Introduces Fourth Quarter Guidance

Holiday Sales Start Strong

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE:AEO) today reported EPS of $0.36 for the third quarter ended October 28, 2017. Excluding restructuring and related charges of $0.01 per diluted share, the company’s Adjusted EPS* was $0.37 for the third quarter. Included in our GAAP and Adjusted EPS is a discrete charge to reserve against a receivable of $14 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, which is recorded in Other Expense.

Jay Schottenstein, Chief Executive Officer commented, “The third quarter produced record sales, sequential margin improvement and marked eleven straight quarters of comp sales growth. Digital sales continued to grow at a rapid pace, while we also saw store sales strengthen. These results validate our investments in product leadership, innovation, quality and brand equity. I’m very pleased to see strong momentum continue into the fourth quarter, positioning us well for the next few critical weeks of the holiday season.”

Third Quarter 2017 Results

• Total net revenue increased 2% to $960 million from $941 million last year.
• Consolidated comparable sales were up 3%, following a 2% increase last year.
• Gross profit of $375 million compared to $378 million last year with a gross margin rate of 39.0% to revenue compared to 40.2% last year, a 120 basis point decline. The reduction in margin rate was due to higher promotions and increased shipping costs associated with a strong digital business.
• Selling, general and administrative expense declined $3 million, or 1% to $217 million compared to $220 million last year. Positive sales combined with lower expenses drove 80 basis points of leverage to a rate of 22.6% to revenue. Lower incentives and expense discipline were partially offset by higher wages.
• Operating income of $111 million includes $4 million of restructuring charges related to severance and a lease buy-out. Adjusted operating income* of $115 million compared to $118 million last year with a rate of 11.9% to revenue compared to 12.6% last year.
• Other expense of $13 million includes a discrete charge of $14 million to reserve against a receivable.
• EPS of $0.36 and Adjusted EPS* of $0.37 both include a discrete charge of $0.05 per diluted share compared to EPS of $0.41 last year.

*Adjusted amounts are based on Non-GAAP results, as presented in the accompanying GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliation.

Shareholder Returns, Cash

The company ended the quarter with total cash of $258 million compared to $292 million last year. Over the past 12 months, we returned $88 million in share buybacks, $89 million in dividends and invested $189 million in capital expenditures, resulting in a lower cash balance.

Inventory

Total ending inventories at cost increased 8% to $534 million, reflecting investments in bottoms, women’s tops and Aerie apparel to support strong sales trends.

Capital Expenditures

In the third quarter, capital expenditures totaled $48 million. We continue to expect fiscal year 2017 capital expenditures in the range of $160 million to $170 million, with roughly half of the spend related to store remodeling projects and new openings, and the balance to support the e-commerce business, omni-channel tools and general corporate projects.

Store Information

This quarter we opened 4 new AE stores, with 1 in Mexico, 1 in Canada and 2 in the U.S. Additionally, we opened 1 new Aerie location in Canada. We also opened 11 international licensed stores and closed 1. The company is on track to close a total of 25 to 30 stores this year. For additional store information, see the accompanying table.

Fourth Quarter Outlook

Based on an anticipated comparable store sales increase in the mid-single digits, management expects fourth quarter 2017 EPS to be approximately $0.42 to $0.44. This guidance excludes potential asset impairment and restructuring charges. Last year’s fourth quarter reported EPS of $0.30 included approximately $0.09 per share of asset impairment, restructuring and related charges. Excluding these items, last year’s fourth quarter adjusted EPS was $0.39. See the accompanying table for the GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliation.

Conference Call and Supplemental Financial Information

Today, management will host a conference call and real time webcast at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. To listen to the call, dial 1-877-407-0789 or internationally dial 1-201-689-8562 or go to http://investors.ae.com to access the webcast and audio replay. Also, a financial results presentation is posted on the company’s website.

Non-GAAP Measures

This press release includes information on non-GAAP financial measures (“non-GAAP” or “adjusted”), including earnings per share information and the consolidated results of operations excluding non-GAAP items. These financial measures are not based on any standardized methodology prescribed by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and are not necessarily comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The company believes that this non-GAAP information is useful as an additional means for investors to evaluate the company’s operating performance, when reviewed in conjunction with the company’s GAAP financial statements. These amounts are not determined in accordance with GAAP and therefore, should not be used exclusively in evaluating the company’s business and operations.

About American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) is a leading global specialty retailer offering high-quality, on-trend clothing, accessories and personal care products at affordable prices under its American Eagle Outfitters® and Aerie® brands. The company operates more than 1,000 stores in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China and Hong Kong, and ships to 81 countries worldwide through its websites. American Eagle Outfitters and Aerie merchandise also is available at more than 200 international locations operated by licensees in 24 countries. For more information, please visit www.ae.com.

"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This release contains forward-looking statements, which represent our expectations or beliefs concerning future events, including fourth quarter 2017 results. All forward-looking statements made by the company involve material risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on factors beyond the company's control. Such factors include, but are not limited to the risk that the company’s operating, financial and capital plans may not be achieved and the risks described in the Risk Factor Section of the company's Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, the company's future performance and financial results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such forward-looking statements. The company does not undertake to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements even if future changes make it clear that projected results expressed or implied will not be realized.

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)
				October 28,				January 28,				October 29,
				2017				2017				2016
				(unaudited)								(unaudited)
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents			$	257,527			$	378,613			$	291,667
Merchandise inventory				534,019				358,446				492,602
Accounts receivable, net				77,113				86,634				74,812
Prepaid expenses and other				61,553				77,536				77,768
Total current assets				930,212				901,229				936,849
Property and equipment, net				726,168				707,797				708,488
Intangible assets, net				46,979				49,373				49,993
Goodwill				14,972				14,887				17,315
Non-current deferred income taxes				29,025				49,250				49,627
Other assets				54,424				60,124				60,268
Total Assets			$	1,801,780			$	1,782,660			$	1,822,540
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable			$	330,716			$	246,204			$	314,111
Accrued compensation and payroll taxes				43,561				54,184				56,939
Accrued rent				80,580				78,619				79,255
Accrued income and other taxes				17,262				12,220				29,373
Unredeemed gift cards and gift certificates				29,475				52,966				30,130
Current portion of deferred lease credits				12,887				12,780				12,783
Other current liabilities and accrued expenses				38,359				36,810				40,288
Total current liabilities				552,840				493,783				562,879
Deferred lease credits				50,439				45,114				47,677
Non-current accrued income taxes				4,590				4,537				4,573
Other non-current liabilities				30,712				34,657				35,451
Total non-current liabilities				85,741				84,308				87,701
Commitments and contingencies				-				-				-
Preferred stock				-				-				-
Common stock				2,496				2,496				2,496
Contributed capital				588,978				603,890				597,919
Accumulated other comprehensive income				(34,798)				(36,462)				(31,160)
Retained earnings				1,812,821				1,775,775				1,744,227
Treasury stock				(1,206,298)				(1,141,130)				(1,141,522)
Total stockholders' equity				1,163,199				1,204,569				1,171,960
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity			$	1,801,780			$	1,782,660			$	1,822,540
Current Ratio				1.68				1.83				1.66

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
				GAAP Basis
				13 Weeks Ended
				October 28,		% of			October 29,		% of
				2017		Revenue			2016		Revenue
Total net revenue			$	960,433		100.0%		$	940,609		100.0%
Cost of sales, including certain buying,   occupancy and warehousing expenses				585,520		61.0%			562,793		59.8%
Gross profit				374,913		39.0%			377,816		40.2%
Selling, general and administrative expenses				217,146		22.6%			219,912		23.4%
Restructuring charges				3,695		0.4%			-		0.0%
Depreciation and amortization				43,149		4.5%			39,636		4.2%
Operating income				110,923		11.5%			118,268		12.6%
Other (expense) income, net				(13,243)		-1.4%			603		0.0%
Income before income taxes				97,680		10.1%			118,871		12.6%
Provision for income taxes				33,947		3.5%			43,111		4.6%
Net income			$	63,733		6.6%		$	75,760		8.0%
Net income per basic share			$	0.36				$	0.42
Net income per diluted share			$	0.36				$	0.41
Weighted average common shares
outstanding - basic				177,288					181,819
Weighted average common shares
outstanding - diluted				179,132					184,615
				GAAP Basis
				39 Weeks Ended
				October 28,		% of			October 29,		% of
				2017		Revenue			2016		Revenue
Total net revenue			$	2,566,826		100.0%		$	2,512,619		100.0%
Cost of sales, including certain buying,   occupancy and warehousing expenses				1,621,441		63.2%			1,534,194		61.1%
Gross profit				945,385		36.8%			978,425		38.9%
Selling, general and administrative expenses				615,842		24.0%			615,503		24.5%
Restructuring charges				18,888		0.8%			-		0.0%
Depreciation and amortization				123,878		4.8%			117,319		4.6%
Operating income				186,777		7.2%			245,603		9.8%
Other (expense) income, net				(19,574)		-0.8%			2,403		0.1%
Income before income taxes				167,203		6.4%			248,006		9.9%
Provision for income taxes				56,997		2.2%			90,179		3.6%
Net income			$	110,206		4.2%		$	157,827		6.3%
Net income per basic share			$	0.62				$	0.87
Net income per diluted share			$	0.61				$	0.86
Weighted average common shares
outstanding - basic				178,272					181,196
Weighted average common shares
outstanding - diluted				180,260					183,651

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
						13 Weeks Ended October 28, 2017
						Operating income				Net income				Diluted income per common share
GAAP Basis						$	110,923			$	63,733			$	0.36
% of Revenue							11.5	%			6.6	%
Add: Restructuring Related Charges(1):							3,695				2,065				0.01
							3,695				2,065
Non-GAAP Basis						$	114,618			$	65,798			$	0.37
% of Revenue							11.9	%			6.8	%
(1) - $3.7 million pre-tax restructuring related charges, consisting of: • Corporate severance and related charges of ($2.4M) and corporate lease buyout charges of ($1.3M)

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
		39 Weeks Ended
		October 28, 2017
		Gross profit				Operating income				Other (expense) income				Net income				Diluted income per common share
GAAP Basis		$	945,385			$	186,777			$	(19,574	)		$	110,206			$	0.61
% of Revenue			36.8	%			7.2	%			-0.8	%			4.2	%
Add: Restructuring Related Charges(1):			1,669				20,557				-				12,961				0.08
Add: Joint Business Venture Charges(2):			-				-				9,311				5,870				0.03
			1,669				20,557				9,311				18,831				0.11
Non-GAAP Basis		$	947,054			$	207,334			$	(10,263	)		$	129,037			$	0.72
% of Revenue			36.9	%			8.1	%			-0.4	%			5.0	%

(1) - $20.6 million pre-tax restructuring related charges, consisting of: • Inventory charges related to the restructuring of the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and China ($1.7M), recorded as a reduction of Gross Profit • Lease buyouts, store closure charges and severance and related charges ($18.9M), which includes charges for the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and China and corporate overhead reductions, recorded within Restructuring Charges.

(2) - $9.3 million pre-tax charges for the charges related to the planned exit of a joint business venture, recorded within Other (expense) income, net.

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION
(unaudited)
						13 Weeks Ended
						January 28, 2017
						Diluted income per common share
GAAP Basis						$	0.30
% of Revenue
Add: Asset Impairment and Restructuring Charges(1):							0.07
Add: Tax (2):							0.02
Non-GAAP Basis						$	0.39
% of Revenue

(1) - $21.2 million pre-tax asset impairments and restructuring charges relating to our wholly-owned businesses in the United Kingdom and Asia.
(2) - GAAP tax rate included impact of valuation allowances on asset impairment and restructuring charges. Excluding the impact of those items resulted in a 33.9% tax rate for the quarter.

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
COMPARABLE SALES RESULTS BY BRAND
(unaudited)
					Third Quarter Comparable Sales
					2017			2016
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (1)					3%			2%
AE Total Brand (1)					1%			0.4%
aerie Total Brand (1)					19%			21%
					YTD Third Quarter Comparable Sales
					2017			2016
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (1)					2%			4%
AE Total Brand (1)					0%			2%
aerie Total Brand (1)					23%			25%
(1) AEO Direct is included in consolidated and total brand comparable sales.

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
STORE INFORMATION
(unaudited)
				Third Quarter		YTD Third Quarter			Fiscal 2017
				2017		2017			Guidance
Consolidated stores at beginning of period				1,057		1,050			1,050
Consolidated stores opened during the period
AE Brand				4		13			15-20
aerie				1		12			15
Tailgate Clothing Co.				0		0			0
Todd Snyder				0		1			1
Consolidated stores closed during the period
AE Brand				(3)		(13)			(20) - (23)
aerie				0		(4)			(4) - (7)
Todd Snyder				(1)		(1)			(1)
Total consolidated stores at end of period				1,058		1,058			1,050 - 1,061
Stores remodeled and refurbished during the period				14		43			50
Total gross square footage at end of period (in '000)				6,641		6,641			Not Provided
International license locations at end of period (1)				205		205			227

(1) International license locations are not included in the consolidated store data or the total gross square footage calculation.

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Source: American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.