
Abercrombie & Fitch beats Q1 outlook on surge in APAC sales
Abercrombie & Fitch (NYSE:ANF) reported record first-quarter net sales that surpassed internal projections, extending its consecutive growth streak to 14 quarters on the back of robust demand in the Asia-Pacific region.
The New Albany, Ohio-based retailer posted net sales of $1.1 billion for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, representing a 2% increase compared to the same period last year.
Profitability also outpaced company expectations, with the operating margin reaching 8% and GAAP diluted earnings per share landing at $1.47.
Regional performance diverged sharply during the three-month period.
While sales in the core Americas market grew by a steady 3%, revenue in the APAC region surged 24%, serving as the primary catalyst for the quarter's top-line expansion.
Conversely, macroeconomic headwinds continued to weigh on Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, leading to a 10% decline in EMEA net sales.
Brand dynamics showed sustained momentum at the company's namesake label, with Abercrombie sales rising 3%.
Growth at Hollister plateaued, finishing the quarter flat compared to the prior-year period.
Management continued its aggressive capital return program during the quarter, deploying $105 million to repurchase common stock.
The buyback program effectively retired 3% of the company's beginning shares outstanding.
Looking ahead, Abercrombie & Fitch fully reaffirmed its financial guidance for the remainder of fiscal 2026.
The company expects full-year net sales to expand between 3% and 5%, with full-year earnings per share projected to range from $10.20 to $11.