PITTSBURGH–(BUSINESS WIRE)– American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE:AEO) today reported EPS of $0.36 for the third quarter ended October 28, 2017. Excluding restructuring and related charges of $0.01 per diluted share, the company’s Adjusted EPS* was $0.37 for the third quarter. Included in our GAAP and Adjusted EPS is a discrete charge to reserve against a receivable of $14 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, which is recorded in Other Expense.
Jay Schottenstein, Chief Executive Officer commented, “The third quarter produced record sales, sequential margin improvement and marked eleven straight quarters of comp sales growth. Digital sales continued to grow at a rapid pace, while we also saw store sales strengthen. These results validate our investments in product leadership, innovation, quality and brand equity. I’m very pleased to see strong momentum continue into the fourth quarter, positioning us well for the next few critical weeks of the holiday season.”
Third Quarter 2017 Results
- Total net revenue increased 2% to $960 million from $941 million last year.
- Consolidated comparable sales were up 3%, following a 2% increase last year.
- Gross profit of $375 million compared to $378 million last year with a gross margin rate of 39.0% to revenue compared to 40.2% last year, a 120 basis point decline. The reduction in margin rate was due to higher promotions and increased shipping costs associated with a strong digital business.
- Selling, general and administrative expense declined $3 million, or 1% to $217 million compared to $220 million last year. Positive sales combined with lower expenses drove 80 basis points of leverage to a rate of 22.6% to revenue. Lower incentives and expense discipline were partially offset by higher wages.
- Operating income of $111 million includes $4 million of restructuring charges related to severance and a lease buy-out. Adjusted operating income* of $115 million compared to $118 million last year with a rate of 11.9% to revenue compared to 12.6% last year.
- Other expense of $13 million includes a discrete charge of $14 million to reserve against a receivable.
- EPS of $0.36 and Adjusted EPS* of $0.37 both include a discrete charge of $0.05 per diluted share compared to EPS of $0.41 last year.
*Adjusted amounts are based on Non-GAAP results, as presented in the accompanying GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliation.
Shareholder Returns, Cash
The company ended the quarter with total cash of $258 million compared to $292 million last year. Over the past 12 months, we returned $88 million in share buybacks, $89 million in dividends and invested $189 million in capital expenditures, resulting in a lower cash balance.
Inventory
Total ending inventories at cost increased 8% to $534 million, reflecting investments in bottoms, women’s tops and Aerie apparel to support strong sales trends.
Capital Expenditures
In the third quarter, capital expenditures totaled $48 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 projects.
Store Information
This quarter we opened 4 new AE stores, with 1 in Mexico, 1 in Canada and 2 in the U.S. Additionally, we opened 1 new Aerie location in Canada. We also opened 11 international licensed stores and closed 1. The company is on track to close a total of 25 to 30 stores this year. For additional store information, see the accompanying table.
Fourth Quarter Outlook
Based on an anticipated comparable store sales increase in the mid-single digits, management expects fourth quarter 2017 EPS to be approximately $0.42 to $0.44. This guidance excludes potential asset impairment and restructuring charges. Last year’s fourth quarter reported EPS of $0.30 included approximately $0.09 per share of asset impairment, restructuring and related charges. Excluding these items, last year’s fourth quarter adjusted EPS was $0.39. See the accompanying table for the GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliation.
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 81 countries worldwide through its websites. American Eagle Outfitters and Aerie merchandise also is available at more than 200 international locations operated by licensees in 24 countries. 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 fourth 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.
