Businessweek

Urban Outfitters Inc. reported earnings results for the first quarter ended April 30, 2013. For the quarter, the company reported total company sales for the quarter increased by 14% to a first quarter record of $648 million. This increase was driven by strong retail segment comp rate of 9%, opening 7 new stores during the quarter, a $32 million increase in non comparable sales and a 16% jump in wholesale segment sales. Operating income increased by 38% to $73 million, with operating profit margin improving by 196 basis points to 11.3%. Net income was $47 million or $0.32 per diluted share. The company announced that capital expenditures for fiscal year 2014 are planned at $190 million to $210 million, driven primarily by new stores and the expansion of its home office. Its fiscal year 2014 annual effective tax rate is planned to be approximately 36.5%. The company announced that it is still planning to open approximately 35 to 40 new stores during the year. By brand, the company is planning approximately 16 new Urban Outfitters stores globally, including 5 new European stores, 9 new Anthropologie stores globally, including 2 new European stores, and 14 new Free People stores in North America.

Urban Outfitters Inc., Q1 2014 Earnings Call, May 20, 2013

SL Green Realty Corp. on April 24, 2013 announced retail lease with Urban Outfitters at 180 Broadway, a soon to be completed ground-up, mixed-use development in lower Manhattan owned by SL Green, Jeff Sutton and Harel Insurance. The transaction bring the project to 100% leased following the conveyance to Pace University of a long-term ground lease condominium interest for the balance of the building. Urban Outfitters signed a 15-year, three-floor, 21,653-square-foot lease.

Urban Outfitters Inc. is having a hard time getting out of its battle with the Navajo Nation. The Nation filed a lawsuit after the company used two spellings of the tribe's name to brand products that include clothing, jewelry and bags. Even the court dismissed some elements of the lawsuit, it still is considering all the allegations against the trendy retail company. The tribe is alleging trademark infringement, trademark dilution, unfair competition, false advertising, violation of commercial practices law, and violation of the Indian Arts and Crafts Act. The duel between the two entities dates back to June 2011, when the tribe asked the company to discontinue labeling its products with terms that included 'Navajo' or 'Navaho'. The Navajo Nation alleges in its Amended Complaint that it and its members have been known by the name Navajo' since at least 1849, have continuously used the NAVAJO tardemark in commerce, and have made the NAVAJO name and trademarks famous with numerous products. The tribe was particularly displeased with its name being used for an underwear line and a type of flask commonly used to hold alcohol. The tribe's attorneys wrote that the Nation has 'long banned the sale and consumption of alcohol within its borders and the Navajo Nation does not use its mark in conjunction with alcohol.' The court dismissed the tribe's claim that the product is "derogatory, scandalous, and contrary to the Navajo Nation's principles. The court upheld all other theories, despite Urban Outfitters's request for dismissal. That means the case for trademark infringement and the other claims can continue. The tribe declined to comment on the situation, given that the case is ongoing. It has until the end of the week to file a revised amended complaint.

Urban Outfitters Inc. shareholders proposed amendment to the company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation at the AGM to be held on May 28, 2013.