We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
You are being directed to ZacksTrade, a division of LBMZ Securities and licensed broker-dealer. ZacksTrade and Zacks.com are separate companies. The web link between the two companies is not a solicitation or offer to invest in a particular security or type of security. ZacksTrade does not endorse or adopt any particular investment strategy, any analyst opinion/rating/report or any approach to evaluating individual securities.
If you wish to go to ZacksTrade, click OK. If you do not, click Cancel.
Why Is Abercrombie (ANF) Down 15.4% Since Last Earnings Report?
Read MoreHide Full Article
A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF - Free Report) . Shares have lost about 15.4% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.
Will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Abercrombie due for a breakout? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at the most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important catalysts.
Abercrombie Q1 Earnings Miss, Bleak View
Abercrombie reported a loss per share in first-quarter fiscal 2022, which lagged the Zacks Consensus Estimate. However, sales beat estimates and improved year over year. Due to the soft bottom-line results, and expectations of the volatility in the supply environment and higher freight costs, the company lowered its sales and operating income view for fiscal 2022. It also provided a conservative view for the fiscal second quarter.
Abercrombie reported an adjusted loss of 27 cents per share in first-quarter fiscal 2022 that missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of earnings of 8 cents and reflected a significant decline from earnings of 67 cents in the year-ago quarter. The dismal bottom-line results can be attributed to a lower gross margin, owing to higher freight costs and increased operating expenses related to higher marketing expenses and the absence of last year’s COVID-related rent abatements and government assistance.
Net sales of $813 million advanced 4% year over year and beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $801.6 million. This marked the higher first-quarter sales since 2014. Top-line growth was driven by continued strength in the Abercrombie & Fitch brand, which delivered better-than-expected sales. Meanwhile, Hollister’s sales were in line with expectations. However, sales growth was partly negated by a combined 100-basis-point (bps) impact from foreign currency volatility and the COVID-driven lockdowns in China.
The company noted that average unit retail (AUR) improved for the eighth consecutive quarter, driven by the favorable response to its products and experience. AUR gains can also be attributed to reduced promotional activity and higher tickets. The company implemented a targeted ticket increase in the fiscal first quarter based on competitive pricing analysis.
Sales By Region and Brands
Sales were strong in the United States, up 6% year over year to $585.1 million. International sales were flat with last year at $227.7 million, as EMEA sales returned to positive territory, while sales in APAC remained challenged by the ongoing COVID-led lockdowns. Sales in EMEA improved 3% year over year to $164 million, gaining from the reopening of the largest country in the region — the U.K. In APAC, sales declined 35% to $29.9 million.
Brand wise, net sales at Hollister declined 3% year over year to $428.8 million, while at Abercrombie, sales advanced 13% to $383.9 million.
Margins
The gross profit declined 9.2% year over year to $449.5 million. The gross margin contracted 810 bps to 55.3%. The decline can be attributed to $80 million of increased freight costs in the quarter, partly offset by AUR growth on lower promotions.
The company noted that AUR growth was more than offset by higher average unit costs (AUCs), driven by two factors. Firstly, the higher-than-expected freight costs due to the ongoing volatility in the global supply-chain environment resulted in higher AUC. Secondly, the gross margin rates were impacted by the highest exposure to Vietnam-related receipt delays of Hollister and Gilly Hicks in the late holiday season. The clearance of these goods attracted a lower gross margin than its spring goods, causing a reduction in the fiscal first-quarter gross margin rate.
Operating expenses, excluding other operating income, increased 5.5% from the year-ago period to $460 million. The year-over-year increase was mainly driven by the absence of the COVID-related rent abatements and government assistance recognized in the first quarter of fiscal 2021. Additionally, operating expenses increased due to investments and marketing expenses, as well as higher digital fulfillment expenses. As a percentage of sales, operating expenses of 56.9% rose 70 bps from 56.2% in the prior-year quarter.
The adjusted operating loss was $6 million against an operating income of $60 million in the year-ago quarter.
Other Financials
Abercrombie ended first-quarter fiscal 2022 with cash and cash equivalents of $468.4 million, long-term net borrowings of $303.9 million, and stockholders’ equity of $695.4 million, excluding non-controlling interests. The company had liquidity of $0.8 billion at the end of the fiscal first quarter, including cash and cash equivalents, and available borrowings of $314 million under the ABL Facility. Net cash provided by operating activities was $218 million as of Apr 30, 2022.
In the fiscal first quarter, the company spent $26.3 million on capital expenditure. For fiscal 2022, the company anticipates capital expenditure of $150 million, of which half will be allocated for digital and technology, and the other half for stores and maintenance.
In the quarter under review, the company repurchased 3.3 million shares for $100 million. It now has $258 million remaining under its share repurchase authorization announced in November 2021.
Store Update
In the fiscal first quarter, the company opened four stores, including three Hollister and one Abercrombie store. The company also closed five stores, all of which were Abercrombie stores. As of Apr 30, 2022, the company’s total store base was 728, including 523 stores in the United States and 205 stores internationally.
In fiscal 2022, the company’s store plans will be focused primarily on store openings. It expects to open 60 stores in fiscal 2022 compared with the aforementioned 50 stores. The company expects most of these openings to occur in the back half of the year. The company reiterated its target of closing 30 stores this year.
Outlook
For second-quarter fiscal 2022, management envisions a net sales decline in the low-single digits from the second-quarter fiscal 2021 reported level of $865 million. The sales view includes a 300-bps impact from adverse currency rates and COVID-related lockdowns in China, and a 300-bps negative impact from inflationary pressure on consumer demand.
The company anticipates a year-over-year decline in operating margin to 3-4% in the fiscal second quarter mainly due to higher freight and raw material costs. It expects the effective tax rate in the mid-30s.
For fiscal 2022, the company anticipates net sales growth of flat to up 2% from $3.7 billion reported in fiscal 2021. Earlier, it anticipated sales growth of 2.4%. The sales outlook assumes a negative impact of 200 bps from foreign currency and inflationary pressures on consumer demand, partly offset by outperformance in the fiscal first quarter.
The company expects an operating margin of 5-6%, which reflects a decline from the prior mentioned 7-8%. The guidance includes a combined 200-bps impact from higher freight and raw material costs, foreign currency, and lower sales. The company expects the effective tax rate for fiscal 2022 to be in the mid-30s.
The company noted that higher costs are likely to be a headwind, at least through the end of fiscal 2022. However, it anticipates slightly lower freight costs in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 from the prior year’s reported figure. The decline will mainly result from the absence of the increased air usage last year due to the shutdown in Vietnam.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?
It turns out, estimates review have trended downward during the past month.
The consensus estimate has shifted -72.43% due to these changes.
VGM Scores
Currently, Abercrombie has a poor Growth Score of F, a grade with the same score on the momentum front. However, the stock was allocated a grade of B on the value side, putting it in the top 40% for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of D. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
Outlook
Estimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions indicates a downward shift. It's no surprise Abercrombie has a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell). We expect a below average return from the stock in the next few months.
See More Zacks Research for These Tickers
Normally $25 each - click below to receive one report FREE:
Image: Bigstock
Why Is Abercrombie (ANF) Down 15.4% Since Last Earnings Report?
A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF - Free Report) . Shares have lost about 15.4% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.
Will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Abercrombie due for a breakout? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at the most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important catalysts.
Abercrombie Q1 Earnings Miss, Bleak View
Abercrombie reported a loss per share in first-quarter fiscal 2022, which lagged the Zacks Consensus Estimate. However, sales beat estimates and improved year over year. Due to the soft bottom-line results, and expectations of the volatility in the supply environment and higher freight costs, the company lowered its sales and operating income view for fiscal 2022. It also provided a conservative view for the fiscal second quarter.
Abercrombie reported an adjusted loss of 27 cents per share in first-quarter fiscal 2022 that missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of earnings of 8 cents and reflected a significant decline from earnings of 67 cents in the year-ago quarter. The dismal bottom-line results can be attributed to a lower gross margin, owing to higher freight costs and increased operating expenses related to higher marketing expenses and the absence of last year’s COVID-related rent abatements and government assistance.
Net sales of $813 million advanced 4% year over year and beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $801.6 million. This marked the higher first-quarter sales since 2014. Top-line growth was driven by continued strength in the Abercrombie & Fitch brand, which delivered better-than-expected sales. Meanwhile, Hollister’s sales were in line with expectations. However, sales growth was partly negated by a combined 100-basis-point (bps) impact from foreign currency volatility and the COVID-driven lockdowns in China.
The company noted that average unit retail (AUR) improved for the eighth consecutive quarter, driven by the favorable response to its products and experience. AUR gains can also be attributed to reduced promotional activity and higher tickets. The company implemented a targeted ticket increase in the fiscal first quarter based on competitive pricing analysis.
Sales By Region and Brands
Sales were strong in the United States, up 6% year over year to $585.1 million. International sales were flat with last year at $227.7 million, as EMEA sales returned to positive territory, while sales in APAC remained challenged by the ongoing COVID-led lockdowns. Sales in EMEA improved 3% year over year to $164 million, gaining from the reopening of the largest country in the region — the U.K. In APAC, sales declined 35% to $29.9 million.
Brand wise, net sales at Hollister declined 3% year over year to $428.8 million, while at Abercrombie, sales advanced 13% to $383.9 million.
Margins
The gross profit declined 9.2% year over year to $449.5 million. The gross margin contracted 810 bps to 55.3%. The decline can be attributed to $80 million of increased freight costs in the quarter, partly offset by AUR growth on lower promotions.
The company noted that AUR growth was more than offset by higher average unit costs (AUCs), driven by two factors. Firstly, the higher-than-expected freight costs due to the ongoing volatility in the global supply-chain environment resulted in higher AUC. Secondly, the gross margin rates were impacted by the highest exposure to Vietnam-related receipt delays of Hollister and Gilly Hicks in the late holiday season. The clearance of these goods attracted a lower gross margin than its spring goods, causing a reduction in the fiscal first-quarter gross margin rate.
Operating expenses, excluding other operating income, increased 5.5% from the year-ago period to $460 million. The year-over-year increase was mainly driven by the absence of the COVID-related rent abatements and government assistance recognized in the first quarter of fiscal 2021. Additionally, operating expenses increased due to investments and marketing expenses, as well as higher digital fulfillment expenses. As a percentage of sales, operating expenses of 56.9% rose 70 bps from 56.2% in the prior-year quarter.
The adjusted operating loss was $6 million against an operating income of $60 million in the year-ago quarter.
Other Financials
Abercrombie ended first-quarter fiscal 2022 with cash and cash equivalents of $468.4 million, long-term net borrowings of $303.9 million, and stockholders’ equity of $695.4 million, excluding non-controlling interests. The company had liquidity of $0.8 billion at the end of the fiscal first quarter, including cash and cash equivalents, and available borrowings of $314 million under the ABL Facility. Net cash provided by operating activities was $218 million as of Apr 30, 2022.
In the fiscal first quarter, the company spent $26.3 million on capital expenditure. For fiscal 2022, the company anticipates capital expenditure of $150 million, of which half will be allocated for digital and technology, and the other half for stores and maintenance.
In the quarter under review, the company repurchased 3.3 million shares for $100 million. It now has $258 million remaining under its share repurchase authorization announced in November 2021.
Store Update
In the fiscal first quarter, the company opened four stores, including three Hollister and one Abercrombie store. The company also closed five stores, all of which were Abercrombie stores. As of Apr 30, 2022, the company’s total store base was 728, including 523 stores in the United States and 205 stores internationally.
In fiscal 2022, the company’s store plans will be focused primarily on store openings. It expects to open 60 stores in fiscal 2022 compared with the aforementioned 50 stores. The company expects most of these openings to occur in the back half of the year. The company reiterated its target of closing 30 stores this year.
Outlook
For second-quarter fiscal 2022, management envisions a net sales decline in the low-single digits from the second-quarter fiscal 2021 reported level of $865 million. The sales view includes a 300-bps impact from adverse currency rates and COVID-related lockdowns in China, and a 300-bps negative impact from inflationary pressure on consumer demand.
The company anticipates a year-over-year decline in operating margin to 3-4% in the fiscal second quarter mainly due to higher freight and raw material costs. It expects the effective tax rate in the mid-30s.
For fiscal 2022, the company anticipates net sales growth of flat to up 2% from $3.7 billion reported in fiscal 2021. Earlier, it anticipated sales growth of 2.4%. The sales outlook assumes a negative impact of 200 bps from foreign currency and inflationary pressures on consumer demand, partly offset by outperformance in the fiscal first quarter.
The company expects an operating margin of 5-6%, which reflects a decline from the prior mentioned 7-8%. The guidance includes a combined 200-bps impact from higher freight and raw material costs, foreign currency, and lower sales. The company expects the effective tax rate for fiscal 2022 to be in the mid-30s.
The company noted that higher costs are likely to be a headwind, at least through the end of fiscal 2022. However, it anticipates slightly lower freight costs in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 from the prior year’s reported figure. The decline will mainly result from the absence of the increased air usage last year due to the shutdown in Vietnam.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?
It turns out, estimates review have trended downward during the past month.
The consensus estimate has shifted -72.43% due to these changes.
VGM Scores
Currently, Abercrombie has a poor Growth Score of F, a grade with the same score on the momentum front. However, the stock was allocated a grade of B on the value side, putting it in the top 40% for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of D. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
Outlook
Estimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions indicates a downward shift. It's no surprise Abercrombie has a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell). We expect a below average return from the stock in the next few months.