Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 


FORM 10-Q

 


 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended November 3, 2007

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number: 1-33338

 


American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Delaware   No. 13-2721761

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

77 Hot Metal Street, Pittsburgh, PA   15203-2329
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (412) 432-3300

Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report:

N/A

 


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to the filing requirements for at least the past 90 days.    YES  x    NO  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

x  Large accelerated filer    ¨  Accelerated filer    ¨   Non-accelerated filer

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    YES  ¨    NO  x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 213,960,888 Common Shares were outstanding at November 30, 2007.

 



Table of Contents

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page
Number
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

   Financial Statements    3
   Consolidated Balance Sheets November 3, 2007, February 3, 2007 and October 28, 2006    3
   Consolidated Statements of Operations and Retained Earnings 13 weeks and 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007 and October 28, 2006    4
   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007 and October 28, 2006    5
   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements    6
   Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm    16

Item 2.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    17

Item 3.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk    24

Item 4.

   Controls and Procedures    24
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

   Legal Proceedings    N/A

Item 1A.

   Risk Factors    25

Item 2.

   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    25

Item 3.

   Defaults Upon Senior Securities    N/A

Item 4.

   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    N/A

Item 5.

   Other Information    N/A

Item 6.

   Exhibits    26

 

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PART I

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

(In thousands, except per share amounts)    November 3,
2007
    February 3,
2007
    October 28,
2006
 
     (Unaudited)           (Unaudited)  

Assets

      

Current assets:

      

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 104,877     $ 59,737     $ 121,216  

Short-term investments

     535,905       767,376       636,711  

Merchandise inventory

     393,068       263,644       348,631  

Accounts receivable

     33,603       26,045       25,762  

Prepaid expenses and other

     39,468       33,720       34,414  

Deferred income taxes

     48,935       51,886       46,188  
                        

Total current assets

     1,155,856       1,202,408       1,212,922  
                        

Property and equipment, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization

     597,948       481,645       440,868  

Goodwill

     11,722       9,950       9,950  

Long-term investments

     146,244       251,644       146,140  

Non-current deferred income taxes

     50,401       30,340       22,210  

Other assets, net

     20,652       15,651       12,292  
                        

Total assets

   $ 1,982,823     $ 1,991,638     $ 1,844,382  
                        

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

      

Current liabilities:

      

Accounts payable

   $ 207,481     $ 171,150     $ 213,049  

Accrued compensation and payroll taxes

     35,003       58,371       46,716  

Accrued rent

     58,731       57,543       52,033  

Accrued income and other taxes

     41,324       91,934       32,261  

Unredeemed gift cards and gift certificates

     30,355       54,554       25,672  

Current portion of deferred lease credits

     12,861       12,803       10,408  

Other liabilities and accrued expenses

     17,357       18,263       18,987  
                        

Total current liabilities

     403,112       464,618       399,126  
                        

Non-current liabilities:

      

Deferred lease credits

     68,393       65,114       65,174  

Non-current accrued income taxes

     52,256       —         —    

Other non-current liabilities

     44,138       44,594       47,295  
                        

Total non-current liabilities

     164,787       109,708       112,469  
                        

Commitments and contingencies

     —         —         —    

Stockholders’ equity:

      

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 5,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding

     —         —         —    

Common stock, $0.01 par value; 600,000 shares authorized; 248,763, 248,155 and 247,926 shares issued, respectively; 214,250, 221,284 and 222,759 shares outstanding, respectively

     2,481       2,461       2,453  

Contributed capital

     486,576       453,418       433,524  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     42,037       21,714       26,025  

Retained earnings

     1,482,907       1,302,345       1,171,184  

Treasury stock, 33,826, 25,699 and 23,978 shares, respectively

     (599,077 )     (362,626 )     (300,399 )
                        

Total stockholders’ equity

     1,414,924       1,417,312       1,332,787  
                        

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 1,982,823     $ 1,991,638     $ 1,844,382  
                        

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND RETAINED EARNINGS

(Unaudited)

 

     13 Weeks Ended     39 Weeks Ended  
(In thousands, except per share amounts)    November 3,
2007
    October 28,
2006
    November 3,
2007
    October 28,
2006
 

Net sales

   $ 744,443     $ 696,290     $ 2,060,018     $ 1,821,044  

Cost of sales, including certain buying, occupancy and warehousing expenses (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below)

     391,526       351,966       1,092,195       947,090  
                                

Gross profit

     352,917       344,324       967,823       873,954  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     174,161       170,431       497,536       447,872  

Depreciation and amortization expense

     27,867       21,392       80,724       66,062  
                                

Operating income

     150,889       152,501       389,563       360,020  

Other income, net

     6,905       9,080       26,972       26,144  
                                

Income before income taxes

     157,794       161,581       416,535       386,164  

Provision for income taxes

     58,368       60,636       156,995       148,964  
                                

Net income

   $ 99,426     $ 100,945     $ 259,540     $ 237,200  
                                

Basic income per common share

   $ 0.46     $ 0.45     $ 1.19     $ 1.06  

Diluted income per common share

   $ 0.45     $ 0.44     $ 1.17     $ 1.04  

Cash dividends per common share

   $ 0.10     $ 0.08     $ 0.28     $ 0.20  

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic

     214,719       222,797       217,933       222,888  

Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted

     218,786       228,401       222,312       228,276  

Retained earnings, beginning (for the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007, refer to Note 6 for information regarding the adoption of FIN 48)

   $ 1,405,414     $ 1,087,012     $ 1,289,041     $ 978,855  

Net income

     99,426       100,945       259,540       237,200  

Cash dividends

     (21,532 )     (16,773 )     (59,754 )     (44,871 )

Reissuance of treasury stock

     (401 )     —         (5,920 )     —    
                                

Retained earnings, ending

   $ 1,482,907     $ 1,171,184     $ 1,482,907     $ 1,171,184  
                                

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

     39 Weeks Ended  
(In thousands)    November 3,
2007
    October 28,
2006
 

Operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 259,540     $ 237,200  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     80,724       66,062  

Share-based compensation

     26,802       23,801  

Deferred income taxes

     (24,398 )     (9,874 )

Tax benefit from share-based payments

     7,127       19,365  

Foreign currency transaction loss

     1,798       1,302  

Excess tax benefit from share-based payments

     (5,985 )     (15,515 )

Proceeds from sale of trading securities

     —         183,968  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Merchandise inventory

     (123,096 )     (137,436 )

Accounts and note receivable

     (7,163 )     5,252  

Prepaid expenses and other

     (5,136 )     (3,728 )

Other assets, net

     (4,488 )     (1,970 )

Accounts payable

     32,458       73,466  

Unredeemed gift cards and gift certificates

     (24,876 )     (17,434 )

Deferred lease credits

     2,396       5,128  

Accrued liabilities

     (27,684 )     (1,204 )
                

Total adjustments

     (71,521 )     191,183  
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     188,019       428,383  

Investing activities:

    

Capital expenditures

     (190,536 )     (161,523 )

Proceeds from sale of assets

     —         12,345  

Purchase of available-for-sale securities

     (882,277 )     (631,556 )

Sale of available-for-sale securities

     1,226,385       431,758  

Other investing activities

     (699 )     (159 )
                

Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities

     152,873       (349,135 )

Financing activities:

    

Proceeds from issuance of note payable

     —         2,025  

Payments on capital leases

     (1,337 )     (717 )

Repurchase of common stock as part of publicly announced programs

     (243,219 )     (76,269 )

Repurchase of common stock from employees

     (12,292 )     (7,635 )

Net proceeds from stock options exercised

     12,762       21,555  

Excess tax benefit from share-based payments

     5,985       15,515  

Cash dividends paid

     (59,754 )     (44,871 )
                

Net cash used for financing activities

     (297,855 )     (90,397 )
                

Effect of exchange rates on cash

     2,103       1,836  
                

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     45,140       (9,313 )

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period

     59,737       130,529  
                

Cash and cash equivalents - end of period

   $ 104,877     $ 121,216  
                

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

    

Cash paid during the period for income taxes

   $ 230,614     $ 158,730  

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash transactions:

    

Transfer of investment securities from available-for-sale to trading classification

     —       $ 180,787  

 

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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Interim Financial Statements

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (the “Company”) at November 3, 2007 and October 28, 2006 and for the 13 and 39 week periods ended November 3, 2007 (the “current period”) and October 28, 2006 (the “prior period”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. Certain notes and other information have been condensed or omitted from the interim Consolidated Financial Statements presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Therefore, these Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Fiscal 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K. In the opinion of our management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.

As used in this report, all references to “we,” “our,” and the “Company” refer to American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. “American Eagle Outfitters,” “American Eagle,” “AE,” and the “AE Brand” refer to our U.S. and Canadian American Eagle Outfitters stores, including the aerie sub-brand and ae.com. “MARTIN + OSA” refers to our casual clothing and accessories concept launched during Fiscal 2006.

The Company’s business is affected by the pattern of seasonality common to most retail apparel businesses. The results for the current and prior periods are not necessarily indicative of future financial results.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Fiscal Year

The Company’s financial year is a 52/53 week year that ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31. As used herein, “Fiscal 2009,” “Fiscal 2008” and “Fiscal 2007” refer to the 52 week periods ending January 30, 2010, January 31, 2009 and February 2, 2008, respectively. “Fiscal 2006” refers to the 53 week period ended February 3, 2007. “Fiscal 2005” refers to the 52 week period ended January 28, 2006.

Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of our contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. On an ongoing basis, our management reviews its estimates based on currently available information. Changes in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates.

Foreign Currency Translation

The Canadian dollar is the functional currency for the Canadian business. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 52, Foreign Currency Translation (“SFAS No. 52”), assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies were translated into U.S. dollars (the reporting currency) at the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies were translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rate for the period. Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in the results of operations, whereas, related translation adjustments are reported as an element of other comprehensive income in accordance with SFAS No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income (see Note 5 of the Consolidated Financial Statements).

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 provides companies with an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value. The statement also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements

 

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to facilitate comparisons between companies that choose different measurement attributes for similar assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and the Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, that the adoption of SFAS No. 159 will have on the its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”). SFAS No. 157 addresses how companies should measure fair value when they are required to use fair value as a measure for recognition or disclosure purposes under generally accepted accounting principles. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and the Company will adopt SFAS No. 157 beginning in the first quarter of Fiscal 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, that the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recorded for store sales upon the purchase of merchandise by customers. The Company’s e-commerce operation records revenue upon the estimated customer receipt date of the merchandise. Shipping and handling revenues are included in net sales. Sales tax collected from customers is excluded from revenue and is included as part of accrued income and other taxes on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Revenue is recorded net of estimated and actual sales returns and deductions for coupon redemptions and other promotions. The Company records the impact of adjustments to its sales return reserve quarterly within net sales and cost of sales. The sales return reserve reflects an estimate of sales returns based on projected merchandise returns, which are determined through the use of historical average return percentages.

Revenue is not recorded on the purchase of gift cards. A current liability is recorded upon purchase and revenue is recognized when the gift card is redeemed for merchandise. Additionally, the Company recognizes revenue on unredeemed gift cards based on an estimate of the amounts that will not be redeemed (“gift card breakage”), determined through historical redemption trends. Gift card breakage revenue is recognized in proportion to actual gift card redemptions as a component of net sales. For further information on a change in the Company’s gift card program, see the Gift Cards caption below.

During the 13 weeks ended October 28, 2006, the Company reclassified sell-offs of end-of-season, overstock and irregular merchandise and presented the amounts on a gross basis, with proceeds and cost of sell-offs recorded in net sales and cost of sales, respectively. Prior to this, the Company presented the proceeds and cost of sell-offs on a net basis within cost of sales. For the 13 weeks and 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007, the Company recorded $8.1 million and $21.8 million of proceeds and $9.0 million and $23.7 million of costs of sell-offs in net sales and cost of sales, respectively. For the 13 weeks and 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006, the Company recorded $4.2 million of proceeds and $5.3 million of costs of sell-offs in net sales and cost of sales, respectively. Proceeds of $10.4 million and costs of $13.3 million for the 26 weeks ended July 29, 2006 were not reclassified to reflect this change as the amounts were determined to be immaterial.

Cost of Sales, Including Certain Buying, Occupancy and Warehousing Expenses

Cost of sales consists of merchandise costs, including design, sourcing, importing and inbound freight costs, as well as markdowns, shrinkage and certain promotional costs. Buying, occupancy and warehousing costs consist of: compensation, employee benefit expenses and travel for our buyers and certain senior merchandising executives; rent and utilities related to our stores, corporate headquarters, distribution centers and other office space; freight from our distribution centers to the stores; compensation and supplies for our distribution centers, including purchasing, receiving and inspection costs; and shipping and handling costs related to our e-commerce operation.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of compensation and employee benefit expenses, including salaries, incentives and related benefits associated with our stores and corporate headquarters. Selling, general and administrative expenses also include advertising costs, supplies for our stores and home office, communication costs, travel and entertainment, leasing costs and services purchased. Selling, general and administrative expenses do not include compensation, employee benefit expenses and travel for our design, sourcing and importing teams, our buyers and our distribution centers as these amounts are recorded in cost of sales.

When the Company closes, remodels or relocates a store prior to the end of its lease term, the remaining net book value of the disposed assets related to the store is recorded as a write-off of assets. Prior to February 3, 2007, the Company recorded this write-off of assets within selling, general and administrative expenses. However, the Company has determined that classification within depreciation and amortization expense is more appropriate. Accordingly, the Company recorded $0.9 million and $5.9 million related to asset write-offs within depreciation and amortization expense for the 13 weeks and 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007, respectively. Amounts of $1.4 million and $5.1 million for the 13 weeks and 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006, respectively, have been reclassified for comparative purposes.

 

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Other Income, Net

Other income, net consists primarily of interest income as well as foreign currency transaction gain/loss and interest expense. As of July 8, 2007, the Company discontinued assessing a service fee on inactive gift cards. Prior to July 8, 2007, the Company recorded gift card service fee income in other income, net. For the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007, the Company recorded gift card service fee income of $0.8 million. For the 13 weeks and 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006, the Company recorded gift card service fee of $0.4 million and $1.5 million, respectively.

Gift Cards

The value of a gift card is recorded as a current liability upon purchase, and revenue is recognized when the gift card is redeemed for merchandise. Prior to July 8, 2007, if a gift card remained inactive for greater than 24 months, the Company assessed the recipient a one-dollar per month service fee, where allowed by law, which was automatically deducted from the remaining value of the card. For those jurisdictions where assessing a service fee was not allowable by law, the estimated breakage was recorded in a manner consistent with that described above, starting after 24 months of inactivity. Both gift card service fees and breakage estimates were recorded within other income, net.

On July 8, 2007, the Company discontinued assessing a service fee on inactive gift cards. As a result, the Company estimates gift card breakage and recognizes revenue in proportion to actual gift card redemptions as a component of net sales. The Company determines an estimated gift card breakage rate by continuously evaluating historical redemption data and the time when there is a remote likelihood that a gift card will be redeemed. The Company recorded $1.1 million of revenue related to gift card breakage during the 13 weeks ended November 3, 2007. For the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007, the Company recorded breakage revenue of $5.9 million, which included cumulative breakage revenue related to gift cards issued since the Company introduced its gift card program.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Short-term Investments and Long-term Investments

Cash includes cash equivalents. The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with a maturity of 13 weeks or less to be cash equivalents.

As of November 3, 2007, short-term investments generally included investments with remaining maturities of less than 12 months (averaging approximately two months), consisting primarily of tax-exempt municipal bonds, taxable agency bonds and corporate notes classified as available-for-sale. Additionally, short-term investments include variable rate demand notes (“VRDNs”) and auction rate securities classified as available-for-sale, which have long-term contractual maturities but feature variable interest rates that reset at short-term intervals.

As of November 3, 2007, long-term investments included investments with remaining maturities of greater than 12 months, but not exceeding five years (averaging approximately 28 months) and consisted primarily of agency bonds classified as available-for-sale.

Unrealized gains and losses on the Company’s available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and are reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity, within accumulated other comprehensive income, until realized. When available-for-sale securities are sold, the cost of the securities is specifically identified and is used to determine any realized gain or loss. Proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale securities were $1.226 billion and $431.8 million for the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007 and October 28, 2006, respectively. These proceeds are offset against purchases of $882.3 million and $631.6 million for the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007 and October 28, 2006, respectively. For the 13-week periods ended November 3, 2007 and October 28, 2006, nominal amounts of realized losses related to available-for-sale securities were included in other income, net. For the 39-week periods ended November 3, 2007 and October 28, 2006, realized losses related to available-for-sale securities of $0.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively, were included in other income, net.

During the 13 weeks ended April 29, 2006, the Company transferred certain investment securities from available-for-sale classification to trading classification (the “trading securities”). As a result of this transfer, during the 13 weeks ended April 29, 2006, a reclassification adjustment of $(0.3) million was recorded in other comprehensive income related to the gain realized in net income at the time of transfer. As a result of trading classification, the Company realized $3.5 million of capital gains, which were recorded in other income, net during the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006. The trading securities were sold during the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2006, at which time the Company received proceeds of $184.0 million. As of November 3, 2007, the Company had no investments classified as trading securities.

 

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The following table summarizes the fair market value of our cash and marketable securities, which are recorded as cash and cash equivalents on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, our short-term investments and our long-term investments:

 

(In thousands)    November 3,
2007
   February 3,
2007
   October 28,
2006

Cash and cash equivalents:

        

Cash

   $ 63,886    $ 33,174    $ 43,433

Money-market

     40,991      26,563      77,783

Short-term investments:

        

US Treasury and agency securities

     76,158      120,786      86,897

State and local government securities

     270,857      384,151      321,278

US corporate securities

     188,890      262,439      228,536
                    

Total short-term investments

     535,905      767,376      636,711

Long-term investments:

        

US Treasury and agency securities

     136,244      239,591      141,546

State and local government securities

     —        7,477      —  

US corporate securities

     10,000      4,576      4,594
                    

Total long-term investments

     146,244      251,644      146,140
                    

Total

   $ 787,026    $ 1,078,757    $ 904,067
                    

Merchandise Inventory

Merchandise inventory is valued at the lower of average cost or market, utilizing the retail method. Average cost includes merchandise design and sourcing costs and related expenses. The Company records merchandise receipts at the time merchandise is delivered to the foreign shipping port by the manufacturer (FOB port). This is the point at which title and risk of loss transfer to the Company.

The Company reviews its inventory levels in order to identify slow-moving merchandise and generally uses markdowns to clear merchandise. Additionally, the Company estimates a markdown reserve for future planned markdowns related to current inventory. Markdowns may occur when inventory exceeds customer demand for reasons of style, seasonal adaptation, changes in customer preference, lack of consumer acceptance of fashion items, competition, or if it is determined that the inventory in stock will not sell at its currently ticketed price. Such markdowns may have a material adverse impact on earnings, depending on the extent and amount of inventory affected. The Company also estimates a shrinkage reserve for the period between the last physical count and the balance sheet date. The estimate for the shrinkage reserve can be affected by changes in merchandise mix and changes in actual shrinkage trends.

Income Taxes

The Company calculates income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. Effective February 4, 2007, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 prescribes a comprehensive model for recognizing, measuring, presenting and disclosing in the financial statements tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return, including a decision whether to file or not to file in a particular jurisdiction. Under FIN 48, a tax benefit from an uncertain position may be recognized only if it is “more likely than not” that the position is sustainable based on its technical merits. See Note 6 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of the adoption of FIN 48.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is recorded on the basis of cost with depreciation computed utilizing the straight-line method over the assets’ estimated useful lives. The useful lives of our major classes of assets are as follows:

 

Buildings

   25 years

Leasehold Improvements

   Lesser of 5 to 10 years or the term of the lease

Fixtures and equipment

   3 to 5 years

In accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long Lived Assets (“SFAS No. 144”), our management evaluates the ongoing value of leasehold improvements and store fixtures associated with retail stores, which have been open longer than one year. Impairment losses are recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when events and

 

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circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the carrying amounts of the assets. When events such as these occur, the impaired assets are adjusted to their estimated fair value and an impairment loss is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Goodwill

As of November 3, 2007, the Company had approximately $11.7 million of goodwill, which is primarily related to the acquisition of its importing operations on January 31, 2000 as well as the acquisition of its Canadian business on November 29, 2000. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, our management evaluates goodwill for possible impairment on at least an annual basis.

During the 13 weeks ended November 3, 2007, the Company modified its method of translating the portion of goodwill related to the Canadian operations into the reporting currency to be in accordance with SFAS No.52. The Company now translates this amount using the spot foreign exchange rate as of the balance sheet date. Amounts for prior periods were not adjusted to reflect this change as the amounts were determined to be immaterial.

Deferred Lease Credits

Deferred lease credits represent the unamortized portion of construction allowances received from landlords related to the Company’s retail stores. Construction allowances are generally comprised of cash amounts received by the Company from its landlords as part of the negotiated lease terms. The Company records a receivable and a deferred lease credit liability at the lease commencement date (date of initial possession of the store). The deferred lease credit is amortized on a straight-line basis as a reduction of rent expense over the term of the original lease (including the pre-opening build-out period) and any subsequent renewal terms. The receivable is reduced as amounts are received from the landlord.

Customer Loyalty Program

The Company offers its AE Brand customers a loyalty program, the AE All-Access Pass (the “Pass”). Using the Pass, customers accumulate points based on purchase activity and earn rewards by reaching certain point thresholds during three-month earning periods. Rewards earned during these periods are valid through the stated expiration date, which is approximately one-month from the mailing date of the reward certificate to the customer. These rewards can be redeemed for a discount on a purchase of AE merchandise. Rewards not redeemed during the one-month redemption period are forfeited. A current liability is recorded for the estimated cost of anticipated redemptions and the impact of adjustments to the liability is recorded in cost of sales.

Stock Repurchases

On March 6, 2007 and then, additionally, on May 22, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) authorized a total of 30.0 million shares of its common stock to be repurchased under the Company’s share repurchase program through the end of Fiscal 2009. During the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007, the Company repurchased 8.9 million shares of its common stock for approximately $243.2 million, at a weighted average share price of $27.31. As of November 3, 2007, the Company had 21.1 million shares available for repurchase. These shares may be repurchased at the Company’s discretion. See Note 8 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for information on a subsequent event related to the Company’s stock repurchase program.

During each of the 39 week periods ended November 3, 2007 and October 28, 2006, the Company repurchased approximately 0.4 million shares from certain employees at market prices totaling approximately $12.3 million and $7.6 million, respectively. These shares were repurchased for the payment of taxes in connection with the vesting of share-based compensation, as permitted under the 2005 Stock Award (the “2005 Plan”) and Incentive Plan and the 1999 Stock Incentive Plan (the “1999 Plan”).

All of the aforementioned share repurchases have been recorded as treasury stock.

Stock Split

On November 13, 2006, the Board approved a three-for-two stock split. This stock split was distributed on December 18, 2006, to stockholders of record on November 24, 2006. All share amounts and per share data presented herein have been restated to reflect this stock split.

Earnings Per Share

The following table shows the amounts used in computing earnings per share.

 

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     13 Weeks Ended    39 Weeks Ended
(In thousands)    November 3,
2007
   October 28,
2006
   November 3,
2007
   October 28,
2006

Net income

   $ 99,426    $ 100,945    $ 259,540    $ 237,200
                           

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

           

Basic shares

     214,719      222,797      217,933      222,888

Dilutive effect of stock options and non-vested restricted stock

     4,067      5,604      4,379      5,388
                           

Diluted shares

     218,786      228,401      222,312      228,276
                           

Equity awards to purchase approximately 2.8 million and 2.7 million shares of common stock during the 13 weeks and 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007, respectively, and approximately 1.0 million shares of common stock during both the 13 weeks and 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006 were outstanding, but were not included in the computation of weighted average diluted common share amounts as the effect of doing so would have been anti-dilutive. Additionally, for the 13 weeks and 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007, approximately 0.6 million shares of performance-based restricted stock were not included in the computation of weighted average diluted common share amounts because the number of shares ultimately issued is contingent on the Company’s performance compared to pre-established annual EPS performance goals. For the 13 weeks and 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006, approximately 1.1 million shares of performance-based restricted stock were not included in the computation of weighted average diluted common share amounts.

Segment Information

In accordance with SFAS No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information (“SFAS No. 131”), the Company has identified four operating segments (American Eagle U.S. retail stores, American Eagle Canadian retail stores, ae.com and MARTIN + OSA) that reflect the basis used internally to review performance and allocate resources. Three of the operating segments (American Eagle U.S. retail stores, American Eagle Canadian retail stores and ae.com, collectively the “AE brand”) have been aggregated and are presented as one reportable segment, as permitted by SFAS No. 131, based on their similar economic characteristics, products, production processes, target customers and distribution methods. Our intimates sub-brand, aerie by American Eagle, was not identified as a separate operating segment under SFAS No. 131 as it is reviewed and operated as a component of the operating segments comprising the AE brand. At the end of the current period, MARTIN + OSA was determined to be immaterial for segment reporting purposes. Therefore, the Company has combined MARTIN + OSA with the AE Brand operating segment as one reportable segment. The Company will continue to monitor the materiality of MARTIN + OSA and will present it as a separate reportable segment at the time it becomes material to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Reclassification

Certain reclassifications have been made to the Consolidated Financial Statements for prior periods in order to conform to the current period presentation.

3. Share-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for share-based compensation under the provisions of SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (“SFAS No. 123(R)”), which requires companies to measure and recognize compensation expense for all share-based compensation at fair value. In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), the Company recognizes compensation expense for stock option awards and time-based restricted stock awards on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award (or to an employee’s eligible retirement date, if earlier). Performance-based restricted stock awards are recognized as compensation expense based on the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant, the number of shares ultimately expected to vest and the vesting period.

Total share-based compensation expense included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the 13 weeks and 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007 was $7.1 million ($4.4 million, net of tax) and $26.8 million ($16.5 million, net of tax), respectively, and for the 13 weeks and 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006, was $7.6 million ($4.7 million, net of tax) and $23.8 million ($14.7 million, net of tax), respectively.

 

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Stock Option Grants

A summary of the Company’s stock option activity for the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007 follows:

 

    

39 Weeks Ended

November 3, 2007 (1)

     Options     Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
   Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
(in years)
  

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

(in
thousands)

Outstanding - February 3, 2007

   12,209,342     $ 11.24      

Granted

   2,374,558     $ 29.75      

Exercised (2)

   (1,163,643 )   $ 10.12      

Cancelled

   (387,241 )   $ 21.67      
                  

Outstanding - November 3, 2007

   13,033,016     $ 14.42    4.8    $ 126,197
                        

Vested and expected to vest - November 3, 2007

   12,656,280     $ 14.22    4.8    $ 124,615
                        

Exercisable - November 3, 2007

   8,074,442     $ 8.70    4.1    $ 111,848

(1) As of November 3, 2007, the Company had approximately 7.5 million shares available for stock option grants.
(2) Options exercised during the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007 had exercise prices ranging from $0.62 to $20.77.

The weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted during the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007 was $10.74, and the weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted during the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006 was $6.55. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007 was $21.7 million. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006 was $55.4 million.

Cash received from the exercise of stock options was $12.8 million for the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007 and $21.6 million for the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006. The actual tax benefit realized from stock option exercises totaled $7.1 million for the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007 and $19.4 million for the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006.

The fair value of stock options was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:

 

     39 Weeks Ended  
     November 3,
2007
    October 28,
2006
 

Black-Scholes Option Valuation Assumptions

    

Risk-free interest rates (1)

   4.5 %   4.9 %

Dividend yield

   0.9 %   1.0 %

Volatility factors of the expected market price of the Company’s common stock (2)

   39.2 %   41.3 %

Weighted-average expected term (3)

   4.4 years     4.5 years  

Expected forfeiture rate (4)

   8.0 %   8.0 %

(1) Based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant with a term consistent with the expected life of our stock options.
(2) Based on a combination of historical volatility of the Company’s common stock and implied volatility.
(3) Represents the period of time options are expected to be outstanding. The weighted average expected option term was determined using a combination of the “simplified method” for plain vanilla options as allowed by Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, Share-Based Payments (“SAB No. 107”), and past behavior. The “simplified method” calculates the expected term as the average of the vesting term and original contractual term of the options.
(4) Based upon historical experience.

As of November 3, 2007, there was $23.4 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested stock option awards that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0 years.

 

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Restricted Stock Grants

The Company grants both time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards under its 2005 Plan. The time-based restricted stock awards vest over three years and performance-based restricted stock awards are earned if certain pre-established goals are met. The grant date fair value of the restricted stock awards is based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. A summary of the Company’s restricted stock activity is presented in the following tables.

 

    

39 Weeks Ended

November 3, 2007

     Shares    

Weighted-Average

Grant
Date Fair Value

Time-Based Restricted Stock

    

Nonvested - February 3, 2007 (1)

   138,000     $ 16.63

Granted

   —         —  

Vested

   (63,500 )   $ 12.72

Cancelled

   —         —  
            

Nonvested - November 3, 2007

   74,500     $ 19.97

(1) Nonvested time-based restricted stock at February 3, 2007 includes 45,000 shares issued under the 1999 Plan. Under the 1999 Plan, awards were valued using the average of the high and low market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.

 

    

39 Weeks Ended

November 3, 2007

     Shares    

Weighted-Average

Grant
Date Fair Value

Performance-Based Restricted Stock

    

Nonvested - February 3, 2007

   1,034,075     $ 17.93

Granted

   663,431     $ 29.71

Vested

   (1,029,575 )   $ 17.93

Cancelled

   (55,356 )   $ 28.42
            

Nonvested - November 3, 2007

   612,575     $ 29.73
            

As of November 3, 2007, there was $5.5 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested restricted stock awards that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of seven months.

4. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consists of the following:

 

(In thousands)    November 3,
2007
    February 3,
2007
    October 28,
2006
 

Property and equipment, at cost

   $ 1,041,581     $ 857,690     $ 801,861  

Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (443,633 )     (376,045 )     (360,993 )
                        

Net property and equipment

   $ 597,948     $ 481,645     $ 440,868  
                        

 

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5. Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income is comprised of the following:

 

      13 Weeks Ended    39 Weeks Ended  
(In thousands)    November 3,
2007
   October 28,
2006
   November 3,
2007
   October 28,
2006
 

Net Income

   $ 99,426    $ 100,945    $ 259,540    $ 237,200  

Other comprehensive income:

           

Unrealized gain on investments, net of tax

     461      354      223      310  

Reclassification adjustment for loss realized in net income related to the sale of available-for-sale securities, net of tax

     —        22      261      315  

Reclassification adjustment for gain realized in net income related to the transfer of investment securities from available-for-sale classification to trading classification, net of tax

     —        —        —        (177 )

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     12,195      595      19,839      2,671  

Reclassification adjustment for loss realized in net income related to the disposition of National Logistics Services

     —        —        —        878  
                             

Other comprehensive income:

     12,656      971      20,323      3,997  
                             

Total comprehensive income

   $ 112,082    $ 101,916    $ 279,863    $ 241,197  
                             

6. Income Taxes

For the 13 weeks and 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007, the effective tax rates used for the provision of income tax approximated 37.0% and 37.7%, respectively. For the 13 weeks and 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006, the effective tax rates used for the provision of income tax approximated 37.5% and 38.6%, respectively. The lower effective tax rate during Fiscal 2007 is primarily due to the recognition of a benefit relating to the utilization of a net operating loss carry-forward in Canada.

Effective February 4, 2007, the Company adopted FIN 48, which prescribes a comprehensive model for recognizing, measuring, presenting and disclosing in the financial statements tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return, including a decision whether to file or not to file in a particular jurisdiction. Under FIN 48, a tax benefit from an uncertain position may be recognized only if it is “more likely than not” that the position is sustainable based on its technical merits.

As a result of adopting FIN 48, the Company recorded a net liability of approximately $13.3 million for unrecognized tax benefits, which was accounted for as a reduction to the beginning balance of retained earnings as of February 4, 2007. As of February 4, 2007, the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $39.3 million, of which $27.6 million would affect the effective tax rate if recognized. The gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of November 3, 2007 was $45.7 million, of which $31.9 million would affect the effective tax rate if recognized. The Company does not believe that its unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change within the next twelve months.

The Company records accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. The Company had approximately $8.8 million in interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits accrued as of February 4, 2007. The amount of accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as of November 3, 2007 was $11.1 million.

The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations by tax authorities for tax years prior to July 2003. The examination of the Company’s U.S. federal income tax returns for tax years ended July 2003 to July 2005 is anticipated to be substantially completed by the end of 2007. The Company does not anticipate that any adjustments will result in a material change to its financial position or results of operations. With respect to state and local jurisdictions and countries outside of the United States, with limited exceptions, generally, the Company and its subsidiaries are no longer subject to income tax audits for tax years before 2001. Although the outcome of tax audits is always uncertain, the Company believes that adequate amounts of tax, interest and penalties have been provided for any adjustments that are expected to result from these years.

In December 2004, the FASB issued Staff Position No. FAS 109-2, Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Earnings Repatriation Provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (“FSP No. 109-2”). FSP No. 109-2 provides guidance to companies to determine how the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the “Act”) affects a company’s

 

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accounting for the deferred tax liabilities on unremitted foreign earnings. The Act provided for a special one-time deduction of 85% of certain foreign earnings that are repatriated and that meet certain requirements. During Fiscal 2006, the Company repatriated $83.4 million as extraordinary dividends from its Canadian subsidiaries. In anticipation of the repatriation, the Company had recorded $0.6 million of income tax expense related to this repatriation during the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006, in addition to the $3.8 million income tax liability that had been previously recorded in Fiscal 2005.

The decision to take advantage of the special one-time deduction under the Act is a discrete event, and it has not changed the Company’s intention to indefinitely reinvest accumulated earnings from its Canadian operations to the extent not repatriated under the Act. Accordingly, no provision has been made for income taxes that would be payable upon the distribution of such earnings.

7. Legal Proceedings

The Company is subject to certain legal proceedings and claims arising out of the conduct of its business. In accordance with SFAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies, our management records a reserve for estimated losses when the loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If a range of possible loss exists, the Company records the accrual at the low end of the range, in accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 14, Reasonable Estimation of the Amount of a Loss-an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 5. As the Company believes that it has provided adequate reserves, it anticipates that the ultimate outcome of any matter currently pending against the Company will not materially affect the consolidated financial position or results of operations of the Company.

8. Subsequent Events

Subsequent to the third quarter of Fiscal 2007, the Company repurchased 1.0 million shares of its common stock under the May 22, 2007 repurchase authorizations. The shares were repurchased for approximately $21.5 million, at a weighted average share price of $21.44. As of December 6, 2007, the Company had 20.1 million shares available for repurchase under the May 22, 2007 authorization. These shares may be repurchased at the Company’s discretion. See Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the Company’s repurchase program.

 

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Review by Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Ernst & Young LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, has performed a limited review of the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for the 13 and 39 week periods ended November 3, 2007 and October 28, 2006, as indicated in their report on the limited review included below. Since they did not perform an audit, they express no opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements referred to above. Our management has given effect to any significant adjustments and disclosures proposed in the course of the limited review.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.

We have reviewed the consolidated balance sheets of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (the Company) as of November 3, 2007 and October 28, 2006, the related consolidated statements of operations and retained earnings for the three and nine month periods ended November 3, 2007 and October 28, 2006, and the consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine month periods ended November 3, 2007 and October 28, 2006. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the consolidated financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. as of February 3, 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended not presented herein, and in our report dated April 2, 2007, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of February 3, 2007, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

December 4, 2007

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon our Consolidated Financial Statements and should be read in conjunction with these statements and notes thereto.

This report contains various “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which represent our expectations or beliefs concerning future events, including the following:

 

   

the planned opening of the remaining two American Eagle stores in the United States, seven aerie stand-alone stores and five MARTIN + OSA stores in the United States during Fiscal 2007;

 

   

the planned opening of approximately 45 to 50 American Eagle stores in the United States and Canada, 70 aerie stand-alone stores and 15 MARTIN + OSA stores in the United States during Fiscal 2008;

 

   

the completion of remodeling at six additional American Eagle stores in the United States during Fiscal 2007;

 

   

the selection of approximately 50 American Eagle stores in the United States and Canada for remodeling during Fiscal 2008;

 

   

the completion of improvements and expansion at our distribution centers;

 

   

the success of MARTIN + OSA;

 

   

the success of our intimates sub-brand, aerie by American Eagle;

 

   

the expected payment of a dividend in future periods; and

 

   

the possibility of growth through acquisitions and/or internally developing additional new brands.

We caution that these forward-looking statements, and those described elsewhere in this report, involve material risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on factors beyond our control as discussed within Item 1A of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Item 1A of our Fiscal 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Accordingly, our future performance and financial results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such forward-looking statements.

Key Performance Indicators

Our management evaluates the following items, which are considered key performance indicators, in assessing our performance:

Comparable store sales - Comparable store sales provide a measure of sales growth for stores open at least one year over the comparable prior year period. In fiscal years following those with 53 weeks, including Fiscal 2007, the prior year period is shifted by one week to compare similar calendar weeks. A store is included in comparable store sales in the thirteenth month of operation. However, stores that have a gross square footage increase of 25% or greater due to a remodel are removed from the comparable store sales base, but are included in total sales. These stores are returned to the comparable store sales base in the thirteenth month following the remodel.

Our management considers comparable store sales to be an important indicator of our current performance. Comparable store sales results are important to achieve leveraging of our costs, including store payroll, store supplies, rent, etc. Comparable store sales also have a direct impact on our total net sales, cash and working capital.

Gross profit - Gross profit measures whether we are optimizing the price and inventory levels of our merchandise. Gross profit is the difference between net sales and cost of sales. Cost of sales consists of: merchandise costs, including design, sourcing, importing and inbound freight costs, as well as markdowns, shrinkage, certain promotional costs and buying, occupancy and warehousing costs. Buying, occupancy and warehousing costs consist of: compensation, employee benefit expenses and travel for our buyers; rent and utilities related to our stores, corporate headquarters, distribution centers and other office space; freight from our distribution centers to the stores; compensation and supplies for our distribution centers, including purchasing, receiving and inspection costs; and shipping and handling costs related to our e-commerce operation. Any inability to obtain acceptable levels of initial markups or any significant increase in our use of markdowns could have an adverse effect on our gross profit and results of operations.

Operating income - Our management views operating income as a key indicator of our success. The key drivers of operating income are comparable store sales, gross profit and our ability to control selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

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Store productivity - Store productivity, including net sales per average square foot, sales per productive hour, average unit retail price, conversion rate, the number of transactions per store, the number of units sold per store and the number of units per transaction, is evaluated by our management in assessing our operational performance.

Inventory turnover - Our management evaluates inventory turnover as a measure of how productively inventory is bought and sold. Inventory turnover is important as it can signal slow moving inventory. This can be critical in determining the need to take markdowns on merchandise.

Cash flow and liquidity - Our management evaluates cash flow from operations, investing and financing in determining the sufficiency of our cash position. Cash flow from operations has historically been sufficient to cover our uses of cash. Our management believes that cash flow from operations will be sufficient to fund anticipated capital expenditures and working capital requirements.

Results of Operations

Overview

We achieved our fifteenth consecutive quarter of record sales during the 13 weeks ended November 3, 2007 (the “third quarter”). Net sales increased 7% over the prior year to $744.4 million. Although net sales were below our original plan, we were able to deliver a 20.3% operating margin for the third quarter resulting from controlled selling, general and administrative expenses and disciplined inventory management.

Net income for the third quarter decreased 2% to $99.4 million, or 13.4%, as a percent to net sales, however, net income per diluted common share increased 2% to $0.45 versus $0.44 last year.

As a percent to net sales, our gross margin decreased from the prior year as a result of increased markdowns as well as increased rent related to new stores partially offset by lower product cost as a result of our sourcing initiatives.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 2%, compared to a 7% growth in sales. Total compensation, professional fees and supplies decreased, as a percent of sales, while advertising increased due to a planned shift in timing of marketing events. All other operating expenses remained nearly flat, as a percent to net sales, compared to last year.

Our business is affected by the pattern of seasonality common to most retail apparel businesses. The results for the current and prior periods are not necessarily indicative of future financial results.

The following table shows the percentage relationship to net sales of the listed line items included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

     13 Weeks Ended     39 Weeks Ended  
     November 3,
2007
    October 28,
2006
    November 3,
2007
    October 28,
2006
 

Net sales

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %

Cost of sales, including certain buying, occupancy and warehousing expenses

   52.6     50.5     53.0     52.0  
                        

Gross profit

   47.4     49.5     47.0     48.0  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   23.4     24.5     24.2     24.6  

Depreciation and amortization expense

   3.7     3.1     3.9     3.6  
                        

Operating income

   20.3     21.9     18.9     19.8  

Other income, net

   0.9     1.3     1.3     1.4  
                        

Income before income taxes

   21.2     23.2     20.2     21.2  

Provision for income taxes

   7.8     8.7     7.6     8.2  
                        

Net income

   13.4 %   14.5 %   12.6 %   13.0 %
                        

 

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The following table shows our consolidated store data for the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007 and October 28, 2006.

 

     39 Weeks Ended  
     November 3,
2007
    October 28,
2006
 

Number of stores:

    

Beginning of period

   911     869  

Opened

   66     41  

Closed

   (3 )   (4 )
            

End of Period

   974     906  
            

Total gross square feet at end of period

   5,618,474     5,064,771  
            

Our operations are conducted in one reportable segment. The American Eagle segment consists of 960 U.S. and Canadian retail stores (including 32 aerie stand-alone stores), ae.com and our 14 MARTIN + OSA retail stores. At the end of the current period, MARTIN + OSA was determined to be immaterial for classification as a separate reportable segment.

Comparison of the 13 weeks ended November 3, 2007 to the 13 weeks ended October 28, 2006

Net Sales

Net sales increased approximately 7% to $744.4 million from $696.3 million last year. The sales increase was primarily due to an increase in gross square feet due to new and remodeled stores, an increase in sales from our e-commerce operation, as well as a 2% increase in comparable store sales.

During the third quarter, our AE Brand experienced a low single-digit increase in our sales transactions per average store driven by a low single-digit increase in traffic, and a low single-digit increase in our transaction value, driven by a mid single -digit increase in units per transaction partially offset by a low single-digit decrease in our average unit retail price. Comparable store sales increased in the high single-digits in our men’s business and decreased in the low single-digits in the women’s business over last year.

Gross Profit

Gross profit increased 2% to $352.9 million from $344.3 million last year. However, as a percent to net sales, gross margin declined by 210 basis points to a rate of 47.4%. Our merchandise margin declined by 100 basis points primarily due to an increase in markdowns and cost of merchandise sell-offs partially offset by lower product cost. Buying, occupancy and warehousing costs increased by 110 basis points, as a percent to net sales, primarily due to increased rent expense, driven by new store openings, and an increase in delivery costs. Share-based compensation expense included in gross profit was $1.4 million during the 13 weeks ended November 3, 2007 and $1.3 million during the 13 weeks ended October 28, 2006.

Our gross profit may not be comparable to that of other retailers, as some retailers include all costs related to their distribution network as well as design costs in cost of sales and others may exclude a portion of these costs from cost of sales, including them in a line item such as selling, general and administrative expenses. See Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of our accounting policy regarding cost of sales, including certain buying, occupancy and warehousing expenses.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 2% to $174.2 million from $170.4 million, but improved by 110 basis points to a rate of 23.4%, as a percent to net sales. Lower total compensation costs and improvements in professional services and store supplies expenses were offset by an increase in advertising costs, as a percent to net sales. Share-based compensation expense included in selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to $5.7 million, compared to $6.3 million last year.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

Depreciation and amortization expense, as a percent to net sales, increased to 3.7% for the third quarter, compared to 3.1% for the corresponding period last year. Depreciation and amortization expense increased to $27.9 million, compared to $21.4 million last year. The increase in expense is primarily due to an increase in our property and equipment base driven by our increased level of capital expenditures.

 

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Other Income, Net

Other income, net decreased to $6.9 million from $9.1 million primarily due to foreign currency transaction losses recognized as a result of a stronger Canadian Dollar versus the U.S. Dollar, as well as lower interest income driven by a lower investment base and our gift card program change that occurred in July 2007.

Prior to July 8, 2007, we recorded gift card service fee income in other income, net. As of July 8, 2007, we discontinued assessing a service fee on inactive gift cards and now record estimated gift card breakage revenue in net sales. For the 13 weeks ended October 28, 2006, we recorded gift card service fee income of $0.4 million. For the 13 weeks ended November 3, 2007, we recorded breakage revenue of $1.1 million in net sales.

Provision for Income Taxes

The effective tax rate decreased to approximately 37% from 38% last year. The decrease was primarily due to the recognition of a benefit relating to the utilization of a net operating loss carry-forward in Canada.

Net Income

Net income decreased to $99.4 million, or 13.4%, as a percent to net sales, from $100.9 million, or 14.5%, as a percent to net sales, last year. Net income per diluted common share increased to $0.45, compared to $0.44 last year. The decrease in net income was attributable to the factors noted above. The increase in net income per diluted common share was attributable to the decreased average number of diluted shares driven by share repurchases.

Comparison of the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007 to the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006

Net Sales

Net sales increased approximately 13% to $2.060 billion from $1.821 billion last year. The sales increase was primarily due to an increase in gross square feet from new stores and remodels, a 3% comparable store sales increase, as well as an increase in sales from our e-commerce operation.

Our AE Brand experienced a low single-digit increase in transaction value, driven by a mid single-digit increase in units per transaction, partially offset by a slight decrease in our average unit retail price. Additionally, sales transactions per average store increased in the low single-digits driven by a slight increase in conversion and a slight increase in store traffic. Comparable store sales increased in the high single-digits in our men’s business and slightly decreased in the women’s business over last year.

Gross Profit

Gross profit increased 11% to $967.8 million from $874.0 million last year. As a percent to net sales, gross margin declined by 100 basis points to a rate of 47.0%. Our merchandise margin decreased by 40 basis points primarily due to increased markdowns and cost of sell-offs partially offset by a lower product cost. Buying, occupancy and warehousing costs increased by 60 basis points, as a percent to net sales, primarily due to higher total compensation and rent. Share-based compensation expense included in gross profit increased to approximately $4.7 million, compared to $4.5 million last year.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 11% to $497.5 million from $447.9 million, but improved by 40 basis points, as a percent to net sales, to a rate of 24.2%. The improvement in the rate was primarily due to lower total compensation, as a percent to net sales, partially offset by an increase in advertising. Share-based compensation expense included in selling, general and administrative expenses increased to approximately $22.1 million, compared to $19.3 million last year.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

Depreciation and amortization expense, as a percent to net sales, increased to 3.9%, compared to 3.6% for the corresponding period last year. Depreciation and amortization expense increased to $80.7 million, compared to $66.1 million last year. The increase in expense is primarily due to an increase in our property and equipment base driven by our increased level of capital expenditures.

Other Income, Net

Other income, net increased to $27.0 million from $26.1 million primarily due to increased investment income resulting from improved investment returns partially offset by a $3.5 million realized capital gain last year and a decrease in our gift card service fee revenue due to the gift card program change that occurred in July 2007. Additionally, we recorded a $1.8 million foreign currency transaction loss as a result of a stronger Canadian Dollar versus the U.S. Dollar, compared to a $1.3 million loss last year.

 

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Prior to July 8, 2007, we recorded gift card service fee income in other income, net. As of July 8, 2007, we discontinued assessing a service fee on inactive gift cards and now, record estimated gift card breakage revenue in net sales. For the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007, we recorded gift card service fee income of $0.8 million, compared to $1.5 million for the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006. For the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007, we recorded breakage revenue of $5.9 million, which included cumulative breakage revenue related to gift cards issued since we introduced its gift card program, in net sales.

Provision for Income Taxes

The effective tax rate decreased to approximately 38% from approximately 39% last year. The decrease in the effective tax rate is primarily due to the recognition of a benefit relating to the utilization of a net operating loss carry-forward in Canada.

Net Income

Net income increased to $259.5 million, or 12.6%, as a percent to net sales, from $237.2 million, or 13.0%, as a percent to net sales, last year. Net income per diluted common share increased to $1.17 from $1.04 in the prior year. The increase in net income was attributable to the factors noted above.

Income Taxes

Effective February 4, 2007, we adopted FIN 48. As a result of adopting FIN 48, we recorded a net liability of approximately $13.3 million for unrecognized tax benefits, which was accounted for as a reduction to the beginning balance of retained earnings as of February 4, 2007. See Note 6 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the FIN 48 adoption.

We placed the second phase of our Ottawa, Kansas distribution center into service in May 2007. As a result, we are eligible for approximately $2.5 million of nonrefundable incentive tax credits in Kansas. These credits can be utilized to offset future Kansas income taxes and will expire in 10 years. These available credits are not currently utilizable due to existing credit carryovers and the level of income taxes paid to Kansas. Additionally, use of these credits is dependent upon our meeting certain requirements in future periods. Due to the contingencies related to the future use of the credits, we believe it is more likely than not that the benefit of this asset will not be realized within the carryforward period. Thus, a full valuation allowance of $2.5 million has been recorded as of November 3, 2007.

During the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006, the remaining $0.5 million of a $1.4 million valuation allowance, which had been previously recorded against a capital loss deferred tax asset, was released. We were able to realize sufficient capital gains to fully utilize the capital loss carry forward prior to its expiration in July 2006.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our uses of cash are generally for working capital, the construction of new stores and remodeling of existing stores, information technology upgrades, distribution center improvements and expansion, the purchase of both short and long-term investments, the repurchase of our common stock and the payment of dividends. Historically, these uses of cash have been funded with cash flow from operations. Additionally, our uses of cash include the construction of our new corporate headquarters and the development of MARTIN + OSA and aerie by American Eagle. In the future, we expect that our uses of cash will also include new brand concept development.

Our growth strategies include continued expansion of the American Eagle Brand, internally developing new brands and the possibility of acquisitions. We periodically consider and evaluate these options to support future growth. In the event we do pursue such options, we could require additional equity or debt financing. There can be no assurance that we would be successful in closing any potential transaction, or that any endeavor we undertake would increase our profitability.

 

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The following sets forth certain measures of our liquidity:

 

     November 3,
2007
   February 3,
2007
   October 28,
2006

Working Capital (in 000’s)

   $ 752,744    $ 737,790    $ 813,796

Current Ratio

     2.87      2.59      3.04

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $188.0 million for the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007, compared to $428.4 million for the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006. Our major source of cash from operations was merchandise sales. Our primary outflows of cash for operations were for the purchase of inventory and the payment of operational costs.

The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities of $240.4 million from the prior year was primarily due to proceeds from the sale of trading securities of $184.0 million received during the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006, as well as a $41.0 million increase in cash used for the payment of accounts payable. The increase in cash used for the payment of accounts payable resulted primarily from a change in payment terms and method with our foreign buying agent, which also resulted in a reduction to the available amounts that we maintain under our unsecured letter of credit facility as discussed below.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Investing activities for the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007 included $344.1 million from the net sale of investments classified as available-for-sale, partially offset by $190.5 million for capital expenditures. Investing activities for the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006 primarily included $199.8 million for the net purchase of investments classified as available-for-sale as well as $161.5 million for capital expenditures.

We invest primarily in tax-exempt municipal bonds, taxable agency bonds, corporate notes and auction rate securities with an original maturity up to five years and an expected rate of return of approximately a 6.1% taxable equivalent yield. We place an emphasis on investing in tax-exempt and tax-advantaged asset classes and all investments must have a highly liquid secondary market and a stated maturity not exceeding five years.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Cash used for financing activities resulted primarily from $255.5 million used for the repurchase of our common stock and $59.8 million used for the payment of dividends during 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007. During the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006, cash used for financing activities resulted primarily from $83.9 million used for the repurchase of our common stock and $44.9 million used for the payment of dividends.

Credit Facilities

During the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007, we reduced the amount available under our unsecured letter of credit facility (the “facility”) to $100.0 million and eliminated a $40.0 million unsecured demand line of credit (the “line”). The interest rate on the facility is at the lender’s prime lending rate (7.50% at November 3, 2007) or at LIBOR plus a negotiated margin rate. No direct borrowings were required against the line for the current or prior periods. At November 3, 2007, letters of credit in the amount of $38.8 million were outstanding on the facility, leaving a remaining available balance of $61.2 million. We also have an uncommitted letter of credit facility for $100.0 million with a separate financial institution. At November 3, 2007, letters of credit in the amount of $42.8 million were outstanding on this facility, leaving a remaining available balance of $57.2 million.

Capital Expenditures

We expect capital expenditures for Fiscal 2007 to be approximately $250 million. This will relate primarily to the construction of new stores and remodeling of existing AE stores. Additionally, we will continue to support our infrastructure growth by investing in information technology upgrades at our home office, construction of our new corporate headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and the completion of our Ottawa, Kansas distribution center.

For the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007, capital expenditures of $190.5 million included $104.1 million related to investments in our stores, including 28 new and 47 remodeled AE stores in the United States and Canada, 29 new stand-alone aerie stores, and nine new MARTIN + OSA stores. The remaining amounts included approximately $31.4 million for construction at our corporate headquarters, $24.7 million for improvements and expansion of our distribution centers, $16.8 million related to information technology upgrades at our home office, and $13.5 million for the purchase of a corporate aircraft.

 

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In the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2007, we will invest in the construction of an additional seven new aerie stand-alone stores, two new AE stores in the United States, five new MARTIN + OSA stores and the remodeling of approximately six AE stores in the United States. Additionally, we will continue to primarily invest in distribution center improvements and expansion, information technology upgrades and construction at our corporate headquarters.

For Fiscal 2008, we expect our capital expenditures to be in the range of $250 million to $275 million. We will invest in the construction of approximately 70 new aerie stand-alone stores, 45 to 50 new AE stores in the United States and Canada, 15 new MARTIN + OSA stores and the remodeling of approximately 50 AE stores in the United States. Additionally, we will continue to primarily invest in distribution center improvements and expansion, information technology upgrades and the construction of our corporate headquarters.

Stock Repurchases

On March 6, 2007 and then, additionally, on May 22, 2007, our Board authorized a total of 30.0 million shares of our common stock to be repurchased under our share repurchase program through the end of Fiscal 2009. During the 39 weeks ended November 3, 2007, we repurchased 8.9 million shares of our common stock for approximately $243.2 million, at a weighted average share price of $27.31. As of November 3, 2007, we had 21.1 million shares available for repurchase.

Subsequent to the third quarter of Fiscal 2007, we repurchased 1.0 million shares of our common stock under the May 22, 2007 repurchase authorizations. The shares were repurchased for approximately $21.5 million, at a weighted average share price of $21.44. As of December 6, 2007, we had 20.1 million shares available for repurchase under the May 22, 2007 authorization. These shares may be repurchased at our discretion.

During each of the 39 week periods ended November 3, 2007 and October 28, 2006, we repurchased approximately 0.4 million shares from certain employees at market prices totaling approximately $12.3 million and $7.6 million, respectively. These shares were repurchased for the payment of taxes in connection with the vesting of share-based compensation, as permitted under the 2005 Plan and the 1999 Plan.

All of the aforementioned share repurchases have been recorded as treasury stock.

Dividends

During the third quarter of Fiscal 2007, our Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per share, which was paid on October 12, 2007 to stockholders of record at the close of business on September 28, 2007.

Subsequent to the third quarter of Fiscal 2007, our Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per share of common stock to holders of record as of December 28, 2007, payable on January 11, 2008.

The payment of future dividends is at the discretion of our Board and is based on earnings, cash flow, financial condition, capital requirements, changes in U.S. taxation and other relevant factors. It is anticipated that any future dividends paid will be declared on a quarterly basis.

Obligations and Commitments

Disclosure about Contractual Obligations

As a result of the adoption of FIN 48 on February 4, 2007, our gross liability for unrecognized tax benefits was approximately $48.1 million, including approximately $8.8 million of accrued interest and penalties. The gross liability as of November 3, 2007 was $56.8 million, including approximately $11.1 million of accrued interest and penalties. We estimate that approximately $4.6 million of this amount will be paid within one year. We are unable to reasonably estimate the amount or timing of payments for the remainder of the liability. Other than the adoption of FIN 48, there have been no significant changes to the Contractual Obligations table which was included in our Fiscal 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our critical accounting policies are described in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and in the notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended February 3, 2007 contained in our Fiscal 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Any new accounting policies or updates to existing accounting policies as a result of new accounting pronouncements have been discussed in the notes to our Consolidated Financial

 

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Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The application of our critical accounting policies may require management to make judgments and estimates about the amounts reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Management uses historical experience and all available information to make these estimates and judgments, and different amounts could be reported using different assumptions and estimates.

Impact of Inflation/Deflation

We do not believe that inflation has had a significant effect on our net sales or our profitability. Substantial increases in cost, however, could have a significant impact on our business and the industry in the future. Additionally, while deflation could positively impact our merchandise costs, it could have an adverse effect on our average unit retail price, resulting in lower sales and profitability.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

There were no material changes in our exposure to market risk from February 3, 2007. Our market risk profile as of February 3, 2007 is disclosed in Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, of our Fiscal 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management including our Principal Executive Officer and our Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.

In connection with the preparation of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as of November 3, 2007, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based upon that evaluation, our Principal Executive Officer and our Principal Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the 13 weeks ended November 3, 2007 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

In addition to the updated risk factors below, risk factors that affect our business and financial results are discussed within Item 1A of our Fiscal 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Our ability to continue our current level of sales growth

With our Fiscal 2007 third quarter, we achieved 15 consecutive quarters of record-high sales. Although it is difficult to maintain this level of performance or to continue to reach higher levels, we have growth initiatives that we are pursuing to achieve our goal of increasing earnings per share by at least 15% per year over the long term. Nonetheless, our product offerings are constantly changing and our success is directly dependent on customer acceptance of these new offerings. If our future product offerings are not as well accepted by our customers, our financial performance may decline until we are able to improve our product. A decline in our financial performance could result in a decline in the price of our common stock.

Our ability to grow through new store openings and existing store remodels and expansions

Our continued growth and success will depend in part on our ability to open and operate new stores and expand and remodel existing stores on a timely and profitable basis. During Fiscal 2008, we plan to open approximately 45-50 new American Eagle stores in the U.S. and Canada, 70 aerie stand-alone stores and 15 MARTIN + OSA stores. Additionally, we plan to remodel or expand approximately 50 existing American Eagle stores during Fiscal 2008. Accomplishing our new and existing store expansion goals will depend upon a number of factors, including the ability to obtain suitable sites for new and expanded stores at acceptable costs, the hiring and training of qualified personnel, particularly at the store management level, the integration of new stores into existing operations and the expansion of our buying and inventory capabilities. There can be no assurance that we will be able to achieve our store expansion goals, manage our growth effectively, successfully integrate the planned new stores into our operations or operate our new and remodeled stores profitably.

 

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table provides information regarding our repurchases of our common stock during the 13 weeks ended November 3, 2007.

 

Period

  

Total

Number of

Shares Purchased

  Average
Price Paid
Per Share
  Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Programs
 

Maximum Number of
Shares, that May

Yet be Purchased
Under the Program

   (1)     (2)   (1)   (1)(3)

Month #1 (August 5, 2007 through September 1, 2007)

   2,401,142   $ 24.34   2,400,000   21,100,000

Month #2 (September 2, 2007 through October 6, 2007)

   677   $ 25.86   —     21,100,000

Month #3 (October 7, 2007 through November 3, 2007)

   —     $ —     —     21,100,000
                  

Total

   2,401,819   $ 24.34   2,400,000   21,100,000
                  

(1) Shares purchased during Month #1 include 2.4 million shares repurchased as part of our publicly announced share repurchase program and 1,142 shares repurchased from employees for the payment of taxes in connection with the vesting of share-based payments. During Month #2, the Company repurchased 677 shares from employees for the payment of taxes in connection with the vesting of share-based payments.
(2) Average price paid per share excludes any broker commissions paid.
(3) On May 22, 2007, our Board authorized the repurchase of 23.0 million shares of our common stock. This authorization expires at the end of Fiscal 2009.

 

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS.

 

*  Exhibit 15

   Acknowledgement of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

*  Exhibit 31.1

   Certification by James V. O’Donnell pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)

*  Exhibit 31.2

   Certification by Joan Holstein Hilson pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)

**Exhibit 32.1

   Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

**Exhibit 32.2

   Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

* Filed with this report.
** Furnished with this report.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Dated: December 6, 2007

 

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.

(Registrant)

By:  

/s/ James V. O’Donnell

  James V. O’Donnell
  Chief Executive Officer
  (Principal Executive Officer)
By:  

/s/ Joan Holstein Hilson

  Joan Holstein Hilson
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, AE Brand
  (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

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