American Eagle Outfitters Raises Fourth Quarter Profit Outlook; Holiday Sales Above Expectations with Growth Across Brands
American Eagle Outfitters (NYSE: AEO) has raised its fourth quarter profit outlook due to stronger-than-expected holiday sales. Comparable sales for the quarter-to-date, through January 4, 2025, have increased by low single digits, surpassing the previous guidance of a 1% rise. The company now anticipates an operating profit of approximately $135 million, up from the prior range of $125 million to $130 million. This projection is based on a comparable sales increase of around 2%, building on last year's 8% growth.
Despite a projected 5% decline in total revenue due to adverse impacts from the retail calendar, AEO reported record sales in December across its American Eagle and Aerie brands. CEO Jay Schottenstein highlighted the company's focus on operational efficiencies and product innovation, aiming for high-teens operating profit growth in 2024.
In terms of shareholder returns, AEO repurchased 1.5 million shares for $27 million in the fourth quarter-to-date, bringing the year-to-date total to 7.5 million shares for $158 million. The company has returned $231 million in cash to shareholders through dividends and buybacks so far this year.
American Eagle Outfitters (NYSE: AEO) ha alzato le sue previsioni di profitto per il quarto trimestre grazie a vendite durante le festività migliori del previsto. Le vendite comparabili fino al 4 gennaio 2025 sono aumentate di pochi punti percentuali, superando la precedente indicazione di un aumento dell'1%. L'azienda prevede ora un profitto operativo di circa 135 milioni di dollari, in aumento rispetto all'intervallo precedente di 125 milioni a 130 milioni di dollari. Questa proiezione si basa su un aumento delle vendite comparabili di circa il 2%, dopo un incremento dell'8% dello scorso anno.
Nonostante una prevista diminuzione del 5% del fatturato totale a causa degli impatti negativi del calendario retail, AEO ha registrato vendite record a dicembre con i suoi marchi American Eagle e Aerie. Il CEO Jay Schottenstein ha sottolineato l'impegno dell'azienda verso l'efficienza operativa e l'innovazione di prodotto, puntando a una crescita del profitto operativo di alta percentuale nel 2024.
In termini di ritorni per gli azionisti, AEO ha riacquistato 1,5 milioni di azioni per 27 milioni di dollari nel quarto trimestre fino ad ora, portando il totale dall'inizio dell'anno a 7,5 milioni di azioni per 158 milioni di dollari. Finora quest'anno, l'azienda ha restituito 231 milioni di dollari in contanti agli azionisti attraverso dividendi e buyback.
American Eagle Outfitters (NYSE: AEO) ha elevado sus perspectivas de ganancias para el cuarto trimestre debido a unas ventas navideñas más fuertes de lo esperado. Las ventas comparables desde el inicio del trimestre, hasta el 4 de enero de 2025, han aumentado en dígitos bajos, superando la guía previa de un aumento del 1%. La empresa ahora anticipa un beneficio operativo de aproximadamente 135 millones de dólares, en comparación con el rango anterior de 125 a 130 millones de dólares. Esta proyección se basa en un aumento de ventas comparables de alrededor del 2%, después del crecimiento del 8% del año pasado.
A pesar de una proyección de disminución del 5% en los ingresos totales debido a impactos adversos del calendario minorista, AEO reportó ventas récord en diciembre a través de sus marcas American Eagle y Aerie. El CEO Jay Schottenstein destacó el enfoque de la empresa en la eficiencia operativa y la innovación del producto, con el objetivo de un crecimiento en el beneficio operativo en porcentajes altos en 2024.
En términos de retornos para los accionistas, AEO recompra 1.5 millones de acciones por 27 millones de dólares en el cuarto trimestre hasta la fecha, aumentando el total del año a 7.5 millones de acciones por 158 millones de dólares. Hasta ahora este año, la empresa ha devuelto 231 millones de dólares en efectivo a los accionistas a través de dividendos y recompras.
아메리칸 이글 아울피터스 (NYSE: AEO)는 예상보다 강한 연휴 매출로 인해 4분기 이익 전망을 상향 조정했습니다. 2025년 1월 4일 기준으로 4분기 기준 비교 가능한 매출은 저소득 단위 상승하며, 이전에 예상된 1% 상승을 초과하였습니다. 회사는 현재 약 1억 3천5백만 달러의 운영 이익을 예상하며, 이는 이전의 1억 2천5백만에서 1억 3천만 달러 사이에서 상향된 수치입니다. 이 전망은 올해 8% 성장에 기초하여 약 2%의 비교 가능한 매출 증가에 기반하고 있습니다.
소매 달력의 악영향으로 총 수익이 5% 감소할 것으로 예상됨에도 불구하고 AEO는 American Eagle과 Aerie 브랜드에서 12월의 기록적인 매출을 보고했습니다. CEO 제이 쇼텐스타인은 회사의 운영 효율성 및 제품 혁신에 대한 집중을 강조하며, 2024년에는 10대 후반의 운영 이익 성장을 목표로 하고 있습니다.
주주 수익 측면에서 AEO는 현재까지 4분기 동안 2천7백만 달러에 150만 주를 재매입하며, 올해 누적 합계는 1천5백만 주로 1억 5천8백만 달러입니다. 회사는 올해 지금까지 주주들에게 배당금과 재매입을 통해 총 2억 3천1백만 달러를 현금으로 반환했습니다.
American Eagle Outfitters (NYSE: AEO) a relevé ses prévisions de bénéfices pour le quatrième trimestre en raison d'un chiffre d'affaires durant les vacances supérieur aux attentes. Les ventes comparables depuis le début du trimestre, jusqu'au 4 janvier 2025, ont augmenté de quelques points de pourcentage, dépassant l'estimation précédente d'une augmentation de 1%. L'entreprise prévoit maintenant un bénéfice d'exploitation d'environ 135 millions de dollars, en hausse par rapport à l'ancienne fourchette de 125 millions à 130 millions de dollars. Cette projection est basée sur une augmentation des ventes comparables d'environ 2%, s'appuyant sur une croissance de 8% l'année dernière.
Malgré une baisse prévue de 5% des revenus totaux en raison des impacts défavorables du calendrier de vente au détail, AEO a enregistré des ventes record en décembre à travers ses marques American Eagle et Aerie. Le PDG Jay Schottenstein a souligné l'engagement de l'entreprise envers l'efficacité opérationnelle et l'innovation de produit, visant une croissance du bénéfice d'exploitation de près de 20% en 2024.
En termes de retours pour les actionnaires, AEO a racheté 1,5 million d'actions pour 27 millions de dollars lors du quatrième trimestre jusqu'à présent, portant le total depuis le début de l'année à 7,5 millions d'actions pour 158 millions de dollars. Jusqu'à présent cette année, l'entreprise a restitué 231 millions de dollars en espèces aux actionnaires par le biais de dividendes et de rachats d'actions.
American Eagle Outfitters (NYSE: AEO) hat seine Gewinnprognosen für das vierte Quartal aufgrund stärker als erwarteter Feiertagsverkäufe angehoben. Die vergleichbaren Verkaufszahlen bis zum 4. Januar 2025 sind um niedrige einstellige Prozentwerte gestiegen und übertreffen damit die vorherige Prognose eines Anstiegs von 1%. Das Unternehmen erwartet nun einen Betriebsgewinn von etwa 135 Millionen Dollar, was einen Anstieg gegenüber dem vorherigen Bereich von 125 bis 130 Millionen Dollar darstellt. Diese Prognose basiert auf einem Anstieg der vergleichbaren Verkäufe von etwa 2%, aufbauend auf einem Wachstum von 8% im vergangenen Jahr.
Trotz eines voraussichtlichen Rückgangs der Gesamterlöse um 5% aufgrund negativer Auswirkungen des Einzelhandelskalenders meldete AEO im Dezember Rekordverkäufe in seinen American Eagle- und Aerie-Marken. CEO Jay Schottenstein hob den Fokus des Unternehmens auf betriebliche Effizienzen und Produktinnovationen hervor, mit dem Ziel eines Betriebsgewinnwachstums im hohen einstelligen Bereich für 2024.
In Bezug auf Aktionärsreturns hat AEO bis dato im vierten Quartal 1,5 Millionen Aktien für 27 Millionen Dollar zurückgekauft, wodurch sich die kumulierte Anzahl für das Jahr auf 7,5 Millionen Aktien im Wert von 158 Millionen Dollar erhöht. Das Unternehmen hat in diesem Jahr bisher insgesamt 231 Millionen Dollar in bar an die Aktionäre zurückgegeben, verteilt auf Dividenden und Aktienrückkäufe.
- Raised fourth quarter profit outlook to $135 million.
- Fourth quarter-to-date comparable sales up in low single digits.
- Record sales in December.
- Year-to-date share repurchases total 7.5 million shares for $158 million.
- Returned $231 million in cash to shareholders year-to-date.
- Total revenue projected to decline by approximately 5% due to adverse retail calendar impact.
Insights
The raised Q4 outlook and strong holiday performance demonstrate robust operational execution. Operating profit guidance increase to
Share repurchase activity of
The calendar shift impact of
AEO's performance during the important holiday season is particularly impressive given the challenging retail environment. Success across both physical and digital channels indicates effective omnichannel execution and resonance with core demographics. The positive trends at both American Eagle and Aerie brands suggest successful merchandise strategies and brand positioning.
The company's ability to drive growth while maintaining operational discipline is noteworthy. Despite inflationary pressures and intense competition, AEO's focus on operational efficiencies is translating to bottom-line improvements. The calendar shift's
For retail investors, this update demonstrates AEO's resilience and execution capabilities in a competitive market. The combination of sales growth, margin expansion and shareholder returns positions the company favorably in the specialty retail sector.
Looking beyond the headline numbers, AEO's performance indicates several key market dynamics. First, the positive holiday results suggest continued consumer spending resilience in the mid-tier fashion segment. Second, growth across both brands indicates successful targeting of distinct demographic groups - Aerie's growth in intimates and loungewear complements American Eagle's core denim and casual wear strength.
The operational efficiency focus is timely given industry-wide margin pressures. AEO's ability to raise profit guidance while managing through calendar shifts demonstrates strong inventory management and cost control. The sustained share repurchase program, averaging
As a result, the company is raising its fourth quarter outlook, with operating profit expected to be approximately
“As a top destination for holiday shopping, we achieved record sales in December. We came to market with exciting new product assortments and engaging customer experiences, resulting in growth across brands and selling channels,” commented Jay Schottenstein, AEO’s Executive Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. “We also remain focused on driving operational efficiencies, putting us on track to deliver high-teens operating profit growth in 2024.”
Shareholder Returns
Fourth quarter-to-date, the company has repurchased 1.5 million shares for
Year-to-date, the company has returned
*FY24 Quarterly Impact of Retail Calendar
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About American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) is a leading global specialty retailer with a portfolio of beloved apparel brands including American Eagle, Aerie, OFFL/NE by Aerie, Todd Snyder and Unsubscribed. Rooted in optimism, inclusivity and authenticity, AEO’s brands empower every customer to celebrate their unique personal style by offering casual, comfortable, timeless outfitting and high-quality products that are made to last.
AEO Inc. operates stores in
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, without limitation, fourth fiscal quarter and annual fiscal 2024 results. 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 February 3, 2024 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.
The use of the “company,” “AEO,” “we,” "us," and “our” in this release refers to American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
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Source: American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
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