ANN INC. Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2012 Results

-- Company Provides Outlook for the Fiscal First Quarter and Full Year 2013 --

NEW YORK, March 8, 2013 /CNW/ - ANN INC. (NYSE: ANN) today reported results for the fiscal fourth quarter and full year of 2012, ended February 2, 2013. The Company also provided its outlook for the first quarter and full year of fiscal 2013.

For the fiscal fourth quarter of 2012, the Company reported earnings per diluted share of $0.05, compared with earnings per diluted share of $0.04 in the fourth quarter of 2011.

For the full year of fiscal 2012, the Company reported record earnings per diluted share of $2.10, an increase of 28% compared with earnings per diluted share of $1.64 in the full year of fiscal 2011.

Kay Krill, President and CEO commented, "Fiscal 2012 was another strong year for ANN INC., including record EPS results and double-digit growth in net income. This performance reflects our third consecutive year of positive comparable sales and our fourth year of operating profit expansion. Our 2012 results were driven by strong client response to our product offering as well as the positive impact of our strategic initiatives. In addition, we delivered on our commitment to further enhance shareholder value through the repurchase of nearly 5 million shares.

"For the fourth quarter, as previously reported, the results reflected the negative impact of Superstorm Sandy and disappointing performance at LOFT due to an investment in bright colors that did not resonate with our client during the Holiday season. At Ann Taylor, the brand continued to show meaningful progress during the quarter, delivering higher sales and profitability. We also achieved profitable growth in the outlet channel, as Ann Taylor Factory and LOFT Outlet delivered stronger bottom-line results versus the fourth quarter of 2011, despite lower comparable sales.

"Looking ahead, we are well-positioned to build on our progress and further grow our Ann Taylor and LOFT brands. We see significant potential to expand the reach of both brands and are very excited about the progress we are achieving as we continue to execute on our growth strategies. Our investment in our multi-channel capability has created meaningful new opportunities and -- together with our real estate initiatives, entry into Canada and launch of international shipping -- provide a strong foundation for future growth in 2013," Ms. Krill said.

Fiscal 2012 Fourth Quarter Results

Total net sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 were $607.7 million, compared with net sales of $566.7 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011. By brand, net sales across all channels of the Ann Taylor brand totaled $255.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2012, compared with net sales of $237.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2011. At the LOFT brand, net sales across all channels were $352.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2012, compared with net sales of $329.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Total Company comparable sales for the quarter decreased 0.7% versus the fourth quarter of 2011. At Ann Taylor, total brand comparable sales increased 1.4%, reflecting an increase of 5.0% at Ann Taylor, which includes sales results from both Ann Taylor stores and anntaylor.com, and a decline of 6.8% in the Ann Taylor Factory channel. At LOFT, total brand comparable sales decreased 2.1%, reflecting a decrease of 1.2% at LOFT, which includes sales results from both LOFT stores and LOFT.com, and a decrease of 7.1% in the LOFT Outlet channel. (Please refer to Table 3 for a breakdown of sales by brand and channel.)

Gross margin, as a percentage of net sales, was 49.1%, an increase of 20 basis points compared with the 48.9% gross margin rate achieved in the fourth quarter of 2011. This gross margin performance primarily reflected lower promotional activity at Ann Taylor, partially offset by a higher level of promotional activity at LOFT, versus the fourth quarter of 2011.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the fourth quarter of 2012 were $296.6 million versus $274.0 million reported in the fourth quarter of 2011. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses were 48.8%, compared with 48.4% in the fourth quarter of 2011. The increase in SG&A rate during the fourth quarter of 2012 primarily reflected fixed cost deleveraging related to our year-over-year store growth and other expenses supporting the expansion of the business that were partially offset by higher net sales, compared with the fourth quarter of 2011.

The Company reported operating income of $1.6 million for the quarter, compared with operating income of $3.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2011. Net income in the quarter was $2.4 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, compared with net income of $2.2 million, or $0.04 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2011.

During the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company opened 14 new stores, comprised of two Ann Taylor stores, seven LOFT stores, one Ann Taylor Factory store and four LOFT Outlet stores. The Company closed five Ann Taylor stores, five LOFT stores and one Ann Taylor Factory store.

Fiscal Year 2012 Results

Total net sales for the full year of fiscal 2012 were $2.4 billion, compared with net sales of $2.2 billion in fiscal 2011. By brand, net sales across all channels of the Ann Taylor brand totaled $945.2 million in fiscal 2012, compared with net sales of $907.9 million in fiscal 2011. At the LOFT brand, net sales across all channels were $1,430.3 million in 2012, compared with net sales of $1,304.6 million in 2011.

Total Company comparable sales for the full year of fiscal 2012 increased 3.3%. At the Ann Taylor brand, total comparable sales increased 1.1%, including an increase of 1.8% at Ann Taylor, which was partially offset by a decrease of 0.5% in the Ann Taylor Factory channel. At the LOFT brand, total comparable sales increased 4.8%, including an increase of 5.8% at LOFT, which was partially offset by a decrease of 1.5% in the LOFT Outlet channel. (Please refer to Table 3 for a breakdown of sales by brand and channel.)

Gross margin, as a percentage of net sales, was 54.8%, compared with 54.6% in fiscal 2011.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $1,135.6 million versus $1,062.6 million in fiscal 2011. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 47.8% in fiscal 2012, reflecting a 20 basis-point improvement from the prior year.

Operating income for the full year of fiscal 2012 was $166.8 million, reflecting a 15% increase compared with operating income of $145.5 million in 2011.

Net income totaled $102.6 million, or $2.10 per diluted share, for fiscal 2012, compared with net income of $86.6 million, or $1.64 per diluted share, for fiscal 2011.

The Company ended the year with approximately $167 million in cash and cash equivalents. During fiscal 2012, the Company repurchased approximately 4.9 million of its outstanding shares at a total cost of $135 million.

Total Company inventory per square foot, including inventory for stores and e-commerce, was flat at the end of fiscal 2012, compared with fiscal 2011, which reflected flat inventory per square foot at Ann Taylor, LOFT and the factory outlet channel, over the same period last year.

During fiscal 2012, the Company opened 63 stores, comprised of 11 Ann Taylor stores, three Ann Taylor Factory stores, 26 LOFT stores and 23 LOFT Outlet stores and closed 32 stores, comprised of 16 Ann Taylor stores, 14 LOFT stores, one Ann Taylor Factory store and one LOFT Outlet store. The total store count at the end of the fiscal year was 984, comprised of 275 Ann Taylor stores, 101 Ann Taylor Factory stores, 512 LOFT stores, and 96 LOFT Outlet stores.

Outlook for Fiscal First-Quarter and Full-Year 2013

For the fiscal first quarter of 2013, the Company expects total net sales to be $600 million, reflecting a total Company comparable sales increase in the low-single digits. Gross margin rate performance is expected to be 56.5%. Selling, general and administrative expenses are estimated to approach $300 million.

In terms of the full year, the Company provided the following outlook:

• The Company currently expects fiscal 2013 total net sales to be $2.565 billion, reflecting a total Company comparable sales increase in the mid-single digits.
• Gross margin rate performance is expected to be 55.0%.
• Total SG&A expenses in fiscal 2013 are expected to approach $1.225 billion.
• The Company's effective tax rate is expected to be approximately 41%.
• Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $165 million.
• Total weighted average square footage for fiscal 2013 is expected to increase approximately 4%, reflecting the opening of approximately 65 new stores, partially offset by the impact of downsizes at Ann Taylor stores and approximately 30 store closures. The Company expects to have approximately 1,020 stores at fiscal year-end.

The Company expects to maintain its healthy balance sheet, including a disciplined approach to inventory management throughout the fiscal year.

About ANN INC.

ANN INC. is the parent Company of Ann Taylor and LOFT, two of the leading women's specialty retail fashion brands in North America. The Company operates 984 Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Factory, LOFT and LOFT Outlet stores in 47 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Canada as of February 2, 2013. Our Ann Taylor and LOFT brands are available in more than 100 countries worldwide online at AnnTaylor.com and LOFT.com. Visit ANNINC.com for more information (NYSE: ANN).

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements may use the words "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "intend," "project," "may," "believe" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements also include representations of the expectations or beliefs of the Company concerning future events that involve risks and uncertainties, including:

• the Company's ability to anticipate and respond to changing client preferences and fashion trends and provide a balanced assortment of merchandise that satisfies client demands in a timely manner;
• the effectiveness of the Company's brand awareness and marketing programs, its ability to maintain the value of its brands and engage new and existing clients;
• the Company's ability to manage inventory levels and changes in merchandise mix;
• the Company's reliance on key management and its ability to hire, retain and train qualified associates;
• the Company's ability to successfully execute brand goals, objectives and new concepts and strategies, including international expansion;
• the Company's ability to successfully implement its business transformation initiatives and upgrade and maintain its information systems, including adequate system security controls, successful transitioning of certain information technology functions to third parties and the ability to operate in accordance with its business continuity plan in the event of a disruption;
• the Company's ability to secure and protect trademarks and other intellectual property rights;
• the potential impact of natural disasters and public health concerns, including severe infectious diseases, acts of war or terrorism in the United States or worldwide, particularly on the Company's foreign sourcing offices and the manufacturing operations of the Company's vendors;
• the performance and operation of the Company's websites and the risks associated with Internet sales;
• the Company's reliance on third-party manufacturers and key vendors, including operational risks such as reduced production capacity, errors in complying with merchandise specifications, insufficient quality control and failure to meet production deadlines;
• the impact of fluctuations in sourcing costs, in particular, increases in the costs of raw materials, labor, fuel and transportation;
• the Company's reliance on foreign sources of production and the associated risks of doing business in foreign markets, including fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies, the imposition of duties or other possible trade law or import restrictions, including legislation relating to import quotas, and financial or political instability in any of the countries in which the Company's merchandise is manufactured;
• the Company's ability to successfully manage store growth and optimize the productivity and profitability of its store portfolio;
• the impact of a privacy breach and the resulting effect on the Company's business and reputation;
• the failure by independent manufacturers to comply with the Company's social compliance program requirements;
• a significant change in the regulatory environment applicable to the Company's business and the Company's ability to comply with legal and regulatory requirements;
• the effect of general economic conditions on consumer spending and the Company's liquidity and capital resources;
• the effect of competitive pressures from other retailers;
• the Company's dependence on its Louisville distribution center and third-party distribution facilities and transportation companies, including any significant interruptions due to work stoppages, slowdowns or strikes;
• the Company's dependence on shopping malls and other retail centers to attract customers and the impact of potential consolidation of commercial and retail landlords on the Company's ability to negotiate favorable rental terms;
• the impact on the Company's stock price relating to the Company's level of sales and earnings growth;
• the Company's ability to realize its deferred tax assets;
• the effect of external economic factors on the Company's future funding obligations for its defined benefit pension plan; and
• the impact of climate change on the Company's business.

Further description of these risks and uncertainties and other important factors are set forth in the Company's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K, including but not limited to Item 1A – Risk Factors and Item 7 – Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations therein, and in the Company's other filings with the SEC. Although these forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current expectations concerning future events, actual results may differ materially from current expectations or historical results. The Company does not assume any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements at any time for any reason.

ANN INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS For the Quarters and Years Ended February 2, 2013 and January 28, 2012 (unaudited)
Table 1.
	Quarter Ended				Year Ended
	February 2,		January 28,		February 2,		January 28,
	2013		2012		2013		2012
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Net sales	$ 607,678		$ 566,661		$2,375,509		$2,212,493
Cost of sales	309,507		289,511		1,073,167		1,004,350
Gross margin	298,171		277,150		1,302,342		1,208,143
Selling, general and administrative expenses	296,597		273,988		1,135,551		1,062,644
Operating income	1,574		3,162		166,791		145,499
Interest and investment income/(expense), net	1,206		(130)		1,051		(1,052)
Other non-operating income/(expense), net	(165)		-		(189)		-
Income before income taxes	2,615		3,032		167,653		144,447
Income tax provision	245		852		65,068		57,881
Net income	$ 2,370		$ 2,180		$ 102,585		$ 86,566
Earnings per share:
Basic earnings per share	$ 0.05		$ 0.04		$ 2.13		$ 1.66
Weighted average shares outstanding	47,094		50,052		47,494		51,200
Diluted earnings per share	$ 0.05		$ 0.04		$ 2.10		$ 1.64
Weighted average shares outstanding, assuming dilution	47,642		50,795		48,094		52,029

ANN INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS February 2, 2013 and January 28, 2012 (unaudited)
Table 2.
		February 2,		January 28,
		2013		2012
Assets		(in thousands, except share amounts)
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 167,011		$ 150,208
Accounts receivable		17,856		19,591
Merchandise inventories		216,848		213,447
Refundable income taxes		9,201		11,965
Deferred income taxes		30,397		30,999
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		64,716		49,107
Total current assets		506,029		475,317
Property and equipment, net		409,703		360,890
Deferred income taxes		7,841		39,134
Other assets		18,632		12,340
Total assets		$ 942,205		$ 887,681
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable		$ 105,691		$ 94,157
Accrued salaries and bonus		23,969		16,122
Current portion of long-term performance compensation		34,233		19,373
Accrued tenancy		38,647		41,435
Gift certificates and merchandise credits redeemable		47,268		50,750
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		86,946		64,060
Total current liabilities		336,754		285,897
Deferred lease costs		162,620		159,435
Deferred income taxes		228		1,320
Long-term performance compensation, less current portion		26,368		42,122
Other liabilities		31,125		35,030
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity
Common stock, $.0068 par value; 200,000,000 shares
authorized; 82,563,516 shares issued		561		561
Additional paid-in capital		768,215		776,658
Retained earnings		676,842		574,257
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(4,497)		(5,318)
Treasury stock, 35,958,318 and 33,284,631 shares
respectively, at cost		(1,056,011)		(982,281)
Total stockholders' equity		385,110		363,877
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		$ 942,205		$ 887,681

ANN INC. Brand Sales and Store Data For the Quarters and Years Ended February 2, 2013 and January 28, 2012 (unaudited)
Table 3.
During Fiscal 2012, the Company revised its presentation of certain sales data from a channel-specific approach that segregated brand store sales from brand internet sales to an approach which considers the impact of our multi-channel initiative. All year-to-date and prior period sales and comps have been adjusted to conform to the current period presentation.
	Quarter Ended
Sales and Comparable Sales	February 2, 2013					January 28, 2012
	Sales		Comp % (1)			Sales		Comp % (1)
	($ in thousands)
Ann Taylor brand
Ann Taylor (2)	184,680		5.0	%		167,815		(3.8)	%
Ann Taylor Factory	70,338		(6.8)	%		69,552		5.7	%
Total Ann Taylor brand	$ 255,018		1.4	%		$ 237,367		(1.1)	%
LOFT brand
LOFT (3)	295,145		(1.2)	%		281,887		10.5	%
LOFT Outlet	57,515		(7.1)	%		47,407		10.3	%
Total LOFT brand	$ 352,660		(2.1)	%		$ 329,294		10.5	%
Total Company	$ 607,678		(0.7)	%		$ 566,661		5.3	%

	Fiscal Year Ended
Sales and Comparable Sales	February 2, 2013					January 28, 2012
	Sales		Comp % (1)			Sales		Comp % (1)
	($ in thousands)
Ann Taylor brand
Ann Taylor (2)	$ 644,486		1.8	%		$ 618,446		4.9	%
Ann Taylor Factory	300,738		(0.5)	%		289,406		5.7	%
Total Ann Taylor brand	$ 945,224		1.1	%		$ 907,852		5.2	%
LOFT brand
LOFT (3)	$ 1,202,244		5.8	%		$ 1,114,911		7.5	%
LOFT Outlet	228,041		(1.5)	%		189,730		14.2	%
Total LOFT brand	$ 1,430,285		4.8	%		$ 1,304,641		8.0	%
Total Company	$ 2,375,509		3.3	%		$ 2,212,493		6.8	%
(1) A store is included in comparable sales in its thirteenth month of operation. A store with a square footage change of greater than 15% is treated as a new store for the first year following its reopening. Since the fiscal year ended February 2, 2013 included 53 weeks, sales in the last week of the fiscal year were not included in determining comparable store sales. (2) Includes sales at Ann Taylor stores and anntaylor.com (3) Includes sales at LOFT stores and LOFT.com.

ANN INC. Brand Sales and Store Data For the Quarters and Years Ended February 2, 2013 and January 28, 2012 (unaudited)
Table 3. (Continued)
	Year Ended
Stores and Square Footage	February 2, 2013					January 28, 2012
	Stores		Square Feet			Stores		Square Feet
	(square feet in thousands)
Ann Taylor brand
Ann Taylor	275		1,389			280		1,460
Ann Taylor Factory	101		696			99		700
Total Ann Taylor brand	376		2,085			379		2,160
LOFT brand
LOFT	512		2,950			500		2,904
LOFT Outlet	96		650			74		520
Total LOFT brand	608		3,600			574		3,424
Total Company	984		5,685			953		5,584
Number of:
Stores open at beginning of period	953		5,584			896		5,284
New stores	63		340			76		473
Downsized/expanded stores (4)	-		(69)			-		(58)
Closed stores	(32)		(170)			(19)		(115)
Stores open at end of period	984		5,685			953		5,584
(4) During Fiscal 2012, we downsized 18 Ann Taylor stores, four Ann Taylor Factory stores, five LOFT stores and one LOFT Outlet store. During Fiscal 2011, we downsized 11 Ann Taylor stores and three Ann Taylor Factory stores

SOURCE: ANN INC.

Investor Contact, Judith Lord, Vice President, Investor Relations, ANN INC., [phone] ext. 3598 or Press Contact, Catherine Fisher, Vice President, Corporate Communications, ANN INC., [phone] ext. 2199

http://www.anntaylorstorescorp.com