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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See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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

FIN No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities

In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46 ("FIN 46"), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, Consolidated Financial Instruments.  FIN 46 requires certain variable interest entities to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary of the entity if the equity investors in the entity do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional financial support from other parties.  FIN 46 is effective for all new variable interest entities created or interest acquired after January 31, 2003.  For variable interest entities created or acquired prior to February 1, 2003, the interpretation must be applied in the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003.  Management is currently performing an evaluation of the effect, if any, that the adoption of FIN 46 may have on the Company's earnings and financial condition.  

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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).

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 August 2, 2003, short-term investments included investments with an original maturity of greater than three months (averaging approximately ten 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 August 2, 2003, February 1, 2003 and August 3, 2002 and 71 million outstanding at August 2, 2003 and February 1, 2003 and 72 million outstanding at August 3, 2002.  The Company has 5 million preferred shares authorized at $.01 par value, with none issued or outstanding at August 2, 2003, February 1, 2003 or August 3, 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 six months ended August 2, 2003.  The company purchased 337,100 shares of common stock for approximately $5.6 million on the open market during the six months ended August 3, 2002.  As of August 2, 2003, approximately 700,000 shares remain authorized for repurchase.  Additionally, during the six months ended August 2, 2003 and August 3, 2002, the Company purchased 5,400 shares and 56,000 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. 

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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 5,420,000 and 5,467,000 shares of common stock during the three and six months ended August 2, 2003, respectively, and 5,914,000 and 3,900,000 shares during the three and six months ended August 3, 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.

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.

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Reclassification

Certain reclassifications have been made to the Consolidated Financial Statements for prior periods in order to conform to the August 2, 2003 presentation.

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 August 2, 2003 and August 3, 2002, and $1.2 million for the six  months ended August 2, 2003 and August 3, 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 August 2, 2003 and August 3, 2002, proceeds from sell-offs to VCDS were $0.7 million and $0.2 million, respectively.  For the six months ended August 2, 2003 and August 3, 2002, proceeds from sell-offs to VCDS were $8.4 million and $3.9 million, respectively.

The Company had approximately $3.8 million, $1.3 million and $1.6 million included in accounts receivable at August 2, 2003, February 1, 2003 and August 3, 2002, respectively, that pertained to related party 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 August 2, 2003 and August 3, 2002, the Company paid approximately $0.4 million and $0.1 million, respectively, for these services.  For the six months ended August 2, 2003 and August 3, 2002, the Company paid approximately $0.8 million and $0.2 million, respectively, for these services.

During Fiscal 2002 and Fiscal 2001, the Company made deposits with SSC totaling 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.  As of August 2, 2003, the net balance of the deposits was approximately $2.2 million.  Additionally, the Company paid $0.4 million and $0.5 million for the three months ended August 2, 2003 and August 3, 2002, respectively, and $0.7 million for the six months ended August 2, 2003 and August 3, 2002 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 (loss).  Unrealized net gains (losses) on derivative instruments of approximately $(39,000) and $62,000 for the three months ended August 2, 2003 and August 3, 2002, respectively, and $(4,000) and $216,000 for the six months ended August 2, 2003 and August 3, 2002, respectively, net of related tax effects, were recorded in other comprehensive income (loss). 

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 (Loss)

Other comprehensive income (loss) 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 776 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.

Segment information as of and for the three and six months ended August 2, 2003 and August 3, 2002 follows:

* Includes certain other businesses that support American Eagle.

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Independent Accountants' Review Report

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

We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. as of August 2, 2003 and August 3, 2002, and the related condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three-month and six-month periods ended August 2, 2003 and August 3, 2002, and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the six-month periods ended August 2, 2003 and August 3, 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 condensed consolidated balance sheet as of February 1, 2003, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
August 13, 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 six months ended August 2, 2003 and August 3, 2002

Store count and gross square feet by brand as of August 2, 2003 and August 3, 2002

Comparison of three months ended August 2, 2003 to the three months ended August 3, 2002

Net Sales

Consolidated net sales increased 5.6% to $337.1 million from $319.2 million. The sales increase was due primarily to a 12% increase in gross square feet, consisting primarily of a net addition of 65 stores, offset by a consolidated comparable store sales decrease of 5.5%.

American Eagle net sales increased 5.8% to $317.8 million from $300.4 million. The sales increase was due primarily to the net addition of 65 stores offset by a comparable store sales decrease of 5.3%. The comparable store sales decrease was driven primarily by a lower average unit retail price as well as a decline in the number of transactions per average store.  Units sold per average store and units sold per transaction both increased compared to the same period last year.  Comparable store sales in the men's business declined in the high single-digits for the period while the women's comparable store sales decreased in the mid single-digits.

Bluenotes net sales increased 2.5% to $19.3 million from $18.8 million. The increase in net sales was due to a stronger Canadian dollar during the period compared to the same period last year.  Comparable store sales, which exclude the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, decreased 8.3% due to a decline in the number of transactions per average store as well as a lower average unit retail price.  Units sold per transaction and units sold per store 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 33.0% from 34.4%. The percentage decrease was attributed to the deleveraging of buying, occupancy and warehousing costs, primarily rent expense, at the American Eagle stores.  Merchandise margins were flat for the period as an improvement in markon was offset by higher markdowns. 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent to sales decreased to 25.2% from 25.4% due primarily to the Company's cost control initiatives.  Advertising, services purchased, travel, chargecard fees, supplies, and communications all leveraged during the period.  These improvements were partially offset by the deleveraging of direct salaries in the American Eagle stores.  For the period, selling, general and administrative expense per gross square foot declined 6.5% and decreased 3.1% per average store.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

Depreciation and amortization expense as a percent to sales increased to 4.1% from 3.9% due primarily to our U.S. expansion, including new and remodeled stores.

Other Income, Net

Other income increased to $0.5 million from $0.2 million due primarily to lower interest expense and the strengthening of the Canadian dollar. 

Comparison of six months ended August 2, 2003 to the six months ended August 3, 2002

Net Sales

Consolidated net sales increased 5.3% to $628.9 million from $597.1 million. The sales increase was due primarily to a 12% increase in gross square feet, consisting primarily of a net addition of 65 stores, offset by a consolidated comparable store sales decrease of 6.0%.

American Eagle net sales increased 5.9% to $593.8 million from $560.8 million. The sales increase was due primarily to the net addition of 65 stores offset by a comparable store sales decrease of 5.6%. The comparable store sales decrease was driven by a lower average unit retail price as well as a slight decline in the number of transactions per average store.   Units sold per average store and units sold per transaction both increased compared to the same period last year.

Bluenotes net sales decreased 3.3% to $35.1 million from $36.3 million.  The sales decline was due primarily to a comparable store sales decrease of 11.6% partially offset by a stronger Canadian dollar this year compared to the same period last year.  The comparable store sales decrease, which excludes the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, was driven primarily by a lower average unit retail as well as a slight decline in the number of transactions per average store.  Units sold per transaction and units sold per average store both increased compared to the same period last year. 

Gross Profit

Gross profit as a percent to sales declined to 34.5% from 36.8%.  The percentage decrease was primarily attributed to the deleveraging of buying, occupancy, and warehousing costs and a lower merchandise margin at the American Eagle stores.  Buying, occupancy and warehousing costs deleveraged due primarily to rent expense.  A lower merchandise margin resulted from an increase in markdowns as a percent to sales, partially offset by an improved markon. 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent to sales remained constant at 26.7%.  Direct salaries deleveraged, offset primarily by the leveraging of advertising, services purchased, travel, chargecard fees, supplies, and communications.  For the six month period, selling, general and administrative expenses per square foot declined 5.8% and decreased 2.5% per average store versus the same period last year.  

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Depreciation and Amortization Expense

Depreciation and amortization expense as a percent to sales increased to 4.3% from 4.1% due primarily to our U.S. expansion, including new and remodeled stores.

Other Income, Net

Other income increased to $1.2 million from $0.9 million due primarily to lower interest expense and the strengthening of the Canadian dollar, offset by 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 provided by operating activities was $4.6 million for the six months ended August 2, 2003 compared to $11.2 million used for operating activities during the same period last year.  The primary differences in cash used for operating activities between the six months ended August 2, 2003 and the six months ended August 3, 2002 were due primarily to the timing of income tax payments offset by lower net income adjusted for depreciation and amortization and stock compensation compared to the same period last year. 

Net cash used for investing activities of $77.5 million was primarily for the $42.6 million net purchase of short-term investments as well as capital expenditures of $34.2 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 (4.0% at August 2, 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 August 2, 2003, letters of credit in the amount of $52.1 million were outstanding leaving a remaining available balance on the facility of $66.5 million. The Company also has an uncommitted letter of credit facility for $50.0 million with a separate financial institution.  At August 2, 2003, letters of credit in the amount of $30.5 million were outstanding, leaving a remaining available balance on the uncommitted letter of credit facility of $19.5 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 (3.0% at August 2, 2003) plus 140 basis points.  At August 2, 2003, the remaining balance on the term facility was $19.7 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 (4.8% at August 2, 2003) or the Bankers' Acceptance Rate (3.0% at August 2, 2003) plus 120 basis points.   There were no borrowings under the operating facility for the period ended August 2, 2003.

Capital expenditures, net of construction allowances, totaled $34.2 million for the six months ended August 2, 2003. This amount consisted primarily of $27.3 million related to 24 new and 35 remodeled American Eagle stores in the United States and Canada.

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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 65 to 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.  We believe the following policies, in addition to those described in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 1, 2003, to be critical:

Goodwill.  In accordance with SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, management evaluates goodwill for impairment by comparing the fair value of the Company's reporting units to the book value.  As of August 2, 2003, approximately $13.5 million in goodwill was assigned to the Bluenotes reporting unit.  Additionally, a deferred tax asset of approximately $6.2 million relates to the Bluenotes' goodwill.  The fair value of the Company's reporting units is estimated using discounted cash flow methodologies and market comparable information. Based on the analysis, if the implied fair value of each reporting unit exceeds the book value of the goodwill, no impairment loss is recognized.   The Company continues to monitor for impairment of goodwill based on certain risk factors (see discussion of Risk Factors beginning on page 18).  As of August 2, 2003, the Company has determined that no impairment of goodwill exists.

The Company's prospective determination will depend on the ongoing operations and performance of its defined reportable units. Bluenotes' future earnings growth depends, in part, upon the Company's ability to successfully reposition the brand. The Company has made management changes in the Bluenotes division and has implemented 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. Additionally, management's assumptions about discount rates, inflation rates and other internal and external economic conditions, such as the expected growth rate and terminal value of its reportable units, requires significant judgment based on fluctuating rates, anticipated future revenues, and the prospective financial markets.

Asset Impairment. The Company is required to test for asset impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset might not be recoverable. The Company applies SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, in order to determine whether or not an asset is impaired. Management evaluates the ongoing value of assets associated with retail stores that have been open longer than one year, which includes a review of lease acquisition costs, net of accumulated depreciation, of approximately $3.2 million related to Bluenotes. When undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the carrying value of those assets, impairment losses are recorded. When events such as these occur, the impaired assets are adjusted to estimated fair value and an impairment loss is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses. Should actual results or market conditions differ from those anticipated, particularly regarding the Bluenotes brand, additional losses may be recorded.

Income Taxes. The Company calculates income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, which requires the use of the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the difference between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the tax rates in effect in the years when those temporary differences are expected to reverse. No valuation allowance has been provided for the deferred tax assets.  A portion of the Company's deferred tax asset totaling $10.8 million is attributed to a foreign tax loss carryforward and relates to Bluenotes.  However, the Company has identified tax planning strategies and believes that future taxable income will be sufficient to recover the full amount of the respective deferred tax asset.

 

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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.

Income Taxes

The actual effective tax rate for Fiscal 2003 will ultimately depend on several variables, including the mix of earnings between U.S. and foreign operations and the overall level of earnings.  The rate is also influenced by proposed and enacted state and federal income tax legislation.  We anticipate an increase in the effective tax rate to approximately 39% beginning in the three months ending November 1, 2003.

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 36 additional American Eagle stores in the United States and Canada during the remainder of Fiscal 2003,
• the selection of approximately 30 to 35 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 identify 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 identify 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.

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.

 

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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 36 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 has implemented 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.  For the six months ended August 2, 2003, the Bluenotes brand incurred an operating loss of approximately $10.1 million (see Note 8 of the Consolidated Financial Statements).

If the Company is not successful in repositioning the Bluenotes brand, the carrying value of certain assets assigned to the reporting unit may exceed the fair value of those assets and result in an impairment loss.  As of August 2, 2003, goodwill and lease acquisition costs attributed to the Bluenotes brand, including the related deferred tax asset, had a carrying value of approximately $23.0 million.  Additionally, a portion of the Company's deferred tax asset totaling $10.8 million is attributed to a foreign tax loss carryforward and relates to Bluenotes.  However, the Company has identified tax planning strategies and believes that future taxable income will be sufficient to recover the full amount of the respective deferred tax asset.  Management continues to monitor the Bluenotes brand for impairment based on the risk factors discussed above.  There were no impairment losses related to Bluenotes recognized for the three months ended August 2, 2003.  However, it is possible than an impairment loss may be required during the remainder of Fiscal 2003.

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 or in a large number of our stores; changes in weather patterns; 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.

 

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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 conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on that evaluation, the Co-Chief Executive Officers and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.  There were no significant changes in internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended August 2, 2003 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal controls over financial reporting.

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PART II

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

(a) The Company held its 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on May 27, 2003.  Holders of 65,003,408 shares of the Company's common stock were present in person or by proxy representing approximately 91.5% of the Company's 71,053,177 shares outstanding on the record date. 

(b) and (c) The following persons continued to serve as Class I directors: Ari Deshe, Michael G. Jesselson, George Kolber, Roger S. Markfield and Jay L. Schottenstein; and the following persons continue to serve as Class III directors: Jon P. Diamond, Martin P. Doolan, Gilbert W. Harrison and James V. O'Donnell.  The following persons were elected as Class II members of the Board of Directors to serve a three year term  until the annual meeting in 2006 or until their successors are duly elected and qualified.  Each person received the number of votes for or the number of votes with authority withheld indicated below.
 

The stockholder proposal regarding the adoption of a management incentive plan did pass.  It received 62,953,595 shares for, 2,023,999 shares against and 25,814 shares abstain.  The stockholder proposal regarding the adoption of human rights standards did not pass.  It received 6,751,031 shares for, 45,271,874 shares against and 3,072,472 shares abstain.  The Company has an existing comprehensive vendor compliance program that contractually requires all suppliers to meet our global workplace standards, including human rights standards. 

(d) Not applicable

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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 September 9, 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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