Aug 23, 2017   SOURCE: BusinessWire

American Eagle Outfitters Report Second Quarter Results, Comp Sales Increased 2%, Sales and EPS Above Expectations

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE:AEO) today reported EPS of $0.12 for the second quarter ended July 29, 2017. Excluding restructuring and related charges of $0.07 per diluted share, the company’s adjusted EPS was $0.19 for the second quarter.

Jay Schottenstein, Chief Executive Officer commented, “In the second quarter, we achieved sales and earnings above our expectations in a challenging retail environment. Sales trends improved and I’m proud of the continued growth in jeans, bottoms, women’s apparel and Aerie, with encouraging signs in men’s tops beginning to emerge. Our brands are strong and we have significant opportunity for further growth. I’m optimistic as we enter the second half of the year, and we remain focused on delivering product innovation, strengthening customer engagement and improving profit flow-through.”

Second Quarter 2017 Results

  • Total net revenue increased 3% to $845 million from $823 million last year.
  • Consolidated comparable sales were up 2%, following a 3% increase last year.
  • Gross profit* of $294 million compared to $307 million last year with a gross margin rate of 34.9% to revenue compared to 37.3% last year, a 240 basis point decline. The margin declined primarily due to increased promotional activity. Additionally, shipping costs and rent deleveraged.
  • Selling, general and administrative expense rose 2% to $204 million compared to $200 million last year, and leveraged 20 basis points to a rate of 24.1% to revenue. Higher advertising expense was offset by lower compensation expense.
  • Operating income of $39 million, which includes $11 million of restructuring charges, compared to $69 million last year. Adjusted operating income* of $50 million compared to $69 million last year with a rate of 6.0% to revenue compared to 8.3% last year.
  • Other expense of $6.7 million includes $9.3 million of pre-tax charges related to the planned exit of a joint business venture. This was partially offset by $2.6 million of other income, compared to other expense of $3.1 million last year.
  • The effective tax rate decreased to 34.7% compared to 36.5% last year.
  • EPS of $0.12 compared to EPS of $0.23 last year. Adjusted EPS* of $0.19 compared to EPS of $0.23 last year.

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

Restructuring and Related Charges

In the second quarter, the company had charges totaling $21 million, approximately $0.07 per share. This consisted of restructuring charges corresponding to the previously announced initiative to explore the closure or conversion of company owned and operated stores in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong and China to licensed partnerships. Additionally, the company incurred charges related to the planned exit of a joint business venture.

Shareholder Returns, Cash

The company ended the quarter with total cash of $193 million compared to $248 million last year. Over the past 12 months, we returned $88 million in share buybacks, $90 million in dividends and invested $187 million in capital expenditures, resulting in a lower cash balance.

Inventory

Total ending inventories at cost increased 3% to $433 million. Ending units were flat compared to last year, while the average unit cost was up 2% to last year.

Capital Expenditures

In the second quarter, capital expenditures totaled $46 million. We continue to expect fiscal year 2017 capital expenditures in the range of $160 million to $170 million, with roughly half of the spend related to store remodeling projects and new openings, and the balance to support the e-commerce business, omni-channel tools and general corporate maintenance.

Store Information

Consistent with our strategy, this quarter we opened 9 new Aerie locations, of which 7 were in new markets. Additionally, we opened 6 new AE stores, with 2 in Mexico and 4 in the U.S. to better position our brand in select markets. The company also opened 9 international licensed stores and closed 3. For the remainder of the year, the company plans to open another 5 AE stores and 5 Aerie stores in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, as well as 32 international licensed stores to support the company’s global growth strategy. The company is on track to close a total of 25 to 40 stores this year. For additional store information, see the accompanying table.

Third Quarter Outlook

Based on anticipated comparable store sales in the range of flat to up low single digit, management expects third quarter 2017 EPS to be approximately $0.36 to $0.38. This guidance excludes potential asset impairment and restructuring charges, and compares to EPS of $0.41 last year.

Conference Call and Supplemental Financial Information

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

Non-GAAP Measures

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

About American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) is a leading global specialty retailer offering high-quality, on-trend clothing, accessories and personal care products at affordable prices under its American Eagle Outfitters® and Aerie® brands. The company operates more than 1,000 stores in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China and Hong Kong, and ships to 82 countries worldwide through its websites. American Eagle Outfitters and Aerie merchandise also is available at more than 190 international locations operated by licensees. For more information, please visit www.ae.com.

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

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)
   
 
July 29, January 28, July 30,
2017 2017 2016
(unaudited) (unaudited)
 
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 192,558 $ 378,613 $ 247,934
Merchandise inventory 433,458 358,446 422,151
Accounts receivable 80,673 86,634 65,282
Prepaid expenses and other 110,496   77,536   90,852  
Total current assets 817,185   901,229   826,219  
Property and equipment, net 719,127 707,797 700,270
Intangible assets, net 47,520 49,373 50,761
Goodwill 15,069 14,887 17,399
Non-current deferred income taxes 28,761 49,250 44,370
Other assets 58,661   60,124   54,169  
Total Assets $ 1,686,323   $ 1,782,660   $ 1,693,188  
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable $ 275,479 $ 246,204 $ 286,691
Accrued compensation and payroll taxes 22,708 54,184 35,908
Accrued rent 78,697 78,619 78,621
Accrued income and other taxes 13,289 12,220 10,250
Unredeemed gift cards and gift certificates 32,573 52,966 31,532
Current portion of deferred lease credits 12,838 12,780 12,810
Other current liabilities and accrued expenses 36,398   36,810   42,719  
Total current liabilities 471,982   493,783   498,531  
Deferred lease credits 53,620 45,114 51,100
Non-current accrued income taxes 4,786 4,537 4,795
Other non-current liabilities 31,636   34,657   38,365  
Total non-current liabilities 90,042   84,308   94,260  
Commitments and contingencies - - -
Preferred stock - - -
Common stock 2,496 2,496 2,496
Contributed capital 586,844 603,890 591,532
Accumulated other comprehensive income (30,121 ) (36,462 ) (29,356 )
Retained earnings 1,772,233 1,775,775 1,693,371
Treasury stock (1,207,153 ) (1,141,130 ) (1,157,646 )
Total stockholders' equity 1,124,299   1,204,569   1,100,397  
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $ 1,686,323   $ 1,782,660   $ 1,693,188  
 
Current Ratio 1.73 1.83 1.66
 
AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
       
 
GAAP Basis
13 Weeks Ended
July 29, % of July 30, % of
2017   Revenue     2016   Revenue
 
Total net revenue $ 844,557 100.0 % $ 822,594 100.0 %

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

551,908     65.3 % 515,499     62.7 %
Gross profit 292,649 34.7 % 307,095 37.3 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses 203,717 24.1 % 199,536 24.3 %
Restructuring charges 9,746 1.2 % - 0.0 %
Depreciation and amortization 40,283     4.8 % 38,900     4.7 %
Operating income 38,903 4.6 % 68,659 8.3 %
Other expense, net (6,734 )   -0.8 % (3,134 )   -0.3 %
Income before income taxes 32,169 3.8 % 65,525 8.0 %
Provision for income taxes 10,933     1.3 % 23,933     2.9 %
Net income $ 21,236     2.5 % $ 41,592     5.1 %
 
Net income per basic share $ 0.12 $ 0.23
Net income per diluted share $ 0.12 $ 0.23
 

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic

177,228 181,048

Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted

178,788 183,413
 
26 Weeks Ended
July 29, % of July 30, % of
2017   Revenue   2016   Revenue
 
Total net revenue $ 1,606,393 100.0 % $ 1,572,010 100.0 %

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

1,035,922     64.5 % 971,463     61.8 %
Gross profit 570,471 35.5 % 600,547 38.2 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses 398,696 24.8 % 395,529 25.2 %
Restructuring charges 15,193 1.0 %
Depreciation and amortization 80,730     5.0 % 77,683     4.9 %
Operating income 75,852 4.7 % 127,335 8.1 %
Other (expense) income, net (6,330 )   -0.4 % 1,801     0.1 %
Income before income taxes 69,522 4.3 % 129,136 8.2 %
Provision for income taxes 23,050     1.4 % 47,068     3.0 %
Net income $ 46,472     2.9 % $ 82,068     5.2 %
 
Net income per basic share $ 0.26 $ 0.45
Net income per diluted share $ 0.26 $ 0.45
 

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic

178,475 180,872

Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted

180,473 182,922
 
AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
         
13 Weeks Ended
July 29, 2017
Gross profit

Operating
income

Other
(expense)
income

Net income

Diluted income
per common
share

GAAP Basis $ 292,649 $ 38,903 $ (6,734) $ 21,236 $ 0.12
% of Revenue 34.7% 4.6% -0.8% 2.5%
 
Add: Restructuring Related Charges(1): 1,669 11,415 - 7,340 0.04
Add: Joint Business Venture Charges(2):   -   -   9,311   5,988   0.03
1,669 11,415 9,311 13,328
 
Non-GAAP Basis $ 294,318 $ 50,318 $ 2,577 $ 34,564 $ 0.19
% of Revenue 34.9% 6.0% 0.3% 4.1%
(1) - $11.4 million pre-tax restructuring related charges, consisting of:

• Inventory charges related to the restructuring of the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and China ($1.7M), recorded as a reduction of Gross Profit

• Lease buyouts, store closure charges and severance and related charges ($9.7M), which includes charges for the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and China and corporate overhead reductions, recorded within Restructuring Charges.

 
(2) - $9.3 million pre-tax charges for the charges related to the planned exit of a joint business venture, recorded within Other (expense) income, net.
 
AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
         
26 Weeks Ended
July 29, 2017
Gross profit

Operating
income

Other
(expense)
income

Net income

Diluted income
per common
share

GAAP Basis $ 570,471 $ 75,852 $ (6,330) $ 46,472 $ 0.26
% of Revenue 35.5% 4.7% -0.4% 2.9%
 
Add: Restructuring Related Charges(1): 1,669 16,862 - 10,801 0.06
Add: Joint Business Venture Charges(2):   -   -   9,311   5,964   0.03
1,669 16,862 9,311 16,765
 
Non-GAAP Basis $ 572,140 $ 92,714 $ 2,981 $ 63,237 $ 0.35
% of Revenue 35.6% 5.8% 0.2% 3.9%
(1) - $16.9 million pre-tax restructuring related charges, consisting of:

• Inventory charges related to the restructuring of the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and China ($1.7M), recorded as a reduction of Gross Profit

• Lease buyouts, store closure charges and severance and related charges ($15.2M), which includes charges for the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and China and corporate overhead reductions, recorded within Restructuring Charges.

 
(2) - $9.3 million pre-tax charges for the charges related to the planned exit of a joint business venture, recorded within Other (expense) income, net.
 
AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
COMPARABLE SALES RESULTS BY BRAND
(unaudited)
         
Second Quarter

Comparable Sales

2017 2016
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (1) 2% 3%
 
AE Total Brand (1) 0% 1%
aerie Total Brand (1) 26% 24%
 
 
YTD Second Quarter

Comparable Sales

2017 2016
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (1) 2% 5%
 
AE Total Brand (1) -1% 3%
aerie Total Brand (1) 26% 28%
 
(1) AEO Direct is included in consolidated and total brand comparable sales.
 
AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
STORE INFORMATION
(unaudited)
         
Second Quarter YTD Second Quarter Fiscal 2017
2017 2017 Guidance
Consolidated stores at beginning of period 1,053 1,050 1,050
Consolidated stores opened during the period
AE Brand 6 9 15-20
aerie 9 11 15
Tailgate Clothing Co. 0 0 1
Todd Snyder 0 1 1
Consolidated stores closed during the period
AE Brand (8) (10) (20) - (30)
aerie   (3) (4) (5) - (10)
Total consolidated stores at end of period 1,057 1,057 1,042 - 1,062
 
Stores remodeled and refurbished during the period 15 29 50
Total gross square footage at end of period 6,642,276 6,642,276 Not Provided
 
International license locations at end of period (1) 195 195 227
(1) International license locations are not included in the consolidated store data or the total gross square footage calculation.