UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549 
 
FORMForm 10-Q 
 
(Mark One)
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended August 3, 2019May 2, 2020
ORor
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     
Commission File Number 1-12107001-12107
ABERCROMBIEAbercrombie & FITCH CO.Fitch Co.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware31-1469076
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
    
6301 Fitch Path,New Albany,Ohio43054
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (614)283-6500
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report) 
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value ANF New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. x  Yes    Yes¨  No
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit such files). x  Yes    Yes¨  No
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filerxAccelerated filer¨
Non-accelerated filer¨Smaller reporting company
  Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the Registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).   Yes x  No
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class A Common Stock Shares outstanding as of September 6, 2019June 5, 2020
$.010.01 Par Value 62,860,15762,375,867



Table of Contents


ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page No.
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 2.
Item 6.
 


2

Table of Contents



PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
Item 1.     Financial Statements (Unaudited)

ABERCROMBIEAbercrombie & FITCH CO.Fitch Co.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSSCondensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
(Thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 May 2, 2020
 May 4, 2019
Net sales$485,359
 $733,972
Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization221,214
 289,882
Gross profit264,145
 444,090
Stores and distribution expense322,124
 356,612
Marketing, general and administrative expense108,257
 111,947
Flagship store exit (benefits) charges(543) 1,744
Asset impairment, exclusive of flagship store exit charges42,928
 1,662
Other operating loss (income), net506
 (617)
Operating loss(209,127) (27,258)
Interest expense, net3,371
 616
Loss before income taxes(212,498) (27,874)
Income tax expense (benefit)31,533
 (9,588)
Net loss(244,031) (18,286)
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests117
 869
Net loss attributable to A&F$(244,148) $(19,155)
    
Net loss per share attributable to A&F   
Basic$(3.90) $(0.29)
Diluted$(3.90) $(0.29)
    
Weighted-average shares outstanding   
Basic62,541
 66,540
Diluted62,541
 66,540
    
Other comprehensive income (loss)   
Foreign currency translation, net of tax$(5,399) $(2,786)
Derivative financial instruments, net of tax8,865
 (53)
Other comprehensive income (loss)3,466
 (2,839)
Comprehensive loss(240,565) (21,125)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests117
 869
Comprehensive loss attributable to A&F$(240,682) $(21,994)

 Thirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-six Weeks Ended
 August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018 August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018
Net sales$841,078
 $842,414
 $1,575,050
 $1,573,313
Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization342,445
 335,519
 632,327
 624,073
Gross profit498,633
 506,895
 942,723
 949,240
Stores and distribution expense376,347
 374,552
 732,959
 731,899
Marketing, general and administrative expense115,694
 123,883
 227,641
 248,780
Flagship store exit charges44,994
 
 46,738
 3,808
Asset impairment, exclusive of flagship store exit charges715
 8,671
 2,377
 9,727
Other operating loss (income), net367
 (434) (250) (2,994)
Operating (loss) income(39,484) 223
 (66,742) (41,980)
Interest expense, net1,370
 3,023
 1,986
 6,041
Loss before income taxes(40,854) (2,800) (68,728) (48,021)
Income tax (benefit) expense(11,330) 24
 (20,918) (3,689)
Net loss(29,524) (2,824) (47,810) (44,332)
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests1,618
 1,029
 2,487
 1,982
Net loss attributable to A&F$(31,142) $(3,853) $(50,297) $(46,314)
        
Net loss per share attributable to A&F       
Basic$(0.48) $(0.06) $(0.76) $(0.68)
Diluted$(0.48) $(0.06) $(0.76) $(0.68)
        
Weighted-average shares outstanding       
Basic65,156
 68,008
 65,848
 68,254
Diluted65,156
 68,008
 65,848
 68,254
        
Other comprehensive (loss) income       
Foreign currency translation, net of tax$(3,788) $(11,206) $(6,574) $(19,545)
Derivative financial instruments, net of tax3,133
 7,447
 3,080
 19,707
Other comprehensive (loss) income(655) (3,759) (3,494) 162
Comprehensive loss(30,179) (6,583) (51,304) (44,170)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests1,618
 1,029
 2,487
 1,982
Comprehensive loss attributable to A&F$(31,797) $(7,612) $(53,791) $(46,152)


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

Abercrombie & Fitch Co.


Table of Contents


ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETSCondensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Thousands, except par value amounts)
(Unaudited)


 May 2, 2020
 February 1, 2020
Assets   
Current assets:   
Cash and equivalents$703,989
 $671,267
Receivables88,639
 80,251
Inventories426,594
 434,326
Other current assets67,412
 78,905
Total current assets1,286,634
 1,264,749
Property and equipment, net654,784
 665,290
Operating lease right-of-use assets1,133,618
 1,230,954
Other assets216,795
 388,672
Total assets$3,291,831
 $3,549,665
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity   
Current liabilities:   
Accounts payable$162,747
 $219,919
Accrued expenses285,799
 302,214
Short-term portion of operating lease liabilities307,173
 282,829
Short-term portion of borrowings210,000
 
Income taxes payable8,232
 10,392
Total current liabilities973,951
 815,354
Long-term liabilities:   
Long-term portion of operating lease liabilities1,184,448
 1,252,634
Long-term portion of borrowings, net232,178
 231,963
Other liabilities103,188
 178,536
Total long-term liabilities1,519,814
 1,663,133
Stockholders’ equity   
Class A Common Stock - $0.01 par value: 150,000 shares authorized and 103,300 shares issued for all periods presented1,033
 1,033
Paid-in capital389,904
 404,983
Retained earnings2,022,366
 2,313,745
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (“AOCL”)(105,420) (108,886)
Treasury stock, at average cost: 41,016 and 40,514 shares as of May 2, 2020 and February 1, 2020, respectively(1,517,644) (1,552,065)
Total Abercrombie & Fitch Co. stockholders’ equity790,239
 1,058,810
Noncontrolling interests7,827
 12,368
Total stockholders’ equity798,066
 1,071,178
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$3,291,831
 $3,549,665


 August 3, 2019 February 2, 2019
Assets   
Current assets:   
Cash and equivalents$499,757
 $723,135
Receivables98,691
 73,112
Inventories487,109
 437,879
Other current assets86,586
 101,824
Total current assets1,172,143
 1,335,950
Property and equipment, net649,360
 694,855
Operating lease right-of-use assets1,216,998
 
Other assets368,503
 354,788
Total assets$3,407,004
 $2,385,593
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity   
Current liabilities:   
Accounts payable$226,234
 $226,878
Accrued expenses279,050
 293,579
Short-term portion of operating lease liabilities273,989
 
Income taxes payable10,903
 18,902
Short-term portion of deferred lease credits
 19,558
Total current liabilities790,176
 558,917
Long-term liabilities:   
Long-term portion of operating lease liabilities1,229,609
 
Long-term portion of borrowings, net251,033
 250,439
Long-term portion of deferred lease credits
 76,134
Leasehold financing obligations
 46,337
Other liabilities132,891
 235,145
Total long-term liabilities1,613,533
 608,055
Stockholders’ equity   
Class A Common Stock - $0.01 par value: 150,000 shares authorized and 103,300 shares issued for all periods presented1,033
 1,033
Paid-in capital394,694
 405,379
Retained earnings2,251,032
 2,418,544
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax(105,946) (102,452)
Treasury stock, at average cost: 40,154 and 37,073 shares as of August 3, 2019 and February 2, 2019, respectively(1,548,836) (1,513,604)
Total Abercrombie & Fitch Co. stockholders’ equity991,977
 1,208,900
Noncontrolling interests11,318
 9,721
Total stockholders’ equity1,003,295
 1,218,621
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$3,407,004
 $2,385,593

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

Abercrombie & Fitch Co.


TableCondensed Consolidated Statements of Contents


ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITYStockholders’ Equity
(Thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

Thirteen Weeks Ended August 3, 2019Thirteen Weeks Ended May 2, 2020
Common Stock
Paid-in
capital
Non-controlling interests
Retained
earnings
Accumulated other
comprehensive
loss
Treasury stock
Total
stockholders’
equity
Common Stock
Paid-in
capital
Non-controlling interests
Retained
earnings
AOCLTreasury stock
Total
stockholders’
equity
Shares
outstanding
Par
value
Shares
At average
cost
Shares
outstanding
Par
value
Shares
At average
cost
Balance, May 4, 201966,637
$1,033
$395,974
$10,124
$2,296,347
$(105,291)36,663
$(1,493,224)$1,104,963
Balance, February 1, 202062,786
$1,033
$404,983
$12,368
$2,313,745
$(108,886)40,514
$(1,552,065)$1,071,178
Net loss


1,618
(31,142)


(29,524)


117
(244,148)


(244,031)
Purchase of Common Stock(3,545)




3,545
(57,812)(57,812)(1,397)




1,397
(15,172)(15,172)
Dividends ($0.20 per share)



(13,139)


(13,139)



(12,556)


(12,556)
Share-based compensation issuances and exercises54

(1,316)
(1,034)
(54)2,200
(150)895

(20,241)
(34,675)
(895)49,593
(5,323)
Share-based compensation expense

36





36


5,162





5,162
Derivative financial instruments, net of tax




3,133


3,133





8,865


8,865
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax




(3,788)

(3,788)




(5,399)

(5,399)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net


(424)



(424)


(4,658)



(4,658)
Balance, August 3, 201963,146
$1,033
$394,694
$11,318
$2,251,032
$(105,946)40,154
$(1,548,836)$1,003,295
Ending balance at May 2, 202062,284
$1,033
$389,904
$7,827
$2,022,366
$(105,420)41,016
$(1,517,644)$798,066
        
Thirteen Weeks Ended August 4, 2018Thirteen Weeks Ended May 4, 2019
Common StockPaid-in
capital
Non-controlling interestsRetained
earnings
Accumulated other
comprehensive
loss
Treasury stockTotal
stockholders’
equity
Common StockPaid-in
capital
Non-controlling interestsRetained
earnings
AOCLTreasury stockTotal
stockholders’
equity
Shares
outstanding
Par
value
SharesAt average
cost
Shares
outstanding
Par
value
SharesAt average
cost
Balance, May 5, 201867,816
$1,033
$399,860
$10,579
$2,356,880
$(91,133)35,484
$(1,488,373)$1,188,846
Balance, February 2, 201966,227
$1,033
$405,379
$9,721
$2,418,544
$(102,452)37,073
$(1,513,604)$1,218,621
Impact from adoption of the new lease accounting standard



(75,165)


(75,165)
Net loss


1,029
(3,853)


(2,824)


869
(19,155)


(18,286)
Purchase of Common Stock(969)




969
(25,000)(25,000)
Dividends ($0.20 per share)



(13,554)


(13,554)



(13,246)


(13,246)
Share-based compensation issuances and exercises128

(4,533)
(2,373)
(128)5,959
(947)410

(12,037)
(14,631)
(410)20,380
(6,288)
Share-based compensation expense

6,156





6,156


2,632





2,632
Derivative financial instruments, net of tax




7,447


7,447





(53)

(53)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax




(11,206)

(11,206)




(2,786)

(2,786)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net


(1,534)



(1,534)


(466)



(466)
Balance, August 4, 201866,975
$1,033
$401,483
$10,074
$2,337,100
$(94,892)36,325
$(1,507,414)$1,147,384
Ending balance at May 4, 201966,637
$1,033
$395,974
$10,124
$2,296,347
$(105,291)36,663
$(1,493,224)$1,104,963

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



Abercrombie & Fitch Co.



ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Thousands, except per share amounts)(Thousands)
(Unaudited)

 Twenty-six Weeks Ended August 3, 2019
 Common Stock
Paid-in
capital
Non-controlling interests
Retained
earnings
Accumulated other
comprehensive
loss
Treasury stock
Total
stockholders’
equity
 
Shares
outstanding
Par
value
Shares
At average
cost
Balance, February 2, 201966,227
$1,033
$405,379
$9,721
$2,418,544
$(102,452)37,073
$(1,513,604)$1,218,621
Impact from adoption of the new lease accounting standard (Refer to Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies”)



(75,165)


(75,165)
Net loss


2,487
(50,297)


(47,810)
Purchase of Common Stock(3,545)




3,545
(57,812)(57,812)
Dividends ($0.40 per share)



(26,385)


(26,385)
Share-based compensation issuances and exercises464

(13,353)
(15,665)
(464)22,580
(6,438)
Share-based compensation expense

2,668





2,668
Derivative financial instruments, net of tax




3,080


3,080
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax




(6,574)

(6,574)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net


(890)



(890)
Balance, August 3, 201963,146
$1,033
$394,694
$11,318
$2,251,032
$(105,946)40,154
$(1,548,836)$1,003,295
          
 Twenty-six Weeks Ended August 4, 2018
 Common StockPaid-in
capital
Non-controlling interestsRetained
earnings
Accumulated other
comprehensive
loss
Treasury stockTotal
stockholders’
equity
 Shares
outstanding
Par
value
SharesAt average
cost
Balance, February 3, 201868,195
$1,033
$406,351
$10,092
$2,420,552
$(95,054)35,105
$(1,490,503)$1,252,471
Impact from adoption of the new revenue recognition accounting standard



6,944



6,944
Net loss


1,982
(46,314)


(44,332)
Purchase of Common Stock(1,747)




1,747
(43,670)(43,670)
Dividends ($0.40 per share)



(27,196)


(27,196)
Share-based compensation issuances and exercises527

(15,807)
(16,886)
(527)26,759
(5,934)
Share-based compensation expense

10,939





10,939
Derivative financial instruments, net of tax




19,707


19,707
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax




(19,545)

(19,545)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net


(2,000)



(2,000)
Balance, August 4, 201866,975
$1,033
$401,483
$10,074
$2,337,100
$(94,892)36,325
$(1,507,414)$1,147,384
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 May 2, 2020
 May 4, 2019
Operating activities   
Net loss$(244,031) $(18,286)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used for operating activities:   
Depreciation and amortization44,037
 41,042
Asset impairment42,928
 1,662
Loss on disposal6,283
 1,991
Provision for (benefit from) deferred income taxes23,353
 (9,895)
Share-based compensation5,162
 2,632
Changes in assets and liabilities:   
Inventories6,320
 4,962
Accounts payable and accrued expenses(72,533) (74,199)
Operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities20,029
 (10,862)
Income taxes(3,982) 855
Other assets32,213
 (10,287)
Withdrawal of funds from Rabbi Trust assets50,000
 
Other liabilities(555) (931)
Net cash used for operating activities(90,776) (71,316)
Investing activities   
Purchases of property and equipment(46,990) (43,872)
Net cash used for investing activities(46,990) (43,872)
Financing activities   
Proceeds from borrowings under the asset-based senior secured credit facility210,000
 
Purchases of Common Stock(15,172) 
Dividends paid(12,556) (13,246)
Other financing activities(10,604) (7,076)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities171,668
 (20,322)
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash(3,891) (2,638)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents, and restricted cash and equivalents30,011
 (138,148)
Cash and equivalents, and restricted cash and equivalents, beginning of period692,264
 745,829
Cash and equivalents, and restricted cash and equivalents, end of period$722,275
 $607,681
Supplemental information related to non-cash activities   
Purchases of property and equipment not yet paid at end of period$46,174
 $22,771
Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities$35,182
 $117,829
Supplemental information related to cash activities   
Cash paid for interest$4,387
 $3,881
Cash paid for income taxes$3,714
 $2,872
Cash received from income tax refunds$568
 $7,049
Cash paid for operating lease liabilities$66,510
 $94,245

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
6






ABERCROMBIEAbercrombie & FITCH CO.Fitch Co.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Thousands)
(Unaudited)
 Twenty-six Weeks Ended
 August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018
Operating activities   
Net loss$(47,810) $(44,332)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used for operating activities:   
Depreciation and amortization81,541
 93,153
Amortization of deferred lease credits prior to adoption of new lease accounting standard
 (10,609)
Asset impairment5,606
 9,727
Loss on disposal3,720
 1,644
Benefit from deferred income taxes(22,589) (17,049)
Share-based compensation2,668
 10,939
Changes in assets and liabilities:   
Inventories(51,297) (40,934)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses4,201
 62,918
Operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities39,351
 
Income taxes(5,011) (1,043)
Other assets(46,638) (12,759)
Other liabilities203
 (1,129)
Net cash (used for) provided by operating activities(36,055) 50,526
Investing activities   
Purchases of property and equipment(94,224) (54,115)
Net cash used for investing activities(94,224) (54,115)
Financing activities   
Purchases of common stock(57,812) (43,670)
Dividends paid(26,385) (27,196)
Other financing activities(7,727) (6,875)
Net cash used for financing activities(91,924) (77,741)
Effect of exchange rates on cash(2,455) (13,437)
Net decrease in cash and equivalents, and restricted cash and equivalents(224,658) (94,767)
Cash and equivalents, and restricted cash and equivalents, beginning of period745,829
 697,955
Cash and equivalents, and restricted cash and equivalents, end of period$521,171
 $603,188
Supplemental information related to non-cash activities   
Purchases of property and equipment not yet paid at end of period$33,826
 $27,985
Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities$204,499
 $
Supplemental information related to cash activities   
Cash paid for interest related to Abercrombie & Fitch Co.’s term loan facility$7,688
 $6,832
Cash paid for income taxes$16,434
 $14,928
Cash received from income tax refunds$8,565
 $8,173
Cash paid for operating lease liabilities$200,457
 $

The accompanyingIndex for Notes are an integral part of theseto Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
7






ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
INDEX FOR NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)Statements (Unaudited)

  Page No.
Note 1.
Note 2.
Note 3.
Note 2.4.
Note 5.
Note 3.6.
Note 7.
Note 8.
Note 9.
Note 10.
Note 4.11.
Note 5.12.
Note 6.13.
Note 7.14.
Note 8.
Note 9.15.
Note 10.16.
Note 11.
Note 12.17.
Note 13.
Note 14.

8




ABERCROMBIEAbercrombie & FITCH CO.Fitch Co.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


1. NATURE OF BUSINESS

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (“A&F”), a company incorporated in Delaware in 1996, through its subsidiaries (collectively, A&F and its subsidiaries are referred to as “Abercrombie & Fitch” or the “Company”), or “we”) is a global multi-brand omnichannel specialty retailer, whose products are sold primarily through its wholly-ownedCompany-owned store and direct-to-consumerdigital channels, as well as through various third-party wholesale, franchise and licensing arrangements. The Company offers a broad assortment of apparel, personal care products and accessories for Men, Womenmen, women and Kidskids under the Hollister, Abercrombie & Fitch and abercrombie kids brands. The brands share a commitment to offering unique products of enduring quality and exceptional comfort that allow customers around the world to express their own individuality and style. The Company primarily has operations in North America, Europe and Asia, among other regions.


2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of consolidation

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

The Company has interests in an Emirati business venture and in a Kuwaiti business venture with Majid al Futtaim Fashion L.L.C. (“MAF”), each of which meets the definition of a variable interest entity (“VIE”). The Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of these VIEs; therefore, the Company has consolidated the operating results, assets and liabilities of these VIEs, with MAF’s portion of net income presented as net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (“NCI”) on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss and MAF’s portion of equity presented as NCI on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Fiscal year

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31. This typically results in a fifty-two week year, but occasionally gives rise to an additional week, resulting in a fifty-three week year, as was the case for the year ended February 3, 2018.year. Fiscal years are designated in the consolidated financial statementsCondensed Consolidated Financial Statements and notes, as well as the remainder of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, by the calendar year in which the fiscal year commenced.commences. All references herein to the Company’s fiscal years are as follows:
Fiscal year Year ended Number of weeks
Fiscal 2017February 3, 201853
Fiscal 2018February 2, 201952
Fiscal 2019 February 1, 2020 52
Fiscal 2020 January 30, 2021 52


Interim financial statements

The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of August 3, 2019,May 2, 2020, and for the thirteen and twenty-six week periods ended August 3,May 2, 2020 and May 4, 2019, and August 4, 2018, are unaudited and are presented pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Accordingly, the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto contained in A&F’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal 20182019 filed with the SEC on April 1, 2019.March 31, 2020. The February 2, 20191, 2020 consolidated balance sheet data, included herein, were derived from audited consolidated financial statements, but do not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).

In the opinion of management, the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect all adjustments (which are of a normal recurring nature) necessary to state fairly, in all material respects, the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods, but are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be anticipated for Fiscal 2019.2020.

Certain prior year
Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with GAAP, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts have been reclassified for consistencyof assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of net sales and expenses during the reporting period. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved with estimates, actual results may differ. The extent to which the current year presentationoutbreak of flagship store exit chargescoronavirus disease (“COVID-19”) impacts the Company’s business and financial results will depend on numerous evolving factors including, but not limited to: the magnitude and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the Condensed Consolidated Statementslength or frequency of Operationsstore closures, and Comprehensive Loss.

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the anticipated recovery, and governmental, business and consumer reactions to the pandemic. The Company’s assessment of these, as well as other factors, could result in material impacts to the Company’s consolidated financial statements in future reporting periods.

Recent accounting pronouncements

The Company reviews recent accounting pronouncements on a quarterly basis and has excluded discussion of those not applicable to the Company and those that did not have, or are not expected to have, a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The following table provides a brief description of certain recent accounting pronouncements the Company has adopted.
Accounting Standards Update (ASU)DescriptionEffect on the financial statements or other significant matters
Leases
(ASU 2016-02)

Date of adoption: February 3, 2019
This update supersedes the leasing standard in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 840, Leases. The new standard requires an entity to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclose key leasing information that depicts the lease rights and obligations of an entity.
The Company adopted this standard using a modified retrospective transition method and elected to not restate comparative periods.

In conjunction with the adoption of this standard, the Company elected:
- the package of practical expedients which, among other things, allowed the Company tocarry forward historical lease classification for leases existing before the date of adoption; and
- to combine lease and nonlease components for leases existing before the date of adoption, as well as for any new leases.

However, the Company did not elect the practical expedient to use hindsight when determining the lease term or assessing impairment.

Adoption of this standard resulted in the Company’s total assets and total liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet each increasing by approximately $1.2 billion, primarily due to the recognition of operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities. The Company also recognized a cumulative adjustment decreasing the opening balance of retained earnings by $0.1 billion on the date of adoption.

The adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on the timing or classification of the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, the Company’s liquidity or the Company’s debt covenant compliance under current agreements.

Additional information regarding the impact from adoption of the new lease accounting standard and updated accounting policies related to leases are provided further in this Note 2.

Derivatives and Hedging — Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities
(ASU 2017-12)

Date of adoption: February 3, 2019

This update amends ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. The new standard simplifies certain aspects of hedge accounting for both financial and commodity risks to more accurately present the economic effects of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements.
The Company adopted this standard using a modified retrospective transition approach, while the amended presentation and disclosure standard requires a prospective approach. Upon adoption of this standard, the Company elected to include time value in its assessment of effectiveness for derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges. Updated accounting policies related to derivatives have been updated and are provided further in this Note 2.

The adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2019, and is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for Fiscal 2019.

Intangibles — Goodwill and Other —Internal-Use Software: Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract
(ASU 2018-15)

Date of adoption: February 3, 2019
This update amends ASC 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other —Internal-Use Software. The new standard allows companies to defer certain direct costs related to software as a service (“SaaS”) implementation costs and amortize them to operating expense over the term of the related SaaS arrangement. The criteria for determining whether costs associated with SaaS can be capitalized is now the same criteria applied to internal software development costs in order to assess eligibility for deferral.

The Company early adopted this standard on a prospective basis and comparative periods have not been restated.

The Company expects to capitalize up to $10 million of SaaS implementation costs in Fiscal 2019, of which $2.2 million has been capitalized in the twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2019.

Amortization expense related to capitalized SaaS implementation costs was immaterial for each of the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2019.


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The following table provides the impact from adoption of the new lease accounting standard on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet:
(in thousands)
February 2, 2019
(as reported under previous lease
accounting standard)
 
Impact from adoption
of new lease
accounting standard
 
Upon adoption on February 3, 2019
(under new lease accounting standard) (1)
Assets     
Current assets:     
Cash and equivalents$723,135
 $
 $723,135
Receivables73,112
 
 73,112
Inventories437,879
 
 437,879
Other current assets (2)
101,824
 (31,310) 70,514
Total current assets1,335,950
 (31,310) 1,304,640
Property and equipment, net (3)
694,855
 (46,624) 648,231
Operating lease right-of-use assets (2)

 1,234,515
 1,234,515
Other assets (2) (5)
354,788
 15,553
 370,341
Total assets$2,385,593
 $1,172,134
 $3,557,727
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity     
Current liabilities:     
Accounts payable$226,878
 $
 $226,878
Accrued expenses (2)
293,579
 (13,508) 280,071
Short-term portion of operating lease liabilities (4)

 280,108
 280,108
Short-term portion of deferred lease credits (2)
19,558
 (19,558) 
Income taxes payable18,902
 
 18,902
Total current liabilities558,917
 247,042
 805,959
Long-term liabilities:     
Long-term portion of operating lease liabilities (4)

 1,193,946
 1,193,946
Long-term portion of borrowings, net250,439
 
 250,439
Long-term portion of deferred lease credits (2)
76,134
 (76,134) 
Leasehold financing obligations (3)
46,337
 (46,337) 
Other liabilities (2) (5)
235,145
 (71,218) 163,927
Total long-term liabilities608,055
 1,000,257
 1,608,312
Stockholders’ equity     
Class A Common Stock1,033
 
 1,033
Paid-in capital405,379
 
 405,379
Retained earnings (6)
2,418,544
 (75,165) 2,343,379
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax(102,452) 
 (102,452)
Treasury stock, at average cost(1,513,604) 
 (1,513,604)
Total Abercrombie & Fitch Co. stockholders’ equity1,208,900
 (75,165) 1,133,735
Noncontrolling interests9,721
 
 9,721
Total stockholders’ equity1,218,621
 (75,165) 1,143,456
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$2,385,593
 $1,172,134
 $3,557,727

(1)
Amounts under “Upon adoption on February 3, 2019 (under new lease accounting standard),” are calculated as February 2, 2019 reported balances adjusted for the impact of adoption on the first day of Fiscal 2019, February 3, 2019.
(2)
Upon adoption, the Company recognized assets for the rights to use its operating leases on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. In conjunction with this recognition, the Company reclassified amounts to operating lease right-of-use assets including: short-term prepaid rent from other current assets; key money, long-term prepaid rent and leasehold acquisition costs from other assets; short-term and long-term portions of deferred lease credits; accrued rent and accrued straight-line rent from accrued expenses and other liabilities, respectively.
(3)
Upon adoption, the Company derecognized construction project assets and related leasehold financing obligations that previously failed to qualify for sale and leaseback accounting. In certain instances, these construction project assets had shielded other assets included within their respective asset groups from impairment, as the fair value of the construction project assets had exceeded the carrying values of their respective asset groups. In such instances, the Company recognized impairment of certain leasehold improvements and store assets upon adoption.
(4)
Upon adoption, the Company recognized operating lease liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
(5)
Upon adoption, the Company established net deferred tax assets for operating lease right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities.
(6)
Upon adoption, the Company recognized a cumulative adjustment decreasing the opening balance of retained earnings, primarily related to right-of-use asset impairment charges for certain of the Company’s stores where it was previously determined that the carrying value of assets was not recoverable, partially offset by benefits to retained earnings to establish net deferred tax assets and a net gain resulting from the derecognition of certain leased building assets and related leasehold financing obligations that previously failed to qualify for sale and leaseback accounting.

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The Company’s significant accounting policies as of August 3, 2019 have not changed materially from those disclosed in Note 2, “SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in “ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA” of A&F’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal 2018, with the exception of those discussed below which have been updated to reflect new accounting standards adopted in Fiscal 2019.

Leases

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. On the lease commencement date, the Company recognizes an asset for the right to use a leased asset and a liability based on the present value of remaining lease payments over the lease term.

As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the transactional currency of the lease and the lease term. For leases existing before the adoption of the new lease accounting standard, the Company used its incremental borrowing rate as of the date of adoption, determined using the remaining lease term as of the date of adoption. For leases commencing on or after the adoption of the new lease accounting standard, the incremental borrowing rate is determined using the remaining lease term as of the lease commencement date.

The Company has elected to combine lease and nonlease components for all leases existing before the adoption of the new lease accounting standard, as well as for any new leases.

The measurement of lease right-of-use assets and liabilities includes amounts related to:
Lease payments made prior to the lease commencement date;
Incentives from landlords received by the Company for signing a lease, including construction allowances or deferred lease credits paid to the Company by landlords towards construction and tenant improvement costs, which are presented as a reduction to the right-of-use asset recorded;
Fixed payments related to lease components, such as rent escalation payments scheduled at the lease commencement date;
Fixed payments related to nonlease components, such as taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs; and
Unamortized initial direct costs incurred in conjunction with securing a lease, including key money, which are amounts paid directly to a landlord in exchange for securing the lease, and leasehold acquisition costs, which are amounts paid to parties other than the landlord, such as an existing tenant, to secure the desired lease.

The measurement of lease right-of-use assets and liabilities excludes amounts related to:
Costs expected to be incurred to return a leased asset to its original condition, also referred to as asset retirement obligations, which are classified within other liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets;
Variable payments related to lease components, such as contingent rent payments made by the Company based on performance, the expense of which is recognized in the period incurred on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss);
Variable payments related to nonlease components, such as taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs, the expense of which is recognized in the period incurred in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss); and
Leases not related to Company-operated retail stores with an initial term of 12 months or less, the expense of which is recognized in the period incurred in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Certain of the Company’s leases include options to extend the lease or to terminate the lease. The Company assesses these leases and, depending on the facts and circumstances, may or may not include these options in the measurement of the Company’s lease right-of-use assets and liabilities. Generally, the Company’s options to extend its leases are at the Company’s sole discretion and at the time of lease commencement are not reasonably certain of being exercised. There may be instances in which a lease is being renewed on a month-to-month basis and, in these instances, the Company will recognize lease expense in the period incurred in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) until a new agreement has been executed.

Amortization and interest expense related to lease right-of-use assets and liabilities are generally calculated on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Amortization and interest expense related to previously impaired lease right-of-use assets are calculated on a front-loaded pattern. Depending on the nature of the lease, amortization and interest expense is recorded in either stores and distribution expense or marketing, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

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The Company’s lease right-of-use assets are assessed for indicators of impairment at least quarterly, in accordance with the long-lived asset impairment policy disclosed in Note 2, “SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Property and equipment, net,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in “ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA,” of A&F’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal 2018.

The Company’s lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. In addition, the Company does not have any sublease arrangements with any related party or third party.

Refer to Note 7, “LEASES.”

Derivative instruments

The Company is exposed to risks associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates and uses derivative instruments, primarily forward contracts, to manage the financial impacts of these exposures. The Company does not use forward contracts to engage in currency speculation and does not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

In order to qualify for hedge accounting treatment, a derivative instrument must be considered highly effective at offsetting changes in either the hedged item’s cash flows or fair value. Additionally, the hedge relationship must be documented to include the risk management objective and strategy, the hedging instrument, the hedged item, the risk exposure, and how hedge effectiveness will be assessed prospectively and retrospectively. The extent to which a hedging instrument has been, and is expected to continue to be, effective at offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows is assessed and documented at least quarterly. If the underlying hedged item is no longer probable of occurring, hedge accounting is discontinued.

For derivative instruments that either do not qualify for hedge accounting or are not designated as hedges, all changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument are recognized in earnings. For qualifying cash flow hedges, the change in the fair value of the derivative instrument is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”) and recognized in earnings when the hedged cash flows affect earnings. If the cash flow hedge relationship is terminated, the derivative instrument gains or losses that are deferred in OCI will be recognized in earnings when the hedged cash flows occur. However, for cash flow hedges that are terminated because the forecasted transaction is not expected to occur in the original specified time period, or a two-month period thereafter, the derivative instrument gains or losses are immediately recognized in earnings.

The Company uses derivative instruments, primarily forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges, to hedge the foreign currency exchange rate exposure associated with forecasted foreign-currency-denominated intercompany inventory transactions with foreign subsidiaries before inventory is sold to third parties. Fluctuations in exchange rates will either increase or decrease the Company’s intercompany equivalent cash flows and affect the Company’s U.S. Dollar earnings. Gains or losses on the foreign currency exchange forward contracts that are used to hedge these exposures are expected to partially offset this variability. Foreign currency exchange forward contracts represent agreements to exchange the currency of one country for the currency of another country at an agreed upon settlement date. These forward contracts typically have a maximum term of twelve months. The conversion of the inventory to cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, will result in the reclassification of related derivative gains and losses that are reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”) into earnings on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company also uses foreign currency exchange forward contracts to hedge certain foreign-currency-denominated net monetary assets and liabilities, such as cash balances, receivables and payables. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates result in transaction gains and losses being recorded in earnings as monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured at the spot exchange rate at quarter-end or upon settlement. The Company has chosen not to apply hedge accounting to these foreign currency exchange forward contracts because there are no differences in the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instruments and the hedged items.

The Company presents its derivative assets and derivative liabilities at their gross fair values within other current assets and accrued liabilities, respectively, on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. However, the Company’s derivative contracts allow net settlements under certain conditions.

Refer to Note 11, “DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS.”

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows reconciliation

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and equivalents and restricted cash and equivalents to the amounts shown on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.Flows:
(in thousands)Location August 3, 2019 February 2, 2019 August 4, 2018 February 3, 2018Location May 2, 2020
 February 1, 2020
 May 4, 2019
 February 2, 2019
Cash and equivalentsCash and equivalents $499,757
 $723,135
 $581,166
 $675,558
Cash and equivalents $703,989
 $671,267
 $586,133
 $723,135
Long-term restricted cash and equivalentsOther assets 18,877
 22,694
 22,022
 22,397
Other assets 18,286
 18,696
 21,548
 22,694
Short-term restricted cash and equivalentsOther current assets $2,537
 $
 $
 $
Other current assets 
 2,301
 
 
Cash and equivalents and restricted cash and equivalents $521,171
 $745,829
 $603,188
 $697,955
 $722,275
 $692,264
 $607,681
 $745,829



3. REVENUE RECOGNITIONIMPACT OF COVID-19

Contract liabilitiesRecent developments

As a result of COVID-19, in January 2020, the Company began to experience business disruptions in the Asia-Pacific (“APAC”) region, including the temporary closure of stores in China and the surrounding area, modified operating hours in certain stores that remained open, and a decline in traffic. In late February 2020, the situation escalated as the scope of COVID-19 worsened beyond the APAC region, with the United States (the “U.S.”) and the Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”) region experiencing significant outbreaks. In March 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak was declared to be a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. In response to COVID-19, certain governments have imposed travel restrictions and local statutory quarantines. The Company is monitoring and reacting to the COVID-19 situation on a daily basis, including by conforming to local governments’ guidance and recommending associates who are able to perform their role remotely to do so.

In mid-March 2020, with the well-being of the Company’s customers, associates and business partners in mind, the Company temporarily closed its Company-operated stores across brands in North America and the EMEA region. The Company began to reopen these stores on a rolling basis beginning in late April 2020. The Company has experienced sales productivity for reopened stores of approximately 80% and 60% for the U.S. and the EMEA region, respectively, since their reopenings as compared to last year’s levels. The majority of the Company’s stores in the APAC region have also reopened, although many with temporarily reduced operating hours. The Company plans to follow the guidance of local governments to determine when it can reopen remaining stores and to evaluate whether further store closures will be necessary. As of June 5, 2020, approximately 58% of Company-operated stores were open.

The following table details certain contract liabilities representing unearned revenueCompany’s digital operations across brands have continued to serve the Company’s customers during this unprecedented period of temporary store closures. The Company experienced 25% digital sales growth for the first quarter of Fiscal 2020 as compared to the first quarter of August 3,Fiscal 2019, February 2, 2019, August 4, 2018with month-over-month acceleration in digital sales growth since temporary store closures were enacted in mid-March and February 3, 2018:
(in thousands)August 3, 2019 February 2, 2019 August 4, 2018 February 3, 2018
Unearned revenue liabilities related to the Company’s gift card program$20,056
 $26,062
 $17,478
 $28,939
Unearned revenue liabilities related to the Company’s loyalty programs$21,073
 $19,904
 $20,042
 $15,965

through the Company's most recent fiscal month of May.

The Company recognized revenue associated with gift card redemptionshas seen, and gift card breakagemay continue to see, material adverse impacts as a result of approximately $12.8 millionCOVID-19. Current circumstances are dynamic and $28.1 million forfuture impacts, including the thirteenduration and twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2019, respectively, and approximately $12.0 million and $25.8 million forimpact on overall customer demand, are uncertain.

Impact of COVID-19 during the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2018, respectively.first quarter of Fiscal 2020

The Company has seen, and may continue to see material reductions in sales across brands and regions as a result of COVID-19. Total net sales for the first quarter of Fiscal 2020 decreased approximately 34% as compared to the first quarter of Fiscal 2019. The year-over-year decline was primarily driven by temporary widespread store closures in response to COVID-19, partially offset by digital sales growth of approximately 25% to more than $275 million.

As a result of the continued effects of COVID-19 and the temporary closure of the Company’s stores, the Company recognized approximately $14.8 million of charges to reduce the carrying value of inventory in cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss during the first quarter of Fiscal 2020.

During the first quarter of Fiscal 2020, reductions in revenue associatedhave not been offset by proportional decreases in expense, as the Company continued to incur store occupancy costs such as operating lease costs and depreciation expense, and certain other costs such as compensation and administrative expenses, resulting in a negative effect on the relationship between the Company’s costs and revenues. During the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2020, the Company suspended rent payments for a significant number of stores, and continues to engage with reward redemptionsits landlords. In the period during which rent was due, the Company reclassified related amounts from operating lease liability to accrued expenses, while continuing to recognize operating lease cost in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and breakageComprehensive Loss.

On March 27, 2020, the U.S. government enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”), which among other things, provides refundable employee retention tax credits for wages paid to employees who are unable to work during the COVID–19 outbreak and the deferral of the employer–paid portion of social security taxes. Similar relief programs have also been established throughout the EMEA and APAC regions. Based on the Company's preliminary evaluation of the CARES Act and legislation across regions, the Company qualifies for certain payroll tax credits, and such government subsidies have been treated as offsets to the related operating expenses when recognized. During the first quarter of Fiscal 2020, the qualified payroll tax credits reduced payroll expenses by approximately $8.8 million on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss, with $7.9 million of expected relief classified in receivables on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of May 2, 2020. The Company intends to continue to defer qualified payroll and other tax payments as permitted by the CARES Act and other regional legislation.

The Company also recognized asset impairment charges related to the Company’s loyalty programsright-of-use assets and property and equipment of $42.9 million during the first quarter of Fiscal 2020, which were principally the result of the impact of COVID-19 on store cash flows. Refer to Note 9, “ASSET IMPAIRMENT,” for additional information.

In addition, the Company has also experienced other material impacts as a result of COVID-19, such as the establishment of deferred tax valuation allowances and other tax charges, adversely impacting results in the first quarter of Fiscal 2020 by approximately $8.0$90.9 million. Refer to Note 11, “INCOME TAXES,” for additional information.

Balance sheet, cash flow and liquidity

Throughout the first quarter of Fiscal 2020, the Company took various actions to preserve liquidity and manage cash flows in order to best position the business for key stakeholders, including (i) partnering with merchandise and non-merchandise vendors in regards to payment terms; (ii) reducing and recadencing inventory receipts to better align inventory with expected market demand; (iii) significantly reducing expenses to better align operating costs with sales; and (iv) implementing various compensation actions related to the Company’s store and corporate associates, as well as A&F’s non-associate directors.

As a precautionary measure and to improve the Company’s cash position, in March 2020, the Company borrowed $210.0 million under its asset-based senior secured revolving credit facility and $14.5withdrew the majority of excess funds from the Company’s overfunded Rabbi Trust assets, which provided the Company with $50.0 million of additional cash. Refer to Note 12, “BORROWINGS,” and Note 10 “ RABBI TRUST ASSETS,” for additional information.

In addition, in response to COVID-19, in March 2020, the thirteenCompany announced that it has temporarily suspended its share repurchase program and twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2019, respectively,in May 2020, the Company announced that it has temporarily suspended its dividend program, in order to preserve liquidity and approximately $8.2maintain financial flexibility. The Company will review these temporary suspensions throughout the year to determine, in light of facts and circumstances at that time, whether and when to reinstate these programs.  

As of May 2, 2020, the Company had liquidity of $763.4 million as compared to $913.8 million as of February 1, 2020, comprising of cash and $15.4 million forequivalents and actual incremental borrowing available to the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2018, respectively.Company under the Amended ABL Facility.

4. REVENUE RECOGNITION

Disaggregation of revenue

All revenues are recognized in net sales in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss. For information regarding the disaggregation of revenue, refer to Note 13,16,SEGMENT REPORTING.

Contract liabilities

4.The following table details certain contract liabilities representing unearned revenue as of May 2, 2020, February 1, 2020, May 4, 2019 and February 2, 2019:
(in thousands)May 2, 2020
 February 1, 2020
 May 4, 2019
 February 2, 2019
Gift card liability$24,671
 $28,844
 $22,067
 $26,062
Loyalty program liability$18,814
 $23,051
 $19,830
 $19,904


The following table details recognized revenue associated with the Company’s gift card program and loyalty programs for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2020 and May 4, 2019:
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
(in thousands)May 2, 2020
 May 4, 2019
Revenue associated with gift card redemptions and gift card breakage$11,009
 $15,284
Revenue associated with reward redemptions and breakage related to the Company’s loyalty programs$5,709
 $6,518



5. NET LOSS PER SHARE

Net loss per basic and diluted share attributable to A&F is computed based on the weighted-average number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock (“Common Stock”).

Additional information pertaining to net loss per share attributable to A&F is as follows:
Thirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-six Weeks EndedThirteen Weeks Ended
(in thousands)August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018 August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018May 2, 2020
 May 4, 2019
Shares of Common Stock issued103,300
 103,300
 103,300
 103,300
103,300
 103,300
Weighted-average treasury shares(38,144) (35,292) (37,452) (35,046)(40,759) (36,760)
Weighted-average — basic shares65,156
 68,008
 65,848
 68,254
62,541
 66,540
Dilutive effect of share-based compensation awards
 
 
 

 
Weighted-average — diluted shares65,156
 68,008
 65,848
 68,254
62,541
 66,540
Anti-dilutive shares (1)
3,318
 3,466
 3,065
 4,033
2,195
 2,812

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

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5.
6. FAIR VALUE

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The inputs used to measure fair value are prioritized based on a three-level hierarchy. The three levels of inputs to measure fair value are as follows:

Level 1—inputs are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities that are available in active markets that the Company can access at the measurement date.
Level 2—inputs are other than quoted market prices included within Level 1 that are observable for assets or liabilities, directly or indirectly.
Level 3—inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable.

The lowest level of significant input determines the placement of the entire fair value measurement in the hierarchy. The three levels of the hierarchy and the distribution of the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, were as follows:
 Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of August 3, 2019
(in thousands)Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Assets:       
Cash equivalents (1)
$211
 $25,288
 $
 $25,499
Derivative instruments (2)

 5,457
 
 5,457
Rabbi Trust assets (3)
1
 107,466
 
 107,467
Restricted cash equivalents (4)
10,056
 4,546
 
 14,602
Total assets$10,268
 $142,757
 $
 $153,025
        
Liabilities:       
Derivative instruments (2)
$
 $349
 $
 $349
Total liabilities$
 $349
 $
 $349
 Assets at Fair Value as of May 2, 2020
(in thousands)Level 1
 Level 2
 Level 3
 Total
Assets:       
Cash equivalents (1)
$265
 $23,571
 $
 $23,836
Rabbi Trust assets (2)
1
 59,638
 
 59,639
Restricted cash equivalents (3)
6,298
 8,050
 
 14,348
Total assets$6,564
 $91,259
 $
 $97,823
Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of February 2, 2019Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value as of February 1, 2020
(in thousands)Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 TotalLevel 1
 Level 2
 Level 3
 Total
Assets:              
Cash equivalents (1)
$55,558
 $34,440
 $
 $89,998
$225
 $58,447
 $
 $58,672
Derivative instruments (2)

 2,162
 
 2,162
Derivative instruments (4)

 1,969
 
 1,969
Rabbi Trust assets (3)(2)
5
 105,877
 
 105,882
1
 109,048
 
 109,049
Restricted cash equivalents (4)(3)
10,910
 4,588
 
 15,498
9,765
 4,601
 
 14,366
Total assets$66,473
 $147,067
 $
 $213,540
$9,991
 $174,065
 $
 $184,056
              
Liabilities:              
Derivative instruments (2)
$
 $332
 $
 $332
Derivative instruments (4)
$
 $1,460
 $
 $1,460
Total liabilities$
 $332
 $
 $332
$
 $1,460
 $
 $1,460


(1) 
Level 1 assets consist of investments in money market funds. Level 2 assets consist of time deposits.
(2) 
Level 2 assets and liabilities consist primarily of foreign currency exchange forward contracts.
(3)
Level 1 assets consist of investments in money market funds. Level 2 assets consist of trust-owned life insurance policies.
(4)(3) 
Level 1 assets consist of investments in U.S. treasury bills and money market funds. Level 2 assets consist of time deposits.
(4)
Level 2 assets and liabilities consist primarily of foreign currency exchange forward contracts.

The Company’s Level 2 assets and liabilities consist of:

Time deposits, which are valued at cost approximating fair value due to the short-term nature of these investments;
Trust-owned life insurance policies which are valued using the cash surrender value of the life insurance policies; and
Derivative instruments, primarily foreign currency exchange forward contracts, which are valued using quoted market prices of the same or similar instruments, adjusted for counterparty risk.

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Fair value of long-term borrowings

The Company’s borrowings under the Company’s credit facilitiesterm loan facility are carried at historical cost in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The carrying amount and fair value of gross borrowings under the Company’s term loan credit facility were as follows:
(in thousands)August 3, 2019 February 2, 2019May 2, 2020
 February 1, 2020
Gross borrowings outstanding, carrying amount$253,250
 $253,250
$233,250
 $233,250
Gross borrowings outstanding, fair value$254,516
 $252,933
$219,255
 $233,979


No borrowings were outstanding under the Company’s senior secured revolving credit facility as of August 3, 2019 or February 2, 2019.


6.7. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET

Property and equipment, net consisted of:
(in thousands)August 3, 2019 February 2, 2019May 2, 2020
 February 1, 2020
Property and equipment, at cost$2,719,350
 $2,829,250
$2,751,471
 $2,744,967
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization(2,069,990) (2,134,395)(2,096,687) (2,079,677)
Property and equipment, net$649,360
 $694,855
$654,784
 $665,290


DetailsRefer to Note 9, “ASSET IMPAIRMENT,” for details related to store assetproperty and equipment impairment charges incurred during the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2019May 2, 2020 and AugustMay 4, 2018 are as follows:
 Thirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-six Weeks Ended
(in thousands)August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018 August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018
Store asset impairment355
 8,671
 2,017
 9,727

2019.

The Company had $34.7 million of construction project assets in property and equipment, net as of February 2, 2019, related to the construction of buildings in certain lease arrangements where, under the previous lease accounting standard, the Company was deemed to be the owner of the construction project. Upon adoption of the new lease accounting standard, described further in Note 2, “SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES,” the Company derecognized these construction project assets.


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7.8. LEASES

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

During the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2020, the Company suspended rent payments for a significant number of stores, and continues to engage with its landlords. In the period during which rent was due, the Company reclassified related amounts from operating lease liability to accrued expenses, while continuing to recognize operating lease cost in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.

The following table provides a summary of the Company’s operating lease costs for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 3,May 2, 2020 and May 4, 2019:
(in thousands)Thirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-six Weeks Ended
Single lease cost (1)
$121,270
 $213,544
Variable lease cost (2)
60,238
 103,083
Operating lease right-of-use asset impairment (3)
3,589
 3,589
Total operating lease cost$185,097
 $320,216

 Thirteen Weeks Ended
(in thousands)May 2, 2020
 May 4, 2019
Single lease cost (1)
$93,492
 $92,274
Variable lease cost (2)
27,901
 42,845
Operating lease right-of-use asset impairment (3)
35,008
 
Total operating lease cost$156,401
 $135,119
(1) 
Includes amortization and interest expense associated with operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities. Includes $23.3 million of charges related to flagship store exit charges for each of the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2019. Refer to Note 14, “FLAGSHIP STORE EXIT CHARGES.”
(2) 
Includes variable payments related to both lease and nonlease components, such as contingent rent payments made by the Company based on performance, and payments related to taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs. Includes $20.2 million of charges related to flagship store exit charges for each of the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2019. Refer to Note 14, “FLAGSHIP STORE EXIT CHARGES.”
(3) 
Includes $3.2 million of charges related to flagship store exit charges for each of the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2019. Refer to Note 14,9,FLAGSHIP STORE EXIT CHARGESASSET IMPAIRMENT., for details related to operating lease right-of-use asset impairment charges.

The following table provides the weighted-average remaining lease term of the Company’s operating leases and the weighted-average discount rates used to calculate the Company’s operating lease liabilities as of August 3, 2019:
August 3, 2019
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)6.3
Weighted-average discount rate5.5%


The following table provides a maturity analysis of the Company’s operating lease liabilities, based on undiscounted cash flows, as of August 3, 2019:
(in thousands) 
Fiscal 2019 (excluding the twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2019)$173,786
Fiscal 2020342,672
Fiscal 2021293,971
Fiscal 2022245,215
Fiscal 2023202,561
Fiscal 2024 and thereafter531,374
Total undiscounted operating lease payments$1,789,579
Less: Imputed interest(285,981)
Present value of operating lease liabilities$1,503,598


As of August 3, 2019,May 2, 2020, the Company had minimum commitments related to additional operating lease contracts that have not yet commenced, primarily for its Company-operated retail stores, of approximately $28.1$2.6 million.

As reported under9. ASSET IMPAIRMENT

Asset impairment charges for the previous accounting standard, the following table provides a summary of operating lease commitments, including leasehold financing obligations, under noncancelable leasesthirteen weeks ended May 2, 2020 and May 4, 2019 were as of February 2, 2019:follows:
(in thousands) 
Fiscal 2019$367,622
Fiscal 2020$304,270
Fiscal 2021$205,542
Fiscal 2022$159,617
Fiscal 2023$128,626
Fiscal 2024 and thereafter$310,003
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
(in thousands)May 2, 2020
 May 4, 2019
Operating lease right-of-use asset impairment$35,008
 $
Property and equipment asset impairment7,920
 1,662
Total asset impairment$42,928
 $1,662



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8. ASSET IMPAIRMENT

The following table provides additional details related to long-lived assetAsset impairment charges for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 3,May 2, 2020 were principally the result of the impact of COVID-19 on store cash flows and were related to certain of the Company’s stores across brands, geographies and store formats. The impairment charge reduced the carrying value of these stores’ assets to their estimated fair value of approximately $127.9 million, including $118.8 million related to operating lease right-of-use assets.

Asset impairment charges for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2019, related to certain of the Company’s mall-based stores. The impairment charge reduced the carrying value of these stores’ assets to their estimated fair value of approximately $2.8 million, all of which related to operating lease right-of-use assets.

10. RABBI TRUST ASSETS

As a precautionary measure and August 4, 2018.to preserve liquidity in light of the circumstances surrounding COVID-19, during the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2020, the Company withdrew the majority of excess funds from the overfunded Rabbi Trust assets, providing the Company with $50.0 million of additional cash.

Investments of Rabbi Trust assets consisted of the following as of May 2, 2020 and February 1, 2020:
 Thirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-six Weeks Ended
(in thousands)August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018 August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018
Operating lease right-of-use asset impairment (1)
$3,589
 $
 $3,589
 $
Store asset impairment355
 8,671
 2,017
 9,727
Total asset impairment$3,944
 $8,671
 $5,606
 $9,727
(in thousands)May 2, 2020
 February 1, 2020
Trust-owned life insurance policies (at cash surrender value)$59,638
 $109,048
Money market funds1
 1
Rabbi Trust assets$59,639
 $109,049

(1)
Realized gains resulting from the change in cash surrender value of the Rabbi Trust assets for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2020 and May 4, 2019 were as follows:
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
(in thousands)May 2, 2020
 May 4, 2019
Realized gains related to Rabbi Trust assets$590
 $791

Includes $3.2 million of operating lease right-of-use asset impairment related to flagship store exit charges for each of the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2019. Refer to Note 14, “FLAGSHIP STORE EXIT CHARGES.”


9.11. INCOME TAXES

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

Impact of valuation allowances and other tax charges during the first quarter of Fiscal 2020

The Company’s effective tax rate for the first quarter of Fiscal 2020 was impacted by $90.9 million of adverse tax impacts, ultimately giving rise to income tax expense on a consolidated pre-tax loss. Further details regarding these adverse tax impacts are as follows:
The Company incurredanticipates pre-tax losses for the fiscal year in certain jurisdictions, based on information currently available, primarily due to the significant adverse impacts of COVID-19. The Company did not recognize income tax benefits on $212.0 million of pre-tax losses during the first quarter of Fiscal 2020, resulting in an adverse tax impact of $56.6 million.
The Company recognized discrete charges of $34.3 million related to the establishment of valuation allowances and other tax charges in certain jurisdictions during the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2020, principally as a result of the significant adverse impacts of COVID–19. These charges related to valuation allowances recognized by the Company of $10.5 million and $6.0 million related to the U.S. and Germany, respectively, as well as valuation allowances and other tax charges in certain other jurisdictions against underlying tax asset balances that existed as of February 1, 2020. The Company also recognized valuation allowances of $78.9 million related to Switzerland with a U.S. branch equally offsetting amount, which in net, did not have an impact on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss. Changes in assumptions may occur based on new information that becomes available resulting in adjustments in the period in which a determination is made.

Global legislation in response to COVID-19

In March 2020, the CARES Act was enacted into U.S. law, intended to provide economic relief to those impacted by COVID-19 and enhance business’ liquidity. The Company continues to examine impacts that the CARES Act may have on U.S. income taxes; however, the Company does not currently expect that these provisions will have a material impact on its income taxes.

The Company is still assessing the applicability of other recently passed global legislation, including the potential income tax measures offered in other jurisdictions where the Company’s operations have also been impacted by COVID-19.

Share-based compensation

Refer to Note 13, “SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION,” for details on discrete income tax charges of $0.1 millionbenefits and benefits of $1.0 million for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2019, respectively, primarilycharges related to the exercise of certain share-based compensation awards during the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2019.


12. BORROWINGS

Asset-based revolving credit facility

On August 7, 2014, the Company, through its subsidiary Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co. (“A&F Management”) as the lead borrower (with A&F and incurred discrete non-cash income tax benefitscertain other subsidiaries as borrowers or guarantors), entered into an asset-based revolving credit agreement.

On October 19, 2017, the Company, through its subsidiary A&F Management, entered into a Second Amendment to Credit Agreement (the “ABL Second Amendment”), amending and extending the maturity date of $0.2the asset-based revolving credit agreement to October 19, 2022. As amended, the asset-based revolving credit agreement continues to provide for a senior secured revolving credit facility of up to $400 million (the “Amended ABL Facility”).

As a precautionary measure and chargesto improve the Company’s cash position in light of $7.9the circumstances surrounding COVID-19, during the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2020, the Company borrowed $210.0 million under the Amended ABL Facility. Borrowings under the Amended ABL Facility as of May 2, 2020 and February 1, 2020 were as follows:
(in thousands)May 2, 2020
 February 1, 2020
Short-term portion of borrowings, gross at carrying amount$210,000
 $


As of May 2, 2020, the interest rate on borrowings under the Amended ABL Facility was 1.82%. The Amended ABL Facility will mature on October 19, 2022.

As of May 2, 2020, the Company had availability under the Amended ABL Facility of $89.4 million, net of $0.8 million in outstanding stand-by letters of credit. As the Company must maintain excess availability equal to the greater of 10% of the loan cap or $30 million under the Amended ABL Facility, actual incremental borrowing available to the Company under the Amended ABL Facility was $59.4 million as of May 2, 2020.

The provisions under the credit agreement applicable to the Amended ABL Facility have not changed from those described in Note 12, “BORROWINGS,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in “ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA” of A&F’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal 2019.

Term loan facility

On August 7, 2014, the Company, through its subsidiary A&F Management as the borrower (with A&F and certain other subsidiaries as guarantors), entered into a term loan agreement, which provides for a term loan facility of $300 million (the “Term Loan Facility” and, together with the Amended ABL Facility, the “Credit Facilities”).

On June 22, 2018, A&F, through A&F Management, entered into the Second Amendment to Term Loan Credit Agreement (the “Term Loan Second Agreement”), which served to reprice the Term Loan Facility. As permitted under the credit agreement applicable to the Term Loan Facility, among other things, the Term Loan Second Amendment provided for the thirteenissuance by A&F Management of refinancing term loans in an aggregate principal amount of $253.3 million in exchange for the term loans then outstanding under the Term Loan Facility, which resulted in the reduction of the applicable margins for term loans by 0.25%.

Additional details on borrowings under the Term Loan Facility as of May 2, 2020 and twenty-six endedFebruary 1, 2020 are as follows:
(in thousands)May 2, 2020
 February 1, 2020
Long-term portion of borrowings, gross at carrying amount$233,250
 $233,250
Unamortized discount(296) (355)
Unamortized fees(776) (932)
Long-term portion of borrowings, net232,178
 231,963
Less: short-term portion of borrowings, net
 
Long-term portion of borrowings, net$232,178
 $231,963


The interest rate on borrowings under the Term Loan Facility was 4.50% as of May 2, 2020. The Term Loan Facility will mature on August 4, 2018, respectively, primarily related7, 2021.

The provisions under the credit agreement applicable to the expirationTerm Loan Facility have not changed from those described in Note 12, “BORROWINGS,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in “ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA” of A&F’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal 2019.


Representations, warranties and covenants

The Credit Facilities contain various representations, warranties and restrictive covenants that, among other things and subject to specified exceptions, restrict the ability of A&F and its subsidiaries to incur indebtedness (including guarantees), grant liens, make investments, pay dividends or distributions with respect to capital stock, make prepayments on other indebtedness, engage in mergers, dispose of certain share-based compensation awards.assets or change the nature of their business. In addition, excess availability equal to the greater of 10% of the loan cap or $30 million must be maintained under the Amended ABL Facility. The Credit Facilities do not otherwise contain financial maintenance covenants.

Both Credit Facilities contain certain affirmative covenants, including reporting requirements such as delivery of financial statements, certificates and notices of certain events, maintaining insurance and providing additional guarantees and collateral in certain circumstances.

The Company was in compliance with the covenants under the Credit Facilities as of May 2, 2020.


10.13. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

Financial statement impact

The following table details share-based compensation expense and the related income tax benefit for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2019May 2, 2020 and AugustMay 4, 2018:2019:
Thirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-six Weeks EndedThirteen Weeks Ended
(in thousands)August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018 August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018May 2, 2020
 May 4, 2019
Share-based compensation expense$36
 $6,156
 $2,668
 $10,939
$5,162
 $2,632
Income tax benefit associated with share-based compensation expense recognized (1)
$
 $550


(1)
No income tax benefit was recognized related to share-based compensation expense during the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2020 due to the U.S. being a loss jurisdiction.

The following table details discrete income tax benefits and charges related to share-based compensation awards during the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2020 and May 4, 2019:
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
(in thousands)May 2, 2020
 May 4, 2019
Income tax discrete benefits realized for tax deductions related to the issuance of shares (1)
$
 $1,239
Income tax discrete charges realized upon cancellation of stock appreciation rights (1)

 (165)
Total income tax discrete benefits related to share-based compensation awards$
 $1,074


(1)
No income tax benefits or charges related to these items were recognized during the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2020 due to the U.S. being a loss jurisdiction.

The following table details the amount of employee tax withheld by the Company recognized tax expenseupon the issuance of shares associated with share-based compensationrestricted stock units vesting and the exercise of $0.2 million and tax benefits of $0.4 millionstock appreciation rights for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2019, respectively,May 2, 2020 and tax benefits of $1.3 million and $2.2 million for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended AugustMay 4, 2018, respectively.2019:
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
(in thousands)May 2, 2020
 May 4, 2019
Employee tax withheld upon issuance of shares (1)
$5,323
 $6,288

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

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Restricted stock units

The following table summarizes activity for restricted stock units for the twenty-sixthirteen weeks ended August 3, 2019:May 2, 2020:
Service-based Restricted
Stock Units
 
Performance-based Restricted
Stock Units
 
Market-based Restricted
Stock Units
Service-based Restricted
Stock Units
 Performance-based Restricted
Stock Units
 Market-based Restricted
Stock Units
Number of 
Underlying
Shares (1)
 
Weighted-
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
 
Number of 
Underlying
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
 
Number of 
Underlying
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
Number of 
Underlying
Shares
(1)
 Weighted-
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
 Number of 
Underlying
Shares
 Weighted-
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
 Number of 
Underlying
Shares
 Weighted-
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
Unvested at February 2, 20192,020,030
 $16.76
 801,527
 $13.65
 435,970
 $21.24
Unvested at February 1, 20201,676,831
 $18.68
 747,056
 $15.11
 421,784
 $23.05
Granted724,363
 22.16
 234,984
 22.89
 115,238
 36.24
1,646,771
 7.29
 
 
 
 
Adjustments for performance achievement
 
 (90,616) 24.06
 (72,497) 28.20

 
 38,381
 11.37
 134,122
 11.79
Vested(701,802) 17.92
 
 
 (18,125) 28.20
(639,921) 18.00
 (478,728) 9.58
 (350,447) 11.79
Forfeited(261,851) 16.22
 (195,162) 12.93
 (38,802) 29.90
(12,881) 19.99
 (817) 17.56
 
 
Unvested at August 3, 20191,780,740
 $18.58
 750,733
 $15.44
 421,784
 $23.05
Unvested at May 2, 2020 (2)
2,670,800
 $11.81
 305,892
 $22.39
 205,459
 $34.90


(1) 
Includes 271,42079,028 unvested restricted stock units as of August 3, 2019,May 2, 2020, subject to vesting requirements related to the achievement of certain performance metrics, such as operating income and net income, for the fiscal year immediately preceding the vesting date. Holders of these restricted stock units have the opportunity to earn back one or more installments of the award if the cumulative performance requirements are met in a subsequent year.
(2)
Unvested shares related to restricted stock units with performance-based and market-based vesting conditions can achieve up to 200% of their target vesting amount and are reflected at 100% of their target vesting amount in the table above. Certain unvested shares related to restricted stock units with performance-based vesting conditions can be achieved at up to 200% of their target vesting amount.

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

Service-based restricted stock units are expensed on a straight-line basis over the award’s requisite service period. Performance-based restricted stock units subject to graded vesting are expensed on an accelerated attribution basis. Performance share award expense is primarily recognized in the performance period of the award’s requisite service period. Market-based restricted stock units without graded vesting features are expensed on a straight-line basis over the award’s requisite service period. Compensation expense for stock appreciation rights is recognized on a straight-line basis over the award’s requisite service period. The Company adjusts share-based compensation expense on a quarterly basis for actual forfeitures. Unrecognized compensation expense presented excludes the effect of potential forfeitures, and will be adjusted for actual forfeitures as they occur.

As of August 3, 2019, there was $27.6 million, $4.3 million and $5.4 million of totalfollowing table details unrecognized compensation cost related to service-based, performance-based and market-based restricted stock units, respectively. The unrecognized compensation cost isthe remaining weighted-average period these costs are expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average period of 16 months, 16 months and 14 months for service-based, performance-based and market-based restricted stock units respectively.

The actual tax benefit realized for tax deductions related to the issuanceas of shares associated with restricted stock units vesting was $0.3 million and $4.4 million for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2019, respectively, and $1.5 million and $4.9 million for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2018, respectively.

The amount of employee tax withheld by the Company upon the issuance of shares associated with restricted stock units vesting and the exercise of stock appreciation rights was $0.2 million and $6.4 million for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2019, respectively, and $0.9 million and $5.9 million for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2018, respectively, and is classified within other financing activities on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.


May 2, 2020:
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(in thousands)Service-based Restricted
Stock Units
 Performance-based Restricted
Stock Units
 Market-based Restricted
Stock Units
Unrecognized compensation cost$28,275
 $161
 $3,308
Remaining weighted-average period cost is expected to be recognized (years)1.4
 0.1
 0.9

Additional information pertaining to restricted stock units for the twenty-sixthirteen weeks ended August 3,May 2, 2020 and May 4, 2019 and August 4, 2018 follows:
(in thousands)August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018May 2, 2020
 May 4, 2019
Service-based restricted stock units:      
Total grant date fair value of awards granted$16,052
 $16,161
$12,005
 $14,473
Total grant date fair value of awards vested12,576
 14,608
$11,519
 $10,971
      
Performance-based restricted stock units:      
Total grant date fair value of awards granted$5,379
 $4,310
$
 $5,312
Total grant date fair value of awards vested
 
$4,586
 $
      
Market-based restricted stock units:      
Total grant date fair value of awards granted$4,176
 $4,784
$
 $4,176
Total grant date fair value of awards vested511
 137
$4,132
 $511


No market-based restricted stock units were granted during the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2020. The weighted-average assumptions used for market-based restricted stock units in the Monte Carlo simulation during the twenty-sixthirteen weeks ended August 3,May 4, 2019 and August 4, 2018 were as follows:
 August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018
Grant date market price$25.34
 $23.59
Fair value$36.24
 $33.69
Assumptions:   
Price volatility57% 54%
Expected term (years)2.9
 2.9
Risk-free interest rate2.2% 2.4%
Dividend yield3.2% 3.4%
Average volatility of peer companies40.0% 37.4%
Average correlation coefficient of peer companies0.2407
 0.2709

 May 4, 2019
Grant date market price$25.34
Fair value$36.24
Assumptions: 
Price volatility57%
Expected term (years)2.9
Risk-free interest rate2.2%
Dividend yield3.2%
Average volatility of peer companies40.0%
Average correlation coefficient of peer companies0.2407

Stock appreciation rights

The following table summarizes stock appreciation rights activity for the twenty-sixthirteen weeks ended August 3, 2019:May 2, 2020:
 
Number of
Underlying
Shares
 
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
 
Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Life (years)
Outstanding at February 2, 20191,041,867
 $37.81
    
Granted
 
    
Exercised(43,463) 22.41
    
Forfeited or expired(52,725) 33.96
    
Outstanding at August 3, 2019945,679
 $38.75
 $
 2.4
Stock appreciation rights exercisable at August 3, 2019940,054
 $38.86
 $
 2.4
Stock appreciation rights expected to become exercisable in the future as of August 3, 20195,526
 $19.90
 $
 6.1
 
Number of
Underlying
Shares

 
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price

 
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value

 
Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Life (years)
Outstanding at February 1, 2020796,725
 $40.06
    
Granted
 
    
Exercised
 
    
Forfeited or expired(162,475) 44.86
    
Outstanding at May 2, 2020634,250
 $38.84
 $
 2.6
Stock appreciation rights exercisable at May 2, 2020634,250
 $38.84
 $
 2.6
Stock appreciation rights expected to become exercisable in the future as of May 2, 2020
 $
 $
 0.0

As of August 3, 2019, total unrecognized compensation cost relatedNo stock appreciation rights were exercised during the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2020. Additional information pertaining to stock appreciation rights was insignificant and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2 months.for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2019 follows:
(in thousands)May 4, 2019
Total grant date fair value of awards exercised$2,379


The grant date fair value of stock appreciation rights that vested during the twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2019 was $0.6 million. The grant date fair value of stock appreciation rights that were exercised during the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2018 was $1.2 million.

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11.14. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

AsThe Company is exposed to risks associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates and uses derivative instruments, primarily forward contracts, to manage the financial impacts of August 3, 2019,these exposures. The Company does not use forward contracts to engage in currency speculation and does not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

The Company uses derivative instruments, primarily foreign currency exchange forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges, to hedge the Company had outstandingforeign currency exchange rate exposure associated with forecasted foreign currency denominated intercompany inventory sales to foreign subsidiaries and the followingrelated settlement of the foreign currency denominated intercompany receivables. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates will either increase or decrease the Company’s intercompany equivalent cash flows and affect the Company’s U.S. Dollar earnings. Gains or losses on the foreign currency exchange forward contracts that were entered intoare used to hedge either a portion, or all,these exposures are expected to partially offset this variability. Foreign currency exchange forward contracts represent agreements to exchange the currency of forecasted foreign-currency-denominated intercompany inventory sales,one country for the resultingcurrency of another country at an agreed upon settlement of the foreign-currency-denominated intercompany accounts receivable, or both:
(in thousands)
Notional Amount (1)
Euro$86,139
British pound$42,892
Canadian dollar$15,742
Japanese yen$9,140

(1)
Amounts reported are the U.S. Dollar notional amounts outstanding as of August 3, 2019.

As of August 3, 2019,date. These foreign currency exchange forward contracts typically have a maximum term of twelve months. The sale of the inventory to the Company’s customers will result in the reclassification of related derivative gains and losses that were enteredare reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”) into earnings.

The Company also uses foreign currency exchange forward contracts to hedge foreign-currency-denominatedcertain foreign–currency–denominated net monetary assetsassets/liabilities. Examples of monetary assets/liabilities include cash balances, receivables and payables. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates result in transaction gains or losses being recorded in earnings, as U.S. GAAP requires that monetary assets/liabilities were as follows:be remeasured at the spot exchange rate at quarter–end or upon settlement. The Company has chosen not to

(in thousands)
Notional Amount (1)
Chinese yuan$21,763
Euro$9,485
apply hedge accounting to these instruments because there are no differences in the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instruments and the hedged items.

(1)
Amount reported is the U.S. Dollar notional amount outstanding as of August 3, 2019.

The Company did not have any outstanding foreign currency exchange forward contracts as of May 2, 2020. The location and amounts of derivative fair values of foreign currency exchange forward contracts on the Condensed Consolidated Balance SheetsSheet as of August 3, 2019 and February 2, 20191, 2020 were as follows:
(in thousands)Location August 3, 2019 February 2, 2019 Location August 3, 2019 February 2, 2019Location February 1, 2020
 Location February 1, 2020
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instrumentsOther current assets $5,254
 $2,162
 Accrued expenses $349
 $15
Other current assets $1,869
 Accrued expenses $1,377
Derivatives not designated as hedging instrumentsOther current assets 203
 
 Accrued expenses 
 317
Other current assets 100
 Accrued expenses 83
Total $5,457
 $2,162
 $349
 $332
 $1,969
 $1,460


Refer to Note 5, “FAIR VALUE,” for further discussion of the determination of theThe fair value of derivative instruments.instruments is valued using quoted market prices of the same or similar instruments, adjusted for counterparty risk.

Additional informationAs a result of COVID–19, there was a significant change in the expected timing of previously hedged intercompany sales transactions, resulting in a dedesignation of the related hedge instruments. At the time of dedesignation of these hedges, they were in a net gain position of approximately $12.6 million. Due to the extenuating circumstances leading to dedesignation, gains associated with these hedges at the time of dedesignation are deferred in AOCL until being reclassified into cost of goods sold, exclusive of depreciation and amortization when the originally forecasted transactions occur and the hedged items affect earnings. During the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2020 and subsequent to the dedesignation of these hedges, these hedge contracts were settled.

Information pertaining to derivative gains or losses from foreign currency exchange forward contracts designated as cash flow hedging instruments for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 3,May 2, 2020 and May 4, 2019 and August 4, 2018 follows:
Thirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-six Weeks EndedThirteen Weeks Ended
(in thousands)August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018 August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018May 2, 2020
 May 4, 2019
Gain recognized in AOCL (1)
$4,791
 $8,058
 $7,053
 $16,665
$12,235
 $2,263
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCL into cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization (2)
$1,763
 $(150) $4,303
 $(5,222)
Gain reclassified from AOCL into cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization (2)
$3,370
 $2,541

(1) 
The amountAmount represents the change in fair value of derivative contracts.
(2) 
The amountAmount represents gain reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, on the reclassification from AOCL into earningsCondensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss when the hedged item affects earnings, which is when merchandise is converted to cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization.

Substantially all of the unrealized gains or losses related foreign currency exchange forward contracts designated as cash flow hedging instruments as of August 3, 2019gain will be recognized in costcosts of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) over the next twelve months.

Additional information pertaining to derivative gains or losses from foreign currency exchange forward contracts not designated as hedging instruments for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 3,May 2, 2020 and May 4, 2019 and August 4, 2018 follows:
 Thirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-six Weeks EndedThirteen Weeks Ended
(in thousands) August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018 August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018May 2, 2020
 May 4, 2019
Gain recognized in other operating income, net $906
 $1,894
 $1,181
 $4,595
Gain recognized in other operating loss (income), net$742
 $275


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12.15. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

TheFor the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2020, the activity in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2019 was as follows:
 Thirteen Weeks Ended August 3, 2019
(in thousands)Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments Total
Beginning balance at May 4, 2019$(107,673) $2,382
 $(105,291)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications(3,788) 4,791
 1,003
Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1)

 (1,763) (1,763)
Tax effect
 105
 105
Other comprehensive (loss) income(3,788) 3,133
 (655)
Ending balance at August 3, 2019$(111,461) $5,515
 $(105,946)
      
 Twenty-six Weeks Ended August 3, 2019
(in thousands)Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments Total
Beginning balance at February 2, 2019$(104,887) $2,435
 $(102,452)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications(6,574) 7,053
 479
Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1)

 (4,303) (4,303)
Tax effect
 330
 330
Other comprehensive (loss) income(6,574) 3,080
 (3,494)
Ending balance at August 3, 2019$(111,461) $5,515
 $(105,946)
 Thirteen Weeks Ended May 2, 2020
(in thousands)Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
 Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments
 Total
Beginning balance at February 1, 2020$(109,967) $1,081
 $(108,886)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications(5,399) 12,235
 6,836
Reclassified gain from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1)

 (3,370) (3,370)
Other comprehensive (loss) income after reclassifications (2)
(5,399) 8,865
 3,466
Ending balance at May 2, 2020$(115,366) $9,946
 $(105,420)


(1) 
Amount represents gain reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, on the Condensed Consolidated StatementStatements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.
(2)
No tax effect was recognized during the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2020 due to the U.S. being a loss jurisdiction.

TheFor the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2019, the activity in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2018 was as follows:
 Thirteen Weeks Ended August 4, 2018
(in thousands)Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments Total
Beginning balance at May 5, 2018$(93,286) $2,153
 $(91,133)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications(11,206) 8,058
 (3,148)
Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1)

 150
 150
Tax effect
 (761) (761)
Other comprehensive (loss) income(11,206) 7,447
 (3,759)
Ending balance at August 4, 2018$(104,492) $9,600
 $(94,892)
      
 Twenty-six Weeks Ended August 4, 2018
(in thousands)Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments Total
Beginning balance at February 3, 2018
$(84,947) $(10,107) $(95,054)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications(19,545) 16,665
 (2,880)
Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1)

 5,222
 5,222
Tax effect
 (2,180) (2,180)
Other comprehensive (loss) income(19,545) 19,707
 162
Ending balance at August 4, 2018$(104,492) $9,600
 $(94,892)
 Thirteen Weeks Ended May 4, 2019
(in thousands)Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
 Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments
 Total
Beginning balance at February 2, 2019$(104,887) $2,435
 $(102,452)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications(2,786) 2,263
 (523)
Reclassified gain from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1)

 (2,541) (2,541)
Tax effect
 225
 225
Other comprehensive loss after reclassifications(2,786) (53) (2,839)
Ending balance at May 4, 2019$(107,673) $2,382
 $(105,291)


(1) 
Amount represents lossgain reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, on the Condensed Consolidated StatementStatements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.



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13.16. SEGMENT REPORTING

The Company’s 2 operating segments are brand-based: Hollister and Abercrombie, the latter of which includes the Company’s Abercrombie & Fitch and abercrombie kids brands. These operating segments have similar economic characteristics, classes of consumers, products, and production and distribution methods, operate in the same regulatory environments, and have been aggregated into 1 reportable segment. Amounts shown below include net sales from wholesale, franchise and licensing operations, which are not a significant component of total revenue, and are aggregated within their respective operating segment and geographic area.

The following table provides the Company’s net sales by operating segment for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 3,May 2, 2020 and May 4, 2019 and August 4, 2018.were as follows:
Thirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-six Weeks EndedThirteen Weeks Ended
(in thousands)August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018 August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018May 2, 2020
 May 4, 2019
Hollister$504,758
 $500,836
 $933,203
 $924,464
$273,012
 $428,448
Abercrombie336,320
 341,578
 641,847
 648,849
212,347
 305,524
Total$841,078
 $842,414
 $1,575,050
 $1,573,313
$485,359
 $733,972


Net sales by geographic area are presented by attributing revenues to an individual country on the basis of the country in which the merchandise was sold for in-store purchases and on the basis of the shipping location provided by customers for digital orders. The following table provides the Company’s net sales by geographic area for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 3,May 2, 2020 and May 4, 2019 and August 4, 2018.were as follows:
Thirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-six Weeks EndedThirteen Weeks Ended
(in thousands)August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018 August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018May 2, 2020
 May 4, 2019
United States$543,472
 $531,446
 $1,013,130
 $980,572
Europe182,815
 192,354
 341,060
 362,014
U.S.$322,862
 $469,658
EMEA112,654
 173,944
APAC32,335
 65,576
Other114,791
 118,614
 220,860
 230,727
17,508
 24,794
International$162,497
 $264,314
Total$841,078
 $842,414
 $1,575,050
 $1,573,313
$485,359
 $733,972


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14.
17. FLAGSHIP STORE EXIT (BENEFITS) CHARGES

Global Store Network Optimization

Reflecting a continued focus on one of the Company’s key transformation initiatives ‘Global Store Network Optimization’,Optimization,’ the Company continues to pivot away from its large format flagship stores and strives to open smaller, more productive omnichannel focused brand experiences.

As a result, the Company has closed certain of its flagship stores and may have additional closures as it executes against this strategy. For context, at the end of Fiscal 2018, the Company had 19 flagship stores, and at the end of the second quarter of Fiscal 2019, the Company had 17 flagship stores. Details related to previously announced flagship store closures are as follows:
LocationBrandActual or expected closure date
Pedder Street, Hong KongAbercrombieClosed in the first quarter of Fiscal 2017
Copenhagen, DenmarkAbercrombieClosed in the first quarter of Fiscal 2019
SoHo in New York CityHollisterClosed in the second quarter of Fiscal 2019
Milan, ItalyAbercrombieExpected to close by the end of Fiscal 2019
Fukuoka, JapanAbercrombieExpected to close in the second half of Fiscal 2020

The Company has recognized chargesrecognizes impacts related to the aforementioned store closuresexit of its flagship stores in flagship store exit (benefits) charges on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss. The following table provides additional details related to theseDetails of the (benefits) charges incurred during the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 3,May 2, 2020 and May 4, 2019 and August 4, 2018.related to this initiative were as follows:
 Thirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-six Weeks Ended
(in thousands)August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018 August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018
Single lease cost (1)
$23,269
 $
 $23,269
 $
Variable lease cost (2)
20,218
 
 20,218
 
Operating lease right-of-use asset impairment3,229
 
 3,229
 
Operating lease cost46,716
 
 46,716
 
Lease termination fees (3)

 
 
 3,688
Asset disposals and other store-closure costs (4)
(1,675) 
 (1,687) 
Employee severance and other employee transition costs(47) 
 1,709
 120
Total flagship store exit charges$44,994
 $
 $46,738
 $3,808
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
(in thousands)May 2, 2020
 May 4, 2019
Asset disposals and other store-closure costs (1)
$
 $(12)
Employee severance and other employee transition costs(543) 1,756
Total flagship store exit (benefits) charges$(543) $1,744

(1)
Amounts represent accelerated amortization associated with the operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities and the impact from remeasurement of operating lease liabilities.
(2)
Amounts represent the remeasurement of the lease liability to reflect variable lease costs that became fixed upon decision to close aforementioned flagship stores.
(3)
Under the new lease accounting standard, which the Company adopted on February 3, 2019, similar charges would be incorporated into the above table as a component of operating lease cost.
(4) 
Amounts represent costs incurred in returning the store to its original condition, including updates to previous accruals for asset retirement obligations and costs to remove inventory and store assets.

The Company’s futureFuture fixed lease payments associated with theseclosed flagship stores are reflected within short-term and long-term operating lease liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and willSheets. These payments are scheduled to be paid through the fiscal year ending January 30, 2029 (“Fiscal 2028”).These future lease payments and are not expected to exceed $15 million in aggregate in any fiscal year. Refer to Note 7, “LEASES,” for a maturity analysis of the Company’s operating lease liabilities, based on undiscounted cash flows.

As the Company continues its ‘Global Store Network Optimization’ efforts, it may incur incremental charges or future cash expenditures not currently contemplated due to events that may occur as a result of, or that are associated with, additionalpreviously announced flagship store closures.closures and flagship store closures that have not yet been finalized. At this time, the Company is not able to quantify the amount of incremental charges or future cash expenditures that may take place in future periods resulting from any potential flagship store closures given the unpredictable nature of lease exit negotiations and ultimate lease renewal decisions.

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ITEM 2.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

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


INTRODUCTION

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

Overview. This section provides a general description of the Company’s business and certain segment information.

Current Trends and Outlook. This section provides a discussion related to COVID-19’s impact on the Company’s business and other certain risks and challenges, as well as a summary of the Company’s performance for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2019May 2, 2020 and AugustMay 4, 2018. In addition, this section discusses certain of management’s expectations for the upcoming fiscal year.2019.

Results of Operations. This section provides an analysis of certain components of the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2019May 2, 2020 and AugustMay 4, 2018.2019.

Liquidity and Capital Resources. This section provides a discussion of the Company’s financial condition, changes in financial condition and liquidity as of August 3, 2019,May 2, 2020, which includes (i) an analysis of financial condition as compared to February 2, 2019;1, 2020; (ii) an analysis of changes in cash flows for the twenty-sixthirteen weeks ended August 3, 2019May 2, 2020 as compared to the twenty-sixthirteen weeks ended AugustMay 4, 2018;2019; and (iii) and an analysis of liquidity, including a discussion related to preserving liquidity during COVID-19, the availability under credit facilities, payments of dividends,the Company’s share repurchase and dividend programs, and outstanding debt and covenant compliance.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements. The recent accounting pronouncements the Company has adopted or is currently evaluating, including the dates of adoption and/or expected dates of adoption, and anticipated effects on the Company’s unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, are included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q in “ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.”discussed, as applicable.

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

Non-GAAP Financial Measures. This sectionMD&A provides a discussion of certain financial measures provided with MD&A that have been determined to not be in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”),GAAP. This section includes certain reconciliations for non-GAAP financial measures and additional details on these financial measures, including information onas to why the Company believes the non-GAAP financial measures provided within MD&A are useful to investors.

Safe harbor statementThe COVID-19 pandemic poses various risks to the Company, certain of which are detailed throughout the disclosures under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Actheading “FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND RISK FACTORS” in “ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS” of 1995A&F’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal 2019. Any one of these risks, or a combination of risks could result in further adverse impacts on the Company’s business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. In addition, the following factors, categorized by the primary nature of the associated risk, including the disclosures under the heading “FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND RISK FACTORS” in “ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS” of A&F’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal 2019, in some cases have affected and in the future could affect the Company’s financial performance and cause actual results for Fiscal 2020 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any of the forward-looking statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or otherwise made by management:

Macroeconomic and industry risks include:
Changes in global economic and financial conditions, and the resulting impact on consumer confidence and consumer spending, as well as other changes in consumer discretionary spending habits could have a material adverse impact on our business;
Failure to engage our customers, anticipate customer demand and changing fashion trends, and manage our inventory commensurately could have a material adverse impact on our business;
Our failure to operate in a highly competitive and constantly evolving industry could have a material adverse impact on our business;
Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could have a material adverse impact on our business;

Our ability to attract customers to our stores depends, in part, on the success of the shopping malls or area attractions that our stores are located in or around;
The impact of war, acts of terrorism, mass casualty events or civil unrest could have a material adverse impact on our business; and
The impact of extreme weather, infectious disease outbreaks, including COVID-19, and other unexpected events could result in an interruption to our business, as well as to the operations of our third-party partners, and have a material adverse impact on our business.

Strategic risks include:
Failure to successfully develop an omnichannel shopping experience, a significant component of our growth strategy, or failure to successfully invest in customer, digital and omnichannel initiatives could have a material adverse impact on our business;
Our failure to optimize our global store network could have a material adverse impact on our business; and
Our failure to execute our international growth strategy successfully and inability to conduct business in international markets as a result of legal, tax, regulatory, political and economic risks could have a material adverse impact on our business.

Operational risks include:
Failure to protect our reputation could have a material adverse impact on our business;
If our information technology systems are disrupted or cease to operate effectively it could have a material adverse impact on our business;
We may be exposed to risks and costs associated with cyber-attacks, data protection, credit card fraud and identity theft that could have a material adverse impact on our business;
Our reliance on our distribution centers makes us susceptible to disruptions or adverse conditions affecting our supply chain;
Changes in the cost, availability and quality of raw materials, labor, transportation, and trade relations could have a material adverse impact on our business;
We depend upon independent third parties for the manufacture and delivery of all our merchandise, and a disruption of the manufacture or delivery of our merchandise could have a material adverse impact on our business; and
We rely on the experience and skills of our executive officers and associates, and the failure to attract or retain this talent, or effectively manage succession could have a material adverse impact on our business.

Legal, tax, regulatory and compliance risks include:
Fluctuations in our tax obligations and effective tax rate may result in volatility in our results of operations and could have a material adverse impact on our business;
Our litigation exposure, or any securities litigation and shareholder activism, could have a material adverse impact on our business;
Failure to adequately protect our trademarks could have a negative impact on our brand image and limit our ability to penetrate new markets which could have a material adverse impact on our business;
Changes in the regulatory or compliance landscape could have a material adverse impact on our business; and
Our credit facilities include restrictive covenants that limit our flexibility in operating our business and our inability to obtain credit on reasonable terms in the future could have an adverse impact on our business.

The factors listed above are not our only risks. Additional risks may arise, and current evaluations of risks may change, which could lead to material, adverse effects on our business, operating results and financial condition.

The Company cautions that any forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or made by the Company, its management or spokespeople involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various important factors, many of which may be beyond the Company’s control. Words such as “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements. Future economic and industry trends that could potentially impact revenue and profitability are difficult to predict. Therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties in the forward-looking statements included herein, including the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by the Company, or any other person, that the objectives of the Company will be achieved. The forward-looking statements included herein are based on information presently available to the management of the Company. Except as may be required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized.


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The following factors, categorized by the primary nature of the associated risk, including the disclosures under the heading “FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND RISK FACTORS” in “ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS” of A&F’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal 2018, in some cases have affected and in the future could affect the Company’s financial performance and could cause actual results for Fiscal 2019 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any of the forward-looking statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or otherwise made by management:

Macroeconomic and industry risks include:
Changes in global economic and financial conditions, and the resulting impact on consumer confidence and consumer spending, as well as other changes in consumer discretionary spending habits, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and liquidity;
Failure to anticipate customer demand and changing fashion trends and to manage our inventory commensurately could adversely impact our sales levels and profitability;
Our market share may be negatively impacted by increasing competition and pricing pressures from companies with brands or merchandise competitive with ours;
Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations;
Our ability to attract customers to our stores depends, in part, on the success of the shopping malls or area attractions that our stores are located in or around; and
The impact of war, acts of terrorism or civil unrest could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.

Strategic risks include:
The expansion of our direct-to-consumer sales channels and omnichannel initiatives are significant components of our growth strategy, and the failure to successfully develop our position across all channels could have an adverse impact on our results of operations;
Our international growth strategy and ability to conduct business in international markets may be adversely affected by legal, regulatory, political and economic risks; and
Failure to successfully implement our strategic plans could have a negative impact on our growth and profitability.

Operational risks include:
Failure to protect our reputation could have a material adverse effect on our brands;
Our business could suffer if our information technology systems are disrupted or cease to operate effectively;
We may be exposed to risks and costs associated with cyber-attacks, data protection, credit card fraud and identity theft that would cause us to incur unexpected expenses and reputation loss;
Our reliance on DCs makes us susceptible to disruptions or adverse conditions affecting our supply chain;
Changes in the cost, availability and quality of raw materials, labor, transportation, and trade relations could cause manufacturing delays and increase our costs;
We depend upon independent third parties for the manufacture and delivery of all our merchandise, and a disruption of the manufacture or delivery of our merchandise could result in lost sales and could increase our costs;
We rely on the experience and skills of our senior executive officers and associates, the loss of whom could have a material adverse effect on our business; and
Extreme weather conditions, including natural disasters, pandemic disease and other unexpected events, could negatively impact our facilities, systems and stores, as well as the facilities and systems of our vendors and manufacturers, which could result in an interruption to our business and adversely affect our operating results.

Legal, tax, regulatory and compliance risks include:
Fluctuations in our tax obligations and effective tax rate may result in volatility in our results of operations;
Our litigation exposure could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations;
Failure to adequately protect our trademarks could have a negative impact on our brand image and limit our ability to penetrate new markets;
Changes in the regulatory or compliance landscape and compliance with changing regulations for accounting, corporate governance and public disclosure could adversely affect our business, results of operations and reported financial results; and
Our Asset-Based Revolving Credit Agreement and our Term Loan Agreement include restrictive covenants that limit our flexibility in operating our business.

The factors listed above are not our only risks. Additional risks may arise and current evaluations of risks may change, which could lead to material, adverse effects on our business, operating results and financial condition. These risk factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any of our forward-looking statements.


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OVERVIEW

Business summary

The Companyis a global multi-brand omnichannel specialty retailer, whose products are sold primarily through its wholly-ownedCompany-owned store and direct-to-consumerdigital channels, as well as through various third-party wholesale, franchise and licensing arrangements. The Company offers a broad assortment of apparel, personal care products and accessories for Men, Womenmen, women and Kidskids under the Hollister, Abercrombie & Fitch and abercrombie kids brands. The brands share a commitment to offering unique products of enduring quality and exceptional comfort that allow customers around the world to express their own individuality and style. The Company primarily has operations in North America, Europe and Asia, among other regions.

The Company’s two operating segments are brand-based: Hollister and Abercrombie, the latter of which includes the Company’s Abercrombie & Fitch and abercrombie kids brands. These operating segments have similar economic characteristics, classes of consumers, products, production and distribution methods, operate in the same regulatory environments, and have been aggregated into one reportable segment.

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31. Fiscal years are designated in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and notes by the calendar year in which the fiscal year commences. All references herein to “Fiscal 2019” represent the fifty-two-weekCompany’s fiscal year that will end on February 1, 2020, and to “Fiscal 2018” represent the fifty-two-week fiscal year that ended February 2, 2019.years are as follows:
Fiscal yearYear endedNumber of weeks
Fiscal 2018February 2, 201952
Fiscal 2019February 1, 202052
Fiscal 2020January 30, 202152

Due to the seasonal nature of the retail apparel industry, the results of operations for any current period are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full fiscal year. The seasonality ofyear and the Company’s operations may also lead toCompany could have significant fluctuations in certain asset and liability accounts. The Company historically experiences its greatest sales activity during the fall season, the third and fourth fiscal quarters, due to Back-to-School and Holiday sales periods, respectively.


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CURRENT TRENDS AND OUTLOOK

ThroughoutCOVID-19

As a result of COVID 19, in January 2020, we began to experience business disruptions in the lifetimeAPAC region, including the temporary closure of stores in China and the surrounding area, modified operating hours in certain stores that remained open, and a decline in traffic. In late February 2020, the situation escalated as the scope of COVID-19 worsened beyond the APAC region, with the U.S. and the EMEA region experiencing significant outbreaks. In March 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak was declared to be a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. In response to COVID-19, certain governments have imposed travel restrictions and local statutory quarantines and we have recommended associates who are able to perform their role remotely to do so. We are reacting to the COVID-19 situation on a daily basis, including by conforming to local government guidance and monitoring developments in government legislation or other government actions in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

In mid-March 2020, with the well-being of our Company,customers, associates and business partners in mind, we have taken stridestemporarily closed our Company-operated stores across brands in North America and the EMEA region. We began to transform our brands as consumer habits and shopping preferences change. We aim to keep pace with and anticipate our customers’ needs throughreopen these stores on a test-and-learn mentality, which has been embedded throughout our organization. Our plans for long-term growth are centered around our strategic pillars and are best categorized into three planned phases:
Phase I: Stabilizing while Transforming
Fiscal 2015 through Fiscal 2017
Phase II: Growing while Transforming
Fiscal 2018 through Fiscal 2020
Phase III: Accelerating Growth
Fiscal 2021 and thereafter

Fiscal 2019 is the second year of Phase II, Growing while Transforming,” which we expect to continue through Fiscalrolling basis beginning in late April 2020. We have developedexperienced sales productivity for reopened stores of approximately 80% and 60% for the U.S. and the EMEA region, respectively, since their reopenings as compared to last year’s levels. The majority of our stores in the APAC region have reopened, although many with temporarily reduced operating hours. We plan to follow the guidance of local governments to determine when we can reopen remaining stores and to evaluate whether further store closures will be necessary. As of June 5, 2020, approximately 58% of Company-operated stores were open.

We are following guidance from government and health authorities, and complying with the requirements, to put a range of precautionary measures in place, including:
Requiring associates to use face coverings;
Encouraging or requiring customers to use face coverings, in accordance with local government direction;
Conducting associate wellness checks in accordance with local government direction;
Enhancing cleaning routines;
Implementing various measures to encourage social distancing, including managing occupancy limits;
Installing plexiglass barriers at checkout in some locations;
Encouraging contactless payment options, where available;
Opening fitting rooms where permissible, with additional cleaning and social distancing procedures;
Reducing hours in select locations;
Removing returned merchandise from the sales floor for a period of time; and
Continuing to offer in-store pickups for online orders at certain locations when selected during the online checkout.


Our robust digital operations across brands have continued to serve our customers during this unprecedented period of temporary store closures as our distribution centers implemented enhanced cleaning and social distancing measures in order to remain operational. We experienced 25% digital sales growth for the first quarter of Fiscal 2020 as compared to the first quarter of Fiscal 2019, with month-over-month acceleration in digital sales growth since temporary store closures were enacted in mid-March. This growth has further accelerated in May. Despite the recent strength in digital sales, we have historically generated the majority of our revenue through stores and there can be no assurance that the current performance in the digital channel will continue.

We are focused on managing inventories and the impacts COVID-19 has had, and continues to have, on our global supply chain, including potential disruptions of product deliveries. We source the majority of our merchandise outside of the U.S. through arrangements with vendors primarily located in southeast Asia. In order to complete production, these vendors’ manufacturing factories are dependent on raw materials from fabric mills that are primarily located in the APAC region. We continue to collaborate with our third-party partners to mitigate significant delays in delivery of merchandise as certain factories are operating at a limited capacity. During the first quarter of Fiscal 2020, we reduced certain orders that were not already in production, delayed and recadenced deliveries and implemented various strategies to tightly manage inventories, including utilizing our ship-from-store capabilities in select locations to unlock in-store inventory.

We remain committed to, and confident in, our long-term vision and continue to evaluate opportunities to make progress against our key transformation initiatives while balancing the near-term challenges and unprecedented uncertainty presented by COVID-19. Our progress executing against the following key transformation initiatives in orderhas created the foundation to deliver on our previously disclosed Fiscal 2020 targets:allow us to quickly respond to COVID-19:
Optimizing our global store network;
Enhancing digital and omnichannel capabilities;
Increasing the speed and efficiency of our concept-to-consumerconcept-to-customer product life cycle by further investing in capabilities to position our supply chain for greater speed, agility and efficiency, while leveraging data and analytics to offer the right product at the right time and the right price; and
Improving our customer engagement through our loyalty programs and marketing optimization.

A summaryWe entered this period of resultsuncertainty with a healthy liquidity position and have taken and continue to take immediate, aggressive and prudent actions, including reevaluating all expenditures, to balance our short and long-term liquidity needs, in order to best position the business for our key stakeholders. We have taken and continue to take various actions to preserve liquidity and manage cash flows, including, but not limited to:
Partnering with merchandise and non-merchandise vendors in regards to payment terms;
Reducing and recadencing inventory receipts to better align inventory with expected market demand;
Reducing expenses to better align operating costs with sales;
Implementing various compensation actions related to our store and corporate associates, as well as our non-associate directors;
Borrowing $210.0 million under our Amended ABL Facility in March 2020 to improve our cash position;
Withdrawing $50.0 million from the second quarter ended August 3, 2019:overfunded Rabbi Trust assets in March 2020, which represented the majority of excess funds; and
Net sales decreased 0.2%Suspending our share repurchase program in March 2020 and suspending the dividend program in May 2020. We believe these suspensions to $841.1be temporary and plan to review throughout the year to determine, in light of facts and circumstances at that time, whether and when to reinstate these programs.  

As of May 2, 2020 we had liquidity of $763.4 million and increased 1% on a constant currency basis as compared to last year.
Comparable sales were flat against positive comparable sales$913.8 million as of 3% last year.
Gross profit rate of 59.3% was down 90 basis points to last year.
Operating expense, excluding other operating income, of $537.8 million included $45.0 million of flagship store exit charges. Operating expense deleveraged 370 basis points and 470 basis points on a GAAP and an adjusted non-GAAP basis, respectively, reflecting a 530 basis point adverse impact from flagship store exit charges.
Operating loss of $39.5 million. Operating margin decreased 470 basis points from last year to a loss of 4.7%, primarily driven by the adverse impact of flagship store exit charges of 530 basis points. Excluding asset impairment charges last year, adjusted non-GAAP operating margin decreased 580 basis points or 530 basis points on a constant currency basis as compared to last year.
Net loss per diluted share was $0.48, reflecting the estimated adverse impact from flagship store exit charges of $0.50. This compares to GAAP net loss per diluted share of $0.06, adjusted non-GAAP net income per diluted share of $0.06 or $0.01 per diluted share on a constant currency basis.

Trends improved throughout the second quarter ended August 3, 2019, resulting in net sales down 0.2% from last year, which reflects adverse impacts from changes in foreign currency exchange rates of approximately $10 million. On a constant currency basis, we experienced net sales growth of approximately 1%. The second quarter also reflects $45 million of charges related to the previously announced exits of our SoHo Hollister flagship store in New York City and our Fukuoka, Japan Abercrombie flagship store. In addition to these flagship store closures, which are a part of our key transformation initiative ‘Global Store Network Optimization’, we continue to execute on our other transformation initiatives and remain focused on achieving our Fiscal 2020 target of doubling our Fiscal 2017 adjusted non-GAAP operating income margin of 2.9%.

For the full year of Fiscal 2019, we expect:
Net sales to be in the range of flat to up 2%, driven by comparable sales and net new store contribution, partially offset by an adverse impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates of approximately $45 million;
Comparable sales to be in the range of flat to up 2%, against positive comparable sales of 3% last year;
Gross profit rate to be down in the range of 50 to 90 basis points from the Fiscal 2018 rate of 60.2% reflecting adverse impacts from changes in foreign currency exchange rates of approximately 40 basis points and anticipated China tariffs of approximately 20 basis points;
Operating expense, excluding other operating income, to be up in the range of 2% to 3% from Fiscal 2018 adjusted non-GAAP operating expense of $2.03 billion, including flagship store exit charges in the second quarter of Fiscal 2019 of $45 million;
The effective tax rate to be in the mid 20s;
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding of approximately 66 million shares, excluding the effect of potential share buybacks; and
Capital investments of approximately $200 million.

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Global Store Network Optimization

Reflecting a continued focus on one of our key transformation initiatives ‘Global Store Network Optimization’, we continue to pivot away from large format flagship stores and strive to open smaller, more productive omnichannel focused brand experiences.

As a result, we have closed certain of our flagship stores and may have additional closures as we execute against this strategy. For context, at the end of Fiscal 2018, we had 19 flagship stores, and at the end of the second quarter of Fiscal 2019, we had reduced our fleet to 17 flagship stores. Details related to previously announced flagship store closures are as follows:
LocationBrandActual or expected flagship store closure date
Pedder Street, Hong KongAbercrombieClosed in the first quarter of Fiscal 2017
Copenhagen, DenmarkAbercrombieClosed in the first quarter of Fiscal 2019
SoHo in New York CityHollisterClosed in the second quarter of Fiscal 2019
Milan, ItalyAbercrombieExpected to close by the end of Fiscal 2019
Fukuoka, JapanAbercrombieExpected to close in the second half of Fiscal 2020
February 1, 2020.

We planhave seen, and may continue to continue our efforts ‘Global Store Network Optimization’ efforts and expect to deliver approximately 85 new store experiences in Fiscal 2019 across brands, including approximately 40 new stores, approximately 25 remodeled stores and approximately 20 right-sizes. We also expect to close up to 40 stores in Fiscal 2019, primarily in the U.S. through natural lease expirations. In addition to natural lease expirations, certain other of our leases also include early termination options that can be exercised under specific conditions, allowing for significant lease flexibility. We may also elect to exit or modify our other leases, and could incur charges related to these actions.

Certain risks and challenges

We are a global multi-brand omnichannel specialty retailer, with operations in North America, Europe and Asia, among other regions and,see, material adverse impacts as a result weof COVID-19. Current circumstances are mindful of macroeconomic risksdynamic and challenges that could adverselyfuture impacts, including the duration and impact certain areas of our business.on overall customer demand, are uncertain.

Specifically, there continuesIt is possible that our preparations for the events listed above are not adequate to be uncertainty with respectmitigate their impact, and that these events could further adversely affect our business and results of operations. For discussion of significant risks that have the potential to trade policies, tariffs and government regulations affecting trade between the U.S. and other countries, such as the threat of additional tariffs on imported consumer goodscause our actual results to differ materially from China. In May 2019, tariffs on certain imported merchandise from Chinaour expectations, refer to the U.S. increaseddisclosures under the heading “FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND RISK FACTORS” in “ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS” of A&F’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal 2019.

United Kingdom’s withdrawal from 10% to 25%, and in August 2019 these List 3 tariffs increased to 30%. Our products affected by these List 3 tariffs include fashion accessories, handbags and hats. In addition, List 4 tariffs of up to 25% were proposed on certain other imported merchandise from China to the U.S., including select apparel and footwear. These List 4 tariffs are now in effect at the starting rate of 15%. The imposition of these List 3 and List 4 tariffs, based on the List 4 starting rate of 15%, are expected to have a direct adverse impact on cost of merchandise and gross profit of approximately $6 million for the fall season of Fiscal 2019. In response to the recent trade developments between the U.S. and China, we believe we have a number of tools available to help mitigate this risk and continue to focus on the diversification of our global supply chain. Our team has taken actions to proactively prepare for potential impacts, including shifting production into other countries and regions to both existing and new partners as necessary. As a reminder, only a portion of total goods sourced from China in Fiscal 2018 were subject to tariffs. Specifically, in Fiscal 2018 approximately 25% of our total global merchandise receipts were sourced from China and imported to the U.S. We continue to believe we have the ability to reduce this percentage to under 20% in Fiscal 2019 and to the low-teens in Fiscal 2020.European Union (“Brexit”)

In addition, in June 2016, the United Kingdom passed a referendum to recommend exitingwithdrawing from the European Union. Although the United Kingdom left the European Union in January 2020, the final terms of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal remain unclear. We believe that this referendum and the uncertainty surrounding the terms of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal adversely impacted international sales results in Fiscal 2019, with decreased traffic and declining values of the Euro and British Pound as compared to the U.S. Dollar over Fiscal 2018.

Upon withdrawal from the Europe Union in January 2020, the United Kingdom entered a transition period during which has resultedthere will be on-going negotiations. During this transition period, the United Kingdom’s existing trading relationship with the European Union will remain in greaterplace and it will continue to follow the European Union's rules. It is not clear at this time what, if any, agreements will

be reached by the current December 31, 2020 transition period deadline, or the impact that COVID-19 may have on the negotiation timeline.

There is continued uncertainty related to the impact on consumer behavior, trade relations, economic conditions, foreign currency exchange rates and the free movement of goods, services, people and capital between the United Kingdom and the European Union consumer behavior, economic conditions and foreign currency exchange rates. We are preparing for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union on October 31, 2019 and the potential impactsduring this time of transition. The United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union remain unclear and could also adversely impact certainother areas of our business, including, but not limited to, an increase in duties and delays in the delivery of merchandise from our Netherlands DCdistribution center to our stores and direct-to-consumer customers in the United Kingdom if trade barriers materialize at ports of entry and departure.materialize. The potential impacts of United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union could also adversely impact the operations of our vendors. vendors and of our other third-party partners.

In order to mitigate the risks associated with the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union, our team has begun to proactively prepare for potential adverse impacts byis: collaborating across the organization and testing our systems as well assystems; working with external partners to develop the necessary contingency plans. We have also takenplans for potential adverse impacts; and taking actions to reduce, to the extent possible, the potential impact of any incremental duty exposure.


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We continue to monitor certain other events of global, political unrest, including the ongoing protests in Hong Kong. Our team continues to proactively assess the potential impacts these protests and similar events may have on the business and is preparing for potential adverse impacts by developing contingency plans.

It is possible that our preparations for thesethe events listed above are not adequate to mitigate their impact, and that these events could further adversely affect our business and results of operations. For further discussion of significant risk factorsrisks that have the potential to cause our actual results to differ materially from our expectations, refer to the disclosures under the heading “FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND RISK FACTORS” in “ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS,” included inFACTORS” of A&F’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal 2018.2019.

SUMMARY OF RESULTSGlobal Store Network Optimization

The table below summarizesA component of optimizing our resultsglobal store fleet is pivoting away from large format flagship stores as we strive to open smaller, more productive omnichannel focused brand experiences. As a result, we have closed certain of operations determined in accordance with GAAPour flagship stores and non-GAAP financial measures,may have additional closures as we execute against this strategy. Although some of these closures may be completed through natural lease expirations, certain other of our leases include early termination options that can be exercised under specific conditions. We may also elect to exit or modify our other leases, and other financial data forcould incur charges related to these actions.

For context, at the thirteenbeginning of Fiscal 2019, we had 19 flagship stores, and twenty-six week periods ended August 3, 2019 and August 4, 2018. Discussion on whyas of the Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measuresend of the first quarter of Fiscal 2020, we had 15 flagship stores. Details related to recently closed flagship stores are useful to investors is provided below under “NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES.”as follows:
  August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018
(in thousands, except change in net sales, comparable sales, gross profit rate, operating loss margin and per share amounts) GAAP 
Non-GAAP (1)
 GAAP 
Non-GAAP (1)
Thirteen Weeks Ended        
Net sales $841,078
 
 $842,414
 
Change in net sales (0.2)%   8 %  
Comparable sales (2)
   0 %   3 %
Gross profit rate 59.3 %   60.2 %  
Operating (loss) income $(39,484) $(39,484) $223
 $8,894
Operating (loss) income margin (4.7)% (4.7)% 0.0 % 1.1 %
Net (loss) income attributable to A&F $(31,142) $(31,142) $(3,853) $4,171
Net (loss) income per diluted share attributable to A&F $(0.48) $(0.48) $(0.06) $0.06
         
Twenty-six Weeks Ended        
Net sales $1,575,050
 
 $1,573,313
 
Change in net sales 0.1 %   9 %  
Comparable sales (2)
   1 %   4 %
Gross profit rate 59.9 %   60.3 %  
Operating loss $(66,742) $(66,742) $(41,980) $(27,709)
Operating loss margin (4.2)% (4.2)% (2.7)% (1.8)%
Net loss attributable to A&F $(50,297) $(50,297) $(46,314) $(34,231)
Net loss per diluted share attributable to A&F $(0.76) $(0.76) $(0.68) $(0.50)
Net cash (used for) provided by operating activities $(36,055)   $50,526
  
Purchases of property and equipment $(94,224)   $(54,115)  
Dividends paid $(26,385)   $(27,196)  
Purchase of Common Stock $(57,812)   $(43,670)  

Brand (1)
Flagship locationTiming of store closure
Abercrombie & FitchPedder Street, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, ChinaFirst quarter of Fiscal 2017
Abercrombie & FitchCopenhagen, DenmarkFirst quarter of Fiscal 2019
HollisterSoHo, New York City, U.S.Second quarter of Fiscal 2019
AbercrombieMilan, ItalyFourth quarter of Fiscal 2019
abercrombie kids (2)
London, United KingdomFourth quarter of Fiscal 2019
(1) 
Refer to RESULTS OF OPERATIONS for details on excluded items.
Abercrombie includes the Abercrombie & Fitch and abercrombie kids brands and, when used in the table above, signifies a location with an abercrombie kids carveout within an Abercrombie & Fitch store that would be represented as a single store count.
(2) 
Comparable sales are calculated on a constant currency basisThe abercrombie kids store in London will be converted to corporate office space and exclude revenue other than store and digital sales. Refer to the discussion below in “NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES,” for further details on the comparable sales calculation.
location will be utilized as our EMEA regional headquarters.

The table below provides certain components of the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of August 3, 2019 and February 2, 2019.
(in thousands) August 3, 2019 February 2, 2019
Cash and equivalents $499,757
 $723,135
Borrowings, gross at carrying amount $253,250
 $253,250
Inventories $487,109
 $437,879


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STORE ACTIVITY

StoreAdditional details related to store count and gross square footage by brand and geography for the twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2019 and August 4, 2018, respectively, wereare as follows:
 
Hollister (1)
 
Abercrombie (2)
 Total Company
 United States International United States International United States International Total
February 2, 2019393
 149
 270
 49
 663
 198
 861
New5
 3
 1
 
 6
 3
 9
Closed(3) 
 (3) (1) (6) (1) (7)
August 3, 2019395
 152
 268
 48
 663
 200
 863
Gross square footage (in thousands):
August 3, 20192,622
 1,250
 1,980
 624
 4,602
 1,874
 6,476
              
 
Hollister (1)
 
Abercrombie (2)
 Total Company
 United States International United States International United States International Total
February 3, 2018394
 144
 285
 45
 679
 189
 868
New2
 
 1
 2
 3
 2
 5
Closed
 
 (3) 
 (3) 
 (3)
August 4, 2018396
 144
 283
 47
 679
 191
 870
Gross square footage (in thousands):
August 4, 20182,685
 1,196
 2,182
 631
 4,867
 1,827
 6,694

 
Hollister (1)
 
Abercrombie (2)
 Total Company
 U.S. International U.S. International U.S. International Total
Number of stores:             
February 1, 2020391 155 256 52 647 207 854
New  1 1 1 1 2
Permanently closed(1) (2) (4)  (5) (2) (7)
May 2, 2020390 153 253 53 643 206 849
New1 1  2 1 3 4
Permanently closed(5)  (1)  (6)  (6)
June 5, 2020386 154 252 55 638 209 847
Number of stores currently open (3)
215 103 137 39 352 142 494
Percent of stores currently open (3)
56% 67% 54% 71% 55% 68% 58%
Gross square footage (in thousands):
             
May 2, 20202,594
 1,244
 1,812
 615
 4,406
 1,859
 6,265
(1)
Locations with Gilly Hicks carveouts within Hollister stores are represented as a single store count. Excludes nine10 international franchise stores as of August 3, 2019, eight international franchise storesMay 2, 2020 and nine as of February 2, 2019, seven international franchise stores as of August 4, 2018, and five international franchise stores as of February 3, 2018.1, 2020. Excludes six U.S. company operated Gilly Hicks14 Company-operated temporary stores as of August 3, 2019.May 2, 2020 and 16 as of February 1, 2020.

(2)
Abercrombie includes the Company’sCompany's Abercrombie & Fitch and abercrombie kids brands. Locations with abercrombie kids carveouts within Abercrombie & Fitch stores are represented as a single store count. Excludes seveneight international franchise stores as of each of August 3, 2019May 2, 2020 and February 2, 2019, six international franchise stores as of August 4, 2018, and four international franchise storesseven as of February 3, 2018.1, 2020. Excludes four U.S. company operated abercrombie kidsCompany-operated temporary stores as of August 3, 2019.May 2, 2020 and eight as of February 1, 2020.
(3)
In response to COVID-19, the Company temporarily closed certain of its Company-operated stores. These figures relate to the number of stores open as of June 5, 2020. Stores that have reopened after being temporarily closed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic may reflect modified operating hours.


Summary of results

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

THIRTEEN AND TWENTY-SIX WEEKS ENDED AUGUST 3,results for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2020 and May 4, 2019 VERSUS AUGUST 4, 2018

Net salesfollows:
 Thirteen Weeks Ended        
 August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018        
(in thousands)Net Sales Net Sales $ Change % Change 
Constant Currency % Change (1)
 
Comparable
Sales (1)
Hollister$504,758
 $500,836
 $3,922
 1% 2% 0%
Abercrombie (2)
336,320
 341,578
 (5,258) (2)% (1)% 0%
Total company$841,078
 $842,414
 $(1,336) 0% 1% 0%
            
United States$543,472
 $531,446
 $12,026
 2% 2% 2%
International297,606
 310,968
 (13,362) (4)% (1)% (3)%
Total company$841,078
 $842,414
 $(1,336) 0% 1% 0%
            
 Twenty-six Weeks Ended        
 August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018        
(in thousands)Net Sales Net Sales $ Change % Change 
Constant Currency % Change (1)
 
Comparable
Sales (1)
Hollister$933,203
 $924,464
 $8,739
 1% 3% 1%
Abercrombie (2)
641,847
 648,849
 (7,002) (1)% 0% 0%
Total net sales$1,575,050

$1,573,313

$1,737
 0% 2% 1%
            
United States$1,013,130
 $980,572
 $32,558
 3% 3% 3%
International561,920
 592,741
 (30,821) (5)% (1)% (3)%
Total net sales$1,575,050

$1,573,313

$1,737
 0% 2% 1%
  GAAP 
Non-GAAP (1)
(in thousands, except change in net sales, gross profit rate, operating margin and per share amounts) May 2, 2020
 May 4, 2019
 May 2, 2020
 May 4, 2019
Thirteen Weeks Ended        
Net sales $485,359
 $733,972
    
Change in net sales (33.9)% 0.4 %    
Gross profit rate 54.4 % 60.5 %    
Operating loss $(209,127) $(27,258) $(166,199) $(27,258)
Operating loss margin (43.1)% (3.7)% (34.2)% (3.7)%
Net loss attributable to A&F $(244,148) $(19,155) $(205,652) $(19,155)
Net loss per diluted share attributable to A&F $(3.90) $(0.29) $(3.29) $(0.29)

(1) 
Calculated on a constant currency basis. ReferDiscussion as to why the Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors is provided below under NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES. for further details.

Certain components of the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of May 2, 2020 and February 1, 2020 were as follows:
(in thousands) May 2, 2020
 February 1, 2020
Cash and equivalents $703,989
 $671,267
Gross short-term borrowings outstanding, carrying amount $210,000
 $
Gross long-term borrowings outstanding, carrying amount $233,250
 $233,250
Inventories $426,594
 $434,326

Certain components of the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the thirteen week periods ended May 2, 2020 and May 4, 2019 were as follows:
(in thousands) May 2, 2020
 May 4, 2019
Net cash used for operating activities $(90,776) $(71,316)
Purchases of property and equipment $(46,990) $(43,872)
Purchases of Common Stock $(15,172) $
Dividends paid $(12,556) $(13,246)
Proceeds from Amended ABL Facility borrowings $210,000
 $

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net sales

The Company’s net sales by operating segment for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2020 and May 4, 2019 were as follows:
 Thirteen Weeks Ended    
(in thousands)May 2, 2020
 May 4, 2019
 $ Change
 % Change
Hollister$273,012
 $428,448
 $(155,436) (36)%
Abercrombie (1)
212,347
 305,524
 (93,177) (30)%
Total$485,359
 $733,972
 $(248,613) (34)%

(2)(1) 
Includes Abercrombie & Fitch and abercrombie kids brands.

Net sales by geographic area are presented by attributing revenues to an individual country on the basis of the country in which the merchandise was sold for in-store purchases and the shipping location provided by customers for digital orders. The Company’s net sales by geographic area for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2020 and May 4, 2019 were as follows:
 Thirteen Weeks Ended    
(in thousands)May 2, 2020
 May 4, 2019
 $ Change
 % Change
U.S.$322,862
 $469,658
 $(146,796) (31)%
EMEA112,654
 173,944
 (61,290) (35)%
APAC32,335
 65,576
 (33,241) (51)%
Other17,508
 24,794
 (7,286) (29)%
International$162,497
 $264,314
 $(101,817) (39)%
Total$485,359
 $733,972
 $(248,613) (34)%

For the secondfirst quarter of Fiscal 2020, net sales decreased 34% as compared to the first quarter of Fiscal 2019, primarily due to a decrease in units sold driven by temporary store closures across brands in response to COVID-19. Lost sales from temporary store closures were partially offset by approximately 25% digital sales growth.

Average unit retail decreased year-over-year, driven by strategic and targeted promotions in response to the current retail environment, with changes in foreign currency exchange rates adversely impacting net sales by $7 million, or 1%. Excluding the adverse impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, net sales for the first quarter of Fiscal 2020 decreased 0.2%33% as compared to the secondfirst quarter of Fiscal 2018, reflecting a slight decrease in average unit retail and units sold remaining approximately flat year-over-year.

For the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2019, net sales increased 0.1% as compared to the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2018, with an increase in units sold, partially offset by a decrease in average unit retail.

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2019.

Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization
Thirteen Weeks EndedThirteen Weeks Ended 
August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018May 2, 2020 May 4, 2019 
(in thousands)  % of Net Sales   % of Net Sales  % of Net sales   % of Net sales 
BPS Change (1)
Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization$342,445
 40.7% $335,519
 39.8%$221,214
 45.6% $289,882
 39.5% 610
    
Gross profit$498,633
 59.3% $506,895
 60.2%
Gross profit on a constant currency basis (1)
$498,633
 59.3% $498,870
 59.9%
    
Twenty-six Weeks Ended
August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018
(in thousands)  % of Net Sales   % of Net Sales
Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization$632,327
 40.1% $624,073
 39.7%
    
Gross profit$942,723
 59.9% $949,240
 60.3%
Gross profit on a constant currency basis (1)
$942,723
 59.9% $932,770
 60.3%

(1) 
Refer to NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES, for further details.
The estimated basis point (“BPS”) change has been rounded based on the change in the percentage of net sales.

For the secondfirst quarter of Fiscal 2019,2020, cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, as a percentage of net sales increased by approximately 90610 basis points as compared to the secondfirst quarter of Fiscal 2018,2019. Current year results reflect the adverse impacts of approximately $15 million, or 300 basis points, of charges to reduce the carrying value of inventory, primarily as a result of the continued effects of COVID-19. The remainder of the year-over-year decline is primarily attributable to decreased average unit retail due to higherstrategic and targeted promotions in response to the current retail environment without a corresponding decrease in average unit costs driven by product mix,cost and slightly lower average unit retail.an adverse impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates of approximately 30 basis points.

Gross profit
 Thirteen Weeks Ended  
 May 2, 2020 May 4, 2019  
(in thousands)  % of Net sales   % of Net sales 
BPS Change (1)
Gross profit$264,145
 54.4% $444,090
 60.5% (610)

(1)
The estimated basis point change has been rounded based on the change in the percentage of net sales.
For the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2019,
Gross profit is derived from net sales less cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, as a percentage of net sales increased by approximately 40 basis points as compared to the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2018, primarily due to lower average unit retail without a corresponding decrease in average unit cost.amortization.

Stores and distribution expense
Thirteen Weeks EndedThirteen Weeks Ended 
August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018May 2, 2020 May 4, 2019 
(in thousands)  % of Net Sales   % of Net Sales  % of Net sales   % of Net sales 
BPS Change (1)
Stores and distribution expense$376,347
 44.7% $374,552
 44.5%$322,124
 66.4% $356,612
 48.6% 1,780
    
Twenty-six Weeks Ended
August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018
(in thousands)  % of Net Sales   % of Net Sales
Stores and distribution expense$732,959
 46.5% $731,899
 46.5%

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

For the first quarter of Fiscal 2020, stores and distribution expense decreased 10% as compared to the first quarter of Fiscal 2019, primarily driven by a $28 million reduction in payroll expense driven by temporary store closures in response to COVID-19, net of a benefit of $9 million related to expected government subsidies in certain jurisdictions where the Company qualifies. The Company also experienced a $14 million reduction in store occupancy expense driven by temporary store closures in response to COVID-19. These reductions in expense were partially offset by a $9 million increase in shipping and handling expense related to 25% growth in digital sales year-over-year.

For the secondfirst quarter of Fiscal 2019,2020, stores and distribution expense as a percentage of net sales increased by approximately 201,780 basis points as compared to the secondfirst quarter of Fiscal 2018,2019, primarily due to increased direct-to-consumer expense as a percentage of total netthe deleverage associated with lost sales partially offset by a decreasefrom temporary store closures in store occupancy expense as a percentage of net sales of approximately 40 basis points.

For the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2019, stores and distribution expense as a percentage of net sales was approximately flat as comparedresponse to the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2018, reflecting a decrease in store occupancy expense as a percentage of net sales of approximately 60 basis points and increased direct-to-consumer expense as a percentage of total net sales.

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COVID-19.

Marketing, general and administrative expense
Thirteen Weeks EndedThirteen Weeks Ended 
August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018May 2, 2020 May 4, 2019 
(in thousands)  % of Net Sales   % of Net Sales  % of Net sales   % of Net sales 
BPS Change (1)
Marketing, general and administrative expense$115,694
 13.8% $123,883
 14.7%$108,257
 22.3% $111,947
 15.3% 700
    
Twenty-six Weeks Ended
August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018
(in thousands)  % of Net Sales   % of Net Sales
Marketing, general and administrative expense$227,641
 14.5% $248,780
 15.8%
Deduct:    
Charges related to certain legal matters (1)

 0.0% (5,600) (0.4)%
Adjusted non-GAAP marketing, general and administrative expense$227,641
 14.5% $243,180
 15.5%

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

For the first quarter of Fiscal 2020, marketing, general and administrative expense decreased 3% as compared to the first quarter of Fiscal 2019, primarily driven by reductions in certain expenses related to the Company’s transformation initiatives and a decrease in marketing expense.

For the first quarter of Fiscal 2020, marketing, general and administrative expense as a percentage of net sales increased by approximately 700 basis points as compared to the first quarter of Fiscal 2019 primarily due to the deleverage associated with lost sales from temporary store closures in response to COVID-19.

Flagship store exit (benefits) charges
 Thirteen Weeks Ended  
 May 2, 2020 May 4, 2019  
(in thousands)  % of Net sales   % of Net sales 
BPS Change (1)
Flagship store exit (benefits) charges$(543) (0.1)% $1,744
 0.2% (30)

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

Refer to Note 17, “FLAGSHIP STORE EXIT (BENEFITS) CHARGES.”


Asset impairment, exclusive of flagship store exit charges
 Thirteen Weeks Ended  
 May 2, 2020 May 4, 2019  
(in thousands)  % of Net sales   % of Net sales 
BPS Change (1)
Asset impairment, exclusive of flagship store exit charges$42,928
 8.8% $1,662
 0.2% 860
Excluded items:         
Asset impairment charges (2)
(42,928) (8.8)% 
 0.0% (890)
Adjusted non-GAAP asset impairment, exclusive of flagship store exit charges$
 0.0% $1,662
 0.2% (30)

(1)
The estimated basis point change has been rounded based on the change in the percentage of net sales.
(2)
Refer to NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES, for further details.

Refer to Note 9, “ASSET IMPAIRMENT.”

Other operating loss (income), net
 Thirteen Weeks Ended  
 May 2, 2020 May 4, 2019  
(in thousands)  % of Net sales   % of Net sales 
BPS Change (1)
Other operating (loss) income, net$(506) (0.1)% $617
 0.1% 20

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

Operating loss
 Thirteen Weeks Ended  
 May 2, 2020 May 4, 2019  
(in thousands)  % of Net sales   % of Net sales 
BPS Change (1)
Operating loss$(209,127) (43.1)% $(27,258) (3.7)% (3,940)
Excluded items:         
Asset impairment charges (2)
42,928
 8.8% 
 0.0% 890
Adjusted non-GAAP operating loss$(166,199) (34.2)% $(27,258) (3.7)% (3,050)
Adverse impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates
 0.0% (3,115) (0.4)% 50
Adjusted non-GAAP operating loss on a constant currency basis (2)
$(166,199) (34.2)% $(30,373) (4.2)% (3,000)

(1)
The estimated basis point change has been rounded based on the change in the percentage of net sales.
(2)
Refer to NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES, for further details.

Interest expense, net
 Thirteen Weeks Ended  
 May 2, 2020 May 4, 2019  
(in thousands)  % of Net sales   % of Net sales 
BPS Change (1)
Interest expense$5,073
 1.0% $4,532
 0.6% 40
Interest income(1,702) (0.4)% (3,916) (0.5)% 10
Interest expense, net$3,371
 0.7% $616
 0.1% 60

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

For the first quarter of Fiscal 2020, interest expense, net increased $2.8 million as compared to the first quarter of Fiscal 2019. The year-over-year increase in interest expense, net, is primarily due to lower interest income earned on the Company’s investments and cash holdings and an increase in interest expense related to certain of the Company’s long-term obligations.


Income tax expense (benefit)
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 May 2, 2020 May 4, 2019
(in thousands, except ratios)  Effective Tax Rate   Effective Tax Rate
Income tax expense (benefit)$31,533
 (14.8)% $(9,588) 34.4%
Excluded items:       
Tax effect of pre-tax excluded items (1)
4,432
 


  
Adjusted non-GAAP income tax expense (benefit)$35,965
 (21.2)% $(9,588) 34.4%

(1) 
Includes legal charges in connection with a then proposed settlement of a class action claim, which received final court approval and was paid in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2018.

For the second quarter of Fiscal 2019, marketing, general and administrative expense as a percentage of net sales decreased by approximately 90 basis points as compared to the second quarter of Fiscal 2018, primarily due to decreased performance-based compensation expense, decreased consulting costs and a reduction in depreciation expense on information technology assets. These decreases were partially offset by employee severance charges recognized in the second quarter of Fiscal 2019 and an increase in marketing spend.

For the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2019, marketing, general and administrative expense as a percentage of net sales decreased by approximately 130 basis points as compared to the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2018, primarily due to decreased performance-based compensation expense, the impact of the $5.6 million, or 40 basis points, of charges related to certain legal matters on last year’s results, decreased consulting expenses and a reduction in depreciation expense on information technology assets. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in marketing spend and employee severance charges recognized in the second quarter of Fiscal 2019. Excluding the $5.6 million of charges related to certain legal matters presented above, year-to-date Fiscal 2019 adjusted non-GAAP marketing, general and administrative expense as a percentage of net sales decreased by approximately 100 basis points as compared to the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2018.

Flagship store exit charges
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018
(in thousands)  % of Net Sales   % of Net Sales
Flagship store exit charges$44,994
 5.3% $
 0.0%
        
 Twenty-six Weeks Ended
 August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018
(in thousands)  % of Net Sales   % of Net Sales
Flagship store exit charges$46,738
 3.0% $3,808
 0.2%

For the second quarter and year-to-date period of Fiscal 2019, flagship store exit charges as a percentage of net sales increased by approximately 530 and 280 basis points, respectively, as compared to the second quarter and year-to-date period of Fiscal 2018, primarily due to charges related to the closure of the SoHo Hollister flagship in New York City in the second quarter of Fiscal 2019. Refer to Note 14, “FLAGSHIP STORE EXIT CHARGES.”


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Table of Contents


Asset impairment, exclusive of flagship store exit charges
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018
(in thousands)  % of Net Sales   % of Net Sales
Asset impairment, exclusive of flagship store exit charges$715
 0.1% $8,671
 1.0%
        
 Twenty-six Weeks Ended
 August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018
(in thousands)  % of Net Sales   % of Net Sales
Asset impairment, exclusive of flagship store exit charges$2,377
 0.2% $9,727
 0.6%

For the second quarter and year-to-date period of Fiscal 2019, asset impairment as a percentage of net sales decreased by approximately 90 basis points and 40 basis points as compared to the second quarter and year-to-date period of Fiscal 2018, respectively. Refer to Note 8, “ASSET IMPAIRMENT” for further details on the asset impairment charges listed above.

Other operating (loss) income, net
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018
(in thousands)  % of Net Sales   % of Net Sales
Other operating (loss) income, net$(367) 0.0% $434
 0.1%
        
 Twenty-six Weeks Ended
 August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018
(in thousands)  % of Net Sales   % of Net Sales
Other operating income, net$250
 0.0% $2,994
 0.2%

For the second quarter and year-to-date period of Fiscal 2019, other operating (loss) income, net as a percentage of net sales decreased by approximately 10 basis points and 20 basis points as compared to the second quarter and year-to-date period of Fiscal 2018, respectively.


35

Table of Contents


Operating (loss) income
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018
(in thousands)  % of Net Sales   % of Net Sales
Operating (loss) income$(39,484) (4.7)% $223
 0.0%
Deduct:       
Certain asset impairment charges
 0.0% 8,671
 1.0%
Adjusted non-GAAP operating (loss) income$(39,484) (4.7)% $8,894
 1.1%
Adjusted non-GAAP operating (loss) income on a constant currency basis (1)
$(39,484) (4.7)% $4,587
 0.6%
        
 Twenty-six Weeks Ended
 August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018
(in thousands)  % of Net Sales   % of Net Sales
Operating loss$(66,742) (4.2)% $(41,980) (2.7)%
Deduct:       
Certain asset impairment charges
 0.0% 8,671
 0.6%
Charges related to certain legal matters (2)

 0.0% 5,600
 0.4%
Adjusted non-GAAP operating loss$(66,742) (4.2)% $(27,709) (1.8)%
Adjusted non-GAAP operating loss on a constant currency basis (1)
$(66,742) (4.2)% $(34,338) (2.2)%

(1)
Refer to NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES, for further details.
(2)
Includes legal charges in connection with a then proposed settlement of a class action claim, which received final court approval and was paid in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2018.

For the second quarter of Fiscal 2019, operating (loss) income as a percentage of net sales decreased by approximately 470 basis points as compared to the second quarter of Fiscal 2018, primarily due to the adverse impact of flagship store exit charges in the second quarter of Fiscal 2019 of approximately 530 basis points, the net year-over-year impact of items presented in the table above and the adverse impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates of approximately 50 basis points, net of hedging. Excluding items presented above, second quarter of Fiscal 2019 adjusted non-GAAP operating (loss) income as a percentage of net sales decreased by approximately 580 basis points as compared to the second quarter of Fiscal 2018.

For the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2019, operating loss as a percentage of net sales decreased by approximately 150 basis points as compared to the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2018, primarily due to flagship store exit charges in the second quarter of Fiscal 2019 of approximately 530 basis points, the net year-over-year impact of items presented in the table above and the adverse impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates of approximately 40 basis points, net of hedging. Excluding items presented above, year-to-date Fiscal 2019 adjusted non-GAAP operating loss as a percentage of net sales decreased by approximately 240 basis points as compared to the year-to-period of Fiscal 2018.

Refer to Note 14, “FLAGSHIP STORE EXIT CHARGES,” for further discussion.


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Table of Contents


Interest expense, net
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018
(in thousands)  % of Net Sales   % of Net Sales
Interest expense$4,479
 0.5% $5,695
 0.7%
Interest income(3,109) (0.4)% (2,672) (0.3)%
Interest expense, net$1,370
 0.2% $3,023
 0.4%
        
 Twenty-six Weeks Ended
 August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018
(in thousands)  % of Net Sales   % of Net Sales
Interest expense$9,011
 0.6% $11,357
 0.7%
Interest income(7,025) (0.4)% (5,316) (0.3)%
Interest expense, net$1,986
 0.1% $6,041
 0.4%

For the second quarter and year-to-date period of Fiscal 2019, interest expense, net as a percentage of net sales decreased by approximately 20 basis points and 30 basis points, respectively, as compared to the second quarter and year-to-date period of Fiscal 2018. These decreases were primarily due to the elimination of leasehold financing obligations and corresponding interest expense related to these obligations upon adoption of the new lease accounting standard on February 3, 2019. In addition, higher interest income earned on the Company’s investments and cash holdings contributed to the decrease in interest expense, net as a percentage of net sales.

Income tax (benefit) expense
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018
(in thousands, except ratios)  Effective Tax Rate   Effective Tax Rate
Income tax (benefit) expense$(11,330) 27.7% $24
 (0.9)%
Deduct:       
Tax effect of excluded items (1)

 

2,689
  
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 charges
   (2,042)  
Adjusted non-GAAP income tax (benefit) expense$(11,330) 27.7% $671
 11.4%
        
 Twenty-six Weeks Ended
 August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018
(in thousands, except ratios)  Effective Tax Rate   Effective Tax Rate
Income tax benefit$(20,918) 30.4% $(3,689) 7.7%
Deduct:       
Tax effect of excluded items (1)

   4,230
  
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 charges
   (2,042)  
Adjusted non-GAAP income tax benefit$(20,918) 30.4% $(1,501) 4.4%

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

ForThe Company’s effective tax rate for the secondfirst quarter of Fiscal 2019, the year-over-year change in the effective2020 was adversely impacted by $90.9 million of adverse tax rate as comparedimpacts, ultimately giving rise to the secondincome tax expense on a consolidated pre-tax loss and adversely impacting first quarter of Fiscal 2018, which is highly sensitive at lower levels of pre-tax earnings, was primarily driven2020 net loss per diluted share by changes in the level and mix of consolidated pre-tax earnings between operating and valuation allowance jurisdictions.$1.45. These adverse tax impacts are as follows:

In the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2019, the effective tax rate was impacted by discreteThe Company did not recognize income tax benefits on $212.0 million of $1.0 million,pre-tax losses generated in the first quarter of Fiscal 2020 in certain jurisdictions as compared tothe Company currently anticipates pre-tax losses in these jurisdictions for the fiscal year, resulting in adverse tax impacts of $56.6 million.
The Company recognized discrete non-cash income tax charges of $7.9 million in the year-to-date period of Fiscal 2018, primarily related to the exercise and expiration of certain share-based compensation awards.

In the second quarter and year-to-date period of Fiscal 2018, the effective tax rate was also impacted by discrete income tax charges of $2.0$34.3 million related to the then provisional estimateestablishment of valuation allowances and other tax charges in certain jurisdictions, including, but not limited to Switzerland, Germany and the U.S. principally as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Actsignificant adverse impacts of 2017.COVID-19.

37

Refer to Note 11, “Table of ContentsINCOME TAXES

.”

Net (loss) income and Net (loss) income per shareloss attributable to A&F
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018
(in thousands)  % of Net Sales   % of Net Sales
Net loss attributable to A&F$(31,142) (3.7)% $(3,853) (0.5)%
Adjusted non-GAAP net (loss) income attributable to A&F (1)
$(31,142) (3.7)% $4,171
 0.5%
 
   
  
Net loss per diluted share attributable to A&F$(0.48) 
 $(0.06) 
Adjusted non-GAAP net (loss) income per diluted share attributable to A&F (1)
$(0.48)   $0.06
  
Adjusted non-GAAP net (loss) income per diluted share attributable to A&F on a constant currency basis (2)
$(0.48)   $0.01
  
        
 Twenty-six Weeks Ended
 August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018
(in thousands)  % of Net Sales   % of Net Sales
Net loss attributable to A&F$(50,297) (3.2)% $(46,314) (2.9)%
Adjusted non-GAAP net loss attributable to A&F (1)
$(50,297) (3.2)% $(34,231) (2.2)%
        
Net loss per diluted share attributable to A&F$(0.76)   $(0.68)  
Adjusted non-GAAP net loss per diluted share attributable to A&F (1)
$(0.76)   $(0.50)  
Adjusted non-GAAP net loss per diluted share attributable to A&F on a constant currency basis (2)
$(0.76)   $(0.57)  
 Thirteen Weeks Ended  
 
May 2, 2020 (1)
 May 4, 2019  
(in thousands)  % of Net sales   % of Net sales 
BPS Change (2)
Net loss attributable to A&F$(244,148) (50.3)% $(19,155) (2.6)% (4,770)
Excluded items, net of tax (3)
38,496
 7.9% 
 0.0% 790
Adjusted non-GAAP net loss attributable to A&F$(205,652) (42.4)% $(19,155) (2.6)% (3,980)

(1) 
Results for the first quarter of Fiscal 2020 reflect adverse tax impacts of $90.9 million, or $1.45 per diluted share, related to valuation allowances on deferred tax assets and other tax charges.
Excludes(2)
The estimated basis point change has been rounded based on the change in the percentage of net sales.
(3)
Excluded items presented above under “Operating (loss) incomeloss,” and “Income tax expense (benefit) expense.

Net loss per diluted share attributable to A&F
 Thirteen Weeks Ended  
 
May 2, 2020 (1)
 May 4, 2019 $ Change
Net loss per diluted share attributable to A&F$(3.90) $(0.29) $(3.61)
Excluded items, net of tax (2)
0.62
 
 0.62
Adjusted non-GAAP net loss per diluted share attributable to A&F$(3.29) $(0.29) $(3.00)
Adverse impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates
 (0.03) 0.03
Adjusted non-GAAP net loss per diluted share attributable to A&F on a constant currency basis$(3.29) $(0.32) $(2.97)

(1)
Results for the first quarter of Fiscal 2020 reflect adverse tax impacts of $90.9 million, or $1.45 per diluted share, related to valuation allowances on deferred tax assets and other tax charges.
(2) 
Refer to Excluded items presented above under NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES,Operating loss,” and “Income tax expense (benefit). for further details.



LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

HISTORICAL SOURCES AND USES OF CASHOverview

SeasonalityThe Company’s capital allocation strategy, priorities and investments are reviewed by the Company’s Board of Directors considering both liquidity and valuation factors. The Company’s current capital allocation strategy is to prioritize navigating the near-term challenges that COVID-19 presents and continuing to fund operating activities. The Company believes that it will have adequate liquidity to fund operating activities over the next 12 months.

The Company had cash flowsand equivalents of $704.0 million and $671.3 million as of May 2, 2020 and February 1, 2020, respectively. As of May 30, 2020, subsequent to the end of the first quarter of Fiscal 2020, the Company had cash and equivalents of approximately $730 million.

Primary sources of cash

The Company’s business has two principal selling seasons: the spring season, which includes the first and second fiscal quarters (“Spring”) and the fall season, which includes the third and fourth fiscal quarters (“Fall”). As is typical in the apparel industry, theThe Company generally experiences its greatest sales activity during the Fall season, due to Back-to-Schoolthe back-to-school and Holidayholiday sales periods. The Company relies on excess operating cash flows, which are largely generated in Fall, to fund operations throughout the year and to reinvest in the business to support future growth. The Company also has aan asset-based senior secured revolving credit facility available as a source of additional funding.

Credit Facilities

On August 7, 2014, A&F, through its subsidiary Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co. (“A&F Management”) as the lead borrower (with A&F and certain other subsidiaries as borrowers or guarantors), entered into an asset-based revolving credit agreement.

On October 19, 2017,As a precautionary measure in response to COVID-19, in March 2020, the Company through its subsidiary A&F Management, entered into the Second Amendment to Credit Agreement (the “ABL Second Amendment”), amending and extending the maturity date ofborrowed $210 million under the asset-based revolving credit agreementfacility to October 19, 2022. As amended,improve its cash position and withdrew the asset-based revolving credit agreement continues to provide for a senior secured credit facilitymajority of up to $400excess funds from the overfunded Rabbi Trust assets, providing the Company with $50 million (the “Amended ABL Facility”).of additional cash.

As of August 3, 2019, the borrowing base on the Amended ABL Facility was $345.1 million.

The Company uses, in the ordinary course of business, stand-by letters of credit under the existing Amended ABL Facility. As of both August 3, 2019 and FebruaryMay 2, 2019,2020, the Company had not drawn on the Amended ABL Facility, but had approximately $0.4 million of outstanding stand-by letters of credit under the Amended ABL Facility.

As of August 3, 2019, the Company hadremaining availability under the Amended ABL Facility of $344.7 million. In addition,$89.4 million, net of $0.8 million in outstanding stand-by letters of credit. As the Company must maintain excess availability equal to the greater of 10% of the loan cap or $30 million must be maintained under the Amended ABL Facility.

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As of February 2, 2019, A&F, through its subsidiary A&F Management as the borrower (with A&F and certain other subsidiaries as guarantors), also entered into a term loan agreement on August 7, 2014, which provides for a term loan facility of $300 million (the “Term Loan Facility” and, together with the Amended ABL Facility, the “Credit Facilities”).

On June 22, 2018, A&F, through its subsidiary A&F Management, entered into the Term Loan Second Amendment, which, among other things, repriced the Term Loan Facility by reducing the applicable margins for term loans by 0.25%.

The interest rate on borrowings under the Term Loan Facility was 5.77% as of August 3, 2019.

The Company’s Term Loan debt is presented in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, net of the unamortized discount and fees. Net borrowings as of August 3, 2019 and February 2, 2019 were as follows:
(in thousands)August 3, 2019 February 2, 2019
Borrowings, gross at carrying amount$253,250
 $253,250
Unamortized discount(676) (845)
Unamortized fees(1,541) (1,966)
Borrowings, net251,033
 250,439
Less: short-term portion of borrowings, net
 
Long-term portion of borrowings, net$251,033
 $250,439

The material provisions of the Credit Facilities have not changed from those disclosed in Note 10, “BORROWINGS,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in “ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA” of A&F’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal 2018.

Operating activities

For the twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2019, net cash used for operating activities was $36.1 million as compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $50.5 million for the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2018. The year-over-year change in cash flow associated with operating activities reflects changes in the timing of payments to vendors, which resulted in increased payments in the first quarter of Fiscal 2019 as compared to the prior year, and decreased incentive compensation payments in Fiscal 2019 as compared to the prior year.

Investing activities

For the twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2019 and August 4, 2018, net cash outflows for investing activities were used primarily for purchases of property and equipment of $94.2 million and $54.1 million, respectively.

Financing activities

For the twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2019, net cash used for financing activities primarily consisted of the repurchase of approximately 3.5 million shares of A&F’s Common Stock in the open market with a market value of approximately $57.8 million and dividend payments of $26.4 million. For the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2018, cash used for financing activities consisted primarily of the repurchase of approximately 1.7 million shares of A&F’s Common Stock in the open market with a market value of approximately $43.7 million and dividend payments of $27.2 million.


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FUTURE CASH REQUIREMENTS AND SOURCES OF CASH

The Company’s capital allocation strategy remains to prioritize investments in the business to build on the foundation for sustainable long-term growth and seeks to invest in projects that have high expected returns. The Company also evaluates opportunities to accelerate potential investments, including improvements in customer experience, both in stores and online. These improvements include store remodels and right-sizes, new store openings, and acceleration of our transformation efforts. The Company also evaluates store closures, including flagship lease buyouts and options to early terminate its store leases. In addition, the Company returns cash to stockholders through dividends and completes share repurchases as deemed appropriate. Dividends are declared at the discretion of A&F’s Board of Directors. A&F’s Board of Directors reviews the dividend on a quarterly basis and establishes the dividend rate based on A&F’s financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, current and projected cash flows, business prospects and other factors which the Board of Directors deems relevant. Capital allocation priorities and investments are reviewed by the Company’s Board of Directors considering both liquidity and valuation factors.

To execute its capital allocation strategy, the Company relies on excess operating cash flows, which are largely generated in the Fall season, to fund operations throughout the fiscal year and to reinvest in the business to support future growth. The Company also has availability under the Amended ABL Facility, actual incremental borrowing available to the Company under the Amended ABL Facility was approximately $59.4 million as a source of additional funding. May 2, 2020.

Primary uses of cash

Over the next twelve months, the Company’sCompany expects its primary cash requirements willto be to fundtowards funding operating activities, including the acquisition of inventory, and obligations related to compensation, leases and any lease buyouts or options to terminate store leases the Companymodifications it may exercise, taxes and other operating activities,activities. The Company entered this period of uncertainty with a healthy liquidity position and has taken and continues to take immediate, aggressive and prudent actions, including reevaluating all expenditures, in order to balance the Company’s short and long-term liquidity needs and best position the business for key stakeholders.

The Company also evaluates opportunities for investments in line with its key transformation initiatives that have positioned the business to quickly respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and strives to invest in projects that have high expected returns. These improvements may include new store experiences or investments in its omnichannel initiatives or loyalty programs. In addition, the Company evaluates store closures, including flagship lease buyouts and options to early terminate store leases. Historically, the Company has utilized free cash flow generated from operations to fund any discretionary capital expenditures, which have been prioritized towards new store experiences, as well as to funddigital and omnichannel investments, information technology, and other projects. Total capital expenditures marketing initiatives, quarterly dividendsfor Fiscal 2020 are expected to stockholders subject to approval by A&F’s Boardbe approximately $100 million, of Directors andwhich approximately $47 million occurred during the first quarter of Fiscal 2020.

At times, the Company may utilize excess liquidity, towards debt service requirements, including voluntary debt prepayments, or required repayments, if any, based on annual excess cash flows, as defined in the term loan credit agreement applicable to the Term Loan Facility.

Share repurchases and dividends

In response to COVID-19, in March 2020, the Company announced that it has temporarily suspended its share repurchase program and in May 2020, the Company announced that it has temporarily suspended its dividend program, in order to preserve liquidity and maintain financial flexibility. The Company may repurchasewill review these temporary suspensions throughout the year to determine, in light of facts and circumstances at that time, whether and when to reinstate these programs.  

Dividends are declared at the discretion of A&F’s Board of Directors. A quarterly dividend, of $0.20 per share outstanding, was declared in February for Fiscal 2020 and in each of February, May, August and November in Fiscal 2019 and Fiscal 2018. Dividends were paid in March for Fiscal 2020, and each of March, June, September and December in Fiscal 2019 and Fiscal 2018. A&F’s Board of Directors reviews the dividend on a quarterly basis and establishes the dividend amount based on A&F’s financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, current and projected cash flows, business prospects and other factors, including the potential severity of impacts to the business resulting from COVID-19 and any restrictions related to the Company’s Credit

Facilities. There can be no assurance that the Company will reinstate its dividend program in the future or, if dividends are paid, that they will be in amounts similar to past dividends.

Historically, the Company has repurchased shares of its Common Stock from time to time, dependent on market and business conditions, with the primary objective to offset dilution from issuances of Common Stock associated with the exercise of employee stock appreciation rights and the vesting of restricted stock units. Shares repurchased may be repurchased in the open market, including pursuant to any trading plans established in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act, of 1934, through privately negotiated transactions or other transactions or by a combination of such methods. TheRefer to “ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS” for additional information regarding the Company’s share repurchases during the first quarter of Fiscal 2020 made prior to the temporary suspension of the share repurchase program, as well as for the number of shares remaining available for purchase under the Company’s June 2019 publicly announced stock repurchase authorization.

Credit facilities

On August 7, 2014, the Company, would anticipate funding such repurchases by utilizing free cash flow generated from operationsthrough its subsidiary Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co. (“A&F Management”) as the lead borrower (with A&F and certain other subsidiaries as borrowers or proceeds fromguarantors), entered into an asset-based senior secured revolving credit agreement. On October 19, 2017, the Company, through its subsidiary A&F Management, entered into a Second Amendment to Credit Agreement (the “ABL Second Amendment”), amending and extending the maturity date of the asset-based revolving credit agreement. As amended, the asset-based senior secured revolving credit agreement continues to provide for a senior secured credit facility of up to$400 million (the “Amended ABL Facility”).

On August 7, 2014, the Company, through its subsidiary A&F Management as the borrower (with A&F and certain other subsidiaries as guarantors), entered into a term loan agreement, which provides for a term loan facility of $300 million (the “Term Loan Facility” and, together with the Amended ABL Facility.Facility, the “Credit Facilities”). On June 22, 2018, the Company, through its subsidiary A&F Management, entered into a Second Amendment to Term Loan Credit Agreement, which, among other things, repriced the Term Loan Facility by reducing the applicable margins for term loans by 0.25%.

As of August 3, 2019,May 2, 2020, the Company had approximately $210.0 million in gross borrowings outstanding under the authorityAmended ABL Facility at an interest rate of 1.82%. The Amended ABL Facility matures on October 19, 2022. As of May 2, 2020, the Company had remaining availability under the Amended ABL Facility of $89.4 million, net of $0.8 million in outstanding stand-by letters of credit. As the Company must maintain excess availability equal to repurchase approximately 5.0 million shares as partthe greater of 10% of the A&F Boardloan cap or $30 million under the Amended ABL Facility, actual incremental borrowing available to the Company under the Amended ABL Facility was approximately $59.4 million as of Directors’ previously approved authorizations.May 2, 2020.

As of May 2, 2020, the Company had approximately $233.3 million in gross borrowings outstanding under the Term Loan Facility at an interest rate of 4.50%. The Term Loan Facility matures on August 7, 2021.

The Credit Facilities are further described in Note 12, “BORROWINGS.”

Income taxes

The Company’s earnings and profits from its foreign subsidiaries could be repatriated to the U.S., without incurring additional federal income tax.

The Company has determined that the remaining balance of the Company’s undistributed earnings and profits from its foreign subsidiaries as of February 2, 2019 are considered indefinitely reinvested outside of the U.S., and if these funds were to be repatriated to the U.S., the Company couldwould expect to incur an insignificant amount of state income taxes and foreign withholding taxes. The Company anticipates that it will accrueaccrues for both state income taxes and foreign withholding taxes with respect to earningearnings and profits earned after February 2, 2019, in such a manner that these funds could be repatriated without incurring additional taxes.

As of August 3, 2019, $235.9May 2, 2020, $285.1 million of the Company’s $499.8$704.0 million of cash and equivalents was held by foreign affiliates. The Company is not dependent on dividends from its foreign affiliates to fund its U.S. operations or pay dividends, if any, to A&F’s stockholders.

Capital investmentsThe Company’s income taxes are further described in Note 11, “INCOME TAXES.”


Analysis of cash flows

The table below provides certain components of the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2020 and May 4, 2019:
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 May 2, 2020
 May 4, 2019
(in thousands)   
Cash and equivalents, and restricted cash and equivalents, beginning of period$692,264
 $745,829
Net cash used for operating activities(90,776) (71,316)
Net cash used for investing activities(46,990) (43,872)
Net cash provided by (used) for financing activities171,668
 (20,322)
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash(3,891) (2,638)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents, and restricted cash and equivalents30,011
 (138,148)
Cash and equivalents, and restricted cash and equivalents, end of period$722,275
 $607,681

Operating activities - The year-over-year change in cash flow associated with operating activities was primarily due to lower cash receipts as a result of a 34% decrease in net sales from last year driven by temporary store closures in response to COVID-19 during the first quarter of Fiscal 2020. This decrease in cash receipts was partially mitigated by actions taken by the Company during the first quarter of Fiscal 2020 to preserve liquidity and manage cash flows including (i) partnering with merchandise and non-merchandise vendors in regards to payment terms; (ii) reducing and recadencing inventory receipts to better align inventory with expected market demand; (iii) significantly reducing expenses to better align operating costs with sales; and (iv) implementing various compensation actions related to the Company’s store and corporate associates, as well as A&F’s non-associate directors. In addition, during the first quarter of Fiscal 2020, the Company withdrew the majority of excess funds from the overfunded Rabbi Trust assets as a precautionary measure in response to COVID-19, providing the Company with $50 million of additional cash.

Investing activities - For Fiscal 2019,the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2020, net cash outflows for investing activities were used for capital expenditures of $47.0 million as compared to $43.9 million for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2019. Based on actions taken to preserve liquidity and manage cash flows in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company expects capital investmentsexpenditures for Fiscal 2020 to be approximately $200$100 million prioritized towards new store experiences, as well as direct-to-consumer and omnichannel investments, information technology, and other projects.compared to $203 million of capital expenditures in Fiscal 2019.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

The Company uses,Financing activities - For the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2020, net cash provided by financing activities primarily consisted of $210.0 million in the ordinary course of business, stand-by letters of credit underproceeds from the Amended ABL Facility. TheFacility, partially offset by share repurchases made and dividends declared prior to the Company’s decision to temporarily suspend its share repurchase and dividend programs to increase financial flexibility in light of COVID-19 of approximately $27.7 million in aggregate. For the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2019, net cash used for financing activities consisted primarily of dividend payments of $13.2 million.

Off-balance sheet arrangements

As of May 2, 2020, the Company has no otherdid not have any material off-balance sheet arrangements.


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CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONSContractual obligations

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

Other than the twenty-sixCompany’s short-term draw on the Amended ABL Facility of $210 million in March 2020 to increase its cash position and enhance liquidity in light of the uncertainty surrounding the impact of COVID-19, there have been no material changes during the thirteen weeks ended August 3, 2019, there were no material changesMay 2, 2020, in the contractual obligations as of February 2, 2019,1, 2020, with the exception of those obligations which occurred in the normal course of business (primarily changes in the Company’s merchandise inventory-related purchases and lease obligations, which fluctuate throughout the year as a result of the seasonal nature of the Company’s operations).



RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

The Company describes its significant accounting policies in Note 2, “SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in “ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA” of A&F’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal 2018. Refer to Note 2, “SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in “ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED),” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for2019. The Company reviews recent accounting pronouncements includingon a quarterly basis and has excluded discussion of those not applicable to the dates of adoptionCompany and estimated effectsthose that did not have, or are not expected to have, a material impact on the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.Company’s consolidated financial statements.


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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The Company describes its critical accounting policies and estimates in “ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS,” of A&F’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal 2018.2019. There have been no other significant changes in critical accounting policies and estimates since the end of Fiscal 2018, except as described below and in Note 2, “SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES--Recent accounting pronouncements” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in “ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED),” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.2019.
Policy Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions
Impairment of long-lived assetsLong-lived Assets  
Long-lived assets, primarily operating lease right-of-use assets, leasehold improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment, are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the long-lived asset group might not be recoverable. These include, but are not limited to, material declines in operational performance, a history of losses, an expectation of future losses, adverse market conditions and store closure or relocation decisions. On at least a quarterly basis, the Company reviews for indicators of impairment at the individual store level, the lowest level for which cash flows are identifiable.

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

An impairment loss may be recognized when these undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset group. In the circumstance of impairment, any loss would be measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the asset group over its fair value. The fairFair value of the asset groupCompany’s store-related assets is determined at the individual store level based on the highest and best use of the asset group, whichgroup. The key assumptions used in the Company’s fair value analysis may include consideration of market rent for the right to use leased assets included in the asset group. The Company also may utilize assumptions related to projecteddiscounted future store cash flows when estimating the fair value of impaired assets.and comparable market rents.

 
If actual results are not consistent with the estimates and assumptions used, there may be a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operation.

Store assets that were tested for impairment as of May 2, 2020 and not impaired, during the thirteen weeks ended August 3, 2019, had long-lived assets with a net book value of $129.8$121.8 million, which included $116.8$110.0 million of operating lease right-of-use assets under the new lease accounting standard as of August 3, 2019. These stores had undiscounted cash flows which were in the range of 100% to 150% of their respective net asset values.May 2, 2020.

Store assets that were impairedpreviously-impaired as of August 3, 2019May 2, 2020, had a remaining net book value of $116.5$164.4 million, which included $113.1$151.3 million of operating lease right-of-use assets, under the new lease accounting standard.
Leases
The Company’s lease right-of-use assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term. The Company’s lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. At the lease commencement date, the Company’s lease right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, based on the present valueas of remaining lease payments over the lease term.May 2, 2020.

In measuring the Company’s lease liabilities, the remaining lease payments are discounted to present value using a discount rate. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the remaining lease term as of the date of adoption.

The Company estimates its incremental borrowing rate on a quarterly basis, based on the rate of interest that the Company would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment.
The Company does not expect material changes to the underlying assumptions used to measure its lease liabilities as of August 3, 2019. However, actual results could vary from estimates and could result in material gains or losses.

An increase or decrease of 10% in the Company’s weighted-average discount rate as of August 3, 2019, would impact both the Company’s total assets and total liabilities by less than 1% and would not have a material impact on the Company’s pre-tax income for Fiscal 2019.


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NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes discussion of certain financial measures under “RESULTS OF OPERATIONS on both a GAAP and a non-GAAP basis. The Company believes that each of the non-GAAP financial measures presented in this “ITEMITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS”OPERATIONS is useful to investors as it provides a meaningful basis to evaluate the Company’s operating performance excluding the effect of certain items that the Company believes do not reflect its future operating outlook, such as certain asset impairment charges related to the Company’s flagship stores and therebysignificant impairments primarily attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic, therefore supplementing investors’ understanding of comparability of operations across periods. Management used these non-GAAP financial measures during the periods presented to assess the Company’s performance and to develop expectations for future operating performance. These non-GAAP financial measures should be used as a supplement to, and not as an alternative to, the Company’s GAAP financial results, and may not be calculated in the same manner as similar measures presented by other companies.

Comparable sales

In addition,At times, the Company provides comparable sales, defined as the year-over-year percentage year-over-year change in the aggregate of (1) sales for stores that have been open as the same brand at least one year and whose square footage has not been expanded or reduced by more than 20% within the past year, with the prior year’s net sales converted at the current year’s foreign currency exchange rates to remove the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, and (2) direct-to-consumerdigital sales with the prior year’s net sales converted at the current year’s foreign currency exchange rates to remove the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Comparable sales exclude revenue other than store and direct-to-consumerdigital sales. Management uses comparable sales to understand the drivers of year-over-year changes in net sales as well as a performance metric for certain performance-based restricted stock units. The Company believes comparable sales is a useful metric as it can assist investors in distinguishing the portion of the Company’s revenue attributable to existing locations from the portion attributable to the opening or closing of stores. The most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is change in net sales. In light of store closures related to COVID-19, the Company has not disclosed comparable sales for the first quarter of Fiscal 2020.

Excluded items

The following financial measures are disclosed on a GAAP and on an adjusted non-GAAP basis excluding the following items, as applicable:
Financial measures (1)
 Excluded items
Marketing, general and administrative expenseCertain legal charges
Asset impairment, exclusive of flagship store exit charges Certain asset impairment charges
Operating (loss) incomeloss Certain legal and asset impairment charges
Income tax expense (benefit) (2)
Tax effect of pre-tax excluded items
Net (loss) incomeloss and net (loss) incomeloss per share attributable to A&F (2)
 Certain legal and asset impairment charges; discrete net tax charges related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017;Pre-tax excluded items and the tax effect of pre-tax excluded items

(1) 
Certain of these financial measures are also expressed as a percentage of net sales.
(2) 
The Company also presents income tax benefit and the effective tax rate on both a GAAP and on an adjusted non-GAAP basis excluding the items listed under “Operating (loss) income,” as applicable, in the table above. The tax effect of excluded items is the difference between the tax provision calculation on a GAAP basis and on an adjusted non-GAAP basis.

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Financial information on a constant currency basis

The Company provides certain financial information on a constant currency basis to enhance investors’ understanding of underlying business trends and operating performance by removing the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Management also uses financial information on a constant currency basis to award employee performance-based compensation. The effect from foreign currency exchange rates, calculated on a constant currency basis, is determined by applying the current period’s foreign currency exchange rates to the prior year’s results and is net of the year-over-year impact from hedging. The per diluted share effect from foreign currency exchange rates for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2019 and August 4, 2018 is calculated using a 27%26% effective tax rate.

A reconciliation of financial metrics on a constant currency financial measuresbasis to GAAP for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 3,May 2, 2020 and May 4, 2019 and August 4, 2018 follows:

(in thousands, except change in net sales, gross profit rate, operating margin and per share data)Thirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-six Weeks Ended
Net salesAugust 3, 2019 August 4, 2018 % Change August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018 % Change
Total company:           
GAAP$841,078
 $842,414
 0 % $1,575,050
 $1,573,313
 0 %
Impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates
 (9,957) 1 % 
 (26,246) 2 %
Net sales on a constant currency basis$841,078
 $832,457
 1 % $1,575,050
 $1,547,067
 2 %
Hollister:           
GAAP$504,758
 $500,836
 1 % $933,203
 $924,464
 1 %
Impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates
 (6,984) 1 % 
 (17,831) 2 %
Net sales on a constant currency basis$504,758
 $493,852
 2 % $933,203
 $906,633
 3 %
Abercrombie:           
GAAP$336,320
 $341,578
 (2)% $641,847
 $648,849
 (1)%
Impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates
 (2,973) 1 % 
 (8,415) 1 %
Net sales on a constant currency basis$336,320
 $338,605
 (1)% $641,847
 $640,434
 0 %
United States:           
GAAP$543,472
 $531,446
 2 % $1,013,130
 $980,572
 3 %
Impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates
 *
 *
 
 *
 *
Net sales on a constant currency basis$543,472
 $531,446
 2 % $1,013,130
 $980,572
 3 %
International:           
GAAP$297,606
 $310,968
 (4)% $561,920
 $592,741
 (5)%
Impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates
 (9,957) 3 % 
 (26,246) 4 %
Net sales on a constant currency basis$297,606
 $301,011
 (1)% $561,920
 $566,495
 (1)%
            
Gross profit (2)
August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018 
BPS Change (1)
 August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018 
BPS Change (1)
GAAP$498,633
 $506,895
 (90) $942,723
 $949,240
 (40)
Impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates
 (8,025) 30
 
 (16,470) 
Gross profit on a constant currency basis$498,633
 $498,870
 (60) $942,723
 $932,770
 (40)
            
Operating (loss) incomeAugust 3, 2019 August 4, 2018 
BPS Change (1)
 August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018 
BPS Change (1)
GAAP$(39,484) $223
 (470) $(66,742) $(41,980) (150)
Excluded items (3)

 (8,671) 110
 
 (14,271) 90
Adjusted non-GAAP$(39,484) $8,894
 (580) $(66,742) $(27,709) (240)
Impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates
 (4,307) 50
 
 (6,629) 40
Adjusted non-GAAP on a constant currency basis$(39,484) $4,587
 (530) $(66,742) $(34,338) (200)
            
Net (loss) income per diluted share attributable to Abercrombie & Fitch Co.August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018 $ Change August 3, 2019 August 4, 2018 $ Change
GAAP$(0.48) $(0.06) $(0.42) $(0.76) $(0.68) $(0.08)
Excluded items, net of tax (3)

 (0.12) 0.12
 
 (0.18) 0.18
Adjusted non-GAAP$(0.48) $0.06
 $(0.54) $(0.76) $(0.50) $(0.26)
Impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates
 (0.05) 0.05
 
 (0.07) 0.07
Adjusted non-GAAP on a constant currency basis$(0.48) $0.01
 $(0.49) $(0.76) $(0.57) $(0.19)
(in thousands, except change in net sales, gross profit rate, operating margin and per share data)Thirteen Weeks Ended
Net salesMay 2, 2020
 May 4, 2019
 % Change
GAAP$485,359
 $733,972
 (34)%
Adverse impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates
 (6,824) 1%
Non-GAAP on a constant currency basis$485,359
 $727,148
 (33)%
Gross profitMay 2, 2020
 May 4, 2019
 
BPS Change (1)
GAAP$264,145
 $444,090
 (610)
Adverse impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates
 (6,048) 30
Non-GAAP on a constant currency basis$264,145
 $438,042
 (580)
Operating lossMay 2, 2020
��May 4, 2019
 
BPS Change (1)
GAAP$(209,127) $(27,258) (3,940)
Excluded items (2)
(42,928) 
 (890)
Adjusted non-GAAP$(166,199) $(27,258) (3,050)
Adverse impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates
 (3,115) 50
Adjusted non-GAAP on a constant currency basis$(166,199) $(30,373) (3,000)
Net loss per diluted share attributable to A&F (3)
May 2, 2020
 May 4, 2019
 $ Change
GAAP$(3.90) $(0.29) $(3.61)
Excluded items, net of tax (2)
(0.62) 
 (0.62)
Adjusted non-GAAP$(3.29) $(0.29) $(3.00)
Adverse impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates
 (0.03) 0.03
Adjusted non-GAAP on a constant currency basis$(3.29) $(0.32) $(2.97)

*Not applicable.
(1) 
The estimated basis point change has been rounded based on the change in the percentage of net sales.
(2) 
Gross profit is derived from costExcluded items this year consist of sales, exclusivepre-tax store asset impairment charges of depreciation$42.9 million and amortization.the tax effect of pre-tax excluded items.
(3) 
ReferNet loss per diluted share for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2020 reflects adverse tax impacts of $90.9 million, or $1.45 per diluted share, related to RESULTS OF OPERATIONS for detailsvaluation allowances on excluded items.
deferred tax assets and other tax charges.



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Table of Contents


ITEMItem 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKQuantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Investment securitiesINVESTMENT SECURITIES

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

The Rabbi Trust includes amounts to meet funding obligations to participants in the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Nonqualified Savings and Supplemental Retirement Plan I, the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Nonqualified Savings and Supplemental Retirement Plan II and the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. The Rabbi Trust assets primarily consist of trust-owned life insurance policies which are recorded at cash surrender value. The change in cash surrender value of the trust-owned life insurance policies held in the Rabbi Trust resulted in realized gains of $0.8 million and $1.6$0.6 million for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2019, respectively,May 2, 2020 and realized gains of $0.8 million and $1.5 million for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended AugustMay 4, 2018, respectively,2019, which are recorded in interest expense, net on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.

The Rabbi Trust assets are included in other assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of August 3, 2019May 2, 2020 and February 2, 2019,1, 2020, and are restricted in their use as noted above.

Interest rate risksINTEREST RATE RISK

As of August 3, 2019,May 2, 2020, the Company hashad approximately $253.3$233.3 million in long-term gross borrowings outstanding under itsthe Term Loan Facility and noapproximately $210.0 million in short-term gross borrowings outstanding under itsthe Amended ABL Facility.

The Credit Facilities carry interest rates that are tied to the LIBO rate, or an alternate base rate, plus a margin. The interest rate on the Term Loan Facility has a 100 basis point LIBO rate floor and assuming no changes inwhich was applicable as of May 2, 2020. An increase of 100 basis points to the Company’s financial structureunderlying LIBO rate as it stands, anof May 2, 2020 would increase in the Fiscal 2020 annual interest rateexpense on borrowings under the Term Loan Facility as of August 3, 2019 of 100 basis points would increase Fiscal 2019 annual interest expenseand Amended ABL Facility by approximately $2.6$3.7 million.

This hypothetical analysis for Fiscal 20192020 may differ from the actual change in interest expense due to actual interest rate terms and limitations described within the Credit Facility agreements and potential changes in interest rates orand gross borrowings outstanding under the Company’s Credit Facilities. The expected transition from the widespread use of LIBO rate to alternative rates over the next several years is not expected to have a material impact on interest expense on borrowings outstanding under the Company’s Credit Facilities.

Foreign exchange rate riskFOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE RISK

A&F’s international subsidiaries generally operate with functional currencies other than the U.S. Dollar. Since the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in U.S. Dollars, the Company must translate all components of these financial statements from functional currencies into U.S. Dollars at exchange rates in effect during or at the end of the reporting period. The fluctuation in the value of the U.S. Dollar against other currencies affects the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities. The potential impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations increases as international operations relative to domestic operations increase.

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

The fair value of outstanding foreign currency exchange forward contracts included in other current assets was $5.5 million as of August 3, 2019 and was $2.2 million as of February 2, 2019. The fair value of outstanding foreign currency exchange forward contracts included in accrued expenses was $0.3 million as of each of August 3, 2019 and February 2, 2019. Foreign currency exchange forward contracts are sensitive to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company assessed the risk of loss in fair values from the effect of a hypothetical 10% devaluation of the U.S. Dollar against the exchange rates for foreign currencies under contract. Such a hypothetical devaluation would decrease derivative contract fair values by approximately $17.9 million. As the Company’s foreign currency exchange forward contracts are primarily designated as cash flow hedges of forecasted transactions, the hypothetical change in fair valuevalues would be expected to be largely offset by the net change in fair values of the underlying hedged items.

45

The Company has no outstanding foreign currency exchange contracts as of May 2, 2020. Refer to Note 14, “DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS,” for the fair value of outstanding foreign currency exchange forward contracts included in other current assets and accrued expenses as of February 1, 2020.
Table of Contents



ITEM 4.
Item 4.    Controls and Procedures

DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure controls and procedures

A&F maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports that A&F files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to A&F’s management, including theA&F’s principal executive officer and theA&F’s principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Because of inherent limitations, disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance that the objectives of disclosure controls and procedures are met.

A&F’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer of A&F (who serves as Principal Executive Officer of A&F) and the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of A&F (who serves as Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer of A&F), evaluated the effectiveness of A&F’s design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the fiscal quarter ended August 3, 2019.May 2, 2020. The Chief Executive Officer of A&F (in such individual’s capacity as the Principal Executive Officer of A&F) and the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of A&F (in such individual’s capacity as the Principal Financial Officer of A&F) concluded that A&F’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at a reasonable level of assurance as of August 3, 2019,May 2, 2020, the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Changes in internal control over financial reportingCHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

There were no changes in A&F’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during A&F’s fiscal quarter ended August 3, 2019May 2, 2020 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, A&F’s internal control over financial reporting.

46

As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, the Company will continue to monitor and assess any potential impacts COVID-19 may have on the design and operating effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 1. Legal Proceedings

The Company is a defendant in lawsuits and other adversary proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company’s legal costs incurred in connection with the resolution of claims and lawsuits are generally expensed as incurred, and the Company establishes estimated liabilities for the outcome of litigation where losses are deemed probable and the amount of loss, or range of loss, is reasonably estimable. The Company also determines estimates of reasonably possible losses or ranges of reasonably possible losses in excess of related accrued liabilities, if any, when it has determined that a loss is reasonably possible and it is able to determine such estimates. The Company’s accrued charges for certain legal contingencies are classified within accrued expenses on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets included in “ITEMITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED),” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on currently available information, the Company cannot estimate a range of reasonably possible losses in excess of the accrued charges for legal contingencies. In addition, the Company has not established accruals for certain claims and legal proceedings pending against the Company where it is not possible to reasonably estimate the outcome or potential liability, and the Company cannot estimate a range of reasonably possible losses for these legal matters.

Actual liabilities may differ from the amounts recorded, due to uncertainties regarding final settlement agreement negotiations, court approvals and the terms of any approval by the courts, and there can be no assurance that the final resolution of legal matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The Company’s assessment of the current exposure could change in the event of the discovery of additional facts.


ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS
Item 1A. Risk Factors

The Company’s risk factors as of August 3, 2019May 2, 2020 have not changed materially from those disclosed in Part I, “ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS” of A&F’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal 2018.2019. The COVID-19 pandemic may exacerbate the risks discussed within the aforementioned Annual Report on Form 10-K, certain of which have had and could continue to have a material effect on the Company.


ITEM 2.UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

There were no sales of equity securities during the secondfirst quarter of Fiscal 20192020 that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

The following table provides information regarding the purchase of shares of Common Stock of A&F made by or on behalf of A&F or any “affiliated purchaser” as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, during each fiscal month of the thirteen weeks ended August 3, 2019:May 2, 2020:
Period (Fiscal Month)
Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)
 Average Price Paid per Share 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (2)
 
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased under the Plans or Programs (3)
May 5, 2019 through June 1, 20192,874
 $25.64
 
 3,571,938
June 2, 2019 through July 6, 20193,444,815
 $16.26
 3,440,417
 5,131,521
July 7, 2019 through August 3, 2019104,834
 $17.91
 104,414
 5,027,107
Total3,552,523
 $16.32
 3,544,831
 5,027,107
Period (fiscal month)
Total Number of Shares Purchased (1) 
 Average Price Paid per Share 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (2)
 
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased under the Plans or Programs (3)
February 2, 2020 through February 29, 20202,005
 $16.88
 
 4,615,446
March 1, 2020 through April 4, 20201,968,816
 $10.39
 1,397,388
 3,218,058
April 5, 2020 through May 2, 2020708
 $10.57
 
 3,218,058
Total1,971,529
 $10.40
 1,397,388
 3,218,058

(1) 
7,692An aggregate of 574,141 shares of A&F’s Common Stock purchased during the thirteen weeks ended August 3, 2019 represented sharesMay 2, 2020 were withheld for tax payments due upon the vesting of employee restricted stock units.
(2) 
3,544,831Amounts represent shares of A&F’s Common Stock were repurchased during the thirteen weeks ended August 3, 2019May 2, 2020 prior to the temporary suspension of the Company’s share repurchase program, pursuant to A&F’s publicly announced stock repurchase authorizations. On August 14, 2012, A&F’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of 10.0 million shares of A&F’s Common Stock, which was announced on August 15, 2012.authorization. On June 12, 2019, A&F’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional 5.0 million shares of A&F’s Common Stock, which was announced on June 12, 2019.
(3) 
The number shown represents, as of the end of each period, the maximum number of shares of A&F’s Common Stock that may yet be purchased under A&F’s publicly announced stock repurchase authorizationsauthorization described in footnote 2 above. The shares may be purchased, from time to time, depending on business and market conditions. The Company has temporarily suspended its share repurchase program in order to preserve liquidity and maintain financial flexibility in light of the circumstances surrounding COVID-19.


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Table of Contents


ITEMItem 6. EXHIBITSExhibits
Exhibit No.Document
3.1
3.2
10.1
10.2
10.210.3
10.310.4
10.5
31.1
31.2
32.1
101.INSInline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its Inline XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.*
101.SCHInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.*
101.CALInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.*
101.DEFInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.*
101.LABInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.*
101.PREInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.*
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL with applicable taxonomy extension information contained in Exhibits 101).*
 
*Filed herewith.
**Furnished herewith.


48

Table of ContentsSignatures


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 ABERCROMBIEAbercrombie & FITCH CO.Fitch Co.
Date: September 11, 2019June 10, 2020ByBy:/s/ Scott Lipesky
  Scott Lipesky
  
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer and Authorized Officer)

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