American Eagle Outfitters - 10-Q quarterly report FY2011 Q2

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES þ NO o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). YES þ NO o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES o NO þ

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 195,544,821 Common Shares were outstanding at August 20, 2010.

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (the “Company”) at July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009 and for the 13 and 26 week periods ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009 have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) 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 GAAP 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 2009 Annual Report. In the opinion of the Company’s management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.

As used in this report, all references to “we,” “our,” and the “Company” refer to American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. “American Eagle Outfitters,” “American Eagle,” “AE,” and the “AE Brand” refer to our U.S. and Canadian American Eagle Outfitters stores. “AEO Direct” refers to our e-commerce operations, ae.com, aerie.com and 77kids.com. “MARTIN+OSA” or “M+O” refers to the MARTIN+OSA stores and e-commerce operation which we operated until its closure during the 13 weeks ended July 31, 2010.

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.

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. At July 31, 2010, the Company operated in one reportable segment.

On March 5, 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors approved management’s recommendation to proceed with the closure of the M+O brand. The Company notified employees and issued a press release announcing this decision on March 9, 2010. The decision to take this action resulted from an extensive evaluation of the brand and review of strategic alternatives, which revealed that it was not achieving performance levels that warranted further investment. The Company completed the closure of the M+O stores and e-commerce operation during the 13 weeks ended July 31, 2010 and the Consolidated Financial Statements reflect the presentation of M+O as a discontinued operation.

Refer to Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the discontinued operations for M+O.

The Company’s financial year is a 52/53 week year that ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31. As used herein, “Fiscal 2011” and “Fiscal 2010” refer to the 52 week periods ending January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, respectively. “Fiscal 2009” and “Fiscal 2008” refer to the 52 week periods ended January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, respectively.

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

In September 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) approved the consensus on Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) 08-1, Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables,primarily codified under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 605, Revenue Recognition, as Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2009-13, Revenue Recognition

(Topic 605): Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements (“ASU 2009-13”). ASU 2009-13 requires entities to allocate revenue in an arrangement using estimated selling prices of the delivered goods and services based on a selling price hierarchy. The amendments eliminate the residual method of revenue allocation and require revenue to be allocated among the various deliverables in a multi-element transaction using the relative selling price method. This guidance is effective for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2010. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of ASU 2009-13 will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic 820: Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements (“ASU 2010-06”). ASU 2010-06 requires new disclosures regarding transfers in and out of the Level 1 and 2 and activity within Level 3 fair value measurements and clarifies existing disclosures of inputs and valuation techniques for Level 2 and 3 fair value measurements. The new disclosures and clarifications of existing disclosures are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosure of activity within Level 3 fair value measurements, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim reporting periods within those years. The Company adopted the new disclosures effective January 31, 2010, except for the disclosure of activity within Level 3 fair value measurements. The Level 3 disclosures are effective for the Company at the beginning of Fiscal 2011. The adoption of ASU 2010-06 did not have a material impact, and is not expected to have a material impact, on the disclosures within the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Canadian dollar is the functional currency for the Canadian business. In accordance with ASC 830, Foreign Currency Matters, assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies were translated into U.S. dollars (the reporting currency) at the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies were translated into U.S. dollars 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 in accordance with ASC 220, Comprehensive Income (refer to Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).

Revenue is recorded for store sales upon the purchase of merchandise by customers. The Company’s e-commerce operation records revenue upon the estimated customer receipt date of the merchandise. Shipping and handling revenues are included in net sales. Sales tax collected from customers is excluded from revenue and is included as part of accrued income and other taxes on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Revenue is recorded net of estimated and actual sales returns and deductions for coupon redemptions and other promotions. The Company records the impact of adjustments to its sales return reserve quarterly within net sales and cost of sales. The sales return reserve reflects an estimate of sales returns based on projected merchandise returns determined through the use of historical average return percentages.

Revenue is not recorded on the purchase of gift cards. A current liability is recorded upon purchase, and revenue is recognized when the gift card is redeemed for merchandise. Additionally, the Company recognizes revenue on unredeemed gift cards based on an estimate of the amounts that will not be redeemed (“gift card breakage”), determined through historical redemption trends. Gift card breakage revenue is recognized in proportion to actual gift card redemptions as a component of net sales. For further information on the Company’s gift card program, refer to the Gift Cards caption below.

The Company sells off end-of-season, overstock, and irregular merchandise to a third-party. The proceeds from these sales are presented on a gross basis, with proceeds and cost of sell-offs recorded in net sales and cost of sales, respectively.

Cost of sales consists of merchandise costs, including design, sourcing, importing and inbound freight costs, as well as markdowns, shrinkage and certain promotional costs (collectively “merchandise costs”) and buying, occupancy, and warehousing costs. Buying, occupancy and warehousing costs consist of compensation, employee benefit expenses and travel for our buyers and certain senior merchandising executives; rent and utilities related to our stores, corporate headquarters, distribution centers and other office space; freight from our distribution centers to the stores; compensation and supplies for our distribution centers, including purchasing, receiving and inspection costs; and shipping and handling costs related to our e-commerce operation. Merchandise margin is the difference between net sales and merchandise costs. Gross profit is the difference between net sales and cost of sales.

Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of compensation and employee benefit expenses, including salaries, incentives and related benefits associated with our stores and corporate headquarters. Selling, general and administrative expenses also include advertising costs, supplies for our stores and home office, communication costs, travel and entertainment, leasing costs and services purchased. Selling, general and administrative expenses do not include compensation, employee benefit expenses and travel for our design, sourcing and importing teams, our buyers and our distribution centers as these amounts are recorded in cost of sales.

Other income (expense), net consists primarily of interest income/expense, foreign currency transaction gain/loss and realized investment losses.

The Company evaluates its investments for impairment in accordance with ASC 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities (“ASC 320”). ASC 320 provides guidance for determining when an investment is considered impaired, whether impairment is other-than-temporary, and measurement of an impairment loss. An investment is considered impaired if the fair value of the investment is less than its cost. If, after consideration of all available evidence to evaluate the realizable value of its investment, impairment is determined to be other-than-temporary, then an impairment loss is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations equal to the difference between the investment’s cost and its fair value. As of May 3, 2009, the Company adopted ASC 320-10-65,Transition Related to FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary-Impairments (“ASC 320-10-65”), which modifies the requirements for recognizing other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) and changes the impairment model for debt securities. In addition, ASC 320-10-65 requires additional disclosures relating to debt and equity securities both in the interim and annual periods as well as requires the Company to present total OTTI in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, with an offsetting reduction for any non-credit loss impairment amount recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”). During the 13 and 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010, the Company recorded net impairment loss recognized in earnings related to credit losses on its investment securities of $1.2 million. There was $0.2 million of net impairment loss recognized in earnings during the 13 and 26 weeks ended August 1, 2009.

Refer to Notes 3 and 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding net impairment losses recognized in earnings.

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

As of July 31, 2010, short-term investments included auction rate securities (“ARS”) classified as available for sale that the Company expects to be redeemed at par within 12 months, based on notice from the issuer.

As of July 31, 2010, long-term investments included investments with remaining maturities of greater than 12 months and consisted of ARS classified as available-for-sale that have experienced failed auctions or have long-term auction resets. The remaining contractual maturities of our long-term investments are 14 months to 38 years. The weighted average contractual maturity for our long-term investments is approximately 26 years.

Unrealized gains and losses on the Company’s available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and are reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity, within accumulated other comprehensive income, until realized. The components of OTTI losses related to credit losses, as defined by ASC 320, are considered by the Company to be realized losses. When available-for-sale securities are sold, the cost of the securities is specifically identified and is used to determine any realized gain or loss.

Refer to Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and long-term investments.

Merchandise inventory is valued at the lower of average cost or market, utilizing the retail method. Average cost includes merchandise design and sourcing costs and related expenses. The Company records merchandise receipts at the time

merchandise is delivered to the foreign shipping port by the manufacturer (FOB port). This is the point at which title and risk of loss transfer to the Company.

The Company reviews its inventory levels to identify slow-moving merchandise and generally uses markdowns to clear merchandise. Additionally, the Company estimates a markdown reserve for future planned permanent markdowns related to current inventory. Markdowns may occur when inventory exceeds customer demand for reasons of style, seasonal adaptation, changes in customer preference, lack of consumer acceptance of fashion items, competition, or if it is determined that the inventory in stock will not sell at its currently ticketed price. Such markdowns may have a material adverse impact on earnings, depending on the extent and amount of inventory affected. The Company also estimates a shrinkage reserve for the period between the last physical count and the balance sheet date. The estimate for the shrinkage reserve, based on historical results, can be affected by changes in merchandise mix and changes in actual shrinkage trends.

The Company calculates income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”), 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 as computed pursuant to ASC 740. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the tax rates, based on certain judgments regarding enacted tax laws and published guidance, in effect in the years when those temporary differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is established against the deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred taxes may not be realized. Changes in the Company’s level and composition of earnings, tax laws or the deferred tax valuation allowance, as well as the results of tax audits may materially impact our effective tax rate.

The Company evaluates its income tax positions in accordance with ASC 740 which prescribes a comprehensive model for recognizing, measuring, presenting and disclosing in the financial statements tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return, including a decision whether to file or not to file in a particular jurisdiction. Under ASC 740, a tax benefit from an uncertain position may be recognized only if it is “more likely than not” that the position is sustainable based on its technical merits.

The calculation of the deferred tax assets and liabilities, as well as the decision to recognize a tax benefit from an uncertain position and to establish a valuation allowance require management to make estimates and assumptions. The Company believes that its assumptions and estimates are reasonable, although actual results may have a positive or negative material impact on the balances of deferred tax assets and liabilities, valuation allowances, or net income.

Property and equipment is recorded on the basis of cost with depreciation computed utilizing the straight-line method over the assets’ estimated useful lives. The useful lives of our major classes of assets are as follows:

In accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment (“ASC 360”), the Company’s management evaluates the value of leasehold improvements and store fixtures associated with retail stores, which have been open longer than one year. The Company evaluates long-lived assets for impairment at the individual store level, which is the lowest level at which individual cash flows can be identified. Impairment losses are recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when events and circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the carrying amounts of the assets. When events such as these occur, the impaired assets are adjusted to their estimated fair value and an impairment loss is recorded separately as a component of operating income under loss on impairment of assets. During the 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010, the Company recorded asset impairment charges of $18.0 million related to the impairment of MARTIN+OSA (“M+O”) stores. Based on the Company’s decision to close all M+O stores in Fiscal 2010, the Company determined that the stores not previously impaired would not be able to generate sufficient cash flow over the life of the related leases to recover the Company’s initial investment in them.

Refer to Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the discontinued operations for M+O.

As of July 31, 2010, the Company had approximately $11.4 million of goodwill compared to $11.2 million as of January 30, 2010. The Company’s goodwill is primarily related to the acquisition of its importing operations on January 31, 2000, as well as the acquisition of its Canadian business on November 29, 2000. The increase in goodwill is due to the fluctuation in the foreign exchange spot rate at which the Canadian goodwill is translated. In accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles- Goodwill and Other, the Company evaluates goodwill for possible impairment on at least an annual basis and last performed an annual impairment test as of January 30, 2010. As a result of the Company’s annual goodwill impairment test, the Company concluded that its goodwill was not impaired.

The value of a gift card is recorded as a current liability upon purchase, and revenue is recognized when the gift card is redeemed for merchandise. The Company estimates gift card breakage and recognizes revenue in proportion to actual gift card redemptions as a component of net sales. The Company determines an estimated gift card breakage rate by continuously evaluating historical redemption data and the time when there is a remote likelihood that a gift card will be redeemed. During the 13 weeks ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009, the Company recorded $0.7 million and $1.5 million, respectively, of revenue related to gift card breakage. During the 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009, the Company recorded $1.7 million and $3.2 million, respectively, of revenue related to gift card breakage.

Deferred lease credits represent the unamortized portion of construction allowances received from landlords related to the Company’s retail stores. Construction allowances are generally comprised of cash amounts received by the Company from its landlords as part of the negotiated lease terms. The Company records a receivable and a deferred lease credit liability at the lease commencement date (date of initial possession of the store). The deferred lease credit is amortized on a straight-line basis as a reduction of rent expense over the term of the original lease (including the pre-opening build-out period) and any subsequent renewal terms. The receivable is reduced as amounts are received from the landlord.

The Company offers a co-branded credit card (the “AE Visa Card”) and a private label credit card (the “AE Credit Card”) under both the American Eagle and aerie brands. Both of these credit cards are issued by a third-party bank (the “Bank”), and the Company has no liability to the Bank for bad debt expense, provided that purchases are made in accordance with the Bank’s procedures. Once a customer is approved to receive the AE Visa Card and the card is activated, the customer is eligible to participate in the Company’s credit card rewards program. On January 1, 2010, the Company modified the benefits on the AE Visa and AE Credit Card programs to make both credit cards a part of the rewards program. Customers who make purchases at AE, aerie and 77kids earn discounts in the form of savings certificates when certain purchase levels are reached. Also, AE Visa Card customers, who make purchases at other retailers where the card is accepted, earn additional discounts. Savings certificates are valid for 90 days from issuance.

Points earned under the credit card rewards program on purchases at AE and aerie are accounted for by analogy to ASC 605-25, Revenue Recognition, Multiple Element Arrangements (“ASC 605-25”). The Company believes that points earned under its point and loyalty programs represent deliverables in a multiple element arrangement rather than a rebate or refund of cash. Accordingly, the portion of the sales revenue attributed to the award points is deferred and recognized when the award is redeemed or when the points expire. Additionally, credit card reward points earned on non-AE or aerie purchases are accounted for in accordance with ASC 605-25. As the points are earned, a current liability is recorded for the estimated cost of the award, and the impact of adjustments is recorded in cost of sales.

Through December 31, 2009, the Company offered its customers the AE All-Access Pass (the “Pass”), a customer loyalty program. On January 1, 2010, the Company replaced the Pass, with the AEREWARD$^sm Loyalty Program (the “Program”). Under either loyalty program, customers accumulate points based on purchase activity and earn rewards by reaching certain point thresholds during three-month earning periods. Rewards earned during these periods are valid through the stated expiration date, which is approximately one month from the mailing date. These rewards can be redeemed for a discount on a purchase of merchandise. Rewards not redeemed during the one-month redemption period are forfeited. The Company determined that rewards earned using the Pass and the Program should be accounted for in accordance with ASC 605-25. Accordingly, the portion of the sales revenue attributed to the award credits is deferred and recognized when the awards are redeemed or expire.

During Fiscal 2007, the Company’s Board authorized a total of 60.0 million shares of our common stock for repurchase under our share repurchase program with expiration dates extending into Fiscal 2010. The Company repurchased 18.7 million shares during Fiscal 2007 and the authorization related to 11.3 million shares expired in Fiscal 2009. The Company repurchased 14.0 million shares as part of our publicly announced repurchase programs during the 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010 for approximately $192.3 million, at a weighted average price of $13.73 per share. As of July 31, 2010, the Company had 16.0 million shares remaining authorized for repurchase. These shares will be repurchased at the Company’s discretion. The authorization relating to the 16.0 million shares remaining under the program expires at the end of Fiscal 2010.

During the 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009, the Company repurchased approximately 1.0 million and 14,000 shares, respectively, from certain employees at market prices totaling $18.0 million and $0.2 million, respectively. These shares were repurchased for the payment of taxes in connection with the vesting of share-based payments, as permitted under the 2005 Stock Award and Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”).

The aforementioned share repurchases have been recorded as treasury stock.

In accordance with ASC 280, Segment Reporting (“ASC 280”), the Company has identified three operating segments (American Eagle Brand US and Canadian stores, aerie by American Eagle retail stores and AEO Direct) that reflect the basis used internally to review performance and allocate resources. All of the operating segments have been aggregated and are presented as one reportable segment, as permitted by ASC 280.

Certain reclassifications have been made to the Consolidated Financial Statements for prior periods in order to conform to the current period presentation.

The following table summarizes the fair market values for the Company’s cash and marketable securities, which are recorded as cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and long-term investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets:

Proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale securities were $27.9 million and $49.9 million for the 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009, respectively. There were no purchases of available-for-sale securities during the 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010 or August 1, 2009.

The following table presents the unrealized losses and fair value of available-for-sale securities for which OTTI has not been recognized in earnings and the length of time that the securities were in a continuous unrealized loss position.

As of July 31, 2010, the Company had a total of $598.0 million in cash and cash equivalents, short-term and long-term investments, which included $172.5 million of investments in ARS and auction rate preferred securities (“ARPS”), net of $10.9 million ($6.8 million, net of tax) of impairment included in OCI and $2.2 million of impairment previously recognized in earnings. Our investment portfolio consisted of the following:

For its available-for-sale securities, the Company does not have the intention to sell and does not believe that it is more likely than not that it will be required to liquidate these investments prior to successful auctions or redemptions at par plus accrued interest. The Company generally believes that the current illiquidity and impairment of these investments is temporary and related to factors other than credit losses. However, OTTI of $0.9 million and $1.2 million has been recognized in earnings during Fiscal 2009 and the 13 weeks ended July 31, 2010, respectively, related to credit losses on auction rate preferred securities. In addition, the Company believes that the current lack of liquidity relating to ARS and ARPS investments will have no impact on its ability to fund its ongoing operations and growth initiatives.

The Company continues to monitor the market for ARS and ARPS and consider the impact, if any, on the fair value of its investments. If current market conditions deteriorate further, or the anticipated recovery in market values does not occur, the Company may be required to record additional impairment.

Lehman Brothers Holding, Inc. (“Lehman”) acted as the broker and auction agent for all of the Company’s ARPS. Lehman filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection during September 2008, resulting in the dissolution of the investment trusts for most of the Company’s ARPS. As a result, the Company received 760,000 preferred shares in Fiscal 2008 and an additional 576,000 preferred shares during the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2009. During the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2009, the Company liquidated all 1.3 million shares for $7.8 million and recorded an incremental loss of $2.7 million in other income (expense), net. The total realized loss on the sale of these securities was $25.6 million, of which $22.9 million was recorded as OTTI in Fiscal 2008.

Refer to Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the fair value measurement of our investment securities.

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement Disclosures (“ASC 820”), defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Fair value is defined under ASC 820 as the exit price associated with the sale of an asset or transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

Valuation techniques used to measure fair value under ASC 820 must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. In addition, ASC 820 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include:

As of July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009, the Company held certain assets that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. These include cash equivalents and short and long-term investments, including ARS and ARPS.

In accordance with ASC 820, the following table represents the Company’s fair value hierarchy for its financial assets (cash equivalents and investments) measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009:

The Company uses a discounted cash flow model to value its Level 3 investments. For July 31, 2010, the assumptions in the Company’s model included different recovery periods, ranging from 11 months to 11 years, depending on the type of security and varying discount factors for yield, ranging from 0.1% to 4.4%, and illiquidity, ranging from 0.3% to 4.0%. For August 1, 2009, the assumptions in the Company’s model included different recovery periods, ranging from 12 months to 11 years, depending on the type of security and varying discount factors for yield, ranging from 0.4% to 11.1%, and illiquidity, ranging from 0.3% to 1.0%. These assumptions are subjective. They are based on the Company’s current judgment and its view of current market conditions. The use of different assumptions would result in a different valuation and related charge.

As a result of the discounted cash flow analysis, for the 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010, the Company recognized a net impairment of $0.6 million ($0.4 million, net of tax), which increased the total cumulative impairment recognized in OCI as of July 31, 2010 to $10.9 million ($6.8 million, net of tax) from $10.3 million ($6.4 million, net of tax) at the end of Fiscal 2009. The increase in temporary impairment was primarily driven by unfavorable changes in the discount rate. These amounts were recorded in OCI and resulted in a decrease in the investments’ estimated fair values. As a result of a credit rating downgrade on a student-loan backed ARS, the Company also recorded a net impairment loss in earnings of $1.2 million during the 13 weeks ended July 31, 2010. There was $0.2 million of net impairment loss recorded in earnings during the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2009.

The following table presents a rollforward of the amount of OTTI related to credit losses that has been recognized in earnings:

The reconciliation of the Company’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) is as follows:

The Company’s non-financial assets, which include goodwill and property and equipment, are not required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. However, if certain triggering events occur, or if an annual impairment test is required and the Company is required to evaluate the non-financial instrument for impairment, a resulting asset impairment would require that the non-financial asset be recorded at the estimated fair value. As a result of the Company’s annual goodwill impairment test performed as of January 30, 2010, the Company concluded that its goodwill was not impaired. During the 13 and 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010, there were no triggering events that prompted an asset impairment test of the Company’s goodwill.

Certain long-lived assets were measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis using Level 3 inputs as defined in ASC 820. Based on the decision to close all M+O stores in Fiscal 2010, the Company determined that the M+O stores not previously impaired would not be able to generate sufficient cash flow over the life of the related leases to recover the Company’s initial investment in them. Therefore, during the 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010, the M+O stores not previously impaired were written down to their fair value, resulting in a loss on impairment of assets of $18.0 million. The loss on impairment of assets was recorded within Loss from Discontinued Operations for the 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010. The fair value of those stores was determined by estimating the amount and timing of net future cash flows and discounting them using a risk-adjusted rate of interest. The Company estimates future cash flows based on its experience and knowledge of the market in which the store is located.

For the M+O store closures where a lease obligation still exists, the Company recorded a liability associated with the rental obligation on the cease use date (when the store was closed) in accordance with ASC 420, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities (“ASC 420”), using Level 3 inputs to measure fair value on a nonrecurring basis. The liability under ASC 420 includes the present value of the obligations due under leases for which no signed termination agreement exists, less estimated sublease income. Assumptions in calculating the liability include the original lease terms and estimates related to the sublease potential of closed locations. If actual timing and potential termination costs or realization of sublease income differ from the Company’s estimates, the resulting liabilities could vary materially from recorded amounts.

Refer to Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the discontinued operations for M+O.

ASC 260-10-45, Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method (“ASC 260-10-45”), addresses whether awards granted in unvested share-based payment transactions that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and therefore are included in computing earnings per share under the two-class method, as described in ASC 260, Earnings Per Share (“ASC 260”). Participating securities are securities that may participate in dividends with common stock and the two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that treats a participating security as having rights to earnings that would otherwise have been available to common shareholders. Under the two-class method, earnings for the period are allocated between common shareholders and other shareholders, based on their respective rights to receive dividends. Restricted stock awards granted to certain employees under the Company’s 2005 Plan are considered participating securities as these employees receive non-forfeitable dividends at the same rate as common stock. For the 13 and 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009, the application of ASC 260-10-45 resulted in no change to basic EPS or diluted EPS.

The following is a reconciliation between basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding:

Equity awards to purchase approximately 8.4 million and 8.3 million shares of common stock during the 13 and 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010, respectively, and approximately 6.9 million and 7.1 million shares of common stock during the 13 and 26 weeks ended August 1, 2009, respectively, were outstanding, but were not included in the computation of weighted average diluted common share amounts as the effect of doing so would have been anti-dilutive.

Approximately 0.9 million shares of restricted stock units for both the 13 and 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010 and approximately 1.4 million shares of restricted stock units for both the 13 and 26 weeks ended August 1, 2009 were not included in the computation of weighted average diluted common share amounts because the number of shares ultimately issued is contingent on the Company’s performance compared to pre-established annual performance goals. Additionally, there were approximately 1.0 million and 33,000 shares for the 13 and 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010, respectively, and 8,000 and 0.1 million shares for the 13 and 26 weeks ended August 1, 2009, respectively, of time-based restricted stock units that were outstanding, but not included in the computation of weighted average diluted common share amounts as the effect of doing so would have been anti-dilutive.

Property and equipment consists of the following:

The Company has borrowing agreements with four separate financial institutions under which it may borrow an aggregate of $310.0 million United States Dollars (“USD”) and $25.0 million Canadian Dollars (“CAD”). Of this amount, $200.0 million USD can be used for demand letter of credit facilities, $50.0 million USD and $25.0 million CAD can be used for demand line borrowings and the remaining $60.0 million USD can be used for either letters of credit or demand line borrowings at the Company’s discretion. The expiration dates of the USD demand line facilities are April 20, 2011 and May 22, 2011. The $25.0 million CAD demand line was established during Fiscal 2009 and is provided at the discretion of the lender.

As of July 31, 2010, the Company had outstanding demand letters of credit of $51.2 million USD and no demand line borrowings. During the 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010, the Company made voluntary repayments of $30.0 million on its demand line borrowings, reducing the outstanding balance to $0.

The availability of any future borrowings is subject to acceptance by the respective financial institutions. The average borrowing rate on the demand lines was 2.1%.

Comprehensive income is comprised of the following:

The Company accounts for share-based compensation under the provisions of ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”), which requires companies to measure and recognize compensation expense for all share-based payments at fair value.

Total share-based compensation expense from continuing operations included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the 13 and 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010 was $6.3 million ($3.9 million, net of tax) and $18.4 million ($11.3 million, net of tax) and for the 13 and 26 weeks ended August 1, 2009 was $4.0 million ($2.5 million, net of tax) and $9.2 million ($5.7 million, net of tax), respectively.

The Company grants both time-based and performance-based stock options under its 2005 Plan. Time-based stock option awards vest over the requisite service period of the award or to an employee’s eligible retirement date, if earlier. Performance-based stock option awards vest over three years and are earned if the Company meets pre-established performance goals during each year.

A summary of the Company’s stock option activity for the 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010 follows:

The weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted during the 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009 was $5.31 and $3.53, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009 was $9.8 million and $6.7 million, respectively.

Cash received from the exercise of stock options was $4.5 million for the 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010 and $4.8 million for the 26 weeks ended August 1, 2009. The actual tax benefit realized from stock option exercises totaled $13.0 million for the 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010 and $7.3 million for the 26 weeks ended August 1, 2009.

The fair value of stock options was estimated based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:

As of July 31, 2010, there was $7.3 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock option awards that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.6 years.

Time-based restricted stock awards include two types of awards; time-based restricted stock and time-based restricted stock units. Time-based restricted stock awards vest over three years and participate in nonforfeitable dividends. Time-based restricted stock units vest over three years; however, they may be accelerated to vest over one year if the Company meets pre-established performance goals in the year of grant. Time-based restricted stock units receive dividend equivalents in the form of additional time-based restricted stock units, which are subject to the same restrictions and forfeiture provisions as the original award.

Performance-based restricted stock awards include two types of awards; performance-based restricted stock and performance-based restricted stock units. Performance-based restricted stock awards vest over one year based upon the Company’s achievement of pre-established goals and participate in nonforfeitable dividends. Performance-based restricted stock units cliff vest at the end of a three year period based upon the Company’s achievement of pre-established goals. Performance-based restricted stock units receive dividend equivalents in the form of additional performance-based restricted stock units, which are subject to the same restrictions as the original award.

The grant date fair value of restricted stock awards is based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The Company grants to its employees both restricted stock awards, which entitles the holders to receive nonforfeitable dividends prior to vesting, and restricted stock unit awards. The restricted stock unit awards differ from the restricted stock awards in that they do not contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends and are therefore not considered participating securities in accordance with ASC 260-10-45.

A summary of the Company’s restricted stock activity is presented in the following tables:

As of July 31, 2010, there was $16.6 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock awards that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.6 years.

As of July 31, 2010, the Company had 25.4 million shares available for all equity grants.

The provision for income taxes from continuing operations is based on the current estimate of the annual effective income tax rate and is adjusted as necessary for quarterly events. The effective income tax rate based on actual operating results for the 13 weeks ended July 31, 2010 was 30.3% compared to 33.7% for the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2009. The decrease in the effective income tax rate for the 13 weeks ended July 31, 2010 was primarily due to the release of the valuation allowance associated with state income tax credit carryforwards. This valuation allowance was released as a result of a favorable incentive program agreed to with the Kansas Department of Commerce during the 13 weeks ended July 31, 2010 related to the Company’s distribution center in Ottawa, Kansas. The effective income tax rate based on actual operating results for the

26 weeks ended July 31, 2010 was 32.0% compared to 28.4% for the 26 weeks ended August 1, 2009. The increase in the effective income tax rate for the 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010 was primarily due to the benefit of federal and state income tax settlements in the prior period offset by the release of the valuation allowance associated with state income tax credit carryforwards in the current period.

The Company records accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.

The Company recognizes income tax liabilities related to unrecognized tax benefits in accordance with ASC 740 and adjusts these liabilities when its judgment changes as the result of the evaluation of new information not previously available. Unrecognized tax benefits decreased by $2.6 million and $16.1 million during the 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009, respectively, primarily due to federal and state income tax settlements and other changes in income tax reserves. The Company does not anticipate any significant changes to the unrecognized tax benefits recorded at the balance sheet date within the next 12 months.

The Company is subject to certain legal proceedings and claims arising out of the conduct of its business. In accordance with ASC 450, Contingencies (“ASC 450”), management records a reserve for estimated losses when the loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If a range of possible loss exists and no anticipated loss within the range is more likely than any other anticipated loss, the Company records the accrual at the low end of the range, in accordance with ASC 450. As the Company believes that it has provided adequate reserves, it anticipates that the ultimate outcome of any matter currently pending against the Company will not materially affect the consolidated financial position or results of operations of the Company.

On March 5, 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors approved management’s recommendation to proceed with the closure of the M+O brand. The Company notified employees and issued a press release announcing this decision on March 9, 2010. The decision to take this action resulted from an extensive evaluation of the brand and review of strategic alternatives, which revealed that it was not achieving performance levels that warranted further investment. The Company completed the closure of the M+O stores and e-commerce operation during the 13 weeks ended July 31, 2010 and the Consolidated Financial Statements reflect the presentation of M+O as a discontinued operation.

Costs associated with exit or disposal activities are recorded when incurred. A summary of the exit and disposal costs recognized within Loss from Discontinued Operations on the Consolidated Income Statement for the 13 and 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010 are as follows:

A rollforward of the liabilities recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet is as follows:

The table below presents the significant components of M+O’s results included in Loss from Discontinued Operations on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for 13 and 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009, respectively.

The major classes of assets and liabilities included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for M+O as of July 31, 2010, January 30, 2010 and August 1, 2009 is as follows.

Ernst & Young LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, has performed a limited review of the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the 13 and 26 week periods ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009, as indicated in their report on the limited review included below. Since they did not perform an audit, they express no opinion on the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements referred to above.

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

We have reviewed the consolidated balance sheets of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (the Company) as of July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009, and the related consolidated statements of operations and retained earnings for the 13 and 26 week periods ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009 and the consolidated statements of cash flows for the 26 week periods ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the objective of which is the expression of 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 consolidated financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. as of January 30, 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholder’s equity, and cash flows for the year then ended not presented herein, and in our report dated March 26, 2010, 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 January 30, 2010, 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

The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our Fiscal 2009 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations which can be found in our Fiscal 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

In addition, the following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon our Consolidated Financial Statements and should be read in conjunction with these statements and notes thereto.

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: