until
completion of any stock exchange listing or registration or other qualification of such SHARES
under any state or federal law, rule or regulation as the COMPANY may consider appropriate; and may
require the PARTICIPANT when exercising the AWARD 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 issued and delivered upon
exercise 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.
(B) Any SHARES acquired pursuant to this AWARD shall be subject to the following holding
period (HOLDING PERIOD): (i) with respect to 50% of the net SHARES acquired pursuant to this
AWARD (not including any SHARES withheld by the COMPANY pursuant to Section 2(E)), the PARTICIPANT
may not transfer, sell, pledge, hypothecate, or otherwise dispose of such SHARES until the first
trading day on the New York Stock Exchange immediately following July 31, 2014, and (ii) with
respect to the remaining 50% of the net SHARES acquired pursuant to this AWARD (not including any
SHARES withheld by the COMPANY pursuant to Section 2(E)), the PARTICIPANT may not transfer, sell,
pledge, hypothecate, or otherwise dispose of such shares until the first trading day on the New
York Stock Exchange immediately following January 31, 2015. Notwithstanding anything herein to the
contrary, in the event that any portion of the AWARD vests prior to January 31, 2014 pursuant to
the terms of this AGREEMENT, the HOLDING PERIOD described in this Section 7(B) will not apply to
any of the SHARES so acquired under this AWARD. Any share certificates representing SHARES
acquired pursuant to this AGREEMENT shall be appropriately legended to reflect these restrictions.
8.
Rights of the PARTICIPANT as a Stockholder
. The PARTICIPANT shall have no rights as
a stockholder of the COMPANY with respect to any SHARES of the COMPANY covered by the AWARD until
the date of issuance to the PARTICIPANT of a certificate or other evidence of ownership
representing such SHARES.
9.
PLAN as Controlling; PARTICIPANT Acknowledgments
. All terms and conditions of the
PLAN and the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT 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 or the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT,
the PLAN or the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (and, as between the PLAN and the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, the
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT) shall be deemed controlling. The PARTICIPANT acknowledges receipt of a copy
of the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, the PLAN and of the Prospectus related to the PLAN. The PARTICIPANT
also acknowledges that all decisions, determinations and interpretations of the COMMITTEE in
respect of the PLAN, this AGREEMENT, the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT and the AWARD shall be final,
conclusive and binding on the PARTICIPANT, all other persons interested in the PLAN and
stockholders.
10.
Governing Law
. To the extent not preempted by federal law, this AGREEMENT shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.
11.
Rights and Remedies Cumulative
. All rights and remedies of the COMPANY and of the
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.
12.
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.
13.
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.
14.
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 required.
15.
Entire Agreement
. This AGREEMENT, including the PLAN incorporated herein by
reference, and the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT constitute the entire agreement between the COMPANY and the
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 the 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.
16.
Successors 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.
[signature page follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the COMPANY has caused this AGREEMENT to be executed by its duly
authorized officer, and the PARTICIPANT has executed this AGREEMENT, in each case effective as of
the GRANT DATE.
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COMPANY
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ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
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Its:
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Title:
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PARTICIPANT
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Printed Name:
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Michael S. Jeffries
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Exhibit 10.6
STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHT AGREEMENT
(2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan)
This STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT (this AGREEMENT) is made to be effective as of
, 200
(the GRANT DATE), by and between Abercrombie & Fitch Co., a
Delaware corporation (the COMPANY), and
(the PARTICIPANT).
WITNESSETH
:
WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of the 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan of the COMPANY (the
PLAN), the Compensation Committee (the COMMITTEE) of the Board of Directors of the COMPANY (the
BOARD) administers the PLAN; and
WHEREAS, the COMMITTEE has determined that an award of stock appreciation rights (SARs) with
respect to
(
) shares of Class A Common
Stock, $0.01 par value (the SHARES), of the COMPANY should be granted to the PARTICIPANT upon the
terms and conditions 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 the PARTICIPANT an award of
(
) SARs (the AWARD). Each SAR represents
the right to receive, upon exercise of the SAR, pursuant to this AGREEMENT, from the COMPANY, a
payment, paid in SHARES of the COMPANY, having a value equal to the excess of the FAIR MARKET VALUE
(as defined in the PLAN), on the date of exercise, of one SHARE of the COMPANY (subject to
adjustment as provided in Section 11(c) of the PLAN) over the BASE PRICE (as defined below).
2.
Terms and Conditions of the AWARD
.
(A)
BASE PRICE
. The BASE PRICE shall be $
per share (subject to
adjustment as provided in Section 11(c) of the PLAN).
(B)
Exercise of the AWARD
. Except as provided under Sections 3 and 5 of this
AGREEMENT, no portion of the AWARD may be exercised until the first anniversary of the GRANT DATE,
provided that the PARTICIPANT is employed by the COMPANY or a subsidiary of the COMPANY on such
date. Thereafter, except as otherwise provided in this AGREEMENT, the AWARD may be exercised as
follows:
(i) at any time after the first anniversary of the GRANT DATE, as to
% of
the SARs subject to the AWARD, provided that the PARTICIPANT is employed by the COMPANY or a
subsidiary of the COMPANY on such date;
(ii) at any time after the second anniversary of the GRANT DATE, as to an additional
% of the SARs subject to the AWARD, provided that the
PARTICIPANT is employed by the COMPANY or a subsidiary of the COMPANY on such date;
(iii) at any time after the third anniversary of the GRANT DATE, as to an additional
% of the SARs subject to the AWARD, provided that the PARTICIPANT is employed
by the COMPANY or a subsidiary of the COMPANY on such date; and
(iv) at any time after the fourth anniversary of the GRANT DATE, as to an additional
% of the SARs subject to the AWARD, provided that the PARTICIPANT is employed
by the COMPANY or a subsidiary of the COMPANY on such date.
Subject to the other provisions of this AGREEMENT, including Section 5, if the AWARD becomes
vested and exercisable as to certain SARs, it shall remain exercisable as to those SARs until the
date of expiration of the AWARD term. The COMMITTEE may, but shall not be required to (unless
otherwise provided in this AGREEMENT), accelerate the vesting and exercisability of the AWARD.
The grant of the AWARD shall not confer upon the PARTICIPANT any right to continue in the
employment of the COMPANY or any of its subsidiaries or interfere with or limit in any way the
right of the COMPANY or any of its subsidiaries to modify the terms of or terminate the employment
of the PARTICIPANT at any time in accordance with applicable law and the COMPANYs or the
subsidiarys governing corporate documents.
(C)
AWARD Term
. The AWARD shall in no event be exercisable after the expiration of ten
years from the GRANT DATE and shall expire on such date.
(D)
Method of Exercise
. The AWARD may be exercised by giving written or electronic
notice of exercise to the COMMITTEE, in care of the Human Resources Department of the COMPANY, or
such third-party administrator as the Human Resources Department may from time to time designate,
stating the number of SARs subject to the AWARD in respect of which the AWARD is being exercised.
After proper notice has been made, and subject to Section 2(E) below, the COMPANY shall take all
such actions as are necessary to deliver an appropriate certificate or other
evidence of ownership representing the SHARES due upon the exercise of the AWARD as promptly
thereafter as is reasonably practicable.
(E)
Tax Withholding
. The COMPANY shall have the right to require the PARTICIPANT to
remit to the COMPANY an amount sufficient to satisfy any applicable federal, state and local tax
withholding requirements in respect of the exercise of the AWARD. These tax withholding
requirements may be satisfied in one of several ways, including:
(i) The PARTICIPANT may give the COMPANY cash equal to the amount required to be withheld or
tender SHARES of the COMPANY already owned by the PARTICIPANT for at least six months by actual
delivery of the already-owned SHARES and having a FAIR MARKET VALUE on the exercise date equal to
the amount required to be withheld; or
(ii) The COMPANY may withhold SHARES otherwise issuable upon exercise of the AWARD having FAIR
MARKET VALUE on the exercise date 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 state, federal and
local income, employment and wage tax laws).
3.
Change of Control
. Unless the BOARD or 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.
4.
Non-Transferability of AWARD
. The AWARD may not be transferred, assigned, pledged
or hypothecated (whether by operation of law or otherwise) by the PARTICIPANT, except as provided
by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution, and the AWARD shall not be subject
to execution, attachment or similar process.
5.
Exercise After Termination of Employment
.
(A) Except as the COMMITTEE may at any time provide, if the employment of the PARTICIPANT with
the COMPANY and its subsidiaries is terminated for any reason other than death or total
disability (as defined below), the AWARD may be exercised (to the extent that the PARTICIPANT was
entitled to do so on the date of the termination of the PARTICIPANTs employment) at any time
within three months after such termination of employment, subject to the provisions of Section 2(C)
of this AGREEMENT, and shall then expire. To the extent the PARTICIPANT was not entitled to
exercise the AWARD on the date of termination of the PARTICIPANTs employment, such portion of the
AWARD shall expire on the date of such termination.
(B) If the PARTICIPANT becomes totally disabled, the AWARD shall become immediately vested and
exercisable in full, and the AWARD may be exercised at any time during the first twelve (12) months
that the PARTICIPANT receives benefits under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Long-Term Disability
Program, or any successor program, subject to the provisions of Section 2(C) of this AGREEMENT, and
shall then expire.
(C) If the PARTICIPANT dies while employed by the COMPANY or one of its subsidiaries, the
AWARD shall become immediately vested and exercisable in full by the PARTICIPANTs estate or by the
person who acquires the right to exercise the AWARD upon the PARTICIPANTs death by bequest or
inheritance. The AWARD may be exercised at any time within one year after the date of the
PARTICIPANTs death, or such other period as the COMMITTEE may at any time provide, subject to the
provisions of Section 2(C) of this AGREEMENT, and shall then expire.
(D) For purposes of this AGREEMENT, total disability shall have the definition set forth in
the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Long-Term Disability Program, which definition is incorporated herein
by reference.
6.
Forfeiture of AWARD
.
(A) The AWARD shall be subject to the following additional forfeiture conditions, to which the
PARTICIPANT, by accepting the AWARD, agrees. If any of the
events specified in Section 6(B)(i), (ii), or (iii) occurs (a FORFEITURE EVENT), the
following forfeiture will result:
(i) The unexercised portion of the AWARD held by the PARTICIPANT, whether or not vested, will
be immediately forfeited and canceled upon the occurrence of the FORFEITURE EVENT; and
(ii) The 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 the PARTICIPANT upon each exercise of the AWARD that occurred on or after
(I) the date that is six months prior to the occurrence of the FORFEITURE EVENT, if the FORFEITURE
EVENT occurred while the PARTICIPANT was employed by the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate, or
(II) the date that is six months prior to the date the PARTICIPANTs employment by the COMPANY or a
subsidiary or affiliate terminated, if the FORFEITURE EVENT occurred after the PARTICIPANT ceased
to be so employed. For purposes of this Section, the term AWARD GAIN shall mean, in respect of a
given AWARD exercise, the product of (x) the FAIR MARKET VALUE per SHARE of the COMPANY at the date
of such exercise (without regard to any subsequent change in the market price of shares) minus the
BASE PRICE times (y) the number of SARs as to which the AWARD was exercised at that date.
(B) The forfeitures specified in Section 6(A) will be triggered upon the occurrence of any one
of the following FORFEITURE EVENTS at any time during PARTICIPANTs employment by the COMPANY or a
subsidiary or affiliate, or during the one-year period following termination of such employment:
(i) PARTICIPANT, acting alone or with others, directly or indirectly, (I) engages, either as
employee, employer, consultant, advisor, or director, or as an owner, investor, partner, or
stockholder unless PARTICIPANTs interest is insubstantial, in any business in an area or region
in which 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; (II)
induces any customer or supplier of the COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate, with which the
COMPANY or a subsidiary or affiliate 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; or (III)
induces, or attempts to influence, any employee of or service provider to the COMPANY or a
subsidiary or affiliate to terminate such employment or service. The COMMITTEE shall, in its
discretion, determine which lines of business the COMPANY conducts on any particular date and which
third parties may reasonably be deemed to be in competition with the COMPANY. For purposes of this
Section 6(B)(i), PARTICIPANTs interest as a stockholder is insubstantial if it represents
beneficial ownership of less than five percent of the outstanding class of stock, and PARTICIPANTs
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, any confidential or
proprietary information of the COMPANY or any subsidiary
or affiliate, including but not limited to information regarding the COMPANYs 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 PARTICIPANTs 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 its
subsidiaries or affiliates or their respective officers, directors, employees, advisors, businesses
or reputations, except as required by law or pursuant to legal process; or
(iii) PARTICIPANT fails to cooperate with the COMPANY or any subsidiary or affiliate in any
way, including, without limitation, by making himself or herself available to testify on behalf of
the COMPANY or such subsidiary or affiliate in any action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil,
criminal, administrative, or investigative, or otherwise fails to assist the COMPANY or any
subsidiary or affiliate 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, as reasonably requested.
(C) Despite the conditions set forth in this Section 6, a PARTICIPANT is not hereby prohibited
from engaging in any activity, including but not limited to competition with the COMPANY and its
subsidiaries and affiliates. Rather, the non-occurrence of the FORFEITURE EVENTS set forth in
Section 6(B) is a condition to the PARTICIPANTs right to realize and retain value from the AWARD,
and the consequence under the PLAN and this AGREEMENT if the PARTICIPANT engages in an activity
giving rise to any such FORFEITURE EVENTS are the forfeitures specified therein and herein. The
COMPANY and PARTICIPANT shall not be precluded by this provision or otherwise from entering into
other agreements concerning the subject matter of Sections 6(A) and 6(B).
(D) The COMMITTEE may, in its discretion, waive in whole or in part the COMPANYs right to
forfeiture under this Section 6, but no such waiver shall be effective unless evidenced by a
writing signed by a duly authorized officer of the COMPANY.
7.
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 upon any exercise of the AWARD until completion of any stock exchange listing or
registration or other qualification of such SHARES under any state or federal law, rule or
regulation as the COMPANY may consider appropriate; and may require the PARTICIPANT when exercising
the AWARD 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 issued and delivered upon exercise 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.
8.
Rights of the PARTICIPANT as a Stockholder
. The PARTICIPANT shall have no rights as
a stockholder of the COMPANY with respect to any SHARES of the COMPANY covered by the AWARD until
the date of issuance to the PARTICIPANT of a certificate or other evidence of ownership
representing such SHARES.
9.
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. The PARTICIPANT
acknowledges receipt of a copy of the PLAN and of the Prospectus related to the PLAN. The
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 the PARTICIPANT, all other persons interested in the PLAN and stockholders.
10.
Governing Law
. To the extent not preempted by federal law, this AGREEMENT shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.
11.
Rights and Remedies Cumulative
. All rights and remedies of the COMPANY and of the
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.
12.
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.
13.
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.
14.
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 required.
15.
Entire Agreement
. This AGREEMENT, including the PLAN incorporated herein by
reference, constitutes the entire agreement between the COMPANY and the 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 the 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.
16.
Successors 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.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the COMPANY has caused this AGREEMENT to be executed by its duly
authorized officer, and the PARTICIPANT has executed this AGREEMENT, in each case effective as of
the GRANT DATE.
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COMPANY
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ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
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By:
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Its:
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Title:
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PARTICIPANT
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Printed Name:
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Address:
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Exhibit 99.1
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER
AND FISCAL YEAR-END RESULTS
FOURTH QUARTER NET INCOME PER DILUTED SHARE OF $0.78 AFTER TAKING
NON-CASH ASSET IMPAIRMENT CHARGE OF $0.21 AND TAX EXPENSE CHARGE OF $0.11
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MAINTAINS QUARTERLY DIVIDEND OF $0.175
New Albany, Ohio, February 13, 2009:
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE: ANF) today reported unaudited
results which reflected net income of $68.4 million and net income per diluted share of $0.78 for
the thirteen weeks ended January 31, 2009, including a non-cash, after-tax charge of $0.21
associated with the impairment of store-related assets and a charge to tax expense of $0.11 related
to the execution of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officers new employment agreement.
The Company also reported net income of $272.3 million and net income per diluted share of $3.05,
after the above charges, for the fifty-two week fiscal year ended January 31, 2009.
Fourth Quarter Sales Highlights
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Total Company net sales decreased 19% to $998 million; comparable store sales decreased 25%
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Total direct-to-consumer net sales decreased 12% to $95.1 million
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Abercrombie & Fitch net sales of $404.4 million; Abercrombie & Fitch comparable store sales decreased 23%
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abercrombie net sales of $120.1 million; abercrombie comparable store sales decreased 30%
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Hollister Co. net sales of $449.6 million; Hollister Co. comparable store sales decreased 25%
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RUEHL net sales of $17.1 million; RUEHL comparable store sales decreased 25%
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Mike Jeffries, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Abercrombie & Fitch Co., said:
The fourth quarter proved to be a catastrophe for the retail industry; a nightmare that included
unprecedented promotional activity by other retailers in the malls and consumers who continued to
show reluctance to spend, especially for premium brands. However, despite the unprecedented
volatility, we are satisfied with our results for the quarter. Our comparable store sales decrease
was lower than we had projected, our earnings per diluted share, excluding the effect of one-time
items, exceeded our guidance and we maintained the aspirational nature of all of our brands. As we
look toward 2009, we continue to see a tumultuous environment. We will again rely on our ability
to manage the aspects of the business that are under our control and continue to protect and
position our brands for more promising times.
Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2008 Financial Results
Net sales for the thirteen weeks ended January 31, 2009 decreased 19% to $998 million from $1.229
billion for the thirteen weeks ended February 2, 2008. Total Company direct-to-consumer net sales
decreased 12% to $95.1 million for the thirteen week period ended January 31, 2009, compared to the
thirteen week period ended February 2, 2008. Total Company fourth quarter comparable store sales
decreased 25%. For the fifty-two week fiscal year ended January 31, 2009, the Company reported a
net sales decrease of 6% to $3.54 billion from $3.75 billion for the fifty-two week fiscal year
ended February 2, 2008. Total Company direct-to-consumer net sales increased 5% to $271.0 million
for the fifty-two week fiscal year ended January 31, 2009, compared to the fifty-two week fiscal
year ended February 2, 2008. Fiscal 2008 comparable store sales decreased 13%.
The gross profit rate for the quarter was 64.4%, 280 basis points lower than last year. The
decrease in gross profit rate was attributable to an increase in markdowns taken to clear through
seasonal inventory. For Fiscal 2008, the gross profit rate was 66.7% versus 67.0% last year.
Stores and distribution expense for the quarter, as a percentage of sales, increased to 42.3% from
31.6%. The Company was able to achieve reductions in store payroll, but at less than the rate of
the sales decline. In addition, the Company recorded a $30.6 million non-cash impairment charge
related to long-lived assets associated with 11 Abercrombie & Fitch stores, six abercrombie stores,
three Hollister stores and nine Ruehl stores. The majority of the $30.6 million impairment charge
is associated with the nine Ruehl stores. For Fiscal 2008, stores and distribution expense, as a
percentage of sales, increased to 42.7% versus 37.0% last year.
Marketing, general and administrative expense for the quarter was $101.0 million compared to $103.1
million during the same period last year. The reduction in expense includes savings in incentive
compensation and benefits, travel and outside services. For Fiscal 2008, marketing, general and
administrative expense was $419.7 million compared to $395.8 million last year.
Interest income for the quarter decreased to $1.4 million compared to $6.4 million during the same
period last year. The decrease was attributable to a lower average rate of return on investments
compared to last year. For Fiscal 2008, interest income decreased to $11.4 million compared to
$18.8 million last year.
The effective tax rate for the fourth quarter was 45.7% compared to 36.9% for the Fiscal 2007
comparable period. The fourth quarter tax rate reflects a charge of $9.9 million to tax expense as
a result of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officers new employment agreement, which pursuant to
section 162(m) results in the exclusion of previously recognized tax benefits. Under the previous
employment agreement, the Company recorded deferred tax assets based on the anticipated delivery of
benefits to the CEO in the calendar year following the year of his retirement. As a result of the
new employment agreement, the CEO receives the benefits during his employment; therefore the
expected tax benefits will no longer be available. For Fiscal 2008, the effective tax rate was
39.6% compared to 37.4% for Fiscal 2007.
2009 Outlook
The Company anticipates a difficult selling environment to persist throughout 2009 and believes
there may be significant volatility in sales levels. Due to the current economic conditions, and
in particular, their impact on sales trends, the Company is not providing EPS guidance for Fiscal
2009.
Based on current lease commitments, the Company expects total capital expenditures to be in the
range of $165 to $175 million, including $120 to $125 million related to new stores, store
refreshes and remodels, and $45 to $50 million related to information technology, distribution
center and other home office projects. The Company is also in active discussions with regard to
additional store openings in Europe.
The flagship openings to which the Company is committed in 2009 include Hollister Co. in Soho,
Abercrombie & Fitch and abercrombie in Milan and Abercrombie & Fitch in Tokyo. The Company now
expects the Abercrombie & Fitch flagship in Copenhagen and the abercrombie flagship in New York to
open in 2010.
The Company also confirmed it is in an on-going process of reviewing operating expenses, and has
already implemented a number of cost reduction actions.
Other Developments
The Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.175 per share on the Class A Common
Stock of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. payable on March 17, 2009 to shareholders of record at the close
of business on February 27, 2009.
The Company operated 352 Abercrombie & Fitch stores, 210 abercrombie stores, 507 Hollister Co.
stores, 28 RUEHL stores and 14 Gilly Hicks stores in the United States at the end of fiscal
January. The Company operates three Abercrombie & Fitch stores, two abercrombie stores and five
Hollister Co. stores in Canada, and one Abercrombie & Fitch store and three Hollister Co. stores in
the United Kingdom. The Company operates e-commerce websites at www.abercrombie.com,
www.abercrombiekids.com, www.hollisterco.com, www.RUEHL.com and www.gillyhicks.com.
Today at 8:30 AM, Eastern Time, the Company will conduct a conference call. Management will
discuss the Companys performance, its plans for the future and will accept questions from
participants. To listen to the live conference call, dial (888) 737-3662 or internationally at
(913) 312-9321. To listen via the internet, go to www.abercrombie.com, select the Investors page
and scroll through the Calendar of Events. Replays of the call will be available shortly after its
completion. The audio replay can be accessed for two weeks following the reporting date by calling
(888) 203-1112 or internationally at (719) 457-0820 followed by the conference ID number 6647238;
or for 12 months by visiting the Companys website at www.abercrombie.com.
# # # #
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For further information, call:
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Investor Inquiries:
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Eric Cerny
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Manager, Investor Relations
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(614) 283-6385
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SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
A&F cautions that any forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995) contained in this Press Release or made by management of A&F involve
risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various important factors, many of which
may be beyond the Companys control. Words such as estimate, project, plan, believe,
expect, anticipate, intend, and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements.
The following factors, in addition to those included in the disclosure under the heading
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OEPRATIONS in ITEM 2.
Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 of A&Fs
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended November 1, 2008, in some cases have
affected and in the future could affect the Companys financial performance and could cause actual
results for the 2009 Fiscal year and beyond to differ materially from those expressed or implied in
any of the forward-looking statements included in this Press Release or otherwise made by
management: changes in consumer spending patterns and consumer preferences; the effects of
political and economic events and conditions domestically and in foreign jurisdictions in which the
Company operates, including, but not limited to, acts of terrorism or war; the impact of
competition and pricing; changes in weather patterns; postal rate increases and
changes; paper and printing costs; market price of key raw materials; ability to source product
from its global supplier base; political stability; currency and exchange risks and changes in
existing or potential duties, tariffs or quotas; availability of suitable store locations at
appropriate terms; ability to develop new merchandise; ability to hire, train and retain
associates; and the outcome of pending litigation. 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 Press Release 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 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.
# # # #
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)
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(Unaudited)
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January 31, 2009
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February 2, 2008
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ASSETS
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Current Assets
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Cash and Equivalents
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$
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522,122
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$
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118,044
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Marketable Securities
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530,486
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Receivables
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53,110
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53,801
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Inventories
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372,422
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333,153
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Deferred Income Taxes
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43,408
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36,128
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Other Current Assets
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93,763
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68,643
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Total Current Assets
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1,084,825
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1,140,255
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Property and Equipment, Net
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1,398,655
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1,318,291
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Marketable Securities
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229,081
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Other Assets
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135,620
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109,052
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TOTAL ASSETS
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$
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2,848,181
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$
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2,567,598
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LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
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Current Liabilities
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Accounts Payable and Outstanding Checks
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$
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149,753
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$
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151,798
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Accrued Expenses
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241,231
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280,910
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Deferred Lease Credits
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42,358
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37,925
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Income Taxes Payable
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16,455
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72,480
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Total Current Liabilities
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449,797
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543,113
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Long-Term Liabilities
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Deferred Income Taxes
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34,085
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22,491
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Deferred Lease Credits
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211,978
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213,739
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Debt
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100,000
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Other Liabilities
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206,743
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169,942
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Total Long-Term Liabilities
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552,806
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406,172
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Total Shareholders Equity
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1,845,578
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1,618,313
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TOTAL LIABILITIES AND
SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
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$
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2,848,181
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$
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2,567,598
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Abercrombie & Fitch Co.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
Thirteen Weeks Ended January 31, 2009 and Thirteen Weeks Ended February 2, 2008
(in thousands, except per share data)
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ACTUAL
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ACTUAL
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2008
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% of Sales
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2007
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% of Sales
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Net Sales
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$
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997,955
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100.0
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%
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$
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1,228,969
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100.0
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%
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Cost of Goods Sold
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355,341
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35.6
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%
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403,352
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32.8
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%
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Gross Profit
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642,614
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64.4
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%
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825,617
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67.2
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%
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Total Stores and Distribution Expense
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422,459
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42.3
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%
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388,421
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31.6
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%
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Total Marketing, General and Administrative Expense
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100,978
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10.1
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%
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103,147
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8.4
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%
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Other Operating Income, Net
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(5,468
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)
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-0.5
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%
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(3,019
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)
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-0.2
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%
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Operating Income
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124,645
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12.5
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%
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337,068
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27.4
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%
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|
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|
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|
|
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|
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Interest Income, Net
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(1,419
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)
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-0.1
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%
|
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(6,356
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)
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-0.5
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%
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|
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|
|
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|
|
Income Before Income Taxes
|
|
|
126,064
|
|
|
|
12.6
|
%
|
|
|
343,424
|
|
|
|
27.9
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income Tax Expense
|
|
|
57,657
|
|
|
|
5.8
|
%
|
|
|
126,668
|
|
|
|
10.3
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effective Rate
|
|
|
45.7
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36.9
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income
|
|
$
|
68,407
|
|
|
|
6.9
|
%
|
|
$
|
216,756
|
|
|
|
17.6
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income Per Share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
$
|
0.79
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
2.52
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted
|
|
$
|
0.78
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
2.40
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
|
87,052
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
86,122
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted
|
|
|
88,258
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
90,235
|
|
|
|
|
|
Abercrombie & Fitch Co.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
Fifty-Two Weeks Ended January 31, 2009 and Fifty-Two Weeks Ended February 2, 2008
(in thousands, except per share data)
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|
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
ACTUAL
|
|
|
ACTUAL
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
% of Sales
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
% of Sales
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Sales
|
|
$
|
3,540,276
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
3,749,847
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of Goods Sold
|
|
|
1,178,584
|
|
|
|
33.3
|
%
|
|
|
1,238,480
|
|
|
|
33.0
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross Profit
|
|
|
2,361,692
|
|
|
|
66.7
|
%
|
|
|
2,511,367
|
|
|
|
67.0
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Stores and Distribution Expense
|
|
|
1,511,511
|
|
|
|
42.7
|
%
|
|
|
1,386,846
|
|
|
|
37.0
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Marketing, General and Administrative Expense
|
|
|
419,659
|
|
|
|
11.9
|
%
|
|
|
395,758
|
|
|
|
10.6
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Operating Income, Net
|
|
|
(8,864
|
)
|
|
|
-0.3
|
%
|
|
|
(11,734
|
)
|
|
|
-0.3
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Income
|
|
|
439,386
|
|
|
|
12.4
|
%
|
|
|
740,497
|
|
|
|
19.7
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest Income, Net
|
|
|
(11,382
|
)
|
|
|
-0.3
|
%
|
|
|
(18,828
|
)
|
|
|
-0.5
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income Before Income Taxes
|
|
|
450,768
|
|
|
|
12.7
|
%
|
|
|
759,325
|
|
|
|
20.2
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income Tax Expense
|
|
|
178,513
|
|
|
|
5.0
|
%
|
|
|
283,628
|
|
|
|
7.6
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effective Rate
|
|
|
39.6
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
37.4
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income
|
|
$
|
272,255
|
|
|
|
7.7
|
%
|
|
$
|
475,697
|
|
|
|
12.7
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income Per Share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
$
|
3.14
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
5.45
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted
|
|
$
|
3.05
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
5.20
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
|
86,816
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
87,248
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted
|
|
|
89,291
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
91,523
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit 99.3
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
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|
|
|
|
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|
Thomson StreetEvents
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|
www.streetevents.com
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Contact Us
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|
1
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© 2009 Thomson Financial. Republished with permission. No part of this publication may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of Thomson
Financial.
|
Final Transcript
Feb. 13. 2009 / 8:30AM ET, ANF Q4 2008 Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Earnings Conference Call
CORPORATE PARTICIPANTS
Jonathan Ramsden
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. CFO
Mike Jeffries
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Chairman, CEO
Brian Logan
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Senior Director of IR
Eric Cerny
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Manager, IR
CONFERENCE CALL PARTICIPANTS
Jeff Klinefelter
Piper Jaffray Analyst
Dana Telsey
Telsey Advisory Group Analyst
Christine Chen
Needham and Company Analyst
Janet Kloppenburg
JJK Research Analyst
Paul Lejuez
Credit Suisse Analyst
Lorraine Maikis Hutchison
Merrill Lynch Analyst
Randy Konik
Jefferies Analyst
Kimberly Greenberger
Citigroup Analyst
Michelle Tan
Goldman Sachs Analyst
Jeff Black
Barclays Capital Analyst
Brian Tunick
JPMorgan Analyst
Liz Dunn
Thomas Weisel Analyst
Adrienne Tennant
Friedman, Billings, Ramsey Analyst
Jennifer Black
Jennifer Black and Associates Analyst
Linda Tsai
MKM Partners Analyst
Howard Tubin
RBC Capital Markets Analyst
Robin Murchison
SunTrust Analyst
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Thomson StreetEvents
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2
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© 2009 Thomson Financial. Republished with permission. No part of this publication may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of Thomson
Financial.
|
|
Final Transcript
Feb. 13. 2009 / 8:30AM ET, ANF Q4 2008 Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Earnings Conference Call
PRESENTATION
Operator
Good day, everyone, and welcome to the Abercrombie and Fitch fourth quarter earnings results
conference call. Todays conference is being recorded. (Operator Instructions) Well open the call
to take your questions at the end of the presentation. We ask that you limit yourself to one
question during the question-and-answer session.
At this time Id like to turn the conference call over to the Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Jonathan
Ramsden. Mr. Ramsden, lease go ahead, sir.
Jonathan Ramsden
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. CFO
Good morning, everyone, and welcome to our fourth-quarter earnings call. Early this morning we
released our fourth-quarter sales and earnings, balance sheet, income statement, and an updated
financial history. Please free to reference these materials which are available on our website.
This call is being recorded and the replay may be accessed through the Internet at Abercrombie.com.
Before we begin I remind you that any forward statements we may make today are subject to the Safe
Harbor statement found in our SEC filings. Todays earnings call will be limited to one hour. Well
begin the call with a few brief remarks from Mike Jeffries followed by a review of the financial
performance in the quarter from Brian Logan and myself. After our prepared comments we will be
available to take your questions for as long as time permits. Please limit yourself to one question
so that we can speak with as many callers as possible. Now to Mike.
Mike Jeffries
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Chairman, CEO
Good morning, and thank you for joining us today. Jonathan, it is really great to have you on
board. We believe the fourth quarter of 2008 will go down in history as one of the biggest retail
nightmares. It certainly will for me. We saw malls dominated by promotional activity, consumers who
continued to show reluctance to spend, especially for premium brands, and unprecedented volatility
in the economy.
In this context, particularly given our position as an aspirational brand, were satisfied with our
results for the quarter. We reacted to the environment by cutting back on expenses. We used
markdowns to clear through seasonal inventory. We reduced capital expenditures by scaling back on
our domestic expansion and ended with a strong cash position. Most importantly, we executed our
strategy in a way that enabled us to protect our brands. As a result of these actions, comparable
store sales, ending inventory levels and our earnings-per-share excluding the effect of one-time
items were favorable to the guidance we provided in November. Jonathan and Brian will provide more
information on our financial results in a moment.
As we look toward 2009, I want to make a number of points about how we are going to manage our
business. One, we are going to protect the brands. Two, we are going to preserve cash. Three, were
going to push international growth and all of this in a seasoned, disciplined and controlled way.
First, we remain committed to protecting our brands, the cornerstone of a successful and profitable
business model and, therefore, vital to long-term shareholder value. Our commitment to providing
trend-right, high-quality merchandise has never been stronger than it is today. We will continue to
push forward on quality, improve quality, even as others remove quality from their product. We
constantly obsess about discovering what is next and will continue to improve on our ability to
offer a compelling product assortment.
Second, we will preserve cash. We remain committed to managing our operating expenses. We have
already undertaken a number of cost-saving initiatives and we will continue to look for additional
opportunities. These efforts are directed toward ensuring we are operating in the most efficient
and effective manner. We will continue to be mindful of our capital expenditures and manage them
with a seasoned and disciplined approach.
Lastly, we continue to be encouraged with the results of our international expansion and are moving
forward with our plans to bring our brands to the rest of the world. The Abercrombie & Fitch
flagship performance continues to be phenomenal. We anxiously await the opening of additional
flagships in the second half of 2009. In the Hollister Soho flagship this summer. The Hollister
U.K. mall-based stores continue to outperform our expectations. We believe we have opportunity to
grow that concept this year. We will continue to approach our international expansion with the
discipline that the current environment requires and will proceed at a pace with which we feel
comfortable.
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Thomson StreetEvents
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3
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© 2009 Thomson Financial. Republished with permission. No part of this publication may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of Thomson
Financial.
|
Final Transcript
Feb. 13. 2009 / 8:30AM ET, ANF Q4 2008 Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Earnings Conference Call
Having said all of this, we will continue to focus on our long-term objectives while seeking to
maintain flexibility to respond to market conditions as we clearly demonstrated in the fourth
quarter. I want to tell you that during this time of unprecedented turmoil, I am completely
confident in our approach and our ability to manage and control this business. Our brands are some
of the most sought-after in all of retail. We have one of the strongest balance sheets in the
industry and the passion and energy of the A&F associates is unmatched. With these things in mind,
we will continue to strengthen our brands and to be well-positioned for more promising times. With
that, I will hand the call back to Jonathan but will be available to answer your questions later.
Jonathan Ramsden
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. CFO
Thanks, Mike. Excuse me. While the current environment is proving to be extremely volatile as
Mike said, were satisfied with our ability to manage the business through the past quarter and
provide results slightly above estimates provided in November excluding the effect of the
impairment and tax charges. Net sales for the quarter decreased to $989 million, our total
comparable stores decline of 25% was slightly better than we had anticipated driven by the
combination of stronger post Christmas business, a trend that has increased in recent years and
season-ending clearance markdowns.
Our gross profit rate in the fourth quarter was 64.4% down 280 basis points from last year as a
result of a higher markdown rate. We implemented cost reductions during the quarter which resulted
in total operating expenses excluding the asset impairment charge in line with 2007. Excluding the
asset impairment and tax charges net income per diluted share was $1.10 and somewhat above the high
end of the range we provided in November. As we move forward into 2009, from a financial
standpoint, we will be focusing on the following. Firstly, IMU and gross margin. Secondly,
continuing with a rigorous review of all of our operating expenses both to achieve absolute expense
reductions and to have a more flexible cost base. These efforts will be ongoing in 2009 and beyond.
Thirdly, restoring our historical alignment of inventory with sales. Lastly, as we execute new
deals in connection with our international expansion, we want to ensure were getting the best
deals we possibly can, taking advantage of the strength of our brands, the very strong initial
reaction to our openings in the U.K. and favorable conditions from a real estate perspective.
In other words, our focus is going to be on getting the best possible deals done rather than on
maximizing the number of deals. In all of the above, we are going to take a conservative view of
market conditions and not rely on a strong economic recovery to restore our operating margins.
Coming on to our specific plans for new-store openings in 2009, our store growth for the year will
be focused on international opportunities. Based on current firm lease commitments we expect total
capital expenditures to be in the range of 165 million to $175 million including 45 million to $50
million for IT, distribution center and home office projects and 120 million to $125 million
related to new stores, store refreshes and remodels. Domestically in addition to the Hollister
flagship in Soho, we have firm commitments to open nine stores in 2009. These commitments include
two Abercrombie stores, four Hollister stores, two Gilly Hicks stores, one (inaudible) store.
Internationally we have existing firm commitments to open two mall-based U.K. Hollister stores in
addition to the two already opened and one Canadian Abercrombie store. Due to the success of
introducing Hollister in the U.K. were in active discussions with regard to additional store
openings in Europe. Our current best estimate is that well open approximately 10 additional stores
by the end of 2009. We remain on track an Abercrombie & Fitch & Abercrombie flagships in Milan in
November and an Abercrombie & Fitch flagship in Tokyo in December. At this point we expect that the
A&F flagship in Copenhagen and the Abercrombie flagship in New York will not open until 2010.
With regard to operating expenses, as we have previously stated we have implemented a significant
number of cost reduction initiatives in both stores and the home office. With regard to MG&A
specifically were confident that these initiatives will result in expenses below 2008 levels.
These expense reduction efforts will be ongoing and will be responsive to the overall sales trend
of the business. We expect that a difficult selling
environment will persist throughout 2009 due to the current economic conditions and in particular
their impact on sales trends, we believe that providing specific EPS guidance at this point would
be, to borrow a phrase from a fellow retailer, an exercise in false
precision. Well continue to
provide monthly sales reports as in the past. Now to Brian wholl provide a more detailed update on
our fourth quarter financial quarter.
Brian Logan
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Senior Director of IR
Thanks, Jonathan and good morning. Fiscal 2008 fourth quarter net sales for the 13 weeks ended
January 31, 2009, decreased 19% to $998 million from $1.23 billion for the 13 weeks ended February
2, 2008. Fourth quarter direct to consumer net sales decreased 12% to $95.1 million. Total Company
comparable store sales decreased 25%. Average transaction value per store decreased 25% and average
transaction value decreased 1% compared to last year.
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© 2009 Thomson Financial. Republished with permission. No part of this publication may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of Thomson
Financial.
|
Final Transcript
Feb. 13. 2009 / 8:30AM ET, ANF Q4 2008 Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Earnings Conference Call
One contributing factor in the decline in comparable store sales during the quarter was a lessening
benefit from the 5th Avenue flagship and U.S. based tourist store. From a merchandise
classification standpoint for the total Company, the masculine categories continue to outpace the
feminine categories as male comparable store sales decrease by a low teen while female comparable
store sales decreased by a low 30. On the male side denim, knit tops and fragrance were strongest
while graphic Tees and fleece were weakest. On the female side knit tops, fleece, and graphic
Tees were the primary drivers of the female comparable store sales result. For the fiscal year
ended January 31, 2009, net sales decreased 6% to $3.54 billion from $3.75 billion for the fiscal
year ended February 2, 2008. For the year, comparable store sales decreased 13%, transactions per
store decreased 16% and average transaction value increased 2%.
Fiscal 2008 direct to consumer net sales increased 5% to $271 million. The fourth quarter gross
profit rate was 64.4%, down 280 basis points compared to last year. An increase in the initial
mark-up rate was more than offset by an increase in the markdown rate versus last year. As noted
during the third quarter call, the Company anticipated that a higher markdown rate would be
required in order to clear through seasonal merchandise as a result of the declining sales trend
and our limited ability to further reduce fourth quarter deliveries. For the year the gross profit
rate was 66.7% down 30 basis points comparable to fiscal 2007. The decrease reflects the higher
mark down rate in the fourth quarter.
We ended the fourth quarter with inventory per gross square foot at cost up 2% as compared to the
previous year which was slightly better than the guidance given during the third quarter call. As
noted during the third quarter call, the increase in inventory at the end of the fourth quarter was
a result of increase in basic categories such as denim and polos. While seasonal fashion categories
were down. A top priority in the first quarter of 2009 will be to reduce inventory levels to be in
line with the sales decline. Stores and distribution expense for the quarter as a percentage of
sales decreased 10.7 percentage points to 42.3% versus 31.6% last year.
Although we introduced a number of initiatives to reduce store payroll hours in response to the
declining sales, the increase in rate versus last year is primarily attributed to the limitation on
leveraging fixed expenses due to the comparable store sales decline. This years stores and
distribution expense also included a non-cash impairment charge of $30.6 million as it was
determined that the carrying amount of assets related to 11 Abercrombie & Fitch, 6 Abercrombie, 3
Hollister, and 9 RUEHL stores exceeded the fair value of those assets. The majority of the $30.6
million impairment charge is associated with the 9 RUEHL stores.
For the year stores and distribution expense as a percentage of sales increased 5.7 percentage
points to 42.7% versus 37% last year. The increase in rate primarily reflects this years negative
13% comparable store sales result. For the fourth quarter marketing, general and administrative
expense was $101 million, down 2% versus last years expense of $103.1 million. The reduction in
expense includes savings and incentive compensation and benefits, travel and outside services. As a
percentage of sales, MG&A increased to 1.7 percentage points to 10.1% from 8.4% last year.
For the year marketing, general and administrative expense was $419.7 million, up 6% versus last
years expense of $395.8 million. The increase in expense reflects investments in home office
resources for flagship and international expansion, partially offset by fourth quarter savings. The
effective tax rate for the fourth quarter was 45.7% compared to 36.9% for the fourth quarter of
2007.
This years tax rate reflects $9.9 million in expense associated with the execution of Chairman and
Chief Executive Officers new employment agreement which pursuant to section 162-M results in the
exclusion of previously recognized tax benefits. Under the previous employment agreement the
Company recorded deferred tax assets based on the anticipated delivery of benefits to the CEO in
the calendar year following the year after his retirement. As a result of the new employment
agreement, the CEO received the benefits during his employment, therefore, the expected tax
benefits will no longer be available. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2008 was 39.6% compared to
37.4% for fiscal 2007. Net income for the fourth quarter was $68.4 million versus $216.8 million
last year. Fourth quarter net income per diluted share was $0.78 including charges
of $0.32 versus net income per diluted share of $2.40 last year. Net income for fiscal 2008 was
$272.3 million versus $475.7 million last year. Fiscal 2008 net income per diluted share was $3.05
versus $5.20 last year.
For fiscal 2008, store square footage grew by approximately 9%. Through the addition of 90 new
domestic stores and seven new international stores, consisting of two Abercrombie & Fitch, 12
Abercrombie, 66 Hollister, 6 RUEHL, 11 Gilly Hicks stores including two Abercrombie and two
Hollister stores in Canada and three Hollister stores in the United Kingdom. We ended fiscal 2008
with a total of 356 Abercrombie and Fitch, 212 Abercrombie, 515 Hollister, 28 RUEHL, and 14 Gilly
Hicks stores including 3 Abercrombie & Fitch, 2 Abercrombie, and 5 Hollister stores in Canada and 1
Abercrombie & Fitch and 3 Hollister stores in the United Kingdom.
Fiscal 2008 capital expenditures were approximately $370 million which was lower than previously
guided. Reduction is due to the delay in the opening of the Abercrombie & Fitch Copenhagen flagship
and the Abercrombie 5th Avenue flagship until 2010 and the scaling back of new U.S. mall-based
stores.
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reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of Thomson
Financial.
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Final Transcript
Feb. 13. 2009 / 8:30AM ET, ANF Q4 2008 Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Earnings Conference Call
This now concludes our prepared comments section of the call, and were now available to take your
questions. Please limit yourself to one question so we make speak with as many callers as possible.
After everyone has a chance we will be happy to take follow-up questions. Thank you.
QUESTION AND ANSWER
Operator
(Operator Instructions) For our first question we go to Jeff Klinefelter with Piper Jaffray.
Jeff Klinefelter
Piper Jaffray Analyst
Congratulations to everyone on a real tough market putting up those results for the fourth
quarter.
Mike Jeffries
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Chairman, CEO
Thank you, Jeff.
Jeff Klinefelter
Piper Jaffray Analyst
I wanted to speak to you a little bit about 09. I certainly can appreciate not providing
guidance which seems prudent at this point. And thank you for your CapEx visibility but can you
help just us a little bit with how to think about your line items on your income statement in
particularly the S&D in terms of the relationship between the top line, we can see what happened in
2008 and since all of us do have to approach some sort of modeling criteria for 09, how should we
think about the relationship of S&D and your ability to cut that back further or where your
leverage points are and just one other thing is in other income, if you could just help us
understand whats in that $5 million bucket in Q4. Thank you.
Jonathan Ramsden
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. CFO
Thanks, Jeff. Ill come to your S&D question in a second. I guess with regard to MG&A expense,
as we said, were very confident that thats going to be below 2008 levels because thats directly
under our control. It doesnt necessarily vary dollar for dollar with sales. For stores and
distribution expenses for any given level of sales, were implementing reductions in that category.
Its tough to give a specific commitment on that because that doesnt in part vary somewhat with
sales but what we can say is were very focused on that and for any given level of sales we believe
that our expense will be lower than it would have been previously.
Brian Logan
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Senior Director of IR
Jeff, in regards to the other income line, the amount that youre seeing in the fourth quarter
primarily relates to gift cards. This is give the cards that have been deemed that redemption
will be remote and its something that we do on a quarterly basis. The fourth quarter obviously
tends to be a little bit bigger because historically thats when a large percentage of gift cards
are generally purchased.
Operator
For our next question we go to Dana Telsey with the Telsey Advisory Group.
Dana Telsey
Telsey Advisory Group Analyst
Good morning, everyone. Can you talk a little bit about, as you think about each brand, how
are you thinking about the positioning of the brand whether its with IMU in this environment with
potential markdown rates that could occur, is there any different way youre looking at it,
thinking about it whether its pricing, whether its styling and also flow of product? Thank you.
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Final Transcript
Feb. 13. 2009 / 8:30AM ET, ANF Q4 2008 Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Earnings Conference Call
Mike Jeffries
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Chairman, CEO
We have as I went to the my first statement protecting the brands is our priority in
this environment as in any. And were working very hard for better quality and, in fact, better
trend. And were starting to see some better trend product in womens tops which has been a real
priority of ours. It doesnt look as if we are going to have a major trend to report in womens
tops, but there are a number of different things happening. And we hope to see more improvement in
that assortment as the season proceeds. We continue to push for high IMU. We have looked at pricing
particularly in the Hollister and the girls kids brands and have reduced some of those retails.
Those actions will produce some IMU pressure for the first half of the year but we think it is the
right thing to do for those brands. However, we will continue to operate at good levels of gross
margin. I think thats the only guidance I can give you.
Operator
We go next to Christine Chen with Needham and Company.
Christine Chen
Needham and Company Analyst
Thank you for taking my question. Good morning. Wondering if you could talk a little bit about
the learnings that youve had from Gilly Hicks now that its been opened for about a year. Whats
working and what youd like to improve on?
Mike Jeffries
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Chairman, CEO
Sure, thats a great question, Christine. Were very pleased with the performance of Gilly
Hicks. Its too early to report on any details there. As we have said in prior calls, the at-home
portion of the business opened and is continually successful in the business. The areas that we
have to fill as a mature business are bras and underwear. We have made more progress in bras,
establishing the base of the business. Were very, very pleased with where we are on the growth
curve there. Were starting to see improvement in underwear. And we think we understand that
business better than we have. Having said that, were very comfortable that both of those
businesses are going to reach the levels that they need to on an average store basis in the time
weve given them. The response to Gilly has been phenomenal. Its been absolutely phenomenal from a
consumer point of view, from landlord point of view, landlords around the world are dying to have
Gilly in their malls. From an industry point of view, there is, in fact, a conversation in the
apparel industry about the Gilly effect on intimate apparel. Were thrilled with this business and
see it playing a major role in our business at some time in the future. Thanks for the question.
Operator
And for our next question we go to Janet Kloppenburg with JJK Research.
Janet Kloppenburg
JJK Research Analyst
Hi, Mike. Hi, Jonathan. Hi, Brian.
Mike Jeffries
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Chairman, CEO
How are you.
Christine Chen
Needham and Company Analyst
Good. How are you? Congratulations on bringing the quarter in and getting the inventories in
much better shape. I do have a couple of questions. Jonathan, first of all, could you talk to us a
little bit about the change in the expense structure given that the Abercrombie store and the
Copenhagen store will not be opened this year, what effect that would have? And with respect to
your cost savings implementations, in the fourth quarter were you able to effect all you wanted to
or should we look for a bigger emphasis on cost reductions as we go through 09. And Michael, I am
seeing a lot of trends change in your product and in the womans area. Im pretty encouraged and I
wondered if you could just highlight how some of the newness or the new women tops were performing?
Thanks very much.
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reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of Thomson
Financial.
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Final Transcript
Feb. 13. 2009 / 8:30AM ET, ANF Q4 2008 Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Earnings Conference Call
Jonathan Ramsden
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. CFO
Good morning, Janet. Brian will give you in a second the numbers in a second for preopening
rent versus 2008 which bakes in the effect Copenhagen and kids. With regard to expenses overall, I
would say what we did in the fourth quarter represented the savings that we could get to fairly
immediately. Im not going to say painlessly because when you let people go, its never painless.
But they were savings that were a lot of them were in MG&A. They were things we were able to get
to fairly quickly. Going forward, I think the exercise is going to be one of looking more
structurally at how were set up and were going to be kicking off that second phase pretty much
immediately now and the effects of that are probably going to be harder to quantify and theyre
going to come in over a longer-term time frame. Were looking at it from a perspective of saying
whats it going to take to take without counting on a strong economic recovery to get back to what
we would consider to be exceptional operating margins and thats likely to require some fairly
significant changes in our structure and cost basis so thats the way we are going to be looking at
it going forward.
Brian Logan
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Senior Director of IR
Janet, from the preopening rent, obviously with the number of flagships that we have in line
to open up in 2009, which includes Milan and Tokyo, in addition to that, we have the kids 5th
Avenue Copenhagen which now is going to open in 2010 and then the Paris location. We will be
incurring some incremental preopening rent charges this year. This would be incremental to what we
incurred in 2008 of roughly about $20 million next year.
Mike Jeffries
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Chairman, CEO
The answer to the tops question is that we are pushing newness as far as we can, and I think
youre seeing that in the assortments. The point is that you will see more and more newness as
spring and summer proceed. There are hits in the stock, but it doesnt look to us as if theres
going to be one major message thats going to take us through the season. Its going to be a series
of smaller hits and thats how our inventories are planned. We have a broader assortment in womens
tops than weve ever had and expect to see that through the year. Were operating on shorter lead
times than we have, running a very reactive and we think fashion-right business. Thanks, Janet.
Operator
We go next to Paul Lejuez with Credit Suisse.
Paul Lejuez
Credit Suisse Analyst
Thanks, guys. Can you maybe share with us, Mike, Jonathan, what you think is the Hollister
opportunity in the U.K. long-term and maybe just touch on what youre thinking in terms of that
business extending to the rest of Europe at some point? And also just wondering if you could share
with us your latest thoughts on RUEHL and perhaps quantify how much it did drag you down in 2008?
Thanks,.
Mike Jeffries
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Chairman, CEO
The Hollister UK opportunity as were seeing it right now is 30 locations in the U.K. We are
proceeding with that kind of a plan. The interesting conversation is the opportunity in Europe. We
are negotiating for European sites. We believe that the brand has to be tested in other countries.
Thats what we are going to do. However, we do believe that, the exciting thing about the U.K.
performance of Hollister and it was clearly terrific and you all know that is those stores look
just like stores in Columbus, Ohio or Omaha. We sell the same experience, the same merchandise to
customers that are virtually the same, and we believe we are going to be able to take that around
the world. Thats a very, very satisfying thing and significant thing that has happened to this
Company in the last quarter. In terms of RUEHL well give you the numbers. Do we have RUEHL numbers
or can we?
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Final Transcript
Feb. 13. 2009 / 8:30AM ET, ANF Q4 2008 Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Earnings Conference Call
Brian Logan
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Senior Director of IR
Brian, I think that, Paul, generally we think of our brands as one brand, and its not a
number we like to publish. All I can say is that the from a store contribution perspective,
RUEHL drag in 2008 was slightly more than it was in 2007. We had benefits in our gross margin rate,
and some of our operating expenses which was then offset by the decline in the sales. So I think
thats probably about as much as we can give you.
Mike Jeffries
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Chairman, CEO
Let me talk about RUEHL. I have gone on record with you guys as being the villain in taking
RUEHL to a place where it shouldnt have been. About six months ago, we put a new design team and
planning team, essentially a new team into the RUEHL business. I believe that were starting to see
the result of that effort. Were pushing better fashion, better quality, and those of you who have
been in those stores have been commenting to me that you see the difference. We see the difference.
We think that we will continue to see progress there.
Having said that, were pragmatic people. If this exercise doesnt work, however, Im very
comfortable that it will, over some period of time well take a very, very realistic look at that
business. Part of this relates to what the potential of our businesses by brand might be
internationally because I think its very important to state that were not bullish on U.S. malls
at this point. Were very bullish on our international potentials, and were looking at each brand
in terms of its potential internationally. That is the foreseeable growth vehicle for this Company.
And we must look at each brand in regard to that potential. I believe RUEHL can play a role there.
Well see how it plays out.
Operator
Go next to [Lorraine Maikis Hutchison] with Merrill Lynch.
Lorraine Maikis Hutchison
Merrill Lynch Analyst
Good morning.
Mike Jeffries
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Chairman, CEO
Good morning.
Lorraine Maikis Hutchison
Merrill Lynch Analyst
I just wanted to get a more clarity how youre planning inventory for 09 or at least for the
first half and when you expect to be able to get your orders back in line with sales trends?
Mike Jeffries
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Chairman, CEO
Let me respond to that. Currently the ending inventory or beginning of February inventory was
up 2% from last year. That is broken down between basics and seasonal inventory. Our seasonal
inventory as of February BOM was very close to being in line with sales trend, almost there. What
was greater than sales trend was the basic component of the inventory. That includes as Brian said
polos, jeans, nonrisk items. We believe that we will have the basic inventory very much in line
with sales trends during the sometime during the first half. But clearly our seasonal inventory
levels are close to where they should be at this point and certainly would be in the first half.
Operator
We go next to Randy Konik with Jefferies.
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|
Final Transcript
Feb.
13. 2009 / 8:30AM ET, ANF Q4 2008 Abercrombie & Fitch Co.
Earnings Conference Call
Randy Konik
Jefferies Analyst
Thanks a lot. Brian, can we just get the clarification on all the store openings globally for
2009? And then my question for Mike, I guess you used the word, the very significant words in your
press release, catastrophe, nightmare, unprecedented volatility to describe the holiday selling
season. Can you give us an update on as we exit the quarter, as we are starting to go through
spring here, are we still in the nightmare are we still in catastrophe, from a volatility
perspective, are you seeing as much volatility as you had seen during holiday? Thanks.
Mike Jeffries
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Chairman, CEO
I think its you must read my comment very carefully. I didnt say it was a catastrophe for
us. I think it was a catastrophe for the industry and I think theres a very big difference there.
I think this Company guided itself in a remarkably disciplined seasoned-controlled way in an
environment that was catastrophic for other retailers. We protected the brands during this
environment. I dont see the environment changing over the next year, and were looking at the
environment as if it is going to stay this way and managing the business with the priorities that
weve established during this chaotic time. Its very important to note that Im not saying that
were in any state of chaos. Were protecting the brands. Were preserving cash, and were pushing
international growth in a seasoned, discipline and controlled way, and its very important that you
understand the difference between the environment and how were operating.
Jonathan Ramsden
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. CFO
Randy, let me give you those store numbers. Domestically we have 10 stores which we are
committed to open in 2009. Thats the Hollister flagship in Soho, we have two Abercrombie kid
stores, four Hollister stores, two Gilly Hicks store and one outlet store and thats everything
were committed to currently domestically. Internationally we have firm commitments to open two
additional Hollisters in the UK in addition to the three that weve already opened in 2008 and one
Canadian Abercrombie kid store, but what were saying is there are potentially, our best guess at
the moment is there are an additional 10 Hollister stores in Europe that we think, well likely to
open in 2009. And then on top of that, we have the Abercrombie & Fitch flagship in Milan and the
Tokyo flagship which we expect to open in 2009.
Operator
We go next to Kimberly Greenberger with Citigroup.
Kimberly Greenberger
Citigroup Analyst
Great, thank you. Good morning. I was wondering if you could just clarify your comment on
inventory either at the end of the first quarter or through the first half. When you say youre
expecting inventory to be in line with sales decline, are you talking total inventory, total sales,
or inventory per square to comp store sales? If you could just help us understand that metric? And
then secondarily, what tax rate are you expecting in 2009? Thanks.
Brian Logan
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Senior Director of IR
First with the inventory, were referring to the inventory levels at cost at a gross
square-foot level, and were comparing that to some comp stores metric. Obviously we have a plan in
place to reduce our inventory levels. Its a priority in the first quarter. I think the success
that well achieve in the first quarter will largely be dependent on the sales levels. But it is
something that is a priority of the Company. As far as the tax rate, thats going to be largely
dependent as well on, what our earnings end up being during the year because there are permanent
and discreet items that affect the tax rate. And so as earnings move up or down, those pieces have
a bigger or smaller impact on the tax rate. I think directionally I think were thinking that the
rate will be higher than 2008 but we dont have an exact rate at this time.
Jonathan Ramsden
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. CFO
But excluding the one-time item obviously that significantly increased the rate this year.
Brian Logan
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Senior Director of IR
Thats right.
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Final Transcript
Feb. 13. 2009 / 8:30AM ET, ANF Q4 2008 Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Earnings Conference Call
Operator
Our next question we go to Michelle Tan with Goldman, Sachs.
Michelle Tan
Goldman Sachs Analyst
Great, thanks. I have two questions. First on the basic inventory and getting that in line, is
that more of a function of taking in substantially lower receipts on basics through the first half
of the year, or is it more aggressive in terms of efforts to clear some of those goods? And then I
had a follow-up as well?
Mike Jeffries
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Chairman, CEO
The answer is receipts, lower receipts. And there is some markdown activity there. But its
related to colors and washes that are being discontinued. But the answer is that its coming into
line primarily through lower receipts. And what was the second further question?
Brian Logan
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Senior Director of IR
I think that was it.
Mike Jeffries
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Chairman, CEO
That was it, thanks, Michelle.
Operator
We go next to Jeff Black with Barclays Capital.
Jeff Black
Barclays Capital Analyst
Thanks a lot. So, Mike, on Europe, can we get a performance update? I mean, how are sales
looking year-over-year there, relative to the change, if anything to give us an indication of how
things are going numbers-wise? And do the plans, I appreciate that youre not going full-bore over
there just yet, but does the slowdown indicate that you have some reservations building about
Europe in general or the strategy in general? Thanks.
Jonathan Ramsden
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. CFO
Jeff, let me jump in with a couple of factors and Mike can add anything additional. The comps
in the U.K. are extremely strong. Theyre stronger than, certainly stronger than the U.S. and
stronger than 5th Avenue at this point and the three Hollister stores in the U.K. have opened
extremely strongly. So theres been nothing that hasnt given us every reason to believe that we
are going to have a very successful continued rollout in Europe so we feel extremely positive and
confident about that. I think the question is more one of we want to make sure we do the right
deals, we want to proceed at a pace that were comfortable with, but there is nothing that has
happened so far that has, in any way led us to question that. In fact, the opposite. We certainly reinforced our belief that theres a huge opportunity and the
contribution margins from the incremental stores are also very significant.
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Final Transcript
Feb. 13. 2009 / 8:30AM ET, ANF Q4 2008 Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Earnings Conference Call
Mike Jeffries
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Chairman, CEO
I couldnt add more except to say what I said. What has happened in the U.K. over the last
quarter is very significant for this Company. We dont were cautious people. This brand is as a
mall entry being proven in a huge way, and totally opens the way for international expansion beyond
the U.K.
Operator
We go next to Brian Tunick with JPMorgan.
Brian Tunick
JPMorgan Analyst
Hi, good morning, guys.
Mike Jeffries
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Chairman, CEO
Good morning, Brian.
Brian Tunick
JPMorgan Analyst
I guess, Mike, just a little color on the pricing strategy. It sounds at least or in the
stores that AURs at least for the spring season are still going up at the adult Abercrombie
business and then youre commenting that you expect them to be down or coming down at Hollister and
kids. Just curious if youre trying to grow the pricing gap again like you did a couple years ago
between Abercrombie and Hollister. And then for Jonathan and Brian, I know a lot of calls have been
focused on Europe or international. Can you just maybe talk about the infrastructure that you guys
have in place right now or systems or investments you might need to make to make Europe roll out
smoothly? Thanks very much.
Mike Jeffries
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Chairman, CEO
The AURs for the adult brand are going to be pretty consistent with last year. AURs in kids
and Hollisters down a bit and thats more second quarter than the first quarter. Were just seeing
that theres some categories in kids and in Hollister that are price-sensitive, some that are not.
Weve had this conversation. The increases that weve done in jeans and fragrance have resulted in
more business. Theres some categories, graphic Tees for instance, that we abandoned an opening
price point in kids and Hollister and weve gone back to that opening price point. These arent
significant changes, but we think theyre important for the positioning of the brands.
Jonathan Ramsden
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. CFO
Brian, to answer the second part of your question, we have a Swiss headquarters office for
Europe which has I think at the moment, its not a huge number of people there. But they work
hand-in-hand with the home office here, and since weve already launched several Hollister stores
in the U.K. we anticipate therell be some incremental investment meeting going forward as we get
into more countries, but were not expecting that be a significant drag as we go ahead and,
frankly, the additional contribution from opening those stores would greatly outweigh any
incremental investment wed need to make.
Mike Jeffries
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Chairman, CEO
Let me just make a comment since we have Brian on the phone since the last time I saw Brian
was on Roosevelt Field. I think in answer to the question we had about where we are versus
catastrophe, you must go into the mall today, and take a look at how we look, how were protecting
our brands in an environment thats pretty catastrophic because very candidly most of the mall
looks as if its in catastrophe mode. We do not and
will not and thats an important statement regardless of what we say here today go into the
stores, go into the malls, see whats going on. We are protecting the brands.
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Financial.
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Final Transcript
Feb.
13. 2009 / 8:30AM ET, ANF Q4 2008 Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Earnings Conference Call
Operator
We go next to Liz Dunn with Thomas Weisel.
Liz Dunn
Thomas Weisel Analyst
Hi, good morning. I guess the first question relates to just what your expectations are for
the first half? I know youre not providing any guidance but are you seeing anything that leads to
you believe that theres any type of improvement on the horizon and if we dont see an improvement
in comp trends, should we see gross margin pressure similar to what we saw in the fourth quarter?
And then my second question is a follow-up I think to Janets question. You mentioned and
incremental $20 million in preopening expense associated with international stores. Is there an
offset associated with domestic stores and are there any other big kind of discreet items you can
talk about that will lead to SG&A being down year over year? Thanks.
Jonathan Ramsden
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. CFO
Liz, Ill take the first part of your question. I guess were saying that were not
comfortable at this point giving specific guidance. There are a range of potential outcomes. The
point were making is that we were intending to react in a very disciplined and controlled way
to whatever confronts us. In terms of what the economy is going to do going forward and what that
means in terms of our business, we think theres a range of potential outcomes which is really why
we backed off giving the guidance. But the important point is were in control of the business, and
were ready to react, and to deal with whatever the situation is were facing.
Mike Jeffries
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Chairman, CEO
Liz, as far as giving some more color on the preopening piece, youre absolutely right. There
would be a benefit on the domestic side because there are significantly fewer number of domestic
stores that were opening. Unfortunately I dont have a number that I can give you at this time. I
will say that the number I wouldnt expect the number to be extremely large because the lead
times for opening a U.S. mall are much shorter than a flagship. And the rents obviously are much
less than what you would see in a flagship. So there would be an impact but I dont expect that
number to be of any significance.
Operator
We go next to Adrienne Tennant with Friedman, Billings, Ramsey.
Adrienne Tennant
Friedman, Billings, Ramsey Analyst
Good morning.
Mike Jeffries
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Chairman, CEO
Good morning.
Adrienne Tennant
Friedman, Billings, Ramsey Analyst
My question is on, also on store distribution. On the minimum wage, I think back in November,
you had thought maybe there would be an additional, an incremental $2.5 million per quarter into
09. Is that still the case?
Jonathan Ramsden
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. CFO
Brian?
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© 2009 Thomson Financial. Republished with permission. No part of this publication may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of Thomson
Financial.
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Final Transcript
Feb. 13. 2009 / 8:30AM ET, ANF Q4 2008 Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Earnings Conference Call
Brian Logan
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Senior Director of IR
There was a couple things that happened in 2008, one there were some manager salary increases
that occurred toward the end of the second quarter. That will obviously wont anniversary until
the end of the second quarter of 2009. In addition the way many of the state minimum wage increases
worked, it was a phase-in approach over multiple years. Most of the states, the phase-in happens in
the July month. And we would expect an additional increase in July of this year. So well be
anniversarying in the first half of this year. Last years increase, plus there will be an
additional one that will be coming in this year.
As far as the impact on what these will be in 2009, I dont have an exact number for you because
its going to largely be dependent on how our business is performing and our expense structure that
we are going to have in the stores. But I can tell you that there will be some pressure still
related to the manager salary increase at least for the first half of the year and minimum wage for
the full year. But probably not quite to the extent that we saw in 2008.
Operator
For our next question we go to Jennifer Black with Jennifer Black and Associates.
Jeff Black
Barclays Capital Analyst
Good morning, and let me add my congregations.
Mike Jeffries
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Chairman, CEO
Good morning, Jennifer. Thank you.
Jeff Black
Barclays Capital Analyst
I wanted to know how many leases you have coming up for renewal over the next year, and Im
talking obviously domestically? And with the further deterioration in the environment, are your
negotiations getting even better because I know we talked about this on the last call? And then I
wondered how does it compare to the leases that youre getting in Europe because it seems like
right now would be the perfect time, and thats what youre doing in Europe. If you could just
elaborate on that, that would be great.
Jonathan Ramsden
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. CFO
Jennifer, let me take the first part of that. Good morning, by the way.
Jeff Black
Barclays Capital Analyst
Good morning.
Jonathan Ramsden
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. CFO
We have about 50 domestic leases coming up for renewal this year. We are going to take a very
hard look at each of those and make a decision case by case as they come up based on the history of
the store and the full set of circumstances. The second part of your question was how does it
compare to the lease terms were getting in Europe? Was that the question?
Brian Logan
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Senior Director of IR
I believe it was.
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© 2009 Thomson Financial. Republished with permission. No part of this publication may be
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Final Transcript
Feb. 13. 2009 / 8:30AM ET, ANF Q4 2008 Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Earnings Conference Call
Mike Jeffries
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Chairman, CEO
I think it was.
Jonathan Ramsden
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. CFO
I dont know if we necessarily look at it that way. We look at it from the standpoint for any
given store of the lease terms we get, we can get on a given day an appropriate contribution level.
I dont know if we necessarily look at it from the standpoint of the lease terms vis-a-vis the U.K
vis-a-vis domestic. Were finding at the moment that were able to get to deals in the U.K.
which we think are going to be very accretive.
Mike Jeffries
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Chairman, CEO
And I think, Jennifer, you put your finger on the point of where we are. We have international
opportunities that are really being proven, Hollister, chain, A&F flagship, any opportunities there
are huge. We can be very, very tough about these locations, particularly the U.S. locations. We
have options. Most other people dont have the options for growth that we have today. Very exciting
time for us.
Operator
We go next to Linda Tsai with MKM Partners.
Linda Tsai
MKM Partners Analyst
Yes, hi, good morning.
Mike Jeffries
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Chairman, CEO
Good morning.
Linda Tsai
MKM Partners Analyst
Morning. With regards to the comment on expected IMU pressure in the first half of 2009, it
seems to imply less pressure in the second half. What would you primarily attribute that to?
Mike Jeffries
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Chairman, CEO
Im going to respond to that. To real realistic look at to where our pricing should be by
brand and a focus on that that were able to really start seeing results beginning with the
back-to-school product.
Operator
For our next question, we go to Howard Tubin with RBC.
Howard Tubin
RBC Capital Markets Analyst
Hey, guys, thanks very much. Mike, just recognizing that using price as a traffic driver of
promotion is the direction you want to take the brands, have you considered, would you consider
anything else, any type of in-store event,or anything to try to help drive more traffic into the
stores?
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© 2009 Thomson Financial. Republished with permission. No part of this publication may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of Thomson
Financial.
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Final Transcript
Feb. 13. 2009 / 8:30AM ET, ANF Q4 2008 Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Earnings Conference Call
Mike Jeffries
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Chairman, CEO
The answer is no, but let me be clear about this. We believe what drives in-store traffic is a
fascination with what we do in-store. That is made up of an in-store experience that is second to
none and compelling fashion. Thats how we drive volume in the stores. We are not promotional and
will not be promotional. And by promotional, I mean 50% off a category, buy one get 17 free or
somebody whispering to you about a secret sale. We dont do stuff like that. We drive our business
with fashion and in-store experience. Having said that, we do take clearance markdowns as a natural
rhythm of the business, and were strategic about how we take markdowns. Were pragmatic people.
But thats how we look at the business. We are not and will not be promotional in the ways that I
have described.
Operator
Our next question, we go to Robin Murchison with SunTrust.
Robin Murchison
SunTrust Analyst
Good morning,.
Mike Jeffries
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Chairman, CEO
Good morning.
Robin Murchison
SunTrust Analyst
Just if I could go back to the chronic cost question. I understand what youre saying in the
first half with regard to the second half and in light of some of the things were hearing out of
Asia, pricing, can you comment on what youre seeing in terms of perhaps second half pricing out of
Asia? Also, related to that, any change in shipping methods with energy, oil specifically down, is
there any reconsideration or if you would remind us where you are in ocean versus air freight and
if theres an opportunity to switch more to air freight to take down the lead times? Thanks very
much.
Mike Jeffries
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Chairman, CEO
The answer to the question is that people, factories want business, and prices are becoming
more and more competitive. Having said that, the way Diane Chang operates, and believe me, she is
the most competent person in this business today, has been to establish key factory relationships.
Weve never gone to looking at a price for any factory. This ensures us, which is another important
part of this conversation, continued quality deliveries. Having said that, clearly people need more
business than is currently being thrown their way in the factories. We see the advantage coming to
us.
In terms of shipping versus air versus boat, as a matter of fact, were at a point that were doing
a little more boat than we have in the past, but we have worked schedules that were more efficient
with boat than we have been in the past. So our balance is going to be a little more boat than air,
which will result in better IMU for us without sacrificing the lead time. Were operating very
with very short lead times and will continue to do so.
Eric Cerny
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Manager, IR
Thank you, Robin. Thats our final question.
Operator
And with that, Mr. Cerny, Ill turn the conference over to you for any closing remarks.
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© 2009 Thomson Financial. Republished with permission. No part of this publication may be
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Financial.
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Final Transcript
Feb. 13. 2009 / 8:30AM ET, ANF Q4 2008 Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Earnings Conference Call
Eric Cerny
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Manager, IR
Thank you, guys for joining us today on our Q4 call.
Jonathan Ramsden
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. CFO
Everyone, thank you.
Operator
And ladies and gentlemen, this does conclude the Abercrombie & Fitch fourth-quarter earnings
results conference call. We do appreciate your participation and you may disconnect at this time.
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