American Eagle Outfitters - 10-Q quarterly report FY

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MAY 3, 2003

1. Interim Financial Statements 

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (the "Company") at May 3, 2003 and May 4, 2002 and for the three month periods ended May 3, 2003 (the "current period") and May 4, 2002 (the "prior period") have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 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 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 2002 Annual Report.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The Consolidated Balance Sheet at February 1, 2003 was derived from the audited financial statements.

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 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 2003", "Fiscal 2002" and "Fiscal 2001" refer to the fifty-two week period ending January 31, 2004 and the fifty-two week periods ended February 1, 2003, and February 2, 2002, respectively.  

Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of 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, management reviews its estimates based on currently available information. Changes in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates.

SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure. SFAS No. 148 amends SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, to provide alternative methods of transition for an entity that voluntarily changes to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. It also amends the disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 123 to require prominent disclosure about the effects on reported net income of an entity's accounting policy decisions with respect to stock-based employee compensation. Finally, SFAS No. 148 amends APB Opinion No. 28, Interim FinancialReporting, to require disclosure about those effects in interim financial information. The Company adopted the statement's annual disclosure requirements for Fiscal 2002.  Additionally, the Company adopted the statement's interim reporting requirements for the quarter ended May 3, 2003.

Foreign Currency Translation

The Canadian dollar is the functional currency for the Canadian businesses. In accordance with SFAS No. 52, Foreign Currency Translation, assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies were translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies were translated into U.S. dollars (the reporting currency) at the monthly 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, net of income taxes, in accordance with SFAS No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income (see Note 7 of the Consolidated Financial Statements).

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Revenue Recognition

The Company principally records revenue upon the purchase of merchandise by customers. Revenue is not recorded on the purchase of stored value cards and gift certificates by customers. A current liability is recorded upon purchase and revenue is recognized when the card is redeemed for merchandise. Revenue is recorded net of sales returns. A sales returns reserve is provided on gross sales for projected merchandise returns based on historical average return percentages.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

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

Short-term Investments

Cash in excess of operating requirements is invested in marketable equity or government debt obligations. As of May 3, 2003, short-term investments included investments with an original maturity of greater than three months (averaging approximately seven months) and consisted primarily of tax-exempt municipal bonds and taxable agency bonds classified as available for sale.

Capital Structure

The Company has 250 million common shares authorized at $.01 par value, 74 million issued at May 3, 2003, February 1, 2003 and May 4, 2002 and 71 million outstanding at May 3, 2003 and February 1, 2003 and 72 million outstanding at May 4, 2002.  The Company has 5 million preferred shares authorized at $.01 par value, with none issued or outstanding at May 3, 2003, February 1, 2003 or May 4, 2002.  

On February 24, 2000, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 3,750,000 shares of its stock.  As part of this stock repurchase program, the company purchased 40,000 shares of common stock for approximately $0.5 million on the open market during the three months ended May 3, 2003.  No repurchases were made during the three months ended May 4, 2002.   Additionally, during the three months ended May 3, 2003 and May 4, 2002, the Company purchased 3,300 shares and 55,000 shares, respectively, from certain employees at market prices totaling $0.1 million and $1.6 million, respectively, for the payment of taxes in connection with the vesting of restricted stock as permitted under the 1999 Stock Incentive Plan. These repurchases have been recorded as treasury stock.

Earnings Per Share

The following table shows the amounts used in computing earnings per share and the effect on income and the weighted average number of shares of potential dilutive common stock (stock options and restricted stock).

Options to purchase 6,253,000 and 1,857,000 shares of common stock during the three months ended May 3, 2003 and May 4, 2002, respectively, were outstanding, but were not included in the computation of net income per diluted share because the options' exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the underlying shares.

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Stock Option Plan

The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation plans under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.  The pro forma information below is based on provisions of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, as amended by SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure ("SFAS No. 148"), issued in December 2002.  SFAS No. 148 requires that the pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share be determined as if the Company had accounted for its employee stock options granted beginning in the fiscal year subsequent to December 31, 1994 under the fair value method of that Statement.  The fair value for these options was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model.

Reclassification

Certain reclassifications have been made to the Consolidated Financial Statements for prior periods in order to conform to the May 3, 2003 presentation.

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3. Accounts and Note Receivable

Accounts and note receivable is comprised of the following:

4. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consists of the following:

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5. Related Party Transactions

The Company has various transactions with related parties. The Company believes that the terms of these transactions are as favorable to the Company as those that could be obtained from third parties.

The Company has an operating lease for its corporate headquarters and distribution center with Linmar Realty Company, an affiliate of Schottenstein Stores Corporation ("SSC").  The lease, which expires on December 31, 2020, provides for annual rental payments of approximately $2.4 million through 2005, $2.6 million through 2015, and $2.7 million through the end of the lease. Rent expense was $0.6 million for the three months ended May 3, 2003 and May 4, 2002, under the lease.

In addition, the Company and its subsidiaries sell end-of-season, overstock and irregular merchandise to various parties, including Value City Department Stores, Inc. ("VCDS"), a publicly-traded subsidiary of SSC. These sell-offs are typically sold below cost and the proceeds are reflected in cost of sales.  For the three months ended May 3, 2003 and May 4, 2002, proceeds from sell-offs to VCDS were $7.7 million and $3.7 million, respectively.

The Company had approximately $7.8 million, $1.3 million and $3.6 million included in accounts receivable at May 3, 2003, February 1, 2003 and May 4, 2002, respectively, that pertained to related parties. The majority of the receivable related to merchandise sell-offs.

SSC and its affiliates charge the Company for various professional services provided to the Company, including certain legal, real estate and insurance services. For the three months ended May 3, 2003 and May 4, 2002, the Company paid approximately $0.4 million and $0.1 million, respectively, for these services.

During Fiscal 2002 and Fiscal 2001, the Company made deposits with SSC of approximately $2.5 million in a cost sharing arrangement for the acquisition of an interest in several corporate aircraft.  These deposits are included in other assets, net of accumulated amortization.  Additionally, the Company paid $0.3 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended May 3, 2003 and May 4, 2002, respectively, to cover its share of operating costs based on usage of the corporate aircraft.  

6. Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

On November 30, 2000, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement totaling $29.2 million in connection with the term facility. The swap amount decreases on a monthly basis beginning January 1, 2001 until the termination of the agreement in December 2007. The Company utilizes the interest rate swap to manage interest rate risk. The Company pays a fixed rate of 5.97% and receives a variable rate based on the one-month Bankers' Acceptance Rate. This agreement effectively changes the interest rate on the borrowings under the term facility from a variable rate to a fixed rate of 5.97% plus 140 basis points.

In accordance with SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, the Company recognizes its derivative on the balance sheet at fair value at the end of each period. Changes in the fair value of the derivative that is designated and meets all the required criteria for a cash flow hedge are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. For the three months ended May 3, 2003, unrealized net gains on derivative instruments of approximately $35,000, net of related tax effects, were recorded in other comprehensive income.

The Company does not believe there is any significant exposure to credit risk due to the creditworthiness of the bank. In the event of non-performance by the bank, the Company's loss would be limited to any unfavorable interest rate differential.

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7. Other Comprehensive Income

Other comprehensive income is comprised of the following:

8.  Segment Information

The Company has segmented its operations in a manner that reflects how its chief operating decision-makers review the results of the operating segments that make up the consolidated entity.

The Company has two reportable segments, its American Eagle segment and its Bluenotes segment. The American Eagle segment includes the Company's 761 U.S. and Canadian retail stores and the Company's e-commerce business, ae.com. The Bluenotes segment includes the Company's 111 Bluenotes/Thriftys retail stores in Canada. Both segments derive their revenues from the sale of women's and men's apparel. However, each segment is identified by a distinct brand name and target customer.

* Includes certain other businesses that support American Eagle.

Review by Independent Accountants

Ernst & Young LLP, our independent accountants, have performed a limited review of the Consolidated Financial Statements for the three month periods ended May 3, 2003 and May 4, 2002, 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. Management has given effect to any significant adjustments and disclosures proposed in the course of the limited review.

Independent Accountants' Review Report

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.

We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. as of May 3, 2003 and May 4, 2002 and the related consolidated statements of operations and cash flows for the three month periods ended May 3, 2003 and May 4, 2002. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.

We conducted our reviews in accordance with standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures to financial data and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States, which will be performed for the full year with the objective of expressing 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 accompanying consolidated financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

We have previously audited, in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States, the consolidated balance sheet of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. as of February 1, 2003, 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 February 24, 2003 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 1, 2003, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated financial statements from which it has been derived.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
May 14, 2003

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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 the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and should be read in conjunction with these statements and notes thereto.

Results of Operations

Consolidated store data for the three months ended May 3, 2003 and May 4, 2002

Store count and gross square feet by brand as of May 3, 2003 and May 4, 2002

Comparison of three months ended May 3, 2003 to the three months ended May 4, 2002

Net Sales

Net sales increased 5.0% to $291.9 million from $277.9 million. The sales increase was due primarily to a 12% increase in gross square feet, consisting primarily of a net addition of 71 stores, offset by a consolidated comparable store sales decrease of 6.5%.

American Eagle net sales increased 6.0% to $276.1 million from $260.4 million. The sales increase was due primarily to the net addition of 72 stores offset by a comparable store sales decrease of 5.8%. The comparable store sales decrease was driven by a lower average unit retail price due to increased promotional activity as well as merchandise mix.  Units sold per average store, the number of transactions and units sold per transaction all increased compared to the same period last year.  Comparable store sales in the men's business declined in the low double-digits for the first quarter while the women's comparable store sales decreased in the low single-digits.

Bluenotes net sales decreased 9.6% to $15.8 million from $17.5 million. The sales decline was due primarily to a comparable store sales decrease of 15.3% as a result of a lower average unit retail price.  Units sold per average store, the number of transactions and units sold per transaction all increased compared to the same period last year. 

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 an expansion and/or relocation 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 expansion and/or relocation.

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Gross Profit

Gross profit as a percent to sales declined to 36.3% from 39.6%. The percentage decrease was attributed primarily to a lower merchandise margin and the deleveraging of buying, occupancy and warehousing costs at the American Eagle stores. A lower merchandise margin resulted from an increase in markdowns as a percent to sales, partially offset by an improved markon.  Buying, occupancy and warehousing costs deleveraged due primarily to rent expense. 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent to sales increased to 28.4% from 28.1% due primarily to the deleveraging of compensation expense partially offset by the leveraging of advertising, services purchased, leasing costs and communications.   For the quarter, selling, general and administrative expense per gross square foot declined 5.7% and decreased 2.6% per average store.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

Depreciation and amortization expense as a percent to sales increased to 4.6% from 4.3% due primarily to our U.S. expansion, including new and remodeled stores.

Other Income

Other income decreased to $0.6 million from $0.7 million due primarily to lower investment income resulting from lower average investment rates.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The following sets forth certain measures of the Company's liquidity:

Net cash used for operating activities was $12.8 million for the three months ended May 3, 2003 compared to $23.2 million for the same period last year.  The primary differences in cash used for operating activities between the first quarter 2003 and 2002 were due to the timing of income tax payments offset by lower net income adjusted for depreciation and amortization compared to the same period last year.

Net cash used for investing activities of $73.8 million was primarily for the $60.0 million net purchase of short-term investments as well as capital expenditures of $13.6 million.

The Company has an unsecured demand lending arrangement (the "facility") with a bank to provide a $118.6 million line of credit at either the lender's prime lending rate (4.3% at May 3, 2003) or a negotiated rate such as LIBOR.  The facility has a limit of $40.0 million that can be used for direct borrowing. No borrowings were required against the line for the current or prior period. At May 3, 2003, letters of credit in the amount of $48.7 million were outstanding leaving a remaining available balance on the facility of $69.9 million. The Company also has an uncommitted letter of credit facility for $50.0 million with a separate financial institution.  At May 3, 2003, letters of credit in the amount of $28.5 million were outstanding, leaving a remaining available balance on the uncommitted letter of credit facility of $21.5 million.

The Company has a $29.1 million non-revolving term facility (the "term facility") and a $11.2 million revolving operating facility (the "operating facility") in connection with its Canadian acquisition.  The term facility matures in December 2007 and bears interest at the one-month Bankers' Acceptance Rate (3.3% at May 3, 2003) plus 140 basis points.  At May 3, 2003, the remaining balance on the term facility was $20.5 million.  The operating facility is due in November 2003, has four additional one-year extensions, and bears interest at either the lender's prime lending rate (5.0% at May 3, 2003) or the Bankers' Acceptance Rate (3.3% at May 3, 2003) plus 120 basis points.   There were no borrowings under the operating facility for the period ended May 3, 2003.

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Capital expenditures, net of construction allowances, totaled $13.6 million for the three months ended May 3, 2003. This amount consisted primarily of $11.4 million related to nine new and twelve remodeled American Eagle stores in the United States and Canada.

We expect capital expenditures during Fiscal 2003 to be approximately $80 to $90 million, which will relate primarily to approximately 60 new American Eagle stores in the United States and Canada, and the remodeling of approximately 70 American Eagle stores in the United States. Remaining capital expenditures will relate primarily to information technology upgrades.  This forward-looking statement will be influenced by factors including our financial position, consumer spending, and the number of acceptable store locations that may become available. We believe that our existing cash and investment balances, our cash flow from operations, and our bank lines of credit will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash requirements through Fiscal 2003. 

Our growth strategy includes the possibility of acquisitions and/or internally developing new brands. 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.

Critical Accounting Policies

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. When more than one accounting principle, or method of its application, is generally accepted, management selects the principle or method that is appropriate in the Company's specific circumstances. Application of these accounting principles requires management to make estimates about the future resolution of existing uncertainties. Accordingly, results could differ from these estimates. In preparing these financial statements, management has made its best estimates and judgments of the amounts and disclosures included in the financial statements giving due regard to materiality. For more information regarding the Company's critical accounting policies, please see the discussion in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Form 10-K for the year ended February 1, 2003.

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.

Safe Harbor Statement, Seasonality and Risk Factors

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 approximately 50 additional American Eagle stores in the United States and Canada during the remainder of Fiscal 2003,
• the selection of approximately 60 additional stores in the United States for remodeling during the remainder of Fiscal 2003,
• the sufficiency of existing cash and investment balances, cash flows and line of credit facilities to meet Fiscal 2003 cash requirements, and
• the possibility of growth through acquisitions and/or internally developing new brands.

We caution that these statements are further qualified by factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including without limitation, the following:

Our ability to anticipate and respond to changing consumer preferences and fashion trends in a timely manner

The Company's future success depends, in part, upon its ability to anticipate and respond to fashion trends in a timely manner. The specialty retail apparel business fluctuates according to changes in the economy and customer preferences, dictated by fashion and season. These fluctuations especially affect the inventory owned by apparel retailers, since merchandise typically must be ordered well in advance of the selling season. While we endeavor to test many merchandise items before ordering large quantities, we are still susceptible to changing fashion trends and fluctuations in customer demands.

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In addition, the cyclical nature of the retail business requires that we carry a significant amount of inventory, especially prior to peak selling seasons, when we build up our inventory levels. We enter into agreements for the manufacture and purchase of our private label apparel well in advance of the applicable selling season. As a result, we are vulnerable to changes in consumer demand, pricing shifts, and the timing and selection of merchandise purchases. Changes in fashion trends, if unsuccessfully identified, forecasted or responded to by the Company, could, among other things, lead to lower sales, excess inventories and higher markdowns, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and financial condition.

The effect of competitive pressures from other retailers and other business factors

The specialty retail industry is highly competitive. The Company competes primarily on the basis of quality, fashion, service, selection and price. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully compete in the future.

The success of the Company's operations also depends to a significant extent upon a number of factors relating to discretionary consumer spending, including economic conditions affecting disposable consumer income such as employment, consumer debt, interest rates, and consumer confidence. There can be no assurance that consumer spending will not be negatively affected by general or local economic conditions, thereby adversely impacting the Company's continued growth and results of operations.

Our ability to expand through new store growth

The Company's continued growth and success will depend in part on its ability to open and operate new stores on a timely and profitable basis. During the remainder of Fiscal 2003, the Company plans to open roughly 50 new American Eagle stores in the United States and Canada. Accomplishing the Company's new store expansion goals will depend upon a number of factors, including the ability to obtain suitable sites for new 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, the expansion of the Company's buying and inventory capabilities and the availability of capital. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to achieve its store expansion goals, manage its growth effectively, successfully integrate the planned new stores into the Company's operations or operate its new stores profitably.

Our ability to successfully reposition the Bluenotes brand

The Company's future earnings depend, in part, upon its ability to successfully reposition the Bluenotes brand. The Bluenotes business incurred operating losses during the prior year due to a combination of factors, including (i) an abrupt change to the target customer and merchandising strategy, (ii) adjusting the merchandise fit to a smaller size, (iii) a merchandise product assortment that was skewed too high in price points and not consistent with the brand strategy, (iv) a marketing approach that was too narrow in scope, (v) a lack of sourcing efficiencies and (vi) increased competitive pressure. In addition, adverse economic conditions in general during the year had a negative impact on the operations of many Canadian retailers, including those of Bluenotes. The Company has made management changes in the Bluenotes division and is in the process of implementing new merchandising and operating strategies. However, there can be no assurance that the merchandising and operating strategies implemented by the Company's new management team will result in improved results of operations.

If the Company is not successful in repositioning the Bluenotes brand, the carrying value of certain assets assigned to the reporting unit, including but not limited to inventory, property, plant and equipment, and goodwill, including the related deferred tax asset, may exceed the fair value of those assets and result in an impairment loss. Additionally, a portion of the Company's deferred tax asset is attributed to a foreign tax loss carryforward. If Bluenotes does not generate future taxable income sufficient to recover the full amount of the respective deferred tax asset, we may be required to record additional tax provisions, which would have an adverse effect on the Company's future earnings.

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The interruption of the flow of merchandise from key vendors

The Company purchases merchandise from domestic and foreign suppliers. During the prior year, a majority of the Company's merchandise was purchased from foreign suppliers. Since we rely on a small number of overseas sources for a significant portion of our purchases, any event causing the disruption of imports including the insolvency of a significant supplier, the imposition of additional import restrictions, such as increased duties, tariffs or quotas, or political or economic disruptions could have an adverse effect on our operations. We do not maintain any long-term or exclusive commitments or arrangements to purchase from any single supplier.

Other risk factors

Additionally, other factors could adversely affect our financial performance, including factors such as: our ability to successfully acquire and integrate other businesses; any interruption of our key business systems; any disaster or casualty resulting in the interruption of service from our distribution centers; changes in weather patterns; any unanticipated effect of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS); the effects of changes in currency exchange rates and interest rates; and international and domestic acts of terror.

The impact of the aforementioned factors, some of which are beyond our control, may cause our actual results to differ materially from expected results in these statements and other forward-looking statements we may make from time-to-time.

Seasonality

Historically, our operations have been seasonal, with a significant amount of net sales and net income occurring in the fourth fiscal quarter, reflecting increased demand during the year-end holiday selling season and, to a lesser extent, the third quarter, reflecting increased demand during the back-to-school selling season. During Fiscal 2002, these periods accounted for approximately 59.2% of our sales. As a result of this seasonality, any factors negatively affecting us during the third and fourth fiscal quarters of any year, including adverse weather or unfavorable economic conditions, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations for the entire year. Our quarterly results of operations also may fluctuate based upon such factors as the timing of certain holiday seasons, the number and timing of new store openings, the amount of net sales contributed by new and existing stores, the timing and level of markdowns, store closings, refurbishments and relocations, competitive factors, weather and general economic conditions.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

Not applicable.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

The Co-Chief Executive Officers and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company (its principal executive officers and principal financial officer, respectively) have concluded, based on their evaluation as of a date within 90 days prior to the date of the filing of this Report, that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports filed or submitted by it under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in such reports is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including the Co-Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There were no significant changes in the Company's internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of such evaluation.

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PART II

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

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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 June 12, 2003

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
(Registrant)

/s/ Laura A. Weil               

Laura A. Weil
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

/s/ Dale E. Clifton               

Dale E. Clifton
Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer

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CERTIFICATION OF CO-CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

I, Roger S. Markfield, Co-Chief Executive Officer of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc., certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report.
4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:
   a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;
   b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and 
   c) presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation date;
5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):
   a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
   b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and
6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

June 12, 2003
 
/s/ Roger S. Markfield                     
Roger S. Markfield
President and Co-Chief Executive Officer                          

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CERTIFICATION OF CO-CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

I, James V. O'Donnell, Co-Chief Executive Officer of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc., certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report.
4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:
   a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;
   b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and 
   c) presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation date;
5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):
   a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
   b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and
6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

June 12, 2003

/s/ James V. O'Donnell        
James V. O'Donnell
Co-Chief Executive Officer                          

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CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

I, Laura A. Weil, Chief Financial Officer of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc., certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report.
4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:
   a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;
   b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and 
   c) presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation date;
5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):
   a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
   b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and
6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

June 12, 2003

/s/ Laura A. Weil              
Laura A. Weil
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

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