With this case, we review the profitability of several specialty retail stores. The companies reviewed and the year-end dates are as follows:

1. Abercrombie & Fitch Co.

(January 31, 2009'52-week; February 2, 2008'52-week; February 3, 2007'53-week)

‘‘Abercrombie & Fitch Co..is a specialty retailer that operates stores and websites selling casual sportswear apparel.'' 10-K

2. Limited Brands, Inc.

(January 31, 2009'52-week; February 2, 2008'52-week; February 3, 2007'53-week)

‘‘We operate in the highly competitive specialty retail business.'' 10-K

3. GAP, Inc.

(January 31, 2009'52-week; February 2, 2008'52-week; February 3, 2007'53-week)

‘‘We are a global specialty retailer offering clothing, accessories, and personal care products.''

10-K

Required
a. Comment on the net profit margin for these companies. Consider absolute amounts and trend.
b. Comment on the return on assets for these companies. Consider absolute amounts and trend.
c. Comment on the return on total equity for these companies. Consider absolute amounts and trend.
d. Comment on the relative profitability of thesecompanies.

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Abercrombie & Fitch Limited Brands Data reviewed GAP 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 Net profit margin Return on assets Return on total equity 7.69 10.05 15.72 12.69 19.76 31.47 2.39 3.00 6.87 9.58 27.75 6.66 12.56 22.33 5.50 10.58 18.35 10.75