AEO Reports Record Fourth Quarter Revenue, Reflecting Momentum Across Brands and Continued Progress On Profit Improvement Initiatives

Rhea-AI Summary

American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) reported record fourth-quarter revenue of $1.7 billion, a 12% increase from last year. Aerie achieved all-time high revenue with a 13% comp sales increase, while American Eagle saw a 6% comp sales growth. The company announced a new long-term strategy aiming for $5.7 to $6.0 billion in revenue and a 10% operating margin by 2026.

Positive

• Record fourth-quarter revenue of $1.7 billion, up 12% from last year.
• Aerie achieved all-time high fourth-quarter revenue with a 13% comp sales increase.
• American Eagle comps increased by 6% reflecting continued sequential improvement.
• The company announced a new long-term strategy targeting $5.7 to $6.0 billion in revenue and a 10% operating margin by 2026.
• Adjusted gross profit increased by 23% to $626 million with a 37.3% adjusted gross margin rate.
• Adjusted operating income expanded by 200 basis points to $141 million with an 8.4% adjusted operating margin.
• Inventory levels increased by 9% to $641 million, well positioned to fuel growth initiatives.
• Management expects operating income for Fiscal 2024 to be in the range of $445 to $465 million.
• The company took restructuring actions resulting in approximately $20 million in annualized savings beginning in 2024.

Negative

• None.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The recent financial results from American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (AEO) reflect a robust performance in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, with a 12% increase in total net revenue and a significant 23% increase in adjusted gross profit. This growth is particularly noteworthy given the broader retail sector's challenges with changing consumer behaviors and economic uncertainty. The company's adjusted operating margin expansion of 200 basis points indicates effective cost management and operational efficiency, which is crucial in the competitive apparel industry.

From an investment perspective, the restructuring and impairment charges of $131 million, primarily non-cash, suggest a strategic pivot that could streamline operations and potentially yield $20 million in annualized savings. This move aligns with the company's new long-term strategy, aiming for substantial revenue growth and improved operating margins by the end of Fiscal 2026. The projected capital expenditures for Fiscal 2024 of $200 to $250 million reflect the company's commitment to growth and innovation, which should be monitored for their impact on future profitability.

Retail Industry Analyst

The reported increase in comp sales, with Aerie's 13% and American Eagle's 6%, demonstrates the brand's resilience and appeal in the face of a competitive retail landscape. The 19% increase in total digital revenue underscores the importance of a strong e-commerce platform, a trend that has been accelerated by the pandemic and continues to be a critical growth driver in retail. AEO's focus on digital channels is a strategic move that aligns with consumer shopping preferences.

Inventory management appears to be effective, with a 9% increase in total ending inventory and units up 11%, positioning the company to meet demand without overextending, which is a common risk in the apparel industry. The emphasis on inventory health is also indicative of the company's robust supply chain strategy, essential for maintaining margins and avoiding excessive discounting.

Market Research Analyst

AEO's announcement of its long-term strategy, 'Powering Profitable Growth,' is a forward-looking statement that sets clear financial targets, including $5.7 to $6.0 billion in revenue and an approximate 10% operating margin by Fiscal 2026. This strategy is likely to be well-received by investors as it provides a transparent growth trajectory and profitability outlook. However, the projected 3-5% annual revenue growth rate will require continuous innovation and market adaptation, especially considering the fast-paced nature of the fashion industry.

The company's outlook for Fiscal 2024, with operating income expected in the range of $445 to $465 million, reflects cautious optimism. The anticipation of revenue and profit growth skewed to the first half of the year due to the shifted retail calendar and one less selling week in the fourth quarter is an important consideration for stakeholders planning for seasonal fluctuations in performance.

• Record fourth quarter revenue of $1.7 billion rose 12% to last year
• Aerie achieved all-time high fourth quarter revenue with comps up 13%
• American Eagle comps increased 6% reflecting continued sequential improvement

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year fiscal 2023 ended February 3, 2024.

In a separate release today, the company also announced its new Powering Profitable Growth long-term strategy structured to deliver $5.7 to $6.0 billion in revenue and an approximate 10% operating margin by the end of Fiscal 2026, implying a compounded annual growth rate of mid-to-high teens for operating income and 3-5% for revenue growth.

“I am proud of how the teams executed in the fourth quarter. As our profit improvement initiatives took hold, we delivered a material improvement in business, underscoring the power of our brands, operations and strategic focus. Customers responded well to our strong merchandise collections fueling positive results across brands and channels,” commented Jay Schottenstein, AEO’s Executive Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer.

“We are entering 2024 with momentum and from a position of strength with an exciting line-up of innovation and customer engagement initiatives. Our balance sheet is healthy and we are seeing early proof points of our new long-term strategy to deliver industry-leading earnings growth and shareholder returns, which we look forward to sharing today.”

Fourth Quarter 2023 Results compared to Fourth Quarter 2022 Results:

• Fourth quarter 2023 results are presented for the 14 weeks ending February 3, 2024 compared to the 13 weeks ending January 28, 2023. Comparable sales metrics are presented for the 14 weeks ending February 3, 2024 compared to the 14 weeks ending February 4, 2023.
• Total net revenue of $1.7 billion rose 12%. The 53rd week contributed $57 million or approximately four points to revenue growth in the quarter.
• Store revenue rose 10%. Total digital revenue increased 19%.
• Aerie revenue of $538 million rose 16% with comp sales up 13%. American Eagle revenue of $1.1 billion increased 11% with comp sales growing 6%.
• GAAP Gross profit of $615 million. Adjusted gross profit of $626 million increased 23%. The adjusted gross margin rate of 37.3% rose 340 basis points. Margin expansion was driven by strong demand, lower product and transportation costs and continued benefits from our profit improvement work including lower markdowns and leverage on rent, distribution and warehousing and delivery.
• Selling, general and administrative expense of $427 million was up 22%. Aligned with strong business performance, roughly half of the expense increase was due to incentive compensation against zero accruals last year. Store and corporate compensation, advertising as well as the 53rd week contributed to the increase.
• GAAP Operating income of $9 million. Adjusted Operating income of $141 million. Adjusted operating margin of 8.4% expanded 200 basis points to last year.
• GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.03. Adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.61. Average diluted shares outstanding were 200 million.

Fiscal Year 2023 Results compared to Fiscal Year 2022 Results:

• Fiscal Year 2023 results are presented for the 53 weeks ending February 3, 2024 compared to the 52 weeks ending January 28, 2023. Comparable sales metrics are presented for the 53 weeks ending February 3, 2024 compared to the 53 weeks ending February 4, 2023.
• Total net revenue of $5.3 billion rose 5%. The 53rd week contributed $57 million or approximately one point to revenue growth in the year.
• Store revenue rose 6%. Total digital revenue also increased 6%.
• Aerie revenue of $1.7 billion rose 11% with comp sales up 8%. American Eagle revenue of $3.4 billion increased 3% with comp sales growing 1%.
• GAAP Gross profit of $2 billion. Adjusted gross profit of $2 billion increased 17%. The adjusted gross margin rate of 38.7% rose 370 basis points. Margin expansion was driven by strong demand, lower product and transportation costs, lower markdowns and leverage on rent, distribution and warehousing and delivery.
• Selling, general and administrative expense of $1.4 billion was up 13%. Roughly half of the expense increase was due to incentive compensation against zero accruals last year. Store and corporate compensation along with advertising also increased.
• GAAP Operating income of $223 million. Adjusted Operating income of $375 million. Adjusted operating margin of 7.1% expanded 170 basis points to last year.
• GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.86. Adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.52. Average diluted shares outstanding were 197 million.

Inventory

Total ending inventory increased 9% to $641 million, with units up 11%. Inventory levels are healthy and well positioned to fuel growth initiatives.

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures totaled $39 million in the fourth quarter and $174 million for the full-year. For Fiscal 2024, management expects capital expenditures to approximate $200 to $250 million.

Restructuring and Impairment Charges

In the fourth quarter, the company recorded a $131 million impairment and restructuring charge, of which $119 million was non-cash. The company refocused the operations of Quiet Platforms to better align with AEO's long term strategy and its core capabilities as a regionalized fulfillment center network. Additionally, as part of its profit improvement project, the company took a number of steps to streamline strategic priorities and strengthen the organization, including restructuring its international operations. These actions will result in approximately $20 million in annualized savings beginning in 2024.

Outlook

For Fiscal 2024, management expects operating income in the range of $445 to $465 million. This reflects revenue up 2 to 4% to last year, including an approximately one point headwind from one less selling week due to the retail calendar shift.

Due to easier comparisons in the first half of the year, the significance of the shifted retail calendar and one less selling week in the fourth quarter, we expect revenue and profit growth to be skewed to the first half of the year.

For the first quarter, management expects operating income in the range of $65 to $70 million. This reflects revenue up mid-single digits, including an approximately one point positive impact from the retail calendar shift.

Webcast and Supplemental Financial Information

The company will discuss its financial results and long-term strategy and targets in an extended call beginning at 11:00 AM ET. The event will feature presentations and a question-and-answer session with members of the company’s executive leadership team. The event can be accessed in the Investor Relations section on AEO’s website, www.aeo-inc.com. A replay of the webcast will be archived and made available online on the company’s website.

About American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) is a leading global specialty retailer offering high-quality, on-trend clothing, accessories and personal care products at affordable prices under its American Eagle® and Aerie® brands. Our purpose is to show the world that there’s REAL power in the optimism of youth. The company operates stores in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Hong Kong and ships to approximately 80 countries worldwide through its websites. American Eagle and Aerie merchandise also is available at more than 300 international locations operated by licensees in approximately 30 countries. To learn more about AEO and the company’s commitment to Planet, People and Practices, please visit www.aeo-inc.com.

Non-GAAP Measures

This press release includes information on non-GAAP financial measures (“non-GAAP” or “adjusted”), including consolidated adjusted gross profit, operating income, net income, and net income per diluted share, excluding non-GAAP items. These financial measures are not based on any standardized methodology prescribed by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and are not necessarily comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Non-GAAP information is provided as a supplement to, not as a substitute for, or as superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. Management believes that this non-GAAP information is useful for an alternate presentation of the company’s performance, when reviewed in conjunction with the company’s GAAP consolidated financial statements and provides a higher degree of transparency.

These amounts are not determined in accordance with GAAP and therefore, should not be used exclusively in evaluating the company’s business and operations. We encourage investors and others to review our financial information in its entirety, not to rely on any single financial measure and to view these non-GAAP financial measures in conjunction with the related GAAP financial measures.

The tables included in this press release reconcile the GAAP financial measures to the non-GAAP financial measures discussed above.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

This release and related statements by management contain forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995), which represent management’s expectations or beliefs concerning future events, including first quarter and annual fiscal 2024 results as well as anticipated strategy impact on revenue growth and operating margin in 2025 and 2026. Words such as “outlook,” "estimate," "project," "plan," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," “may,” “potential,” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. All forward-looking statements made by the company are inherently uncertain because they are based on assumptions and expectations concerning future events and are subject to change based on many important factors, some of which may be beyond the company’s control. Except as may be required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise and even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized. The following factors, in addition to the risks disclosed in Item 1A., Risk Factors, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2023 and in any other filings that we may make with the Securities and Exchange Commission in some cases have affected, and in the future could affect, the company's financial performance and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any of the forward-looking statements included in this release or otherwise made by management: the risk that the company’s operating, financial and capital plans may not be achieved; our inability to anticipate customer demand and changing fashion trends and to manage our inventory commensurately; seasonality of our business; our inability to achieve planned store financial performance; our inability to react to raw material cost, labor and energy cost increases; our inability to gain market share in the face of declining shopping center traffic; our inability to respond to changes in e-commerce and leverage omni-channel demands; our inability to expand internationally; difficulty with our international merchandise sourcing strategies; challenges with information technology systems, including safeguarding against security breaches; and global economic, public health, social, political and financial conditions, and the resulting impact on consumer confidence and consumer spending, as well as other changes in consumer discretionary spending habits, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and liquidity.

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
				February 3, 2024				January 28, 2023
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents			$	354,094			$	170,209
Short-term investments				100,000				-
Merchandise inventory				640,662				585,083
Accounts receivable, net				247,934				242,386
Prepaid expenses and other				90,660				102,563
Total current assets				1,433,350				1,100,241
Operating lease right-of-use assets				1,005,293				1,086,999
Property and equipment, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation				713,336				781,514
Goodwill, net				225,303				264,945
Non-current deferred income taxes				82,064				36,483
Intangible assets, net				46,109				94,536
Other assets				52,454				56,238
Total assets			$	3,557,909			$	3,420,956
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable			$	268,308			$	234,340
Current portion of operating lease liabilities				284,508				337,258
Accrued compensation and payroll taxes				152,353				51,912
Unredeemed gift cards and gift certificates				66,285				67,618
Accrued income taxes and other				46,114				10,919
Other current liabilities and accrued expenses				73,604				66,901
Total current liabilities				891,172				768,948
Non-current liabilities:
Non-current operating lease liabilities				901,122				1,021,200
Long-term debt, net				-				8,911
Other non-current liabilities				28,856				22,734
Total non-current liabilities				929,978				1,052,845
Commitments and contingencies				-				-
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock				-				-
Common stock				2,496				2,496
Contributed capital				360,378				341,775
Accumulated other comprehensive loss				(16,410	)			(32,630	)
Retained earnings				2,214,159				2,137,126
Treasury stock				(823,864	)			(849,604	)
Total stockholders' equity				1,736,759				1,599,163
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity			$	3,557,909			$	3,420,956
Current ratio				1.61				1.43

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
		GAAP Basis
		Fourth Quarter Ended
		February 3, 2024				% of Revenue				January 28, 2023			% of Revenue
Total net revenue	$		1,678,910			100.0	%		$	1,496,088			100.0	%
Cost of sales, including certain buying, occupancy and warehousing expenses			1,064,324			63.4	%			988,656			66.1	%
Gross profit			614,586			36.6	%			507,432			33.9	%
Selling, general and administrative expenses			427,090			25.4	%			351,408			23.5	%
Impairment and restructuring charges			120,420			7.1	%			22,209			1.5	%
Depreciation and amortization expense			57,840			3.5	%			60,233			4.0	%
Operating income			9,236			0.6	%			73,582			4.9	%
Debt related charges			-			0.0	%			4,655			0.3	%
Interest (income) expense, net			(4,961	)		-0.3	%			2,409			0.2	%
Other (income), net			(1,505	)		-0.1	%			(4,964	)		-0.4	%
Income before income taxes			15,702			1.0	%			71,482			4.8	%
Provision for income taxes			9,386			0.6	%			16,891			1.2	%
Net income	$		6,316			0.4	%		$	54,591			3.6	%
Net income per basic share	$		0.03						$	0.29
Net income per diluted share	$		0.03						$	0.28
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic			197,524							190,621
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted			199,589							196,893
		GAAP Basis
		Fiscal Year Ended
		February 3, 2024				% of Revenue				January 28, 2023			% of Revenue
Total net revenue	$		5,261,770			100.0	%		$	4,989,833			100.0	%
Cost of sales, including certain buying, occupancy and warehousing expenses			3,237,192			61.5				3,244,585			65.0	%
Gross profit			2,024,578			38.5	%			1,745,248			35.0	%
Selling, general and administrative expenses			1,433,300			27.2	%			1,269,095			25.4	%
Impairment and restructuring charges			141,695			2.7	%			22,209			0.4	%
Depreciation and amortization expense			226,866			4.4	%			206,897			4.2	%
Operating income			222,717			4.2	%			247,047			5.0	%
Debt related charges			-			0.0	%			64,721			1.3	%
Interest (income) expense, net			(6,190	)		-0.1	%			14,297			0.3	%
Other (income), net			(10,951	)		-0.2	%			(10,465	)		-0.2	%
Income before income taxes			239,858			4.5	%			178,494			3.6	%
Provision for income taxes			69,820			1.3	%			53,358			1.1	%
Net income	$		170,038			3.2	%		$	125,136			2.5	%
Net income per basic share		$	0.87						$	0.69
Net income per diluted share		$	0.86						$	0.64
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic			195,646							181,778
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted			196,863							205,226

American Eagle Outfitters Inc.
GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
14 Weeks Ended February 3, 2024
	Gross			Operating			Income Tax		Effective		Net			Earnings per
	Profit1			Income2			Expense		Tax Rate		Income			Diluted Share
GAAP Basis	$	614,586		$	9,236		$	9,386	59.8	%	$	6,316		$	0.03
% of Revenue		36.6	%		0.6	%						0.4	%
Add: Impairment, Restructuring and Other Charges	$	10,950		$	131,370						$	115,081		$	0.58
Tax effect of the above3							$	16,289	(34.7	)%
Non-GAAP Basis	$	625,536		$	140,606		$	25,675	17.5	%	$	121,397		$	0.61
% of Revenue		37.3	%		8.4	%						7.2	%

The following footnotes relate to impairment, restructuring, and other charges recorded in the 14 weeks ended February 3, 2024:

(1) $11.0 million of inventory write-down charges related to our international businesses as further described in footnote (2) below.

(2) Quiet Platforms: $98.3 million of impairment and restructuring charges

$40.5 million of intangible asset impairment $39.6 million of goodwill impairment $13.9 million of long-term asset impairment primarily related to technology which is no longer a part of the long-term strategy $4.3 million of employee severance, based on our revised strategy for Quiet Platforms

International: $10.9 million of impairment and restructuring charges

$4.7 million related to Japan operating lease ROU assets and $3.6 million of Japan store property and equipment related to the exit of the Japan market $1.3 million of Hong Kong operating lease ROU assets $1.3 million of employee severance

Additionally, we recorded $11.0 million of inventory write-down charges related to restructuring our international operations, which was recorded separately in Cost of Sales and discussed in note (1) above.

Corporate: $11.2 of impairment and restructuring charges

$6.0 million of employee severance related to corporate realignment $5.2 million of other asset investment impairment related to further strategic business changes

All impairments were recorded due to insufficient prospective cash flows to support the asset value.

(3) The income tax impact of $16.3 million is primarily caused by the non-deductibility of goodwill impairment and international restructuring charges as well as the additional tax expense on the overall mix of earnings in jurisdictions with different tax rates.

American Eagle Outfitters Inc.
GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
13 Weeks Ended January 28, 2023
	Operating			Debt-related			Income Tax		Effective		Net			Earnings per
	Income1			charges2			Expense		Tax Rate		Income			Diluted Share
GAAP Basis	$	73,582		$	4,655		$	16,891	23.6	%	$	54,591		$	0.28
% of Revenue		4.9	%									3.6	%
Add: Impairment and restructuring charges	$	22,209									$	18,186		$	0.09
Less: Debt-related charges				$	(4,655	)					$	552		$	0.00
Tax effect of the above3							$	8,126	1.8	%
Non-GAAP Basis	$	95,791		$	-		$	25,017	25.4	%	$	73,329		$	0.37
% of Revenue		6.4	%									4.9	%

The following footnotes relate to impairment, restructuring and debt-related charges recorded in the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2023:

(1) Quiet Platforms: $3.8 million of impairment and restructuring charges

$2.8 million consisting of $2.3 million of operating lease ROU asset impairment and $0.5 million of property and equipment impairment related to the closure of the Jacksonville, FL distribution center $1.0 million of severance related to employees of that distribution center

International: $8.0 million of impairment and restructuring charges

$7.5 million of store impairment $0.5 million of employee severance related to downsizing our Hong Kong retail operations

U.S. and Canada: $10.4 million of impairment charges

$10.4 million of impairment charges, consisting of $9.2 million of operating lease ROU assets and $1.2 million of store property and equipment"

All impairments were recorded due to insufficient prospective cash flows to support the asset value.

(2) $4.7 million debt related charges related primarily to the induced conversion expense on the exchange of our convertible notes.

(3) The income tax impact of $8.1 million related to impairment and restructuring charges is primarily caused by the non-deductibility of the portion of the induced conversion expense associated with the Note Exchanges. Furthermore, there was additional tax expense on the overall mix of earnings in jurisdictions with different tax rates.

American Eagle Outfitters Inc.
GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
53 Weeks Ended February 3, 2024
	Gross			Operating			Income Tax		Effective		Net			Earnings per
	Profit1			Income1, 2			Expense		Tax Rate		Income			Diluted Share
GAAP Basis	$	2,024,578		$	222,717		$	69,820	29.1	%	$	170,038		$	0.86
% of Revenue		38.5	%		4.2	%						3.2	%
Add: Impairment, Restructuring and Other Charges	$	10,950		$	152,645						$	129,875		$	0.66
Tax effect of the above3							$	22,770	(5.3	)%
Non-GAAP Basis	$	2,035,528		$	375,362		$	92,590	23.6	%	$	299,913		$	1.52
% of Revenue		38.7	%		7.1	%						5.7	%

The following footnotes relate to the impairment, restructuring and other charges recorded in the 53 weeks ended February 3, 2024:

(1) $11.0 million of inventory write-down charges related to our international businesses as further described in footnote (2) below.

(2) Quiet Platforms: $119.6 million of impairment, restructuring, and other charges

$40.5 million of intangible asset impairment $39.6 million of goodwill impairment $24.7 million of long-term asset impairment primarily related to technology which is no longer a part of the long-term strategy $9.9 million of employee severance based on our revised strategy for Quiet Platforms $4.9 million of contract related charges

International: $10.9 million of impairment and restructuring charges

$4.7 million related to Japan operating lease ROU assets and $3.6 million of Japan store property and equipment related to the exit of the Japan market $1.3 million of Hong Kong operating lease ROU assets $1.3 million of employee severance

Additionally, we recorded $11.0 million of inventory write-down charges related to restructuring our international operations, which was recorded separately in Cost of Sales and discussed in note (1) above.

Corporate: $11.2 million of impairment and restructuring charges

$6.0 million of employee severance related to corporate realignment $5.2 million of other asset investment impairment related to further strategic business changes

All impairments were recorded due to insufficient prospective cash flows to support the asset value.

(3) The income tax impact of $22.8 million is primarily caused by the non-deductibility of goodwill impairment and international restructuring charges as well as the additional tax expense on the overall mix of earnings in jurisdictions with different tax rates.

American Eagle Outfitters Inc.
GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
52 Weeks Ended January 28, 2023
	Operating			Debt-related			Income Tax		Effective		Net			Earnings per
	Income(1)			charges(2)			Expense		Tax Rate		Income			Diluted Share
GAAP Basis	$	247,047		$	64,721		$	53,358	29.9	%	$	125,136		$	0.64
% of Revenue		5.0	%
Add: Impairment and restructuring charges		22,209										18,221		$	0.09
Less: Debt-related charges	$	-		$	(64,721	)						49,679		$	0.24
Tax effect of the above3							$	19,030	(2.6	)%
Non-GAAP Basis	$	269,256		$	-		$	72,388	27.3	%	$	193,036		$	0.97
% of Revenue		5.4	%									3.9	%

The following footnotes relate to impairment, restructuring and debt-related charges recorded in the 52 weeks ended January 28, 2023:

(1) Quiet Platforms: $3.8 million of impairment and restructuring charges

$2.8 million of impairment consisting of $2.3 million of operating lease ROU asset impairment and $0.5 million of property and equipment impairment related to the closure of the Jacksonville, FL distribution center $1.0 million of severance related to employees of that distribution center.

International: $8.0 million of impairment and restructuring charges

$7.5 million of store impairment $0.5 million of employee severance related to downsizing our Hong Kong retail operations

U.S. and Canada: $10.4 million of impairment charges

$10.4 million of impairment charges, consisting of $9.2 million of store ROU assets and $1.2 million of store property and equipment

All impairments were recorded due to insufficient prospective cash flows to support the asset value.

(2) $64.7 million debt related charges related primarily to the induced conversion expense on the exchange of our convertible notes, along with certain other costs related to actions we took to strengthen our capital structure.

(3) The income tax impact of $19.0 million related to impairment and restructuring charges is primarily caused by the non-deductibility of the portion of the induced conversion expense associated with the Note Exchanges. Furthermore, there was additional tax expense on the overall mix of earnings in jurisdictions with different tax rates.

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
RESULTS BY SEGMENT
(Dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
	Fourth Quarter Ended								Fiscal Year Ended
	February 3, 2024				January 28, 2023				February 3, 2024				January 28, 2023
Net Revenue:
American Eagle	$	1,066,092			$	961,848			$	3,361,579			$	3,262,893
Aerie	$	537,462			$	463,663			$	1,670,000			$	1,506,798
Other (1)	$	159,576			$	154,039			$	489,056			$	469,371
Intersegment Elimination	$	(84,220	)		$	(83,462	)		$	(258,865	)		$	(249,229	)
Total Net Revenue	$	1,678,910			$	1,496,088			$	5,261,770			$	4,989,833
Operating Income:
American Eagle	$	181,564			$	153,577			$	599,796			$	541,406
Aerie	$	87,090			$	56,671			$	275,862			$	167,467
Other(1)(3)	$	(2,087	)		$	(17,413	)		$	(36,124	)		$	(56,793	)
Intersegment Elimination	$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-
General corporate expenses (2)	$	(125,961	)		$	(97,044	)		$	(464,172	)		$	(382,824	)
Impairment, restructuring and other charges(3)	$	(131,370	)		$	(22,209	)		$	(152,645	)		$	(22,209	)
Total Operating Income	$	9,236			$	73,582			$	222,717			$	247,047
Debt related charges	$	-			$	4,655			$	-			$	64,721
Interest (income) expense, net	$	(4,961	)		$	2,409			$	(6,190	)		$	14,297
Other income, net	$	(1,505	)		$	(4,964	)		$	(10,951	)		$	(10,465	)
Income before income taxes	$	15,702			$	71,482			$	239,858			$	178,494
Capital Expenditures
American Eagle	$	12,728			$	30,033			$	61,139			$	85,033
Aerie	$	9,170			$	21,421			$	40,746			$	107,084
Other (1)	$	10,745			$	2,763			$	44,183			$	32,717
General corporate expenditures (2)	$	6,879			$	6,797			$	28,369			$	35,544
Total Capital Expenditures	$	39,522			$	61,014			$	174,437			$	260,378

(1) The Todd Snyder brand, Unsubscribed brand, and Quiet Platforms have been identified as separate operating segments; however, as they do not meet the quantitative thresholds for separate disclosure, they are presented under the Other caption.

(2) General corporate expenses are comprised of general and administrative costs that management does not attribute to any of our operating segments. These costs primarily relate to corporate administration, information and technology resources, finance and human resources functional and organizational costs, depreciation and amortization of corporate assets, and other general and administrative expenses resulting from corporate-level activities and projects.

(3) Refer to GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliations for additional detail.

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
STORE INFORMATION
(unaudited)
				Fourth Quarter			YTD Fourth Quarter
				2023			2023
Consolidated stores at beginning of period				1,199			1,175
Consolidated stores opened during the period
AE Brand (2)				3			18
Aerie (incl. OFFL/NE) (3)				4			17
Todd Snyder				2			6
Unsubscribed				1			1
Consolidated stores closed during the period
AE Brand (2)				(25	)		(32	)
Aerie (incl. OFFL/NE) (3)				(1	)		(2	)
Unsubscribed				(1	)		(1	)
Total consolidated stores at end of period				1,182			1,182
Stores by Brand
AE Brand (2)				851
Aerie (incl. OFFL/NE) (3)				310
Todd Snyder				16
Unsubscribed				5
Total consolidated stores at end of period				1,182
Total gross square footage at end of period (in '000)				7,391			7,391
International license locations at end of period (1)				310			310

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

(2) AE Brand includes AE stand alone locations, AE/Aerie side-by side locations, AE/OFFL/NE side-by-side locations, and AE/Aerie/OFFL/NE side-by-side locations.

(3) Aerie (incl. OFFL/NE) includes Aerie stand alone locations, OFFL/NE stand alone locations, and Aerie/OFFL/NE side-by-side locations.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240306853640/en/

Line Media

412-432-3300

LineMedia@ae.com

Source: American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.

FAQ

What was the fourth-quarter revenue reported by American Eagle Outfitters (AEO)?

American Eagle Outfitters reported record fourth-quarter revenue of $1.7 billion, a 12% increase from last year.

How much did Aerie's revenue increase in the fourth quarter?

Aerie's revenue of $538 million rose by 16% with comp sales up 13%.

What was the comp sales growth for American Eagle in the fourth quarter?

American Eagle comp sales grew by 6% in the fourth quarter.

What is the new long-term revenue target announced by AEO?

AEO announced a new long-term strategy aiming for $5.7 to $6.0 billion in revenue and a 10% operating margin by the end of Fiscal 2026.

What was the adjusted gross profit in the fourth quarter?

Adjusted gross profit increased by 23% to $626 million with a 37.3% adjusted gross margin rate.

What is the expected operating income range for Fiscal 2024?

Management expects operating income for Fiscal 2024 to be in the range of $445 to $465 million.

What restructuring actions did the company take in the fourth quarter?

The company took restructuring actions resulting in approximately $20 million in annualized savings beginning in 2024.