PITTSBURGH–(BUSINESS WIRE)– American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE:AEO) today reported EPS of $0.12 for the second quarter ended July 29, 2017. Excluding restructuring and related charges of $0.07 per diluted share, the company’s adjusted EPS was $0.19 for the second quarter.
Jay Schottenstein, Chief Executive Officer commented, “In the second quarter, we achieved sales and earnings above our expectations in a challenging retail environment. Sales trends improved and I’m proud of the continued growth in jeans, bottoms, women’s apparel and Aerie, with encouraging signs in men’s tops beginning to emerge. Our brands are strong and we have significant opportunity for further growth. I’m optimistic as we enter the second half of the year, and we remain focused on delivering product innovation, strengthening customer engagement and improving profit flow-through.”
Second Quarter 2017 Results
- Total net revenue increased 3% to $845 million from $823 million last year.
- Consolidated comparable sales were up 2%, following a 3% increase last year.
- Gross profit* of $294 million compared to $307 million last year with a gross margin rate of 34.9% to revenue compared to 37.3% last year, a 240 basis point decline. The margin declined primarily due to increased promotional activity. Additionally, shipping costs and rent deleveraged.
- Selling, general and administrative expense rose 2% to $204 million compared to $200 million last year, and leveraged 20 basis points to a rate of 24.1% to revenue. Higher advertising expense was offset by lower compensation expense.
- Operating income of $39 million, which includes $11 million of restructuring charges, compared to $69 million last year. Adjusted operating income* of $50 million compared to $69 million last year with a rate of 6.0% to revenue compared to 8.3% last year.
- Other expense of $6.7 million includes $9.3 million of pre-tax charges related to the planned exit of a joint business venture. This was partially offset by $2.6 million of other income, compared to other expense of $3.1 million last year.
- The effective tax rate decreased to 34.7% compared to 36.5% last year.
- EPS of $0.12 compared to EPS of $0.23 last year. Adjusted EPS* of $0.19 compared to EPS of $0.23 last year.
*Adjusted amounts are based on Non-GAAP results, as presented in the accompanying GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliation.
Restructuring and Related Charges
In the second quarter, the company had charges totaling $21 million, approximately $0.07 per share. This consisted of restructuring charges corresponding to the previously announced initiative to explore the closure or conversion of company owned and operated stores in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong and China to licensed partnerships. Additionally, the company incurred charges related to the planned exit of a joint business venture.
Shareholder Returns, Cash
The company ended the quarter with total cash of $193 million compared to $248 million last year. Over the past 12 months, we returned $88 million in share buybacks, $90 million in dividends and invested $187 million in capital expenditures, resulting in a lower cash balance.
Inventory
Total ending inventories at cost increased 3% to $433 million. Ending units were flat compared to last year, while the average unit cost was up 2% to last year.
Capital Expenditures
In the second quarter, capital expenditures totaled $46 million. We continue to expect fiscal year 2017 capital expenditures in the range of $160 million to $170 million, with roughly half of the spend related to store remodeling projects and new openings, and the balance to support the e-commerce business, omni-channel tools and general corporate maintenance.
Store Information
Consistent with our strategy, this quarter we opened 9 new Aerie locations, of which 7 were in new markets. Additionally, we opened 6 new AE stores, with 2 in Mexico and 4 in the U.S. to better position our brand in select markets. The company also opened 9 international licensed stores and closed 3. For the remainder of the year, the company plans to open another 5 AE stores and 5 Aerie stores in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, as well as 32 international licensed stores to support the company’s global growth strategy. The company is on track to close a total of 25 to 40 stores this year. For additional store information, see the accompanying table.
Third Quarter Outlook
Based on anticipated comparable store sales in the range of flat to up low single digit, management expects third quarter 2017 EPS to be approximately $0.36 to $0.38. This guidance excludes potential asset impairment and restructuring charges, and compares to EPS of $0.41 last year.
Conference Call and Supplemental Financial Information
Today, management will host a conference call and real time webcast at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. To listen to the call, dial 1-877-407-0789 or internationally dial 1-201-689-8562 or go to http://investors.ae.com to access the webcast and audio replay. Also, a financial results presentation is posted on the company’s website.
Non-GAAP Measures
This press release includes information on non-GAAP financial measures (“non-GAAP” or “adjusted”), including earnings per share information and the consolidated results of operations excluding non-GAAP items. These financial measures are not based on any standardized methodology prescribed by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and are not necessarily comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The company believes that this non-GAAP information is useful as an additional means for investors to evaluate the company’s operating performance, when reviewed in conjunction with the company’s GAAP financial statements. These amounts are not determined in accordance with GAAP and therefore, should not be used exclusively in evaluating the company’s business and operations.
About American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) is a leading global specialty retailer offering high-quality, on-trend clothing, accessories and personal care products at affordable prices under its American Eagle Outfitters® and Aerie® brands. The company operates more than 1,000 stores in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China and Hong Kong, and ships to 82 countries worldwide through its websites. American Eagle Outfitters and Aerie merchandise also is available at more than 190 international locations operated by licensees. For more information, please visit www.ae.com.
“Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This release contains forward-looking statements, which represent our expectations or beliefs concerning future events, including third quarter 2017 results. All forward-looking statements made by the company involve material risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on factors beyond the company’s control. Such factors include, but are not limited to the risk that the company’s operating, financial and capital plans may not be achieved and the risks described in the Risk Factor Section of the company’s Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, the company’s future performance and financial results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such forward-looking statements. The company does not undertake to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements even if future changes make it clear that projected results expressed or implied will not be realized.
