Abercrombie & Fitch
ANF
#3337
Rank
C$5.82 B
Marketcap
C$123.82
Share price
-0.70%
Change (1 day)
13.01%
Change (1 year)

Abercrombie & Fitch - 10-Q quarterly report FY


Text size:
1

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

----------------------------------

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended May 2, 1998
-----------

OR

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from_______________to________________


Commission file number 1-12107
-------

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
------------------------------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware 31-1469076
- - ------------------------------- ------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)


Four Limited Parkway East, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
---------------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code (614) 577-6500
----------------

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. Yes X No
----- -----

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


Class A Common Stock Outstanding at June 1, 1998
- - -------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
$.01 Par Value 54,745,748 Shares
2


ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.

TABLE OF CONTENTS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page No.
--------

<S> <C>
Part I. Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements of Income
Thirteen Weeks Ended
May 2, 1998 and May 3, 1997 ...............................................................3

Consolidated Balance Sheets
May 2, 1998 and January 31, 1998 ..........................................................4

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Thirteen Weeks Ended
May 2, 1998 and May 3, 1997 ...............................................................5

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements .........................................................6

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Results of Operations and Financial Condition ............................................10


Part II. Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings ............................................................................15

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K .............................................................16
</TABLE>




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3

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Thousands except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Thirteen Weeks Ended
------------------------
May 2, May 3,
1998 1997
--------- ---------

<S> <C> <C>
NET SALES $ 134,230 $ 74,316

Cost of Goods Sold, Occupancy
and Buying Costs 85,019 50,375
--------- ---------

GROSS INCOME 49,211 23,941

General, Administrative and
Store Operating Expenses 38,872 21,961
--------- ---------

OPERATING INCOME 10,339 1,980

Interest (Income) Expense, Net (169) 1,035
--------- ---------

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 10,508 945

Provision for Income Taxes 4,200 380
--------- ---------

NET INCOME $ 6,308 $ 565
========= =========

NET INCOME PER SHARE:
Basic $ 0.12 $ 0.01
========= =========
Diluted $ 0.12 $ 0.01
========= =========

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING:
Basic 51,207 51,022
========= =========
Diluted 52,476 51,068
========= =========
</TABLE>


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.

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4

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
May 2, January 31,
1998 1998
--------- ---------
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
------

<S> <C> <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and Equivalents $ 2,671 $ 42,667
Accounts Receivable 951 1,695
Inventories 36,707 33,927
Store Supplies 5,817 5,592
Intercompany Receivable 34,020 23,785
Other 1,337 1,296
--------- ---------

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 81,503 108,962

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET 68,739 70,517

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 4,239 3,759

OTHER ASSETS 740 -
--------- ---------

TOTAL ASSETS $ 155,221 $ 183,238
========= =========

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
------------------------------------

CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts Payable $ 12,615 $ 15,968
Accrued Expenses 37,722 35,143
Income Taxes Payable 1,851 15,851
--------- ---------

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 52,188 66,962

LONG-TERM DEBT - 50,000

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES 11,594 7,501

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common Stock 517 511
Paid-In Capital 143,891 117,972
Retained Earnings (Deficit) (52,623) (58,931)
--------- ---------
91,785 59,552
Less: Treasury Stock, at Cost (346) (777)
--------- ---------

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 91,439 58,775
--------- ---------

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 155,221 $ 183,238
========= =========
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.


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5

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Thousands)

(Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Thirteen Weeks Ended
----------------------

May 2, May 3,
1998 1997
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Income $ 6,308 $ 565

Impact of Other Operating Activities on Cash Flows:
Depreciation and Amortization 5,128 3,478
Noncash Charge for Deferred Compensation 3,801 -
Changes in Assets and Liabilities:
Inventories (2,780) 3,977
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (774) 1,288
Income Taxes (14,480) (10,320)
Other Assets and Liabilities 1,021 941
-------- --------

NET CASH USED FOR OPERATING ACTIVITIES (1,776) (71)
-------- --------

CASH USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital Expenditures (4,341) (6,023)
-------- --------

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Issuance of Common Stock 25,875 -
Increase (Decrease) in Intercompany Balance (10,235) 6,922
Exercise of Stock Options and Other 481 -
Purchase of Treasury Stock - (852)
Repayment of Long-Term Debt (50,000) -
-------- --------

NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES (33,879) 6,070
-------- --------

NET DECREASE IN CASH AND EQUIVALENTS (39,996) (24)
Cash and Equivalents, Beginning of Year 42,667 1,945
-------- --------

CASH AND EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD $ 2,671 $ 1,921
======== ========
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.



5
6

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (the "Company") is a specialty retailer of high
quality, casual apparel for men and women with an active, youthful
lifestyle.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and all significant subsidiaries which are more than 50 percent owned and
controlled. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have
been eliminated in consolidation.

The consolidated financial statements as of and for the periods ended May
2, 1998 and May 3, 1997 are unaudited and are presented pursuant to the
rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Accordingly, these consolidated financial statements should be read in
conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto
contained in the Company's 1997 Annual Report on Form 10-K. In the opinion
of management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect
all adjustments (which are of a normal recurring nature) necessary to
present fairly the financial position and results of operations and cash
flows for the interim periods, but are not necessarily indicative of the
results of operations for a full fiscal year.

The consolidated financial statements as of May 2, 1998 and for the
thirteen week periods ended May 2, 1998 and May 3, 1997 included herein
have been reviewed by the independent accounting firm of Coopers & Lybrand
L.L.P. and the report of such firm follows the notes to consolidated
financial statements.

2. CONSUMMATION OF EXCHANGE OFFER

On May 19, 1998, The Limited, Inc. completed a tax-free exchange offer to
establish the Company as an independent company. The Limited accepted
47,075,052 shares of its common stock that were exchanged at a ratio of
.86 of a share of Abercrombie & Fitch stock for each Limited share
accepted for exchange. In addition, on June 1, 1998, The Limited effected
a pro rata spin-off to its shareholders of its remaining 3,115,455
Abercrombie & Fitch shares. Limited shareholders of record at the close of
trading on May 29, 1998 received .013673 of a share of Abercrombie &
Fitch stock for each Limited share owned at that time.



6
7

3. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding (thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
May 2, May 3,
1998 1997
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Common shares issued 51,235 51,050
Treasury shares (28) (28)
------------ ------------
Basic shares 51,207 51,022

Dilutive effect of options and restricted shares 1,269 46
------------ ------------
Diluted shares 52,476 51,068
============ ============
</TABLE>

4. INVENTORIES

The fiscal year of the Company and its subsidiaries is comprised of two
principal selling seasons: Spring (the first and second quarters) and Fall
(the third and fourth quarters). Valuation of finished goods inventories
is based principally upon the lower of average cost or market determined
on a first-in, first-out basis utilizing the retail method. Inventory
valuation at the end of the first and third quarters reflects adjustments
for inventory markdowns and shrinkage estimates for the total selling
season.

5. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET

Property and equipment, net, consisted of (thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
May 2, January 31,
1998 1998
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Property and equipment, at cost $ 126,873 $ 124,000
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (58,134) (53,483)
------------ ------------

Property and equipment, net $ 68,739 $ 70,517
============ ============
</TABLE>

6. INCOME TAXES

The Company is included in The Limited's consolidated federal and certain
state income tax groups for income tax purposes and will continue to be
through fiscal 1998. Under this arrangement, the Company is responsible
for its proportionate share of income taxes calculated upon its federal
taxable income at a current estimate of the Company's annual effective tax
rate. Income taxes paid during the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 1998 and
May 3, 1997 approximated $18.1 million and $10.7 million.



7
8

7. LONG-TERM DEBT

The Company entered into a $150 million unsecured credit agreement (the
"Agreement"), on April 30, 1998 (the "Effective Date"). Borrowings
outstanding under the Agreement are due April 30, 2003. The Agreement has
several borrowing options, including interest rates that are based on the
lender's "Alternate Base Rate", a LIBO Rate or a rate submitted under a
bidding process. Facilities fees payable under the Agreement are based on
the Company's long-term credit ratings, and currently approximate .275% of
the committed amount per annum. The Agreement contains covenants relating
to the Company's debt, interest expense and EBITDAR. No amounts were
outstanding under the Agreement at May 2, 1998.

Long-term debt at January 31, 1998 consisted of a 7.80% unsecured note in
the amount of $50 million that represented the Company's proportionate
share of certain long-term debt of The Limited. The interest rate and
maturity of the note paralleled that of corresponding debt of The Limited.

On April 15, 1998, the Company repaid the $50 million long-term note owed
The Limited by issuing 600,000 shares of Class A common stock at a price
of $43.125 per share and paid $24,125,000 in cash.

8. RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LIMITED

The Limited provides various services to the Company including, but not
limited to, certain associate benefit plan administration, information
technology, tax, store planning/design, transportation, real estate and
import and shipping services. To the extent expenditures are specifically
identifiable, they are charged to the Company. All other related support
expenses are charged to the Company and other divisions of The Limited
based upon various allocation methods.

Subsequent to the exchange offer, the cost of these services generally is
equal to The Limited's costs in providing the relevant services plus 5% of
such costs. The Limited will cease to provide a substantial majority of
these services on May 19, 1999 (the first anniversary of the expiration of
the exchange offer establishing the Company as an independent company).

The Company's proprietary credit card processing is performed by Alliance
Data Systems which is approximately 40% owned by The Limited.

Cash activity was provided through The Limited's centralized cash
management systems and was reflected in the Company's intercompany
account. The intercompany account was an interest earning asset or
interest bearing liability of the Company depending upon the level of cash
receipts and disbursements.



8
9
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS






To the Audit Committee of
The Board of Directors of
Abercrombie & Fitch Co.



We have reviewed the condensed consolidated balance sheet of Abercrombie & Fitch
Co. and Subsidiaries at May 2, 1998, and the related condensed consolidated
statements of income and cash flows for the thirteen-week periods ended May 2,
1998 and May 3, 1997. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management.

We conducted our review in accordance with standards established by the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A review of interim financial
information consists principally of applying analytical procedures to financial
data and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting
matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance
with generally accepted auditing standards, the objective of which is the
expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole.
Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should
be made to the accompanying financial statements for them to be in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles.

We have previously audited, in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards, the consolidated balance sheet as of January 31, 1998, and the
related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows
for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated February
20, 1998, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial
statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying
condensed consolidated balance sheet as of January 31, 1998, is fairly stated,
in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from
which it has been derived.





COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.



Columbus, Ohio
May 7, 1998



9
10

Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

During the first quarter of 1998, net sales increased 81% to $134.2 million from
$74.3 million a year ago. Operating income improved to $10.3 million in the
first quarter of 1998 from $2.0 million in the first quarter of 1997. Earnings
per diluted share were $.12 in the first quarter of 1998 compared to $.01 a year
ago.

Financial Summary
- - -----------------

The following summarized financial and statistical data compares the thirteen
week period ended May 2, 1998 to the comparable 1997 period:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 % CHANGE
------------ ------------ -----------

<S> <C> <C> <C>
Increase in comparable store
sales 48% 14%

Retail sales increase
attributable to new and
remodeled stores 33% 32%

Retail sales per average selling
square foot $106 $73 45%

Retail sales per average store
(thousands) $838 $574 46%

Average store size at end of
quarter (selling square feet) 7,905 7,886 0%

Selling square feet at end of
quarter (thousands) 1,249 1,041 20%

NUMBER OF STORES:

Beginning of year 156 127
Opened 3 5
Closed (1) -
------------ ------------

End of period 158 132
============ ============
</TABLE>

Net Sales
- - ---------

Net sales for the first quarter of 1998 increased 81% to $134.2 million from
$74.3 million. The increase was due to a comparable store sales increase of 48%,
combined with the net addition of 26 stores compared to the first quarter of
1997. Comparable store sales increases were strong in both the men's and women's
businesses as both were driven by a strong knit and short business.
Additionally, the A&F Quarterly, a catalogue/magazine which premiered for
back-to-school 1997, accounted for 2.0% of net sales in the first quarter of
1998.



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Gross Income
- - ------------

Gross income, expressed as a percentage of net sales, increased to 36.7% during
the first quarter of 1998 from 32.2% for the same period in 1997. The increase
was attributable to improved merchandise margins (representing gross income
before the deduction of buying and occupancy costs) and a decrease in buying and
occupancy costs, as a percentage of net sales, due to favorable expense
leveraging associated with increased comparable store sales.

General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses
- - ----------------------------------------------------

General, administrative and store operating expenses, expressed as a percentage
of net sales, were 29.0% in the first quarter of 1998 and 29.6% for the
comparable period in 1997. The improvement resulted primarily from the favorable
leveraging of store expenses due to higher sales volume.

Operating Income
- - ----------------

First quarter operating income, expressed as a percentage of net sales, was 7.7%
in 1998, up from 2.7% for the comparable period in 1997. The improvement in
operating income is a result of both higher gross income and lower general,
administrative and store operating expenses, as a percentage of net sales.

Interest Income/Expense
- - -----------------------

First quarter 1998 net interest income was $169 thousand as compared with net
interest expense of $1.0 million for the first quarter last year. Interest
expense in 1997 consisted of $975 thousand on the $50 million long-term debt
that was repaid during the first quarter of 1998 in addition to interest on
short-term borrowings. First quarter 1998 net interest income was primarily from
short-term investments offset by interest expense on the $50 million long-term
debt until repayment.



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FINANCIAL CONDITION

Liquidity and Capital Resources
- - -------------------------------

Cash provided from operating activities and the Company's $150 million credit
agreement provide the resources to support operations, including projected
growth, seasonal requirements and capital expenditures. A summary of the
Company's working capital position and long-term ongoing capitalization follows
(thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
May 2, January 31,
1998 1998
------------ ------------

<S> <C> <C>
Working capital $29,315 $42,000
============ ============

Capitalization:
Long-term debt - $50,000
Shareholders' equity $91,439 58,775
------------ ------------

Total capitalization $91,439 $108,775
============ ============
</TABLE>


Net cash used for operating activities totaled $1.8 million for the thirteen
weeks ended May 2, 1998 versus $71 thousand in the comparable period in 1997.
Cash was provided from the increase in net income before depreciation and
amortization. Cash requirements for inventory increased over the period,
supporting the sales growth and addition of stores. Additionally, cash used for
income taxes increased due to the first quarter tax payments made on higher
fourth quarter earnings.

Abercrombie & Fitch's operations are seasonal in nature and typically peak
during the back-to-school and Christmas selling periods. Accordingly, cash
requirements for inventory expenditures are highest during these periods.

Investing activities were all for capital expenditures, which are primarily for
new stores.

Financing activities in the first quarter of 1998 consisted primarily of the
repayment of $50 million long-term debt to The Limited. This occurred through
the issuance of 600,000 shares of Class A common stock to The Limited with the
remaining balance paid with cash from operations.

Capital Expenditures
- - --------------------

Capital expenditures, primarily for new and remodeled stores, totaled $4.3
million for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 1998 compared to $6.0 million for
the comparable period of 1997.

The Company anticipates spending $38-$45 million in 1998 for capital
expenditures, of which $32-$37 million will be for new stores, remodeling
and/or expansion of existing stores and related improvements. The Company
intends to add approximately 225,000 net selling square


12
13

feet in 1998, which will represent an 18% increase over year-end 1997. It is
anticipated that the increase will result from the addition of 30 new stores and
the remodeling and/or expansion of four to six stores.

The Company estimates that the average cost for leasehold improvements,
furniture and fixtures for stores opened in 1998 will approximate $725,000 per
store, after giving effect to landlord allowances. In addition, inventory
purchases are expected to average approximately $275,000 per store.

Additionally, the Company plans to open 13 to 15 children's stores in 1998. The
planned store size is approximately 3,200 selling square feet and the average
cost for leasehold improvements, furniture and fixtures will be approximately
$530,000.

The Company expects capital expenditures will be funded principally by net cash
provided by operating activities.

Information Systems and "Year 2000" Compliance
- - ----------------------------------------------

As discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company has
completed a comprehensive review of its information systems and is involved in a
program to update computer systems and applications in preparation for the year
2000. The Company will incur internal staff costs as well as outside consulting
and other expenditures related to the initiative. Total incremental expenses,
including depreciation and amortization of new package systems, remediation to
bring current systems into compliance and writing off legacy systems are not
expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial condition in any
year during the conversion process through 2000.

The Company is attempting to contact vendors and others on whom it relies to
assure that their systems will be timely converted. However, there can be no
assurance that the systems of other companies on which the Company's systems
rely also will be timely converted or that any such failure to convert by
another company would not have an adverse effect on the Company's systems.
Furthermore, no assurance can be given that any or all of the Company's systems
are or will be Year 2000 compliant, or that the ultimate costs required to
address the Year 2000 issue or the impact of any failure to achieve substantial
Year 2000 compliance will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's
financial condition.

Relationship with The Limited
- - -----------------------------

Subsequent to the exchange offer (see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements), the Company and The Limited entered into service agreements which
include among other things, tax, information technology and store design and
construction. These agreements are generally for a term of one year. Service
agreements were also entered into for the continued use by the Company of its
distribution and home office space and transportation and logistic services.
These agreements are generally for a term of three years. Costs for these
services will generally be the costs and expenses incurred by The Limited plus
5% of such amounts. Upon expiration of these agreements with The Limited, the
Company may bring certain services in-house, contract with other outside parties
or take other actions the Company deems appropriate at that time.

The Company does not anticipate that costs associated with these service
agreements or costs to be incurred upon their expiration will have a material
adverse impact on its financial condition.


13
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Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

All forward-looking statements made by the Company involve material risks and
uncertainties and are subject to change based on various important factors which
may be beyond the Company's control. Accordingly, the Company's future
performance and financial results may differ materially from those expressed or
implied in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are
not limited to, changes in consumer spending patterns, consumer preferences and
overall economic conditions, the impact of competition and pricing, changes in
weather patterns, political stability, currency and exchange risks and changes
in existing or potential duties, tariffs or quotas, availability of suitable
store locations on appropriate terms, ability to develop new merchandise and
ability to hire and train associates, and other factors that may be described in
the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company
does not undertake 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.


14
15

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is a defendant in a variety of lawsuits arising in the
ordinary course of business. On November 13, 1997, the United States
District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Eastern Division,
dismissed with prejudice an amended complaint previously transferred to
that court by the United States District Court, Central District of
California. The amended complaint, which had been filed against the
Company, The Limited and certain of The Limited's other subsidiaries by
the American Textile Manufacturers Institute ("ATMI"), a textile
industry trade association, alleged that the defendants violated the
federal False Claims Act by submitting false country of origin records
to the U.S. Customs Service. On November 26, 1997, ATMI served a motion
to alter or amend judgment and a motion to disqualify the presiding
judge and to vacate the order of dismissal. The motion to disqualify
was denied on December 22, 1997, but as a matter of his personal
discretion, the presiding judge elected to recuse himself from further
proceedings and this matter was transferred to another judge of the
United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Western
Division. On May 21, 1998, this judge reaffirmed the earlier dismissal
and denied all pending motions seeking to alter, amend or vacate the
judgment that had been entered in favor of the Company. On June 5,
1998, ATMI filed a notice of appeal to the United States Court of
Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

On June 2, 1998, Abercrombie & Fitch filed suit against American Eagle
Outfitters alleging an intentional and systematic copying of the
Abercrombie & Fitch Brand, its images and business practices, including
the design and look of the Company's merchandise, marketing and
catalogue/magazine. The lawsuit was filed in Federal District Court in
Columbus, Ohio and seeks to enjoin American Eagle's practices, recover
lost profits and obtain punitive damages.

Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the eventual
outcome of any litigation, in the opinion of management, the foregoing
proceedings are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the
Company's financial position or results of operations.




15
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Item 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a) Exhibits
--------

3. Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws

3.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the
Company incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended November 2, 1996.

3.2 Bylaws of the Company incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended November 2, 1996.

4. Instruments Defining the Rights of Security Holders

4.1 Specimen Certificate of Class A Common Stock of the
Company incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the
Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No.
333-8231) (the "Form S-1").

4.2 Credit Agreement dated as of April 30, 1998 among
Abercrombie & Fitch Stores, Inc., as Borrower, the
Company, as Guarantor, the Lenders party thereto, The
Chase Manhattan Bank, as Administrative Agent, and Chase
Securities, Inc., as Arranger, incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form
8-K dated April 30, 1998.

10. Material Contracts

10.1 Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Incentive Compensation
Performance Plan incorporated by reference to Exhibit A
to the Company's Proxy Statement dated April 14, 1997.

10.2 Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 1997 Restatement of the
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 1996 Stock Option and
Performance Incentive Plan incorporated by reference to
Exhibit B to the Company's Proxy Statement dated April
14, 1997.

10.3 Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 1996 Stock Plan for
Non-Associate Directors incorporated by reference to
Exhibit C to the Company's Proxy Statement dated April
14, 1997.

10.4 Employment Agreement by and between the Company and
Michael S. Jeffries dated as of May 13, 1997 with
exhibits and amendment incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended November 1, 1997.

10.5 Employment Agreement by and between the Company and
Michele Donnan-Martin dated December 5, 1997
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the
Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
333-46423) (the "Form S-4").

10.6 Employment Agreement by and between the Company and Seth
R. Johnson dated December 5, 1997 incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Form S-4.

10.7 Tax Disaffiliation Agreement dated as of May 19, 1998
between The Limited, Inc. and the Company.



16
17


10.8 Amended and Restated Services Agreement dated as of
May 19, 1998 between The Limited, Inc. and the Company.

10.9 Shared Facilities Agreement dated September 27, 1996 by
and between the Company and The Limited, Inc.,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended November 2, 1996.

10.10 Sublease Agreement by and between Victoria's Secret
Stores, Inc. and the Company, dated June 1, 1995,
(the "Sublease Agreement") incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.3 to the Form S-1.

10.11 Amendment No. 1 to the Sublease Agreement dated as of
May 19, 1998.

15. Letter re: Unaudited Interim Financial Information to Securities
and Exchange Commission re: Incorporation of Report of
Independent Accountants

27. Financial Data Schedule


(b) Reports on Form 8-K.
--------------------


Date of Report Items Reported
-------------- --------------


February 17, 1998 Fourth Quarter Results; Commencement of
Exchange Offer

April 9, 1998 February and March Sales Announcement

April 30, 1998 Entry in Credit Agreement; First Quarter
Sales

May 19, 1998 Consummation of Exchange Offer



17
18

SIGNATURE
---------


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
(Registrant)



By /s/ Seth R. Johnson
-----------------------------------
Seth R. Johnson,
Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer*


Date: June 15, 1998


- - -----------------------------------

* Mr. Johnson is the principal financial officer and has been duly authorized to
sign on behalf of the Registrant.




18
19

EXHIBIT INDEX
-------------



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit No. Document
----------- -----------------------------------------

<S> <C> <C>
10.7 Tax Disaffiliation Agreement dated as of May 19, 1998 between The
Limited, Inc. and the Company.

10.8 Amended and Restated Services Agreement dated as of May 19, 1998
between The Limited, Inc. and the Company.

10.11 Amendment No. 1 to the Sublease Agreement dated as of May 19, 1998.

15 Letter re: Unaudited Interim Financial Information to Securities and
Exchange Commission re: Incorporation of Report of Independent Accountants.

27 Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>